2012-05-16

An anonymous donor has gifted $50,000 to the West Valley Hospital Foundation in support of the hospital’s $6.2 million project to expand and remodel its surgery department. Improvements include state-of-the-art technology, larger more versatile operating rooms, and a new separate surgical waiting area with consultation rooms where patients’ families can meet privately with doctors after surgery. The new surgical department will be more conducive to specialized care, allowing the hospital to offer the residents of Polk County a greater range of procedures that can be performed at West Valley Hospital.

“The West Valley Hospital Foundation is grateful to have received this gift,” said Foundation Chair Carrie Casebeer. “Updating the surgical department so we can serve more patients here at our local hospital will be a great benefit to the community.”

The West Valley Hospital Foundation is dedicated to raising, managing and distributing funds to help West Valley Hospital achieve its mission of improving the health and well-being of the people and community it serves.

West Valley Hospital is part of Salem Health, along with Salem Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. Visit us at salemhealth.org and facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at youtube.com/user/salemhealth.

2012-05-07

Pacific Family Medical will become Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine on May 14, 2012. Located at 966 12^th St. SE, Suite 130, in Salem, the Parkside clinic will house two primary care providers:  Dr. Michelle Rasmussen and Dr. Lara Knudsen. Rasmussen will maintain her current practice there as she joins Willamette Health Partners. Knudsen will be moving her practice from the Salem Hospital campus to the new clinic.

“I approached Salem Health last year prompted by the many changes coming in health care and see this transition as beneficial to our patients and staff,” said Rasmussen. “We’ll retain the small-office climate that allows for personable patient care.”

“We’re excited to have Michelle on board and she and Lara will make a great team,” said Robert Brannigan, vice president of Willamette Health Partners.

The Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine clinic at Parkside will feature a laboratory and easy parking. In addition, both physicians speak Spanish.

Knudsen completed her medical degree and her master’s of public health at George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. She completed her family medicine residency at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wis. and has

interests in reproductive health, integrative medicine, international medicine and in meeting the health care needs of the Hispanic community. She enjoys hiking, biking, playing the banjo and spending time with her family.

Rasmussen received her medical degree at Oregon Health and Science University and completed her family medicine residency at Washington Hospital Family Medicine in Washington, Pa. She enjoys snow skiing, jogging and traveling with her family.

The Willamette Health Partners doctors provide all aspects of family medicine. In addition to the Parkside clinic, Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine has clinics in South Salem, Keizer, Dallas and Monmouth with plans to open another in West Salem in June.

Dr. Knudsen is accepting patients at the Parkside clinic and appointments can be made by calling 503-814-4400. The family medicine office accepts most health insurance plans and welcome same-day appointments. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Willamette Health Partners is a part of Salem Health which includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Visit us at salemhealth.org and facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at youtube.com/user/salemhealth.

2012-05-07

The West Valley Hospital Foundation announces that 22 students in medical or medically related fields will receive a scholarship for the 2012 - 2013 school year. A total of $29,000 in scholarships was awarded to Polk County residents pursuing degrees in nursing and a variety of other medically related programs.

The Foundation is a charitable organization that supports programs and services at West Valley Hospital.  Its 15 member Board of Directors helps to raise funds and manage the resources of the Foundation.

Recipients for the 2012 - 2013 school year are:

Dallas: Julie Agee, Kathryn Barnes, Hilary Broadus, Christina Feil, Serena Lairson, and Miki Todosov.

Independence: Michael Frerichs.

Monmouth: Thomas Balcom, Gianluca Costigliola, Carie Cyphers, Jordan Huffman, and Scott Shane.

Newberg: Mary Pflaum

Salem: Heather Boone, Kristen Connolly, Susan Garson, John Guy, Kyle Lenz, Karina Porter, Stephanie Rodriguez, Hayley Steele, Benjamin Weeder.

This is the fifth year that the Foundation has awarded scholarships.

The West Valley Hospital Foundation is a part of Salem Health, which is comprised of Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. Visit us at salemhealth.org and facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at youtube.com/user/salemhealth.

2012-05-07

Prevention and early detection are the best way to keep your skin healthy. Salem Cancer Institute and Dermatology Clinic, PC have joined forces to provide free skin cancer screenings at Salem Free Clinics on Saturday, May 12 from 9 a.m. to noon.

If you do not have health insurance or are unable to afford important health screenings, you may qualify for this free skin screening by local dermatologists. You’ll also learn ways to prevent skin cancer and how to do monthly self-exams at home. Screenings are quick and painless.

The free screenings will take place by appointment only at Salem Free Clinics on a first come, first served basis. Space is limited. For more information or to schedule your free skin cancer screening appointment, call Salem Cancer Institute at 503-562-4321. Salem Free Clinics is located at 1300 Broadway St. NE, Suite 104 in Salem, Oregon.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed.  According to the American Cancer Society, more than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States.  That is more than all other cancers combined. Skin exams by a doctor or checking your own skin regularly can help detect skin cancer early when it is easier to treat.

Salem Cancer Institute and Salem Hospital are part of Salem Health, along with West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated healthcare organizations, offering exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. Visit us at salemhealth.org and facebook.com/salemhealth. Follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth, and view us at youtube.com/user/salemhealth.

2012-05-01

This morning, medical staff and hospital employees at Salem Hospital treated nearly 90 simulated patients who arrived from a mock tornado disaster.

The wave of simulated patients started to arrive before 8 am and continued to show up continually through 11 am. Physicians and hospital employees in the hospital’s emergency department set up a triage system, and treated everyone from simulated trauma patients to those with minor injuries.

The hospital also set up an incident command center, and leaders report the response proceeded smoothly. The staff handled the drill as the rest of the hospital continued to operate as normal. Staff in the incident command center maintained contact with the Salem Fire Department and the City of Salem’s Emergency Communications Center throughout the exercise.

West Valley Hospital in Dallas also treated 10 simulated patients this morning who arrived by bus. The staff set up a triage tent to handle the influx of patients. The hospital treated and released 9 patients, and transferred one simulated patient to the Oregon Burn Center at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland for further treatment.

Salem Hospital and West Valley Hospital are a part of Salem Health, along with Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. Visit us at salemhealth.org and facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at youtube.com/user/salemhealth.

2012-04-30

The Salem Hospital Women’s Imaging Department was recently recognized as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology’s (ACR) Commission on Quality and Safety, and Commission on Breast Imaging.

The designation was awarded after Salem Hospital achieved accreditation by the ACR in stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy — and by the ACR or an FDA-approved state accrediting body in mammography.

“We carry the recognition for the Center of Excellence with great pride and recognize that positive impact it has on our patient experience,” said Mary Ransome, director, Imaging and Laboratory Administrative Services. “The team in Women’s Imaging, Ultrasound and Radiation Safety all worked really hard to make this award a reality and it is important to recognize their good work.”

Salem Hospital is part of Salem Health, along with West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. Visit us at salemhealth.org and facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at youtube.com/user/salemhealth.

2012-04-28

Salem, Ore. — April 28, 2012 — On May 1, from 7 a.m. until noon, Salem Hospital (Salem, Ore.) and West Valley Hospital (Dallas, Ore.) will test their ability to triage, transport, and track patients received from the first responders in conjunction with the Oregon National Guard Vigilant Guard drill.

Salem Hospital will receive, treat and track 100 mock “red” and “yellow” triage-categorized casualties. Red casualties entail life-threatening injuries and yellow have non-life threatening, but still significant injuries.

Salem Hospital will test its new “mega casualty” triage model that provides for the rapid assessment of casualties as they are received in the emergency department and swift patient movement to optimal treatment areas throughout the hospital. The practical exercise will end as the mock casualties leave the emergency department.

Data obtained from the exercise will be used later in department-specific tabletop exercises to determine how the intensive care unit, operating room, and other departments would process the patients they would have received in this event.

West Valley Hospital will set up its triage tent and receive, treat and track 20 “green” mock patients. Green patients have minor injuries. West Valley Hospital staff will determine which patients could be treated in the triage tent and send patients in to the hospital when appropriate.

Patient care will not be affected during the drills at either hospital. If an influx of real patients occurs during the drill then the drill will be cancelled. Signage is being placed on both campuses to inform patients and visitors about the drill.

Salem Hospital and West Valley Hospital are part of Salem Health which also Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. Visit us at salemhealth.org, facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Twitter: @salemhospital; and view us at youtube.com/user/salemhealth.

2012-04-25

Willamette Health Partners Obstetrics & Gynecology welcomes Dr. David West to its practice group located on the Salem Hospital campus at 875 Oak St. SE, Building C, Suite 4050. West joins Doctors Gregory Mallek, Stacy McCarty and Lisa Rice at the growing ob/gyn medical office.

West attended medical school at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas and completed his obstetrics and gynecology residency at Mercy Hospital & Medical Center in San Diego, Calif. He held a private practice in Salem before joining Willamette Health Partners.

Willamette Health Partners physicians practice all aspects of obstetrics and gynecology and welcome female patients of any age. They enjoy caring for women through all phases of their lives from puberty through post-menopause. New patients are welcome and appointments can be made by calling 503-814-4480. The medical office accepts most health insurance plans.

Willamette Health Partners are part of Salem Health, along with Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital and other affiliated health care organizations offering exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. Visit us at salemhealth.org and facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at youtube.com/user/salemhealth.

2012-04-19

Parents and their preschooler’s, ages 2–5 years of age, are invited to attend “Brain and Body Training” from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, at the Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center. During this class, parents will learn how to help their child focus and pay attention, prepare for school, practice social skills, and perform balance and coordination activities.

Beginning kindergarten is a big milestone for both the parent and child. Young children develop skills at an uneven rate and, as a parent, you may not always know how different games and activities can be used in daily life to help your preschooler’s social and physical development. There are many basic activities that parents can do with their preschool aged child to help prepare him/her for kindergarten.

This new interactive class will be led by the Salem Hospital Pediatric Rehabilitation Team. The GEM Children’s Foundation, Regional Rehab Center, and the Community Health Education Center are sponsoring this class.

Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center is located on 2561 Center St. NE, Salem. The class is free but space is limited and advance registration is required. To register, call 503-814-2432 or visit the Community Health Education Center website.

The Community Health Education Center is part of Salem Health, along with Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. Visit us at salemhealth.org and facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at youtube.com/user/salemhealth.

2012-04-17

John Juras, 61, of Salem, is a true fighter and survivor. “If it wasn’t for this team at Salem Hospital, I’d be dead,” he said. His girlfriend drove him to Salem Hospital on April 4 after he felt chest pains. Juras’ heart stopped beating outside the emergency department.

Hospital surveillance cameras caught what happened next as more than two-dozen people, including medical staff and hospital employees, swarmed outside to help Juras. A registered nurse performed CPR on Juras while he was still in the car. Once he was moved to a stretcher, another RN jumped on top and continued to perform CPR as he was wheeled into the emergency department.

The medical team spent 45 minutes trying to resuscitate Juras as his heartbeat faded in and out. The team used a defibrillator 10 times. Juras was transferred to the hospital’s full-service catheterization lab, the only one in the region that offers more than diagnostic capabilities. Additional services include treatment and surgery. A cardiologist in the lab discovered Juras had a blocked artery to his heart, cleared the blockage and inserted a stent.

Juras then recovered over the course of 10 days in the care of medical staff and employees in the hospital’s cardiovascular care unit, before being released to go home April 14. “Absolutely a miracle what they did for me,” said Juras. “I owe them my life.”

A video complete with interviews with Juras, girlfriend Janet Carter, and the medical team, is available on Salem Health’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/user/salemhealth.

Salem Hospital is part of Salem Health, along with West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. Visit us at salemhealth.org, facebook.com/salemhealth and follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth.

2012-04-13

Salem Health invites you to attend its annual spine fair and forum on Thursday, April 26, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Kroc Center in Salem.

This free event, called “Your spine. Your health.” kicks off with a health fair that includes interactive health screenings. The health fair, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., provides attendees an opportunity to get a good feel for their spine health through bone density checks and posture screenings. Therapists will also help attendees test their balance, minimize back pain when gardening and demonstrate exercises to promote back health.

From 6:30-7:30 p.m., the spine forum will feature Dr. Maurice Collada, Salem Spine Center Medical Director, discussing diagnosis and treatment options; Chris Kleronomos, DAOM, FNP, Willamette Health Partners Comprehensive Pain Center provider, speaking on spinal nerve function and pain; and Julie Tucker, physical therapist at the Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center,  sharing information on understanding your spine.

The spine forum concludes with a panel discussion from 7:30 to 8 p.m. Salem Health’s featured speakers are joined by Salem Rehabilitation Associate’s Steve Truong, physiatrist.

“There will be something for everyone,” says Dr. Maurice Collada, neurosurgeon. “Attendees will get a good overview of the spine and its function, as well as how physicians diagnose spine issues and help you improve your spine health.”

The forum is free and everyone is welcome. Registration is required. To register, call 503-814-CHEC (2432) or go online to http://salemhealth.org/chec. The Kroc Center is located at 1865 Frey Dr. NE in Salem.

The Salem Spine Center, Willamette Health Partners Comprehensive Pain Center, Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center and Community Health Education Center (CHEC), all part of Salem Health, are hosting this educational, community event.

Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

2012-03-22

Understanding how fruits and vegetable can translate into attractive and tasty dishes, and how to be safe is the kitchen are the themes of “Kids Safe Cooking.” Parents and kids can enroll for one session or all three sessions, from 4:40 to 6 p.m., Mondays, April 2, May 7 and, June 4.

The class meets in the Gehlar Wellness Kitchen at the Community Health Education Center, Building D, Salem Hospital, 890 Oak St. SE, Salem, OR 97301.

Cost of the class is $5 per child and scholarships are available. Space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-2432.

Gretchen Doering, Youth Garden Programs Coordinator at the Marion-Polk Food Share, teaches this course. Topics include dealing with cuts and burns, cooking with roots and fruits, seeds and stems and other fruit and vegetable dishes.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

2012-03-09

The Salem Health Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Rodney Ferguson, of McMinnville, has accepted an appointment to the Salem board. Ferguson brings an extensive background in executive leadership and financial management in his new role.

“Rodney’s leadership skills as the chief executive officer of Spirit Mountain Casino will add value to the Board, as well as his technical skills as a CPA, and his former positions as a chief financial officer and an auditor of hospitals. His experience will complement those of the other members of the board,” said Kenneth Sherman, Jr., Salem Health board chair.

Ferguson is a member of the Board of Directors for Boys and Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties and the McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce. “I believe that serving on boards and assisting other organizations in achieving their goals is an important role for CEOs,” says Ferguson. “As CEO of Spirit Mountain Casino, the largest employer in Polk County, I feel compelled to assist Salem Health wherever I can add value to the organization that services the community in which I work.”

“I know many people who have experienced exceptional service from Salem Health. My goal is to do whatever I can to assist in ensuring continued quality of service on a consistent basis and help meet the needs of Salem Health.”

Ferguson joined Spirit Mountain Gaming as its CEO in Oct. 2008. Prior to that he held several executive management roles with Isleta Casino and Resort, Hyatt Gaming and Trump Casino Resorts.

In 2003, Ferguson joined Isleta Casino and Resort in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as CFO until he was promoted to the position of general manager in 2005. During his five-plus year tenure at Islets he helped transform a stand-alone casino into a full-service resort that included a 27-hole golf course, family entertainment center with a bowling alley, music park and campground facility, as well as a recently opened four-diamond-level hotel and convention center which won the 2008 Hospy Award for Best Boutique Hotel and Best Hotel Lobby.

Originally from Williamsburg, Virginia, Ferguson began is career in 1978 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as an auditor for Coopers & Lybrand, an international CPA firm. In 1983, he entered the gaming industry in Atlantic City, New Jersey and held various positions in financial management for Harrahs, the Golden Nugget and Trump Plaza, prior to staring an accounting practice in 1991. In 1994 he returned to gaming in New Orleans as CFO for River City Casino. From 1995 through 1999 he served as CFO for Trump Casino and Hyatt’s Grand Victoria Casino & Resort, both located in Indiana. From 1999 to 2003 he provided financial and accounting services for Jefferson Wells International in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and served as a sole practitioner in Newport News, Virginia.

Ferguson received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Virginia State University in 1978, after which he became a certified public accountant in 1982. He is a CPA (non-active) and a member of the New Jersey Society of CPAs.

All members of the Salem Health Board of Trustees are volunteers and serve three-year terms. The board provides overall policy setting for the health system, and is ultimately responsible for the quality of care and the financial well-being of the organization. The Salem Health board of trustees appoints members from a variety of backgrounds to ensure a broad representation of experience and skills.

2012-03-08

The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) have recognized Salem Hospital’s Women’s and Children’s Services for excellence in lactation care.

Salem Hospital received the award for employing international board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) and providing lactation services seven days a week. Salem Hospital also recently trained staff who care for new families, and completed activities that protect, promote and support breastfeeding.

“This honor recognizes our excellence in lactation care, in making breastfeeding a priority, and for taking steps to improve breastfeeding support for our patients,” said Sarah Horn, certified registered nurse, director of Salem Hospital’s Women’s and Children’s Services.

IBCLCs focus on preventive care, so they’re available during pregnancy to help mothers get off to a good start. They continue after the baby is born with breast-feeding help, easing the frustrations new moms may have — and provide even more support as their babies grow. They provide guidance for mothers returning to work or school, and in more unusual situations such as breastfeeding more than one baby, nursing a sick or premature infant, and dealing with other challenges.

“Our consultants have the only internationally recognized lactation certification in the world, and are highly skilled in helping mothers with the questions and concerns that can arise,” said Cathy Carothers, President of ILCA. “They are also an important part of the overall maternal and child health team by assuring that evidence-based policies and practices are used to help mothers succeed with breastfeeding.”

As allied health-care professionals with the only internationally recognized certification for professional lactation services, IBCLCs work in hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, private practice, community settings, government agencies, and in research. There are currently more than 25,000 IBCLCs in 90 countries worldwide that are certified by the IBLCE under the direction of the U.S. National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

Salem Hospital is now one of five recognized IBCLC Care Award facilities in Oregon, with others located in Astoria, Bend, Redmond and Springfield.

Salem Hospital is part of Salem Health, along with West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. Visit us at salemhealth.org, facebook.com/salemhealth or facebook.com/salemhospital; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth or @salemhospital; and view us on YouTube at youtube.com/user/salemhealth.

2012-03-07

Salem Hospital has become the first hospital in Oregon to earn The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for its Joint Replacement Center of Excellence, by demonstrating compliance with national standards for healthcare quality and safety in disease-specific care. This status recognizes Salem Hospital’s dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards. The hospital collaborated with Hope Orthopedics of Oregon and opened the Joint Replacement Center of Excellence in December 2010. In addition, Salem Hospital was the only hospital in Oregon recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review on its list of 60 hospitals nationwide with great orthopedic programs.

The center was designed to empower patients to return to their active lives as soon as possible. By providing a predictable patient-centered experience, from pre-surgery education and preparation, through the joint replacement surgery and post-surgery rehabilitation, patients are getting better results and outcomes. A survey by Press Ganey found patient satisfaction overall increased to 93 percent by the fourth quarter of 2011. The study also found the center’s patients could walk farther upon leaving the hospital, with an average of 33 percent farther than before the center opened.

“Joint Commission certification is an appropriate way to recognize the program and the staff for a job well done,” says John Coen, MD, medical director of Hope Orthopedics. “The surgeons deeply appreciate the hard work and dedication of the many disciplines involved who make us look so good. We recognize the teamwork and collaboration it takes in order to provide our patients with such an incredible experience. With our streamlined program, our patients benefit from a clear understanding of what to expect from the time they leave our office, have surgery, and throughout their stay in the hospital.”

“The award from The Joint Commission is an example of the results which can come from collaboration among the various disciplines, physicians, nurses, therapists and others, focused on improving patient outcomes,” said Norm Gruber, Salem Health President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Being the first hospital in Oregon to achieve this designation means Salem Hospital is committed to making sure every patient is able to meet their individual goals for recovery,” said Cheryl Nester Wolfe, RN, Salem Health Chief Operating Officer.

The center underwent a rigorous on-site survey in February 2012. A team of Joint Commission surveyors evaluated the program for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients and families, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management. The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare. Its Disease-Specific Care Certification Program, launched in 2002, evaluates clinical programs across the continuum of care. Certification requirements address three core areas: compliance with consensus-based national standards; effective use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care; and an organized approach to performance measurement and improvement activities.

Salem Health includes the award-winning Salem Hospital, along with West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. Visit us at salemhealth.org, facebook.com/salemhealth or facebook.com/salemhospital; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth or @salemhospital; and view us on YouTube at youtube.com/user/salemhealth.

A regional resource for patients throughout the Willamette Valley, Hope Orthopedics of Oregon is a medical clinic comprised of 15 orthopedic specialist physicians, support professionals and staff offering a comprehensive range of services for conditions affecting the bones, muscles and joints. Find more details at HopeOrthopedics.com.

2012-02-28

Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine has five clinic locations — two in Salem, one in Keizer, one in Monmouth (Monmouth Medical Center) and one in Dallas (West Valley Physicians & Surgeons). A sixth location will open in West Salem in the spring of 2012.

Anyone interested in attending an event and meeting the providers can register online at MyDocMatch.org/pcp or by calling 503-561-2890. A complete list of the event dates and locations is available at MyDocMatch.org/pcp as well.

Willamette Health Partners is a part of Salem Health, which includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital and other affiliated health care organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2012-02-27

This year’s Gehlhar Nutrition Forum, “Eat What You Love. Love What You Eat!” will be a free community program from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 29 at the Hudson Hall at Willamette University and will feature Michelle May, MD. The physician, author and speaker has been nationally recognized for developing a healthy, balanced approach to food, physical movement and self-care. Her message offers a compassionate and constructive approach to lifestyle and weight loss. Dr. May will have her books available for purchase and signing at the author’s table.

Following Dr. May’s keynote, the honorable Jackie Winters will present what community health and nutrition programs are making a positive impact in our community. State Senator Winters helped to create Oregon’s Food Share program and currently serves as co-chair of the I Love ME task force which aims to reduce and prevent diabetes in Marion County.

A community wellness exhibit opens at 6 p.m. The Community Health Education Center (CHEC), Marion County Community Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP), and I Love Me Marion County Initiative will be featuring information on programs that are currently active in the community around health and nutrition.

The event is free to the community, advance registration is recommended. Please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-2432 weekdays for more information.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

2012-02-22

Salem Health makes budget cuts, preparing for “new normal” in healthcare

Salem — Feb. 22, 2012 — Salem Health leaders announced measures to reduce its budget over the next year by $30 million. A downward trend in inpatient admissions at Salem Hospital began in February 2011. Hospitals around Oregon are experiencing similar difficulties. A 16 percent reduction in inpatient volumes at Salem Hospital from October 2011 through January 2012 was a key contributor to the need for the reduction at this time.

“We continue to face fundamental challenges in how healthcare is delivered, funded and consumed,” Chief Executive Officer Norm Gruber said in an email to employees. “Those challenges include lower patient volume, a significant gap between our budget and actual revenues, and the upcoming changes related to healthcare reform at state and national levels.”

“This isn’t just a period of upheaval and uncertainty,” he said. “What we are experiencing is really the ‘new normal’ in healthcare. We need to make lasting changes and accept that circumstances will continue to change. Constant change is our reality.”

The amount needed to cover the shortfall for the remainder of the fiscal year (through September 2012) is estimated at $24 million. Leaders identified almost $30 million in annual opportunities. While this is higher than the current projected need, it will proactively address even more budget challenges expected in the future. Salem Health’s operating budget for the current fiscal year is $619 million.

Specific opportunities identified include a number of measures to improve clinical documentation to ensure the hospital is paid for all services it provides, improve surgery scheduling and grow services that are needed in the community and for which the organization has particularly strong quality and physician partners.

Other opportunities include reducing expenses in areas such as contracts, devices, pharmaceuticals and overhead; and working with staff to identify and eliminate activities that do not add value to patients.

Thirty open positions will not be filled, fewer than 30 staff of the more than 3,900 Salem Health employees will have positions eliminated and will be offered redeployment. Non-productive hours (e.g., time in meetings) will be reduced.

In addition, hospital leaders will work with members of its medical staff to standardize care processes as much as possible. By reducing variation, costs can be reduced while quality is improved. The Salem Health Joint Replacement Center of Excellence at Salem Hospital is an example. The surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and therapists all agreed on a standard process. Quality and patient satisfaction scores increased and costs were reduced. Salem Health expects to achieve $5 million in savings by reducing variation in care processes during the next 12 months.

West Valley Hospital, in Dallas, Ore., is on budget. Willamette Health Partners, Salem Health’s medical group, continues to demonstrate improved financial performance which is being accelerated by its consolidation of obstetrical services.

2012-02-17

Nationwide, the average cost of a pack of cigarettes (including taxes) is about $5.51, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids in Washington, D.C. For those who smoke a pack a day, that’s about $155 a month, or just over $2,000 a year.

Saving money is only one of the benefits individuals may enjoy when they register for the “Freedom from Smoking®” course. On Tuesday nights from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. beginning March 6, West Valley Hospital in Dallas will offer this seven-week night course with the curriculum developed by the American Lung Association. The course is “Gold Standard” for successful smoking cessation.

The class will be held at the West Valley Hospital conference room, 525 SE Washington Street. Many insurance companies including the Oregon Health Plan will cover the $120 fee for the class. It is recommended that participants check with their insurance company for specific benefits.

To promote the health of its staff, Salem Health employees may take this course for free. This employee benefit also includes a free three-month supply of nicotine patches.

Advance registration required. For more information or to reserve a place in class, please visit salemhealth.org/chec.org or call 503-814-2432.

West Valley Hospital and the Community Health Education Center, are each a part of Salem Health, which includes Salem Hospital, Willamette Health Partners, and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

2012-02-03

Patients treated at Salem Hospital’s emergency department can now buy medications 24-hours a day. A fully automated, ATM-style InstyMeds machine was installed inside the emergency department for patient convenience, like for those who are very ill or parents with small children. InstyMeds gives patients a vital time-saving option, especially when nearby pharmacies are closed. “It was so convenient,” said Brenda Brooks, who recently brought her mother to the emergency department for treatment. “I couldn’t believe it. It’s minimal cost and takes literally minutes to use and you’re out the door. It’s perfect.”

InstyMeds’ bar-code system ensures a high level of prescription quality control. When an emergency room physician gives the patient a prescription, a nurse helps the patient enter the information into InstyMeds. The machine then dispenses the medication within three to five minutes. InstyMeds offers pain medication, plus many other common prescriptions such as antibiotics. InstyMeds offers patients a full run of their prescription. Payment is made with a credit or debit card. Patients can submit the InstyMeds receipt to their health insurance provider for possible reimbursement.

“This is just one of those ways we can provide another level of service to our patients to improve their experience,” said Brandon Schmidgall, the emergency department’s interim manager. The InstyMeds machine was installed in August 2011. The move followed a decision earlier that year by the State of Oregon to change existing state statutes regarding machines used for dispensing medications.

The InstyMeds Corporation, based in Minneapolis, owns the machine. The company provides all support services, and sends medication and supplies to Salem Hospital as needed. Salem Health pays a monthly fee for the machine, but increased usage would offset that.

Salem Hospital is part of Salem Health, which also includes West Valley Hospital and Willamette Health Partners, and offers exceptional healthcare to people in and around Oregon's Willamette Valley.

2012-02-02

The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Health is the only American Heart Association authorized training center in the region.

Classes are offered monthly and the next course is set for 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Wedel Conference Center in the basement of Building B at Salem Hospital, SE 890 Oak Street.

Certification is required for many professionals, from childcare workers to emergency responders such as police and fire safety personnel. This CPR certificate includes Adult, Child and Infant classifications.

The course fee of $85 includes the current Heartsaver manual, which is mailed to students registering at least five business days prior to class date.

Advance registration is required, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-2432 during business hours.

2012-01-31

The public is invited to ride an old-world style carousel and tour an educational health exhibition from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 11, at Salem Riverfront Park, 101 Front Street Northeast along the banks of the Willamette River. Parking is free. The staff of Salem Health Heart & Vascular Center and the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) are hosting “Family Day at the Carousel.” The event is an opportunity for children and their families to enjoy free carousel rides while learning about healthy hearts and healthy living.

Visitors will be able to ask questions, gather information and take free health tests, including a blood pressure check. Experts from Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital and the Community Health Education Center will be available to answer questions and provide child health and wellness tips and share information on heart disease diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. Nutrition, diabetes and sleep health information will also be available.

"During Heart Month, ‘Family Day at the Carousel’ is a fun and educational experience for all ages," says Lori James-Nielsen, RN, director of the Heart & Vascular Center for Salem Health. "As people embrace heart health, we will build a healthier community."

This family-friendly program at Salem Riverfront Park is just one of several Heart Month activities in February. Other events include free health screenings, heart healthy culinary events and an educational forum. For a detailed schedule, go to salemhealth.org/cardiac.

The Heart & Vascular Center and the CHEC are a part of Salem Health, which includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners, and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

2012-01-31

Menus with international food favorites that are frequently on the tables of the best international restaurants will be featured at three cooking classes during Heart Month in February.  All Salem Health classes offer healthy take-home recipes, menu sampling and the opportunity to learn how to prepare these meals in your own kitchen.

From 6 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8, Chef Gayle Jolley will teach “Healthy Valentine Cooking with a Provincial French Twist!” The menu includes Garlic and Saffron Soup with Toasted Parmesan Croûtes, Loin Lamb Chops with Samfaina (Mediterranean Ratatouille Sauce), Fennel and Potato Gratin, and Triple-Chocolate Gâteau with Milk Chocolate Mousse and Bittersweet Chocolate Glaze. Course fee is $24.

Dr. Hrishi Iyengar, cardiologist, Lizette DuBay, registered dietitian, and Chef Robert Palomo will be on-call from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22, for “Cardiologist in the Kitchen.” Recipes for tasty doctor-recommended foods and complimentary menus will be central to this cooking course. The “super foods” for heart health will not only be discussed, but tips to incorporate these and other heart-hearty menu items easily into your daily life will be offered. Bring a pad and pencil to write down answers to your specific questions. Course fee: $20. 

Chef Gayle Jolley returns for a Leap Year cooking course at 6 until 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 29, when she dishes out the heart healthy secrets at “Spice it Up-Thai Cooking.” Course fee: $24.

First-time and experienced cooks are welcome. All courses are located in the Wellness Kitchen at the Community Health Education Center, Building D, Salem Hospital, 890 Oak St. SE, Salem, OR 97301. Space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-2432.

2012-01-31

On Thursday, Feb. 16, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Salem Health’s Heart & Vascular Center will host the annual Heart Fair and Forum at Salem Hospital, 890 Oak Street, Building “B,” Wedel Auditorium. This free event features health information booths and a keynote, “Belly Fat Impact on Heart Health,” with Dr. Raghu Kamineni and Dr. Kevin Thompson. Both cardiologists are board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology. Free parking is available at the Building B north entrance, in the hospital parking structure or under Building A.

From 6 to 7 p.m. at the information fair, attendees will learn how sleep affects heart health, how to measure your body mass index and how exercise can lead to better health. The lecture by Drs. Kamineni and Thompson, which starts at 7 p.m., will follow. There will be a question and answer period from 8 to 8:30 p.m.

Advance registration is strongly recommended for this free community event. To reserve a spot, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-2432. This community program at Salem Hospital is just one of several Heart Month activities in February. Other events include free health screenings and heart healthy culinary events. For a detailed schedule, go to salemhealth.org/cardiac.

The Heart & Vascular Center is a part of Salem Health, which includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners, and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

2012-01-24

2012-01-24

Last week heavy rains and blocked access due to flooding forced the cancelling of this near-capacity free lecture with nationally-noted Salem-based nutritionist, dietitian and author Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D.

“Eat Your Way to Sexy” has been rescheduled to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 31 at the Community Health Education Center (CHEC), Building D on the Salem Hospital Campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Salem. Parking is available in the parking garage and the in the parking area below Building A. Individuals who wish to attend this presentation please email chec@salemhealth.org or call 503-814-2432 during business hours.

At the Jan. 31 lecture, Somer will share how to reignite your passion, look ten years younger and feel happier than ever. Her talk will address the proven link between how we take care of our bodies and how our sensual beings respond to that care. A book signing will follow her talk.

Elizabeth Somer was notified just last week that she is being honored at the Red Dress Awards in New York City Wednesday, February 15 at Lincoln Center. The 2012 Woman’s Day Red Dress Awards honors her contributions to educating women about the prevention of heart disease and benefits the American Heart Association (AHA). Last year’s winners included Barbara Walters, Delores E. Covington, Hoda Kotb, Rita F. Redberg and Denise Morrison. Mario Lopez hosted the event and live performances featured Glee’s Charice and Natasha Bedingfield.

For several decades, Elizabeth Somer has been featured on national television including NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America (ABC) and you may frequently she her on the WB’s Daily Buzz, Lifetime Live, The Mauri Povich Show, CNN, the CBS Morning Show and The View. Her one-hour special, Age-Proof Your Body aired nationwide on Public Television in 2001. In addition to her many books, Elizabeth is a contributing editor to Shape Magazine and Healing Lifestyles, a past contributing editor to Eating Well Magazine, has a regular column in MediZine, and has written more than 300 articles in national magazines from Shape, Men’s Fitness, McCalls, and Self, to Redbook, Prevention, Cosmopolitan, Fitness and Better Homes & Gardens.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. 

2012-01-24

The West Valley Hospital Foundation scholarship application for students in medically-related fields of study will be available beginning February 1, 2012. Applications must be returned by March 31, 2012.

Applicants must have a permanent residence in Polk County or be a West Valley Hospital employee, or family member of a West Valley Hospital employee, and must have applied to a college in their field of study before applying for this scholarship.

Visit www.salemhealth.org/scholarships and click on the “West Valley Hospital Foundation Scholarship” link.  Call (503) 831-3456 with questions.

2012-01-19

This is an update as of 9 p.m.

Salem Hospital’s Building B lies within the 100-year flood plain. Two waterways run through the campus; Shelton Ditch on the north and Pringle Creek on the southern end. We are watching their progress and their potential impact on our buildings.

From our latest survey of the campus it appears that the water is not rising.

Please be aware that contrary to rumors, the hospital and ER are open and accpeting patients as usual.

Here is the latest update on activities managed through the Emerency Operations Center.

1)    Building B

• Water continues to seep through the basement concrete slab flooring, in four locations. Water is being contained.
• We are watching the water to see if it rises; at this point it has not.
• Sump pumps are handling water in two different elevator pits.
• Leaders are developing contingency plans for the possibility of moving patients if necessary. This evening Nursing is looking at where patients might be moved to on campus and which patients might go where. If a decision is made to move patients, it will then take several hours to complete. Be aware: We are NOT evacuating or moving patients at this time

2)    Building C

• Underground parking is closed.
• Elevators have been set to not go to the parking-lot level.
• A roof leak at the penthouse level has been contained.
• Staff are watching water levels in the building. If water raises 12 more inches it would potentially take out the pump in the building that serves levels three and above. If water gets close to that level the tenants will be notified

3)    Information Services (720 Building) at 720 Winter Street SE.

• The bridge over Pringle Creek has a number of pipes attached to it through which various communication lines pass. In a flood, it is possible that trees could wash out the pipes. IS staff have been working with our vendors to set up alternative information lines in case they are needed

4)    Sandbagging

• Ten yards of sand were dumped by CEP (Central Energy Plant) for sandbagging purposes early today. Sandbags have been placed in the locations for which they will do the most good.

Hospital directors and managers are developing contingency plans for their respective departments to prepare for a worst-case scenario. Leaders are also preparing for possible transfer requests of patients from other area hospitals.

Hospital staff is monitoring all building roof drains to make sure they stay clear and operational.

The Emergency Operations Center remains open this evening. Staff are patroling the campus to watch for any changes in conditions.

On Friday, several briefings will be held with management staff.

(A video about our emergency operations center is online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdjZ8tzFuRM)

2012-01-16

Wednesday, Jan. 25
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Salem Hospital campus
Bldg. D
Community Health Education Center

Monday, Jan. 30
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
and
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Salem Hospital campus
Bldg. C, Rooms A-C

Tuesday, Feb. 21
Noon – 1 p.m.
West Salem Courthouse Athletic Club

         Each person who registers will have five to seven minutes to talk with each provider at the event. Participants can request a follow-up call from the clinics of any of the providers they would like to make an appointment with.

        Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine has five clinic locations — two in Salem, one in Keizer, one in Monmouth (Monmouth Medical Center) and one in Dallas (West Valley Physicians & Surgeons). A sixth location will open in West Salem in the spring of 2012.

        Anyone interested in attending an event and meeting the providers can register online at SalemHealth.org/MyDocMatchPCP or by calling 503-814-4400. A complete list of the event dates and locations is available at SalemHealth.org/MyDocMatchPCP as well.

        Willamette Health Partners is a part of Salem Health, which includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital and other affiliated health care organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2012-01-11

Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine will open a new clinic in West Salem this spring. The clinic is scheduled to open in May of 2012 and will be located at 1049 Edgewater St. NW. Drs. Rashanda Brown, Patricia Otis and Anna Techentin who are currently practicing in the Salem Hospital campus clinic will be moving to the new West Salem clinic when it opens.

Brown, Otis and Techentin provide all aspects of family medicine and are accepting new patients. Residents of West Salem seeking a new provider can be seen by the doctors at the Salem Hospital campus clinic until the new clinic opens in West Salem in the spring. Appointments can be made by calling 503-814-4400. Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine accepts most health insurance plans and welcomes same-day appointments. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Willamette Health Partners is a part of Salem Health which includesSalemHospital,WestValleyHospital, theCommunityHealthEducationCenterand other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and aroundOregon’sWillametteValley.

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2012-01-06

2012-01-03

For dads with children ages birth to five years, this four-week course has been specifically designed to create a supportive learning environment so fathers can build confidence and discuss ways to build healthy, positive father/child relationships and improve their parenting skills.

This is an interactive course based on a curriculum developed by Purdue University Department of Human Development and Family Studies.

The class meets on four consecutive Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. staring January 10 at the Community Health Education Center, Building D, Salem Hospital, 890 Oak St. SE, Salem, OR  97301.

Cost of the class is $35 and scholarships are available. Space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-2432.

Course topics including understanding a child’s many growth stages, styles of fathering, developmental theories, how to team up with your parenting partner, parenting without a partner and how to deal with special milestones like starting school.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

2012-01-03

Mental health and healthcare specialists from Salem Health have partnered with the Community Health Education Center, (CHEC) to offer January community classes that help with issues from stress management, to courses that foster better understanding of complex situations such as self-defeating behavior or a bipolar diagnosis.

Scholarships are available for all CHEC courses but registration is required. For registration, scholarship information and course details, visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-2432 weekdays.

All classes are held at the Community Health Education Center, Building D, Salem Hospital, 890 Oak St. SE, Salem, OR 97301. Free covered parking is available. Below is a partial listing of course offerings.

Working Out Your Anger (Mondays, Jan. 9 to Feb. 20, 1 - 2:30 p.m., Fee: $25) This class will provide ways to increase health, improve self esteem and increase work efficiency.

True Self: Basic DBT Skills (Tuesdays, Jan. 10 to Feb. 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Fee: $35) Dialectical Behavior Therapy, (DBT) is the therapeutic foundation for changing behaviors. Participants will be able to understand and utilize the interpersonal skills that help regulate emotional responses.

Sabotage to Success (Wednesdays, Jan. 11 to Feb. 15, 3:30 - 5 p.m., Fee: $25) Participants will learn to overcome self-defeating behaviors that hold them back from achieving their goals.

Relaxation and Stress Management (Thursdays, Jan. 12 to Feb. 16, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m., Fee: $25) This course helps individuals identify their stress triggers and then create a personal plan for stress reduction.

Successful Conflict Resolution (Tuesdays, Jan. 17 to Feb. 21, 3:30 to 5 p.m., Fee: $25) Conflict, an inescapable part of daily life is the result of a highly complex and competitive society. Learn to deal with conflicts as an essential life skill.

All About Bipolar (Wednesdays, Jan. 18 to Feb. 22, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., Fee: $25) This course will teach individuals how to identify the early warning signs of bipolar mood swings. Medications and side effects will be explained in addition to information about how to help a family member with bipolar disorder.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

2011-12-29

 A seven-week program under the instruction of specialist Jan Irving,  Brain Agility is specifically designed to help individuals keep a healthy and youthful brain.

The program combines weekly presentations on brain health with a unique program of mental exercises designed by a psychologist to enhance the brain's ability to remember, stay focused, be aware and alert.

The course offers techniques to master daily mental exercises covering a number of cognitive functions with increasing levels of difficulty to continue challenging the brain as it improves.

This class meets weekly 10 to 11 a.m. beginning Thursday Jan. 5 until Feb. 16 at the Community Health Education Center (CHEC), first floor of Building D at Salem Health, 890 Oak Street SE, in Salem. Cost for the course is $35 and scholarships are available.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-2432, weekdays. 

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. 

2011-12-29

To foster public awareness about heart disease, Salem Health is partnering with the Salem Center Macy’s in a free community event, “Go Red in Your Own Fashion,” a fashion show and health fair featuring activities, prizes, health screenings and cooking demonstrations.

This National Heart Month kick-off is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Salem Center Macy’s at 400 High Street Northeast. 

The fashion show begins at 1 p.m. and includes physicians, Salem Health staff and community volunteers. They will be modeling red-themed haute couture and a wide variety of red accessories.

Macy’s is converting the lower floor into a fashion runway. Attendees are encouraged to wear red ensembles.

Fashion show seating is limited to the first 100, and standing room is available. Exhibits and displays throughout the store will be open before, during and after the fashion show.

“The Macy's team is pleased to partner with Salem Health on what will be a fun, informal and educational event that helps individuals in our community take care of their heart health,” said Gina Phelps, Salem Center Macy’s store manager. “Heart disease is a pervasive health problem in our country and we’re committed to helping get the word out to the community.”

One in three American adults has one or more types of cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association.

Cardiovascular diseases take a disproportionate toll on women, claiming nearly 420,000 lives a year, more than the next three leading causes of death combined.

“As busy adults we tend to put our own health on the back burner,” said Lori James-Nielsen, director of the Salem Health Heart & Vascular Center. “American Heart Month is an opportunity to remind adults, especially parents, to take care of their heart health.”

2011-12-29

Thinking and planning ahead can be the most effective tools for staying safe in a potentially dangerous situation.

Practical and immediate steps that women can take to avoid potential risk and danger are part of the syllabus in this course open to women ages 15 and older.

The single evening course is scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 9, at Salem Health’s Community Health Education Center, Building D, 890 Oak St. SE, Salem, OR  97301.

The course fee is $10, space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-2432.

Teaching the class will be Walt Myers, Salem Health’s security manager.

Topics to be addressed in this two-hour class include: recognizing a potential predator, developing good instincts about potentially dangerous people or circumstances and taking steps to stay out of risky situations.

2011-12-19

Salem — Willamette Health Partners welcomes two new providers to its Family Medicine group. Dr. Lara Knudsen joined the Willamette Health Partners practice group located on the Salem Hospital campus at 875 Oak St. SE, Building C, Suite 4090 and Julianne Brock, family nurse practitioner, joined the group located in Keizer at 550 Dietz
Ave. NE. Knudsen joins Drs. Rashanda Brown, Patricia Otis and Anna Techentin at the Salem Hospital campus clinic and Brock joins Dr. Ronald Palm at the clinic in Keizer.

Knudsen completed her medical degree and her master’s of public health at George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. She completed her family medicine residency at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wis. and has special
interests in reproductive health, integrative medicine, international medicine and in meeting the healthcare needs of the Hispanic community. She is fluent in Spanish and enjoys hiking, biking, playing the banjo and spending time with her family.

Brock completed a bachelor’s of arts in exercise science from Willamette University in Salem, Ore. and a bachelor’s of nursing from Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. She became certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner after receiving her advanced degree from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. She enjoys taking care of patients of all ages and has special interest in health promotion and prevention. She enjoys hiking, running, quilting and spending time with her husband.

New patients are welcome at both clinic locations and appointments can be made by calling 503-814-4400. The medical offices accept most health insurance plans and welcome same-day appointments.

Willamette Health Partners is a part of Salem Health which includes SalemHospital, West Valley Hospital, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s WillametteValley.
###

2011-12-09

West Valley Hospitalhas added orthopedics to its list of specialty services offered in Dallas in keeping with its goal of bringing a full offering of medical services to PolkCounty residents. Marcus Pollard, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, is now seeing patients at the Surgical Specialty Clinic and doing surgeries atWestValleyHospital.

“We are pleased to add another service to our expanding list of specialty services available inDallas,” said Robert Brannigan, chief administrative officer ofWestValleyHospital. “Local residents can now choose to stay close to home for their orthopedic needs.”

