News from Port Huron Hospital

Port Huron Hospital offers free skin cancer screening

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Port Huron, MI – Port Huron Hospital will partner with local dermatologists, the Michigan Dermatologic Society and the American Academy of Dermatology to provide a free Skin Cancer Screening Day on Wednesday, May 16, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the hospital.

Screenings will be conducted in a private area in Classroom 4 at the hospital. Dermatologists will examine areas of the skin for suspicious spots and address skin cancer concerns. Participating in the free screening day are the physicians of the Hamzavi Dermatology Clinic of Fort Gratiot; Jean Kegler, MD; and John Pelachyk, MD.

To attend the free skin cancer screening, registration is required. For more information or to register, call HealthAccess at 1.800.228.1484.

Port Huron Hospital presents joint replacement seminar

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 EDT

PORT HURON, MI – Port Huron Hospital JointConnections will present a seminar on hip and knee replacement and treatment options at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, May 17, in the Duffy Wellness Classrooms at Port Huron Hospital.

Dr. Timothy Lukas, Advanced Orthopedics, will present along with Port Huron Hospital Physical Therapist Kurt Brinker. Dr. Lukas and Brinker will discuss the anatomy of the knee and hip, possible causes of pain in these areas and the latest treatment options available.

To reserve a space at this free seminar, call HealthAccess at 1.800.228.1484 or log onto www.porthuronhospital.org/jc.

Yale Project Healthy Living offers free and low-cost health screenings

Tue, 1 May 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Yale Community Health Center and Port Huron Hospital will host Project Healthy Living from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, May 10, at the Yale VFW Post 8594, 4 West Mechanic Street.

Among the health screenings will be a blood panel profile consisting of 26 tests including diabetes, thyroid, cholesterol and calcium. A four-hour fast is recommended prior to taking the test; be sure to take all medication as prescribed. Also available are PSA, CA-125, H. Pylori Blood, H. Pylori Breath, iron, Hepatitis B, Herpes 1 & 2, C-Reactive Protein, A1C, Glycomark, vitamin D, and Colo-Rectal take home kit. New this year – five profile cereal allergy (gluten, rice, buckwheat, rye and barley); 12 profile food allergy (clam, codfish, egg white, maize/corn, milk, peanut, scallop, sesame seed, shrimp, soybean, walnut, wheat); and Michigan respiratory allergy panel. There are nominal fees for all of these tests.

Free screenings include height/weight, blood pressure, vision, body composition, and blood oxygen. Health care staff will be on hand to answer questions as well.

Cardiovascular screenings are also available. Advance registration is required for these particular tests. Call 734-270-2463 regarding the following: EKG, $40; echocardiogram, $80; ABI, $40; carotid artery, $45; abdominal aorta, $45; heart attack and stroke risk, $50; electronic stress and consult, $40; bone density, $30; bone density with one of the following packages is $25. Cardiovascular packages are Package #1: carotid, abdominal, ABI, $99; Package #2: package #1 with Echo, $179; Package #3: package #2 with EKG, $199.

Participants must be at least 18 years old and present Social Security identification and a driver’s license or other piece of ID with current address. There is ample parking outside the VFW Hall.

Additional information may be obtained from HealthAccess, 1.800.228.1484, or by visiting the Project Healthy Living website, www.projecthealthyliving.org. Pre-registration is not required, except for the cardiovascular screenings and packages.

Port Huron Hospital bicycle helmet safety events and low-cost helmets offered

Tue, 1 May 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Port Huron, MI -- In the month of May, the Port Huron Hospital Foundation Helmet Safety Committee takes its helmet safety message, Thumbs Up for Helmets, to school children in St. Clair and Sanilac counties. The Port Huron Hospital Foundation Community Health Teams volunteer at the Marysville, Avoca and Croswell programs.

