Health

Hospital earns nursing designation

September 20, 2017 By Mary Rathman

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz has achieved the Pathway to Excellence designation, a national nursing recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center that identifies health care organizations for positive practice environments where nurses excel.

To qualify, organizations need to meet six practice standards essential to an ideal nursing environment: shared decision-making, leadership, safety, quality, well-being, and professional development.

Applicants must undergo a thorough review process that documents the integration of those standards in the organization’s practices, policies and culture.

Health News 09/13/2017

September 14, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Stitching for infants
The Knit & Crochet Group of Atria Evergreen Woods donated 50 knitted/crocheted hats to The Maternity Suites at Oak Hill Hospital, in Brooksville. The group meets on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. From left: Joan Quast, Jan Curren, Gloria Thonton, Jeannine LaRoche, Feeby Carreiro, Pat Stolberg, Ellen Corbett and Marg Kusnierczak.

New ambulance added
Pasco County Fire Rescue has added ambulance service to Pasco County Fire Rescue Station 37, 18015 State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes. The station is near the entrance of the Ballantrae neighborhood.

Rescue 37 went into service Sept. 1 and will provide coverage for the western area of Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and surrounding areas.

Six paramedics and EMTs also are being added to cover 24-hour shifts to staff the new truck.

For information, visit PascoCountyFL.net/firerescue.

Funding and flexibility needed in substance abuse fight

September 6, 2017 By B.C. Manion

While President Donald Trump has declared opioid abuse to be a national emergency, local experts have urged U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis to remember that other substance abuse problems also remain to be a real concern in Pasco County.

Bilirakis paid a visit to the Land O’ Lakes Community Center on Aug. 22 seeking to hear from people on the front lines of tackling substance abuse problems.

His visit came immediately following the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention’s meeting.

Those gathered for Bilirakis’ session included health care and social service providers, people recovering from drug addictions, family members of addicts and others interested in the topic of substance abuse.

“I wanted to hear directly from you,” Bilirakis said. “The best ideas about how we can help will come from you. I’m here to listen and to take your feedback back to Washington with me.

The congressman said he expects Trump’s emergency declaration to result in more funding to address the opioid crisis. And, Bilirakis said, there’s no question action is needed.

“More people are dying each year from opioid overdose than from car accidents. The statistics are staggering and truly tragic,” said Bilirakis, who represents Florida’s 12th Congressional district.

“This is something that needs to be attacked. It transcends political lines,”
Bilirakis added.

Then, he asked the crowd: “Where is the need in the community?”

Those attending had plenty to say.

They told Bilirakis about the waiting lists for public beds and services, and the empty beds at private providers.

They told him there were too many strings attached to state and federal funding.

They said people who need mental health care can’t get it, and that impedes the ability to help them in their recovery efforts.

They said doctors still prescribe too many pills, and that pill mills are still going strong — noting there can be lines of a hundred people or more waiting for their prescriptions.

Bilirakis also asked for opinions regarding whether parents should have access to their adult children’s medical records.

Views varied.

The mother of a 27-year-old who has been addicted to drugs for 10 years said she wants to help in her son’s recovery and to be his health care advocate.

But, others said that the patient should be the one to determine who is permitted access to his or her medical records.

Others in the audience said there needs to be more communication about support groups and low-cost services available to people struggling with addiction or recovering from substance abuse.

There are places where addicts can turn for help, but sometimes they don’t know about them, speakers said.

Bilirakis asked the audience to weigh in on the topic of medication-assisted treatment.

Using medication in addition to behavioral health counseling can be helpful, but there seems to be a trend toward more money for medication and less money for mental health care, one speaker said.

People in the crowd also reminded Bilirakis that while the opioid crisis is getting significant attention, Pasco County also has a problem with people abusing meth, alcohol and Xanax, among other things.

Speakers told Bilirakis there needs to be more trust placed in health care professionals who can determine the best course of treatment for a patient.

That isn’t happening, though, in an environment when issues tend to be “silo-d,” and there are too many restrictions on funding, they said.