Dr. Pollard provides comprehensive orthopedic care of the shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, wrist, hand and foot.  This care includes non-operative treatments, minimally invasive arthroscopic outpatient surgery, and repair of fractures.  He also performs major reconstructive and total joint replacement surgeries atSalemHospitalwith follow-up appointments at the West Valley Surgical Specialty Clinic.  He has special interest in sports medicine and bunion correction.

Dr. Pollard served in the army infantry inVietnam. He received his undergraduate degree from, and attended medical school at,LouisianaStateUniversity. He did his internship atSt. JosephHospitaland his residency atFitzsimonsArmyMedicalCenter. He is a member of the Western Orthopedic Association, Oregon Association of Orthopedists and Mid-Valley Independent Physicians Association.

At the Surgical Specialty Clinic, he joins specialists in general surgery, gynecology and urology. He sees patients on Fridays at the clinic. Interested patients should request a referral from their primary care physician or call 503-831-0784 for more information.

WestValleyHospitalis a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in thePolkCountyarea.  A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center, Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, and Surgical Specialty Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services. For more information, visit westvalleyhospital.org or westvalleyhospital.org/specialtyclinic.

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2011-11-30

SALEM, Ore. — Nov. 30, 2011 — More than 100 patients daily visit the outpatient anticoagulation clinic at Salem Hospital for management of the life-saving medications. On Friday, Dec. 16, this clinic will have a new home at the Salem Health Heart & Vascular Center, at the north end of Building B on the Salem Hospital campus.

The anticoagulation clinic has been part of the infusion and wound care program located in Building C. The clinic serves 1,000 individuals with disorders ranging from heart-valve replacement, atrial fibrillation and deep-vein thrombosis, to those recovering from some types of stroke.

“We welcome these patients into the Salem Health Heart & Vascular Center,” said Lori James-Nielsen, director of the center. “They will benefit from more space and expanded hours. Since many of the anticoagulation patients also need other heart-related services, this new location can provide more of a one-stop resource to cardiac patients.”

The Salem Hospital campus is located at 890 Oak Street SE. Parking for anticoagulation patients will primarily be outside Building B and the parking entrance is at 665 Winter Street SE. Patients may continue to park below Building C and walk across the street. See map at http://www.salemhealth.org/map.

For more information about the clinic or the move, contact Heidi Conklin, 503-561-2871 or heidi.conklin@salemhealth.org.

The Heart & Vascular Center is a part of Salem Health, which includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners, and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. 

2011-11-22

Continuing a tradition of over 25 years, Salem Hospital Auxiliary volunteers have organized the annual poinsettia sale, the biggest auxiliary fundraising event of the year.

Starting Monday, Dec. 5 at 8:30 a.m. through Wednesday, Dec. 7, hundreds of locally grown poinsettias supplied by Egan Gardens of Salem, Oregon, in ten traditional and new colors for the season, will be on sale in two pot sizes for $15 and $25. Large planters will be on sale for $45.

The sale will take place in the lobbies of building “A” and “C” at Salem Hospital, 890 Oak Street, and parking is free. A special 7 a.m. opening is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 7 to accommodate work schedules. The sale ends each day at 4 p.m. Cash or checks are accepted for payments, the Salem Hospital Auxiliary is not able to process debit or credit cards.

This year, bags of ground and whole bean coffee from Oregon Coast Coffee will be available for purchase. All proceeds from this event support Salem Hospital Auxiliary sponsored scholarships for education in a medically related field for individuals who are employees or volunteers at Salem Hospital or who reside in Marion or Polk County.

In 2010, Salem Hospital Auxiliary sold over 700 poinsettia plants. Questions regarding the poinsettia and coffee sale can be sent via email to: Chris.Roethlin@salemhealth.org.   

The Salem Hospital Auxiliary is a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the people and programs of Salem Hospital, a part of the nonprofit Salem Health which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. 

2011-11-15

Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine physician Susan Corzilius, M.D., will speak on “Health and Spirituality” on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. at the Salem Baha’i Center, 680 State Street, Suite 150. There is no charge.  The ADA accessible center is located at the corner of Cottage and State Streets. Dr. Corzilius will explore the forgotten dependence of health on the interconnectivity of the mind, body and spirit and recent integrated medical concepts. Dr. Corzilius has just returned from the Integrative Holistic Medicine Conference, presented by Scripps Health and the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine in San Diego, California.

For more information about this community lecture, please contact the Salem Baha'i Center at 503-362-6645 or email: secretariat@bahaisofsalem.org.

        Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. 

2011-11-01

A free event to honor and remember loved ones and raise lung cancer awareness will feature Dr. Kai Engstad, Salem Health board-certified surgeon on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 6 - 7 p.m. "Shine A Light on Lung Cancer" is free, but reservations are required, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-2432. This community lecture is located at Salem Health's Community Health Education Center, Building D, 890 Oak St. SE, Salem, OR 97301. 

The Center for Disease Control, (CDC) reports that cancer due to tobacco use is still the single most preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the United States. Dr. Engstad will profile current minimally invasive surgical techniques, answer questions and offer information on ways to reduce the risk of lung cancer. 

The CDC reports that in 2011, an estimated 443,000 people will die prematurely from smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, and another 8.6 million will live with a serious illness caused by smoking. Yet approximately 46.6 million U.S. adults smoke cigarettes. 

The Salem Cancer Institute and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon's Willamette Valley.

2011-10-27

West Valley Hospital’s fifth annual Family Health Fair and Forum is Thursday, Nov. 3, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at West Valley Hospital, 525 SE Washington St., in Dallas. The free family event will include exhibits, tours, seminars, refreshments and prizes.

Forum topics include “Women’s health screenings” by Dr. Greg Mallek, gynecologist, and "Understanding speech development" by Bev St. John, speech therapist.  Mallek will cover screenings for cervical and breast cancer, including discussion of the HPV vaccine. St. John will discuss speech development in children and adults. Both presentations will be presented in the conference room at 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., respectively. To reserve a seat, register at salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).  Those who pre-register will be entered into a drawing for a free cooking class at the CHEC.

“This year’s Family Health Fair and Forum promises another great event for the entire family,” says Bob Brannigan, Salem Health vice president and administrator at West Valley Hospital. “In addition to having fun, local residents can learn about our new services and gather helpful tips for all generations to live a healthy life.”

Pick up healthy tips and recipes while browsing displays, talk to hospital staff, get a free blood pressure check and free cholesterol screening, tour the imaging suite, and learn about new specialized services offered locally in Dallas.

A Nintendo Wii and free CHEC cooking class will be given away in drawings at 8 p.m. Winners are not required to be present at the time of the drawings.

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical-access hospital serving the Polk County area with 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center, West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, and West Valley Surgical Specialty Clinic partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

2011-10-27

West Valley Surgical Specialty Clinic has added urology to its general surgery and gynecology services offered, with the addition of board certified urologists Dr. Jaffer Bashey and Dr. Alan Hay, both with Willamette Urology.

“We are pleased to add urology to our specialty services offered in Dallas,” said Robert Brannigan, chief administrative officer of West Valley Hospital. “Local residents now have the option to stay close to home for these services.”

Bashey and Hay will rotate shifts at the Surgical Specialty Clinic, 591 SE Clay St. in Dallas, on Tuesday mornings, providing complete diagnosis and treatment of urological disorders and diseases for adults and children. Both physicians schedule outpatient surgeries at West Valley Hospital, including cystoscopy, minor bladder and prostate surgery, bladder and kidney stones, circumcision, vasectomy and other procedures. For an appointment, call 503-561-7100.  Physician referral may be required and can be faxed to 503-561-7124.  

Bashey is a diplomat of the American Urological Association and member of the Northwest Urological Society and the Oregon Medical Association. He earned his undergraduate degree from University of Washington and continued his education at Eastern Virginia Medical School.  He did a general surgery internship and completed his urology residency at Oregon Health Sciences University. Bashey is certified by the American Board of Urology and the State of Oregon Board of Medical Examiners.

Hay is past president of the Mid-Valley Independent Physicians Association, a diplomat of the American Urological Association and member of the Oregon Urological Association, American College of Surgeons and the American Urological Association. He received an undergraduate degree from Swarthmore College, Pa., and continued his education at John’s Hopkins Medical School, Md.  He did a general surgery internship and completed his urology residency at Stanford University.  He is certified by the American Board of Urology and the State of Oregon Board of Medical Examiners.

West Valley Hospital is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area.  A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center, Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, and Surgical Specialty Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services. For more information, visit westvalleyhospital.org or westvalleyhospital.org/specialtyclinic.

2011-10-27

A seminar on “Arthritis Discoveries,” hosted by the Arthritis Foundation and Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center, is on Tuesday, Nov. 8, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Salem Hospital, Building D, Creekside Room. The public is invited to attend the free forum focused on diagnosing, treating and managing arthritis.

The event begins with bone density screening and a health fair from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Presentations by guest speakers Dr. Rebecca Callis, rheumatologist, and Jamie Stevenson, occupational therapist, are scheduled from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The seminar will conclude with time for questions and answers.

Callis graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and completed her internal medicine and rheumatology training at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University.

Stevenson graduated from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash. She specializes in hand therapy, geriatrics and home safety evaluations.     

For more information or to RSVP, please call 888-845-5695 or email jlamb@arthritis.org.

2011-10-11

Breast cancer awareness month continues in Marion County with this free event that offers healthy recipes, menu sampling and the opportunity to learn how family favorites can be made nutritious.

On Thursday, Oct. 20, 6 – 8 p.m. Salem Health’s oncology certified chef and dietitian Karen Huntzinger and chef June Hadlock will offer cooking tips at the Community Health Education Center, Building D, Salem Hospital, 890 Oak St. SE, Salem, OR  97301.

The course is offered at no cost but space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-2432.

This course offers participants recipe substitutions and cooking tips that are designed to promote wellness and may reduce cancer risk. The Linda L. Vladyka Breast Wellness Foundation cookbook “Pink Ribbon Recipes to ‘Strike out’ Breast Cancer” will be available at the course for $10.

Tasting samples from the menu will include: Grilled Butternut and Roasted Red Pepper Soup, Black Bean Burrito, (from the cookbook), Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes and Peppers, and War Cake, (from the cookbook).

The Linda L. Vladyka Breast Wellness Foundation recently celebrated the 10th Annual Play for a Cure, the largest slow-pitch softball tournament in Oregon. Thousands of dollars are raised annually by this Salem-based nonprofit to fund breast health education, screening and support services for Oregonians.

The Community Health Education Center, Salem Hospital and the Salem Cancer Institute are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. 

2011-10-06

West Valley Hospital has hired speech pathologist Beverly St. John to provide speech therapy services. St. John evaluates and treats individuals with disorders that affect speech, language, swallowing, cognition and voice.

“With the addition of speech therapy, West Valley Hospital provides a full spectrum of rehabilitation services including physical therapy, aquatic therapy and occupational therapy,” says Sherrill Beck, supervisor and physical therapist, West Valley Hospital rehabilitation services.  “Conveniently located in Dallas, we provide easy access and convenient appointments for our local community.”

Individualized speech therapy is designed to improve communication, language skills (including reading and writing), cognitive abilities, voice and swallowing for patients of all ages with communication disorders.  Speech therapy appointments require physician referrals faxed to 503-838-1388 and are held at West Valley Hospital from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

St. John has 18 years of speech therapy experience working in both management and clinical positions and specializing in neurological disorders for adult to pediatric care. In 2008, she received the “Employee Service Excellence Award” from Wenatchee Valley Hospital for starting its successful outpatient speech program. She is a sought-after speaker on swallowing and voice disorders, brain injuries and strokes. She holds Board certification with ASHLA (American Speech – Hearing – Language Association), and has been certified with the Hannen Method of speech therapy. Raised in Wenatchee, Wash., St. John earned her undergraduate degree from Washington State University, and a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Utah where she graduated Phi Kappa Phi, was voted Graduate Student of the Year and gave the graduation address for the College of Health.

Rehabilitation services are located at West Valley Hospital, 525 SE Washington St., Dallas, 503-623-7305. St. John also serves Monmouth and Independence at the Monmouth Medical Center at 512 Main St. on an as-need basis.

West Valley Hospital is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area.  A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center, Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, and Surgical Specialty Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.  For more information, visit westvalleyhospital.org.

2011-09-29

This course provides the tools and training for kids ages 11 to 15 who want to acquire the skills needed for a beginning babysitter. 

The Community Health Education Center at Salem Hospital, in cooperation with the Willamette Chapter of the American Red Cross, is offering an in-depth babysitter’s training class, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 8.

The training session will be held at the Community Health Education Center, Building D, Salem Hospital, 890 Oak St. SE, Salem, OR  97301. Cost of the class is $35. Students should bring a sack lunch.

Course topics include basic childcare, first aid, injury prevention and safety, and age-appropriate behavior and play. After completing the class, participants will receive a babysitting training certificate from the Red Cross.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-2432.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. 

2011-09-28

Thinking and planning ahead can be the most effective tools for staying safe in a potentially dangerous situation.  Practical and immediate steps that women can take to avoid potential risk and danger are part of the syllabus in this course open to women ages 15 and older.  The single evening course is scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 10, at Salem Health’s Community Health Education Center, Building D, 890 Oak St. SE, Salem, OR  97301.  The course fee is $10, space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-2432.

Teaching the class will be Walt Myers, Salem Health’s security manager. Topics to be addressed in this two-hour class include: recognizing a potential predator, developing good instincts about potentially dangerous people or circumstances and taking steps to stay out of risky situations. 	
	The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. 

2011-09-27

Much of the focus during pregnancy and with a newborn is, understandably, on the mom. How do dads prepare for the new arrival, what can he expect those first few months, and how can he and mom work as a team?

These and other parenting topics will be covered at a training camp for new dads, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Monday, Oct. 10 at the Community Health Education Center, Building D, Salem Hospital, 890 Oak St. SE, Salem, OR  97301.

Cost of the class is $15 and scholarships are available. Space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-2432.

The class is designed for expectant dads and for dads with babies up to three months old. On hand will be some “veteran” dads who will share experiences and offer tips. 

Participants will learn some tricks of the trade, such as how to hold a baby, successful feeding and burping, and ways to comfort a fussy baby. Techniques for bonding with your new baby and how to make a safe environment for the whole family will be covered.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. 

2011-09-20

Editor's note: To see a video of doctors talking about the new Heart & Vascular Institute, visit http://www.youtube.com/salemhealth#p/a/u/0/FyAtZWHr3KE

Salem — Five medical groups and Salem Hospital have signed a groundbreaking collaboration agreement to further enhance heart and vascular treatment in the Mid-Valley community.

The new Salem Health Heart & Vascular Institute is a partnership that includes Salem Hospital and more than 20 specialists from five medical groups: Salem CardioVascular Associates, Salem Clinic, Salem Heart Center, The Oregon Clinic and Willamette Vascular Specialists.

The Institute’s cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons and primary-care physicians will work with Salem Hospital staff to continue collecting and evaluating data, and to accelerate care delivery improvements based on their findings. Their goal is to develop a seamless treatment experience for patients — from initial evaluation at a clinic, to diagnostic testing and interventions at the hospital, to recovery at home.

Salem Hospital offers the only 24/7 heart and vascular program in the Mid-Valley.  It has the second-largest open-heart surgery program in Oregon and is among the top participants in a national clinical trial for carotid stenting, which increases blood flow in an artery to the brain.

The Institute’s work will help patients by attracting more research and clinical trials, and by continuing to bring in heart specialists with the most expertise in cutting-edge treatments.

“We’ve already developed one of the top heart and vascular programs in the state,” says Cheryl Nester Wolfe, RN, chief operating officer for Salem Health. “Collaborating to create the

Heart & Vascular Institute means these specialists will have the data they need to leverage their combined expertise. We don’t just want to meet a standard — we want to set the standard, regionally and nationally.”

For example, Salem Hospital already exceeds a national benchmark for treating heart attacks — restoring blood flow to the heart within 90 minutes from the time a patient enters the hospital. To raise the bar, the hospital is now working with community paramedics and fire crews to begin treatment much sooner, from the patient’s first assessment.

“It’s not just a job; we live in this community,” says Lori James-Nielsen, RN, director for Salem Hospital’s cardiac service line. “My dad was treated at Salem Hospital when he first had a heart attack in his 40s. I’m now in my 40s.”

James-Nielsen has seen that same passion as the Institutes’ heart and vascular specialists recently began their first collaborative look at data gathered by Salem Hospital.  She says the physicians instantly connected on ways they could use data to improve care for their patients.

“We can collect the data on how we are performing in comparison with the best institutions in the country,” says Dr. Raghu Kamineni, interventional cardiologist and medical director for the Heart & Vascular Institute. “As you compare yourself you know whether you’re doing well or whether there’s some room for improvement in your style of practice.”

Kamineni says Institute specialists will now have a common platform for changing care standards. Specialists who work together on a treatment plan, rather than independently of each other, are less likely to duplicate time-consuming tests. Treatment can begin more quickly. And, as treatment becomes more streamlined, the Institute will focus additional time on national priorities: reducing patients’ time in the hospital and helping them avoid readmission.


Salem Health Heart & Vascular Institute partners

• Salem Hospital
• Salem CardioVascular Associates
• Salem Clinic
• Salem Heart Center
• The Oregon Clinic
• Willamette Vascular Specialists

The specialists of Salem Health Heart & Vascular Institute
Salem Health Heart & Vascular Institute’s cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons and primary-care physicians come from five medical groups: Salem CardioVascular Associates, Salem Clinic, Salem Heart Center, The Oregon Clinic and Willamette Vascular Specialists. Here are their names, specialties and clinic affiliations:

• Dr. James Byrkit, internal medicine physician, Salem Clinic
• Dr. Kai Engstad, cardiothoracic surgeon, The Oregon Clinic
• Dr. Matthew Fedor, cardiac electrophysiologist, Salem Heart Center; Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology medical director, Salem Health Heart & Vascular Institute
• Dr. Mark Fleming, vascular surgeon, Salem CardioVascular Associates; Vascular Surgery medical director, Salem Health Heart & Vascular Institute
• Dr. Kamran Ghalili, interventional cardiologist, Salem Heart Center
• Dr. Kendall Graven, family medicine physician, Salem Clinic; Heart Failure and Inpatient Cardiology medical director, Salem Health Heart & Vascular Institute
• Dr. Hrishi Iyengar, interventional cardiologist, Salem Heart Center; Non-Invasive Cardiology medical director, Salem Health Heart & Vascular Institute
• Dr. Raghu Kamineni, interventional cardiologist, Salem Heart Center; medical director, Salem Health Heart & Vascular Institute
• Dr. Barath Krishnamurthy, interventional cardiologist, Salem CardioVascular Associates; Interventional Cardiology medical director, Salem Health Heart & Vascular Institute
• Dr. Joshua Leichman, cardiac electrophysiologist, Salem CardioVascular Associates
• Dr. James Lowry, interventional cardiologist, Salem Heart Center
• Dr. Everett Mozell, vascular surgeon, Salem Clinic
• Dr. Juan Oyarzun, cardiothoracic surgeon, The Oregon Clinic
• Dr. Mark Peterson, vascular surgeon, Willamette Vascular Specialists
• Dr. Glen Roseborough, vascular surgeon, Salem CardioVascular Associates
• Dr. William Stiles, interventional cardiologist, Salem CardioVascular Associates
• Dr. David Tate, internal medicine physician, Salem Clinic
• Dr. Kevin Thompson, interventional cardiologist, Salem CardioVascular Associates; Cardiac Rehabilitation and Community Outreach medical director, Salem Health Heart & Vascular Institute
• Dr. James Wasenmiller, cardiologist, Salem CardioVascular Associates
• Dr. Richard Wilson, interventional cardiologist, Salem CardioVascular Associates
• Dr. Thomas Winkler, cardiothoracic surgeon, The Oregon Clinic; Cardiac Surgery medical director, Salem Health Heart & Vascular Institute

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2011-09-12

Salem — Women and couples can listen to a tea-time discussion on family planning, and direct their own questions 

to a panel of local gynecologists, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 24, at Salem Hospital.

Willamette Health Partners Obstetrics & Gynecology will host “Tea with an MD” in the Creekside Room, Building D, 

on the Salem Hospital campus.

Participants can enjoy complimentary tea and refreshments while listening to Dr. Stacy McCarty, an obstetrician and 

gynecologist. McCarty will discuss various birth control methods, the impact of hormones on fertility, and how diet, 

weight, exercise and vitamins affect women’s well-being. A panel of Willamette Health Partners gynecologists will 

conclude the program with opportunities for general questions and answers.

McCarty attended medical school and completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Kansas 

in Kansas City, Kan. She also held a private practice in Kansas City before joining Willamette Health Partners. She 

has special interests in family planning and minimally invasive surgery.

The Sept. 24 tea is the third in Willamette Health Partners’ 2011 Women’s Health for a Lifetime speaker series. The 

event is free but advance registration is required. Participants can register online at http://salemhealth.org/chec 

(online registrants will be entered into a prize drawing) or by phone at 503-814-2432.

The Salem Hospital campus is located at 890 Oak St. SE. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking 

garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

Willamette Health Partners is a part of Salem Health which includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital and other 

affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley.
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2011-08-22

Salem, August 22, 2011- “Brain boosters: Using technology, food and fitness to stretch your mind” is the focus for Salem Hospital’s Rehab Week which runs from Monday, Sept. 12 through Friday, Sept. 16. Salem Hospital will host more than a dozen free classes taught by rehabilitation experts, providing tips for all ages on how to maximize mind and overall health. 

McKay Sohlberg, PhD, author, University of Oregon professor and cognitive rehabilitation researcher, is the featured speaker on Tuesday, Sept. 13, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Community Health Education Center. Sohlberg will discuss “Using technology to enhance the mind: How to maximize benefits from devices and programs.” Sohlberg is known for her work in assisting individuals with brain injury reintegrate into the community.

Other classes include “Snacks for the brain,” “Exercises to boost brain development in kids,” “Building better bones,” “Parkinson’s exercise,” “Mindfulness meditation,” “Benefits of an elimination diet,” “Infant massage,” “Fit to the core,” “Cooking with arthritis,” “Matter of balance,” “Return to safe driving,” “Tai Chi for balance,” and “Healthy back.” Salem Health physical, occupational and speech therapists, dietitians, psychologists, nurse practitioners and health educators will lead the various courses.

Rehab Week classes are free. Register online at salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432). Except where noted online, classes are held at the Community Health Education Center, Bldg. D, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Salem.

“Brain boosters” is sponsored by the Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center and the Community Health Education Center.

2011-08-19

Becker's Hospital Review, a leading publication offering business and legal trends and guidance for hospital executives, named Salem Hospital to its list of "60 Hospitals With Great Orthopedic Programs" on a list that included Mayo Clinic, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Cleveland Clinic.

Hospitals included on this list exhibit excellence in orthopedics, quality of service, outstanding local and national reputations and high volume of orthopedic cases. Salem Hospital was the only Oregon orthopedic program to make the list.

Salem Hospital replaces more joints than any other hospital in Oregon, with 1099 surgeries in 2010. The hospital opened its Joint Replacement Center of Excellence in January 2010.

Becker’s Hospital Review reported that Salem Hospital was chosen for its approach to orthopedic care that incorporates specialists from variety of orthopedic disciplines.

The report noted that the hospital’s orthopedic program includes a gym for rehabilitation, aquatic and sports therapy, and group physical and occupational therapy, as well as a comprehensive work injury management program.

Specialists at the hospital focus on treating patients with arthritis, neck and back pain, extremities conditions and sports injuries.

“It’s exciting for our Joint Replacement Center of Excellence to be included with the top hospitals in the country for orthopedic care,” says Lorissa Price, director of orthopedic and neuroscience services at Salem Health. “We’ve done so much work, together with surgeons from Hope Orthopedics of Oregon, to provide an exceptional experience for our patients. This honor validates our work and reflects the high standard Salem Health wants to achieve with all its programs.”

Price says the most important measurement of achievement is patients’ results. She points to significant improvements for patients in the 18 months since the Joint Replacement Center of Excellence opened.

In knee replacement, for example, the previous average range of motion patients experienced after surgery was 75� flexion (bent knee); today it is 91�.

The average distance they could walk following surgery was 125 feet after three days; now they average 200 feet after two days.

Patients’ average stay in the hospital has decreased by one day. And 90 percent of patients return home after surgery rather than entering a care center; previously, just 69 percent of knee replacement patients went directly home.

These improvements are a result of the Center’s new approach to joint replacement.

Patients attend a pre-surgery educational session that better prepares them for the experience, both during and after joint replacement. New standards have also meant less anesthesia is required — patients become alert sooner after surgery and can more quickly start to move about.

More rehabilitation support is now provided as well, which encourages patients to more carefully follow instructions to improve joint mobility.

For more information on Salem Hospital and the Joint Replacement Center of Excellence, call 503-561-5200 or visit salemhealth.org/joint.

2011-08-11

Salem — To kick off a series of breast-health awareness activities, Salem Cancer Institute will host free community Lunch & Learn classes on breast health basics.

The classes were originally developed to educate and inform team captains and participants for the 2011 Discover Pink Walk, but are now open to anyone in the community. The classes will be held from 12:15 to 1 p.m., on Tuesday, Aug. 23, and Wednesday, Sept. 14, on the Salem Hospital campus, building C. Staff from Salem Cancer Institute will share information on breast care, review self-awareness, including normal breast anatomy and abnormal signs and symptoms, and will answer questions. A free lunch will be provided.

To register for the free Lunch & Learn classes, call the Salem Hospital Community Health Education Center at 503-814-CHEC (2432) or visit http://salemhealth.org/chec. For more information on Salem Cancer Institute, call 503-562-4321 or visit http://salemcancercare.org.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, the Salem YWCA hosts the seventh annual Discover Pink Walk, a fundraiser to provide breast health screening for women in the community. Funds support early detection exams and breast cancer support groups, which are conducted in both English and Spanish. In 2010, the YWCA Salem Women’s Health Program provided 402 clinical breast exams, 411 mammograms and 60 ultrasounds to more than 640 local women. Salem Cancer Institute is a Discover Pink Walk sponsor.

Early registration for the October 1 Discover Pink Walk is available online through Strands Fitness at http://registration.strands.com. Strands Fitness is donating $1 to the YWCA Salem for every online registration. For more information on the Discover Pink Walk or breast cancer support groups, call the Salem YWCA at 503 581-9922 or visit http://ywcasalem.org/discoverpink.

Salem Cancer Institute, which is affiliated with OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, is a part of Salem Health. Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley.

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2011-08-02

Salem — Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine will be holding six patient-doctor meet-and-greet events during August and September to offer people in the mid-Willamette Valley an opportunity to meet primary-care providers before making an appointment.

The events are scheduled during the lunch hour and evenings between the dates of Wednesday, Aug. 10, and Thursday, Sept. 22, at community locations in Salem, Dallas and Independence. Willamette Health Partners will have nine family medicine physicians participating. Each person who registers will have five minutes to talk with each physician at the event.

“These meet-and-greet events are a great opportunity for people who are looking for a new doctor,” says Dr. Caroline King, one of the primary care physicians participating in the event. “It gives them a chance to get to know us in a more comfortable and less formal setting and to pick a doctor that’s right for them and their family.”

Patients who find a match with one of the doctors can schedule a first appointment at any of the events, or they can leave their contact information so office staff can call them the next day to schedule.

Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine has five clinic locations — two in Salem, one in Keizer, one in Monmouth (Monmouth Medical Center) and one in Dallas (West Valley Physicians & Surgeons).

Anyone interested in attending an event and meeting the physicians can register online at http://MyDocMatch.org/pcp or by calling 503-814-4400. A complete list of the event dates and locations, and the doctors who will be participating at each event, is also available at http://MyDocMatch.org/pcp.

Willamette Health Partners is a part of Salem Health, which includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital and other affiliated health care organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2011-07-21

Salem Hospital recently granted privileges to 11 practitioners to become part of its medical staff.
They include: 

• Dr. Candye Andrus of Kaiser Permanente was granted privileges in pediatrics.
• Dr. Nikhil Batra was granted privileges as an adult medicine hospitalist.
• Dr. Aneet Deo of Kidney Care Physicians was granted privileges in nephrology.
• Dr. Kristopher Dozier of Kaiser Permanente was granted privileges in general surgery.
• Dr. Jeremy Fields was granted privileges in neurology.
• Dr. Thomas Jenkins of Legacy Center for Maternal-Fetal Medicine was granted privileges in maternal-fetal medicine.
• Dr. Nimeshkumar Mehta of Salem Pulmonary Associates was granted privileges in pulmonary medicine.
• Dr. Patrick Merrill of Legacy Center for Maternal-Fetal Medicine was granted privileges in maternal-fetal medicine.
• Dr. Jerrod Mitzel of Pacific Family Medicine Center was granted privileges in family medicine.
• Sharon Stephen, NP, was granted privileges as a nurse practitioner at the Salem Cancer Institute.
• Dr. Anda Karleen Yangson was granted privileges as an adult medicine hospitalist.

Salem Hospital has 609 medical staff members, which includes physicians and mid-level practitioners. A physician with privileges at the hospital can admit patients to Salem Hospital and practice medicine. Most of the hospital's medical staff are not employed by the hospital. The hospital Board of Trustees grants privileges to physicians and practitioners each month.

2011-07-20

Salem — Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine and the Community Health Education Center are offering complete high school sports physicals for $10. The physicals will take place at half-day clinics set up at area high schools throughout the month of August. The schedule of sports physical clinics is as follows:

Tuesday, Aug. 9
9 a.m. – noon
South Salem High School
1910 Church St. SE
Salem

Tuesday, Aug. 16
9 a.m. – noon
West Salem High School
1776 Titan Dr.
Salem

Thursday, Aug. 18
1 – 4 p.m.
Sprague High School
2373 Kuebler Rd. S
Salem

Friday, Aug. 19
9 a.m. – noon
North Salem High School
765 14th St. NE
Salem

No appointments are necessary to receive a sports physical at any of these half-day clinics. Payment will be accepted only by cash or check made payable to Salem Hospital. Students must bring a parent or guardian to their physical exam and their sports pre-participation examination form, which can be obtained from the student’s school. For more information on the $10 sports physicals, please contact Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine at 503-814-4400 or the Community Health Education Center at 503-814-2432 (CHEC).
Willamette Health Partners and the Community Health Education Center are a part of Salem Health, which includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2011-07-16

Salem — About 69 percent of Oregon’s 514,000 adult smokers would like to quit, according to a survey from the Oregon Department of Human Services. And 23 percent — more than 118,000 — are planning to quit in the next 30 days.

Smokers can join the ranks of ex-smokers and lead longer, healthier lives with the help of a class series to be held at two local hospitals beginning July 27.

Participants will learn proven strategies for quitting at “Freedom From Smoking” classes held from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesdays, July 27 to Sept. 7, at Salem Health’s Community Health Education Center (CHEC), Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. The classes also are available by videoconference at West Valley Hospital, 525 SE Washington St., Dallas — so Dallas-area residents can attend close to home.

Developed by the American Lung Association, “Freedom from Smoking,” offers highly effective tools for stopping smoking, including some tips from ex-smokers. Some ex-smokers report that nicotine gum, a nicotine skin patch and new medications (available by prescription) are useful tools in their quitting arsenal. Coping strategies include focusing on a specific thought or task to help overcome moments of intense craving. Participants will also learn how to create and rely on a support system — friends, family, coworkers and others who want to quit — to help achieve their goals.

Tuition for the class is $120. Many insurance companies including Oregon Health Plan may offer benefits related to smoking cessation or nicotine replacement. Participants can check with their insurance company for coverage details. Space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814- 2432.

The Community Health Education Center, Salem Hospital and West Valley Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

2011-07-15

Salem — After being distinguished as the first Oregon hospital to receive a Beacon award twice, Salem Hospital has made history yet again by becoming the first Oregon hospital to receive the silver Beacon Award for Excellence.

Salem Hospital’s intensive care unit won the Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) in 2007 and 2009. The unit just received the association’s new three-year, three-level Beacon Award for Excellence, which represents the intensive care unit’s advancements since 2009. 

“In intensive care, the sickest and most vulnerable patients have at least 20 different health care specialties involved in their care,” said Cheryl Nester Wolfe, chief operating officer for Salem Health and a registered nurse. “The national honors received by Salem Hospital’s intensive care unit show that each person on this team is focused on just one goal — healing — for each patient.”       

The AACN awards the Beacon Award for Excellence to hospital units that distinguish themselves by improving every facet of patient care. For patients and their families, the Beacon Award signifies exceptional care through improved health outcomes and greater overall satisfaction. For critical-care nurses, a Beacon Award can mean a positive and supportive work environment with greater collaboration between colleagues and leaders, higher morale and lower turnover.

 “The intensive care team is committed to providing the best care possible for patients,” said Leah Mitchell, director of Salem Hospital Critical Care. “Their teamwork, dedication, and focus on the patients in their care have allowed us to achieve optimal patient-care quality and unparalleled patient and family satisfaction.”

Only 16 hospitals received a Beacon award this year and only three other hospitals in the nation share the distinction of earning both the original one-year award and the new three-year award. The intensive care unit is also the only Oregon hospital to earn one of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ first-ever sustained improvement awards — given for achievement in eliminating two serious hospital infections.

Both the Beacon Award for Excellence and the infection-elimination award complement Salem Hospital’s recent Magnet recognition from American Nurses’ Credentialing Center in the high standards it demands of honorees. Only 6 percent of U.S. hospitals have this honor.

Salem Hospital is a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2011-06-23

Salem — Home cooks are invited to sample the fresh pleasures of delicious summer fruit after a long, cold winter of soups and heavy food. 

Experiment with seasonal fruit under the guidance of experienced chef Gayle Jolley in  a “fruits of the season” cooking class on Wednesday, June 29, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at the Community Health Education Center (CHEC).

Class members will learn about cooking tasty, healthy dishes using this season’s freshest fruits, as Jolley prepares various dishes — and then provides delicious samples — during this fun, informal and informative class. The menu includes a salad of mixed lettuces, roasted cherries, hazelnuts and warm goat cheese; chicken braised with fresh figs, wildflower honey and vinegar; multi-grain rice pilaf; sautéed sugar snap peas; and raspberry clafoutis (a classic French custard cake).

CHEC is located on the Salem Hospital Campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D. Free parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

Cost for the class is $24. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. To register, call 503-814-2432 or visit CHEC's online registration.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Visit the CHEC wellness kitchen online for healthy recipes, cooking class videos and a schedule of upcoming cooking classes.

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2011-06-17

Salem — Being on a renal diet for kidney disease doesn’t mean a lifetime of bland foods and limited choices. A wealth of strategies, menus and delicious food selections can help those on a renal diet stay healthy and enjoy eating.

People with kidney disease, their friends and family are invited to attend “Cooking for a Renal Diet” Wednesday, June 22, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Salem Health’s Community Health Education Center (CHEC). On the menu will be: creamy cauliflower soup, pork tenderloin with pear coulis and balsamic caramelized onions, sautéed garlic French green beans, and a garden salad of baby greens with a light vinaigrette.

The cooking class will be led by Salem Health registered dietitian Gina Chandler, assisted by CHEC wellness chef June Hadlock. Participants will learn how to limit sodium and potassium intake and how to evaluate protein needs at different stages of kidney disease. Tasty samples and recipes will be provided.

CHEC is located on the Salem Hospital Campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D. Free parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

Cost for the class is $20. Space is limited, and  advance registration is required. To register, call 503-814-2432 or visit the Community Health Education Center website.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Visit the CHEC wellness kitchen online for healthy recipes, cooking class videos and a schedule of upcoming cooking classes.

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2011-06-15

The Salem Hospital Foundation announces that 95 students in medical or medically related fields will be receiving scholarships for the 2011–2012 school year. A total of $161,000 in scholarships was awarded to students pursuing degrees in nursing, pharmacy, imaging, and a variety of other medically related programs.

Several named scholarships were awarded in memory of various community members, including the Cass Bailey, M.D., physician scholarship; the Carl and Olive Emmons nursing scholarship; the Happ Jackson imaging scholarship; the Hattie Kremen nursing scholarship; the Elmera “Tiny” Richardson nursing scholarship; the Sewell Family scholarship and the Grayce & Glola Sigg nursing scholarship. In addition, the Salem Self-Help Nursing Scholarship was awarded through the Salem Foundation.

Awardees for the 2011–2012 school year are:
Brooks: Beth Manley
Dallas: KyLee Bowers, Hilary Broadus, Heidi Classen, Valerie Jaeger, Joseph King and Peggy Shaver
Gervais: Leslie Hilliard
Independence: Kimberly Flora
Jefferson: Betsy Alford and Kara Bacon
Keizer: Kyla Benson, Juliya Dmitriyeva, Jennifer Fleming, Kerrie Hayman, Nathan Howell, Heather Jenkins, Sharon Marsoun, Nicole Mullins, Earlene Naylor, Rebecca Ramos and Harvest Welke
McMinnville: Jenna Boundy
Monmouth: Carie Cyphers and Scott Shane
Mt. Angel: Eva Vaquera-Contreras
Salem: Brittany Anderson, Ellie Barna, Mary Bedell, Kelsey Boone, Sergey Boynetskiy, Kristin Britton, Nicholaus Brouwer, John Brun, Brenda Burnett, Cynthia Crosby, Rolanda Davis, Jon Deming, Krissa Dorfner, Joyce Dunaway, Renee Faville, Alyssa Finn, Nicole Fischer, Susan Garson, Jami Holmstrom, Sarah Horn, Rick Kendall, Lisa Ketchum, Thomas King, Nicole Klaus, Temekia Land, Anna Lierman, Bethany Lierman, Tonya Lutz, Amy Malloy, Alia Martin, Sarah McMillen, Jessica Milnes, Flynne Miner, Rayanna Mitchell, Soriah Moghaddampour, Caleb Monismith, Rache Mureau-Haines, Geoffrey Mwangi, Patricia Newton, Stephen Nielsen, Kinsey Nolz, Lindsey Parker, David Pierce, Karina Porter, Gerri Pratt, Jennifer Saechao, David Schultze, Tara Sedor, Tamara Shalashov, Jennifer Shanks, Brian Smith, Emily Stratton, Amy Tate, Katie Thede, Holli Tuss, Brenda Umulap and Kimberly Wiebenga
Scio: Casey Lulay
Silverton: Samuel Helman, Monica Henderson, Lisa Ortiz, Kelsey Totland and Jessica Veith
Stayton: Kyle Schmidig
Sublimity: Kelly Honyak and Jane Ray
Turner: Stephanie Casey
Yamhill: Alisa Blen

2011-06-13

Salem Hospital recently granted privileges to six practitioners to become part of its medical staff.

They include:

• Dr. Wayne Clark of the Oregon Stroke Center was granted privileges in neurology telemedicine.
• Dr. Erek Helseth of OHSU was granted privileges in neurology.
• M. Brooke Barone of Northwest Surgical Associates was granted privileges as a physician assistant.
• Dr. Huey Meeker was granted privileges as an adult medicine hospitalist.
• Anna Peters was granted privileges as a nurse practitioner at the Bariatric Surgery Clinic.
• Dr. Denis Privalov of Kidney Care Physicians was granted privileges in nephrology.

Salem Hospital has 613 medical staff members, which includes physicians and mid-level providers. A physician with privileges at the hospital can admit patients to Salem Hospital and practice medicine. Most of the hospital's medical staff are not employed by the hospital. The hospital Board of Trustees grants privileges to physicians and practitioners each month.

2011-06-10

Salem — Salem Hospital is the only Oregon hospital to earn one of the first-ever sustained improvement awards given by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for achievement in eliminating ventilator-associated pneumonia and central-line associated bloodstream infections in the intensive care unit. 

Central lines and ventilators are life-saving measures used for many intensive care patients. The surgically-implanted central line delivers blood, fluids and medicines near the heart, and ventilators breathe for patients that can’t breathe on their own. Both devices can also put patients at risk for life-threatening infections, like sepsis.

“At Salem Hospital, we have achieved ‘zero’ of these types of infections and maintained that level of safety for a significant period of time,” said Nancy O’Connor, infection prevention manager for Salem Hospital. “‘Zero’ typically means ‘nothing’ but in this case, ‘zero’ reflects countless lives saved through the diligent work of preventing infections. These types of infections are preventable.”

Salem Hospital is a leader in the most recent Oregon public report on hospital-acquired infections, which showed that central-line associated blood stream infections at Oregon hospitals fell to roughly half the national rate, said O’Connor, who is also the board chair for Oregon’s Hospital-acquired Infections Advisory Committee.

“We’re pretty hard on ourselves—how we grade each other and the standards we hold ourselves to,” said Dr. Martin Johnson, II, medical director for Salem Hospital’s intensive care unit. “Teamwork, support, mutual respect and an enormous amount of trust”—among doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, critical care technicians and other clinical staff—was the most important factor in work to eliminate the infections associated with central lines and ventilators in the intensive care unit, said Johnson.

Placement of a central line or ventilator is an emergency measure and must happen within minutes. Preventing infections requires a set of complicated steps in placing the devices and in keeping them clean during use. The intensive care team’s ability to maintain that delicate balance between speed and sterility is the result of some smart new procedures based on research and carefully coordinated by every team member.

HHS honored 37 hospitals and health care systems for combating health care-associated infections, which affect one in every 20 U.S. patients and cost the nation billions of dollars a year. The Salem Hospital intensive care unit was among 10 hospital units to be honored for achievement in both infection types targeted by the awards.

Salem Hospital is a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley.

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2011-06-08

SALEM— The community is invited to free carousel rides and a fun-filled educational health exhibition at Salem Riverfront Park on Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hosted by Willamette Health Partners, “Family Day at the Carousel” provides an opportunity for children and their families to enjoy carousel rides while learning about healthy living. 

Willamette Health Partners entities will provide tips on improving family wellness. The Salem Health Community Health Education Center will provide free blood pressure checks.

“Start the summer off with the entire family by having fun in the park and thinking about your health,” says Lisa Lewis, director of Willamette Health Partners. “This will be a fun and educational experience for all ages and an opportunity to meet some great providers and team members.”

Willamette Health Partners includes Willamette Valley Midwives, Willamette Health Partners Obstetrics & Gynecology, Willamette Health Partners Maternal Fetal Medicine, Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine, Comprehensive Pain Center, West Valley Physicians & Surgeons, West Valley Surgical Specialty Clinic and Monmouth Medical Center.

For more information, see WillametteHealthPartners.org.

2011-05-29

It could be called the deadliest disease you’ve never heard of. Frequently it begins with a cold, flu, urinary tract infection or a simple open wound. Bacteria invade the body, infection quickly sets in and multiple organs begin shutting down. About one-third of those who develop it will die.

The disease is called “sepsis,” and it affects adults and children of all ages and backgrounds. Muppets creator Jim Henson, Pope John Paul II, actor Christopher Reeves and recently a 20-year-old Brazilian fashion model are among those who have died from it.

Salem Hospital and the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) are hosting a free sepsis forum at 6:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 7.

 The forum will be held at the CHEC, located on the Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Registration is encouraged (call 503-814-2432 or visit www.salemhospital.org/chec).

In North America, more than 1 million people a year develop sepsis, according to the medical journal Critical Care Medicine.

That number is expected rise due to factors such as an aging population and overuse of antibiotics, which encourages the growth of resistant bacteria.

 “Many people are simply unaware of this significant health issue. Sepsis doesn’t have the public visibility of cancer, stroke or heart disease, and our goal is to educate people about the signs, symptoms and relevant risk factors. Early detection and treatment are critically important,” says Dr. Steven Marvel, sepsis expert and critical care specialist at Salem Hospital.

Dr. Marvel is the primary speaker at the June 7 sepsis forum. Other speakers include Sierra Schneider, RN, sepsis coordinator for Salem Hospital; a former sepsis patient who was treated successfully; and a family member of another sepsis patient.

 Among the topics discussed will be the early warning signs for sepsis—which include chills, fever, rapid heartbeat and breathing, nausea or vomiting, confusion or dizziness, skin rash and decreased urination.

“It’s important to recognize these signs and get medical help immediately. It could save your life, or the life of a loved one,” says Dr. Marvel.

2011-05-26

A Dallas High School senior and a Central High School senior each received a $1,000 scholarship from the West Valley Hospital Auxiliary for their education in medical or health-related fields.

Brittney Caudill, Dallas High School, will be attending the University of Oregon to study radiology or pathology.

Zachary McClure, Central High School, will be attending Oregon State University to pursue a dental orthodontics career.
 
The West Valley Hospital Auxiliary awards two scholarships every year. The Auxiliary raises scholarship funds through book, candy, coffee, flower and jewelry sales. The West Valley Auxiliary is a volunteer group that is dedicated to the hospital and community.

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. As a part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center, Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, and Surgical Specialty Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services. For more information, visit westvalleyhospital.org.
 

2011-05-11

Salem — Thriving beyond cancer is the focus of a free, two-day workshop for women who are survivors of breast, ovarian or other women's cancers. Sponsored by Salem Cancer Institute, the event will be held Friday and Saturday, May 20 and 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Building D of the Salem Hospital campus.