According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, each year more than 130 children die from bicycle-related injuries and approximately 270,000 are treated in emergency rooms. Of these, nearly half (47 percent) have traumatic brain injuries. Properly fitted bike helmets could reduce the risk of bike-related brain injuries by 88 percent; however, only 15-25 percent of cyclists ages 14 and under wear a helmet. Kids 5 to 14 years old ride about 50 percent more than the average bicyclist and account for approximately one quarter of all bicycle-related deaths and more than half of all bicycle-related injuries

The Thumbs Up for Helmets program provides thousands of local children every year with education and hands-on activities that encourage helmet safety. These activities include bike rodeos, videos, helmet fitting demonstrations, and assemblies with a bike stunt team. The Helmet Safety program also provides low cost, certified helmets for purchase to the community.

Volunteers from the committee will head to eight Port Huron Area School District after school programs with a fun message of helmet safety, a demonstration from a local bike stunt team, and giveaways including a tote bag stuffed with bike lights, a Helmet Safety t-shirt and other goodies as well as a free Snell® Certified bike helmet for every participant.

Third and fourth graders in Marysville, Lexington and Capac will also take part in bike and helmet safety fun with a bike rodeo. Participants in the rodeos learn bike safety concepts such as following road rules, and understanding safety signage (i.e. four way stops and railroad crossings.) The rodeos also feature the bike stunt team.

Helmets offered at a low cost

Through the month of May, bicycle safety helmets are available to the public at a nominal cost of $5 each. To obtain a Snell® Certified bike helmet, visit the Port Huron Hospital Foundation office at 1201 Stone Street, Port Huron, on weekdays from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Staff will fit the helmets and demonstrate how the helmet should be worn.

Port Huron Hospital participates in VHA Inc. Clinical Design Day as part of CMS-sponsored Hospital Engagement Network

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Distinctive curriculum rapidly improves patient safety and clinical outcomes

Port Huron, MI – April 16, 2012 – A three-person team of clinicians from Port Huron Hospital recently participated in a day-long, interactive Clinical Design Day training developed and facilitated by VHA Inc., the national healthcare network. The Clinical Design Day training employs a unique cultural, sociological and anthropological methodology proven to aid hospitals in their efforts to improve patient safety and is a cornerstone of VHA’s Hospital Engagement Network (HEN).

Hospital Engagement Networks are part of the historic Partnership for Patients initiative launched by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and its Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. Participating hospitals are expected to develop, test and share best practices as part of an effort to improve patient safety and reduce the incidence of harm related to ten specific hospital acquired conditions, such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections and ventilator-associated pneumonia. CMS’s goal for the Partnership for Patients is to reduce preventable harm by 40% and preventable readmissions by 20% by the year 2013.

Port Huron Hospital has chosen to work on reducing infection related to foley catheters (catheters that drain the bladder). Foley catheters are placed for many reasons and are necessary, but when it is no longer needed the catheter must be removed. The longer the catheter stays in place the greater the risk of developing a urinary tract infection. In 2007, the estimated cost of treating these infections in the United States was $450 million.

“This is an excellent example of how Port Huron Hospital is using benchmark processes and best practices to improve quality and patient outcomes,” says Michael Tawney, DO, vice president of medical affairs. “By participating with Partnership for Patients, we are connected with other hospitals who have already implemented strategies to reduce catheter associated urinary tract infections. These hospitals have decreased their rates by 46 to 81 percent.”

Dr. Tawney is enthusiastic about the hospital’s participation in th Partnership for Patients initiative, as well as use of VHA’s unique approach to addressing cultural issues as part of the overall improvement process. “Improving patient safety and clinical outcomes for our patients continues to be our ongoing priority. Our participation in VHA’s RAN Clinical Design Day provided us with tools and processes we can use to achieve and sustain our patient safety goals,” he says. “We believe that using the improvement methodology we learned, along with tools such as VHA Leading Practice Blueprints (leading clinical practices from top hospitals across the country), will be essential to our success. Participating in VHA’s HEN will help us achieve our patient safety goals faster, as well as contribute toward achieving the Partnership’s objectives.”

