Park Ridge Perspective 13 County Line Update | 4 Running With It | 6 New Café Hours

perspectiveOctober 2011

A publication for the Park Ridge family

a survivor’s SHe WoN HeR fIgHt. NoW SHe’S gIvINg baCk.

2

Sharpening Our Focus

Share your story with

Perspective! contact kirsten Houmannkirsten.houmann@ahss.org828.687.5697

Camy Horrell

Welcome to this special issue of Perspective, where we recognize the more than 200,000 women who have battled breast cancer this year alone. We want to honor the moms, sisters, grandmothers, daughters, aunts, nieces and friends who have faced this disease, and invite you to read the story of one of Park Ridge’s “Pink Heroes,” breast cancer survivor Sharon Pratt. turn to page 5 for her story.

august and September were some of the busiest months our Emergency Department has ever seen. While we never rejoice over health crises, we are at the same time happy that more and more of our community members are choosing Park Ridge for care, and pleased to receive much positive feedback from those patients about their experiences with us. to read some of these stories, please turn to page 4. Most of you have probably heard, read or seen updates on the controversial health care project that is underway in Fletcher. In fact, many of you have probably driven by the construction site on Hwy. 25, right on the line separating Henderson and Buncombe counties, which is now termed a “joint venture” between Pardee Hospital and Mission Health System. I want to share with you the true story of where this project stands and correct the false assertion that it threatens the very existence of Park Ridge Health. a few weeks ago, community members filled the Henderson county Historic courthouse to share their concerns about Pardee and Mission’s proposed joint venture on the county line. Fifteen spoke publicly during the comment period about the lack of a market need, an absence of a clear business strategy, and strong warnings about what the project will do to the long-term influence of Mission on the delivery of health care in our county. In the end, the commissioners voted 4 to 1 to allow Pardee to continue to work out the details of the joint venture. I am disappointed with the commissioners’ decision not to allow the residents of Henderson county to understand exactly what Pardee and Mission propose to do on the county line, before endorsing the relationship and project. once complete details of the project have been ironed out, Pardee will be required to gain final approval from the county commissioners. It is worth sharing your thoughts with our commissioners and encouraging others who have concerns to speak out, as well. currently, a select committee from the north carolina House of Representatives is investigating Mission Health System and the very relationship they are seeking to form with Pardee. this will continue to be a long process, as Mission must work hard to evade the protections the certificate of Public advantage was designed to provide smaller community health care providers like Park Ridge Health. In this volatile – some might call it “exciting” – environment, we now have a clearer focus than ever before on the journey ahead for Park Ridge Health. We will compete even more aggressively in the future to serve the people of our community, with the confidence that we will continue to be our community’s health care provider of choice. our journey to world class is essential to the continued success of Park Ridge. Each of us has a role to play on that journey, and I couldn’t be more excited about our future!

With warmest regards,

Jimm Bunch President & cEo

Pictured front cover: Sharon Pratt, auxiliary

Wanda Moore Charles Watkins

Park Ridge Perspective 3

The State of north carolina has officially said “no” to Mission Health System’s application to move endoscopy services to a planned 130,000-square-foot outpatient facility on the

Buncombe-Henderson county line. the north carolina Department of Health and Human Services reviewed a certificate of need application from Mission to relocate an endoscopy unit to the proposed site in Fletcher, and denied it on aug. 2. “this was the first step to see if there was indeed a need in the Fletcher area, and the State’s decision sends a clear message that this area is being well served already,” said Graham Fields, assistant to the President at Park Ridge Health. “We believed all along that this was the best decision for our community, and frankly, we’re very happy that the State took the time and resources to review this application objectively and to decide that it’s not in the best interest of our community.” the state report outlining reasons for the rejection of Mission’s application reveals Mission “overstates the need of the service” at the proposed facility, which is just four miles from Park Ridge Health. the report also states: “…the applicant does not adequately demonstrate that the proposed Mission GI South would not unnecessarily duplicate existing and approved GI endoscopy facilities.” It also says that “the project analyst found the applicant’s projected utilization assumptions to be unreliable.”