The workshop features instructors Becky Olson and Sharon Henifin, co-founders of Breast Friends®, a local organization dedicated to helping women survive the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis. Both Olson and Henifin are breast cancer survivors and are sharing their experiences to inspire other women to overcome fear, balance their lives and set priorities to help achieve their dreams.

To register, call the Salem Hospital Community Health Education Center at 503-814-CHEC (2432). Complimentary breakfast and lunch are provided both days.

Salem Cancer Institute, which is affiliated with OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, is a part of Salem Health. Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley.

For more information about the Salem Cancer Institute, call 503-562-4321.  To learn more about Breast Friends, visit breastfriends.com.

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2011-05-09

Salem — Imagine meeting your new gynecologist for the first time outside of the clinic, without stepping on the scales or changing into an exam gown.

This month, five patient-doctor meet-and-greet events will give Mid-Valley women a chance to meet four gynecologists without having even one exam. The events are scheduled between the dates of Tuesday, May 17, and Wednesday, May 25, at community locations in Salem, Keizer and Dallas. Women interested in meeting the doctors—Stacy McCarty, Lindy McLandress, Greg Mallek and Lisa Rice can register online at MyDocMatch.org or call 503-814-4480.

Each woman that registers will have five minutes to talk with each physician. The gynecologists are hosting the events — thought to be the first their kind in the Northwest—to help women find a doctor that’s right for them.

“I’m excited about the innovative approach Salem Health is taking toward meeting the health needs of our community,” said Dr. McCarty. “It’s a great opportunity to connect with a patient in a more comfortable and less formal setting.”

Patients who find a match with one of the specialists can schedule a first visit at one of the doctors’ two clinics—on the Salem Hospital campus, or at West Valley Surgical Specialty Clinic in Dallas. Dr. McCarty says the first visit is typically a one-hour appointment where she focuses on getting to know her new patient and establishing a relationship. During the visit, she also learns about her patient’s medical history and completes a gynecological exam. 

Willamette Health Partners Obstetrics and Gynecology opened in October of last year. Dr. McCarty and her three colleagues are part of the 12 primary-care and specialty physicians Salem Health has brought to the Mid-Valley through its new medical group since late 2009. The health system is working to address a community shortage of physicians by recruiting new doctors to Willamette Health Partners and other area physician groups.

Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2011-05-06

Salem — Learn more about Mid-Valley mental health resources, get free mental health screenings and tour Salem Hospital’s recently remodeled Psychiatric Medical Center at the hospital’s first-ever mental health resource fair, Saturday, May 14, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The free community event is open to anyone with mental health challenges, the friends and family members who support them, and community organizations that provide mental health support services. Organized by the Steppin’ Up Program (a part of Salem Hospital’s Psychiatric Medicine Center), the resource fair will include displays, exhibitor areas for mental health community organizations, mental health experts to answer questions, door prizes and more.

“The Mid-Valley is fortunate to have a number of mental health organizations, resources and support for people in the community with mental health needs,” says Debra Lamp, event organizer and coordinator of the Steppin’ Up Program, which provides many low-cost mental health classes and free support groups held at Salem Hospital’s Community Health Education Center. “This resource fair provides an important opportunity to have many of these organizations together in one location.”

Attendees also are encouraged to tour the Psychiatric Medicine Center, which has  finished its first major remodel since it was built in the early 1990s . The remodeled center  features renovated nurses’ stations to improve visual monitoring, updated patient bathrooms including ones that are handicapped accessible, snack and drink stations for patients to use independently, improved entrances for staff and visitors, and updated interior and exterior finishes. This is the only opportunity for public tours before the center begins accepting patients on Wednesday, May 18. 

“We’re looking forward to showing the community all the many patient-centered features of the new and improved Psychiatric Medicine Center,” says Dr. Robert Wolf, medical director of psychiatric services at Salem Health. “We have carefully and thoughtfully renovated the center with the latest in design and safety to help provide exceptional care.”

The resource fair  will be held at Salem Hospital’s Community Health Education Center (CHEC), 890 Oak St. SE, Building D. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast. The Psychiatric Medical Center is in Building E, one block east of the CHEC at 1127 Oak St SE. 

For more information about the event, call the CHEC at 503-814-2432.

Salem Hospital is a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley

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2011-05-05

It’s personal: How DNA-based therapies are transforming cancer care

Salem—What if your cancer treatment could be tailored to you, using your DNA? Learn about the future of cancer care from internationally renowned cancer researcher and oncologist, Dr. Brian Druker, on Thursday, May 19, at Willamette University.

Dr.  Druker, director of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and JELD-WEN Chair of Leukemia Research, helped revolutionize cancer treatment worldwide when he developed Gleevec®, a breakthrough drug now used to treat seven types of cancer.

Dr. Druker’s presentation will focus on the hopeful future of cancer care. His appearance in Salem highlights the successful partnership that Salem Health’s Salem Cancer Institute has formed with OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. The collaboration, which began in 2009, provides Salem area residents more access to new teams of health care providers and clinical trials. The partnership allows both providers to share expertise and resources, while avoiding duplicative services. The result is better patient care, a cost savings for patients and a cost savings for Oregon overall.

The free event is hosted by Salem Cancer Institute and will be held at Willamette University’s Roger’s Music Center at Hudson Hall. A small health fair will start at 5:30 p.m., targeted to those who want to learn how to prevent, treat, survive and support others with cancer.  Light refreshments will be served. Dr. Druker’s presentation will be between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.  University parking is available at Sparks Center. Registration or information is available online at salemhealth.org/chec, or by calling the Salem Hospital Community Health Education Center: 503-814-2432 (CHEC).

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2011-05-03

Whether you’re managing a chronic health condition or just having annual check-ups, you may have wished for a personal health assistant—someone to remind you what your doctor said at your last visit or prompt you to schedule your mammogram. Today, Salem Health launched an interactive online system that does this and more—helping its clinic patients communicate electronically with their care teams and take a more active role in their health care. MyChart is part of Salem Health’s advanced medical records system that reduces the chance of errors and increases patient safety; Salem Hospital is one of only 191 U.S. hospitals—3.5 percent—with systems this advanced.

Salem—Salem Health launched today a new, interactive electronic medical records system that allows patients to communicate with their care team and take a more active role in their health care.

“We’re excited to be able to offer this new benefit at no extra charge to our patients,” says Dr. Kyla Pepper, a family medicine physician with Salem Health's medical group, Willamette Health Partners. “Now my patients can contact me directly and I can check on how they’re doing with their health goals—even between visits.”

With the online system, MyChart @ Salem Health, patients of Willamette Health Partners clinics can safely and securely access their medical information. The system lets patients

• E-mail their health care providers
• Schedule or cancel appointments
• Access test results
• View records of past appointments, medications and immunizations
• Request prescription refills
• Track progress on health goals like blood pressure or pain level

The patient’s information is shared with the care team, and providers can be alerted when a symptom being tracked, like blood pressure, goes outside an acceptable range.

Salem Hospital and West Valley Hospital patients can access discharge instructions and their medication list once they leave the hospital.

MyChart @ Salem Health is part of Salem Health’s effort to become fully electronic and represents one of the final stages in this progression. Salem Health’s advancement in this initiative has made the local health system a leader in electronic medical records; Salem Hospital is one of only 191 U.S. hospitals—3.5 percent—that are at this stage. Becoming fully electronic means a reduced chance of errors and increased patient safety.

“Our leadership position in technology means we’re able to provide even better patient care,” says Joe DaFoe, a registered nurse and director of the Salem Hospital ER. “When patients can look up their instructions for follow-up care, they are more likely to take their medicine correctly and recognize signs that they need extra help. This helps them avoid dangerous complications and recover more quickly.”

Willamette Health Partners patients can sign up for access to MyChart @ Salem Health at their next office visit or by calling for activation instructions. Patients receiving care at Salem Hospital or West Valley Hospital will be given activation instructions when they leave the hospital. For even more patient convenience, MyChart @ Salem Health is also available as a mobile app for iPhones. 

Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners, and other affiliated health care organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2011-05-02

Salem - To promote awareness, regular exams and the importance of early detection, Salem Cancer Institute at Salem Hospital is offering a free head and neck cancer screening to the community on Saturday, May 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Screenings are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Just arrive at the first floor of Building C on the Salem Hospital Campus during free screening hours.

The screening is quick and painless, and includes a personalized evaluation of risk factors, a careful examination of the neck, throat and mouth for signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer, and an opportunity to ask questions and learn how you can reduce your risk.

According to the National Cancer Institute, tobacco and alcohol use are the most common risk factors for head and neck cancers.

However, other factors such as genetics, poor dental hygiene or exposure to certain viruses may also present risks.

Symptoms may include a lump or sore in the mouth that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing, or a change or hoarseness in the voice.

Head and neck cancers account for approximately 3 to 5 percent of all cancers in the United States.

Salem Cancer Institute, which is affiliated with OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, is a part of Salem Health.

 Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon mid-Willamette Valley.

For more information, call Salem Cancer Institute at 503-562-4321. ###

2011-04-19

West Valley Hospital will be conducting a disaster planning drill between 9 a.m. and noon on Tuesday, April 19. This is a drill to test evacuation preparedness should the hospital need to be vacated in the case of earthquake, fire or other disaster scenario. During the drill, normal hospital operations will not be impacted.

2011-04-04

Salem — Kids and parents who want to make positive, long-term changes in eating and exercise can register now for a 10-week program focuses on positive, educational techniques — along with fun-filled physical activities.

The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital is partnering with Salem area Boys and Girls Clubs to offer BodyWorks, designed to help kids ages 8 through 15 and their parents learn strategies for healthier eating, weight management and better fitness.

Bodyworks begins Monday, April 11 and ends Monday, June 20. Families will attend a weekly educational meeting held 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays at the CHEC—offered in English and Spanish. In addition, there will be two or more days a week of physical activity at a Salem area Boys and Girls Club.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432). Cost for the class is $100, and scholarships of $50 are available for children in financial need or who are enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan.

Nearly 2 out of 3 children in Marion County are overweight or obese. This puts them at risk for serious, chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. Being overweight also can lead to issues with self esteem and depression especially with older kids and teenagers.

BodyWorks was developed by the Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, way to promote healthy lifestyles for families.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2011-03-28

Salem — Willamette Health Partners Obstetrics & Gynecology will be hosting “Tea with an MD” to discuss pre-menopause on Saturday, April 9, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., in the Creekside Room, Building D, on the Salem Hospital campus. 

Pre-menopause topics will include common concerns of women in the 35-50 age range such as hot flashes, mood swings and menstrual changes. Dr. Gregory Mallek, an obstetrician and gynecologist with Willamette Health Partners, is the featured speaker for Saturday’s event. A panel with Willamette Health Partners gynecologists will conclude the program with opportunities for questions and answers. 

The event is the second in the Women’s Health for a Lifetime speaker series. The series will continue on Sept. 24 with a talk on the effects of a healthy lifestyle on fertility.

The event is free but pre-registration is required. Registration can be done online at http://www.salemhealth.org/chec where registrants will be entered into a prize drawing. Or you can call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Salem Hospital campus is located at 890 Oak St. SE. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast. 

Willamette Health Partners is a part of Salem Health which includes SalemHospital, WestValleyHospital, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s WillametteValley. 

2011-03-18

Salem Health is participating in “I Love ME!” Marion County, an initiative aimed at making Marion County healthier.

Please join us on the front steps of the Oregon State Capitol on March 22 at noon for brief remarks, followed by a walk around the Capitol Mall that will be led by legislators, leaders of the community, and Marion County residents. Your participation, can help energize our community in fighting the epidemic of obesity and diabetes.

Burn calories with us and then enjoy a healthy light lunch.

2011-03-17

DALLAS, Ore. – Active seniors 65 and older can register now for West Valley Hospital’s Better Balance and Fall Prevention class to be held March 28 to May 20, in the West Valley Hospital conference room, 525 SE Washington St., in Dallas. The 16 one-hour classes are held Mondays and Fridays (except one Thursday, April 14 and Tuesday, May 17) from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $48. For registration, call 503-814-CHEC (2432) or go online to http://salemhealth.org/chec.

“West Valley Hospital’s innovative therapy and balance program was just what I needed,” says Dorothy Allison, 82, who was referred by her physician to the balance program because of its close-to-home convenience, staff expertise and equipment. “I can’t tell you what it means to get moving again!”

Statistics reveal that 70 percent of emergency room visits by those over the age of 75 are related to falls, and 200,000 elderly people fall and fracture hips each year. More than 50 percent of falls occur at home and are the leading cause of home accidental deaths. Falls often result in loss of strength and range of motion, leading to more falls.

“We’re all at higher risk of falling as we age, but taking preventative action can decrease the risk, especially for those with history of strokes, fear of falling, inner ear problems or those who have had accidents making them more susceptible to falls,” says Cindy Neth, physical therapist assistant, West Valley Hospital Rehabilitation Services. “This class teaches safety measures, as well as exercises, to improve balance and increase muscle flexibility and strength. Our goal is to help people stay safely in their own homes by preventing falls.” 

Class participants must live independently in the community, not have had more than two falls in the last six months, not currently use a walker (cane is acceptable), and should check with their physician for approval (unless they have previously taken a balance class) prior to signing up for the class. The class includes seated, standing and walking exercises, with work on strength, flexibility and balance. An active class, participants are encouraged to work at their own individual pace and take breaks as needed. The class is taught by West Valley Hospital physical therapists Troy Hattan and Cindy Neth. They can be reached at 503-623-7305 for more information.

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center, Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, and Surgical Specialty Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services. For more information, visit westvalleyhospital.org or westvalleyhospital.org/specialtyclinic.

2011-03-17

Salem — Help your child prepare to be home alone for the first time with “When I Am in Charge,” to be presented on Thursday, March 24, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., in the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital. 

This class aims to help kids develop critical thinking techniques to act safely, and think responsibly. Children ages 8 to 11 will learn how to deal with a variety of situations from phone calls to peer pressure. Take-home activities are included for children and their parents to complete. Parents are encouraged to join the class for the final half hour of activities.

“When I Am in Charge” will be held at the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast. The cost of the class is $10 and pre-registration is required. To register, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

This class is offered in cooperation with the Willamette Chapter of the American Red Cross. 

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. 

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2011-03-08

A car fire in the Salem Hospital parking garage this afternoon caused serious damage to only three vehicles, thanks to a quick response by the hospital's security and maintenance teams. No one was hurt or injured in the fire.

A visitor’ Crown Victoria parked on the roof of the garage ignited due to an unknown cause. Security officers spotted the flames in a matter of minutes and called Salem Fire Department at 2:11 p.m.; which arrived at the garage at 2:14 p.m. Security and Maintenance staff also responded to the scene to keep people at a safe distance.

While the fire department was bringing the hose up the south stairwell to fight the fire, the heat intensified. Two cars belonging to employees were damaged by the heat; one employee’s car was totaled. Security is notifying the visitor and both employees whose cars were involved.

2011-03-08

Salem —  Good posture, body mechanics and exercise are essential to maintaining a healthy back.  The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital will be offering a Health Back class on Friday, March 18, from 1 to 2 p.m., to help you learn how to keep your back strong and decrease the risk of injury.

Offered in conjunction with the Salem Spine Center and taught by an experienced physical therapist, the class will include easy-to-follow strength and flexibility exercises that will help you continue doing the activities you enjoy. A bone density screening will be included for each participant in the class at no extra charge. This screening is in the heel area and requires a bare foot.

The cost for the class is $5 and advance registration is required.  To reserve a spot, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The class will be held at the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capital Street Southeast.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2011-03-04

Salem—Parking garage elevators at Salem Hospital are currently out of service, with repairs expected to take several days.

Until repairs are complete, the following services are in place:

·         Patients and visitors can call Security Dispatch (503-814-0311) for rides to their cars parked on level 2 or above. Or, they can push the emergency button located next to the stairwell on each level of the garage. Rides are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

·         Signs are in place asking that patients and visitors who can use stairs park on level 2 or above.

·         A parking area on the first floor is for people with limited mobility. Directional signs are in place.

Employees are being asked to park in their usual parking spaces. Employees with difficulty walking can call Security Dispatch for a ride to their cars parked in the parking garage.

The hospital asks that everyone be alert for patients or other visitors who may need assistance, and help them call for a ride.

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2011-03-01

Salem Health invites you to attend its “Back Talk” Back Pain Fair and Forum on Thursday, March 10, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., at the Kroc Center in Salem. 

This free event brings together a host of back-related experts and includes an informational fair with health screenings and forum presentations to help you find your path to back health and an improved lifestyle. The forum concludes with a panel of local experts prepared to answer your back health questions.

“There will be something for everyone,” says Dr. Maurice Collada, neurosurgeon. “Attendees will hear a variety of case studies and get a better understanding of how physicians approach treating neck, back and spine issues.”

The spine-specific health fair, scheduled from 5 to 6:30 p.m., provides attendees an opportunity to get a good feel for their back health through bone density, ergonomic and posture screenings. Therapists will also help attendees test their balance, minimize back pain when cooking, recommend back methods and tools for doing daily activities, and demonstrate exercises to promote back health.

Dr. David Hook, Salem Rehabilitation Associates physiatrist, Dr. Collada and Dr. Ahmed Ebeid, Comprehensive Pain Center pain management physician, will present from 6:30 to 8 p.m. They will address common diagnoses and treatments for spine conditions that range from simple strains to complex neck and back pain issues.

“Back Talk” concludes with a panel discussion from 8 to 8:30 p.m. Salem Health’s featured speakers are joined by Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center’s Julie Tucker, physical therapist, to answer back health questions.

The forum is free and everyone is welcome. Registration is required. To register, call 503-814-CHEC (2432) or go online to http://salemhealth.org/chec. The Kroc Center is located at 1865 Frey Dr. NE in Salem.

Part of Salem Health, the Salem Spine Center, Comprehensive Pain Center, Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center and Community Health Education Center (CHEC) joined forces to host this educational, community event.

Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2011-03-01

Salem — The Salem Hospital Foundation scholarship application for half-time or full-time students in medically-related fields of study is now available.

Applicants must be a resident of Marion, Polk or Yamhill County, must have applied to a college in their field of healthcare study before applying for this scholarship, and must have completed all prerequisite classes.

For a link to the scholarship application, visit http://salemhospital.org/foundation, click the “About Us” tab, and then click on “Scholarship” on the left-hand site. Or, contact Greta Mauze at greta.mauze@salemhealth.org.

Applications must be post-marked by May 13, 2011, to be considered. Final selections will be announced by June 30, 2011. Please contact the Foundation office at 503-561-5576 if you have any questions.

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2011-02-25

Palliative care helps ease pain and suffering for patients with life-threatening illness

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Regence Foundation recently awarded $250,000 to Salem Hospital to implement a hospital-based palliative care program with a special emphasis on patients receiving care from the Salem Cancer Institute. Palliative care is a medical specialty geared toward helping seriously ill patients find relief from the symptoms of their disease.

“When patients with serious illness talk about the kind of care and support they want, they often describe palliative care,” said Kieren Porter, Regence Foundation board chair. “The Regence Foundation seeks to increase awareness of the benefits of palliative care among patients and their families, as well as the medical community. Hospitals are a key component in making this type of care available to patients at any stage of diagnosis.”

The grant will fund the hospital’s implementation of the interdisciplinary plan it developed in 2010 with the help of a Regence Foundation grant that included training through the Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC), a national training and mentoring initiative to help hospitals start and expand high-quality palliative care programs.

“Palliative care is in demand right now,” said Cheryl Nester Wolfe, Salem Hospital’s chief operating officer. “The Regence Foundation grant will help us expand the program and offer medical evaluation and recommendations, psychosocial support, spiritual support, and contact with specially trained staff to as many as 600 patients and their families in the next two years.”

The grant is part of The Regence Foundation’s Sojourns grantmaking program to promote hospital- and community-based palliative care services. Through Sojourns, The Foundation aims to foster best practices, leadership and collaboration that help people with life-threatening and incurable illness to access quality palliative care in their own community.

Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

About The Regence Foundation

The Regence Foundation is the corporate foundation of Regence, the largest health insurer in the Northwest/Intermountain region and a nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. A 501(c)3 grantmaking organization, the Foundation partners with organizations driving significant change in health care delivery and accessibility in Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington. Through its Sojourns program, the Foundation also supports organizations advancing quality palliative and end-of-life care.  For more information visit www.RegenceFoundation.org or www.twitter.com/RegenceGives.

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2011-02-23

2011-02-23

DALLAS, Ore. – Registration is open for three popular Salem Health Community Health Education Center (CHEC) classes offered in March through video conferencing in the West Valley Hospital conference room, 525 SE Washington St., in Dallas.

Brain Agility combines seven weekly presentations on brain health with mental exercises designed by a psychologist to enhance the brain’s ability to remember, stay focused, and be aware and alert. Classes are held Thursdays, March 3 to April 14, from 2 to 3 p.m. Cost is $35.

American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training for youth (ages 11 to 15) is scheduled Saturday, March 5, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students learn basic child-care skills, first aid and safety issues, age appropriate behavior and play, and injury prevention. Cost is $35.
 
American Red Cross Adult CPR/AED with First Aid will be held Saturday, March 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $50. Participants in the American Red Cross classes will earn certificates upon completion.

Registration is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. To register for the CHEC classes at West Valley Hospital in Dallas, visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The CHEC and West Valley Hospital are a part of Salem Health, which includes Salem Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. For more information, visit westvalleyhospital.org.

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2011-02-21

The West Valley Hospital laboratory in Monmouth, located at the Northwest Human Services Total Health Community Clinic, is moving to the Monmouth Medical Center on Tuesday, March 1, 2011.

“This move was in the initial plans when West Valley Hospital set up the Monmouth Medical Center,” says Robert Brannigan, chief administrative officer of West Valley Hospital. “In the new location, services will expand to include non-Department of Transportation drug screen collections. Patients will also have an improved experience with the quality and comfort of the facility.”

West Valley Hospital laboratories serve Polk County in two locations: at the new Monmouth Medical Center location, and West Valley Hospital in Dallas. Both labs are fully accredited, providing collections and testing with healthcare provider referral required. Employment and self-referral drug testing is also offered.

The Monmouth Medical Center lab is located at 512 Main St., Suite 300.  Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed between noon and 1 p.m. Lab appointments are not required, but if you would like to schedule one, call 503-838-1388.  Physician referrals can be faxed to 503-838-1399.  The West Valley Hospital lab in Dallas, located at 525 SE Washington St., continues to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

West Valley Hospital’s Connections van transportation service provides free rides Monday through Friday to and from lab appointments. The van runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., serving Polk County residents in Dallas, Monmouth, Independence, Falls City and Rickreall. The service is wheelchair accessible.

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center, Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, and Surgical Specialty Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services. For more information, visit westvalleyhospital.org.

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2011-02-18

Join Dr. Barath Krishnamurthy, cardiologist, and Gayle Jolley, a Salem Hospital culinary educator, in the kitchen on Wednesday, Feb. 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) on the Salem Hospital campus.

The “Cardiologist in the Kitchen” class will feature a menu of tuna and white bean bruschetta, baby greens with caramel-apple vinaigrette, steak with pomegranate balsamic glaze, pesto green beans and dacquoise with mocha glaze.

Learn how to cook this heart-healthy meal in The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen at the CHEC. The cooking class is $20 and pre-registration is required.

 “A healthy diet and lifestyle are powerful weapons in fighting heart disease,” says Lori James-Nielsen, RN, director of Salem Hospital’s cardiovascular services. “We’re excited that Dr. Krishnamurthy and Ms. Jolley are willing to share their cooking talents to show the community how to cook healthy meals to improve heart health.”

Dr. Krishnamurthy treats patients at Salem CardioVascular Associates and enjoys cooking. He received his medical degree from the University of Maryland and completed cardiology and interventional cardiology residencies at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. He is board-certified in both Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology.

Jolley is one of the CHEC’s star culinary educators who enjoys preparing meals with full flavor while limiting excess fat and sodium. She will teach you how to cook with heart-healthy principles in mind. 

To pre-register, go to salemhospital.org/chec or call the Community Health Education Center at 503-814-CHEC (2432).

Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2011-02-15

Salem — A seven-week program proven to help smokers quit begins Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital, and through video conferencing at West Valley Hospital.

Developed by the American Lung Association®, “Freedom from Smoking,” runs Wednesday, Feb. 23 through April 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. Freedom from Smoking has been the leading adult smoking cessation program for over 25 years. This program will show you how to develop your own quit-smoking plan and will help you quit smoking in a supportive setting. All classes are taught by an instructor trained by the American Lung Association. 

The Salem program will be held at the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.  

The Dallas program, held at West Valley Hospital, will be held with the class at Salem Hospital, using videoconferencing. West Valley Hospital is located at 525 SE Washington Street NE, in Dallas.  

The cost of the seven-week, eight-session program is $120.00, and advance registration is required. Many insurance companies including Oregon Health Plan may offer benefits related to smoking cessation or nicotine replacement. Please check with your insurance company for coverage details. To register, visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and West Valley Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes Salem Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. 

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2011-02-14

On Thursday, Feb. 17, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Salem Hospital’s heart and vascular services team hosts the annual Heart Fair and Forum. Held at Salem Hospital, the free event features a tour of the hospital’s comprehensive heart services, health information booths and a presentation about cardiac nutrition.

The heart and vascular services tour and information fair are from 6 to 7 p.m. The short tour will include information on cardiac rehabilitation, stress testing, cardiac and vascular ultrasound and cardiac monitoring. At the information fair, attendees will learn how sleep affects heart health, how to measure your body mass index and how exercise can lead to better health.

At the forum presentation and question-and-answer session, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Dr. Raghu Kamineni, cardiologist, will discuss “Cardiac nutrition: fact vs. fiction.”

The Heart Fair and Forum will begin at Salem Hospital Heart and Vascular Services located at the north entrance of Building B on the Salem Hospital campus. Parking is available at the Building B north entrance, in the hospital parking structure or under Building A.

Pre-registration is required for this free event. To pre-register, go to salemhospital.org/chec or call the Community Health Education Center at 503-814-CHEC (2432). For a complete calendar of Heart Month events, go to salemhospital.org/cardiac.

“This is an opportunity for the community to ask questions and learn how to live more heart-healthy,” says Lori James-Nielsen, RN, director of  Salem Hospital’s heart and vascular services. “Making healthier lifestyle choices can help prevent heart disease.”

Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2011-02-10

DALLAS, Ore. – West Valley Surgical Specialty Clinic, providing gynecology services and general surgery, is now serving Polk County.

“We’re now able to offer specialty services to residents of our community in a new office located conveniently close to West Valley Hospital,” says Robert Brannigan, chief administrative officer of West Valley Hospital. “We’re starting with two gynecologists and our local general surgeon, Dr. Alison Smith. By bringing specialists to the community, we’ll give local residents the option to stay close to home for these services.”

The new gynecologists provide treatment and surgery for disorders of the reproductive and urological systems, including family planning, evaluation and treatment of pelvic pain, symptom control for perimenopause and menopause, urinary and fecal incontinence, abnormal periods and STD treatment. 

Joining the clinic are gynecologists Dr. Lindy McLandress and Dr. Lisa Rice. Dr. McLandress attended medical school at the University of Washington in Seattle, Wash. Dr. Rice attended medical school and completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Neb. 

Dr. Alison Smith, surgeon, has moved her practice from West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic to the new West Valley Surgical Specialty Clinic. Dr. Smith provides colonoscopies, in addition to surgery for a wide range of needs such as breast cancer, gall bladder, biopsies and appendectomies.

The West Valley Surgical Specialty Clinic is located at 591 SE Clay St. in Dallas, near West Valley Hospital. Gynecology appointments are initially available on Wednesday mornings at the clinic and general surgery appointments are scheduled Mondays and Thursdays. Appointments are scheduled by calling 503-831-0784.  Physician referral may be required and can be faxed to 503-814-8018.

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area.

A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center, Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, and Surgical Specialty Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services. For more information, visit westvalleyhospital.org or westvalleyhospital.org/specialtyclinic.

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2011-02-09

The public is invited to free rides and a fun-filled educational health exhibition at Salem Riverfront Park on Saturday, Feb. 12, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Hosted by Salem Hospital’s heart and vascular services and Community Health Education Center, “Family Day at the Carousel” provides an opportunity for kids of all ages and their families to enjoy free carousel rides while learning about heart health and healthy living. 

In addition to free carousel rides, families can stroll through information booths and receive a free blood pressure check, test their strength and learn their body mass index. Experts from Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and the Community Health Education Center will provide tips on child health and wellness; share information on heart disease diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation; and discuss nutrition, diabetes, sleep health and more.

In addition to “Family Day at the Carousel,” Heart Month activities throughout February include opportunities for free health screenings, heart healthy culinary events, and educational forums.  For a full schedule of events, go to salemhospital.org/cardiac.

“Our second annual Family Day at the Carousel is a fun and educational event for all ages,” says Lori James-Nielsen, RN, director of heart and vascular services for Salem Health. “As people embrace heart health, we will build a healthier community.”

2011-02-08

2011-02-07

2011-02-04

Salem — Treat your favorite Valentine to candy and coffee — and support medical education for Mid-Valley students — at Salem Hospital Auxiliary’s annual benefit Valentine’s sale,Feb. 9 through 11.

See’s Candies and—new this year—Oregon Coast Coffee in 12 oz. packages will be offered for sale in the lobbies of Buildings C and D on Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE. Sale dates and hours in both locations are as follows:

• Wednesday, Feb. 9, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb.10, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Friday, Feb.11, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

Salem Hospital Auxiliary offers this and other benefit events throughout the year to support scholarships awarded annually to Mid-Valley students pursuing medically-related careers. In 2010, the Auxiliary awarded scholarships to 30 students totaling $31,500. Auxiliary members are community volunteers interested in supporting hospital care in the Mid-Valley area.

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2011-01-31

2011-01-27

2011-01-24

2011-01-24

In honor of national Heart Month in February and the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign, Macy’s and Salem Health are teaming up to help empower women to improve their heart health and stamp out heart disease. The public is invited to attend the fun-filled “Go Red in Your Own Fashion” event from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 29, at the Salem Center Macy’s.

The event will feature a red-themed fashion show and series of heart-related booths and activities that will appeal to all ages, backgrounds and interests. Everyone is encouraged to wear red!

The fashion show begins at 1 p.m. with a heart message by State Sen. Jackie Winters followed by Salem Hospital employees modeling red clothing and accessories provided by Macy’s. It will also include a cosmetics makeover demonstration by Macy’s.

For the event, Macy’s lower floor (furniture section) will be transformed into a fashion runway. Seating will be limited to the first 150 attendees, with standing room available. During and after the fashion show, guests can visit booths with activities, prizes, health screenings and cooking demonstrations while shopping.

This is the first time Salem Health and Macy’s have teamed up to create “Go Red in Your Own Fashion.”

“We are very pleased to partner with Salem Health on what will be a fun, informal and educational afternoon that focuses on helping women take care of their heart health,” says Deborah Jacobsen, group sales manager for the Salem Center Macy’s. “This is an important issue that affects all women, and we’re committed to helping get the word out to the community.”

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death for women. Nearly 500,000 American women die of cardiovascular disease each year.

“Women tend to be the caregivers in their families – taking care of everyone else first,” says Lori James-Nielsen, director of cardiovascular services at Salem Health. “Our goal is to educate and remind women to take care of their own heart health.”

Other Heart Month activities
 Salem Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Services and the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) are hosting heart-related activities and classes throughout February as part of national Heart Month. These events are open to the public and include free health screenings, healthy heart culinary programs, a fun-filled and educational Family Day at the Carousel and educational forums on diabetes and heart health.

Heart Month events include (* registration required):
• Culinary Rx: Eating for Your Heart’s Sake, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m., $20*
• National Wear Red Day health screenings, Friday, Feb. 4, 9 a.m. to noon, Free
• Culinary Passports: Valentine Dinner cooking class, Wednesday, Feb. 9, 5:30-8 p.m., $26*
• Healthy Hearts Educational Support Group, Thursday, Feb. 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Free
• Family Day at the Carousel, Salem Riverfront Park, Saturday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Free
• Heart Fair & Forum and Heart and Vascular Services open house, Salem Hospital, Bldg. B, north entrance, Thursday, Feb. 17, 6-8:30 p.m., Free*
• Culinary Passports: Gorgeous Grains cooking class, Friday, Feb. 18, 5:30-8 p.m., $26*
• Cardiologist in the Kitchen, Wednesday, Feb. 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m., $20*
• Heart-Healthy Brunch, Sunday, Feb. 27, noon to 2:30 p.m., $26*
• Community Chef Showcase, Monday, Feb. 28, 5:30-7:30 p.m., $20*

 Unless otherwise noted, all classes are at the CHEC on the Salem Hospital campus, Building D. For additional details, or to register, visit salemhealth.org/cardiac or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

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2011-01-17

2011-01-03

Salem — Willamette Valley Midwives recently received the distinction of “best practice” from the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). The distinction was earned for achieving the lowest percentage of Cesarean sections and highest percentage of vaginal births among similar size practices in the United States.

Among the midwifery group’s patients last year, 95 percent experienced vaginal births versus only five percent who required cesarean sections. Nationally, vaginal births account for only 68 percent of all deliveries each year. For low-risk pregnancies, vaginal births almost always result in a safer experience for mother and baby as well as more positive outcomes in recovery.

The annual benchmarking project by the ACNM compares practices of similar size to identify clinical and operational practices that lead to best outcomes. The project provides members with an opportunity to evaluate their practices against others and look for ways to improve.

“The experience level of our midwives, collaboration with the Salem Hospital Family Birth Center and the use of clinical practice guidelines have all contributed to this achievement,” says Dr. Judy Marvin, executive medical director for Willamette Health Partners. “This is a testament to our master’s level midwives and their commitment to providing our patients with the best possible care.”

The midwives deliver their patients’ babies at the Salem Hospital Family Birth Center and work together with the obstetrician hospitalists to offer 24/7 support. This gives their patients the assurance that an obstetrician will always be available in the event one is needed.

“Our midwives have an excellent relationship with the OB hospitalists at Salem Hospital,” says Marvin. “Our teamwork with them offers our patients the whole continuum of care in a safe setting.”

The Willamette Valley Midwives clinic is located at 1285 Liberty St. SE in Salem. For more information, visit WillametteHealthPartners.org/midwives or to make an appointment, call 503-562-4040.

Willamette Valley Midwives is part of Willamette Health Partners which is a group of Salem Health-employed providers. Salem Health also includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-12-22

2010-12-16

On Dec. 20, Salem Hospital’s outpatient heart and vascular services will begin a move to one central location—Building B on the Salem Hospital campus. Patients will have “one-stop shopping” for their cardiac needs with cardiac team members providing comprehensive heart care in one convenient location.

Cardiac diagnostic services

 On Monday, Dec. 20, the following services will be open on the first floor of Building B, north entrance. They move from their existing locations on the Salem Hospital campus.

• Cardiac holter and event monitors
• Cardiac ultrasound
• Pulmonary function testing
• Stress testing
• Vascular ultrasound

Patients will continue to check in at the Building A information desk and will be escorted to the new location or receive a walking map to the Building B, north entrance.

Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services

On Monday, Jan. 3, cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation will open on the first floor of Building B, north entrance. Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation will move from the Regional Rehabilitation Center location on Center St. to the new location on the Salem Hospital campus.

Cardiac rehabilitation patients and pulmonary rehabilitation patients can check in directly at the Building B, north entrance, reception desk.

“This move is part of our overall commitment to continually look for ways to better serve our cardiac patients,” says Lori James-Nielsen, director of cardiovascular services at Salem Hospital. “By having our team of experts in one location, we’ll be able to provide our patients with more coordinated, comprehensive care – which ultimately results in better outcomes.”

You can find a map and parking directions for Building B at salemhospital.org/cardiac. Patients affected by the change have been contacted by Salem Hospital staff. Patients with questions can call 503-561-4000.

Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-12-16

Salem — The Oregon Department of Human Services has given Salem Hospital Level II Trauma Center accreditation, a designation which allows more of the mid-Willamette Valley’s seriously injured patients to receive treatment closer to home at Salem Hospital.

“Our ability to care for these patients comes with a huge amount of cooperation from the community’s physicians, and tremendous dedication of resources by Salem Hospital,” says Dr. Nicole Van Der Heyden, medical director for Salem Hospital Trauma Services.

The hospital was previously a Level III Trauma Center, which meant the more seriously injured patients from areas surrounding Salem were transported to Portland for treatment. The change to Level II Trauma Center comes after ten years of work to increase the capacity and capability of Salem Hospital to care for trauma patients This work has also improved patient care across the hospital.

Among the changes Salem Hospital has made are the following:

• Adding a trauma services department with dedicated trauma surgeons that specialize in the care of severely injured patients. A number of community general surgeons continue to provide trauma coverage at Salem Hospital.
• Increasing operating room efficiency. “A major factor in increasing OR efficiency has been an anesthesiologist-in-charge position that we created in partnership with Oregon Anesthesiology Group—which allows greater flexibility in OR availability,” says Dr. David Holloway, chief medical officer for Salem Hospital.
• Increasing capacity of emergency services, intensive care, neuro-trauma care and imaging services, and increasing availability of blood products.
• Improving availability of specialty care providers. Salem Hospital worked with Hope Orthopedics to recruit an orthopedic traumatologist and with Salem Cardiovascular Associates to recruit two vascular surgeons. The hospital also worked with Oregon Health & Science University for help with specialized surgical needs.
• Providing trauma training for nursing staff working in emergency department, intensive care and neuro-trauma care units. Dedicated trauma nurses are now available in the emergency department at all times.
• Improving communication with the trauma care team. New protocols help Salem Hospital manage transfer of patients from the site of a crash or from another hospital in a timely manner, while communicating with physicians and other team members from the operating room, intensive care unit, imaging and other areas.

Every trauma patient who arrives in the emergency department is met by a 10-member trauma team consisting of physicians, nurses and other support staff to ensure rapid evaluation and treatment of their injuries. Many trauma patients require additional services such as imaging, laboratory, blood bank, surgery and nursing care. In one unusual case, 200 hospital staffers and physicians cooperated to care for one trauma patient in the first six hours of treatment.

Salem Hospital has the busiest emergency department in Oregon, with 93,350 emergency visits last year. As a regional referral center, the hospital cares for patients not only from Salem and Keizer, but also from smaller communities such as Lincoln City, McMinnville, Woodburn and Detroit.

For more information on Oregon trauma hospital designations, visit Oregon Department of Human Services at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/ems/trauma/desiglvl.shtml.

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2010-12-09

Salem — Salem Cancer Institute at Salem Hospital has become one of only three cancer centers in the state to become a nationally accredited breast center.

The distinction came from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), which recognizes health centers that commit to providing the most efficient and contemporary care available for patients with diseases of the breast. The Salem Health Breast Committee, a team of cancer care professionals that meets monthly to discuss breast cancer issues, was instrumental in receiving the recognition.

“Breast cancer treatment is very much a team effort, and the process of seeking the NAPBC accreditation proved to be a rallying point for our Salem doctors and health professionals,” says Beth Dayton, MD, surgeon and chair of the Salem Health Breast Committee. “Salem Cancer Institute is second to none in terms of quality and breadth of medical care. We offer the peace of mind that comes with very personal support and coordinated care for our patients and their families.”

For patients, receiving care at an accredited center ensures access to comprehensive state-of-the-art services, a multi-disciplinary approach to coordinated care, information about clinical trials and new treatment options. 

Salem Cancer Institute serves over 300 breast cancer patients from across the mid-Willamette Valley each year. Oregon has some of the highest breast cancer rates in the nation and Marion County averages 223 new diagnoses of invasive breast cancer cases each year.
 
Salem Cancer Institute is a part of Salem Health which includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Salem Cancer Institute is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit salemcancercare.org, e-mail cancer.institute@salemhealth.org or call 503-562-4321.

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2010-12-06

Salem — Dec. 6, 2010 — Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine welcomes Patricia Otis, MD, and Kyla Pepper, MD, to its practice group in Salem. Dr. Otis joins Rashanda Brown, MD, and Anna Techentin, MD, at the family medicine clinic located in Building C on the Salem Hospital campus at 890 Oak St. SE. Dr. Pepper joins Paul Angleton, MD, Susan Corzilius, MD, and Caroline King, MD, at the family medicine clinic located at 2925 River Rd. South. Appointments with any of the Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine physicians can be made by calling 503-814-4400.

Dr. Otis attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center where she also completed her family practice residency. She went on to work as an emergency room and urgent care physician in several hospitals in Nebraska. Most recently she practiced family medicine at Philomath Family Medicine in Philomath, Ore.

Dr. Otis is accepting patients of any age but has a special interest in young adults. “I like to consider myself a safety net for my younger patients and their families by offering them a trusted resource they can rely on for health information and education,” says Otis.

Dr. Otis has a passionate interest in living well and taking advantage of all the northwest has to offer. She enjoys outdoor activities such as running, hiking and rock climbing.

Dr. Pepper received her medical degree from the Medical School for International Health at Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Beersheva, Israel, a collaborative school with Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. She completed her family practice residency at St. Mary’s Hospital and Wingra Family Medical Center in Madison, Wis. as part of the University of Wisconsin Family Medicine Residency program.

Dr. Pepper is accepting patients of any age but has a special interest in pediatrics and young families. She also provides obstetrics and gynecology care for her patients who request these services. Her medical philosophy includes taking a non-pharmaceutical approach whenever possible. “I like to show my patients all the options and help guide them to the best decision,” she says. “Often that entails a non-prescriptive solution that might offer the same results.”

Dr. Pepper is married and has a young daughter. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and the outdoors.

Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine accepts most health insurance plans and welcomes same-day appointments.

Willamette Health Partners is a part of Salem Health which includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. 
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2010-12-01

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) will host local chef and restaurant owner Treva Gambs on Monday, Dec. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., in The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen as part of their Chef Showcase series of cooking classes.

If you love Italian food then this is the class for you. Chef Treva Gambs will demonstrate two menus with a number of healthy Italian favorites from Gamberetti’s. The lunch menu includes: mixed green salad, zucca and wild mushroom penne, and lemon sorbet. The dinner menu includes: bruschetta, winter spinach salad, misto mare on linguini, and white chocolate napoleon. After the cooking, you’ll be able to sample the food and take home the recipes to try in your own home.  

The class will be held at the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

The cost of the class is $20 and advance registration is required. To reserve a seat, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-12-01

Salem — Beginning Monday, you’ll find beautiful poinsettias to spread holiday cheer — and support medical education for Mid-Valley students — at Salem Hospital Auxiliary’s annual benefit poinsettia sale, Dec. 6 through 8.

A variety of poinsettias — red, burgundy pink, white, variegated and more — will be offered for sale in the lobbies of Buildings A and C on Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE. Prices range from $15 for a 6.5-inch pot of five to six blooms up to $45 for a three-plant planter. Sale dates and hours in both locations are as follows:

• Monday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  
• Tuesday, Dec. 7, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  
• Wednesday, Dec. 8, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capital Street Southeast.

Salem Hospital Auxiliary offers this and other benefit events throughout the year to support scholarships awarded annually to Mid-Valley students pursuing medically-related careers. In 2010, the Auxiliary awarded scholarships to 30 students totaling $33,000. Auxiliary members are community volunteers interested in supporting hospital care in the Mid-Valley area.

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2010-11-30

Salem — To help kids learn basic child-care skills, the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital will offer the Red Cross Babysitter Training on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m..

This course, developed by the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross, is for kids ages 11 to15. Students learn basic child-care skills, first aid and safety issues, age appropriate behavior and play, and injury prevention. The class is hosted by Salem Hospital in cooperation with the Willamette Chapter of the American Red Cross.

The class will be held at the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast. The cost of the class is $35 and advance registration is required. To register, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-11-29

Salem — Nov. 29, 2010 — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) will hold a cooking class on Wednesday, Dec. 8, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., focusing on healthy holiday desserts and appetizers.

As part of the CHEC’s Culinary Rx class series, Registered Dietitian Dawn Gray and Wellness Chef June Hadlock will show you how to make (and let you sample!) some tasty and nutritious treats. 

The class will be held in the Gehlar Wellness Kitchen located in the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

Cost for the class is $20.  Space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-11-23

To better reflect current services, SHAPES at Salem Hospital and West Valley Hospital is changing its name to Salem Health Infusion and Wound Care — effective immediately.

The SHAPES acronym, which stood for Salem Hospital Parenteral and Enteral Services, is no longer an accurate reflection of the services provided. The terms “parenteral” and “enteral” each refers to procedures that have been replaced by modern methods. Infusion and wound care services are now provided at both Salem Health hospitals.

Infusion and Wound Care specializes in caring for patients with certain types of illnesses that require intravenous or other medical therapies, many of which used to require hospitalization. Patients who need this service are referred by a physician or other health care provider. The physician referral process, contact information and hours of operation remain the same for both Salem Health locations.