Hospitals participating in VHA’s HEN receive continuous support through a Rapid Adoption Network™ (RAN), which kicks off with the Clinical Design Day by bringing together numerous hospitals throughout the region that are committed to rapidly improving their patient safety and clinical quality. VHA will host 13 RANs nationwide to facilitate clinical improvement in its 200-plus member hospitals participating in the HEN.

“More than 3,000 hospitals across the country are participating in the Partnership for Patients as a way to enhance the safety of patient care while reducing sources of harm,” says Keith Kosel, PhD, executive director of VHA’s HEN initiative. “Our approach begins by addressing culture, which has been shown to not only facilitate improvement, but sustain it. In the long run, true culture change is the proven catalyst of meaningful improvement. This is a tremendous commitment on the part of hospitals like Port Huron Hospital to their patients and their families.”

Partnership for Patients is just one of the initiatives Port Huron Hospital has adopted to assure that its patients receive exceptional care. The hospital also participates in the Michigan Health and Hospital Association’s Keystone Center for Patient Safety and Quality initiative, which provides a foundation for hospitals to adhere to as they strive for quality outcomes. As a result of its efforts, Port Huron Hospital is ranked in the top five percent of hospitals across the country for patient safety.

Port Huron Hospital holds 23rd Annual Children's Fun and Fitness Festival

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Port Huron, Michigan – Port Huron Hospital will host the 23rd Annual Children’s Fun and Fitness Festival Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the hospital. This free event gives children ages 5 – 11 the opportunity to become familiar with the hospital environment in a way that is fun and active, as well as get them excited about their health and fitness.

Several interactive stations will be set up throughout the John F. Wismer Health Center, including a visit to the operating room, ambulance tours, pet therapy and a hands-on art project. Other stations include health screenings, educational materials and fun activities for kids. This year will feature a station displaying our new da Vinci® Surgical Robot. Watch “da Vinci Steve” as he demonstrates how the Robot works using fun, kid-friendly materials! Special appearances by the “Tooth Fairy” and the infamous “Pick-Pocket Pat” will take place throughout the day. Each child present can enter to win one of two bicycles donated by Huron Surgical Clinic and Physician HealthCare Network. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information about the 23rd Annual Children’s Fun and Fitness Festival, call HealthAccess at 1.800.228.1484, or log on to www.porthuronhospital.org/fun.

Bariatric services takes on new name and provides more surgical options for patients

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Port Huron Hospital, a leading provider of gastric banding for surgical weight loss in southeast Michigan, is pleased to announce the expansion of its bariatric program

Foundation partners with community health teams to sponsor family read nights

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Port Huron, MI -- According to Dr. Seuss, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

Dr. Seuss’ birthday is in March. To celebrate his birthday the National Education Association sponsors Read Across America. The event is an annual reading motivation and awareness program. The intent is to boost reading excitement and achievement. And for local organizations, it is a great opportunity to promote healthy minds and healthy bodies. Could there be a better way to celebrate Dr. Seuss -- or to give kids a good start -- than to provide an opportunity for families to read together? That’s just what is happening during Dr. Seuss’s birthday month of March at four area schools.

Spearheaded by the Port Huron Hospital Foundation in partnership with a number of other area organizations, Family Read Night is a local offspring of the National Education Association’s Read Across America event. This year Port Huron Hospital Foundation and Port Huron Hospital Community Health Teams are working with Morton Elementary in Marysville, Capac Elementary, Meyer Elementary in Lexington and Frostick Elementary in Croswell to host a fun filled evening of games and activities which encourage reading and offer opportunities for students to increase their reading skills side by side with family members. Each child attending receives a new book to take home, makes a craft and enjoys a snack.

Each school has a theme for its read night. Both Meyer Elementary and Frostick Elementary have chosen “Sound Mind, Sound Body” as their theme for the event. “We believe that it is important to be fit in both mind and body,” says Colette Moody, principal at Frostick Elementary in Croswell. “Reading is an exercise for the mind.”