Published September 6, 2017

Health News 09/06/2017

September 6, 2017 By Mary Rathman

A bit of comfort for patients
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club worked hard stuffing and sewing handmade ‘comfort’ pillows for area hospital patients who are recuperating from surgery.

Margee Carpenter (standing), project chair, recently delivered more than 180 pillows to Florida Hospital Tampa for distribution to various local hospitals, wherever needed. For information about the woman’s club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

Meet & Greet
Access Health Care Physicians hosted a Meet & Greet for Dr. Abdel-Karim Jibawi at his new location, 2173 Mariner Blvd., in Spring Hill. This office is in addition to seeing patients at Access’ main office. Dr. Jibawi, known for putting patients at ease, plays with a patient’s dog during the event.

New CEO for hospital
Amanda Maggard has been named CEO for Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, effective Sept. 4, replacing Randy Surber, who was recently promoted to CEO for Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center. Maggard is the administrator for Florida Hospital Winter Garden.

Maggard earned a master’s degree in business administration from Webster University in Orlando, and a bachelor degree in business administration and communication from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska.

She received the Mardian J. Blair Family Scholarship for Health Care Management during her undergraduate studies and graduated from the Florida Hospital Physical Leadership Development Program in 2015.

Maggard is certified by the American Society of Training and Development in the fields of training, instructional design and organizational change.

New pregnancy center hours
Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 108, in Land O’ Lakes, has a new schedule of hours as of Sept. 5.

The center will be open Mondays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays from noon to 4 p.m., and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Clients are seen by appointment, but walk-ins also are welcome.

Health News 08/30/2017

August 30, 2017 By Mary Rathman

New director of patient services
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North has promoted Bethany Wells to director of patient services, overseeing all nursing personnel. Wells assumed the position July 17.

Her duties will include leading and evaluating the nursing team; setting objectives and long-term goals for the nursing department; and organizing and coordinating admission, nursing and patient-care procedures.

Wells joined St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa in 2000 as a patient care technician, and progressed academically and professionally becoming a registered nurse in the medical-surgical department, and then the charge nurse of the orthopedic unit.

She relocated to St. Joseph’s Hospital-North as an education specialist when it opened. Most recently, Wells was the nurse manager of nursing administration, managing a team of 37 nurses and support professionals.

After earning a nursing degree, Wells received a Bachelor of Science in health care administration from Saint Leo University, and is currently working on a Master’s Degree in nursing leadership and administration from Capella University.

Third cardiac lab opens
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road in Lutz, opened a third, 860-square-foot interventional services lab, simultaneously expanding its cardiovascular services to now include electrophysiology.

The state-of-the-art lab includes real-time radiation management software — for patient, physician and staff safety — and the latest 3-D precision imaging software to navigate the heart with accuracy.

In addition to electrophysiology (the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders), the three-lab cardiac unit performs cardiac catheterization and interventional cardiac procedures.

Oak Hill expands program
Oak Hill Hospital has been accredited by the American Osteopathic Association for a three-year GME residency program in family medicine. The program is accredited for up to eight residents per year, for a total of 24 additional residents training in Hernando County.

The Family Medicine Residency Program provides an educational experience to prepare residents to become competent family physicians, capable of providing comprehensive and coordinated care to patients and families.

For information, visit OakHillHospital.com/About/Newsroom.

Oak Hill Hospital awards
Oak Hill Hospital has recognized Dr. Pariksith Singh with this year’s Frist Humanitarian Physician Award.

Named in honor of Dr. Thomas F. Frist Sr., the founder of HCA and renowned humanitarian, the award recognizes individuals whose daily dedication and care giving epitomize the highest standards of quality and personal commitment.

Liz Jennings, a registered nurse and certified perianesthesia nurse, was recognized by the Business & Professional Women of Florida with the Elaine Gordon Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award, in memory of former State Representative Elaine Gordon, is given to those individuals who promote full participation, equity and economic self-sufficiency for Florida’s working women.

In the past, Jennings also had been recognized as an employee Frist Humanitarian Award winner.

Al-Anon support group
The Al-Anon Family Groups are relatives and friends of alcoholics who share experiences, strength and hope in order to solve common problems.