At Salem Hospital, Infusion and Wound Care is located on the Building C first floor, 890 Oak Street SE, in Salem. This location is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Salem Hospital patients with questions can call 503-561-5567.

At West Valley Hospital, Infusion and Wound Care is located at 525 SE Washington Street, in Dallas. This location is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and as needed on Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. West Valley Hospital patients with questions can call 503-831-3450.

2010-11-09

Get your questions about diabetes answered at the annual Diabetes Fair and Forum on November 18, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Wedel Auditorium in Building B at Salem Hospital. Priya Krishnamurthy, M.D., will present the Salem Hospital Foundation’s Campbell Diabetes Lecture on “Diabetes Essentials.” The event is free and registration is required.

The night begins with a health fair at 6 p.m. Attendees can learn about insulin pumps, meters, new diabetes treatments and the latest medications. Vendors will also be on site to answer questions regarding common diabetes products. At 7 p.m., Dr. Krishnamurthy will give a presentation on understanding and managing diabetes and preventing complications.

“Diabetes is a growing medical condition that many people don’t fully understand,” says Dr. Krishnamurthy. “This fair and forum will give insight into minimizing the progression of diabetes.”

Dr. Krishnamurthy specializes in cardiovascular risk reduction, insulin pump management, weight management, osteoporosis and hormone replacement therapy in women. In addition to her medical degree, she earned a masters in public health at Yale School of Epidemiology and Public Health and completed her research endocrine fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. She has worked at VA Medical Centers in Maine and Texas, Shore Health Systems in Maryland and most recently Physicians Building Group here in Salem.

The Diabetes Fair and Forum is free, but space is limited. To reserve a spot, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432). By pre-registering you will be entered into a prize drawing. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street SE and Capitol Street SE.

Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, the Community Health Education Center, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

2010-11-04

Salem Hospital has been awarded $40,000 through the PacificSource Community Health Excellence Initiative program to fund a project aimed at decreasing mortality and complications for patients who are at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE).

VTE is a disease which is a disease that includes both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in deep veins. If not treated, a part of the clot (embolus) can travel to the lungs and cause a life-threatening complication called pulmonary embolism (PE). Nationally, VTE is the most preventable cause of death in hospitalized patients.

Grant funding will provide salary support for a VTE coordinator at Salem Hospital. The coordinator will focus on performance improvement activities aimed at improving patient outcomes, promote community education and awareness and help the community identify gaps in resources for patients at risk for VTE.

PacificSource is an independent, not-for-profit community health plan that values partnership, service excellence, community, and personal relationships.  The Community Health Excellence Initiative program, which was launched in early 2009, allows PacificSource to support initiatives that are independently evaluated as having a significant impact for improving patient care.

2010-10-22

The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) is offering a seven-week Brain Agility program beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 2, from 9 to 10 a.m. and continuing Tuesdays through Dec. 14. The class is available at both Salem Hospital and West Valley Hospital.

The Brain Agility program combines weekly presentations on brain health with a unique program of mental exercises designed by a psychologist to enhance your brain's ability to remember, stay focused, be aware and be alert. Enjoy daily mental exercises covering a number of cognitive functions with increasing levels of difficulty to continue challenging your brain as it improves.

Participants at West Valley Hospital in Dallas, Ore. will be joining, via videoconference, a class being held at the same time at the Community Health Education Center located on the Salem Hospital campus.  Participants in Dallas will gather in the West Valley Hospital conference room. 

The cost for the Brain Agility program is $35 and is open to anyone in the community.  Space is limited, however, and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).
 
The Community Health Education Center , Salem Hospital and West Valley Hospital are part of Salem Health, which includes other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon's Willamette Valley.

2010-10-21

Salem — Willamette Health Partners opened a new obstetrics and gynecology clinic in Building C on the Salem Hospital Campus at 875 Oak St. SE. Four new physicians specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, and accepting new patients, are Gregory W. Mallek, MD, Stacy R. McCarty, MD, Lindy McLandress, MD, and Lisa Anne Rice, MD.

Willamette Health Partners physicians practice all aspects of obstetrics and gynecology and welcome female patients of any age. They enjoy caring for women through all phases of their lives from puberty through post-menopause. New patients are welcome and appointments can be made by calling 503-814-4480. The medical office accepts most health insurance plans.
 
Dr. Mallek attended medical school at Oregon Health & Science University and completed his obstetrics and gynecology residency at Magee Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, Penn. He has special interests in minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery, family planning and pelvic organ prolapse, a common condition among women that occurs when the pelvic organs fall from their normal position into the vaginal canal. He is married with three sons and enjoys karate, cooking and woodworking.

Dr. McCarty attended medical school and completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Kansas in Kansas City, Kan. She also had a private practice in Kansas City and has special interests in minimally invasive surgery and family planning. She has two boys and enjoys reading and traveling.

Dr. McLandress attended medical school at the University of Washington in Seattle, Wash. She completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Exempla St. Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, Colo. She has a special emphasis in family planning, abnormal bleeding and minimally invasive surgery. She enjoys trail running, skiing, camping and backpacking.

Dr. Rice attended medical school and completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Neb. She specializes in the use of robotic surgery as a minimally invasive alternative for complex laparoscopy. She enjoys reading and outdoor activities.

Willamette Health Partners is a part of Salem Health which includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. 

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2010-10-20

2010-10-20

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital will be offering a Qigong massage class for parents of autistic children, on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Louisa Silva, MD, will teach you how to give a proven 15-minute massage treatment to help calm your child, reduce tantrums and improve social skills and sleeping.  Dr. Silva integrates Chinese medicine with preventive medicine and public health. She received her medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. She is the lead researcher and trainer in the Qigong Sensory Training protocol.

The class will be held at the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast. The cost of the class is $15 and pre-registration is required. To register, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-10-20

West Valley Hospital’s fourth annual Family Health Fair and Forum is Thursday, Nov. 4, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at West Valley Hospital, 525 SE Washington St., in Dallas. The free family event will include fun activities, exhibits, seminars, refreshments, prizes and a visit from Santa.

Forum topics “Holiday safety issues and tips,” by Rebecca Lucas, DO, emergency medicine, and “Holiday food safety, nutrition and fitness ideas, and healthy lifestyle gifts,” by Inge Daeschel, registered dietitian, will be presented in the conference room at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively. To reserve a seat, call 503-623-7323. 

“Our goal is to help families enjoy the holidays and new year by providing tips and activities promoting life-long health and safety,” says Robert Brannigan, Salem Health vice president and administrator at West Valley Hospital. “We promise a fun and informative night for adults and kids alike.”

Pick up healthy tips and recipes while browsing displays, talk to hospital staff, get a free blood pressure check and free cholesterol screening, and enjoy a close-up look at a City of Dallas ambulance showcased outside the hospital. Families are encouraged to bring a camera to snap an early holiday photo with Santa.

A Nintendo Wii, free cooking class and free 30-minute Rehabilitation Services consultation will be given away in drawings at 8 p.m. Winners are not required to be present at the time of the drawings.

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical-access hospital serving the Polk County area with 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

2010-10-19

The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem
Hospital will kick off a new mental health education program with the class series “Change Your Thoughts; Change Your Mood” on Oct. 20.

“Change Your Thoughts; Change Your Mood” will teach you how to change anger patterns that can lead to negative consequences. This eight-week class series runs Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5 p.m., beginning Oct. 20 and ending Dec. 8. $20. 

The class will be held in the CHEC on the Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast. Advance registration is required. To register, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The classes are part of CHEC’s newest education program, “Steppin’ Up.” Steppin’ Up was created to help fill the need for mental health services that can educate and prevent the need for crisis intervention. The program and staff are supported by the Psychiatric Medicine Center of Salem Hospital. 

The classes complement Salem Hospital’s current mental health support group offerings which provide emotional, practical and information support. 

Other mental health classes and support groups this month at the CHEC include:

•  “From Sabotage to Success,” runs Oct. 22 through Dec. 17, Fridays, 9 to 10:30 a.m. $20. Learn more about mental health concerns and pathways to living the life you deserve. Free.
• Caregivers support group. For caregivers who need some TLC, Mondays, 10 to  11:30 a.m. Free.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder support group, Tuesdays, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Free.
• Bipolar support group, Tuesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Free.
• Depression support group, Thursdays, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Free.
• Anxiety support group, Thursdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Free.
• SMART Recovery, support group for addiction challenges, Wednesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Fridays, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Free.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

2010-10-18

Salem — Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine welcomes
Paul Angleton, MD, to its practice group located at 2925 River Rd. South. Dr. Angleton joins Susan Corzilius, MD, and Caroline King, MD, at the growing family medicine office. He educates his adult patients about their conditions and helps them to take ownership of their overall health.  Dr. Angleton accepts patients of all ages and especially enjoys pediatrics.

“I think it’s important to empower people to make the changes necessary to live a healthier life. It’s all about forming a partnership to help patients make their own decisions,” says Dr. Angleton.

Dr. Angleton attended the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Champaign/Urbana and Rockford, Ill. He completed his family practice residency at the University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics in Columbia, Mo. Most recently he served as lead physician at OSF Medical Group in Chillicothe, Ill. and also served as clinical instructor for family and community medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria.

Dr. Angleton is married and has two boys. He enjoys playing golf, softball, tennis, hunting and fishing and volunteers for Habitat for Humanity.

Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine has two locations in Salem with one at 2925 River Rd. South and another on the Salem Hospital Campus at 890 Oak St. SE. New patients are welcome and appointments can be made by calling 503-814-4400. The medical office accepts most health insurance plans and welcomes same-day appointments.

Willamette Health Partners is a part of Salem Health which includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.                                                                       

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2010-09-16

DALLAS, Ore. – West Valley Hospital Auxiliary invites the public to an affordable designer jewelry and handbag sale on Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the hospital conference room, located just off the hospital's front lobby.  The Auxiliary will receive 20 percent of the proceeds to benefit the Auxiliary Scholarship Fund.

The sale will feature the Miche Bag line of designer handbags using interchangeable outer shells, bringing versatility to change the look and feel of the purse without moving the contents.  Also featured will be Cookie Lee Jewelry, a unique, affordable fashion jewelry line. For product information, visit my.michebag.com and cookielee.com.

“This is a fun event for the community and great start on holiday shopping,” says Pat Cozad, West Valley Hospital volunteer coordinator. “The proceeds will boost our Auxiliary’s scholarship fund that helps deserving Polk County students.”

West Valley Hospital, located at 525 SE Washington Street in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical-access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

2010-09-15

Salem — Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine opened a second clinic today located at 2925 River Rd. South, Suite 110. Current providers Susan Corzilius, MD, and Caroline King, MD, moved their practice from the Salem Hospital campus to the new clinic on River Road. Rashanda Brown, DO, and Anna Techentin, MD, will continue at the Salem Hospital campus location at 875 Oak St. SE, Bldg. C, Suite 4090.

Dr. Corzilius and Dr. King provide all aspects of family medicine with particular interests in women’s health and pediatrics. Dr. King also specializes in acupuncture and is double board-certified in both family medicine and integrative holistic medicine. For patients who need X-ray, imaging services are available on-site.
New laboratory location

The new family practice clinic on River Road also includes laboratory services with the relocation of Salem Health Laboratories’ West Salem Patient Service Center. The lab is open for walk-in service Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. daily).

New patients are welcome at both family practice clinics and appointments can be made by calling 503-814-4400. The family practice medical offices accept most health insurance plans and welcome same-day appointments. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Willamette Health Partners is a part of Salem Health which includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-08-26

Salem — The Comprehensive Pain Center welcomes Chris Kleronomos to its group. Chris is a nurse practitioner and doctor of acupuncture and oriental medicine who will assist pain patients with standard and complementary pain management services.  Kleronomos comes from his private practice where he implemented integrative medical treatment plans as complementary therapy for chronic disease, cancer therapy and pain management.

“I believe in a truly integrated model of healthcare, drawing on knowledge substantiated by thousands of years of experience and incorporating it into modern science,” says Kleronomos. “I look at the systems of the body and the person as a whole, to individualize an approach to treatment which emphasizes addressing the root causes of illness.”

Kleronomos is double board-certified in family practice and acupuncture, and is a professionally registered herbalist. He is also one of the only doctoral level acupuncture and herbal medicine clinicians in the country. Kleronomos incorporates a multidisciplinary approach that includes the most current medical standards of care, as well as acupuncture and api-puncture, pneumatic therapy, guasha (a traditional Chinese healing technique), functional nutrition, and herbal medicine.

Kleronomos graduated as a nurse practitioner from Seattle University, and prior to that, with his doctorate of acupuncture and oriental medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, Wash. His prior experience includes being a staff acupuncturist/herbalist, serving as an expert on illegal wildlife trade use in traditional medicine and serving in a medical role for the U.S. Navy. He completed his undergraduate studies at Dominican University. He is married with two sons and enjoys camping, hiking and other outdoor activities.

The Comprehensive Pain Center provides Multi-D (multi-disciplinary) evaluations, interventional pain management, implantable solutions, medication management, complementary medicine and in-hospital pain management services. The pain center is located at 280 Liberty St. SE, Suite 320, in Salem. New patients are welcome with physician referral and appointments can be made by calling 503-562-6002. For more information, visit WillametteHealthPartners.org/paincenter.

The Comprehensive Pain Center is a part of Willamette Health Partners, which is a part of Salem Health. Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
                                                                     

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2010-08-25

Salem — Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine welcomes
Caroline King, MD, to its practice group located on the Salem Hospital campus. Dr. King joins Rashanda Brown, MD, Susan Corzilius, MD, and Anna Techentin, MD, at the growing family medicine office. Dr. King practices all aspects of family medicine with particular interests in women’s health and pediatrics. She also has a specialty practice of acupuncture and is double board-certified in both family medicine and integrative holistic medicine.

“Offering acupuncture gives me another ‘tool in my toolbox’ to help treat a variety of conditions in both adults and children,” says Dr. King.

Dr. King attended Warwick Medical School in the United Kingdom and completed her family medicine residency at the University of Michigan. She also completed her integrative medicine fellowship at the University of Michigan while teaching medical students and residents, learning the art and science of acupuncture and developing her family medicine practice. Dr. King is married with two sons and enjoys running, biking, kayaking, skiing and horseback riding. She moved to Oregon to be close to nature while enjoying these outdoor pursuits.

Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine is located at 875 Oak St. SE, Bldg. C, Suite 4090, on the Salem Hospital campus. New patients are welcome and appointments can be made by calling 503-814-4400. The medical office accepts most health insurance plans and welcomes same-day appointments.

Willamette Health Partners is a part of Salem Health which includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
                                                                      

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2010-08-25

Salem — Salem Hospital Bariatric Surgery Center has been named an American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence®, recognition of a demonstrated a track record of favorable outcomes. Salem Hospital is the fifth hospital in Oregon and the only hospital in the Mid-Valley to earn the designation.

In Marion County, 64 percent of Marion County adults are overweight or obese. Morbid obesity is closely correlated with a number of serious conditions that severely undermine the health of overweight patients, including heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Bariatric surgery, when performed correctly, can help obese patients manage these conditions.

“More and more primary-care doctors understand that bariatric surgery is about improving health, not just about weight loss,” says Rajan Nair, M.D., medical director for Salem Hospital Bariatric Surgery Center.

This increased recognition means more employers are choosing plans that cover the surgery for their employees. Many insurances companies such as Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon, PEBB, CIGNA , Medicare and Medicaid, require their members to use a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. People who have the surgery need regular follow-up appointments and support with required lifetime changes in lifestyle, so having surgery close to home is an important consideration.

To earn the designation, Salem Hospital’s Bariatric Surgery Center and its surgeons, Rajan Nair, M.D., and Catherine Boulay, M.D., must comply with rigorous standards. The hospital underwent a site inspection during which all aspects of the program’s clinical processes were closely examined and data on health outcomes was collected. Centers receiving the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence designation also agree to continue to share information on clinical pathways, protocols and outcomes data.

For more information about the Salem Hospital Bariatric Surgery Center, or to attend a free information session, call 503-561-5286 or visit salemhospital.org/bariatric.

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2010-08-19

DALLAS, Ore. – Active seniors 65 and older can register now for West Valley Hospital’s Better Balance and Fall Prevention class to be held Sept. 27 to Nov. 19, in the West Valley Hospital conference room, 525 SE Washington St., in Dallas. The 16 one-hour classes are held Mondays and Fridays (except two Tuesdays, Oct. 19 and Nov. 16) from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $48. For registration, call 503-814-CHEC (2432) or go online to http://salemhealth.org/chec.

“West Valley Hospital’s innovative therapy and balance program was just what I needed,” says Dorothy Allison, 82, who was referred by her physician to the balance program because of its close-to-home convenience, staff expertise and equipment.  “I can’t tell you what it means to get moving again!”

Statistics reveal that 70 percent of emergency room visits by those over the age of 75 are related to falls, and 200,000 elderly people fall and fracture hips each year. More than 50 percent of falls occur at home and are the leading cause of home accidental deaths. Falls often result in loss of strength and range of motion, leading to more falls.

“We’re all at higher risk of falling as we age, but taking preventative action can decrease the risk, especially for those with history of strokes, fear of falling, inner ear problems or those who have had accidents making them more susceptible to falls,” says Cindy Neth, physical therapist assistant, West Valley Hospital Rehabilitation Services. “This class teaches safety measures, as well as exercises, to improve balance and increase muscle flexibility and strength. Our goal is to help people stay safely in their own homes by preventing falls.” 

Class participants must live independently in the community, not have had more than two falls in the last six months, not currently use a walker (cane is acceptable), and should check with their physician for approval (unless they have previously taken a balance class) prior to signing up for the class. The class includes seated, standing and walking exercises, with work on strength, flexibility and balance. An active class, participants are encouraged to work at their own individual pace and take breaks as needed. The class is taught by West Valley Hospital physical therapists Troy Hattan and Cindy Neth. They can be reached at 503-623-5763 for more information.

2010-08-19

Salem — Aug. 18, 2010 — From the psychological to the physical, get ready for a rehabilitation workout. Rehab Week, with the theme “Rehabilitation: Empowering your mind, body and wellness,” runs from Friday, Sept. 10 through Friday, Sept. 17. More than ten free classes, taught by rehabilitation experts, will give you an opportunity to reflect, recharge and rejuvenate.

The week kicks off with Dr. Rick Hanson, neuropsychologist, discussing “stress-proofing” your brain for inner peace. Dr. Hanson is the author of “Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Love, Happiness and Wisdom.” He will share how emotions affect your brain, how changes in your brain impact your immune system and what you can do to improve your psychological well-being. The forum, held at the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) on the Salem Hospital campus, is on Friday, Sept. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Additional Rehab Week classes at the CHEC include:

Mon., Sept. 13, 5-7 p.m., “Cooking with arthritis,” by John Fisher, occupational therapist

Mon., Sept. 13, 5:30-6:30 p.m., “Yoga for kids and parents,” by Britt Collins, occupational therapist

Mon., Sept. 13, 5:30-6:30 p.m., “Cultivating happiness,” by Ruth Leibowitz, PhD, psychologist

Tues., Sept. 14, 11 a.m.–noon, “Bouncing mamas,” by Kelley Clark, physical therapist and Dawn Melvin, physical therapist assistant. This class is for post-delivery mothers wanting to recondition their bodies safely.

Tues., Sept. 14, 5:30-6:30 p.m., “Tai Chi for balance,” by Linda Ward, physical therapist and Dina Triest, social worker

Wed., Sept. 15, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., “Fall prevention,” by Julie Pflug, physical therapist

Wed., Sept. 15, 5:30-6:30 p.m., “Practical stress management,” by Steve Besing, PhD, psychologist

Thurs., Sept. 16, 1:30-2:30 p.m., “Mindfulness meditation,” by Kate Morris, PhD, psychologist

Thurs., Sept. 16, 5:30-6:30 p.m., “Strategies and exercises for individuals with Parkinson’s disease,” by Jason Gough, physical therapist; Cathy Wilson, occupational therapist; Nicole Collings, speech therapist

Fri., Sept. 17, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., “Infant massage,” by Shannan Murphy-Barlow, occupational therapist

 “Rehab Week provides opportunities for all ages to enrich themselves—both mind and body,” says Kate Morris, PhD, Salem Hospital psychologist. “Rehabilitation services cover a broad spectrum of care throughout the lifespan. This week we offer the community an opportunity to experience several forms of this care.”

Rehab Week classes are free. Space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The CHEC is located on the Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

The Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center provides acute, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation as part of Salem Health. Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, the Community Health Education Center, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
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2010-08-10

Salem — Salem Hospital today announced a purchase agreement with the State of Oregon on its intent to purchase the former site of the Oregon School for the Blind at a price of $6 million, following a period of due diligence.

Once the sale is final, the hospital plans to consider public and neighborhood input relative to long-term development of the 8.37-acre site, located at 700 Church Street, as it updates its campus plan. Salem Hospital’s most likely use for the property in the next five years is partial development for a parking lot. Preliminary design concepts have taken into consideration the ideas of area neighbors (fact sheet follows).

“When the State of Oregon chose to sell the property, it made sense for us to consider a purchase,” says Norm Gruber, CEO of Salem Health. “Since Salem Hospital is land-locked, the property could allow the hospital more flexibility in meeting the health care needs of future generations.”

Salem Hospital has a 60-day period of due diligence to fully investigate the property. During this period, the hospital will complete detailed engineering, survey, title, cost and other studies to confirm the property is suitable for its needs. If Salem Hospital is satisfied with its review of the property, the sale could be final as early as mid-October.

Fact Sheet: Salem Hospital’s preliminary plans for former site of Oregon School for the Blind

Salem Hospital’s most likely use for the former site of the Oregon School for the Blind in the next five years is partial development for a parking lot. Although plans could change as more information about the property becomes available, Salem Hospital’s understanding of the ideas of area neighbors and the City of Salem has contributed to the following design concepts:

1. Phased development. Development could be phased in over time, with the first part of the site being developed over the next year.
2. Preservation of Pringle Creek. Preliminary designs show a potential walkway along Pringle Creek, opposite from Pringle Park, along with a planted area as a buffer between the creek and parking areas.
3. Proposed Salem greenway. Preliminary designs offer options to fit with a proposed Salem greenway connecting five city parks.
4. Fit with surrounding neighborhood. Preliminary designs include a setback from the sidewalk, planted with trees and shrubs.
5. Historical considerations. Salem Hospital respects the site’s historic use and will further research appropriate commemoration once the sale is final.

Salem Hospital hopes to work cooperatively with neighbors and the City of Salem in developing the property after the sale is final. Those with feedback or insights to offer are invited to contact Salem Hospital Community Relations at cr@salemhealth.org or 503-561-5269.

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2010-08-05

Salem — Help your child prepare to be home alone with “When I am in Charge,” to be presented on Wednesday, Aug. 11, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., in the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital.

Offered in cooperation with the Willamette Chapter of the American Red Cross, this class aims to help kids make smart and safe decisions when they are home alone. Children ages 8 to 11 will learn how to deal with a variety of situations from phone calls to peer pressure.  Take-home activities are included for children and their parents to complete. The class was developed locally by the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross.

The class will be held at the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast. The cost of the class is $10 and pre-registration is required. To register, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-07-29

Salem —  The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital will be offering Training Camp for New Dads on Monday, Aug. 9, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. 

Designed for expectant dads or dads with babies up to three months old, the class lets the guys get together — along with a skilled facilitator and an experienced dad and baby when possible — to talk about what it’s like being a dad. This class will leave you more confident in your ability to be a great dad! 

The class will be held at the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast. The cost of the class is $20 and pre-registration is required. To register, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-07-26

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical-access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

2010-07-23

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital is partnering with the Willamette Chapter of the American Red Cross to offer a six-hour Basic Aid Training class for kids ages 8 to 12 on Monday, Aug. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The class will help kids learn about emergency action steps and first aid procedures.

The Basic Aid Training covers injury prevention including bicycle, car, and water safety as well as avoiding drugs and other harmful substances.  Students receive a Basic Aid Training certificate upon completion.

The class will be held at the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast. The cost of the class is $20 and advance registration is required. To register, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-07-22

Salem — A seven-week program proven to help smokers quit begins Monday, Aug. 2, at the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital.

Developed by the American Lung Association,  “Freedom from Smoking®,” takes place Mondays, beginning Aug. 2 and running through Sept. 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.
 
Freedom from Smoking has been the leading adult smoking cessation program for over 25 years. This program will show you how to develop your own quit-smoking plan and will help you quit smoking in a supportive setting. All classes are taught by an instructor trained by the American Lung Association. 

The cost of the seven-week, eight-session program is $120.00, and advance registration is required. Many insurance companies including Oregon Health Plan may offer benefits related to smoking cessation or nicotine replacement. Please check with your insurance company for coverage details. To register, visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).
 
The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-07-22

Salem — Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine and the Community Health Education Center are offering complete high school sports physicals for $10. The physicals will take place at half-day clinics set up at area high schools throughout the month of August. The schedule of sports physical clinics is as follows:
 
 Tuesday, Aug. 3  
 9 a.m. – noon   
 McNary High School  
 595 Chemawa Rd.  
 Keizer    

 Tuesday, Aug. 10  
 9 a.m. – noon   
 Sprague High School  
 2373 Kuebler Rd. S.  
 Salem    

 Monday, Aug. 16
 1 – 4 p.m.
 West Salem High School
 1776 Titan Drive NW
 Salem

 Tuesday, Aug. 17
 9 a.m. – noon
 West Salem High School
 1776 Titan Drive NW
 Salem
 

No appointments are necessary to receive a sports physical at any of these half-day clinics. Payment will be accepted only by cash or check made payable to Salem Hospital. Students must bring a parent or guardian to their physical exam and their sports pre-participation examination form, which can be obtained from the student’s school. For more information on the $10 sports physicals, please contact Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine at 503-814-4400 or the Community Health Education Center at 503-814-2432 (CHEC).

Willamette Health Partners and the Community Health Education Center are a part of Salem Health, which includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-07-19

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) will be holding a cooking class in The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen focused on the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. 

Part of the CHEC’s Culinary Rx class series, “Take Your Diet to the Mediterranean” will be taught by Salem Hospital dietitian, Dawn Gray and will take place on Wednesday, July 28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Discover how a balance of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish and healthy fats can improve your health and decrease your risk for chronic disease. Whether you are eating for disease prevention or to improve your cholesterol level, this class is right for you. After the demonstration, you’ll be able to sample the food and take home the recipes to try in your own home.

The class will be held in the Gehlar Wellness Kitchen located in the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

Cost for the class is $20.  Space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-07-14

Salem — Spanish cuisine calls upon many ingredients that are familiar and well liked in America, but are prepared in unexpected ways. Come learn how to cook delicious Spanish cuisine with a cooking class at the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) on Wednesday, July 21, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Part of the CHEC’s Culinary Passport class series, this cooking class is titled “Springtime in Spain with Gayle Jolley.” Local epicure Gayle Jolley will demonstrate the preparation of dishes such as Spaghetti with Chorizo and Saffron, Grilled Shrimp with Romesco, Roasted Fingerlings and Asparagus with Red and Yello Pipérade, and for dessert, Basque Chocolate Torte with Cherry Preserves. Samples will be provided.

This cooking class will take place in the Gehlar Wellness Kitchen located in the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

The cost for the class is $20.  Space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-07-13

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) will host owner and chef Matt Bennett from Sybaris Restaurant on Monday, July 19, from 6 to 8 p.m., in The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen as part of their Chef Showcase series of cooking classes.

Sybaris is a well known restaurant in Albany where local and fresh foods are used to create their changing menu. Chef Bennett will be preparing a tasty meal including Irina’s Russian Vichyssoise, Chinook Salmon “Filet Mignon” with Firecracker Green Tomatoes and Grapefruit Granite. After the demonstration, you’ll be able to sample the food and take home the recipes to try in your own home!

The class will be held at the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.
The cost of the class is $20 and advance registration is required. To reserve a seat, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-07-13

DALLAS, Ore. – Gregory R. Bear, MD, has joined West Valley Hospital’s growing Imaging Services, serving the Polk County community.  As permanent diagnostic radiologist, Dr. Bear reads imaging studies including X-ray, CT, MRI, bone density, ultrasound and mammograms for diagnosis.

“As we continue to expand medical services to grow with the needs of Polk County, we’re committed to adding the best technology and medical technologists to our growing and talented staff,” says Robert Brannigan, chief administrative officer of West Valley Hospital.  “Dr. Bear brings credentials, experience and a reputation for excellent patient care.”

Prior to West Valley Hospital, Dr. Bear was Director of Diagnostic Imaging at Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport, Ore. and staff radiologist at Three Rivers Community Hospital in Grants Pass, Ore.  A resident of Newport since 1998, Dr. Bear commutes daily to Dallas.  He enjoys spending free time with his children, as well as painting, drawing, art history, travel, automobilia, movies and a wide range of music.

Dr. Bear is certified in diagnostic radiology with the American Board of Radiology and National Board of Medical Examiners. He served his residency in diagnostic radiology at Oregon Health Sciences University, following an internship in internal medicine at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. He earned his medical degree at Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, IL.  He also earned a degree in art history at Northwestern University.

“I’m pleased to be a part of West Valley Hospital because of its great reputation and continued investment in state-of-the-art technology and services,” says Bear. “I really enjoy diagnostic imaging because it is very visual and spatial, with a wide variety of modalities and subject matter. It’s always challenging.”

West Valley Hospital, located at 525 SE Washington Street in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

2010-07-13

The 2010 West Valley Hospital Foundation employee campaign wrapped up June 30, and the final numbers are in. Hospital employees contributed $16,631, exceeding the campaign goal of $16,000.

This is the sixth year the Foundation has held an employee campaign, and each year hospital employees have generously contributed to Foundation funds including Connections Van; building and equipment; scholarships and professional development; and where the need is greatest.

“The support among our dedicated staff for the work and mission of West Valley Hospital is an inspiration,” says Lane Shetterly, Foundation board chair. “When employees give their own money, it says the hospital is more than just a place to work. It says this is a family that cares about the people and the families they serve.”

In the past, the West Valley Hospital Foundation has funded surgical equipment, patient assistance for mammograms, video conferencing, the Connections Van and scholarships for students or employees pursuing health care careers.

The West Valley Hospital Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors which includes Chair Lane Shetterly; Vice Chair Carrie Casebeer; Secretary/Treasurer Phil Walker; and Directors Sam Collins, Charles Essex, M.D., Jim Fairchild, Donna Graham, Becky Jacroux, Sue Lamb, Bruce Lattin, Amy Lowery, Ben Magill, Jennifer Moran, and Mitch Ratzlaff.

For more information about the Foundation, call 503-831-3456, or visit www.westvalleyhospital.org/foundation.

2010-07-09

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital is offering a seven-week Brain Agility program beginning on Tuesday, July 13, from 9 to 10 a.m. and continuing Tuesdays through August 24.

The Brain Agility program is designed to help you keep a healthy and youthful brain.  Weekly presentations on brain health are combined with a unique program designed by a psychologist to enhance your brain's ability to remember, stay focused, be aware, and be alert. Enjoy daily mental exercises covering a number of cognitive functions with increasing levels of difficulty to continue challenging your brain as it improves.

The brain agility class will be held at the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

The cost for the Brain Agility program is $35 and it is open to anyone in the community.  Space is limited, however, and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432). 

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-07-09

Salem — Learn about healthy living as you age with a five-week class series beginning Monday, July 19, at the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital. 

“The Mastery of Aging Well” will be held Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Aug. 16. Topics will include memory difficulties, medications, food as medicine, depression and physical activity in later life. This class is sponsored in partnership with the OSU Extension Service and AARP.

Classes are held at the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

This series is offered free and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).
 
The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-07-01

Salem — Enjoy a Friday night out—learning healthy cooking at “An Evening in the Backyard Kitchen,” hosted by the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) on July 9, from 6 to 8 p.m., in The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen.

This cooking class will feature Salem Health Executive Chef Sean Roe preparing a variety of summer dishes: grilled balsamic-vinegar asparagus, barbecue baked beans, farmers-market salad and mixed-grill kabobs—with summer-berry shortcake for dessert. After the demonstration, you’ll be treated to the class’s menu for dinner at the Creekside Café and receive copies of the recipes to make at home.

The CHEC is located on the Salem Hospital Campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

The cost of the class is $25 per person and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

2010-06-28

2010-06-23

DALLAS, Ore. – West Valley Hospital Registered Dietitian Inge Daeschel has co-authored a textbook for early childhood educators titled Nutrition, Health and Safety for Young Children: Promoting Wellness. The book provides a comprehensive understanding of the nutrition, health and safety needs of young children from birth through 8 years of age.

“Providing children with best care possible and teaching wellness as they grow is important,” says Daeschel, a mother of four. “Authoring this book has been very rewarding and a culmination of many years of professional experience, research and education.”

Daeschel has worked with West Valley Hospital’s Food and Nutrition Services since 1998 providing medical nutrition therapy to patients referred by their doctors for chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, high blood cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. She also works with the Oregon State University Human Development and Family Sciences Child Development Laboratory as health and nutrition coordinator, and the Polk and Benton County WIC (Women, Infants and Children) programs, providing high-risk nutrition counseling. 

In the book, Daeschel contributed the text on nutrition, including information about balanced diets for infants and young children. She also offers strategies for managing common nutrition concerns of young children, such as feeding the picky eater, addressing food allergies, and how to get children to eat more fruits and vegetables.

The book provides future teachers practical, easy-to-understand information that will prepare them to serve young children and their families in the family child care, childcare center, preschool and primary school or early elementary school setting. Real-life case scenarios are woven throughout the chapters with practical information, tips and teaching tools. Co-authors are Joanne Sorte, Director of the OSU Child Development Lab, and Dr. Carolina Amador, pediatrician at the Community Health Centers of Benton and Linn Counties.

The textbook is available now on Amazon.com, at college bookstores and from publisher Pearson (www.pearson.com), the global leader in education publishing.

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

2010-06-18

DALLAS, Ore. – West Valley Hospital offers a free breastfeeding support group for nursing moms and their babies on Thursdays from 1:30-3 p.m. at 525 SE Washington St. in Dallas.

Meeting in a private, comfortable, living-room-type setting, moms who want assistance and support with nursing their infants have the opportunity to talk to other moms, weigh their babies, and receive breastfeeding support and guidance from a nurse lactation specialist.

Registration is not required and all moms, no matter where they delivered their baby, are welcome to attend. Moms are encouraged to leave older children with family or friends so they can focus on the baby’s feeding. For more information, call 503-562-5338.

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

2010-06-17

DALLAS, Ore. – West Valley Hospital has added state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to its suite of services available to Polk County residents. The MRI service is available to patients Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Dallas hospital. A physician’s referral for an MRI can be made to West Valley Hospital’s Imaging Services at 503-623-7302.
 
“It is important that we offer medical services that are as convenient and comfortable as possible for our patients at West Valley Hospital,” says Imaging Services Supervisor Kevin Wright. “Now we can provide state-of-the-art MRI diagnostic procedures right here in Dallas, close to home.”

MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses a combination of a powerful magnet, radio frequencies and a computer to produce highly detailed images without using radiation. The machine enables doctors to view organs and structures within the body to assist in diagnosis and treatment decisions for patients experiencing headaches, neck and back pain, knee and shoulder pain, strokes and transient ischemic attack (TIA). The procedure requires no patient preparation and takes less than one hour.

West Valley Hospital’s all-digital services also include a CT scanner, an X-ray platform, a mammography system, a bone density scanner and an ultrasound machine.

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional health care services.
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2010-06-17

Salem Hospital has applied for the esteemed Magnet Recognition® through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The ANCC review team will be at Salem Hospital July 27-29. Currently only three hospitals in Oregon have Magnet status.

The Magnet designation recognizes excellence in nursing services. According to the ANCC, Magnet Recognition is the "highest and most prestigious international distinction a healthcare organization or hospital can receive for nursing excellence and outstanding patient care. It is considered a "gold standard" for healthcare.

Public comments welcome

Patients, family members, staff, and interested parties who would like to provide comments are encouraged to do so. Anyone may send comments via e-mail, fax, and direct mail. All phone comments to the Magnet Program Office must be followed up in writing. Your comments are confidential and never shared with the facility. If you choose, your comments may be anonymous, but must be in writing. Your comments must be received by July 16, 2010.

Address: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Magnet Recognition Program Office, 8515 Georgia Ave., Suite 400, Silver Spring, MD  20910-3492.
Fax:  301-628-5217
E-mail:  magnet@ana.org
Phone:  866-588-3301 (toll-free).

Salem Hospital has submitted information for the appraisers to review. That information is available for you to review 24 hours a day at the Community Health Education Center (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) on the Salem Hospital Campus, Building D; or the Security Office located in the ground-floor Emergency Dept. in Building A, 890 Oak Street SE.
During the on-site review July 27-29, the Magnet appraisers will talk with staff from throughout the hospital and also talk with patients.

Magnet and Salem Hospital

Salem Hospital has been building toward the Magnet designation for several years. “Ultimately the Magnet designation is a validation that we provide excellent patient care and that improving care is our continuing and consistent focus,” says Kristin Haydon, director of clinical excellence at Salem Hospital. “We are pleased that the ANCC accepted our hospital for a Magnet review.”

The Magnet designation came into being as a result of research in the 1980s during a severe national nursing shortage. Even during that shortage some hospitals were able to recruit and retain highly qualified nurses. The research shows that hospitals that hire clinically competent nurses and establish an environment in which nurses work collaboratively with one another and with physicians, provide the best care to the patients they serve.

2010-06-14

Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine welcomes Dr. Rashanda Brown to its practice group. Dr. Brown joins Dr. Susan Corzilius and Dr. Anna Techentin at the growing family medicine office. Dr. Brown treats all aspects of family medicine including women’s health, dermatology and pediatrics. She is accepting new patients.

“My philosophy is to make sure your family remains healthy and happy with comprehensive medical care in a pleasant, informative and efficient environment,” says Dr. Brown. “I am committed to the well-being of you and your loved ones and will care for you like my own family.”

Dr. Brown attended Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing, Mich., and completed her internship and residency at Botsford Hospital in Farmington Hills, Mich. She worked at Botsford Hospital teaching medical students and developed her family medicine practice before coming to Salem. Dr. Brown is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, the Michigan Osteopathic Association, the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and the American Academy of Family Physicians. She is married with two sons and enjoys crafting, cooking and dancing.

In addition to Dr. Brown, Dr. Corzilius and Dr. Techentin see patients of all ages. Dr. Corzilius takes a holistic approach with her patients as she considers the many facets of each patient. She had practices in New Hampshire and Southern California before coming to Oregon. She has three daughters and enjoys book collecting.

Dr. Techentin appreciates patients’ input and participation in managing their own health. She served as a physician in the US Navy in Guam and San Diego before coming to Salem. She enjoys time with her husband and three girls, swimming, gardening, baking and quilting.

Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine is located at 875 Oak St. SE, Bldg. C, Suite 4090, on the Salem Hospital campus. New patients are welcome. The medical office accepts most insurances and welcomes same-day appointments. To schedule an appointment, call 503-814-4400.

Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
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2010-06-14

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) will be holding a cooking class in The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen featuring low sodium solutions on Wednesday June 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Part of the CHEC’s Culinary Rx class series, the low sodium solutions cooking class will be taught by Salem Hospital dietitian Dawn Gray and will focus on adding flavor to your meals without excess salt and fat. The class will include heart-healthy nutritious solutions such as chicken and blueberry pasta salad and tasty fish tacos.

The class will be held in the Gehlar Wellness Kitchen located in the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

Cost for the class is $20.  Space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).
 
The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-06-11

Salem — Good posture, body mechanics and exercise are essential to maintaining a healthy back. The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital will be offering a Healthy Back class on Friday, June 18, from 1 to 2 p.m. to help you learn how to keep your back strong and decrease the risk of injury.

Offered in conjunction with the Salem Spine Center and taught by an experienced physical therapist, the class will include easy-to-follow strength and flexibility exercises that will help you continue doing the activities you enjoy.
The class will be held at the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.
 
The cost of the class is $5 and advance registration is required. To register, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).
 
The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-06-08

Salem - The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) will host Chef Daryl Gossack from Loustic Catering on Monday, June 14, from 6 to 8 p.m., in The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen as part of their Chef Showcase series of cooking classes.

Chef Gossack will be preparing a tasty meal including an organic green salad with green onion vinaigrette, pork tenderloin with corn salsa, grilled vegetables with tzatziki and strawberry/mint granita. After the demonstration, you’ll be able to sample the food and take home the recipes to try in your own home just in time for Father’s Day!

The class will be held at the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

The cost of the class is $20 and advance registration is required. To reserve a seat, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-06-04

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) will hold a cooking class on Wednesday, June 9, from 6 to 8 p.m., as part of their Community Flavor series. You’ll learn about the different varieties of strawberries and their uses as well as the best u-pick spots and how to select and preserve the berries.

Recipes demonstrated will include strawberry rhubarb turnovers, strawberry breakfast cake, sweet and savory strawberry soup, and strawberry vinegar. In addition, you will also learn about other locally grown, in-season foods and how to select and prepare them. Samples of featured recipes will be provided as well as additional recipes to take home.

The class will be held at the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

The cost of this Community Flavor class is $20 and  advance registration is required. To register, go to http://salemhealth.org/chec or call the CHEC at 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-05-27

Salem — Celebrate offerings from local farmers’ markets and backyard gardens with a cooking class at the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) on Friday, June 4, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Part of the CHEC’s Culinary Passport class series, this cooking class is titled “Here Comes the Sun — Lunch in the Garden with Gayle Jolley.” Local epicure Gayle Jolley will demonstrate the preparation of dishes such as Spicy Asparagus and French Green Lentil Salad with Fennel, Devil’s Chicken Thighs with Braised Leeks and Dijon Mustard, and Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Strawberry-Rhubarb Compote. Samples will be provided.

This cooking class will take place in the Gehlar Wellness Kitchen located in the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

The cost for the class is $20.  Space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-05-27

Salem — In partnership with the South Salem Lions Club, Salem Hospital will offer four free health screenings—cholesterol screenings, blood pressure checks, body mass index screenings and bone density screenings—on Saturday, June 5, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.

A registered nurse will be present at the screenings to review your results with you. A 12-hour fast is required for the cholesterol screening.  

The health screenings will be held at the Community Health Education Center, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

All four screenings are free but advance registration is required. To register, please call 503-814-CHEC (2432).
 
The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-05-18

A Central High School senior and a West Salem High School senior each received a $1,000 scholarship from the West Valley Hospital Auxiliary for their education in medical or health-related fields. They were presented with their awards on Thursday, April 29, at West Valley Hospital, 525 SE Washington St., Dallas.

Jordan Marie Huffman, a 4.0 student at Central High School and a Monmouth resident, plans to study diagnostic medical sonography at Western Oregon University.
 
Allison M. McClain, a 3.9 student at West Salem High School and a West Salem resident, plans a pre-med degree at Oregon State University, with the goal of becoming an oncologist or neurologist.
 
Huffman and McClain were chosen by the Auxiliary from among 17 applicants. This is the first year the West Valley Hospital Auxiliary has awarded scholarships. The Auxiliary raises scholarship funds through a book sale, candy sale and jewelry sale.

2010-05-13

An Oregon Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (Flex) Grant of $10,000 was recently awarded to West Valley Hospital through the Oregon Office of Rural Health to purchase videoconferencing equipment. The West Valley Hospital Foundation contributed an additional $9,945 in matching funds to complete the project.  

The videoconferencing technology will provide two-way audio-visual communication linking West Valley Hospital to educational offerings held at other sites, such as the Community Health Education Center at Salem Hospital. The goal of the flex grant is to improve the quality of health care outcomes for Medicare patients through access to health education.  By fall, seniors living in Polk County will be able to go to West Valley Hospital and benefit from classes focusing on a variety of health topics. The equipment will also be used to bring outside continuing medical education offerings directly into the hospital for employees and physicians.  

“The West Valley Hospital Foundation is pleased to be able to partner with the Oregon Office of Rural Health to make this project possible,” says Foundation Chair Lane Shetterly. “Making high quality health education available right here at our local hospital will be a great benefit to the community.”  

The West Valley Hospital Foundation is committed to raising, managing and distributing funds to help West Valley Hospital achieve its mission of improving the health and well-being of the people and community it serves.  

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

2010-05-10

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) will be holding a cooking class focused on integrating healthy carbohydrates into your menus at home. Part of the CHEC’s Culinary Rx class series, “Healthy Carbs for a Healthy You” will be taught by Salem Hospital Dietitian and Diabetes Educator, Dawn Gray, and will take place on Wednesday, May 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
 
Learn the ins and outs of cooking with carbohydrates and how to fit healthy carbs into your meal plan. You’ll learn about good carbohydrates and bad carbohydrates and how to modify some of your favorite recipes to help improve health and better control blood sugar levels. A tasty, healthy meal will be prepared and you’ll be able to sample the results and take home the recipes to try in your own kitchen.
 