The Family Read Night at Frostick School will be held March 27. According to Colette, it is one of many ways to have fun being healthy and being happy. “We have a blast at Family Read Night,” she says. All students are invited to the whole family event. Siblings are encouraged to attend. Activities include nutritional snacks, a book walk, exercises, crafts and raffles.. This year, instead of a guest speaker reading a book, there will be a Mission Nutrition presentation by nationally renowned Magician Jason Hudy. This is the third year that Frostick School has partnered with the Port Huron Hospital Community Health Team for Family Read Night, but they have participated in the national program for many years. According to Colette, the event usually draws about 150 attendees. Each family is given a goody bag to take home and all of the kids choose a book to take with them. Each of the communities have different sponsors who help bring this important program to life. In Capac CSB Bank purchases books and MediLodge in Yale provides refreshments; McDonalds provides beverages and Big Boy donates prizes in Marysville; and Port Huron Hospital provides funding for the books and crafts in Croswell, Marysville and Lexington. PeNut, a nutrition and physical activity program, partners with the Cros-Lex schools to add a healthy component to the activities and learning experience at Meyer and Frostick schools. Port Huron Hospital Community Health Teams provide volunteers to assist at the events.

Denise Showler, internal auditor at CSB Bank in Capac, says that the bank has been involved with Family Read Night for four years. This is the first year that Capac Elementary School has participated. The first three years were at Emmett’s John F. Farrell Elementary School, she says. “We are excited about this event and that it is being held in Capac this year. The Capac/Yale Community Health Team and the officials at Capac Elementary School felt it was important that in addition to the students being invited, preschoolers should also be included,” says Denise, who has been a member of the Community Health Team since it was established many years ago. She has also been a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. CSB Bank purchases the books for the event. Because Capac has a significant Spanish speaking population, books in both English and Spanish were available at the event held on March 6 this year. The school’s Parents Club also donated books.

The theme for the Capac Family Read Night is “Families That Read Rock!” More than 100 students plus their families were expected to take part in the program featuring children’s book author Dana Lehman of Allenton reading one of her books. The evening also includes a book exchange and a musical book walk – similar to musical chairs children walk on a special book game board while music plays. Individual squares feature book names. When the music stops, they win the book named on the square they land on. Why does CSB participate? “This is so good for the community,” says Denise. “We like to give back and to be involved in the communities where we have branches.”

Family Read Night was held at Morton Elementary School in Marysville on March 1 and will be held at Meyer Elementary School in Lexington on March 23, 2012.

Since its inception fifteen years ago, the National Education Association’s Read Across America program has acted as a vehicle to talk about a serious issue in a fun way: children’s literacy. This year it is anticipated that more than 45 million readers are gearing up to deliver this message: Kids who read, and who are read to, do better in school. Dr. Seuss epitomizes a love of children and learning. His use of rhyme makes his books an effective tool for teaching young children the basic skills they need to be successful. Celebrating Dr. Seuss and reading sends a clear message to America's children that reading is fun and important – and that you're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.
As Dr. Seuss said, “Be awesome! Be a book nut!”

Port Huron Hospital Auxiliary to hold arts and craft sale

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EDT

PORT HURON, MI – Port Huron Hospital Auxiliary will hold its first annual Arts and Crafts sale Thursday, March 22, 2012, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday, March 23, 2012, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Duffy Wellness Classrooms at Port Huron Hospital.

Local artists and crafters will have hand-crafted jewelry, pottery, paper and fabric art, photography and many other items available for sale. All proceeds from the sale benefit the Auxiliary Patient Focus Fund, providing support for various patient programs.

To learn more about Port Huron Hospital and the Auxiliary log on to www.porthuronhospital.org or call HealthAccess at 1.800.228.1484.

Port Huron Hospital encourages being aware for safe care

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

In observance of National Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 4 – 11, Port Huron Hospital urges that patients and their families be aware of what is happening around them and how they can contribute to making their stays in hospitals safer.