There are local day and evening groups that meet weekly.

For meeting locations and times, and more information, visit the Pasco-Hernando-Citrus website at nfldistrict5.com.

For information, call (352) 697-0497.

Lighthouse reaches platinum level

August 23, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind received a GuideStar Platinum Level designation on June 28.

Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind is raising funds to build a new Port Richey facility to meet the needs of its clients. To learn more about how to donate, visit LVIB.org/programs/our-new-home/. (Courtesy of Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind)

To reach the level, the organization added extensive information to its GuideStar Nonprofit Profile, which includes in-depth financial information and quantitative information about goals, strategies and progress toward its mission.

Lighthouse’s mission is to provide people who are visually impaired and blind with the skills needed to achieve maximum independence. The organization has training for all ages, including independent living, white cane, Braille, adaptive computer training, and leisure activities.

All Lighthouse training and services are available at no cost to residents of Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.

Health News 08/16/2017

August 16, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Healthier and safer for new school season
Premier Community Healthcare Group’s fourth annual Back-to-School Health & Safety Fest handed out approximately 600 backpacks stuffed with school supplies, gave 18 free school physicals, and completed nearly 50 dental screenings. Dr. Reda Awad provided the physicals during the event.

(Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)

Hospital recognized by cancer society
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point was recognized by the American Cancer Society as a Platinum sponsor in the Relay for Life in Hudson, for raising more than $6,000 in the fight against cancer. The hospital also was recognized as a Pink Ribbon Supporter in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Pasco, for raising more than $5,000. From left: Tom Lawhorne, CFO; Diane Ricca, volunteer chairperson and top fundraiser; and, Mary Ellen Woska, Health Systems manager, American Cancer Society.

Bilirakis talks health care reform

August 9, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

Health care reform was the main topic during U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’s visit to Zephyrhills last week.

Bilirakis, who represents Florida’s 12th congressional district, was the featured speaker during The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting on Aug. 3.

He said he was “very disappointed” when the Republican party’s reform and repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) stalled in the Senate.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis gives members of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce his take on what’s happening in Washington D.C., regarding health care reform. (Kevin Weiss)

The so-called skinny repeal bill, which the GOP titled the Health Care Freedom Act, would have eliminated the ACA’s individual mandate; delayed the employer mandate until 2025; allowed states greater flexibility in implementing market reforms, such as essential health benefits and out-of-pocket spending limits; and increased Health Savings Account limits for three years, among other changes.

However, according to the Congressional Budget Office, the skinny repeal bill would have increased the number of uninsured by 16 million over the next nine years and increased health care exchange premiums by more than 20 percent.

The measure sank on July 27, in a 49-51 Senate vote, with three Republican senators — Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and John McCain of Arizona — joining the entire Democratic caucus against the bill.

The action, Bilirakis said, displayed his party’s inability to stick together.

“To be honest with you, you can’t keep voting ‘no.’ Maybe you’re a hero at home, but you’ve got to work with the leadership to get things done,” he said.

Bilirakis acknowledged he “didn’t agree with everything” in the bill, but noted it was a good starting point to replace Obamacare.

“Obamacare is failing,” Bilirakis said to a roomful of constituents. “Seventy-three percent of the counties in our state only have one provider…so we have to fix it, we have to do something different, we have to bring the (deductibles) down.

“Now, don’t get me wrong, we want to take care of the pre-existing conditions. I want to make sure that everyone has access to mental health treatment, if their family member needs it or if they need it. These are very important issues to me, they’re close to my heart,” he added.

Bilirakis said he wanted to see the skinny bill pass, mainly so it could be improved in a House-Senate conference committee.

“We don’t do that very often anymore,” he said, “where we go to conference, appoint Republicans and Democrats in a room, and make it work.”

Meanwhile, Bilirakis assigned blame to both parties for not crafting a viable bipartisan solution on health care.

“We’ve got to think of the country first, and work together. That’s what voters mostly want,” Bilirakis said.