The class will be held in the Gehlar Wellness Kitchen located in the CHEC, Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.
Cost for the class is $20.  Space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).
 
The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-05-07

Spirit Mountain Casino has again signed on as the title sponsor for the West Valley Hospital Foundation’s 11th annual Moonlight and Vines fundraising event scheduled for Friday, Aug. 20, at BeckenRidge Vineyard.

All proceeds raised at the event will be used to support programs and services at West Valley Hospital, including scholarships for students pursuing healthcare careers.

At the event guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner while listening to the music of the Gaylon Jay Quintet, and bidding on a variety of silent auction items.

Gold sponsors are Capitol Auto Group, Meduri Farms and West Coast Bank, Dallas Branch. Silver sponsors are Bob and Lori Brannigan, Fowler Affiliates, and Lane and Francine Shetterly.

Tickets are $45 each. For tickets or more information about sponsorship opportunities, call the West Valley Hospital Foundation at 503-831-3456.

2010-04-30

Salem — As part of their Cinco de Mayo celebration during the month of May, the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) will be hosting a cooking class on Friday, May 7, from 6 to 8 p.m., in The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen.
 
Titled “An Evening in Mexico”, this class is part of the CHEC’s Friday Night Out series of cooking classes and will feature Salem Health Executive Chef Sean Roe who will prepare a variety of authentic Mexican dishes. After the demonstration, you’ll be treated to dinner at the Creekside Café featuring the recipes shown in class. You will also be able to take home the recipes to try in your own home.
 
The class will be held at the CHEC, Salem Hospital Campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

The cost of the class is $35 and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).
 
The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-04-27

The West Valley Hospital Foundation announces that 24 students in medical or medically related fields will be receiving scholarships for the 2010–2011 school year.  A total of $23,500 in scholarships was awarded to Polk County residents pursuing degrees in nursing and a variety of other medically related programs.

The Foundation is a charitable organization that supports programs and services at West Valley Hospital.  Its 15 member Board of Directors helps to raise funds and manage the resources of the Foundation.

Recipients for the 2010-2011 school year are: 

Dallas: Hilary Broadus, Melody Burke, Katherine Dick, Kerry Green, Ellen Holton, Drew Morrison, Michelle Pulliam, and Darcie Russie.

Falls City: Walter Dawson.

Independence: Susana Cervantes, and Katie Muncrief.

Monmouth: Carie Cyphers, Jordan Huffman, Mary Pflaum, Scott Shane, Ashley Weins, and Chelsea Weins.

Rickreall: Tiffany Marx.

Salem: Chris Bell, Heather Boone, Eric Coughran, Rebecca Hibner, Kyle Lenz, and Hayley Steele.

This is the third year that the Foundation has awarded scholarships.

For more information, contact Nani Darvell, West Valley Hospital Foundation, 503-831-3456.

2010-04-26

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) will host local Chef Pedro Rosales from La Margarita Co. restaurant on Monday, May 3, from 6 to 8 p.m., in The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen.
 
Part of the CHEC’s Chef Showcase series of cooking classes, this class will focus on traditional favorites including Mexican style rice, beans from a pot, salsa and chicken enchiladas.  After the demonstration, you’ll be able to sample the food and take home the recipes to try in your own home.
 
Chef Rosales opened La Margarita Co. in 1984 offering Salem the only restaurant with mesquite grilled food. Since then, La Margarita has become well known for its specialty Enchilandas Suizas and other family dishes Rosales has brought from Central Mexico.
 
The class will be held at the CHEC, Salem Hospital Campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.
The cost of the class is $20 and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).
 
The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-04-23

Salem — People with celiac disease can learn from experts about diagnosis and treatment for their condition at the free Gehlhar Nutrition Lecture on Thursday, May 6, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Salem Hospital.

Celiac disease is an immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. An estimated one percent of all Americans live with celiac disease, though most have never been diagnosed and are not receiving treatment (the gluten-free diet). Untreated celiac disease can have serious health consequences, including malnutrition, osteoporosis, neuropathy, and an increased risk certain types of cancer. 

The lecture, “Understanding Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance,” will be given by Dr. Lawrence K. Gates, Jr., of Salem Gastroenterology Consultants, and Denise Cedar, Salem Hospital registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. Dr. Gates is board certified in internal medicine, gastroenterology, and nutrition support and Denise Cedar specializes in medical nutrition therapy for celiac disease and gluten-intolerance.

The free lecture will be held at the Wedel Conference Center located on the Salem Hospital Campus, 890 Oak Street SE, Building B, basement. Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast. Advance registration is required and can be done by visiting http://salemhealth.org/chec or calling 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Gehlhar Nutrition Lecture is sponsored by a generous donation to the Salem Hospital Foundation by the Gehlhar family,

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-04-19

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) will host local Chef Gabe Stoltz from LifeSource Natural Foods on Monday, April 26, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen.

Part of the CHEC’s Chef Showcase series of cooking classes, this class will help you learn how to buy local ingredients and prepare them in an easy way. After the demonstration, you’ll be able to sample the food and take home the recipes to try in your own home.

The class will be held at the CHEC, Salem Hospital Campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available under Building A or in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

The cost of the class is $20 and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-04-13

Salem — Salem Hospital today announced the hire of a medical director to run its new adult hospitalist program, which is expected to increase access to primary-care physicians beginning Aug. 1.

Dr. Ismeth Abbas, who built and currently directs the highly respected hospitalist program at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo., will oversee the adult program at Salem Hospital. Additional hospitalists are currently being recruited.

Hospitalists are physicians who specialize in treating hospital patients. Salem Hospital’s new adult hospitalist program will employ internal medicine and family medicine physicians to offer specialized care to patients in the hospital, allowing the patients’ primary-care providers to see additional patients in their offices. Hospital patients will then return to their primary-care providers for follow-up care. Salem Hospital’s hospitalists will also care for patients without primary-care providers.

Salem Hospital currently contracts with a physician group based in Washington state for its hospitalist services; however, the contract is due to expire July 31.

Salem Hospital’s successful obstetric hospitalist program, which provides obstetricians for hospital delivery and prenatal care for women without obstetric providers, will serve as a model for the adult program.

2010-04-06

After an extensive nationwide search, Salem Health has hired Robert Brannigan as Chief Administrative Officer of West Valley Hospital and as a Vice President in the Salem Health organization. Brannigan will oversee the day-to-day operations at West Valley Hospital as well as its affiliate clinics, West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic and Monmouth Medical Center.

Brannigan previously worked six years for the St. Joseph Health System as chief operating officer (COO) and vice president at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, Calif., and as COO/nursing officer, vice president and site administrator of Redwood Memorial Hospital in Fortuna, Calif. Prior to that, he served as COO and chief nursing officer at several hospitals in Virginia and South Carolina for Hospital Corporation of America over an 11-year period. He has more than thirty years experience in hospital management. Brannigan has an MBA, a bachelor degree in Health Services Administration and a nursing degree. He has also served in the U.S. Navy.

"Bob is a great fit for our organization and brings with him a wealth of experience applicable to West Valley Hospital," says Norm Gruber, CEO of Salem Health. "His primary goal is to bring West Valley Hospital’s three-year strategic plan to fruition and work with the Salem Health organization to further develop our services in the Polk County area."

Brannigan’s management experience ranges from work in a 25-bed critical access hospital to managing 300-bed acute-care hospitals. In his career, he has been instrumental in physician recruitment, improving physician satisfaction, implementing a Lean operating system and improving hospital efficiencies.

Brannigan is involved in Rotary International and was named Rotarian of the year in 2005. He and his wife have purchased a home and will reside in the Dallas community.

West Valley Hospital, located at 525 SE Washington Street in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

2010-04-01

If you have back pain and don’t know where to turn, Salem Health invites you to attend its "Back Talk" Back Pain Fair and Forum on Thursday, April 15, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., at the Kroc Center in Salem.

Bringing together a host of back-related experts, this free event includes an informational fair with health screenings and forum presentations to help you find your path to back health and an improved lifestyle. The forum concludes with a panel of local experts prepared to answer your back health questions.

The fair, scheduled from 5 to 6:30 p.m., provides attendees an opportunity to get a good feel for their back health through bone density, flexibility, ergonomic and posture screenings. Therapists will also help attendees test their balance, give back tips about gardening, recommend back methods and tools for doing daily activities, and demonstrate exercises to promote back health.

Phil Haworth, physical therapist; Maurice Collada, MD, neurosurgeon; and Ahmed Ebeid, MD, pain management physician, will present from 6:30 to 8 p.m. They will address common diagnoses and treatments for spine conditions.

"Back Talk" concludes with a panel discussion from 8 to 8:30 p.m. Salem Health’s featured speakers are joined by Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center’s Diane Barker, occupational therapist; Trent Tompkins and Mark Kucey, physical therapists; Steve Besing, Ph.D., psychologist, and John Hook, MD, a Salem Rehabilitation Associates physiatrist, to answer back health questions.

"It is common for people with consistent back pain to get frustrated over a long period of time," says Dr. Collada. "Attendees will get information on navigating the maze of health care options for their back pain issues. It is a great opportunity to learn how to go about getting on the right track for back care."

Haworth is a physical therapist at the Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center with a focus on sports-specific training and rehabilitation.

Dr. Collada is medical director of the Salem Spine Center. As a neurosurgeon, he specializes in spinal and intracranial disorders.

Dr. Ebeid is the medical director of Salem Health’s Comprehensive Pain Center. He is an anesthesiologist with extensive experience in the highly specialized pain management field.

The forum is free and everyone is welcome. To register, call 503-814-CHEC (2432) or go online to http://salemhealth.org/chec. The Kroc Center is located at 1865 Frey Dr. NE in Salem.

Part of Salem Health, the Salem Spine Center, Comprehensive Pain Center, Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center and Community Health Education Center (CHEC) joined forces to host this educational, community event.

The Salem Spine Center is a service that coordinates with referring physicians, patients, spine specialists and surgeons to accelerate patient treatment for neck, spine and back problems. For more information on the Salem Spine Center, go to salemspine.org or call 503-561-BACK (2225).

The Comprehensive Pain Center specializes in pain management. Through medication consultation, interventional procedures and its Multi-D program, where patients visit multiple pain experts all in one day, patients get help to move beyond pain to an improved lifestyle. For more information on the Comprehensive Pain Center, go to salemhealth.org/paincenter or call 503-562-6002.

The Pain Rehabilitation program at the Regional Rehabilitation Center addresses physical, emotional/spiritual and environmental aspects of pain. Tailored to specific patient needs, care is coordinated and may include aspects of physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychology and more. For more information on the Regional Rehabilitation Center, go to salemhospital.org/rehab or call 503-561-5986.

Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-03-31

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) will hold an educational and culinary class on Wednesday, April 7 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. as part of their Community Flavor series of cooking classes. Salem Hospital Executive Chef Sean Roe and Weight Watchers Ambassador Jena Hedding will team up to share tips and ingredients that will have you enjoying burgers and fries in a healthy new way —  big on flavor but not on your waist. The class will be held at the Community Health Education Center located on the Salem Hospital Campus, 890 Oak St. SE., Building D, first floor.

Chef Sean Roe attended the Scottsdale Culinary Institute – Le Cordon Bleu and has put his training to work in healthcare culinary management. Jena Hedding lost 115 pounds with Weight Watchers more than five years ago and continues to maintain her weight with healthy eating habits and exercise. 

The cost of this Community Flavor class is $20 and pre-registration is required. To pre-register, go to http://salemhealth.org/chec or call the Community Health Education Center at 503-814-CHEC (2432). Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-03-29

Salem — Salem Cancer Institute is offering a free event on Saturday, April 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., “Targeting Cancer with Education and Awareness.” The all-day event includes free health screenings, culinary and educational classes, and support groups, with participation from community partners.

“We’re excited to offer this first annual free event for our community to increase local cancer awareness,” said Andi Petrone, Salem Cancer Institute program coordinator. “Whether you’re a community member, cancer survivor, currently undergoing treatment or supporting a family member or friend, you’ll find helpful information and resources.”

Attendees are encouraged to drop in at their convenience and to check in at the Community Health Education Center (CHEC). Activities are ongoing. Unless noted otherwise, all classes and events are held at the CHEC at Salem Hospital, located at 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast. To register for any of the classes, please visit   http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

Schedule of Events

Health Fair: Featuring local programs and community organizations. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Explore state-of-the-art-technology: Tour the TomoTherapy® Treatment Unit with a radiation therapist and learn about the da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System with our clinical team. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

“Breast Health and You”:  Certified Breast Care Nurse Kathy Wolfe will address screening recommendations and review self awareness, including normal breast anatomy and abnormal signs and symptoms. 10 – 10:45 a.m. and 2 – 2:45 p.m.

“Coping with Cancer”:  Registered Nurse Becky Ruppert will explore the emotional aspect of dealing with a cancer diagnosis and learn tools to help manage stress. 10 – 10:45 a.m. and 1 – 1:45 p.m.

“Take Charge of Cancer-Related Fatigue”:  Registered Nurse Bev Smith and Physical Therapist Kirk Heald discuss fatigue as the top complaint among people in active cancer treatment and beyond. Learn what cancer related fatigue is and how you can beat it. 10 – 10:45 a.m. and 2 – 2:45 p.m.

“Healthy Eating to Reduce Cancer Risk and Recurrence”:  Salem Health Executive Chef Sean Roe and Registered Dietitian Dawn Gray will team up in The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen to prepare a nutritious recipe. 10 – 10:45 a.m. and 1 – 1:45 p.m.

“Move for Good Health”:  Cancer Exercise Specialist Nancy Baldwin and Certified Yoga Instructor Ivan Fernandez discuss the importance of physical activity for healthy living before, during and after a cancer diagnosis.  Take part in demonstrations from our Yoga, RISE and NIA exercise classes. 11 – 11:45 a.m., and 2 – 2:45 p.m.

“Is the Cancer in your Family Genetic?”  OHSU Knight Cancer Institute experts Jone Sampson, MD, medical geneticist, and Kelly Hamman, genetic counselor, discuss inherited cancers and when genetic counseling may be recommended. 11 – 11:45 a.m. and 1 – 1:45 p.m.

“Eating Well During Cancer Treatment”:  Salem Health Executive Chef Sean Roe and Registered Dietitian Karen Huntzinger will present helpful tips for maintaining good nutrition during treatment. 11 –11:45 a.m. and 2 – 2:45 p.m.

“Knit Well” Support Group: Drop in and learn a unique way to cope with the stress of cancer and other life obstacles. All are welcome to attend, whether a beginning, intermediate or advanced knitter. Please bring your knitting needles and yarn. 12 – 1 p.m.

Skin cancer screening: This free screening is offered to individuals without health insurance or who are unable to afford important health screenings. Those who qualify will receive a free skin screening by a local dermatologist. Prevention and early detection are the best ways to keep your skin healthy. Learn ways to protect you and your family and how to do a monthly self-exam at home. Appointments must be scheduled in advance. Space is limited. Call the Salem Cancer Institute at 503-562-4321 to find out if you qualify and to schedule an appointment. Screenings will take place in Building C.  Provided in partnership with Dermatology Clinic, P.C.

2010-03-19

2010-03-19

Salem — To help with early detection, the Salem Cancer Institute and the Dermatology Clinic, PC, are working in partnership to offer a free skin cancer screening on Saturday, April 10.

If you are without insurance or unable to afford important health screenings, you may qualify for this free skin screening by local dermatologists. You’ll also learn ways to prevent skin cancer and how to do monthly self exams at home.
 
The free screenings will take place by appointment only at Salem Hospital, Building C and must be scheduled in advance. Space is limited. Please call the Salem Cancer Institute at 503-562-4321 to schedule an appointment or for more information. Free parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission and Capitol Streets. 
 
According to the Oregon State Cancer Registry, an average of 1,977 cases of melanoma and skin cancers are diagnosed each year in Oregon. Additional people are diagnosed with basal- and squamous-cell cancers every year. When found early however, these cancers may be completely cured with treatment.
 
The Salem Cancer Institute and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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2010-03-18

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital will be offering Training Camp for New Dads on Monday, April 12, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. 

Designed for expectant dads or dads with babies up to three months old, the class lets the guys get together — along with a skilled facilitator and an experienced dad and baby when possible — to talk about what it’s like being a dad. This class will leave you more confident in your ability to be a great dad! 

The class will be held at the CHEC located on the Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast. The cost of the class is $20 and pre-registration is required. To register, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
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2010-03-17

Salem — To make wise use of health care resources, Salem Hospital’s SHAPES clinic has announced new weekend hours, effective immediately.

SHAPES is now open Saturday and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Patients who need daily treatment or have a clinical necessity to be seen on a Saturday or Sunday can make appointments during this time.

The clinic reorganized weekend care to offer patients the treatments they need while being as financially responsible as possible. Previously SHAPES was open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Weekday hours are unchanged, with SHAPES open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

SHAPES staffers are contacting current patients to explain the new hours and help them change appointments if needed.

SHAPES specializes in caring for patients with certain types of illnesses that require intravenous or other medical therapies, many of which used to require hospitalization. The clinic also provides a full range of wound care services.

Salem Hospital is a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality health care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

2010-03-11

Salem — To offer its tiniest patients the support of family and friends while protecting them from exposure to illness, Salem Hospital is announcing new visitor guidelines for its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), effective immediately.

Visitors to patients in neonatal intensive care must be at least 18 years of age, and free of symptoms of illness. An exception to the age limitation is made for siblings of the patient, who may be of any age. Parents can designate four additional people who may visit without the parents present. A total of four visitors may visit an infant at one time.

Previously visitors were limited to people over 12. Changes to visitor guidelines in the NICU were recommended by the unit’s medical director, Dr. David Goodwin, along with the unit’s clinical specialists. Salem Hospital staffers are advising patients’ families of the new guidelines, and signs are posted at the unit entrance.

The neonatal intensive care unit at Salem Hospital is one of seven in Oregon to care for newborns of 26 weeks gestation and older with health problems at birth. In 2009, Salem Hospital clinical staff cared for 445 of these tiny patients.

2010-03-10

2010-03-08

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) will be hosting Chef Jesse Tomaino from local restaurant Prudence Uncorked on Monday, March 22, from 6 to 8 p.m., in The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen.

Insisting on serving only fresh, simply prepared perfection, Chef Tomaino will be demonstrating a range of culinary surprises.  The menu will include many delicious recipes including seared ahi tuna salad with fat-free lime vinaigrette, cumin scented carrot puree, herb and balsamic marinated chicken breast, wild mushroom bread pudding, and red wine poached pear with kiwi sorbet. After the demonstration, you’ll be able to sample the food and take home the recipes to try in your own home.

Chef Tomaino is an alumnus of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, Calif., and has worked at various restaurants throughout the country.

Part of the CHEC’s Chef Showcase series of cooking classes, the class will take place in The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen in the CHEC, located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak St. SE. Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

The cost of the class is $20 and advance registration is required. To reserve a seat, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. 

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2010-03-05

West Valley Hospital Auxiliary is accepting applications for its annual student scholarship award. College students and graduating high school seniors from Polk County pursuing medical or health-related fields may apply. This is the first year the annual $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to two students. Applications must be received by West Valley Hospital no later than Friday, April 9.

Full- and part-time students are eligible. While applicants must be from Polk County, their educational institution does not have to be in Polk County. Scholarships will be made payable to the recipients’ college and winners will be notified within two weeks of the award.
 
Applications are available online at westvalleyhospital.org, can be picked up at West Valley Hospital, or can be requested by contacting Pat Cozad, volunteer services coordinator, at 503-623-7323.

West Valley Hospital Auxiliary is a long-standing group of citizen volunteers who partner with the hospital to engage the community through activities and helps support future healthcare professionals through auxiliary scholarships.

West Valley Hospital, located at 525 SE Washington Street in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical-access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

2010-03-05

Salem — The birth of a new baby is a life-changing event and one that affects all members of the family. On March 20, the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) is offering a class to help big brothers- and sisters-to-be and their parents plan for the baby’s birth.

Big brothers and sisters will learn what to expect when the baby arrives and will design a onesie shirt for the new baby. A tour of the Mother/Baby Unit is included.

The Big Brother/Big Sister Sibling class will take place on Saturday, March 20, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., in the CHEC, located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak St. SE. Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

The cost of the class is $15 per child and advance registration is required. Parents are asked to attend the class with their children.  There is no charge for parents. To register for the program, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).
 
The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
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2010-03-04

The Comprehensive Pain Center, a part of Salem Health, welcomes Amr Hegazi, MD. Dr. Hegazi will join the pain management team providing medication management and comprehensive and interventional pain management services.

“In our first year, the demand for pain management services has exceeded our expectations,” says Ahmed Ebeid, MD, medical director for the Comprehensive Pain Center. “We are very fortunate to attract someone of Dr. Hegazi’s caliber to join our team. It will make getting pain appointments easier for patients and enable us to respond to referring physician desires to provide hospital in-patient consultations, as well as out-patient services.”

Dr. Hegazi worked for more than five years at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas, in anesthesiology and pain management. Prior to that, at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, he completed his pain management fellowship, as well as his surgery intership and anesthesiology residencies. While at Texas Tech, Dr. Hegazi received awards including outstanding fellow, outstanding senior resident, outstanding researcher and best teaching resident. He received his medical degree from Alexandria University School of Medicine in Alexandria, Egypt.

“The philosophy of the Comprehensive Pain Center serves patients well,” says Dr. Hegazi. “Looking at the many aspects of pain helps tremendously in solving complex pain cases. There is rarely a ‘one-size fits all’ solution and being part of a team that takes a broader view, instead of just a standard approach, is what is important.”

Dr. Hegazi loves hunting, camping, sports and fishing. He moved to Salem with his wife and three children.

New hospital in-patient pain management service
The Comprehensive Pain Center is now offering pain management consultations to hospitalized patients at Salem Hospital based on requests from treating physicians.

“We’ve had a few dozen requests from physicians over the last six months that we’ve been able to cover,” says Dr. Ebeid. “Now that Dr. Hegazi is here, we have the ability to serve patients at our office, as well as at the hospital when requested.”

The Comprehensive Pain Center provides medication review, interventional pain management, implantable solutions, and Multi-D (multidisciplinary) services, in addition to the new in-patient pain management service.

For more information, please call 503-562-6002.

The Comprehensive Pain Center is part of Salem Health. Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners, and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

2010-03-01

Salem — Many people living with illnesses such as cancer, heart disease or kidney failure experience hard-to-control physical symptoms and emotional distress related to their diseases and treatment.

Now Salem Hospital’s new palliative care program can help people with serious illnesses improve their quality of life. The care team includes physicians, nurses, social workers and chaplains, with support from dietitians, physical therapists, pharmacists and complimentary medicine practitioners. Together they help patients understand and find relief from disease symptoms.

Initially, the palliative care program is seeing patients through the Salem Cancer Institute. An $84,600 grant from the Salem Hospital Foundation is funding a clinical nurse educator for the program and providing materials that give patients and families new ideas for managing serious illnesses. A $17,600 grant from The Regence Foundation is providing money for planning and implementation, as well as staff training at the Palliative Care Leadership Center in Portland.

“The assistance provided by the Salem Hospital Foundation and The Regence Foundation has been absolutely essential,” says Becky Ruppert, RN, palliative care nurse. “Palliative care changes lives of patients and families for the better, and these Foundations have made that happen.”

Learn more about Salem Hospital’s new palliative care program by calling Becky Ruppert at 503-561-3133. To learn how you can help the Foundation support services like palliative care, call 503-561-5576.

2010-02-23

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital is offering a seven-week Brain Agility program beginning on Monday, March 1, from 6 to 7 p.m. and continuing Mondays through April 12. The Brain Agility program is designed to help you keep a healthy and youthful brain.  Weekly presentations on brain health are combined with a unique program designed by a psychologist to enhance your brain's ability to remember, stay focused, be aware, and be alert. Enjoy daily mental exercises covering a number of cognitive functions with increasing levels of difficulty to continue challenging your brain as it improves.

The brain agility class will be held at the Community Health Education Center located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak St. SE. Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast. The cost for the Brain Agility program is $35 and it is open to anyone in the community.  Space is limited, however, and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
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2010-02-22

SALEM—On Wednesday, Feb. 24, the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) and the Salem Cardiovascular Center host an educational and culinary class as the final Heart Month community event. From 6 to 8 p.m., Cardiac Surgeon Tom Winkler, MD, and Ken Kudla, a former Salem Hospital cardiac patient, will prepare a heart- healthy meal to be enjoyed by all while emphasizing the importance of heart-healthy cooking. Held in The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen at the CHEC, the cooking class is $20 and pre-registration is required.
 
“A healthy diet and lifestyle are the most powerful weapons in fighting heart disease,” says Lori James-Nielsen, RN, director of the Salem Cardiovascular Center for Salem Health. “We’re excited that Dr. Winkler and Mr. Kudla are willing to showcase their talents to help the community see how easy it is to keep heart-health at the forefront.”

Dr. Winkler graduated from the University of Colorado and completed his internship at the University of California, Davis. He is board-certified by the American Board of surgery, American Board of Thoracic Surgery and the Royal College of Surgeons for vascular, cardiac and thoracic surgery. Dr. Winkler treats patients at The Oregon Clinic and does his cardiac surgeries at Salem Hospital.

Ken Kudla, Salem Health’s chief information officer, recovered from a successful quadruple heart-bypass surgery. With a family history of heart disease, Kudla now reads labels, monitors his sodium and saturated fat intake, and loves to cook with heart healthy principles in mind.

To pre-register, go to salemhospital.org/chec or call the Community Health Education Center at 503-814-CHEC (2432).

Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Salem Hospital ranked number one in Oregon for cardiac surgery four years in a row (2007-2010) and for overall cardiac services in 2009 by HealthGrades.®

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2010-02-17

Palliative care helps ease pain and suffering for patients with life-threatening illnesses

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Regence Foundation recently awarded $17,600 to Salem Hospital to develop a hospital-based palliative care program with a special emphasis on patients receiving care from the Salem Cancer Institute. 

Palliative care is a medical specialty geared toward helping seriously ill patients find relief from the symptoms of their disease.

“Most people associate palliative care with hospice, but palliative care extends well beyond hospice to anyone who needs help managing the pain and symptoms of a serious disease,” said Michael Alexander, Regence Foundation board chair. “Hospitals are a critical resource for patients who need help with symptom management, and ensuring palliative care is available to patients earlier in the disease process is a priority for The Regence Foundation. We’d like to recognize Salem Hospital for their work in this important area, and for making this a priority in the community.”

The Foundation grant to Salem Hospital is to help the hospital plan and develop its palliative care program. In addition staff from the hospital will attend a Palliative Care Leadership Center (PCLC) training in Portland, Oregon. PCLC is a national training and mentoring initiative to help hospitals start and expand high-quality palliative care programs.

“Implementing a palliative care program is one of our highest priorities this year,” said Cheryl Nester Wolfe, Salem Hospital’s senior vice president of operations and chief nursing officer. “It’s a service that’s missing right now, and there is a tremendous amount of staff enthusiasm about this grant and starting a formal palliative care program in Salem.”

The grant is part of The Regence Foundation’s Sojourns grantmaking program to promote hospital- and community-based palliative care services. 

Through Sojourns, The Foundation aims to foster best practices, leadership and collaboration that help people with life-threatening and incurable illness to access quality palliative care in their own community.

About The Regence Foundation

The Regence Foundation is the corporate foundation of Regence, the largest health insurer in the Northwest/Intermountain region and a nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

A 501(c)3 grantmaking organization, the Foundation partners with organizations driving significant change in health care delivery and accessibility in Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

Through its Sojourns program, the Foundation also supports organizations advancing quality palliative and end-of-life care. For more information visit www.RegenceFoundation.org or www.twitter.com/RegenceGives.

2010-02-12

On Thursday, Feb. 18, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., the Salem Cardiovascular Center hosts its annual Heart Fair and Forum. Held at Salem Hospital, the forum offers health information displays and a presentation about the latest advances in treating heart disease. The fair and forum are free for all ages.

“Salem Hospital’s annual Heart Fair and Forum is one facet of our continued effort to educate and empower our community about heart-healthy living,” says Lori James-Nielsen, RN, director of the Salem Cardiovascular Center for Salem Health. “We want to help the community make healthier lifestyle choices and become informed about how to best prevent and treat heart disease.”

The health fair goes from 6 to 7 p.m. outside Salem Hospital’s Wedel Auditorium in Building B. Sick of being tired? Learn how poor sleep affects your heart health and get current preventative treatment options. Do you have high blood pressure or cholesterol? Discover the benefits of monitoring and managing your heart health. Do you know if you are exercising and eating the right foods for your heart? Fair participants can learn about these topics and many other heart health issues from Salem Hospital experts.

At the forum presentation from 7 to 8:30 p.m., including a question-and-answer session, Cardiac Surgeon Kai Engstad, MD, will discuss “A Cardiac Surgeon’s Musings on the Latest Advancements in Treating Heart Disease.” Dr. Engstad graduated from St. George’s University in Grenada. He completed residencies at The Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York and St. Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey and went on to complete his fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. Engstad treats patients at The Oregon Clinic and does his cardiac surgeries at Salem Hospital. Dr. Engstad’s forum will be held in the Salem Hospital Wedel Auditorium in Building B.

Parking is available in the hospital parking structure or under Building A.

Pre-registration is required for this free event. To pre-register, go to salemhospital.org/chec or call the Community Health Education Center at 503-814-CHEC (2432). For a complete calendar of Heart Month events, go to salemhospital.org/cardiac.

Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Salem Hospital ranked number one in Oregon for cardiac surgery four years in a row (2007-2010) and for overall cardiac services in 2009 by HealthGrades.®

2010-02-10

Salem — The Community Health Education Center at Salem Hospital will be offering RISE (Recovery in Strength and Exercise), an exercise program designed specifically for people experiencing loss of strength due to illness, surgery or medication side-effects. The class covers several different modes of exercise to promote total body wellness and includes information on balance, flexibility and restorative relaxation techniques. The focus is on functional strength conditioning appropriate to the individual while offering the support of a small group setting.

The RISE class will be taught by Nancy Baldwin, certified cancer exercise specialist and ACE (American Council on Exercise) certified personal trainer, and will take place on Mondays and Thursdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., beginning on Feb. 22 and running through April 1. The classes will be held at the Community Health Education Center located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak St. SE. Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast. Cost of the six-week program is $50 and pre-registration is required. To register, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
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2010-02-10

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital will be offering NIA (Neuromuscular Integrated Action) Focus fitness classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, beginning Feb. 22 and running through March 24. Become flexible, agile, grounded, and strong. Move through life with greater awareness, ease, and comfort regardless of your age or fitness level. NIA Focus includes a combination of nine classic movement forms as well as a focus on balance and maintenance of proper body alignment. The NIA Focus classes will be held from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Community Health Education Center located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak St. SE. Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

The cost for this ten-session program is $50 and it is open to anyone in the community.  Space is limited however and pre-registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432). The class can be done in any form of comfortable clothing.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
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2010-02-10

Salem — One-third of adults over age 65 fall each year and it is becoming the leading cause of injury-related deaths for people over 65. Salem Hospital will be offering an eight-week class series to help improve balance and prevent falls beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 16 and running through Thursday, April 8. Titled “Better Balance and Fall Prevention,” the class will be held at the Regional Rehabilitation Center located at 2561 Center St. NE, Salem on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 4 p.m.

The class will be taught by Physical Therapist Julie Pflug. The cost of the eight-week, 16 session, balance-improvement program is $48 and pre-registration is required. To register, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432). Participants must be 65 years of age or older, living independently in the community, not currently using a walker (cane is acceptable), and have not had more than two falls in the last six months.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
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2010-02-10

Salem —  The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital is offering a class titled “Untangling the Web.” The class will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 10 to 11 a.m. and is taught by the Community Health Education Center librarian who will help you learn how to find credible health information on the Internet by searching for and evaluating health websites in a fun and interactive way.

The class will be held at the Community Health Education Center located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak St. SE. Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast. The cost for the class is $10 and pre-registration is required. To register, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
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2010-02-10

Salem — Supporting National Heart Month, the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) will be holding a cooking class in The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen focusing on heart-healthy meal planning.  Part of the CHEC’s Culinary Rx class series, “Heart-smart Kitchen Savvy” will be taught by a Salem Hospital dietitian and will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. Learn how to properly stock your kitchen for heart-healthy cooking success including the best ingredients to keep in your pantry, tools that ease meal preparation and cookbooks and web resources that make meal planning easy.

The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen is located in the Community Health Education Center on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak St. SE. Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast. Cost for the class is $20 and it is open to anyone in the community.  Space is limited and pre-registration is required.  To reserve a spot, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
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2010-02-10

Salem — Good posture, body mechanics and exercise are essential to maintaining a healthy back. The Community Health Education Center at Salem Hospital will be offering a Healthy Back class to help you learn how to keep your back strong and decrease the risk of injury. The class will include easy-to-follow strength and flexibility exercises that will help you continue doing the activities you enjoy.

Offered in conjunction with the Salem Spine Center and taught by an experienced physical therapist, this class will be held on Friday, Feb. 19 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Community Health Education Center. The cost of the class is $5 and pre-registration is required. To register, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432). The Community Health Education Center is located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak St. SE. Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
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2010-02-09

Salem — With the incidence of flu decreasing in the Mid-Valley, Salem Health is lifting visitor restrictions at Salem Hospital and West Valley Hospital.

Visitors to all hospitalized patients, including the mother/baby, pediatrics and neonatal intensive care units, may now be of any age. Visiting may still be restricted under the direction of the patient’s attending physician, if needed to help the patient recover.

As always, Salem Health recommends that visitors protect their hospitalized loved ones by staying at home if they’re ill. Salem Health facilities will continue to offer hand washing stations in reception areas. We invite all visitors to make use of the hand gel and tissues to prevent the spread of the flu and other contagious illness.

2010-01-29

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital will be holding a cooking class titled “The joy of healthy cooking” on Friday Feb. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. The class will be held in The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen at the Community Health Education Center located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak Street SE.

Part of the CHEC’s Friday night out series of cooking classes, “The joy of healthy cooking” will be taught by Jena Hedding of Weight Watchers and Salem Health Executive Chef Sean Roe and will focus on heart healthy recipes. The cost of the class is $35 and includes dinner. Pre-registration is required and can be done by visiting salemhealth.org/chec or calling 503-814-CHEC (2432).

2010-01-29

To promote heart-healthy living, Salem Cardiovascular Services, a part of Salem Health, has planned several heart-related events in February. February Heart Month activities are open to the public and include free health screenings, healthy heart culinary programs, a fun-filled and educational family day at Salem Riverfront Park, and educational forums on diabetes, heart disease, and the latest cardiac treatment advancements.

"This year, we are providing our community with a myriad of events focused on heart health," says Lori James-Nielsen, RN, director of the Salem Cardiovascular Center for Salem Health. "Information and resources will be available throughout the month at various locations to promote heart health awareness and encourage individuals to take responsibility for their health."

9 a.m.–6 p.m. – The opening event of Heart Month is on National Wear Red Day. Join the fun and wear something red while receiving free blood pressure and cholesterol health screenings at the Community Health Education Center (CHEC), Building D, on the Salem Hospital campus.6–8 p.m. – Salem Health Executive Chef Sean Roe and Weight Watchers expert Jena Hedding host a class on "The Joy of Healthy Cooking." The course will be held at the CHEC for $35. Pre-registration is required.

Wednesday, Feb. 10

2–4 p.m. – Salem Health’s West Valley Hospital in Dallas is providing an afternoon of free blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, informational displays and heart-healthy refreshments. 525 SE Washington St., Dallas.

Thursday, Feb. 11

6:30–7:30 p.m. – Certified Diabetes Educator Eileen Schramm, RN, will present on diabetes and heart disease. This free Healthy Hearts Educational Support Group will take place at the CHEC in Classroom 1. Pre-registration is required.

10 a.m.–2 p.m. – Join the fun at Salem Riverfront Park for this free "Family Day at the Carousel." Activities include free rides, blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings and multiple information booths. Get tips on child health and wellness; understand heart disease diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation; and learn about diabetes…all in a fun family event!

6–8 p.m. – Learn how to prepare and create easy, heart-smart culinary delights in this two-hour cooking class at the CHEC. Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator Rachael Beyer discusses ingredient and tool tips for easy recipe preparation. The class is $20. Pre-registration is required.

6–7 p.m. – Attend a free, educational heart-health fair at Salem Hospital, Building B. Experts from the Salem Cardiovascular Center will be available to discuss heart related topics such as child health and wellness, heart disease diagnosis, heart treatments, cardiac rehabilitation, diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep disorders, abnormal heart rhythms and more.

7–8:30 p.m. – Cardiac surgeon, Kai Engstad, MD, speaks on "A Cardiac Surgeon’s Musings on the Latest Advancements in Treating Heart Disease." Learn about the latest technologies and treatments for people suffering from heart disease. Dr. Engstad’s presentation, and a question-and-answer session, will be held in the Salem Hospital Wedel Auditorium, Building B. Pre-registration is required for this free presentation. Parking is available in the parking structure or under Building A. 

6–8 p.m. – Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about heart-healthy cooking while enjoying the meal that Cardiac Surgeon Tom Winkler, MD, and Ken Kudla, one of his former patients, prepare for your educational and culinary enjoyment. The class is $20 at the CHEC. Pre-registration is required.

2010-01-29

DALLAS—Learn about heart-healthy living on Feb. 10, from 2 to 4 p.m., at West Valley Hospital at its annual "Go Red in Dallas" event. Come by 525 SE Washington St. for free blood pressure checks, cholesterol screens, heart-health information, refreshments and more.

"We encourage our Polk County community to join us in celebrating Heart Month," says Diane Rocak, a West Valley Hospital occupational therapist. "By partnering with the Salem Cardiovascular Center, we are just one of several great events this month that help people learn more about their heart health."

At "Go Red in Dallas," attendees can talk with health specialists and learn about nutrition, diabetes, cardiac exercise, imaging, cardiac stress testing and more.

For a complete listing of Heart Month activities, go to salemhospital.org/cardiac. Heart Month events include opportunities for free health screenings, heart-healthy culinary events, a fun-filled and educational family day at Salem Riverfront Park, and educational forums on diabetes, heart disease, and the latest advancements in treating cardiac diseases.

West Valley Hospital, located at 525 SE Washington Street in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical-access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

For more information, contact Jeanne Silsby, Salem Health, 503-561-2761, jeanne.silsby@salemhospital.org

2010-01-20

SALEM, Ore. — With the rising cost of health care commanding national attention, health care disparities among diverse populations are often overlooked. But in Salem, Linfield College and Salem Health are working together to reduce some disparities — by increasing the number of Latino registered nurses available to care for the mid-Willamette Valley’s growing population.

Latinos make up more than 10 percent of the population in Oregon, but Latino registered nurses are only 1 percent of the health care workforce. The chance of a Latino patient being cared for by a nurse native to the patient’s culture is even lower in Marion County, where Latinos are 22 percent of the population.

“When people seek health care, they are seeking comfort,” says Laurie Barr, human resources director for Salem Health. “When you are sick, you are very vulnerable. It can be terrifying if you don’t understand the language. When we are in a different country and don’t speak the language, it’s frustrating just ordering items from a menu. In the hospital, families are talking about life and death issues.”

A 323 percent increase in Latino nursing students

To increase the number of Latino registered nurses, Linfield-Good Samaritan School of Nursing on Linfield’s Portland campus began an innovative initiative in 2004, Ayudando Podemos (“Helping each other, we can do it”).

“We saw an increase in Latino enrollment from 2.6 percent in the 2002–03 academic year to 8.4 percent last year,” says Peggy Wros, associate dean for the nursing school. “The program provides a model for colleges across the country and addresses the underrepresentation of nurses in Oregon’s workforce. Ayudando Podemos recruits Latino high school students from rural and urban high schools and colleges in Oregon, helping them obtain Bachelor of Science degrees in nursing.”

Orientation sessions are given to families, and students are provided with scholarships, support groups, advising, bilingual support, and tutoring for courses and the licensing exam for nurses. Many program graduates mentor other aspiring Latino students.

“Many of our parents didn’t go to college,” says Linfield nursing graduate Judy Ulibarri, who now mentors other nursing students. “When you’re talking about students who don’t come from that background, it’s a huge leap.

“Nursing school is the most intense thing I’ve ever done, and I sometimes wondered if it was a bridge or a cliff,” Ulibarri says, “but the professors and staff were encouraging and supportive. I really appreciate the experience they gave me.”

The program has earned national recognition for Linfield, receiving one of three honorary mentions in the U.S. from Excelencia in Education, a national organization accelerating Latino success in higher education.

More Latino nurses at Salem Hospital

Linfield’s success also means success for Salem Health’s drive to improve culturally sensitive care for patients.

“We are increasing the diversity of our applicant pool, and Linfield College is one of the major programs on our radar screen,” says Barr, who hired Latino Linfield grads to fill a quarter of Salem Hospital’s 2009 summer intern slots. Many graduates were recruited through the Ayudando Podemos program.

Salem Health, Salem Hospital’s parent organization, works to provide an inclusive environment, with multicultural campus signs, patient education materials in Spanish and Russian, and interpretation services available in dozens of languages.

In the past six months, under the leadership of new Diversity Manager Ed Wilgus, Salem Health has redoubled efforts to hire diverse candidates, provide cultural training for existing employees, engage in targeted community outreach, and increase awareness of diverse cultural traditions and medical beliefs. Salem Health will soon hold a certified nurse assistant class specifically for bilingual and bicultural candidates.

“When you look at the diversity of Marion County, you see more diversity than in many places in California,” says Wilgus. “Forty-six percent of children in the Salem-Keizer School District come from non-European backgrounds. Thirty-six languages are spoken in the community, with Spanish being the most prevalent after English.”

2010-01-20

SALEM, Ore. — With the rising cost of health care commanding national attention, health care disparities among diverse populations are often overlooked. But in Salem, Linfield College and Salem Health are working together to reduce some disparities — by increasing the number of Latino registered nurses available to care for the mid-Willamette Valley’s growing population.

Latinos make up more than 10 percent of the population in Oregon, but Latino registered nurses are only 1 percent of the health care workforce. The chance of a Latino patient being cared for by a nurse native to the patient’s culture is even lower in Marion County, where Latinos are 22 percent of the population.

“When people seek health care, they are seeking comfort,” says Laurie Barr, human resources director for Salem Health. “When you are sick, you are very vulnerable. It can be terrifying if you don’t understand the language. When we are in a different country and don’t speak the language, it’s frustrating just ordering items from a menu. In the hospital, families are talking about life and death issues.”

A 323 percent increase in Latino nursing students

To increase the number of Latino registered nurses, Linfield-Good Samaritan School of Nursing on Linfield’s Portland campus began an innovative initiative in 2004, Ayudando Podemos (“Helping each other, we can do it”).

“We saw an increase in Latino enrollment from 2.6 percent in the 2002–03 academic year to 8.4 percent last year,” says Peggy Wros, associate dean for the nursing school. “The program provides a model for colleges across the country and addresses the underrepresentation of nurses in Oregon’s workforce. Ayudando Podemos recruits Latino high school students from rural and urban high schools and colleges in Oregon, helping them obtain Bachelor of Science degrees in nursing.”

Orientation sessions are given to families, and students are provided with scholarships, support groups, advising, bilingual support, and tutoring for courses and the licensing exam for nurses. Many program graduates mentor other aspiring Latino students.

“Many of our parents didn’t go to college,” says Linfield nursing graduate Judy Ulibarri, who now mentors other nursing students. “When you’re talking about students who don’t come from that background, it’s a huge leap.

“Nursing school is the most intense thing I’ve ever done, and I sometimes wondered if it was a bridge or a cliff,” Ulibarri says, “but the professors and staff were encouraging and supportive. I really appreciate the experience they gave me.”

The program has earned national recognition for Linfield, receiving one of three honorary mentions in the U.S. from Excelencia in Education, a national organization accelerating Latino success in higher education.

More Latino nurses at Salem Hospital

Linfield’s success also means success for Salem Health’s drive to improve culturally sensitive care for patients.

“We are increasing the diversity of our applicant pool, and Linfield College is one of the major programs on our radar screen,” says Barr, who hired Latino Linfield grads to fill a quarter of Salem Hospital’s 2009 summer intern slots. Many graduates were recruited through the Ayudando Podemos program.

Salem Health, Salem Hospital’s parent organization, works to provide an inclusive environment, with multicultural campus signs, patient education materials in Spanish and Russian, and interpretation services available in dozens of languages.

In the past six months, under the leadership of new Diversity Manager Ed Wilgus, Salem Health has redoubled efforts to hire diverse candidates, provide cultural training for existing employees, engage in targeted community outreach, and increase awareness of diverse cultural traditions and medical beliefs. Salem Health will soon hold a certified nurse assistant class specifically for bilingual and bicultural candidates.