The theme for this year’s national observance, “Be Aware for Safe Care,” focuses on the need for everyone to understand the importance of patient safety and to recognize the range of efforts being made to improve health safety in the US and worldwide.

According to the president of the National Patient Safety Foundation, Diane C. Pinakiewicz, MBA, the “Be Aware for Safe Care” campaign emphasizes the fact that safety issues impact everyone, “The more we work together to promote patient safety, the more we all benefit from a safe healthcare system.”

Nationally recognized for being ranked in the top five percent of hospitals across the country for excellence in patient safety for the past four years , Port Huron Hospital sees patient safety and quality of care as its top priorities.

“We’re very proud that Port Huron Hospital has been consistently recognized for its patient safety efforts and what they mean to our patients and the community. says Tom DeFauw, president and CEO.

There are many standards that Port Huron Hospital follows to ensure to patient safety. For instance:

When a patient is identified at risk for falling, a yellow armband is placed on the patient, a yellow dot goes on the patient’s chart and a yellow identifier is placed on the door to the room of an inpatient at risk to alert of the risk.
At least two patient identifiers must be used when providing care, treatment or services. Identifiers include patient name, medical record number, birth date or social security number.
Because clean hands are the single most important factor in preventing the spread of infections and antibiotic resistance, a hospital-wide surveillance measures staff compliance with hand hygiene guidelines.
Universal protocol is standard preoperative verification. After patient pre-op preparation, surgical team members take a “time-out” to verbally verify and agree on the name of the patient, the procedure to be performed, the exact site of the procedure, and validation of the physician’s site marks.
Containers used for lab samples are labeled in the presence of the patient so that the label can be verified with the patient’s armband and also by the patient.
Barcoding helps to prevent medication errors. Before giving a medication, nurses use a handheld device to scan the barcode on the patient identification band and on the medication to ensure that the right patient gets the right drug in the right dose at the right time following the right route.
Secured units protect the youngest and most at risk patients. The entrances to the Pediatrics Unit, Miriam F. Acheson Family Birth Place and the Intensive Care unit are secured with an electronic locking system at all times. Intercoms with cameras are located at the doors to the units allowing staff to view who is at the entrance and to determine who the individual is visiting. Visitors are “buzzed” into the units.

“Our standards for enhancing the health and safety of our patients are both high and extensive,” says DeFauw. “It’s great to be recognized for these efforts, but more importantly, it’s extremely gratifying to see quality outcomes and healthier patients as the result. While we have put processes and procedures in place to make hospital stays safe experiences, we also encourage patients to take a role in their safety,” says DeFauw.

Port Huron Hospital offers the following suggestions to patients and their families:

Ask questions:

Speak up if you have concerns. It’s okay to ask questions and to expect answers you can understand.

Choose a physician who you feel comfortable talking to about your health and treatment.

Don’t be afraid to ask about safety.

Don’t be afraid to tell your nurse or doctor if you think you are about to receive the wrong medication or you think he or she has confused you with another patient.

Notice whether your caregivers have washed their hands or used the alcohol hand cleaner. Hand hygiene is the most important way to prevent the spread of infections. Don’t be afraid to gently remind a doctor or nurse to do this.

Medications:

Keep a list of all medications you take.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about any drug allergies you have as well as all the medicines you take, including over-the-counter medicines, supplements and herbs.

Test results:

Make sure you get the results of all tests and procedures.

Educate yourself about your diagnosis, the medical tests you are undergoing, and your treatment plan.

Thoroughly read all medical forms and make sure you understand them before you sign anything. If you don’t understand something -- ask your doctor.

Advocate:

Ask a trusted family member or friend to be with you and to be your advocate.

Consider creating a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care document. Contact your nurse for more information.

Active involvement in care:

Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of your health care plan.

You and your doctor should agree on what will be done during your treatment.

Know who is caring for you.