Health care providers in north carolina are required to receive state approval before building new facilities or purchasing expensive equipment. Mission Health System applied in March for a certificate of need to move one of their current endoscopy units to the proposed facility, which would be a joint venture between Mission and Pardee Hospital estimated at $45 million. Despite the con denial, Mission Health System officials say they are prepared to move ahead with the joint venture with Pardee, and plan to appeal the rejection – a process that can take up to six months.

cOunTy in the know

StAte DenieS MiSSion’S CeRtifiCAte of neeD APPliCAtion

Park ridge emergency dePartmentAugust was a record-breaking month for Park Ridge Health: the Emergency Department saw 2,071 patients, more in one month than ever before in the hospital’s history.

“When I came here five and half years ago, we would see about 40 patients each day, and last month, we saw, on average, 70 patients a day,” said William thiemkey, M.D., Medical Director of Park Ridge’s Emergency Department (ED).

While this time of year is often marked by a peak in recreational injuries – like sprains, breaks and cuts – patient volume at the Park Ridge ED was up six percent compared to august last year. “People are realizing that Park Ridge is a great community hospital to visit, for many reasons,” Dr. thiemkey said. one feature the ED staff are especially proud of is Fast track, an option which is available every day from 2 p.m. to midnight.

the Fast track department is designated for care of minor conditions on a faster basis. Staff at the Park Ridge ED they are well-equipped to treat every patient with efficiency and individual attention, regardless of numbers. the staff recently welcomed two new physician assistants to see and treat patients. “this means, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., we now have three providers available,” said Purvi Patel, Emergency Department coordinator.

Cares for reCord Number of PatieNts

4

Q:a:

Why does Park Ridge Health need to make money every year? i heard we are behind budget, but haven’t we already made several million dollars this year?

i think what you are asking is: Why does Park Ridge, as a not-for-profit company, have to make a profit?

aS the

Big manIf you have a question or

suggestion for the Park Ridge

leadership team, e-mail it to

kirsten.houmann@ahss.org.

Please include “Ask Your CEO”

in the subject line of the

message.

the key difference between a for-profit and not-for-profit entity is not whether they make a profit or not, but what is done with the profit. any organization that loses money on a consistent basis, whether for-profit or not-for-profit, will ultimately go out of business! For-profit companies endeavor to make money so their stockholders make money. not-for-profit organizations exist for educational or charitable reasons and have no shareholders. any profit is invested in the organization or community. churches, synagogues and county school systems are not-for-profit organizations, but if they lose money consistently, they will ultimately cease to exist. When General Electric (a for-profit company) makes a profit, stockholders receive a dividend – they share in the profit. Without profit, we would not be able to grow, purchase new equipment, give raises, attract new physicians, develop new business, remain competitive and continue as a strong, vital part of our community. It’s important to note Park Ridge’s growth within the community. In the last several years, we have invested $26 million in our oRs and the Baby Place. We also opened a beautiful facility at Laurel Park. at the town Hall meetings, we shared about the much needed renovations to our hospital’s third floor, which will occur in 2012. these positive additions are only possible because we make a profit. as technology is improved each year – to the great benefit of our patients – we are obligated to stay on the leading edge to continue providing the most accurate diagnostic tests and procedures. Profit allows us to expand our services in the community and enhance the experience of both our patients and team members.

thank you for your great question.

– Jimm

educational

assistance Program

Do you want to go back to school?

Park Ridge Health is now offering

tuition assistance!

to qualify, you must be a full - or part - time

employee at Park Ridge for more

than one year.

for more information,

please contact amy beasley

in Human Resources

at 650.6901.

Park Ridge Perspective 5

i think what you are asking is: Why does Park Ridge, as a not-for-profit company, have to make a profit? this cancer survivor didn’t just win the battle against disease:

She won the battle against fear. now, Sharon Pratt is volunteering her time to share her story and offer her support to patients who are facing the same fight.