“When you look at the diversity of Marion County, you see more diversity than in many places in California,” says Wilgus. “Forty-six percent of children in the Salem-Keizer School District come from non-European backgrounds. Thirty-six languages are spoken in the community, with Spanish being the most prevalent after English.”

2010-01-20

SALEM, Ore. — With the rising cost of health care commanding national attention, health care disparities among diverse populations are often overlooked. But in Salem, Linfield College and Salem Health are working together to reduce some disparities — by increasing the number of Latino registered nurses available to care for the mid-Willamette Valley’s growing population.

Latinos make up more than 10 percent of the population in Oregon, but Latino registered nurses are only 1 percent of the health care workforce. The chance of a Latino patient being cared for by a nurse native to the patient’s culture is even lower in Marion County, where Latinos are 22 percent of the population.

“When people seek health care, they are seeking comfort,” says Laurie Barr, human resources director for Salem Health. “When you are sick, you are very vulnerable. It can be terrifying if you don’t understand the language. When we are in a different country and don’t speak the language, it’s frustrating just ordering items from a menu. In the hospital, families are talking about life and death issues.”

A 323 percent increase in Latino nursing students

To increase the number of Latino registered nurses, Linfield-Good Samaritan School of Nursing on Linfield’s Portland campus began an innovative initiative in 2004, Ayudando Podemos (“Helping each other, we can do it”).

“We saw an increase in Latino enrollment from 2.6 percent in the 2002–03 academic year to 8.4 percent last year,” says Peggy Wros, associate dean for the nursing school. “The program provides a model for colleges across the country and addresses the underrepresentation of nurses in Oregon’s workforce. Ayudando Podemos recruits Latino high school students from rural and urban high schools and colleges in Oregon, helping them obtain Bachelor of Science degrees in nursing.”

Orientation sessions are given to families, and students are provided with scholarships, support groups, advising, bilingual support, and tutoring for courses and the licensing exam for nurses. Many program graduates mentor other aspiring Latino students.

“Many of our parents didn’t go to college,” says Linfield nursing graduate Judy Ulibarri, who now mentors other nursing students. “When you’re talking about students who don’t come from that background, it’s a huge leap.

“Nursing school is the most intense thing I’ve ever done, and I sometimes wondered if it was a bridge or a cliff,” Ulibarri says, “but the professors and staff were encouraging and supportive. I really appreciate the experience they gave me.”

The program has earned national recognition for Linfield, receiving one of three honorary mentions in the U.S. from Excelencia in Education, a national organization accelerating Latino success in higher education.

More Latino nurses at Salem Hospital

Linfield’s success also means success for Salem Health’s drive to improve culturally sensitive care for patients.

“We are increasing the diversity of our applicant pool, and Linfield College is one of the major programs on our radar screen,” says Barr, who hired Latino Linfield grads to fill a quarter of Salem Hospital’s 2009 summer intern slots. Many graduates were recruited through the Ayudando Podemos program.

Salem Health, Salem Hospital’s parent organization, works to provide an inclusive environment, with multicultural campus signs, patient education materials in Spanish and Russian, and interpretation services available in dozens of languages.

In the past six months, under the leadership of new Diversity Manager Ed Wilgus, Salem Health has redoubled efforts to hire diverse candidates, provide cultural training for existing employees, engage in targeted community outreach, and increase awareness of diverse cultural traditions and medical beliefs. Salem Health will soon hold a certified nurse assistant class specifically for bilingual and bicultural candidates.

“When you look at the diversity of Marion County, you see more diversity than in many places in California,” says Wilgus. “Forty-six percent of children in the Salem-Keizer School District come from non-European backgrounds. Thirty-six languages are spoken in the community, with Spanish being the most prevalent after English.”

2010-01-19

Salem — Salem Health is asking mid-Willamette Valley physicians to provide feedback on how health care providers can collaborate better to improve services to area residents.

A short 10-minute survey is available for physicians online and must be completed by Tuesday, Jan. 26. The survey has been distributed by Marion Polk Medical Society and sent directly to physicians. Salem Health will donate $5 to the Marion Polk County Medical Society’s Project Access/MedAssist for each completed survey and donate an additional $100 for every 100 surveys returned. Area physicians who need the survey’s Web address can call Salem Health Community Relations at 503-561-5269.

Salem Health has embarked on a strategic planning process — Salem Health 2020 — that will guide the organization over the next ten years. The region’s largest health-care provider, Salem Health recently completed a community outreach effort in Salem, Keizer, Dallas, Independence and Monmouth, receiving ideas from more than 1,000 residents. The top five actions requested by community members require close collaboration between hospitals, physicians, and other health-care providers.

Salem Health, the parent organization of Salem Hospital and West Valley Hospital, is a not-for-profit health system created by and for the people of the mid-Willamette Valley and governed by a local Board of Trustees. Salem Health serves more than 300,000 people in the Mid-Willamette region as an essential health-care resource. Services include highly rated acute hospital services such as cardiac and emergency care (the busiest emergency room in Oregon in 2008), state-of-the-art cancer services, specialty care for high-risk pregnancies, and programs that keep people healthy.

Top five actions community members requested from Salem Health

Community members ranked the following as the five top actions they wanted Salem Health to pursue:

1. Achieve the best healthcare results for each treatment / service offered.
2. Hospital, physicians, other medical providers work together to coordinate patient care.
3. Provide a “continuum of care” that assures no gaps in patient services.
4. Help patients navigate medical services and make their own decisions.
5. Support patients with chronic disease to stay healthier and out of hospitals.

2010-01-15

Salem — Beginning Jan. 21, a series of classes titled “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” will be held Thursdays from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) on the Salem Hospital campus. 

The six-week educational program is for family and friends caring for older adults who have Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, disabilities caused by stroke, or similar long-term conditions. The class provides caregivers with the skills and confidence to better care for themselves while caring for others. Class members receive The Caregiver Helpbook, which is a great resource to help caregivers seek and find solutions for their situation. 

“Powerful Tools for Caregivers” is free but a $25 donation is recommended to cover the cost of the book. Space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432). The CHEC is located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak St. SE.

2010-01-12

Salem — Good posture, body mechanics and exercise are essential to maintaining a healthy back. The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital will be offering a healthy back class to help you learn how to keep your back strong and decrease the risk of injury. The class will include easy-to-follow strength and flexibility exercises to help you continue doing the activities you enjoy.

Offered in conjunction with the Salem Spine Center and taught by an experienced physical therapist, this class will be held on Friday, Jan. 15, from 1 to 2 p.m., in the CHEC located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak St. SE.

The cost of the class is $5 and advance registration is required. To register, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432). Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

2010-01-12

Salem — For many, the New Year brings a number of new resolutions triggered by a desire to get healthy. To help kickstart your New Year’s resolutions, Community Health Education Center is giving away a healthy resolutions gift basket valued at $150. The basket includes a gift certificate for a cooking class of your choice, exercise ball, jump rope, resistance tube, complete food and nutrition guide, pedometer and more.

To enter the drawing for the basket, fill out an entry blank at the CHEC, located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak St. SE, anytime before Feb. 1. No purchase is necessary. The drawing will take place on Feb. 2.

If this is the year that you vow to eat healthier, quit smoking again, or stick with your exercise plan, CHEC can help with information, classes and support groups to keep you on track. For a complete listing of classes and events and to register, visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432). The CHEC is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

2010-01-07

Salem -  The Community Health Education Center at Salem Hospital will be offering a class titled Building Better Bones on Tuesday, Jan. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. Taught by Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist and American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer, Nancy Baldwin and Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator, Denise Cedar, this comprehensive workshop will offer the latest research on maintaining bone health along with a simple, yet effective, muscle strengthening program. The first hour will be devoted to education on Osteoporosis/Osteopenia and nutrition and the second hour will include exercises most beneficial in the reversal or slowing of the disease progression. Take-home illustrations of these exercises designed to prevent bone loss will be included.

The cost of the class is $20 and it will be held at the Community Health Education Center located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus. To register, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432). Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street SE and Capitol Street SE.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon's Willamette Valley.

2009-12-23

Salem — To meet the need for urgent care during the winter holidays, Salem Hospital’s Urgent Care Center has announced the following holiday hours:

• Christmas Eve: Dec. 24, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Closed Christmas Day.)
• New Year’s Eve: Dec. 31, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• New Year’s Day: Jan. 1, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

On all other days, the Urgent Care Center is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Urgent Care is located at 1002 Bellevue Street SE, Salem, south of Willamette University and west of the Ram Border Café.
 
The types of services that can be successfully treated at Urgent Care — and don’t require a visit to the emergency department — include the following:
• Sprains
• Simple fractures (extremities)
• Lacerations (simple)
• Minor work injury
• Back pain (ambulatory)
• Asthma (mild)
• Urinary tract infection
• Upper respiratory/sinus infection
• Fever
• Ear pain
• Sore throat

2009-12-23

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital will be offering a class titled “Fathers of Young Children,” beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 5, and continuing on Tuesdays through Jan. 26. The program is offered for dads with children ages birth to five years and meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the CHEC, located in Salem Hospital's Building D at 939 Oak St. S.E.

Based on a curriculum developed by Purdue University, this four-week interactive parenting class series helps fathers learn more about the art of parenting and how to promote healthy parent/child relationships. Class topics will include understanding your child’s growth stages through play, language development and art; styles of fathering; choosing childcare and teaming with your parenting partner.

The cost of this four-class series is $35 and advance registration is required. To register, visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432). Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

2009-12-21

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital will be holding several cooking classes during the month of January. All classes will focus on healthy recipes using fresh, local ingredients and will be held at The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen in the CHEC, located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak St. SE.
 
The Friday Night Out series will continue with “Healthful Resolutions” on Friday, Jan. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. A representative from Weight Watchers will share ways to prepare satisfying foods that keep hunger in check, and Salem Hospital Executive Chef Sean Roe will demonstrate nutritious Weight Watchers recipes that you can easily make at home. The cost of this class is $35 and includes dinner at the hospital’s Creekside restaurant after class. Dinner will include menu items demonstrated in the class.

“Recipe Modification” will be the next class in the Culinary Rx series and will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. This class will focus on making meals that are healthy as well as delicious as part of any New Year’s resolution. With a few substitutions and modifications, you’ll learn how to transform your favorite not-so-healthy recipes into ones that are better for you and still taste good. The cost of this class is $20.

The CHEC’s January Chef Showcase will feature the master baker at Cascade Baking Company who will share a few of the bakery’s signature recipes. This class will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m., and will include recipes with fresh, local ingredients and high-quality flours. After the demonstration you’ll be able to sample the food and take home the recipes to try in your own home. The cost of this class is $20.

Space is limited for each of these cooking classes and pre-registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

2009-12-16

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital is offering a seven-week Brain Agility program beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 5, and running through Tuesday, Feb. 16. The class will be held from 9 to 10 a.m., at the CHEC located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak St. S.E. 

The Brain Agility program, designed to help you keep a healthy and youthful brain, combines weekly presentations on brain health with a unique program designed by a psychologist to enhance your brain's ability to remember, stay focused, be aware and be alert. Enjoy daily mental exercises covering a number of cognitive functions with increasing levels of difficulty to continue challenging your brain as it improves.

The cost for the Brain Agility program is $35 and it is open to anyone in the community.  Space is limited, however, and  advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

2009-12-16

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital is offering a tobacco cessation program sponsored by the American Lung Association® titled “Freedom from Smoking.” The seven-week program includes a series of classes taught in a group setting Wednesdays, beginning on Jan. 6, and running through Feb. 17. 
 
“Freedom from Smoking,” the leading adult smoking cessation program for over 25 years, will show you how to quit smoking in a supportive setting. Having the support of others has been shown to be an essential part of any successful smoking cessation program. All classes are taught by an American Lung Association-trained instructor and will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the CHEC, located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak St. S.E.

This program will help you develop your own quit-smoking plan and includes a participant workbook covering the following topics: knowing if you’re ready to quit smoking, medicines to help you quit smoking, lifestyle changes that make quitting easier, planning for quit day, coping strategies, managing stress, avoiding weight gain and how to stay smoke-free for good. 

The cost of the seven-week, eight-session program is $120. Advance registration is required and can be done by visiting http://salemhealth.org/chec or calling 503-814-CHEC (2432).

Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

Many insurance companies, including Oregon Health Plan, may offer benefits related to smoking cessation or nicotine replacement. Please check with your insurance company for coverage details.

2009-12-16

Salem — With rates of childhood obesity steadily rising, it is becoming recognized as a disease itself and has been linked with other conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and certain forms of cancer.

Beginning Jan. 13, the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital will offer a new nutrition counseling program called Healthy ‘n Fit to help combat obesity in children and promote healthy lifestyles.

The 10-week program, for children ages 8 through 15 years old and their families, is designed to teach families lifestyle behaviors that will help overweight children achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Taught by a registered dietitian and exercise specialist, the structured program includes an individual assessment along with ten fun and motivating weekly group classes. Some of the weekly classes will feature healthy recipe ideas demonstrated in The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen. Topics covered include portion control, emotional eating, physical activity, eating healthy at restaurants and healthy snacking.

Classes are taught on Wednesdays, Jan. 13 through March 17. All classes are held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the CHEC, located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak St. S.E. Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.

The cost of the 10-week program is $150 and advance registration is required. To register for the program, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

2009-12-10

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital will be offering NIA (Neuromuscular Integrated Action) fitness classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, beginning Dec. 14, and running through Jan. 13. The classes will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the CHEC, located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak St. SE.  

NIA is a self-guided, adaptable exercise program safe for any fitness level, from beginners to highly fit athletes. Delivering cardiovascular, whole-body conditioning, NIA includes a combination of nine classic movement forms as well as a focus on balance and maintenance of proper body alignment.

The cost for this 10-session program is $50 and it is open to anyone in the community.  Space is limited, however, and pre-registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

2009-12-08

Salem — The A.W.A.K.E. (Alert, Well, And Keeping Energetic) support group will be holding a special holiday event on Monday, Dec. 14, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen in the Community Health Education Center (CHEC). Salem Hospital Executive Chef Sean Roe will present a healthy cooking demonstration titled “Eat your way to healthy sleep” which will include a menu of holiday-spiced pork tenderloin with cranberries, roasted winter root vegetables, apple pecan stuffing, magic cake and spiced pumpkin cookies. Enjoy learning from this interactive cooking demonstration and savor samples from each dish.

The A.W.A.K.E. group is a mutual-help support group for people living with sleep disorders and meets regularly on the second Monday of every other month at the CHEC, located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak St. SE. Anyone in the community is welcome to attend this event free of charge, and registration is required. Visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432) to register. This event is sponsored by 2nd Wind Sleep Medical Equipment, LLC.

2009-11-30

2009-11-25

Salem — All Salem Health departments that are not essential for urgent patient care will be closed for the winter holidays, including Thanksgiving Day and the following day, Nov. 26 and 27; Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Dec. 24 and 25 and New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Departments closing for these holidays include the following:

• Administration
• Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Community Health Education Center (CHEC)
• Comprehensive Pain Center
• Facilities Development
• Finance
• Health Education
• Human Resources
• Infection Prevention
• Legal Department
• Marketing and Communications
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Medical Staff Office
• Multimedia
• Operating Room, with Prep and Recovery (except for emergency services)
• Patient Financial Services
• Patient Safety
• Performance Improvement
• West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic
• Physician Recruitment
• Purchasing
• Salem Spine Center
• Risk Management
• Strategy and Business Development
• Volunteer Services
• Willamette Health Partners Family Medicine Clinic
• Willamette Valley Professionals Services
  

2009-11-25

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital is offering a tobacco cessation program which includes a series of three classes held on Wednesdays, Dec. 2, 9 and 16, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. “Turn Off Tobacco” will help you learn how to quit smoking to protect both your own health and the health of your family. The class series will cover education on tobacco addiction, different ways to quit and how to manage stress.

The classes will be held at the Community Health Education Center located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus. The cost of the three-class series is $20 and pre-registration is required. A non-smoking friend or family member may attend at no extra cost. Many insurance companies including Oregon Health Plan may offer benefits related to smoking cessation or nicotine replacement. Please check with your insurance company.

To register for the program, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432). Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street SE and Capitol Street SE.

2009-11-25

Salem — The new Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital is offering “ Healthy Holiday Cooking” as part of their Friday Night Out cooking-class series at The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen. The class will be taught by Salem Hospital Executive Chef Sean Roe on Friday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Healthy Holiday Cooking class will help you learn how to make a variety of healthy appetizers and desserts for your next holiday celebration. Following the demonstration, class students will be treated to healthy holiday cuisine to sample. Recipes will be provided for all demonstration dishes.

The cost of the class is $35 and pre-registration is required. Visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call the CHEC at 503-814-CHEC (2432) to register. The Community Health Education Center is located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus. Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street SE and Capitol Street SE.

Salem Hospital Executive Chef Sean Roe attended the Scottsdale Culinary Instituteâ��Le Cordon Blue—and has put his training to work in healthcare culinary management.

2009-11-24

Salem — To meet the need for urgent care during the winter holidays, Salem Hospital’s Urgent Care Center has announced the following holiday hours:

• Thanksgiving Day: Nov. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Christmas Eve: Dec. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Christmas Day: Dec. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On all other days, the Urgent Care Center is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Urgent Care is located at 1002 Bellevue Street SE, Salem, south of Willamette University and west of the Ram Border Café.

The types of services that can be successfully treated at Urgent Care — and don’t require a visit to the emergency department — include the following:

• Sprains
• Simple fractures (extremities)
• Lacerations (simple)
• Minor work injury
• Back pain (ambulatory)
• Asthma (mild)
• Urinary tract infection
• Upper respiratory/sinus infection
• Fever
• Ear pain
• Sore throat

2009-11-23

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital is offering a free bereavement forum to offer education and support to those who have lost a loved one. “Getting through the Holidays after the Loss of a Loved One,” will be held Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the CHEC, Salem Hospital Building D, 939 Oak St SE. 

A keynote presentation by Salem Hospital Chaplain David Watson will be included in the program, along with time for remembrance, reflection and shared experience, strength and hope. For more information about the presentation, please contact the Salem Hospital Chaplain at 503-561-5562, or chaplain@salemhospital.org.

To register for the free forum, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432). Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street SE and Capitol Street SE.

2009-11-23

Salem — Those looking for someone else to cook Thanksgiving dinner are invited to consider Creekside Dining at Salem Hospital for lunch or dinner service.

For just $8 a plate, guests will enjoy Waldorf or Caesar Salad, roast turkey, glazed ham, traditional stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, spiced sweet potatoes, broccoli spears, dinner roll with butter, and a choice of pumpkin pie with whipped cream or apple pie.

Lunch service is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner service is from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26. No reservations are necessary. Creekside Dining is located in Salem Hospital’s Building D at 939 Oak St. SE. Visitors can park in the parking garage on the corner of Mission Street SE and Capitol Street SE.

2009-11-16

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital is offering a class titled “Untangling the Web.” The class will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 10 to 11 a.m., and will help you learn how to find credible health information on the Internet by searching for and evaluating health Web sites in a fun and interactive way. The class is taught by librarians at the Community Health Education Center.

The cost for the class is $10 and advance registration is required. To register, visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

“Untangling the Web” will be held at the Community Health Education Center located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus. Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street SE and Capitol Street SE.

2009-11-10

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital is offering a class for parents expecting multiples. The class will take place on Monday, Nov. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m., and will help prepare parents for the special challenges of having twins and more. The class is taught by a registered nurse who is a twin herself and mother of twins. Topics covered will include what to expect during pregnancy, how to cope with possible complications and how to be better prepared for the birth of the babies. Plan to attend this class several months in advance of your due date.

The marvelous multiples class will be held at the Community Health Education Center located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus. The cost of the class is $25 per couple and pre-registration is required. To register, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432). Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street SE and Capitol Street SE.

2009-10-30

Salem — To protect its patients, Salem Health is limiting visitors to patients at Salem Hospital and West Valley Hospital.

Visitors to all hospitalized patients must be 12 years of age or older and without flu symptoms of fever, sore throat and cough.

“We ask our patients’ loved ones to help protect them from the flu by staying home if they’re ill,” says Ginny Posey, RN, vice president of patient care services for Salem Health. “Hospitalized patients are particularly vulnerable to contracting the influenza virus, and to experiencing serious complications from the flu.”

Hospital staffers are advising patients’ families of the new guidelines, and signs will be posted at all hospital and unit entrances early next week.

Salem Hospital previously announced that visitors to patients in Labor and Delivery, Mother/Baby, and Neonatal Intensive Care must be 18 years of age or older and free of flu symptoms. These guidelines remain in place to protect pregnant women and newborns.

To further prevent the spread of flu, both hospitals have been asking patients with flu symptoms to wear a mask during their visit.

Salem Hospital and West Valley Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

2009-10-28

Salem — Salem Cancer Institute will host a free health fair and forum, “Young Women and Breast Cancer” on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at Salem Hospital, Building B, Wedel Conference Center, 665 Winter Street SE.

The event includes a health fair from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., with information and educational resources on a variety of women’s health issues. Then Brandon Hayes-Lattin, MD, OHSU, will present from 6:30 to 8 p.m. about the importance of early detection, communicating with your physician and living with cancer as a young survivor.

The event is sponsored by the Alyssa Malchow Breast Cancer Fund of the Salem Hospital Foundation. Alyssa lost her fight with breast cancer at the age of 28. Her family and friends have joined together in an effort to provide others with the information they need to have a better chance at surviving this terrible disease.

For more information or to register please call 503-562-4321.

Free breast self-exam class Oct. 31

Salem Cancer Institute will also hold a free breast self-exam class on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 9 a.m., at Salem Hospital, Building C, in the first floor conference rooms. Join our certified breast self-exam instructors to learn the most thorough method for examining breast tissue. Learn the technique by using silicon breast models. Monthly self exams are recommended for women as early as age 20. Please call 503-562-4321 for more information or to register.

2009-10-26

Salem — Sponsored by the Salem Hospital Foundation, the new Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital is offering a free diabetes health fair and lecture. The Campbell Diabetes Lecture and health fair will take place on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Wedel Auditorium in Building B on the Salem Hospital campus. 

Related health vendors will have information and products on display from 6 to 7 p.m. From 7 to 8:30 p.m., two certified diabetes educators will present the Campbell Diabetes Lecture — an interactive discussion titled: “Diabetes on a budget: Why an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!” The presentation will focus on cost-effective strategies to help prevent the onset of diabetes complications, and review lifestyle changes that are worth an investment of time and money. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and a number of grocery store gift cards will be raffled during the interactive discussion.

Presenter Dawn Gray is a registered and licensed dietician and certified diabetes educator and is currently employed at Salem Hospital in Diabetes and Nutrition education. She is often featured in local publications and events focusing on diabetes education.

Presenter Kailene Mikkola, RN, is a certified diabetes educator who has been living with diabetes for over forty years.  She developed and instructs a series of diabetes and nutrition education classes at Salem Hospital designed specifically for individuals dealing with the daily challenges of controlling their blood glucose levels within a determined goal range.

To register for the Campbell Diabetes Lecture, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432). Pre-registrants will be entered in a drawing for a door prize. Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street SE and Capitol Street SE.

The Salem Hospital Foundation’s Campbell Diabetes Lecture is presented in memory of Charles Campbell, MD, who practiced medicine in Salem for 58 years. Among his many achievements, Dr. Campbell developed the hospital’s diabetes education center, and served as its medical director for 20 years.

2009-10-23

Salem — The Marion County Health Department and Salem Hospital are partnering to hold two H1N1 flu information sessions in November. The sessions will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Friday, Nov. 20, from 2 to 3 p.m., at the Wedel Auditorium located in Building B on the Salem Hospital campus. 

The sessions will serve as an opportunity for members of the community to learn more about steps that can be taken to prevent getting the virus, when it’s appropriate to come to the hospital and what to expect when you get there. Marion County Health Officer Karen Landers, MD, will talk about flu prevention and vaccinations and Salem Health representatives will discuss steps the hospital is taking to manage this flu season. Question and answer periods will be included so attendees have an opportunity to ask questions of the presenters.

Both information sessions are free and anyone is welcome to attend.  Pre-registration is required and can be done online at salemhealth.org/chec or by calling the Community Health Education Center at 503-814-CHEC (2432). Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission and Capitol St.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

2009-10-21

West Valley Hospital’s third annual Family Health Fair and Forum will be held Thursday, Nov. 5, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at West Valley Hospital, 525 SE Washington St., in Dallas. The free event will include fun activities, refreshments, giveaways, presentations and health information for the entire family. 

Presentations on “Weight control strategies that work,” by Charles P. Essex, MD, family practice, and “Preventing heart disease,” by Raghu Kamineni, MD, cardiologist, will be held in the conference room at 6 and 7 p.m., respectively. 

“With the holidays just around the corner, we’re providing information and fun activities to help families stay healthy and fit going into the new year,” says Dr. Essex. “This will be fun and informative for adults and kids alike.”

Pick up healthy tips and recipes while browsing displays, talk to hospital staff, get a free blood pressure check and free cholesterol screening, and enjoy a close-up look at a City of Dallas ambulance showcased outside the hospital.

A Nintendo Wii and a free cooking class will be given away in special prize drawings at 8 p.m. Winners are not required to be present at the time of the drawing. To RSVP for the fair and forum, call 503-623-7323. 

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical-access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

2009-10-19

Salem — To protect its patients, Salem Hospital is limiting visitors to patients in Labor and Delivery, Mother/Baby and Neonatal Intensive Care.

Visitors to these patients must be 18 years of age or older and without flu symptoms of fever, sore throat and cough.

The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that people under age 24 are at a higher risk for acquiring the H1N1 influenza virus, and children under age 5 are at a higher risk for complications from the flu.

Salem Hospital staffers are advising families of these patients of the new guidelines, and signs will soon be posted in the entrances to the units.

2009-10-12

Salem — The new Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital is partnering with Salem-Keizer schools as part of “Get Fit Salem.” Targeting approximately 1,660 Salem-area fifth-grade students, the twelve-week program aims to reduce the risk and incidence of childhood obesity. Elementary schools receiving Title 1 Federal benefits were selected as the pilot group in order to target students who are statistically most at risk for health issues due to socioeconomic factors. 

“Get Fit Salem”, funded by the Salem Hospital Foundation, challenges students to increase their daily physical activity. Pedometers were distributed to each student in September along with a health journal to record their progress. The journals also include education on making better food choices and the impact of nutrition on their overall health. Visits will be made to the participating schools at the six-week mark to monitor progress in the program.  Upon completion of the program, school assemblies will publicly recognize the accomplishments of the students. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the percentage of children who are obese has more than doubled, and among adolescents the rates have more than tripled since 1980. This program will provide Salem-area students with the education and tools needed to improve their health. 
 
The results of the program will be measured by conducting three surveys:  one at the start of the program, one immediately following completion of the program, and another six months after completion. Survey questions will probe for information on the effectiveness of the program in increasing the student’s daily activity level, the student’s interest in continuing to exercise daily after the program is over, overall satisfaction of the program, and the effectiveness of the program in helping students understand the importance of daily physical activity.

2009-10-08

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital is offering a seven week Brain Agility Program beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 20 and running through Dec. 1.  The class will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. at the CHEC, located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak Street SE. 

This program is designed to help you keep a healthy and youthful brain. The Brain Agility program combines weekly presentations on brain health with a unique program of mental exercises designed by a psychologist to enhance your brain's ability to remember, stay focused, be aware, and be alert. Enjoy daily mental exercises covering a number of cognitive functions with increasing levels of difficulty to continue challenging your brain as it improves.

The cost for the Brain Agility program is $35 and it is open to anyone in the community.  Space is limited, however, and pre-registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

2009-10-08

Salem — To protect its young patients, Salem Hospital is limiting visitors to its pediatric and neonatal intensive care units.

Visitors for pediatric patients must be an immediate family member of the patient, 12 years of age or older and free of flu symptoms. Visitors to the newborn patients in neonatal intensive care must be over 18 years of age and free of flu symptoms. Parents and grandparents of the infant who are free of flu symptoms are welcome at any time.

The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that people under age 24 are at a higher risk for acquiring the H1N1 influenza virus, and children under age 5 are at a higher risk for complications from the flu.

Salem Hospital staffers are advising families of these patients of the new guidelines, and signs will soon be posted in the entrances to both units.

2009-10-07

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital is offering NIA (Neuromuscular Integrated Action) fitness classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, through Nov. 4.  The classes are from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the CHEC, located on the first floor of Building D, Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak Street SE.  

NIA is a self-guided, adaptable exercise program safe for any fitness level, from beginners to highly fit athletes. Delivering cardiovascular, whole-body conditioning, NIA addresses the whole person with a combination of nine classic movement forms.

Registration for this program, which started Monday, is now half-price at $25 (down from $50). The program is open to anyone in the community, but space is limited and pre-registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

2009-10-07

Salem — The new Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital will hold a grand opening celebration event on Thursday, Oct. 15 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. 

Nationally acclaimed health expert, Elizabeth Somer, a registered dietitian, will speak about healthy eating for a happier life and will have books available for purchase. Elizabeth will also join Salem Hospital's executive chef Sean Roe for a healthy cooking demonstration.  Samples of the light desert recipe will be offered as well as tours of the new state-of-the-art facility. 

The event is free and open to the public but registration is required.  To attend please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432) to pre-register. 

The CHEC has been made possible thanks to the more than $4 million donated to the Salem Hospital Foundation by numerous community members, physicians and hospital employees. The state-of-the-art facility is staffed with trained professionals including health educators, nurses and a librarian all available to help connect community members and healthcare staff with information needed to make informed decisions.

The Center is made up of five areas including the Pierce Resource Center—a community health library, the Gehlar Wellness Kitchen—a state-of-the art cooking classroom, the Gerlinger Support Group Room, the King Staff Library and the Green Education Classrooms.  To learn more about services provided by the Community Health Education Center, please visit salemhealth.org/chec where you'll find a complete listing of classes, support groups and health screenings.

As of Oct. 5, the Community Health Education Center is open to the public. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The new facility is located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, at 939 Oak Street SE. Free parking is available in the visitor parking garage on Capital Street SE.

2009-10-05

Salem — The Community Health Education Center located on the Salem Hospital campus will be holding a gluten-free cooking class on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m.  The class will teach you how to prepare healthful and delicious gluten-free meals and will feature tasty, easy recipes featuring gluten-free whole grains and other naturally gluten-free ingredients.

The cooking class will be held in the new Gehlar Wellness Kitchen located in the Community Health Education Center on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak Street SE.  Cost for the class is $20 and it is open to anyone in the community.  Space is limited and pre-registration is required.  To reserve a spot, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

2009-10-05

Salem — Whether you are living with heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, chronic lung disease or any other long-term condition, you may benefit from a new series of classes offered by the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital. Titled "Living Well with Chronic Conditions," the 6-week series of interactive classes is based on a program by Stanford University. You'll learn how to control symptoms, manage medications, work with your healthcare team, feel better through healthy eating, stay physically active and live well through lifestyle changes. 

The "Living with Chronic Conditions" class series will begin at several different times throughout the year and will be held in the Gerlinger Support Group Room at the CHEC, located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak Street SE. The cost for the series is $40. People are encouraged to sign up for one of the following upcoming class series:

Session 2:  
Thursdays
Oct. 15–Nov. 19  
1–3:30 p.m.

Session 3:  
Mondays
Jan. 11–Feb. 15, 2010
1–3:30 p.m.
  
Session 4:
Thursdays
Feb. 18–Mar. 25, 2010       
1–3:30 p.m.

To register please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call (503) 814-2432. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.

2009-10-05

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital will be offering a series of classes titled “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” beginning Monday, Oct. 19 and running through Nov. 23.  The class series will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the CHEC,  located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak Street SE. 

This is a six-week educational program for family and friends caring for older adults who have Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, stroke or similar long-term conditions. The class provides caregivers with the skills and confidence to better care for themselves while caring for others. Class members receive “The Caregiver Helpbook,” which is a great resource to help caregivers seek and find solutions for their situation. 

The Powerful Tools for Caregivers class is free and is open to anyone in the community.  Space is limited, however, and pre-registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

2009-09-29

Whether you have a healthy back and want to keep it that way, or you are grappling with back pain or spine issues, come to the “Back Talk” health forum on Monday, October 5 from 10 a.m. to noon at Country Meadows Village, 155 S. Evergreen Rd., Woodburn.

Neurosurgeon Maurice Collada, MD, medical director of the Salem Spine Center, will speak on “Back pain solutions: A new approach to spine care” at 10 a.m.  He will address common back issues, treatment options and lifestyle impact.

At 11 a.m., physical therapists Julie Tucker and Brenda Schrage, from Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center, will speak on “Healthy Back: Keep your back safe while doing activities you love.” The presentation will include exercise demonstrations and handouts.

The “Back Talk” health forum will include time for questions and answers.

The forum is free and everyone is welcome.  Please RSVP at 503-561-BACK (2225) or 1-866-944-2224 (toll-free). The session will be held on the ground floor of the three-story building in the back parking area of Country Meadows Village.

The forum is hosted by the Salem Spine Center, a service that helps physician-referred patients quickly get the treatment they need. The Salem Spine Center is part of Salem Health. Salem Health is a not-for-profit healthcare system that includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations.

2009-09-29

Having a stroke can change your life. Learn how to prevent a stroke, as well as how to rehabilitate from one, at the Inpatient Rehabilitation Open House and Forum on Thursday, Oct. 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center.

Physiatrist Raymond Brumbaugh, MD, Salem Rehabilitation Associates, will speak on “Stroke Prevention and Rehabilitation” at 6:30 p.m.

At 7 p.m., tours will begin, as well as blood pressure checks and cholesterol screenings.  At 8 p.m., there will be a prize drawing for a Nintendo Wii.  Winners must be present to take home the prize!

The forum is free and everyone is welcome.  Please RSVP at 503-814-CHEC (2432). The Regional Rehabilitation Center is located at 2561 Center St. NE, Salem, OR 97301.

The Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center provides acute, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and is part of Salem Health. Salem Health is a not-for-profit healthcare system that includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations.

2009-09-18

Salem — On Tuesday, community members can learn from Salem Hospital’s executive chef how to make a restaurant-style menu using local produce and staying on budget in a preview of the new Community Health Education Center on the Salem Hospital Campus.

"Community Flavor: In Season," will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., at a cost of $20. Chef Sean Roe will demonstrate restaurant menu items for a family of four—at the cost of a meal for one at a fine-dining restaurant. Tasting menu includes artichoke chicken, grilled chicken fettuccine, garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and mixed fruit cobbler.

The class is part of a series of cooking classes that will be offered in the CHEC’s new Gehlar Wellness Kitchen. This classroom-kitchen allows attendees to experience healthy cooking firsthand with demonstrations from both hospital dietitians and chefs from around the community. Upcoming classes include "An Evening in Italy," "Gluten-Free Cooking" and "Fresh from the Oregon Coast."

“The majority of health issues we face today revolve around diet and our relationship with food,” says Roe, who will teach some of the CHEC’s first cooking classes. “Part of Salem Hospital’s role is educating people about the impact of food on personal health, emphasizing variety and moderation to help them start eating thoughtfully.”

The class is open to the community but space is limited and pre-registration is required. To reserve a spot, call 503-814-CHEC (2432) or register online at salemhealth.org/chec.

The new Community Health Education Center is located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak Street SE.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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For more information on this news release, contact Julie Howard, Salem Hospital spokeswoman, at 503-561-5664 or julie.howard@salemhospital.org.

2009-09-03

Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) located on the Salem Hospital campus will be holding a new Weight Watchers community meeting on Thursday, Sept. 10 from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Registration and weigh-in begin at 6 p.m.

Participants joining now can get a free month of unlimited meetings and online tools when signing up for Monthly Pass which is everything needed to learn to beat Hungry, lose weight and keep it off. Attendees can purchase their Monthly Pass at the Salem Hospital meeting and receive one month free. Registration is free on all membership options for a limited time.     

The new Community Health Education Center is located on the first floor of Building D of Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak Street SE.  

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.  

Some restrictions apply to both the monthly pass and the registration offers. See www.weightwatchers.com for details. 

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For more information on this news release, contact Julie Howard, Salem Hospital spokeswoman, at 503-561-5664 or julie.howard@salemhospital.org.

2009-09-03

Independence — Citizens of Monmouth and Independence will join together tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Riverview Park in Independence to dedicate a life jacket loaner station in memory of brothers who drowned at the site on the Willamette River last winter.

Tragically, preventable drowning accidents occur every summer in the mid-Willamette Valley. Most recently, a 14-year-old boy drowned on the Willamette River in Keizer, about a mile downstream near Wallace Marine Park, the location of another life jacket loaner station.

Alvin Troub, 20, and Michael Runyon, 8, both of Independence, died on Nov. 16, 2008. The life jacket loaner station was erected in their memory by Safe Kids Willamette Valley and Salem Hospital Foundation to prevent future deaths. The life jacket station was built as an Eagle Scout project by Walter Moser of Independence and Boy Scout Troop 38. The brothers will be remembered with a plaque on a granite marker donated by citizens and businesses in Monmouth and Independence.

“People really underestimate the power of the water and how disabling the coldness of the water can be,” says Kelly Owen, trauma nurse and injury prevention specialist at Salem Hospital, and coordinator of Safe Kids Willamette Valley. “Almost all drowning can be prevented by using a life jacket.”

Owen says the life jackets are available at the station for anyone to borrow for day use, and asks that community members return them at the end of the day so others can use them.

Funds for the life jacket loaner station came from a grant by the Oregon State Marine Board, through Salem Hospital Foundation. Contributors to the installation of the granite marker and memorial plaque included First Baptist Church, Marr Brothers Bark Dust, Pacific Stonescape, Petals and Vines, and private citizens of Monmouth and Independence.

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For more information on this news release, contact Julie Howard, Salem Hospital spokeswoman, at 503-561-5664 or julie.howard@salemhospital.org.

2009-08-31

Salem — Salem Hospital is offering a free information session on its bariatric surgery program on Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m.                        

The session is geared toward giving participants information needed to evaluate whether weight-loss surgery is the right option for them. Pre-registration is required to attend the session and anyone interested can call 503-561-5286 to reserve space.  

The Salem Hospital Bariatric Surgery program offers a unique and personalized approach to help patients lose weight and make the lifestyle changes necessary to improve overall health.  

Established in 2004, the program offers open, laparoscopic gastric bypass, and LAP-BAND surgery. Additional information sessions are scheduled through the end of the year as follows:

• Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6–8 p.m.            
• Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6–8 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 16, 6–8 p.m.

For more information call 503-561-5286 or visit salemhospital.org/bariatric.  

Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.  

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For more information on this news release, contact Julie Howard, Salem Hospital spokeswoman, at 503-561-5664 or julie.howard@salemhospital.org.

2009-08-26

Salem — (Note to editors: Recipients are from Amity, Aumsville, Aurora, Brooks, Dallas, Damascus, Dundee, Gates, Gervais, Independence, Keizer, McMinnville, Mt. Angel, Newberg, Salem, Scio, Sheridan, Silverton, Stayton, Sublimity, Turner and Woodburn.) 

The Salem Hospital Foundation announces that 91 students in medical or medically related fields will be receiving scholarships for the 2009-2010 school year. A total of $145,900 in scholarships was awarded to students pursuing degrees in nursing, pharmacy, imaging, and a variety of other medically related programs.  

Several named scholarships were awarded in memory of various community members, including the Cass Bailey, M.D. physician scholarship; the Nita Jo Carter nursing scholarship; the Kathy deMarrais nursing scholarship; the Carl and Olive Emmons nursing scholarship; the Rollin Haag nursing scholarship; the Haap Jackson imaging scholarship; the Hattie Kremen nursing scholarship; the Elmera “Tiny” Richardson nursing scholarship; the Sewell Family scholarship and the Grayce & Glola Sigg nursing scholarship.  Additional special scholarships that were awarded include the Spirit of Excellence scholarship and the Salem Self-Help Nursing Scholarship (through the Salem Foundation). 

Awardees for the 2009-2010 school year are as follows: 

Amity: Kala Talbott 

Aumsville: Julie Douglas and Tiffanie Kuntz 

Aurora: Jason Phillips 

Brooks: Annette Thompson 

Dallas: Karen Behnke, Melody Burke, Anna Dentel, Kendra Fresh, Joseph King and Megan Koivisto 

Damascus: David Bright 

Dundee: Andrea Tremaine 

Gates: Laura Paquet 

Gervais: Lisa Matlock    

Independence: Katie Muncrief 

Keizer: Juliya Dmitriyeva, Debbie Goodwin, Tonya Gunn, Kerrie Hayman, Nicole Mullins, Tina Schindler, Josie Silverman and Andrew Valov 

McMinnville: Meghan Eckley and Kathleen Madison 

Mt Angel: Amanda Beyer  Newberg: Kristen Ravelli 

Salem:  Nicole Arana, Jannaeah Baty, Christopher Bell, Lisa Bennett, Sarah Bos, Brenda Burnett, Jenna Callaway, Dawn Capwell, Iuri Cernev, Maia Cerneva, Pamela Cortez, Belinda Dawson-Savard, Richard Dela Cruz, Jodonna Dollar, Daniel Fisher, Amber Frost, Dmitriy Gerasimenko, Sonia Glennie, Kathryn Grim, Karl Henich, Rebecca Hibner, Nathan Howell, Sarah Johnson, Nicole Kelchner, Nicole Klaus, Maureen McNabb, Melissa  Miller, Flynne Miner, Nichole Nelson, Meghan Newstone, Danielle Noble, Melissa Potts, Susan Presnell, Erica Rabe, Paul Reynolds, Doreen Rodecap, Donna Rossmeisl, Mary Secor, Tara Sedor, Katie Thede, Eric Timmons, Kathy Tran, Nathan Trenholme, Lynn Van Winkle, Cynthia Wagner, Leanne Whygle, Peter Willis and Inyoung Yu 

Scio: Casey Lulay 

Sheridan: Jacob Bumstead 

Silverton: Shannon Becerra, Tiffany Eder, Elizabeth Garrard, Kelsey Hupp, Jaclyn Kuenzi and Samantha Pelletier 

Stayton: Rebecca Kelly, Rayanna Mitchell, Katie Peterman and Courtney Schmidig 

Sublimity: Wendy Lindley Turner: Stephanie Casey 

Woodburn: Carrie Lockwood 

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For more information on this news release, contact Julie Howard, Salem Hospital spokeswoman, at 503-561-5664 or julie.howard@salemhospital.org.

2009-08-26

Salem — Prostate cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer if detected early. The American Cancer Society estimates that about one man in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime.

To help with early detection, Salem Hospital is holding free prostate cancer screenings on Saturday, Sept. 26, in Building C, 875 Oak Street SE, on the hospital campus. The free screenings are targeted towards men ages 40 and over who may not otherwise be able to receive them. A blood test and an exam by a physician will be included.

Anyone interested in receiving a free screening must schedule an appointment in advance as space is limited. For more information and to see if you qualify, please call the Salem Cancer Institute at 503-562-4321. Free parking is available in the visitor parking garage on Capitol Street SE, between Mission Street SE and Oak Street SE.

The free prostate screenings are being sponsored by the Salem Cancer Institute and Salem Health Laboratories.

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For more information on this news release, contact Julie Howard, Salem Hospital spokeswoman, at 503-561-5664 or julie.howard@salemhospital.org. 

2009-08-25

Salem — The most commonly diagnosed form of cancer among men, prostate cancer is increasingly becoming a health concern for more men.  About one man out of every six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime and the American Cancer Society estimates that during 2009 about 192,280 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States alone.

To help combat this growing health issue and provide education, Salem Hospital is hosting a free Men’s Health Fair and Forum on Thursday, Sept. 24 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.  The event will be held at the new Community Health Education Center on the ground floor of Salem Hospital’s Building D, 939 Oak Street SE. State-of-the-art technology will be highlighted such as the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System and the TomoTherapy treatment unit for targeted radiation therapy. 

A presentation titled “Let’s Talk Prostate Health” will take place beginning at 6:30 p.m., and will feature Dr. David Elkins of Willamette Urology and Dr. Nancy Reyes-Molyneaux of Radiation Therapy Consultants. Prostate cancer risk factors, recommended screenings for early detection and the latest in prostate cancer research will be discussed. 

In addition, 10-year old tri-athlete and local resident, Winter Vinecki will make a special appearance as part of her fight against prostate cancer in memory of her father, Michael Vinecki.  Winter has created Team Winter as part of Athletes for a Cure in honor of her father who lost his fight with prostate cancer in March of this year.  Her campaign has already raised over $100,000 in just a few short months. 

Anyone interested in attending the free Health Fair and Forum can register by calling 503-814-CHEC (2432).  Free parking is available in the visitor parking garage on Capitol Street SE, between Mission Street SE and Oak Street SE.   

The Men’s Health Fair and Forum is sponsored by the Community Health Education Center and the Salem Cancer Institute and is made possible through a generous gift from the Salem Hospital Foundation. 

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For more information on this news release, contact Julie Howard, Salem Hospital spokeswoman, at 503-561-5664 or julie.howard@salemhospital.org.