“With health care, it shouldn’t be a political issue. It’s a personal issue, and both parties should be involved in getting this done, because both parties have good ideas,” he later added.

He also criticized President Donald Trump for his shifting stance on health care. Regarding Obamacare, the president has waffled on the following actions:

Repeal and replace
Repeal only, then replace
Let it “fail.”

“Listen, I am a Trump supporter, but he’s got to be consistent in what his plan is,” Bilirakis said. “These members (of the Senate) are not going to buy it, just saying we’ve got to pass a bill. It’s got to be a good bill.”

Bilirakis, though, did credit the president for reducing regulations on U.S. businesses, as well as the soaring stock market— the Dow Jones industrial average passed the 22,000 mark for the first time on Aug. 3.

“The economy’s much better. We are making a difference, but we can do better,” Bilirakis said.

Elsewhere, the congressman discussed some of his recently introduced bills, such as The Lower Costs Through Competition Act and The Open Act, both related to health care.

The Lower Costs Through Competition Act, co-sponsored by Democratic Rep. Kurt Schrader of Oregon, seeks to reduce prescription drug prices by speeding up Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of high-cost generic products, which lack competition.

Bilirakis pointed to last year’s EpiPen controversy, where Mylan, the makers of the life saving, anti-allergic reaction device, increased its product price by nearly 400 percent, to $700 for a twin-pack.

“The EpiPen situation — that was horrible,” he said. “There’s a couple of other drugs like that, and you have these monopolies out there that are taking advantage, and so we want to make we speed up the FDA process, the approval process and incentivize these companies to reduce the prices.”

The bill, introduced in January, has since been referred to the House Subcommittee on Health.

“It’s a no-brainer, but in (Washington) D.C., sometimes the no-brainers won’t pass, so you’ve got to keep pushing,” said Bilirakis.

Meanwhile, Bilirakis’ Orphan Products Extension Now (OPEN) Act — which also has been referred to the House Subcommittee on Health — would provide incentives for drug makers to repurpose mainstream treatments, at mainstream prices.

According to Bilirakis, there are 7,000 rare diseases affecting 30 million Americans, and yet 95 percent of those conditions have no approved treatment or cure.

The bill, as it stands, amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to extend by six months the exclusivity period for a drug or biological product approved by the FDA when the product is additionally approved to prevent, diagnose, or treat a new indication that is a rare disease or condition (also known as an orphan disease).

A common issue, Bilirakis explained, is those afflicted with rare diseases resort to off-label drugs for treatment. “We’ve got to find cures and treatments. We want to make sure it’s safe, we want to make sure we have a proper dosage,” he said.

Published August 9, 2017

Health News 08/09/2017

August 9, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Excellence in nursing awards
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point recognized two staff members for excellence in nursing at the hospital’s HCA Awards of Distinction celebration. Andrea Ioviero received the Excellence in Nursing award in the compassionate care category, and Melissa Reed received the award in the professional mentoring category. Each winner received $250, a plaque, a front-row parking spot or pass to the physicians’ lot for a full year, a dish garden, and their photo displayed in the front entrance of the hospital.

Oak Hill Hospital awards
Oak Hill Hospital has recognized Dr. Pariksith Singh with this year’s Frist Humanitarian Physician Award.

Liz Jennings, a registered nurse and certified perianesthesia nurse, was recognized by the Business & Professional Women of Florida with the Elaine Gordon Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award, in memory of former State Representative Elaine Gordon, is given to those individuals who promote full participation, equity and economic self-sufficiency for Florida’s working women.

In the past, Jennings also had been recognized as an employee Frist Humanitarian Award winner.

Quilting for comfort

August 2, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Quilting with Grace, a group from Grace Presbyterian Church in Spring Hill, presented 17 handmade quilts to the Oak Hill Hospital Pediatric ER and Pediatric In-Patient Units. The quilts will be distributed to young children in need, who need additional comfort from a traumatic experience. Members of the quilting group, from left: Nancy Bolton, Sue Swahn, Pat Conkle, Marge Gavin and Marylou Bonesteel. Not pictured: Elizabeth Acevedo. (Courtesy of Oak Hill Hospital)