In 2010, more than 200,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. twelve percent of women – that’s one in eight – will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their lives. two years ago, at age 73, Sharon Pratt found herself in that 12 percent. “My surgeon was looking for an oncologist who was going to be available very soon, because I was very high-risk,” Sharon said. after several surgeries, Sharon’s fears were confirmed. “the team found I had cancer in my lymph nodes,” she explained. “they removed 18 of my lymph nodes, and 16 of them had cancer.” then diagnosed with advanced category II breast cancer, Sharon was referred to the Park Ridge Infusion center for treatment. What she found there, surprised her. “they turned out to be the most pleasant, knowledgeable and caring group of health care providers I’ve ever met,” Sharon said. “I felt that it was part of Park Ridge’s demeanor to make you feel comfortable, to make you feel safe.” “there were times I wanted to quit,” she added, “but I bless the infusion team – Suzanne, Blake, Donna, everyone – for helping me keep a positive attitude through this.” Sharon completed cancer treatment last october – but before she did, she made a promise to herself. “I made the decision that I would be a volunteer at Park Ridge,” she said. now, Sharon says, she is proud to be working with the same people who gave her the strength and courage to persevere through her battle with cancer. “as someone who has recently been a patient, Sharon understands how important it is to remain positive,” said Debbie Gentry, R.n., B.S.n., oncology/Infusion and Breast Health Manager at Park Ridge Health. “Whether it is a smile, warm blanket, hug or simply giving encouragement to patients, Sharon is always willing to stop and ask how someone is feeling. She spoils all of the staff with her willingness to help.” “I am committed to helping others based on my experiences with the disease, ” Sharon explained. “I tell patients, ‘I’ve been in that chair, and I’ve been through the chemicals, and I do understand your fears … but if you continue with a good attitude, your story will be like my story: It will be one where you can go on living.’” Sharon is doing just that. “I just turned 75,” she said. “ I feel very good. I feel very positive. My attitude has been nothing more than, ‘Let’s live each day.’”

a survivors

Sharon with members of the Park Ridge Health Infusion team.

6

The Park Ridge Review

with it

a Wake-UP CaLLten years ago, craig Lindsey never would have considered running a marathon. He also never would have considered losing a good friend. two and a half years ago, craig’s brother-in-law, Jason, died of a brain tumor at 39 years old. “When he died, I realized that life is short,” craig said. “We don’t know how long we have, so we should make the best of what we do have.” craig stepped back to examine his life, and decided to turn his grief into action. “I decided that I needed to get in better shape, so I picked up running,” he said. although craig was active in high school – playing soccer and basketball, and running track – college put a dent in his active lifestyle, which craig says he gave up altogether once done with school. “Every holiday season, you gain a pound or two,” said craig. “I finally said to myself, ‘okay. this doesn’t work for me.”

fINdINg ReNeWaLcraig’s wife, tracy, also found a way to turn her loss into positive action. “It all started out with finding a way to give back to the amazing people who took care of Jason while he was sick,” craig explained. While struggling with her brother’s death, tracy came across information about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s “team in training,” a network of endurance runners, hikers and cyclists who raise money for lifesaving cancer research. She signed up immediately for a half marathon in San Francisco, and set out to find sponsors. “tracy set a goal to raise $5,000,” craig said. “through a series of letters and phone calls to acquaintances, family and friends, she raised $10,000.” after raising double her goal, tracy ran in memory of her brother – wearing his picture on her jersey – in the midst of hundreds of

cancer survivors. craig was inspired. Within weeks, he was signed up to run a half marathon with his wife. “It was very therapeutic,” said craig. “It became something that we could do together. Even though we don’t train at the same pace, we at least start off together. It’s a journey we go on together.”

totaL tRaNSfoRmatIoNWhat started as therapy soon became a lifestyle overhaul for craig. He completed his first half marathon, with tracy, after four months of training, and is now training for his third. “My wife and I have been bitten by the half marathon bug,” craig laughed. With support from the Park Ridge Wellness team, craig has also made other changes. He traded in his desk for a standing workstation, and now sticks to a nutrition plan. “’Diet’ is a bad word,” craig said with a smile. “‘nutrition plan’ is a good term. I feed my body what it needs.” all the small changes are adding up to his ultimate goal: a full marathon next year. ”the thing that keeps me going is always having the next goal,” craig said. “I’m happy with how far I’ve come, but I’m not there yet.”

