Nominations being sought for NHA’s “Salute to Veterans in Health Care”
The Nebraska Hospital Association’s “Salute to Veterans in Health Care” will feature the names of Nebraska’s brave veterans and current servicemen and women who work in our hospitals/health systems. Nominees will be published in the fall edition of the NHA’s quarterly magazine, Healthier Nebraska. Help the NHA recognize an important part of the health care team by nominating those individuals that have served or are currently serving our country and who are current or former employees, volunteers, trustees, or board members of your organization. Deadline for submissions is August 30, 2007. For more information or to download the nomination form
click here or contact Christy Rasmussen, director of communications, at 402/742-8151 or
crasmussen@nhanet.org.
UNMC cystic fibrosis center ranks among the best in the country
A national review of cystic fibrosis centers by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation shows that the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s (UNMC) adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF) program ranks among the eight top benchmark programs in the country. The rankings for adult CF programs are based on several factors, such as lung function and nutritional status measured through body mass index. The rankings were based on patient data obtained from 2000-2005. For more information about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation visit
http://www.cff.org.
In separate rankings done earlier this year, UNMC's pediatric program ranked among the top 10 percent of pediatric programs in the country.
View the full news release from UNMC.
Rep. Terry renews push for long-term care planning
(Rep. Terry release) -– Under legislation introduced Wednesday by Nebraska Congressman Lee Terry and South Dakota Senator John Thune, Americans would have more freedom to invest in long-term care insurance, meeting health care needs and reducing dependence on government services. According to the Center for Long-Term Care Reform, Medicaid pays for more than half of total nursing facility days in Nebraska. The Terry-Thune bill would help solve a serious health care issue by giving individuals the choice to use pre-tax funds in an IRA, 401(k), 403(b), 457, or other qualified savings accounts to purchase long-term care insurance.
— Nebraska Chamber of Commerce Daily Update, July 19, 2007.
Community
health centers offer safety net, but rising demand a strain
Americans are used to hearing bad news about their health care system — that millions of people lack health insurance and medical costs are spinning out of control.
But amid those trends is evidence that a vital and often overlooked health care safety net is performing effectively and efficiently. That national network of 952 federally approved community health centers serves more than 14 million poor and uninsured patients who otherwise might go without prenatal care, cancer screenings, diabetes treatment and a long list of other services.
Since 2000, the Bush administration and Congress have nearly doubled annual spending on community health centers, to almost $2 billion. That's the largest increase in the history of the public health program, born during the 1960s War on Poverty. Over the same period, the number of centers has increased by more than 200 and the number of patients they treat has risen by 4.5 million, or 53 percent.
Read the full article.
— Larry Wheeler, USA Today, July 18, 2007.
Study group launched to prevent Alzheimer’s catastrophe
Speakers at a Capitol Hill forum warned last week that Medicare outlays to treat Alzheimer’s will grow, within two decades, to $400 billion a year — roughly the size of Medicare’s total budget now. What looms, they said, is potential devastation to the nation’s health care system analogous to that of Hurricane Katrina, and so far, scant attention has been paid to preventing it. But they expressed hope that a new study group led by some high profile freethinkers will start to turn the tide.
Created by the Alzheimer’s Association and House and Senate congressional task forces on the illness, the Alzheimer’s Disease Study Group, led by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga. (1979-1999), and former Democratic Sen. Bob Kerrey of Nebraska (1989-2001), will report its recommendations for revising current federal policies addressing the disease by next spring.
Read the full article.
— John Reichard, CQ HealthBeat News, July 11, 2007.
Columbus
Community Hospital honored for clinical excellence
VHA Inc., a national health care alliance, has announced that for the second year in a row Columbus Community Hospital has been awarded the VHA Leadership Award for Clinical Excellence. The award honors the hospital for meeting or exceeding national performance standards for clinical care in specific areas. Columbus Community Hospital was honored at VHA’s Leadership Conference in Denver this May. To receive the Leadership Award, Columbus Community Hospital had to achieve at least 90 percent or above on clinical core measures.
CCH won the award for its efforts in the treatment of pneumonia patients and in the prevention of surgical infections. The Hospital’s overall surgical wound infection rate was less than 1 percent during the time period surveyed.
We are one of only 87 hospitals to receive a VHA Leadership Award for surgical infection control and one of 34 hospitals to receive the award for pneumonia care,” said Claude Chatterton, president and CEO of the hospital. “This award validates the dedicated focus our clinical staff and physicians have in pursuing excellence in the care provided to our patients.”
Alegent Health pledges $3.5 million to 19 area non-profit organizations
OMAHA, Neb. – Alegent Health’s Catalyst Fund—formally the Community Benefit Trust (CBT)—has pledged $3.5 million in grants to 19 area non-profit agencies. More than $500,000 of that money is going to the Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless (MACCH) to continue support for the area’s homeless population.