2009-08-21

West Valley Hospital announces the addition of Monmouth resident Shawn Grady as imaging supervisor. Grady will oversee all imaging services, including the hospital’s newly enhanced suite of advanced all-digital imaging.

“Shawn Grady brings enthusiasm, dedication and a good old-fashioned work ethic combined with top-notch experience and skills in MRI, CT and X-ray,” says Lynn Clayton, interim vice president and administrator of West Valley Hospital. “He is a great addition to our local team serving Polk County residents and will be instrumental in managing the growth in our services.”

Grady most recently was MRI/CT supervisor at Northern Inyo Hospital in Bishop, Calif. where he oversaw all aspects of the departments, including accreditation from the American College of Radiology for quality assurance, and implementation of new protocols leading to growth in services.  Prior to Northern Inyo Hospital, he trained at Bonner General in Sandpoint, Idaho and Spokane VA Medical Center. Grady holds an Associates Degree in Applied Science from Apollo College in Spokane, Wash.

“I’m excited to join West Valley Hospital,” says Grady. “With our recent digital equipment enhancements we are comparable to the nation’s top hospitals for diagnostic imaging. I look forward to helping support the good health and well-being of this community.”

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Ore., is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

For more information, contact Jeanne Silsby, 503-561-2761 or jeanne.silsby@salemhospital.org.

2009-08-21

West Valley Hospital has invested more than $250,000 to acquire new Holgic digital mammography and Fuji digital X-ray equipment to enhance their suite of digital imaging services. Physicians and patients will receive images superior to film and be able to have critical imaging services done in Dallas.

“Our digital mammography and X-ray capabilities are on par with Salem and other larger metro areas,” says Shawn Grady, West Valley Hospital imaging supervisor. “We have all current generation equipment so that people in the area have high quality, convenient options for their imaging needs.”

Patients will now get high resolution pictures and physicians will be able to view these pictures on the computer rather than wait for films. The equipment will enable radiologists and physicians to view images from a variety of perspectives facilitating accuracy in measurements, assessments and diagnoses.

West Valley Hospital’s all-digital services include a CT scanner, an X-ray platform, a mammography system, a bone density scanner, and ultrasound machine.

“Our digital mammography equipment will also complement biopsy procedures,” says Grady. “Radiologists view images while the computer helps find additional suspicious tissue areas. It helps increase our sensitivity to potential problem spots.”

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Ore., is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

For more information, contact Jeanne Silsby, 503-561-2761 or jeanne.silsby@salemhospital.org.

2009-08-21

Salem - In response to community feedback on parking needs, Salem Hospital today announced important changes to parking for emergency patients and additional parking for people with disabilities.

Beginning today, gates to the emergency parking lot east of Building A will open automatically to admit emergency patients without the need to pull a ticket. The gates will also open automatically as patients exit.

"In stressful emergency situations, some people found the gated parking system frustrating. We want to make sure patients can park as quickly as possible," says Julie Howard, spokeswoman for Salem Hospital.

Hospital staffers spent several weeks observing parking and listening to patients describe their experiences. As a result, four wheelchair-accessible spaces have been added under Building C, in addition to the changes in emergency parking. The hospital's parking committee is in the process of examining and addressing other questions about hospital parking expressed by the community.

"We take the interests of our patients and visitors very seriously," says Howard. "Because people took the time to explain the difficulties they were having, we were able to pinpoint the problems more quickly and begin work on resolutions."

Patient and visitor parking at Salem Hospital is free of charge, and more details are available at salemhospital.org/parking. To connect with the Salem Hospital parking committee, community members should contact Howard, who also serves as public parking liaison, at cr@salemhospital.org.

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For more information on this news release, contact Julie Howard, Salem Hospital spokeswoman at 503-561-5664 or julie.howard@salemhospital.org.

2009-08-13

2009-08-04

Salem Hospital will be hosting a new support group for cardiac patients, friends and family starting Thursday, Aug. 13, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Community Health Education Center, Building D, Classroom 1. The Healthy Hearts Educational Support Group will meet on the second Thursday of every month.

“The support group will enable people to better understand heart issues and give them an opportunity to speak with other people who have been through similar experiences,” says Mary Bedell, RN, one of the three Healthy Hearts Educational Support Group coordinators.

“Because of the urgency of heart issues, people don’t often have time to reflect or fully understand their experience until they are recovering at home,” says Anne Norris, RN, support group coordinator.

A nurse will be on hand for each meeting to answer questions. Speakers will also discuss topics related to the heart. On Aug. 13, Raghu Kamineni, MD, cardiologist and medical director of the catheterization lab at Salem Hospital, will speak on “Arteries and Interventions.” At the Sept. 10 support group, Joe Schnabel, pharmacist, will discuss “Managing Cardiac Medications.” Future topics include heart failure, sleep, weight management, vitamins and herbs, and more.

“This group, in combination with Salem Hospital’s new Community Health Education Center, offers people amazing resources to learn about their heart health,” says Amie Wittenberg, RN, support group coordinator.

The Healthy Hearts Educational Support Group is free. Parking is available in the hospital parking structure. For more information, please call 503-814-CHEC (2432).

For more information on this news release, contact Jeanne Silsby at 503-561-2761 or jeanne.silsby@salemhospital.org.

2009-07-29

Whether you have a healthy back and want to keep it that way, or you are grappling with back pain or spine issues, come to the “Back Talk” health forum on Monday, Aug, 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lincoln City Cultural Center conference room.

Neurosurgeon Maurice Collada, MD, medical director of the Salem Spine Center, will speak on “Back pain solutions: A new approach to spine care” at 10 a.m.  He will address common back issues, treatment options and lifestyle impact.

At 11 a.m., physical therapists Julie Tucker and Brenda Schrage, from Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center, will speak on “Healthy Back: Keep your back safe while doing activities you love.” The presentation will include exercise demonstrations and handouts.

The “Back Talk” health forum will include time for questions and answers.

The forum is free and everyone is welcome.  Please RSVP at 503-561-BACK (2225) or 1-866-944-2224 (toll-free).  The Lincoln City Cultural Center is located at 540 NE Highway 101, Lincoln City, OR 97367.

The forum is hosted by the Salem Spine Center, a service that helps physician-referred patients quickly get the treatment they need. The Salem Spine Center is part of Salem Health. Salem Health is a not-for-profit healthcare system that includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations.

For more information on this news release, contact Jeanne Silsby at 503-561-2761 or jeanne.silsby@salemhospital.org.

2009-07-28

Salem — At noon today, representatives of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) staged a provocative demonstration on the northeast corner of Capital Street SE and Mission Street SE to encourage people to become vegan. Two PETA representatives dressed in what PETA described as a “sexy nurse outfit … white minidress, knee-high stockings, and spiked heels,” handed out literature promoting vegan diets for heart health. 

Salem Hospital Spokeswoman Julie Howard says PETA has no affiliation with the hospital or its heart health programs. “Salem Hospital and its parent organization, Salem Health, do not advocate either for or against the consumption of meat,” says Howard. “We do, however, advocate a heart-healthy diet, as evidenced by our ongoing heart-health education efforts.” 

To promote heart health, Salem Hospital recommends a diet low in cholesterol, saturated fat and sodium, says Howard. To improve the heart health of people in the mid-Willamette Valley, the hospital sponsors an annual heart health fair and forum, a healthy hearts support group, free monthly blood-pressure checks and free cholesterol screenings several times a year.

In addition, Salem Health’s Community Health Education Center, opening this fall at Salem Hospital, will offer a heart-healthy cooking class at the end of September. More information is available online at salemhealth.org/chec or by calling 503-814-CHEC(2432). 

In response to PETA’s choice of women in provocative dress to send its message, Howard notes, “Salem Hospital respects nurses as valued healthcare professionals and condemns the exploitation of women.” 

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For more information, contact Julie Howard, Salem Health spokeswoman, at 503-561-5664 or julie.howard@salemhospital.org.

2009-07-27

2009-07-10

Salem — The Salem Hospital Auxiliary has awarded scholarships totaling $35,500 to 31 area students, who will be honored with a reception at Salem Hospital on the evening of July 16.

All recipients are enrolled in medically related fields of study for the 2009–2010 academic year. The Laura Prince Scholarship was awarded to Wendy Lindley of Sublimity; the Lynda Fitzsimons Scholarship was awarded to Emily Brown of Salem. Other scholarships were awarded to:

Aumsville: Julie Douglas.

Dallas: Krystle Miller and Drew Morrison.

Gervais: Lisa Matlock.

Keizer: Laura Kelder.

Monmouth: Scott Shane.

Salem: Brittany Anderson, Fatima Baar, Christopher Bell, Brian Blair, Maia Cerneva, Nicole Fischer, Daniel Fisher, Michelle Gander, Melissa Hale, Brenda Hux, Sarah Johnson, Julie Lundine, Gerri Pratt, Erica Rabe, Tara Sedor, Brenda Umulap, Lynn Van Winkle, Kathleen Voy, Chalea Waters and Inyoung Yu.

Scio: Casey Lulay.

Silverton: Shannon Becerra.

Stayton: Courtney Schmidig.

2009-06-15

Salem Health recognized nurses from Salem Hospital and West Valley Hospital for clinical excellence at an awards banquet at the Oregon Gardens in Silverton. The event concluded Nurses Week 2009.

West Valley Hospital winners included Robert Dow, RN, emergency department, in the “Community Service” category; and Joyce Wilder, RN, BSN, interim emergency department and medical/surgery manager, in the “Mentoring” category. Lyle Shane, RN, emergency department, was also honored.

“These awards highlight excellence in the nursing profession,” said Cheryl Nester Wolfe, RN, senior vice president operations and chief nursing officer at Salem Health. “Winners symbolize the quality care patients can expect within our hospital system.”

Dow’s nominator praised him for his extensive volunteer work as a nurse with many different non-profit organizations. “His compassion and love of nursing is known internationally from a lifetime of service,” said the nominator. “He has a gift that he freely shares with others.”

Wilder was recognized as being an example for others to follow. “I can say that I want to be a leader like her when I ‘grow up’ as a nurse,” said her nominator. “Her positive attitude, caring heart, diligent work ethic and excellent nursing skills make her a tremendous asset.”

Shane was acknowledged as being “part of the glue that holds the emergency department staff together.”

Salem Hospital winners included Heather Mohr, RN, and Jeanine Scott, RN, in the “Teaching Category;” Sharon Fetterley, RN in the “Mentoring” category; Becky Ramos, RN, in the “Community Service” category; Cheeri Barnhart, RN, and Steve Henion, RN, in the “Advancing the Profession” category; Jenny Hindhaugh, RN, and Bryan Sprague, RTR, in the “Management” category; and Sara Wargnier, RN, and Amy Cummings, RN, in the “Clinical Care” category.

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

2009-05-29

Salem — Beginning Thursday, Salem Hospital’s monthly blood pressure checks are moving from their longtime location in the first-floor lobby of Building B (Winter Street Building), to a new location in the first-floor lobby of Building D (which also houses the Family Birth Center), on 939 Oak Street SE. 

Salem Hospital changed the location to offer close parking to people coming in for blood-pressure screening. The closest parking is available under Building A (the new tower), which patients can access through the emergency lot off of Oak Street SE or Capitol Street SE. An elevator from the underground parking takes people to the first floor of Building A, which is just across the street from Building D. Parking is also available in the parking garage on Capitol Street.  

The free blood-pressure checks are held on the first Thursday of every month from 2 to 4 p.m., on a walk-in basis. For more information, call Salem Hospital's health education department at 503-814-2432.

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For more information on this news release, contact Julie Howard, spokesperson for Salem Health, at 503-561-5664 or julie.howard@salemhospital.org.

2009-05-21

Salem — May 21, 2009 — Portland Business Journal Friday honored Aaron Crane, Salem Health chief financial officer and senior vice president, operations, as finalist in the nonprofits category for its 2009 CFO of the Year Awards.  

Crane was one of three finalists chosen from among 20 nominees in his category, and the only mid-Willamette Valley CFO honored by the Journal. This third annual event chose finalists and winners in five categories: publicly held companies, large private companies, medium private companies, and nonprofits and public agencies. The winner of the nonprofits category, Pamela Vukovich, is the CFO for Legacy Health System. 

“Aaron’s really unique among CFOs,” says Norm Gruber, president and CEO of Salem Health. “He’s very sensitive in understanding that our business is about people and not products. He always weighs the patient side of the equation in every financial decision.” 

Crane acted quickly to protect Salem Health when the auction-rate bond market crumbled in early 2008. By November, the organization had refinanced more than $200 million of debt and secured an A+ credit rating, according to the Journal. 

“He’s very strategic and takes initiative—something you don’t always find in finance staff,” says Gruber. “When investors suddenly dropped the auction-rate bonds, Aaron regrouped and arranged financing in a very difficult market, in a matter of days. He’s highly respected among his peers.” 

Crane is a creative leader who isn’t afraid of sharing his sense of humor and flair for the dramatic—from writing and reciting humorous poems to involving the executive team in a murder mystery at a retreat. And, he goes beyond the CFO role to shape the delivery of healthcare in the mid-Willamette Valley and beyond. With operations responsibilities including facilities, hospitality services, laboratory services, patient access and health information management, Crane takes the time to listen to and learn from front-line staff.  

He has contributed to national healthcare policy by serving on Rep. Darlene Hooley’s healthcare advisory group, and helps to develop finance staff in Oregon hospitals through leadership in the Oregon Health & Financial Management Association. 

A resident of West Salem, Crane has been married 20 years and has two children, ages 16 and 13; two dogs (Cavalier King Charles spaniels); two cats; and a horse. He is also an aspiring winemaker, having planted a small vineyard with the hope of a first vintage in the next few years.

For more information on this news release, contact Julie Howard, spokesperson for Salem Health, at 503-561-5664 or julie.howard@salemhospital.org.

2009-05-14

Salem – May 14 - Salem Cancer Institute is offering a free class on Monday, May 18, 6:30–7:30 p.m., entitled Naturopathic Oncology in Complementary Cancer Care. The class will be held in the Salem Hospital Winter Street building, 665 Winter Street SE, in the Wedel Conference Center Auditorium.

Local physician Evelin Dacker, MD, is partnering with Eugene naturopathic physician, Tina Kaczor, ND, to help the community understand when natural therapies such as nutrition, acupuncture and yoga may be appropriate to complement conventional cancer treatments. Dr. Kaczor specializes in naturopathic oncology and is the current president of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

“The addition of appropriate complementary modalities to traditional cancer care gives oncologists and patients a whole new set of tools in the management of cancer and treatment-related side effects,” says Nancy Boutin, MD, Salem Cancer Institute Medical Director and class moderator.

For more information and to register for the class, please call 503-562-4321. Refreshments will be provided.

2009-05-12

Business owners and risk managers are invited to learn more about automated external defibrillators at the AED Fair & Forum on Tuesday, June 2, from 9 a.m. to noon at Salem Hospital, Building D, second floor conference room. The event is free and open to the public.

“A victim of cardiac arrest is not breathing and has no pulse, posing the threat of brain death within 4 to 6 minutes. An AED is a tool that when used along with CPR can save lives,” said Michael Heffner, Salem Fire Department EMS coordinator. “Whether you are a business, school, church or other entity, if you don’t have an AED, you should come to this event to learn more about them.”

The AED Fair & Forum will feature educational displays, AED vendors, CPR/AED demonstrations and refreshments. AED owners and non-owners are invited to attend to learn about the latest in AEDs.  The event is hosted by the Salem Area Public Access Defibrillator Coalition and coincides with National CPR/AED Awareness Week.

Attendees who pre-register for the AED Fair & Forum will be eligible to win a free CPR/AED class for 12 sponsored by the American Red Cross Willamette Chapter. To pre-register, call Nicole Garrett at 503-561-7677. Parking for the event is available in the hospital parking structure.

AEDs are lifesaving electronic devices that deliver an electrical shock to victims of sudden cardiac arrest. AEDs are small, lightweight and have adhesive electrode pads that rescuers attach to the person's chest which deliver a shock to allow the heart to restart itself. Non-medical personnel can use AEDs safely and effectively with minimal training.

The Oregon State Senate recently passed legislation to require AEDs in buildings of a certain size.

“Employers should really take a look at AEDs and get ahead of the curve,” said Heffner. “Not only is it a valuable community service, it helps employees who might have a cardiac arrest get help faster.”

Entities that have AEDs can be recognized by signs or window stickers with a red heart and a lightning symbol going through it. AEDs can be found in Lancaster Mall, Salem Center mall, the Marion County Courthouse and more.

The Salem Area Public Access Defibrillator Coalition consists of the American Red Cross Willamette Chapter, the Salem Fire Department, Salem Health and Rural/Metro Ambulance. The coalition is focused on tracking, building and sustaining a local AED network. To-date, approximately 90 AEDs have been identified through voluntary registration in Salem. The coalition’s goal this year is to raise awareness, increase registrations, and double the number of AEDs in the community. The coalition also accepts donations to support its AED grant program.

2009-05-11

SALEM — As the number of community calls has decreased, Salem Hospital has closed its Flu Advice Line today at noon.

Information on flu symptoms, prevention and emergency preparedness is still available online at salemhospital.org/flu.

The advice line was the first service to be offered under Salem Health’s Community Health Education Center, in advance of the center’s opening this fall on the Salem Hospital campus.

“Providing accurate information on flu prevention and treatment is exactly the kind of service the Community Health Education Center is intended to provide,” says Cheryl Nester Wolfe, RN, chief nursing officer for Salem Health. “So many people in the community donated funds for this facility, and we’re grateful to our donors that it was available to meet this urgent community need.”

For more information on the Community Health Education Center and the services it will provide, go to salemhealth.org/chec.  

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For more information on this news release, contact Julie Howard, spokesperson for Salem Health, at 503-561-5664 or julie.howard@salemhospital.org.

2009-05-05

SALEM — May 5, 2009 — Salem Cancer Institute and the Dermatology Clinic, PC, are working in partnership to offer a free skin cancer screening on Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. If you are without insurance or unable to afford important health screenings, you may qualify for this free skin screening. Appointments will be held at the Salem Hospital Center for Outpatient Medicine and must be scheduled in advance. Space is limited. Please call 503-562-4321 for more information.  

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends regular skin self-exams and a complete skin examination annually by a physician. “Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all types of cancers. It is estimated that more than one million Americans develop skin cancer every year.  It’s important for all adults with a long history of sun exposure or family history of skin cancer to have an annual screening,” says Michael Goodenberger, MD, of the Dermatology Clinic in Salem.  

According to the most recent data (2003-2007) from the Oregon State Cancer Registry, the annual average of Melanoma and Skin cancers diagnosed in Oregon is 1,917. Additional people are diagnosed with basal- and squamous-cell cancers every year. When found early, these cancers may be completely cured with treatment.

2009-05-05

Note: The Flu Advice Line announced in this story has been discontinued. See the May 11 news release for details. 

SALEM — Do you have questions about H1N1 (swine) flu?

In response to community need for flu information and advice, Salem Health today launched a Flu Advice Line staffed by nurses and health educators that can answer callers’ questions in any language. The advice line can be particularly helpful for people considering an ER or Urgent Care visit because they think they have flu symptoms and don’t have a doctor.

The phone number for the multilingual advice line is 503-814-CHEC (2432). The Flu Advice Line is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. The advice line is the first service to be offered under Salem Health’s Community Health Education Center, in advance of the center’s grand opening this fall at Salem Hospital.

“Providing accurate information on flu prevention and treatment is exactly the kind of service the Community Health Education Center is intended to provide,” said Cheryl Nester Wolfe, RN, chief nursing officer for Salem Health. “So many people in the community donated funds for this facility, and we’re grateful to our donors that it’s available to meet this urgent community need.”

In addition to the advice line, information on flu prevention and emergency preparedness is available online at salemhospital.org/flu.

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For more information on this news release, contact Julie Howard, spokesperson for Salem Health, at 503-561-5664 or julie.howard@salemhospital.org.

2009-03-29

Salem Hospital will welcome emergency patients to its new building May 17, but the hospital has invited everyone for an inside look a month earlier — at its public open house this month.

On April 18 and 19, community members can see the first phase of a replacement for Salem Hospital’s aging Winter Street facility — a technologically advanced critical-care tower where patients will benefit from the latest in healing design.

Included are an expanded emergency room, imaging department, surgery and interventional suites, and critical care for patients with heart problems, traumatic injuries and other serious concerns.

“The new building is a community asset that will house the most technology-sensitive healthcare services needed by area residents for years to come,” says Norman Gruber, president and CEO of Salem Health, parent organization for Salem Hospital.

Needing a new facility
As part of a regional referral center, Salem Hospital clinicians care for patients not only from Salem and Keizer, but also from surrounding communities such as Lincoln City, McMinnville, Woodburn and Detroit.

These patients count on the advanced healthcare offered close to home at Salem Hospital — care that is more difficult to deliver in an aging building.

Parts of the Winter Street hospital were built in 1953 — before technology played such an important role in healing and before research had shown the importance of natural light, privacy and the presence of loved ones in the healing process.

Salem Hospital plans to replace the older building in phases, with this first phase — the new patient-care tower — housing services where patients will benefit the most from new technology and larger space.

Making dollars count
"As volunteer board members running a nonprofit hospital, being wise stewards of people’s healthcare dollars was at the top of our minds when designing this facility,” says Katherine Keene, chair of the Salem Health board of trustees. “We wanted this building to make the best use of limited funds, and reduce the need for future renovation.”

To minimize costs for patients while continuing to provide high-quality healthcare, Salem Hospital leaders designed the building to accommodate foreseeable medical advances for the next 50 years.

The new tower was built next to the Winter Street facility so the existing building can continue being used during a phased replacement, with minimal transport for sick patients.

To care for area communities now and in the future, Salem Hospital employed Willamette Valley contractors where possible so much of the building’s $220 million cost was reinvested in the community.

The hospital also committed to use environmentally friendly design and construction using the Green Guide for Health Care, recycling as much as possible during construction, installing energy and water-saving equipment, and selecting durable materials that require less maintenance, among other measures.

Designing for healing
Features throughout the new tower were designed using research that identifies elements of hospitals’ physical environment that contribute to better health for both patients and staff.

Based on evidence showing views of nature reduce pain and speed healing, large windows throughout the tower offer natural light and outdoor views. An outdoor landscaped
 
plaza provides a place of respite where patients, visitors and staff can enjoy fresh air, the sounds of running water, and garden walks and seating.

Since the presence of loved ones increases patient safety and also speeds healing, the new building allows more family involvement in healing and recovery.

A daybed and dedicated family space in each patient room allows loved ones to remain nearby during treatment.

Family gathering areas with nearby consultation rooms on each patient level offer a way for visitors to stay nearby or talk with caregivers when patients need rest or privacy. A chapel on the first floor offers spiritual solace for people of all faiths.

Benefiting from community contributions
From sounds that soothe to original art, community contributions through the Salem Hospital Foundation have enhanced the healing environment in the new tower.

Thanks to the efforts of the Foundation and the Russell and Valerie Bonesteele Estate, the Salem Hospital “Healing Art” collection — with more than 50 original works by 21 Willamette Valley artists — provides views of the natural landscapes, colors and textures of the Pacific Northwest throughout the building.

The Foundation also provided a grand piano in the tower’s main lobby through a gift of the Glenn, Ronald and Margarett Hogg Estate, and, through another local donation, a bronze sculpture by Willamette Valley native John Matthew Richen, designed to lead outdoor visitors’ thoughts to hope and healing.

In the hospital’s chapel, beechwood carvings by Salem artists David and Sandy Walker represent many of the different faith communities in the area, and are designed to provide spiritual solace by welcoming people of all faith traditions.

Event details
What: Free public open house

Where: Salem Hospital’s new critical-care tower, 890 Oak Street SE, Salem

When: Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or Sunday, April 19, 1 to 4 p.m.  (Final tours begin at 3 p.m. each day.)

Attractions: Self-guided tours, mini health forums and health information booths — all featuring medical professionals as hosts and speakers; “Healing Art” collection.

For more information, go to salemhospital.org/newhospital.

2009-03-20

2009-03-03

People with complex pain issues will have a new resource March 16 when Salem Health opens the Comprehensive Pain Center in downtown Salem. Located at 280 Liberty St. SE, Suite 320, the center will provide the most complete pain management program in the region. Medical Director Ahmed Ebeid, M.D., will oversee the Comprehensive Pain Center which will begin accepting new patients with physician referrals on March 16. 

The Comprehensive Pain Center provides patients individualized treatment plans for their pain, including medications, interventional pain management and rehabilitation. With a referral from a physician, patients can be evaluated by Dr. Ebeid, a full-time pain management physician, and as needed, a physiatrist (rehab specialist), a physical therapist, a psychologist and a spine specialist from Salem Health or affiliated community providers.

“Pain issues can be complex,” says Dr. Ebeid. “By comprehensively diagnosing patients from a variety of different medical angles, we can minimize their pain, improve their functionality and increase their quality of life faster.”

The Comprehensive Pain Center also offers specialized treatments on an outpatient basis including implantable solutions for severe pain, nerve ablation to destroy nerves that create pain sensations, vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty to treat spine compression fractures and a diskectomy to reduce the disk size and relieve nerve pressure.

Pain management is a rapidly growing medical specialty that takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating all kinds of pain. The most common types of pain treated include automobile accident injuries, backaches, cancer, headaches, neckaches, phantom limb pain, post-surgical pain, shingles, spine disorders, trigeminal neuralgia and work-related injuries.

Dr. Ebeid is board certified in anesthesiology and pain management. Previously medical director for the New England Pain Institute, Dr. Ebeid has extensive experience in the highly specialized pain management field. He completed a pain management fellowship at Stanford University.

For more information, please call 503-562-6002.

The Comprehensive Pain Center is part of Salem Health. Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

2009-03-02

Salem Hospital is hosting a blood drive at its Regional Rehabilitation Center on Monday, March 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Donors can sign up online at www.givelife.org or by calling Carroll Kamlin at 503-561-5942.  

“March is Red Cross month and this year supplies are at an all-time low for the State of Oregon,” said Kamlin, blood drive coordinator for the Regional Rehabilitation Center.  “Blood donations help save lives and we encourage people to take a few minutes to make a difference.”

“Our goal is to have 48 donors give their time and blood for a good cause,” said Kamlin.

Salem Hospital is part of Salem Health, which also includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

2009-02-24

Salem Hospital is celebrating the 20^th anniversary (1989-2009) of its

first open-heart surgery during the Heart Fair & Forum on

Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the Salem Conference Center.

At 6 p.m., local cardiovascular surgeon William Shely, MD, will speak

on “Heart Surgery: Past, Present and Future.” Dr. Shely will introduce

Salem’s first heart surgeon, John Bigelow, MD, and the first open-heart surgery patient, local resident Howard Grimms. The event is free and all ages are welcome.

“Twenty years ago, patients who needed open-heart surgery went to Portland because services were not available here,” says Lori James-Nielsen, director of Cardiovascular Services for Salem Hospital. “Today, we are ranked number one in Oregon for overall cardiac services by HealthGrades^® the nation’s leading healthcare ratings company.”

HealthGrades ranked Salem Hospital #1 in Oregon for cardiac surgery three years in a row (2007-2009) and awarded the hospital the 2009 HealthGrades Coronary Intervention Excellence Award™, which puts Salem Hospital among the top 10 percent in the nation for coronary interventional procedures.

“Patients can expect top-quality care here and with the new patient-care tower the patient experience will only get better,” says James-Nielsen.

In Salem Hospital’s new patient-care tower, the cardiovascular operating rooms are twice the size of current rooms to accommodate current and future technology. Cardiovascular care unit patient rooms will all be private, spacious to accommodate family wishing to stay with the patient, and designed to enhance the healing environment. Families will be able to sleep in the room and help in the patient’s healing.

Historical perspective

Howard Grimms, the first open-heart surgery patient (Nov. 7, 1989), recalls that he had more than 90 percent blockage shown in an angiogram.

“I had congestion walking up hills, but nothing serious. I never had a heart attack,” says Grimms. Doctors suspected heart issues while treating Grimms for a kidney stone. Grimms took a treadmill test and confirmed their suspicions. “My dad died of his fifth heart attack, and I thought that would be my nemesis,” says Grimms.

After having triple-bypass surgery, “I changed my life around. I eat better, walk a lot and don’t eat a bunch of hamburgers,” says Grimms. “I started eating oatmeal every day, and more salmon. I see my doctor regularly and have had no recurrences the past 20 years.”

Today, Grimms, almost 85, walks regularly and golfs 18 holes, three times a week as weather allows.

John Bigelow, MD, participated in much of the ground work that got the open-heart surgery program established in Salem. A surgeon with Northwest Surgical Associates in Portland, he and a few of his team members, worked with Salem Hospital’s administration and within three months, needed only occasional coverage from his Portland team.

“We had fantastic support by the administration,” says Bigelow. “By the time we got the okay from the state, we had about 50 people involved in the effort…about 20 of those for the immediate surgery preparations.”

“It worked out as we had hoped with results remaining standard for the team,” says Bigelow. “The new operation didn’t impact mortality or complications and that was satisfying to us.”

During the first year, as many as 100 cardiac patients needing surgery were referred to Salem Hospital. The intensive care unit was remodeled to accommodate the new services and new equipment.

Last year, more than 450 heart surgeries were performed at Salem Hospital.

To learn more about cardiovascular health and to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of Salem Hospital’s first open-heart surgery, all are welcome to the Heart Fair & Forum.

At the Heart Fair & Forum, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., attendees can experience a cooking demo from Executive Chef Tory Knaus of the Salem Conference Center, red-wine tasting with wines from Willamette Valley Vineyards, hors d’oeuvres and more than 20 exhibits highlighting the latest in cardiovascular health.

At 5:30 p.m., local cardiologist Kyong Turk, MD, will speak on “The Facts and Myths about Herbs and Alternative Medicines for Heart Care.” At 6 p.m., local cardiovascular surgeon William Shely, MD, will speak on “Heart Surgery: Past, Present and Future.” National speaker and humorous nutritionist David Meinz, MS, RD, will deliver a content-rich, fun and funny program on strategies for a heart-healthy life from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Meinz is author of the book “Survival of The Fittest.” He has a master’s degree in human nutrition from the University of Missouri, is a registered dietitian and is a fellow in the American Dietetic Association. 

Pre-registration for the Heart Fair & Forum is encouraged, but not required. To pre-register and be entered into a drawing for a free copy of Survival of the Fittest and a 60-minute massage, call Salem Hospital’s Health Education department at 503-561-5138. The winner will be announced before the David Meinz presentation. Free parking for the event is available at the Salem Conference Center.

2009-02-18

West Valley Hospital is hosting the “Go Red for Women” heart event on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the West Valley Hospital conference room, 525 SE Washington St., in Dallas. Learn about heart disease by browsing displays, getting your blood pressure checked and receiving a free cholesterol screening (fasting recommended).  Nutritious snacks will be provided. The event is free and all ages are welcome.

Go Red for Women is a national event supported by the American Heart Association focused on raising awareness in women about cardiovascular disease.  Heart disease in women may have different symptoms than in men. It is the number one killer of women in America. 

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

2009-02-16

From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., attendees can experience a cooking demo from Executive Chef Tory Knaus of the Salem Conference Center, red wine tasting with wines from Willamette Valley Vineyards, hors d’oeuvres and more than 20 exhibits highlighting the latest in cardiovascular health.

At 5:30 p.m., local cardiologist Kyong Turk, M.D., will speak on “The Facts and Myths about Herbs and Alternative Medicines for Heart Care.” At 6 p.m., local cardiovascular surgeon William Shely, M.D., will speak on “Heart Surgery: Past, Present and Future.” David Meinz will deliver a content-rich, fun and funny program on strategies for a heart-healthy life from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Meinz is author of the book “Survival of The Fittest.” He has a master’s degree in human nutrition from the University of Missouri, is a registered dietitian and is a fellow in the American Dietetic Association. 

“Anyone who has an interest in any aspect of heart health or heart medical care, no matter their age, will find a wealth of resources at this event,” says Lori James-Nielsen, director of Cardiovascular Services for Salem Hospital. “It is our biggest community event promoting heart health for better living.”

Children from Sumpter Elementary School’s fifth-grade class created art for the Heart Fair. As part of their education on never being too young to take care of your heart, they produced colorful displays of heart-related expressions.

The hospital will also be celebrating 20 years of open-heart surgery (1989-2009) at the event.

Pre-registration for the Heart Fair & Forum is encouraged, but not required. To pre-register and be entered into a drawing for a free copy of Survival of the Fittest and a 60-minute massage, call Salem Hospital’s Health Education department at 503-561-5138. The winner will be announced before the David Meinz presentation. Parking for the event is available at the Salem Conference Center.

Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Salem Hospital is ranked number one in Oregon for overall cardiac services in 2009 by HealthGrades.^®

2009-02-10

West Valley Hospital will be hosting an Open House from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Monmouth Medical Center, 512 Main Street, Suite 300, in Monmouth.

Tour the Monmouth Medical Center and meet Charles P. Essex, MD, and our staff.  Also, learn about our Rehabilitation Services program in Monmouth.

Dr. Essex has a new family practice and is accepting new patients. As part of his family practice, Dr. Essex offers comprehensive health care for all ages from preventative care to the treatment of illness. His services include minor surgical processes such as vasectomies and skin procedures, injury care, cardiopulmonary testing, cancer screening, sutures, wart removal and more.

West Valley Hospital Rehabilitation Services has been providing therapy in Polk County for more than 20 years.  Comprehensive therapy options include physical therapy, aquatic therapy, occupational therapy, sports medicine/athletic training and speech therapy.

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

2009-01-02

A new Breastfeeding Support Group called “Mom and Me” starts Thursday, January 8, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the West Valley Hospital Conference Room at 525 SE Washington St. in Dallas. There is no registration or charge for attendance. The support group, for moms and babies, will meet every Thursday (except holidays).

Mom and Me is designed to help breastfeeding moms during the first six weeks, but moms with older babies that would like additional support are also welcome. Moms are encouraged to leave other children with family or friends and focus on the baby’s feeding.

“Breastfeeding is a learned skill,” says Jackie Alloway, RN, internationally board certified lactation consultant. “We help mothers to recognize feeding cues, and be comfortable with positioning and latching the baby,” says Alloway. 

A nurse who is a lactation specialist will be available to provide assistance about breastfeeding. The weekly sessions include checking infant weight, assisting with problems, answering questions and providing education. Information is also provided to help mothers prepare for continuing to breastfeed after returning to work. 

“It is an opportunity to talk with other moms about the joys and challenges of breastfeeding your baby,” says Alloway.

All breastfeeding mothers are welcome no matter where your baby was born. For more information, please contact 503-562-5338.

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

2008-12-09

Charles P. Essex, M.D. has opened a new family practice at West Valley Hospital’s Monmouth Medical Center and is accepting new patients. To inquire about becoming a patient of Dr. Essex, call 503-838-1182.

Dr. Essex comes to Oregon from North Carolina, where he spent 11 years in private family practice. Prior to that, he had practices in Idaho and Alaska. While in Alaska, he served as an aviation examiner for air traffic controllers. He has an undergraduate degree in wildlife ecology from the University of Wisconsin and a medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. After graduation, he served as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy on a Marine base providing medical care to Marine Corp. pilots.

“I want to encourage the younger population to think about their health,” says Essex. “There are so many things you can do to prevent problems if you take time to learn about them.”

“Dr. Essex listens,” says Eric Buckland, West Valley Hospital administrator. “He takes time with patients and educates them so they understand their situation. We are very fortunate he chose this area to call home.”

As part of his family practice, Dr. Essex offers comprehensive health care for all ages from preventative care to the treatment of illness. His services include minor surgical processes such as vasectomies and skin procedures, injury care, cardiopulmonary testing, cancer screening, sutures, wart removal and more. He integrates biological, clinical and behavioral sciences in his treatment of patients.

“The more patients learn about their conditions, the more they can be co-managers in their personal health care,” says Dr. Essex. “I encourage people to take an active interest in their health and ask questions!”

The Monmouth Medical Center is located at 512 Main Street, Suite 300, in Monmouth, Oregon. The phone number is 503-838-1182.

2008-11-26

"When people really want to be relaxing with their families, trying to figure out how to get urgent care shouldn't be one of their worries," said Denise Totland, MA, interim supervisor at Salem Hospital's Urgent Care Center. "To meet that need, our Urgent Care Center will be open, for the third year in a row, during the winter holidays."

Additional Urgent Care Center hours:
• Thanksgiving: Nov. 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Christmas Eve: Dec. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Christmas Day: Dec. 25, noon to 6 p.m.
• New Years Eve and New Years Day: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

On the other days of the year, the Urgent Care Center is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Urgent Care is located at 1002 Bellevue Street SE, Salem, south of Willamette University and west of the Ram Border Café.
 
The types of services that can be successfully treated at Urgent Care — and don't require a visit to the emergency department — include the following:
• Sprains
• Simple fractures (extremities)
• Lacerations (simple)
• Minor work injury (first time)
• Back pain (ambulatory)
• Asthma (mild)
• Urinary tract infection
• Upper respiratory/sinus infection
• Fever
• Ear pain
• Sore throat

2008-11-10

With more than 100 people obtaining flu shots at the last flu clinic, West Valley Hospital is adding another flu clinic on Wednesday, November 19 from 2-4 p.m. at 525 SE Washington St. in Dallas, Oregon.

The shots are $20 each.  Those receiving shots must be 18 years and older. No appointment is necessary.

Medicare is accepted; however, West Valley Hospital is unable to bill Medicare HMOs for this flu clinic. If you have insurance billing questions, please call 503-623-7345. 

“Getting a flu shot can help limit the spread of influenza and we encourage people to take advantage of this local opportunity to get vaccinated,” says Shari Bruce, R.N.

Getting a shot typically takes under 10 minutes and no fasting is required. If you are unable to attend the flu clinic, please check with your local physician about getting a flu shot. Patients of Dr. John Hadley, of the West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, can call 503-623-7301 the day they wish to get a flu shot.

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area.

A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

2008-10-23

The West Valley Hospital is hosting a Flu Clinic on Wednesday, November 5 from 2-4 p.m. at the hospital on 525 SE Washington St., Dallas, Oregon.  The shots are $20 each and Medicare is accepted.  Those receiving shots must be 18 years and older.  No appointment is necessary.

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as in-patient and out-patient services to people in the Polk County area.  A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

2008-10-23

In acknowledgement of National Diabetes Month, Salem Hospital is sponsoring a free Community Health Forum on Thursday, November 20 from 6-8 p.m. in the hospital’s Wedel Auditorium located at 665 Winter Street SE, Salem.

The event will feature a presentation by Cardiologist Matthew Fedor, M.D. and Endocrinologist Cort Garrison, M.D., on “Taking Diabetes to Heart” from 6:30-8 p.m.  Prior to the presentation, attendees will be able to browse displays with information about local services and programs related to diabetes and heart disease.

To register, call the Health Education department at 503-561-5138.  Free valet parking at the Salem Hospital entrance and a shuttle service from the Salem Hospital parking structure are available if desired.  

2008-10-15

Coinciding with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, West Valley Hospital is sponsoring a free Women's Health and Wellness Fair on Tuesday, October 21 from 6-8 p.m. in the hospital Conference Room at 525 SE Washington St., Dallas, Oregon.

The event will feature presentations by Alison Smith, M.D., on "Breast Cancer Detection and Treatment" from 6:30-7 p.m. and 7:30-8 p.m. Dr. Smith is a board-certified general surgeon who cares for patients at West Valley Hospital and has 19 years of surgical experience. Previously, Dr. Smith served as medical director of the Breast Health Program at Marin General Hospital in Marin County, California.

"The earlier you realize you have breast cancer, the more options for treatment and better success rate you have," says Dr. Smith. "Taking time for yourself to get up-to-date on the latest detection techniques is one of the best things you can do for your health."

Dr. Smith will be covering early detection methods, non-invasive diagnosis techniques and current breast cancer treatments during her presentations. She will also explain the team approach to patient care so attendees will understand the role of surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and primary physicians in the healthcare process.

At the health fair, attendees will have opportunities to learn about physical therapy, lymphedema treatment, nutrition, diabetes, mammography, bone density, medical records and advanced directives, surgery and emergency services.

Space is limited and registration is required. Call 503-623-7323 to attend the event.

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as in-patient and out-patient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

2008-08-29

The Shuttle stop that is currently in the turnaround at the front of the Winter Street hospital will move to the back of the building, where patient discharges occur.

This permanent change will begin on Tuesday, September 2. 

Valet service for patients and visitors will continue to operate in the turnaround at the front of the Winter Street hospital, as well as in front of the Center for Outpatient Medicine.

This change is needed to begin work on a permanent crosswalk under the skybridge on Winter Street SE, to protect pedestrians from the weather.

2008-08-28

The Salem Hospital Foundation announces that 86 students in medical or medically related fields will be receiving scholarships for the 2008–2009 school year.

A total of $143,400 in scholarships was awarded to students pursuing degrees in nursing, pharmacy, imaging, and a variety of other medically related programs.

Several special scholarships were awarded in memory of various community members, including the John Alsever, M.D. physician scholarship; the Cass Bailey, M.D. physician scholarship; the Nita Jo Carter nursing scholarship; the Kathy deMarrais nursing scholarship; the Carl and Olive Emmons nursing scholarship; the Rollin Haag nursing scholarship; the Haap Jackson imaging scholarship; the Hattie Kremen nursing scholarship; the Elmera "Tiny" Richardson nursing scholarship; the Sewell Family scholarship and the Sigg nursing scholarship.

Awardees for the 2008-2009 school year are

Aumsville: Tiffanie Kuntz, Aaron Miller, Matthew Mongenel, Julie Naatz

Dallas: Anna Dentel, James Hoffman, Joseph King, Melissa Martin, Athena Samerotte, Benjamin Yost

Detroit: Jocelyn Hurley

Garibaldi: Tia Aho 

Jefferson: Betsy Alford 

Keizer: Katie Coburn, Paul Costales, Josiah Faville, Debbie Goodwin, Nathan Howell, Nicole  Mullins, Charlla Puig, Josie Silverman, Andrew Valov, Natalie Vuylsteke

McMinnville: Kelsey Johnson

Mt Angel: Amanda Beyer

Newberg: Carol Christiansen

Portland: Jacob Bumstead

Salem: Jannaeah Baty, Chris Bell, Lisa Bennett, Sarah Bos, Danette Butterfield, Jenna Callaway, Dawn Capwell, Stephanie Casey, Pamela Cortez, Angela Davis, Julie Douglas, Jennifer DonGilli, Kristin Faber, Daniel Fisher, Jia-Jan Fu, Dmitriy Gerasimenko, Kathryn Grim, Rebecca Hibner, Andrea Hughes, Kristy LeGault, Kelsey Lemons, Robert Martin, Maureen McNabb, Anne Meeks, Flynne Miner, Meghan Newstone, Danielle Noble, Veronica Nunez, Athena Pannas, Matthew Riggins, Doreen Rodecap, Jessica Slaughter, Stephanie Stupfel, Tammera Taylor, Sarah Terpin, Eric Timmons, Kathy Tran, Jessica Uken-Fowler, Zachary VandeGriend, Ross Wagner, Mark Wilhite 
 
Scio: Casey Lulay, Ruth Silbernagel

Silverton: Shannon Becerra, Elizabeth Garrard, Leah Kaufman, Shanna Lesire, Samantha Pelletier

Stayton: Rebecca Kelly, Kristin McCready, Katie Peterman , Jessica Schumacher, Chloe Selway, Brandy Toby

Sublimity: Linda James, Wendy Lindley, Susan Rodda

Tualatin: Nathan Trenholme

Woodburn: Daniel Lima

2008-08-15

The staff and physicians of the hospital’s emergency department want area residents to stay healthy and safe during this record-breaking heat wave. They offer these tips to help you, your children, and even your parents, stay safe, and what to do if you have problems in the heat.

Stay well hydrated

• Aim for two to three quarts of fluid per day (non-caffeinated).
• Water is good, but don't limit your intake to just water. You also need electrolytes, which you can get from a variety of sports drinks.
• If you're thirsty, you've waited too long.
• One way to tell if you're getting enough fluid is to look at your urine. In general, it should be clear. Yellow urine means you need to drink more water, unless it is affected by food, vitamin, medication or caffeine intake.
• Limit alcohol intake during hot weather. It doesn’t count toward your water consumption and it can impair your judgment.
  Be smart about your outdoor activities
• Unless your job requires you to be outdoors, stay inside.
• If you have to be outdoors, avoid strenuous activities between the hottest times of the day, typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• If you need to be outdoors, prime the pump before you go. In other words, start your fluid intake before you take your first step outside.
• Wear sun block and a hat.
• Use a water spritzer to cool off. Battery-operated, hand-held fans may also be helpful.