Craig lindsey had a wake-up call when his brother-in-law died of brain cancer almost three years ago. now, he and his wife are turning grief into renewal by taking control of their health – and helping others along the way.

Wellness

“We don’t know how much time we have...

make the most of what we do have.

“

Thumbs up: Emergency Department breaks patient volume records!

Thumbs up: New, expanded hours at Park Ridge Café!

Thumbs down: Rainy September weather

Craig’s wife, Tracy, with her brother, Jason.

Park Ridge Perspective 7

Park Ridge SNaPSHotS

nathan H. adams ............................................................. 10/2Diedre Stephanie Hudson ............................................... 10/2Dr. Benjamin E. Pusser ....................................................... 10/2amy Lynn Kobos ............................................................... 10/2niccole Erickson ............................................................... 10/3John osborne ................................................................... 10/3Frederick R. Stokely, II ........................................................ 10/3Daveena Willey ................................................................ 10/4tonya H. Bartley................................................................. 10/4Stephanie Morgan ........................................................... 10/4Julie Glenn ........................................................................ 10/5Kimberly D. chanes .......................................................... 10/5James E. taylor .................................................................. 10/6carlos Diaz ....................................................................... 10/6cami M. Stoltzfus............................................................... 10/6Brenda oakley .................................................................. 10/7Dale P. Scott ....................................................................... 10/7Patti L. Liby ......................................................................... 10/8Michael t. Lindsey ............................................................. 10/8Dr. Mikhail Vinogradov ..................................................... 10/8Stacey L. Rhodes .............................................................. 10/8Jered B. Marrs ................................................................... 10/9Daniel J. carpenter .......................................................... 10/9Freida Blankenship ........................................................... 10/9Kathy Michelle Davis ........................................................ 10/9Rita craft ........................................................................... 10/10Kimberly S. omar .............................................................. 10/10Peggy Richie ..................................................................... 10/11Dr. Jennifer M. Blattner ..................................................... 10/11Laura Moore ..................................................................... 10/11Florence L. Klein ................................................................ 10/12Jeremy Davidson ............................................................. 10/12Jason Roberts ................................................................. 10/12Regina Burleson ................................................................ 10/12andrea McPeters ............................................................. 10/12Donovan Lee Benton ....................................................... 10/13Juanita allen ..................................................................... 10/13Phyllis K. Jones ................................................................... 10/13claudia Schopper............................................................ 10/13Sharon Kaye Sherbondy .................................................. 10/14carol R. Butler .................................................................... 10/14Kathryn Berger .................................................................. 10/14