The CBT—launched by the Alegent Health Board of Directors three years ago—was intended to create tangible and measurable health improvements in some of the region’s most vulnerable populations in the metro communities and surrounding area by forging innovative partnerships with non-profit organizations. Although the CBT has proved to be an incredible resource—awarding $17 million in grants and providing assistance to tens of thousands of the area’s underserved—the Board recently announced plans to sharpen the Trust’s focus in an effort to make an even more significant impact on the important health needs of our community. Thus, the Catalyst Fund was established, focusing on early childhood health needs, with an initial emphasis on childhood nutrition and activity.
Grant requests for $4.5 million were received from 26 agencies and after careful review against the grant criteria, 19 agencies were selected.
Read the full news release from Alegent Health.
Jefferson Community Health Center plans addition
FAIRBURY, Neb. – Jefferson Community Health Center in Fairbury is preparing for future growth needs with a new surgical addition. Construction is planned to begin in the fall. The Jefferson Health Care Foundation’s fund drive for the project has already raised $236,000 toward a $300,000 goal.
The facility’s new updated master plan begins with addition of new surgical area and emergency room and expansion of the outpatient clinic area. The 11,000-square foot addition will include a surgical area, an emergency room, outpatient clinic reception area, chemotherapy rooms, and a family room. It will also include renovation of about 700 square feet of current outpatient clinic spaces. The project also includes the addition of more parking to better serve patients, visitors and staff members.
View the full news release from Jefferson Community Health Center.
CUMC offers advice to public on heat stroke prevention
Taking chances and overdoing activity in the hot summer weather can lead to serious illness. In extreme situations, heat stroke can occur in less than one hour. Creighton University Medical Center (CUMC) says knowing how to stay cool and what symptoms to look for are extremely important during a heat wave. “Heat illness in its most severe form is heat stroke,” says Dr. Wes Grigsby, Director of CUMC’s Emergency Department. “Stroke can progress to death, so heat illness can’t be taken lightly. If you’re not cautious in the heat, you can quickly find yourself in serious trouble.”
Dr. Grigsby says the body typically cools itself by sweating. When humidity levels are high, sweat does not evaporate as quickly, making it more difficult for the body to cool. Children and the elderly are especially at risk of dehydration and heat illness because they are less able to help themselves once symptoms set in. “Lowering the victim’s body temperature as fast as possible is key to their recovery,” says Dr. Grigsby. “Heat illness can be fatal, but keep in mind it is also 100 percent preventable.”
Read the full news release.
AHA applauds SCHIP bill
The AHA expressed strong support on Monday for the Children’s Health Insurance Reauthorization Act, which would renew and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) that is scheduled to expire Sept. 30. The bipartisan bill would increase the federal tobacco tax to fund the program’s renewal and add 3.3 million children to the 6.6 million children covered by SCHIP now. The measure also would extend optional coverage to pregnant women and relieve states of some administrative burdens imposed by new Medicaid citizenship documentation requirements. “Thank you for your tireless efforts to improve the SCHIP program and provide uninsured, low-income American children with the health care coverage they need and deserve,” AHA said in a
letter to Sens. Max Baucus (D-MT), Charles Grassley (R-IA), Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT), who negotiated the legislation. The Senate Finance Committee plans to begin marking up the bill this week.
— AHA News Now, July 17, 2007.
AHA
comments on financial disclosure proposal
The AHA recently commented on a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) proposal that would mandate disclosure and reporting to CMS of a wide range of financial relationships between hospitals and physicians, beginning with a group of 500 hospitals. The
letter commends CMS efforts to complete a survey of physician investment in hospitals, stating the framework and format of those worksheets "represent improvements over the prior survey instrument." However, AHA expressed concern that the proposed Information Collection Request goes far beyond what is needed or warranted to address concerns raised by Congress in the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA). It includes data on compensation arrangements unrelated to physician ownership and reaches beyond the prior voluntary survey to include an additional 210 hospitals. "CMS should withdraw the compensation questions, modify the request to focus on the physician investment information necessary to address the DRA concerns, and limit the hospitals surveyed to those who did not respond to the original voluntary survey," the letter states.
— AHA News Now, July 16, 2007.
Nebraska’s hospitals ease waiting room anxieties
Methodist Hospital is joining the growing number of hospitals that provide family and friends with real-time electronic updates. Soon, five screens similar to those that provide gate information at airports will be installed in waiting rooms and the cafeteria at Methodist to provide updates. Each patient will be assigned an identification code, which will be given to family members. The screens will let relatives know when the patient is prepped for surgery, enters the operating room, enters the recovery room, returns to the hospital room or is ready to go home.