About the National Patient Safety Foundation

The National Patient Safety Foundation has been pursuing one mission since its founding in 1997 – to improve the safety of care provided to patients. As a central voice for patient safety, NPSF is committed to a collaborative, inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach in all that it does.

Port Huron Hospital names Carol Witherspoon Employee of the Month

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

Carol Witherspoon has been named Port Huron Hospital’s Employee of the Month for February. Witherspoon has been with the hospital for 40 years and is currently working in the Business Office.

Witherspoon was recognized by her peers for consistently demonstrating the values of Port Huron Hospital. Those who nominated her stated “she is always focused on the customer, holds her co-workers accountable for their quality of work, and is a valuable part of the Port Huron Hospital team”.

To learn more about Port Huron Hospital, visit our website www.porthuronhospital.org or call HealthAccess at 1.800.228.1484.

Port Huron Hospital to present lumbar spinal stenosis seminar

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

Port Huron Hospital will present a seminar on lumbar spinal stenosis on Wednesday, March 14, at 5:30 p.m. in the Duffy Wellness Classrooms at Port Huron Hospital.

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is the narrowing of the spinal canal. LSS can cause thickening of spinal ligaments, enlargement of bones and joints, development of bone spurs, bulging or collapse of discs, vertebrae slippage and pain and discomfort.

More than 700,000 people are diagnosed with the condition every year. While it is normal for the spinal canal to change with age, patients do not have to live with the pain. Join orthopedic spine surgeon, Dr. Neil Pasia, Orthopedic Associates, to learn about the causes of lumbar spinal stenosis, innovative treatment options, and technology used to treat the condition.

To reserve a space at this free seminar, call HealthAccess at 1.800.228.1484 or go to www.porthuronhospital.org/spine. Space is limited.

Port Huron Hospital announces the arrival of the most sophisticated technology in surgery today: the da Vinci Robot

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Port Huron Hospital is pleased to announce that the da Vinci® Si™ Surgical System is now available in the community and to Port Huron Hospital patients. The value this technology offers the hospital’s surgical staff and patients is immense.

The da Vinci® Surgical System, commonly referred to as the da Vinci Robot, is the most technologically advanced surgical platform and is the most minimally invasive treatment alternative available in the United States. It has taken surgeries to new levels with high-quality images and increased range of motion for surgeons.

“We believe that the da Vinci Robot will help us provide the best possible outcomes and is proof of our commitment to provide our community access to the latest advancements in minimally invasive surgery,” says Port Huron Hospital President & CEO Thomas DeFauw. “With robotic precision, this system allows a surgeon to perform extremely complex and delicate procedures through tiny incisions. The da Vinci System has been used successfully worldwide in hundreds of thousands of procedures.”

The da Vinci Robot has several unique features designed to provide valuable clinical benefits and efficiency in the operating room. Together, these technological advancements provide surgeons with unparalleled precision, dexterity and the control needed for a minimally invasive approach for many complex thoracic, abdominal and pelvic surgical procedures. Today, complex conditions such as uterine prolapse and fibroids can be treated minimally invasively, thanks to the da Vinci System.

The FDA has approved this minimally invasive robotic device for procedures in urology, gynecology, oncology, pediatrics and cardiao-thoracic surgery. It is designed to provide surgeons with enhanced capabilities, including high-definition 3D vision and as much as a 10-times magnified view. The robot translates the surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, more precise movements.

“The da Vinci takes surgery beyond the limits of the human hand with its advanced level of technology,” says Michael Tawney, DO, vice president of Mecical Affairs at Port Huron Hospital.

“Not all surgical robots are created equal,” he says. “While there are other surgical robotic devices in the region, they have limited application in orthopedics only. The da Vinci Robot, on the other hand, can be used for a multitude of procedures. This technology complements our goal of extending minimally invasive surgery to the broadest possible base of patients.”