Jenna Leeann Miller ........................................................ 10/14Danielle L. Devlin .............................................................. 10/14Robin S. Gilman ................................................................. 10/15Marsha thomas ................................................................ 10/15Walter Robinette .............................................................. 10/15David P. Strosnider ............................................................. 10/16Mary M. Wright .................................................................. 10/16Paula Deann Stegall ........................................................ 10/17Susan Shelton .................................................................... 10/17Stephanie Daniel .............................................................. 10/17Sara Helen McDaris .......................................................... 10/17Jessica Garrett .............................................................. 10/17Debbie Rose Hrncir .......................................................... 10/18Sandra K. Moreno ............................................................. 10/18Sandra nicole Johnson.................................................... 10/18toni M. Bradshaw .............................................................. 10/18Jessica E. Lane .................................................................. 10/19Louis G. Modery ................................................................ 10/19Melissa L. carvalho ........................................................... 10/20nicole carter .................................................................... 10/20Stephanie coon .............................................................. 10/20carlos Rodriguez .............................................................. 10/20Kathy Maranda anders ................................................... 10/21Paula Hayden ................................................................... 10/21Lina Lam ............................................................................ 10/21amanda a. DeWeese ...................................................... 10/21norma J. Hyder ................................................................. 10/21Dr. William J. Simons .......................................................... 10/22Dr. Michael Stalford .......................................................... 10/22Bart a. Boeckler ................................................................ 10/22Suzanne M. Watkins .......................................................... 10/22Joanne DeSarle ............................................................... 10/23Robin Bennett ................................................................... 10/23Jamie t. calloway ............................................................. 10/23Lynn M. ortega ................................................................. 10/23Lauren ashley odom ....................................................... 10/23Kelsey thompson .............................................................. 10/23Roanell Hardin ............................................................... 10/23tracy owensby ................................................................. 10/24Dr. clara Kim chay ........................................................... 10/24Sheri Gregg ....................................................................... 10/24amanda S. Knox ............................................................... 10/25

Dr. Heather Krueger .......................................................... 10/26terry B. Harrin ..................................................................... 10/26nathan Wilfred adcock ................................................... 10/26Michelle Ver Ellen.............................................................. 10/26Kathleen M. Powers .......................................................... 10/26Sandra L. Landreth ........................................................... 10/27Kendall F. Robinson ........................................................... 10/27carla Pursley ..................................................................... 10/28Lahoya J. Gordon ............................................................. 10/28Jessica R. Hughey ............................................................. 10/28Sara I. Bryson ..................................................................... 10/28Russell crouch................................................................... 10/28Laura E. Sexton.................................................................. 10/29tammy Deniece Stepp .................................................... 10/29Betty ann Wilson ............................................................... 10/29Susan Hoy .......................................................................... 10/30Serenity Rhodes ................................................................ 10/31Yevgeniy a. chinikaylo..................................................... 10/31

OCtObER birThdayS!

Park Ridge Health is all over town!

new Hours at the Park ridge café effective monday, October 10

Breakfast: Open from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Lunch: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

dinner: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturdays: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Sundays: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Wellness

We don’t know how much time we have...

make the most of what we do have.

Thumbs down: Rainy September weather

Thumbs up: Cool temperatures are back!

Thumbs down: Flu season

Thumbs up: Tuition Assistance now available at Park Ridge

Your greatest masterpiece is theirs, too.From the very first flutter of a heartbeat, to the tender first moments together – life truly does imitate art. At Park Ridge Health, our exceptional OB/GYN team is dedicated to ensuring that each experience on your journey to motherhood is priceless. And it’s due to this dedication that Park Ridge Health was just named the second-best hospital in North Carolina — only behind UNC Chapel Hill — for moms and babies. And we’re going after #1.

Park Ridge Women’s Services80 Doctors Drive, Suite 2

Hendersonville, NC 28792828.698.9934

New Beginnings OB/GYN50 Hospital Drive, Suite 2BHendersonville, NC 28792

828.651.8933

Hendersonville OB/GYN27 Doctors Drive

Hendersonville, NC 28792828.687.3800

(Left to Right) Justin Towle, M.D. • Jennifer Blattner, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. • Kelly Thompson, F.N.P., C.N.M. • Eileen Keppler, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. • Paula Hunter, P.A.-C Victoria Arcara, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. • Krishna Das, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. • Linda Hingenitz, R.N., F.N.P. • Kathryn Patten, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

LO CAT E D O F F I - 2 6 , E x I T 4 4 I N F L E T C H E R . J U S T A F E w m I L E S F R O m T H E A I R P O R T.

parkridgehealth.org • parkridgebabies.com

Perspective EditorKirsten Houmann, kirsten.houmann@ahss.org

Layout and DesignMelissa Sweeterman