Hospitals nationally are adding the electronic updates as part of a trend toward a consumer approach to medical care, said Elizabeth Lietz, spokeswoman for the American Hospital Association. Patients are increasingly expecting hospitals to provide more convenience and better information, whether it's the online pricing of medical services or rankings on the quality of care, she said.
Creighton University Medical Center and Bergan Mercy Medical Center also have information screens in their waiting rooms. A Nebraska Medical Center spokeswoman said the hospital might consider adding them. BryanLGH Medical Center's two hospitals in Lincoln also provide family members with the puck-shape pagers, which look like the ones restaurants use to let diners know their table is ready. About a year ago, Children's Hospital in Omaha began providing parents with pagers that also give short text messages.
Read the full article.
— Michael O’Connor, Omaha World Herald, July 16, 2007.
“Most Wired” hospitals target quality
Hospitals are embracing technology as a tool for health care quality improvement, according to the 9th annual Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study that was recently released. The survey by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine, published by AHA’s Health Forum subsidiary, names the nation’s “100 Most Wired” hospitals, which this year show better outcomes in four key areas: mortality rates, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) patient safety measures, Hospital Compare core measures, and average length of stay. “Many hospitals have made strong commitments to using information technology to improve the quality of care,” said AHA President and CEO Rich Umbdenstock. “They are combining technology with clinical knowledge and creativity with a focus on improving outcomes, and making care safer and more streamlined for both patients and clinicians.” For more on the survey and “Most Wired” hospitals, read the
cover story
in the July H&HN. Alegent Health in Omaha, NE was named one of the “100 Most Wired Hospitals” in 2006.
— AHA News Now, July 17, 2007.
CDC:
health care facilities urged to offer workforce flu vaccine
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, it is recommended that health care facilities offer influenza vaccinations to all health care personnel (HCP), including night, weekend, and temporary staff. Particular emphasis should be placed on providing vaccinations to workers who provide direct care for persons at high risk for influenza complications. Efforts should be made to educate HCP regarding the benefits of vaccination and the potential health consequences of influenza illness for their patients, themselves, and their family members. All HCP should be provided convenient access to influenza vaccine at the work site, free of charge, as part of employee health programs
(309,320,321). Additionally, the report suggests that facilities include flu immunizations as an element of their patient safety quality program. For more information visit
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5606a1.htm?s_cid=rr5606a1_e.
— Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, July 12, 2007.
Minimum wage increase effective July 24
On July 24, the first phase of the new federal minimum wage increase will go into effect, raising the national and state minimum wage from $5.15 to $5.85. Employers are required to post current employee rights notices in common areas at all workplace locations, including state and federal minimum wage levels. Failure to do so can result in thousands of dollars in fines. Also, it is important that employers are in compliance with the laws to avoid costly wage-hour lawsuits. The State Chamber has made arrangements so its members can obtain a new labor law poster featuring the minimum wage change and other federally required postings. These posters can be obtained through the American Chamber of Commerce Resources for only $5 per poster (two or more for only $3.50). To order, simply call
866/439-2227. Provide code: NEPN.
— Nebraska Chamber of Commerce Daily Update, July 16, 2007.
Cornhusker State Games
July 20-29 – Lincoln, NE
Register online at CornhuskerStateGames.com or call 1-800-30-GAMES for more information.
Missing Links 1: Improving Health Care by Removing Language Barriers
July 26-27, 2007 – Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, Lincoln
This two-day conference will use the federal CLAS (Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services) standards as a starting point to discuss a variety of topics related to providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services in Nebraska and assuring quality interpretation services.
Saunders
Medical Center Dedication and Open House
July 28, 2007 –
Saunders
Medical
Center
, Wahoo, NE
Saunders
Medical
Center
in
Wahoo is holding a Dedication and Open House to commemorate the opening of its
new 90,000 sq. ft. health care and long-term care campus. Governor Dave Heineman
will be the keynote speaker. Visitors will be encouraged to take a self-guided
tour of the campus and enjoy refreshments served by the hospital’s Auxiliary.
Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care
Parntership- Hospice 101 Conference
August 9-10, 2007 – North Platte and Lincoln, NE
Jefferson
Community Health Center Charity Golf Tournament
August 10, 2007
Nebraska Rural Health Conference
September 6-7, 2007 – Holiday Inn Convention Center, Kearney
Kimball Hospital Foundation Golf Classic
September 8, 2007 – Kimball, NE
NHA 2007 Annual Convention and Trade Show
October 31-November 2, 2007 – Cornhusker Marriott Hotel,
Lincoln
,
NE
Visit the Events page on the NHA Web site for more information on any of the events.
NHA Newslink is published by the Nebraska Hospital Association, 3255 Salt Creek Circle, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE 68504-4761. Phone 402/742-8140, Fax 402/742-8191. Christy Rasmussen,
director of communications, at 402/742-8151, or email, crasmussen@nhanet.org.
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