Some people need extra precautions

• “Before the day is over, call your mom and check on her,” says Sherri Wood, R.N., emergency department director. High heat can cause people to be confused. So be sure to check on your elderly relatives or neighbors to see how they’re doing.
• The very young and the elderly are most susceptible to thermal-regulation problems. Their bodies simply have a harder time regulating heat. They especially should avoid the outdoors and manage their fluid intake. This is also true for people with chronic illnesses, like those on dialysis.
• Children can become dehydrated much more quickly than adults. Be sure they get enough fluid and follow all heat and sun-safety procedures.
• Don’t overdress your newborn. If you’re wearing a tank top and shorts, then a similar outfit for your baby is appropriate, whether it be a shorts outfit or simply a t-shirt and diaper. Stay in the shade. Use a lukewarm washcloth to cool baby. And carry a blanket to protect the baby when you enter air-conditioned extremes.
• Some medications can cause problems during heat spells, particularly some psychiatric medications and diuretics. Talk with your pharmacist if you have concerns.

Be safe in the water

• When it gets hot, you may be tempted to jump in the river to cool off. Be careful. Remember, Oregon rivers are cold, even on hot days. Do no dive into rivers or ponds. They may be shallow.
• Wear a life jacket on the boat and in the river.
• Do not consume alcohol.
• Children need close parental supervision in the water, as do some people who have mental or physical disabilities.
• If you have a home pool, make sure it has a fence around it.
  Warning signs and what to do if you experience them
• Heat illness progresses through three stages: heat cramps, then exhaustion, then heat stroke. If you experience heat cramps, you'll have muscle cramps and feel dizzy. You need to get in the shade and use a cold compress and take fluids.
• In heat exhaustion, you'll sweat profusely, and be pale. You need to get in the shade, and use a cold compress and fluids. IV fluids may be needed.
• “If you are having a heat stroke, you will be very pale and have a fever. You won't be able to sweat and you will be mentally confused. Your body core temperature has gotten too high. Call 9-1-1!,” says Kyran Colbry, M.D., an emergency physician with Salem Hospital.

Heat related illness can cause serious problems. You can reduce your chance of feeling tired or becoming seriously ill with a few simple steps.

2008-08-15

On Monday, August 18, the walking path from the parking structure to the hospital shortens. A new, shorter walking path from the parking structure will take you along the east side of the new tower and connect you with Oak Street SE, near the Center for Outpatient Medicine and the Family Birth Center.

The shuttle service continues to be available to pick up pedestrians on the new tower path and take them to the Winter Street hospital.

The previous, longer path is closing in order to complete the new ambulance service drive behind the patient-care tower.

2008-08-08

Salem Hospital Auxiliary is a charitable organization with 300 members who volunteer time to raise funds for scholarships and other projects at the hospital.

The Auxiliary is pleased to assist students pursuing healthcare studies by awarding scholarships, thereby looking at future needs for healthcare in our community.

Note to editors: Scholarships have been awarded to students in Aumsville, Dallas, Falls City, Jefferson, Keizer, Salem, Silverton and Stayton.

The Salem Hospital Auxiliary has awarded scholarships totaling $32,500 to 29 local area students.

All recipients are enrolled in medically related fields of study for the 2008–2009 school year.

The Ethel McKeon Healthcare Scholarship was awarded to Stephanie Houdeshell, Salem; the Laura Prince Scholarship to Melissa Hale, Salem; and the Lynda Fitzsimons Scholarship to Holli Tuss, Salem.

Other scholarships were awarded to:

• Aumsville: Aaron Miller.
• Dallas: Benjamin Yost.
• Falls City: Mandy Graham.
• Jefferson: Betsy Alford.
• Keizer: Penny Edwards, Josiah Faville, and Nathan Howell.
• Rickreall: Breanne Rohde.
• Salem: Emily Barfknecht, Danette Butterfield, Stephanie Casey, Pamela Cortez, Kristin Faber, Daniel Fisher, Melissa Hale, Stephanie Houdeshell, Kristy LeGault, Kelsey Lemons, Benjamin Long, Anne Meeks, Flynne Miner, Charles Nguyen, Gerri Pratt, Matthew Riggins, Jessica Slaughter, Stephanie Stupfel, and Holli Tuss.
• Silverton: Leah Kaufman.
• Stayton: Kristin McCready.

2008-07-25

Lake Oswego, Ore. (July 25, 2008) --- On Thursday, July 18, 2008 the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) honored its second recipient of the Ellen C. Lowe Community Advocate Award. 

This is the association’s highest honor for a community member.  This year’s recipient is Judie Foreman from Salem, Oregon.  She has been a community volunteer and breast cancer advocate within the Salem Health System since 1990. 

She was nominated by the executive team at Salem Hospital.  The award was presented by Ellen C. Lowe the inaugural recipient of the award.

Foreman’s life changed in the summer of 1990 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

From that moment, with her husband Bob by her side, she has been an outspoken community advocate surrounding breast cancer awareness and the need for continued research and education; together, they are true survivors.

“Judie is definitely a leader and driver to make things happen.  She has the ability to work with a variety of people and contributing ideas to help promote our overall message of awareness and the importance of early detection,” according to the nomination form submitted by Sherryll Johnson Hoar, manager marketing and communications for Salem Health.

Most recently, Foreman has volunteered to be the patient educator assisting primary health care providers learn how to do a thorough clinical breast exam. 

She has also spoken to large groups through the American Cancer Society and other health care-related events on the topic.

“I am committed to beating this disease. With the support and resources of my family and community I will continue my advocacy.  I am honored to be recognized by the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems for a cause that has been so natural to me.  I am humbled by the experience,” commented Judie Foreman on receiving the award.

“Judie possesses all the qualities that embody this award,” stated Kevin Earls, vice president of policy and advocacy for OAHHS. “She possesses a certain grace and style that fosters easy and comfortable communications and rapport with the people she comes in contact.  We are proud to honor her as a role model of success."

About the Award
The Ellen C. Lowe Community Advocate Award honors a community member for his or her unique, unusual or continuous support of a hospital mission and/or the health of its community. 

The recipient possesses compassion, understanding, wisdom and a clear vision to see to the core of community issues.  This is an award for a community member and not a hospital employee.

About OAHHS
Founded in 1934, OAHHS is a statewide, nonprofit trade association that works closely with local and national government leaders, business and citizen coalitions, and other professional health care organizations to enhance and promote community health and to continue improving Oregon’s innovative health care delivery system.

OAHHS’ current membership includes 57 acute care hospitals, 10 health systems and related health plans, 16 affiliated allied organizations and 32 associate members representing health care consulting and other professional service companies.

2008-07-22

Salem Cancer Institute, in partnership with the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, is hosting a free and confidential prostate screening for men age 40 and over.

The screening will be offered on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27, from 8 a.m.–4 p.m., at the Great Oregon Steam Up event, held annually at the Antique Powerland Museum in Brooks.

To get there, take I-5 to exit 263, then head west on Brooklake Road for  1/4 mile. The Steam Up is a tractor and steam engine show with activities for the whole family.

The mobile screening RV will be located outside the front entrance of the event. It boasts a flat-screen television with satellite programming and a "locker room" atmosphere.

There are two private exam rooms. The free testing takes about 10 minutes and doesn't require an appointment, a primary care physician or insurance.

Who should be tested? All men age 50 and over should be tested every year. Since early detection can save your life, this screening is offered to men age 40 and over.

For testing guidelines, visit the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.

For more information, call Salem Cancer Institute at 503-562-4321 or visit www.salemcancercare.org.

2008-06-24

A successful Salem Hospital program to help pregnant Hispanic women who have diabetes will continue for another year, thanks to a $21,000 grant from the Greater Oregon Chapter of the March of Dimes.

In its first year, also funded by the March of Dimes, the program provided Hispanic women with one-on-one assistance to manage diabetes throughout their pregnancy.

Since uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a number of complications for mother and child, early identification and management of the disease are vital.

"The first year of the grant was very successful, not only in helping pregnant women but also in getting the word out to the community that this resource exists," says Salem Hospital OB-GYN Program Manager Becky Fisher. "Our next step under the extension of the grant is to make these services even more widely available through group education."

The current specialist working under the grant, Fara Oporta, Ph.D., will continue in her role of working with pregnant Hispanic women who have diabetes.

She will also develop a curriculum for classes aimed at diabetic women who are pregnant or might become pregnant. The Salem Hospital Foundation will finance the printing of the class materials.

Fisher points to a number of results from the first year of the program, including fewer large-birth-weight babies among women who were able to manage their diabetes.

She also reports that 97 percent of the women in the program instituted family planning measures after giving birth.

This is important, Fisher explains, so the women can be sure they are in good health and have their diabetes under control before becoming pregnant again, which helps ensure better outcomes for babies and their mothers.

2008-04-30

Balance problems can be assessed and improved with vestibular therapy

For most of us, balance is something we take for granted. But for those who suffer from balance problems, stepping onto escalators, changing positions or walking when there isn't much light can cause dizziness and unsteadiness. W

hen this happens specialized treatment is necessary and Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center offers a unique combination of skilled staff and equipment to help patients eliminate and cope with the nauseating dizziness.

"Specific types of balance issues and/or dizziness arise from problems in the vestibular system, and they require specialized training to be treated effectively," says Cathy Kosboth, physical therapist and certified vestibular rehabilitation therapist with Salem Hospital. "Vestibular therapy is a very specialized type of therapy that deals with disorders of the vestibular labyrinth in the inner ear or the areas of the brain that process information from the labyrinth. This system has five different structures that detect and process movement of the head and body and the body's position relative to gravity."

With two physical therapists, both nationally certified in vestibular rehabilitation, and the SMART EquiTest system for evaluation, vestibular disorders can be identified and treated non-invasively at Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center.

In addition to other clinical measures, the center uses a computerized vestibular diagnostic evaluation and training system to assess disorders and determine a treatment plan.

"I developed balance issues and disorientation following my service in Afghanistan," says Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center patient, Major Cathie Raaf, R.N. "At first I didn't know up from down, but since beginning treatment I've been very pleased with the results and my progress."

Treatment for vestibular disorders varies depending on the actual cause and can last anywhere from just two visits to weeks of therapy. For most patients balance disorders can be completely eliminated and for others it can be greatly improved. In addition to treating the problem, center therapists teach life skills for how to compensate for the dizziness.

"For many people balance problems are a fact of life. Fortunately these problems can be treated and improved," says Kosboth. "The specialized assessment and treatment offered at Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center is very effective in improving function for those with dizziness and balance disorders."

2008-04-10

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The Premier healthcare alliance and two of its Oregon hospital members today honored U.S. Representative Darlene Hooley (D-OR) for her leadership in advancing legislation to include unique device identification (UDI) language in last year’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) bill. 

Congresswoman Hooley was presented with the “Healthcare Transformation Award” on Capitol Hill by Premier and Adventist Health. The award recognizes members of Congress for their efforts to improve healthcare quality while safely reducing costs.

“We salute Congresswoman Hooley for her efforts on this important patient safety issue,” said Norman Gruber, president and CEO, Salem Hospital. “The value of a national UDI system in reducing medical errors and facilitating device recalls is critically important to today’s healthcare system and our efforts to improve quality and patient safety.”

Congresswoman Hooley played a significant role in enacting legislative language that required the FDA to create a UDI system for medical devices.

Her efforts led to the “Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007” (H.R. 3580), which contained this important language and was approved in the House and the Senate and ultimately signed by the President.

“We are proud to honor Congresswoman Hooley with this award for her efforts around an issue that has great potential to positively impact our nation’s healthcare system,” said Larry Mitchel, director, Government Relations, Adventist Health, which owns Tillamook County General Hospital located in Tillamook, Oregon. “A national UDI standard will help us track medical devices like we can track any other product. This is the first important step towards broad use of common identifiers, which will lead to a more reliable, safe and efficient healthcare system.”
 
“The UDI standard has great implications for our entire healthcare system to improve patient safety and reliably track outcomes in patients who have implanted devices,” said Congresswoman Hooley. “I am honored to receive this award from the Premier healthcare alliance, Adventist Health and Salem Hospital.”

President Bush signed into law on September 27, 2007, legislation that includes a provision requiring the FDA to put into place a UDI system to expedite and increase the reliability of medical device recalls and reduce healthcare costs.

On March 26, the Advancing Patient Safety Coalition, comprised of prominent hospital, physician, nursing, research, quality and patient advocacy organizations, sent a letter to the FDA, urging them to develop a mandatory UDI system for medial devices and requesting a timeline from the FDA on its plans to publish a proposed rule.

The coalition believes a UDI system is a critical factor to improving patient safety, reducing medical errors, facilitating device recalls, improving adverse event reporting and improving post-market surveillance efforts.

“Congresswoman Hooley has been a true leader in making this happen,” said Blair Childs, Premier’s senior vice president of Public Affairs. “We have the ability to track spinach that has E. coli back to the field where it was grown, but we can’t track a recalled medical device because there is no unique numbering system. We owe it to all healthcare consumers to tackle this important issue.”

About Adventist Health
Adventist Health is a not-for-profit, faith-based health system operating in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington.

Founded on the Seventh-day Adventist heritage of Christian health care, Adventist Health is comprised of 18 hospitals with more than 2,800 beds, nearly 18,000 employees, numerous clinics and outpatient facilities, the largest system of rural health clinics in California, 15 home care agencies and three joint-venture retirement centers with a fourth on the way. For more information, visit www.adventisthealth.org.

About Salem Hospital
Salem Hospital Regional Health Services is one of the largest of Oregon's 57 acute care hospitals and operates the busiest emergency department in Oregon.

It is a not-for-profit hospital, licensed for 454 acute-care beds, and is guided by a 15-member volunteer Board of Trustees. The hospital is the city's largest private employer, with approximately 3,500 full- and part-time employees.

There are 465 physicians on the active medical staff, representing 46 different specialties, who admit patients to the hospital. More than 275 volunteers provide non-medical support for the hospital.

About Premier Inc., 2006 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient
Serving 1,700 U.S. hospitals and more than 49,000 other healthcare sites, the Premier healthcare alliance and its members are transforming healthcare together.

Owned by not-for-profit hospitals, Premier operates one of the leading healthcare purchasing networks and the nation's most comprehensive repository of hospital clinical and financial information. A subsidiary operates one of the nation's largest policy-holder owned, hospital professional liability risk-retention groups.

A world leader in helping healthcare providers deliver dramatic improvements in care, Premier is working with the United Kingdom's National Health Service North West and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to improve hospital performance.

Premier’s Safety Institute provides publicly available safety resources and tools to promote a safe healthcare delivery environment for patients, workers, and their communities.

Headquartered in San Diego, Premier has offices in Charlotte, N.C., Philadelphia, and Washington.

For more information, visit www.premierinc.com. Established to improve the health of communities, Premier and its members are transforming healthcare together.

2008-03-20

Salem Hospital Foundation scholarship applications for half-time or full-time students in medically related fields of study are now available.

Students must be residents of Marion, Polk or Yamhill Counties and have applied to a college in their field of healthcare study before applying for this scholarship.

Last year the Salem Hospital Foundation awarded $127,500 to 91 students from Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties, and has granted more than $1 million since the scholarship program was established in 1968.

Special scholarships are presented in the memories of Dr. John Alsever, Dr. Cass Bailey, Nita Carter, R.N., Kathy deMarrais, R.N., Dr. Carl and Olive Emmons, Rollin Haag, Mrs. Happ Jackson, Hattie Bratzel Kremen and Elmera (Tiny) Richardson, R.N.

To receive a scholarship application packet, log on to www.salemhospital.org, click on the link "Support Salem Hospital" then "Foundation Scholarships" or contact Greta Mauze at 503-561-5576 or e-mail: greta.mauze@salemhospital.org.

Applications must be postmarked by May 15 to be considered. Final selections will be announced by June 20, 2008.

(Some undergraduate or prerequisite study may not qualify for the scholarship. Please contact the Foundation office at 503-561-5576 if you have questions.)

2008-03-10

Learn how to improve the health and well-being of your child at Salem Hospital's health forum, Thursday, March 13, 6:30–8 p.m., at the Salem Hospital Wedel Conference Center. The event and parking are free. Call 503-561-5138 to register.

Childhood obesity has increased dramatically in the United States over the last few decades. Unfortunately, children affected by obesity have numerous health complications and have a relatively poor quality of life.

Daniel Marks, M.D., Ph.D., will be discussing the genetic and environmental factors that are leading to an increase in childhood obesity and diabetes—with an emphasis on practical lifestyle changes that can be made to improve the health and well-being of our children.

Daniel Marks practices at Doernbecher Children's Hospital and his special interests include weight regulation in children and adolescent endocrinology. His clinical areas of interest are all aspects of pediatric endocrinology, pediatric obesity and failure to thrive.

Thanks to the Gehlhar family and the Salem Hospital Foundation for sponsoring this event.

2008-03-05

Salem Hospital has received $90,000 through the CareOregon Care Support and System Innovation (CSSI) Program to support a project aimed at preventing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

This hospital initiative is one of several of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's "5 Million Lives from Harm" national campaign focused on improving patient safety.

The project includes focused attention on the early identification and management of patients who are at high risk for developing and/or transmitting MRSA infection, increased attention to hand hygiene practices, and proper cleaning of equipment and the patient environment.

The CareOregon grant will allow the hospital to hire a performance-improvement specialist to assist with implementing the necessary changes, as well as fund patient and family education and a public awareness campaign.

"Getting the grant is a big boost to the project," says Kristen Myers, R.N., with the hospital's performance improvement department. "Having an expert dedicated to being the change agent and helping overcome barriers will help the project be successful."

"This project is a great example of the hospital's increased focus on patient safety and improving patient outcomes and efforts to provide quality care second to none," says Myers.

Salem Hospital received its first CSSI project funding in 2005 when $104,535 was granted by CareOregon in support of the Family Birth Center Clinic which provides prenatal care to high-risk, underserved pregnant women in this region.

The continuation of this project was approved in 2006 with an additional $66,005. In 2007, the CSSI program provided $100,000 to fund a project to reduce post-surgical complications.

About CareOregon
CareOregon is a health plan that serves Oregonians who are eligible for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).

Each year, CareOregon through the Care Support and System Innovation program provides funds to healthcare organizations of all sizes for projects to make healthcare more safe, effective, timely, efficient, patient-centered and equitable.

About Salem Hospital
Salem Hospital Regional Health Services is one of the largest of Oregon's 57 acute care hospitals and operates the busiest emergency department in Oregon.

It is a not-for-profit hospital, licensed for 454 acute-care beds, and is guided by a 15-member volunteer Board of Trustees. There are 465 physicians on the active medical staff, representing 46 different specialties, who admit patients to the hospital.

More than 275 volunteers provide non-medical support for the hospital. The hospital is the city's largest private employer, with approximately 3,500 full- and part-time employees.

2008-02-22

West Valley Hospital will offer free blood pressure checks on a new day and time, beginning in March.

Blood pressure checks are available on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, from 2 to 3 p.m., in the surgery department of West Valley Hospital, 525 Washington Street, Dallas.

The hospital had offered the blood pressure checks weekly.

"We hope that having this blood pressure check once a month won't cause an inconvenience to our community," says Eric Buckland, West Valley Hospital administrator. "We needed to make this change because the community's use of the hospital has increased. The hospital has become busier in large part due to the additional physicians that the hospital and Salem Health have brought to the Polk County area in an effort to make healthcare more readily available close to home."

To learn more about the hospital's blood pressure check clinic, call 503-623-8301.

2008-02-22

Salem Hospital announces a call for fine-art media from artists of all ages who live in Oregon, preferably in the Willamette Valley.

The hospital will select art for a new patient-care tower scheduled for opening late spring 2009.

All entries must be electronic format and received no later than April 30, 2008. The artwork will be selected by June 1, 2008.

Two-dimensional entries must be fine-quality prints or original oil, watercolor, egg tempera, pastel, acrylic, mixed media or graphics by the artist.

Three-dimensional work is limited to wall application and cannot exceed 25 pounds. Video is excluded from this call.

The selected art will be used throughout the new building.  Some pieces will be used to make limited edition reproductions for placement in patient rooms and other locations. 

Entries must be for sale and the selling price must be noted. Works submitted should be appropriate for installation in the new Salem Hospital patient-care tower.

There is no cost for item submission nor limit of submissions per artist. Final selections will be chosen by a juried panel of community members based on the work’s artistic excellence in reflection of the theme "Nature."

Provide high quality digital images to: martin.morris@salemhospital.org or by mail to Martin Morris, Salem Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 14001, Salem, Oregon 97309.

Questions? Please contact Karen Allen at kallen@hksinc.com.

2008-02-07

West Valley Hospital is marking the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign with a free heart-healthy event for women.

The event is Thursday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Valley Hospital conference room, 525 SE Washington Street, Dallas.

This event offers information about women and heart disease.

Those who attend will learn the signs and symptoms of heart attack from a West Valley Hospital emergency room nurse, get their blood pressure checked and pick up heart-healthy recipes.

2008-02-03

Salem Hospital's annual Heart Fair and Forum will be held on Thursday, Feb. 7, 4:30–8 p.m., at the Salem Conference Center. The event and parking are free. Registration is required. Call 503-561-5138 to register.

The experts involved with Salem Hospital's award-winning cardiac services will highlight the programs available in the community, with a focus on how people can take steps to improve their heart health.

Since heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., it's important that people understand their risk factors and take care of their heart before a problem arises.

4:30–7 p.m., exhibits will feature practical strategies for living a heart-healthy lifestyle and provide knowledge to help decrease the risk of heart disease. Featured exhibitor Chef Owen May will demonstrate easy-to-prepare snacks and provide samples to attendees. 

6–6:45 p.m., Heart-health updates by local cadiologists and cardiac surgeons:

• Raghu Kamineni, M.D., Heart attack–why the urgency
• William Shely, M.D., Cardiac surgery program
• Fran Munkenbeck, M.D., Women and heart disease

7–8 p.m., guest speaker Michelle May, M.D., presents "Savor Your Health: Practical Strategies for a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle." Dr. May shares strategies for making long-term lifestyle changes in your everyday life. She and her husband, chef Owen May, share a passion for gourmet and healthful cooking, recipe development, wine tasting and traveling.

Over the last several years, Salem Hospital has made great strides in expanding cardiac services and improving care for the community. As a result, the hospital has been recognized as having 5-Star ratings by HealthGrades® in 2007 for treatment of heart attack and coronary interventional procedures, and in 2007 and 2008 for coronary bypass surgery.

Local cardiologist, Raghu Kamineni, M.D., medical director for the Salem Hospital cardiovascular lab says, "If you are having a heart attack, Salem Hospital is the place to be. In fact, we beat the national average of getting patients to the cardiac lab to reopen the blocked artery and stop the heart attack."

2008-01-24

On Monday, Jan. 28, the Monmouth Rehabilitation Clinic of West Valley Hospital changes its name to Monmouth Medical Center, and opens at its new location at 512 Main Street, Suite 300, Monmouth.

The clinic initially will provide occupational and physical therapy. "Family medicine physicians are being recruited to staff the clinic in the future, in an effort to increase access to primary care for residents of Monmouth and Independence," says Eric Buckland, administrator of West Valley Hospital.

The clinic will be open Mondays through Thursdays, 9 am to 6:30 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays. To schedule an appointment, call (503) 838-1388.

The first staff at the clinic will be Phillip Segura, physical therapist, and Diane Rocak, occupational therapist. Segura is a Spanish-speaking therapist who provides a wealth of experience in work injury and musculoskeletal disorders. Rocak specializes in the treatment of upper extremity injuries and arthritis, adaptive-equipment training, and has a strong background in ergonomic assessments.

The physician recruitment is being conducted by Salem Health, the parent corporation for the Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Hospital. During the last several years, Salem Health has brought more than 60 physicians to the mid-Willamette Valley, including several new physicians to the Dallas area. Those are John Hadley, D.O., Family Medicine; and Alison Smith, M.D., General Surgeon; and William D. Peffley, D.O., Family Medicine.

2008-01-17

2008-01-07

On January 7, four certified nurse midwives became employees of Salem Hospital. The certified nurse midwives are Margaret Egeland, Patricia "Happy" Barnes, Kathryn "Kitty" Nielsen and Elenie Smith.

The midwives will provide comprehensive obstetrical care to low-risk pregnant women as Willamette Valley Midwives, a part of Salem Health. Their phone number will be (503) 562-4040.

"During the past 11 months, we have worked closely with the Salem Hospital OB hospitalists to make sure that women who desire midwifery deliveries have that service," says Happy Barnes, CNM. "That partnership has worked well for our patients and for us as practitioners. We are pleased that our work together laid a solid foundation for this evolution in our practice"

"The nurse midwives and Salem Hospital are committed to ensuring that adequate prenatal and obstetrical care is available in the community, and believe that midwifery care is an important element in that delivery of care," says Mittie Hinz, the new senior director of Women's and Children's Services for Salem Hospital. "One of the things I noticed when I came here was the administration's positive attitude and desire to build services to meet the needs of women in the community; one of those services is midwifery care, which provides women with more maternity-care options."

Certified nurse midwives provide comprehensive maternity care, including prenatal care, delivery and post-partum care. Midwives provide holistic care for the entire family. Their workload is structured so it allows more time with patients.

Salem Hospital's OB hospitalists (a group of obstetricians who are at the birth center around the clock) will continue their collaboration with the midwives as their supporting physician. This collaboration provides a spectrum of care from low to high risk and allows for a seamless transition as higher levels of care become necessary.

The midwives and hospitalists have developed a strong working relationship during the past year. When Salem Women's Clinic terminated the midwives' employment the midwives decided to continue their collaboration with the OB hospitalists.

2007-12-21

According to the Tenth Annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study, Salem Hospital is five-star rated for cardiac, orthopedic and gastrointestinal services for 2008. The study, the largest of its kind, analyzed patient outcomes at virtually all of the nation's 5,000 hospitals over the years 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Specifically, Salem Hospital top ratings are:

• 5-Star rated in GI surgery.
• Five-Star rated for cholecystectomy.
• 2008 Recipient of the HealthGrades Gastrointestinal Surgery Excellence Award^TM.
• Ranked among the top 10 percent in the nation for GI surgery.
• 2007 Recipient of the HealthGrades Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award ^TM.
• Five-Star rated for coronary bypass surgery (2007 and 2008).
• Five-Star rated for coronary interventional procedures.
• Five-Star rated for treatment of heart attack.
• Five-Star rated for total-hip replacement.
• Five-Star rated for back and neck surgery (except spinal fusion).
• Five-Star rated for spinal surgery.

"When people need healthcare, they want to know that they will receive quality care. This HealthGrades recognition reaffirms that our patients receive top-quality care at Salem Hospital," says Norm Gruber, president and CEO of Salem Hospital. "We are very proud of the physicians, nurses, technicians, and all the many employees who work diligently to provide quality care every day, and who made this recognition possible."

Patients admitted to the nation's top-performing hospitals, five-star hospitals like Salem Hospital, have, on average, a 71 percent lower chance of dying than those treated at one-star hospitals across 18 procedures and conditions analyzed, according to the study. HealthGrades is the nation's leading independent ratings company.

"Our research shows that while the overall quality of hospital care in America is improving, the gap between the best-performing hospitals and the worst persists," said Dr. Samantha Collier, HealthGrades' chief medical officer and author of the study. "This persistent gap makes it imperative that anyone planning to be admitted to a hospital do their homework and seek out highly rated facilities."

The Tenth Annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study identifies key trends in the quality of care provided by approximately 5,000 hospitals nationwide. HealthGrades researchers analyzed Medicare discharges from virtually every U.S. hospital between 2004 and 2006. Risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates were calculated and hospitals were assigned a 1-star (poor), 3-star (as expected), or 5-star (best) quality rating for 28 diagnoses and procedures from heart failure to hip replacement to pneumonia.

Among the study's key findings:

• Oregon is one of the top fives states nationwide showing the most improvement in coronary interventional procedures.
• Gaps persist between the "best" and the "worst" hospitals across all procedures and conditions studied. Five-star rated hospitals, such as Salem Hospital had statistically significantly lower risk-adjusted mortality across all three years studied.
• Across all procedures and conditions studied, there was an approximate 71 percent lower chance of dying in a 5-star rated hospital compared to a 1-star rated hospital.
• Across all procedures and conditions studied, there was an approximate 52 percent lower chance of dying in a 5-star rated hospital compared to the U.S. hospital average.

The 2008 HealthGrades ratings for all hospitals nationwide are available, free of charge, on the organization's award-winning consumer Web site, located at http://www.healthgrades.com/.  More than three million individuals and employees of some of the nation's largest employers and health plans visit HealthGrades each month to access quality information about hospitals, nursing homes and physicians. HealthGrades also provides consumers and payers with detailed assessments of hospitals' patient-safety outcomes, based on indicators developed by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

About Salem Hospital

Salem Hospital Regional Health Services is one of the largest of Oregon's 57 acute care hospitals and operates the busiest emergency department in Oregon.

It is a not-for-profit hospital, licensed for 454 acute-care beds, and is guided by a 15-member volunteer Board of Trustees.

The hospital is the city's largest private employer, with approximately 3,500 full- and part-time employees. There are 465 physicians on the active medical staff, representing 46 different specialties, who admit patients to the hospital. More than 275 volunteers provide non-medical support for the hospital.

2007-11-29

People who have lost a loved one are encouraged to attend Salem Hospital's health forum, Getting Through the Holidays after the Death of a Loved One. The forum will be held Monday, Dec. 3, 6:30–8 p.m., in Wedel Auditorium, in the basement of Salem Hospital, 665 Winter Street SE, Salem, Ore. Admission is free.

Anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one in the past year is invited to come for an evening of remembrance, reflection, shared experience, strength and hope.

This 90-minute program will be a combination of presentations, music, scripture, poetry, prayer, a time for silence and memorial, and the opportunity for questions and answers.

For more information, call the Pastoral Care Department (503) 561-5562.

The forum is sponsored by the Salem Hospital Foundation.

2007-11-15

"When people really want to be relaxing with their families, trying to figure out how to get urgent care shouldn't be one of their worries," says David Bright, R.N., manager of Salem Hospital's Urgent Care Center. "To meet that need, our Urgent Care Center will be open, for the second year in a row, during the winter holidays."

Additional Urgent Care Center hours:
• Thanksgiving: Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Christmas Eve: Dec. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Christmas Day: Dec. 25, noon to 6 p.m.
• New Years Eve and New Years Day: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Urgent Care is located at 1002 Bellevue Street SE, Salem, south of Willamette University and west of the Ram Border Café. 

The types of services that can be successfully treated at Urgent Care—and don't require a visit to the emergency department—include:
• Sprains
• Simple fractures (extremities)
• Lacerations (simple)
• Minor work injury (first time)
• Back pain (ambulatory)
• Asthma (mild)
• Urinary tract infection
• Upper respiratory/sinus infection
• Fever
• Ear pain
• Sore throat

On the other days of the year, the Urgent Care Center is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

2007-10-29

The emergency-department physicians at West Valley Hospital encourage Polk County area residents, who travel with children in their cars, to attend a free car-seat safety clinic at the Dallas Fire Department, 915 Shelton, on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"The number-one cause of death and injury for Oregon's kids are motor vehicle crashes," says William Peffley, D.O, an emergency-department physician at West Valley Hospital and family-medicine physician in Dallas. "Ninety-nine percent of car seats are installed or used incorrectly."

Child Passenger Safety Technicians will check the child's car seat or booster seat for correct installation. "Participants will receive hands-on training and learn about recalls. The technicians will also make sure you get the best fit for your child's weight, height and age, and the best fit for your car," says Renee Wilson, an employee at West Valley Hospital and volunteer Child Passenger Safety Technician at the clinic. "We appreciate our partners in this project, specifically Bill Hahn, Fire Chief of Dallas Fire Department," says Wilson.

The clinic is free. Families who are on the Oregon Health Plan or WIC can call (503) 561-5639 to make an appointment and receive a new car seat (there is a $30 co-pay for the new seat).

"We hope parents will take advantage of this simple training to make sure their kids stay safe—and out of the ER," says Dr. Peffley.

2007-10-26

West Valley Hospital is offering flu shots to people in the Polk county area, on Wednesday, Nov. 14 and 28, from 1 to 6 p.m. The shots are $15 each and no appointment is necessary. Medicare is accepted. Those receiving shots must be 18 years of age or older.

"The first case of flu has been documented by the state public health division," says Julie Fontanilla, MN, RN, Director of Nursing Services at West Valley Hospital. "Now is the time to get that important flu shot."

The flu-shot clinic will be held in the West Valley Hospital Conference Room, 525 SW Washington Street, in Dallas.

"Up to 50 percent of people with influenza have no symptoms, but can shed the virus and infect others for up to five days," says Fontanilla. "Getting an annual flu shot can help limit the spread of this deadly disease."

2007-10-01

2007-09-17

During an emergency, hospital staff and many other community businesses will need to stay open to serve the public. At the same time, the employees of those organizations can feel torn between duties to their family and to the community.

To help ease that tension, Salem Hospital Regional Health Services is offering its online Personal Preparedness Plan tool to the public. Available at www.salemhospital.org/prepare, the tool walks people through the important planning steps they need to take to be ready for a disaster.

"It's vital that families consider things like who will take care of children if the parent's aren't able to be with them, how families will communicate with each other and whether they have adequate supplies, including medications, to weather an emergency," says Cliff Sabin, emergency management and safety coordinator at Salem Hospital.

"People who complete the online tool will receive their results via e-mail. They can print the plan and even save it and update later on their own," says Sabin.

The 3,500 employees of Salem Hospital and West Valley Hospital have been encouraged to complete a similar form.

"Completing a personal preparedness plan in advance of a disaster will help our employees be able to take care of the community during a disaster, and to be able to be focused on providing the best care possible," says Sabin.

2007-09-14

2007-09-12

Digital mammography has been added to the comprehensive list of breast-care and breast-cancer detection and treatment services at Salem Hospital.

Salem Hospital's comprehensive services include all follow-up that may be necessary, along with the support of nurses if an abnormality is found.

"We are able to get you through the most anxiety producing stage of the "unknown" in a rapid manner with the support of our radiologists, nurses and support staff," says Kathy Wolfe, R.N., breast-care coordinator.

Digital mammography has been shown to find very subtle changes in breast tissue, far superior to analog imaging, in women who are pre-menopausal and with dense breast tissue.

"This technology allows us to better serve women in our community, especially younger women," says Anne Diamond, imaging director at Salem Hospital.

Digital mammography also allows the hospital to provide surgeons with the greatest detail of information pre-operatively.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women begin annual mammograms at age 40.

2007-08-17

2007-08-17

2007-08-16

2007-08-03

On Friday, Aug. 17, the West Valley Hospital Foundation is holding its eighth annual summer gala, Moonlight and Vines, at BeckenRidge Vineyard in Dallas.

Everyone is invited to attend this summer garden party and silent auction. Guests can enjoy a dinner that includes Mediterranean flank steak, lemon artichoke heart stuffed chicken breast, or vegetarian spinach ravioli, served with fine wines, while listening to the music of the Gaylon Jay Quintet.

During the silent auction, participants can bid on items ranging from trips to places like SunRiver, and gift baskets with themes like A Taste of Italy.

All proceeds raised will be used to support various programs and services at West Valley Hospital. Last year the event netted over $18,000.

"It’s a great show of support that each year so many Polk County residents come to this event to not only celebrate West Valley Hospital, but also to help us build on the future of bringing top quality medical care to this area," said Sherri Partridge, Annual Giving Officer for the West Valley Hospital Foundation.

Tickets are $42 each, and can be purchased by calling the West Valley Hospital Foundation at 503-831-3456. Deadline for purchasing tickets is August 10.

Major sponsors of the event are West Coast Bank, Dallas Branch, and Spirit Mountain Casino. Silver sponsors are Bollman Funeral Home and Weyerhaeuser.

2007-07-26

The Salem Hospital Foundation announces that 91 students in medical or medically related fields will be receiving scholarships for the 2007-2008 school year. A total of $127,500 in scholarships was awarded to students pursuing degrees in nursing, pharmacy, imaging, and a variety of other medically related programs.  

The Foundation's scholarship program began in 1968. The first grant was $500, awarded to a Salem Hospital employee enrolled in the Associate Degree of Nursing Program at Salem Vocational Tech., now known as Chemeketa Community College. Since that time the Foundation has awarded more than $1.25 million in tuition assistance.

Several special scholarships were awarded in memory of various community members, including the John Alsever, M.D., physician scholarship; the Cass Bailey, M.D., physician scholarship; the Nita Jo Carter nursing scholarship; the Carl and Olive Emmons nursing scholarship; the Rollin Haag nursing scholarship; the Elmera "Tiny" Richardson nursing scholarship; The Hattie Kremen nursing scholarship; and the Haap Jackson imaging scholarship.

The Salem Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization that supports medical and medically related projects at Salem Hospital. The foundation's 15 member Board of Directors help raise funds and manage the resources of the foundation. Foundation Board members serving on the scholarship committee this year were Tim Abrahamson; Kathy Gordon; Jennifer Neahring, M.D.; and Kelly Yunker.

Awardees for the 2007-2008 school year are:

Aumsville: Aaron Miller, Matthew Mongenel, Julie Naatz.

Dallas: Jamie Broussard, James Hoffman, Laura Peterson, Athena Samerotte, Benjamin Yost.

Detroit: Jocelyn Hurley.

Keizer: Hannah Bielenberg, Katie Coburn, Juliya Dmitriyeva, Shirley Eggen, Josiah Faville, Elizabeth Melendy, Charlla Puig, Amy Purkey, Tina Schindler, Kari Wattenbarger.

Monmouth: Makayla Reed.

Newberg: Dorothy Massey.

Portland: Susan Christensen.

Salem: Claire Alano, Debbie Buchwach, Megan Baskin, Linda Carter, Maia Cerneva, Matthew Collum, Pamela Cortez, Angela Davis, Kristin Faber, Daniel Fisher, Jia-Jan Fu, Susan Garson, Bethany George, Kaitlyn George, Dmitriy Gerasimenko, Kathryn Grim, Tyler Gilmore, Kristin Haydon, Shannon Hogan, Andrea Hughes, Jocelyn James, Nicole Kelchner, Joann Kerrigan, Kristy LeGault, Kelsey Lemons, Jessica Lewis-Caporal, Tonya Lutz, Robert Martin, Maureen McNabb, Anne Meeks, Megan Newton, Margaret Leah Ngure, Danielle Noble, Michelle Olds, Athena Pannas, Kari Radtke, Doreen Rodecap, Tamara Shalashov, Ryan Street, Stephanie Stupfel, Sarah Terpin, Rosella Thaddeus, Eric Timmons, Kathy Tran, Kerri Trapp, Zachary VandeGriend, Ross Wagner, Amy Ward, Wilma Weber, Heather Wiebe, Mark Wilhite, Lorene Ziak.

Scio: Ruth Silbernagel.

Sheridan: Jacob Bumstead.

Silverton: Cora Dahl, Elizabeth Garrard, Leah Kaufman, Shanna Lesire, Linda McLagan, Samantha Pelletier, Amber Stutzman.

Stayton: Miranda Devine, Katie Peterman.

Sublimity: Casey Lulay, Lisa Riesterer, Susan Rodda.

Turner: Lori Davis.

Woodburn: Jason Phillips.

Yamhill: Emily Hertel.

2007-07-09

Salem Hospital will see more than 100,000 patients at its ER and Urgent Care Center this year, making it the busiest in the state.

The staff and physicians of the hospital's emergency department offer these tips to help you, your children, and even your parents, stay safe, and what to do if you have problems in the heat.

Stay well hydrated

• Aim for two to three quarts of fluid per day.
• Water is good, but don't limit your intake to just water. You also need electrolytes, which you can get from a variety of sports drinks.
• Caffeine beverages and sodas with caffeine dehydrate you. Since the goal is to stay well hydrated, stay away from caffeine.
• If you're thirsty, you've waited too long.
• One way to tell if you're getting enough fluid is to look at your urine. In general, it should be clear. Yellow urine means you need to drink more water, unless it is affected by food, vitamin or medication intake.
• Limit alcohol intake during hot weather. It doesn't count toward your water consumption and it can impair your judgment.

Be smart about your outdoor activities

• Unless your job requires you to be outdoors, stay inside.
• If you have to be outdoors, avoid strenuous activities between the hottest times of the day, typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• If you need to be outdoors, prime the pump before you go. In other words, start your fluid intake before you take your first step outside.
• Wear sun block and a hat.
• Use a water spritzer to cool off. Battery-operated, hand-held fans may also be helpful.

Some people need extra precautions

• "Before the day is over, call your mom and check on her," says Sherri Wood, R.N., emergency department director. High heat can cause people to be confused. So be sure to check on your elderly relatives or neighbors to see how they're doing.
• The very young and the elderly are most susceptible to thermal-regulation problems. Their bodies simply have a harder time regulating heat. They especially should avoid the outdoors and manage their fluid intake. This is also true for people with chronic illnesses, like those on dialysis.
• Children can become dehydrated much more quickly than adults. Be sure they get enough fluid and follow all heat and sun-safety procedures.
• Don't overdress your newborn. If you're wearing a tank top and shorts, then a similar outfit for your baby is appropriate, whether it be a shorts outfit or simply a t-shirt and diaper. Stay in the shade. Use a lukewarm washcloth to cool baby. And carry a blanket to protect the baby when you enter air-conditioned extremes.
• Some medications can cause problems during heat spells, particularly some psychiatric medications and diuretics. Talk with your pharmacist if you have concerns.

 Be safe in the water

• When it gets hot, you may be tempted to jump in the river to cool off. Be careful. Remember, Oregon rivers are cold, even on hot days.
• Wear a life jacket on the boat and in the river.
• Do not consume alcohol.
• Children need close parental supervision in the water, as do some people who have mental or physical disabilities.
• If you have a home pool, make sure it has a fence around it.

Warning signs and what to do if you experience them

• Heat illness progresses through three stages: heat cramps, then exhaustion, then heat stroke. If you experience heat cramps, you'll have muscle cramps and feel dizzy. You need to get in the shade and use a cold compress and take fluids.
• In heat exhaustion, you'll sweat profusely, and be pale. You need to get in the shade, and use a cold compress and fluids. IV fluids may be needed.
• "If you are having a heat stroke, you will be very pale and have a fever. You won't be able to sweat and you will be mentally confused. Your body core temperature has gotten too high. Call 9-1-1!," says Joseph Kenoyer, M.D., an emergency physician with Salem Hospital.

Heat related illness can cause serious problems. You can reduce your chance of feeling tired or becoming seriously ill with a few simple steps.

2007-07-03

2007-06-28

2007-06-21

2007-06-11

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2007-06-01

2007-05-24

May 25 is National Missing Children's Day and in the spirit of prevention, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is asking parents to Take 25 minutes with their children to talk to them about safety.

Cindy Crosby, R.N., family educator at Salem Hospital says, "The goal is not to frighten your children but rather to empower them with information that can help keep them safe."

Here are 10 safety tips to share with your children:

1. Teach your children their name, address and telephone number. Make sure they know your full name.
2. Make sure your children know how to reach a trusted adult if they are scared or there is an emergency.
3. Set safety rules: Keep the door locked and do not open the door for anyone when home alone.
4. Instruct your children not to give out personal information to anyone they do not know well and trust, whether on the computer, on the phone or in person.
5. Keep the computer in a common area, rather than in the child's bedroom. Monitor the computer use and discuss safety issues.
6. Do not display your child's name on their backpack or lunchbox. It may put them on a first-name basis with someone who intends to do them harm.
7. Stress the importance of staying with a buddy when walking, riding bike or playing.
8. Set up "what if" situations and ask your children how they would respond.
9. Teach your children how and when to call 9-1-1.
10. Practice safety skills so that they become second nature. While you do not want to scare your children, it is important to make sure they are aware of dangers so they can avoid them, or confidently deal with them if they happen.

Crosby adds, "If you don't have time to spend 25 minutes talking about safety with your children on May 25, please remember any time is a good time to talk to children about staying safe." 

2007-05-23

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2006-10-31

West Valley Hospital has determined that it will need to charge $10 for each flu shot, to cover the cost of acquiring the vaccine. "With the number of people we expect to seek flu shots and the costs of the vaccine, we had to make the difficult decision that we will need to charge for the shots," says Shari Bruce, Surgery Supervisor. "We apologize for the confusion that we know this will cause."

The community flu-shot clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, November 1, 1 to 3 p.m. and Thursday, November 2, 8 to 11 a.m. No appointment is necessary. Those receiving shots must be 18 years of age or older. "We will be able to bill insurance," says Bruce.

The flu-shot clinic will be held in the Same-Day Surgery Department at West Valley Hospital, 525 SW Washington Street, Dallas.

2006-10-24

West Valley Hospital is offering free flu shots to the Dallas community, on Wednesday, November 1, 1 to 3 p.m. and Thursday, November 2, 8 to 11 a.m. The shots are free and no appointment is necessary. Those receiving shots must be 18 years of age or older.

The flu-shot clinic will be held in the Same-Day Surgery Department at West Valley Hospital, 525 SW Washington Street, Dallas. 

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