Procedures available at Port Huron Hospital by da Vinci trained surgeons include:

Gynecology:
- Hysterectomy
- Uterine fibroids (myomectomy)
- Endometriosis
- Repair of a descended uterus (uterine prolapse)
- Excessive bleeding (menorrhagia)
Urology:
- Prostatectomy (prostate gland and/or tissue removal)
- Radical and partial kidney removal (nephrectomy)
General Surgery:
- Gallbladder surgery (single port cholecystectomy)
- Colon resections
- Hernia repairs
- Gastric bypass (later this year)

Benefits to patients from minimally invasive surgeries are innumerable. Compared to open, larger incision surgeries, benefits include a shorter hospitalization, reduced pain, less blood loss, lower risk of infection, faster recovery time, minimal scarring and quicker return to daily activities.

Physicians on Port Huron Hospital’s Medical Staff who are trained or will be training soon to perform surgery with the da Vinci System include Gynecologists Kathleen Fabian, DO, Amanda Hurtubise, MD, Alan Kuester, DO, Jon Lensmeyer, MD, Karen Niver, MD and Peter Tseng, MD; Urologists Glenn Betrus, MD and Tom Courty, M.D.; and General Surgeons Zubin Bhesania, Anthony Boutt, MD, Karen McFarlane, MD, Nicholas Nunnally, DO, and Krishna Valjee, MD; Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon Vernon Dencklau, DO. A number of other staff physicians have indicated an interest in training and using the robot.

Founded in 1882, Port Huron Hospital has provided healthcare to St. Clair and Sanilac Counties for more than 130 years. With a full range of services including obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, cardiovascular including advanced heart surgery, orthopedics, Port Huron Hospital is well recognized for its medical excellence and patient safety.

Click here for more information about the da Vinci® Si™ Surgical System.

Port Huron Hospital names Calla Maynard Employee of the Month

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Port Huron, MI – Calla Maynard has been named Port Huron Hospital’s Employee of the Month for January 2012. Maynard has been with the hospital for 12 years and is currently working in the Emergency Center.

Maynard was recognized by her peers for consistently demonstrating the values of Port Huron Hospital. Those who nominated her stated “she always goes above and beyond for patients, their families and her coworkers. She is efficient, organized, and consistently demonstrates compassion towards others and loyalty to Port Huron Hospital.”

This employee recognition is given to individuals who consistently live the values, mission and performance standards of Port Huron Hospital. Honorees are nominated by a co-worker, physician, volunteer and/or customer.
To learn more about Port Huron Hospital, log onto www.porthuronhospital.org or call HealthAccess at 1.800.228.1484.

Port Huron Hospital to partner with the American Cancer Society to provide free transportation program

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Cancer patients often miss or delay treatments because they do not have access to reliable transportation. Now, Port Huron Hospital is teaming up with the American Cancer Society to change that. For the first time, St. Clair County cancer patients will have access to the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program that matches volunteer drivers with cancer patients to provide safe and reliable transportation to and from cancer treatment.

Currently, the program is enrolling those interested in volunteering as drivers throughout St. Clair County. All volunteers need to have reliable transportation, driver’s license and proof of insurance, be willing to submit to a background and department of motor vehicle check, and commit to a two-hour training session. Following training, volunteers can commit as many or as few hours as their schedule allows.

“We’re thrilled to bring Road to Recovery to St. Clair County to provide support, resources, and rides to and from treatments for cancer patients in the area,” said Andrea Jones, American Cancer Society transportation and lodging coordinator. “Not only do patients benefit from our Road to Recovery program, but the volunteers do also; they’re often commenting on the great feelings they get from volunteering and knowing they’re literally giving someone a ride that is helping to save a life.”

The Road to Recovery program is offered at no charge by the American Cancer Society. This program is one of the many ways that funds raised through events like Relay For Life help fulfill the American Cancer Society's mission of saving lives from cancer and creating a world with more birthdays by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back against cancer right here in our community.

To learn how you can become a Road to Recovery volunteer and give someone the ride of their life, call Andrea at 248.663.3485.

About the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, about 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.