Monthly Archives: April 2012

Lee Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Healthcare Education Scholarship Awarded To Shelley Klug And Pamela Grosvenor

0
Posted by Lew Tysman on April 26, 2012 – 5:24 pm
Filed under Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital

DOWAGIAC, MI – Shelley Klug, registered nurse (RN), and Pamela Grosvenor, RN, have received this year’s Lee Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Healthcare Education Scholarship in the amount of $500.

direct lender payday loans

Klug works in Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital’s surgery department. She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ferris State University and will continue her nursing education there by pursuing her master’s degree. “I strive to give our patients the very best,” she said. “I’m proud to work at a place that promotes furthering education to provide excellent, up-to-date nursing care.” Read More »

Borgess Congratulates Visiting Nurse & Hospice Volunteers For Receiving 2012 Star Award

0
Posted by Lew Tysman on April 26, 2012 – 3:39 pm
Filed under Borgess VNA Home Health & Hospice

KALAMAZOO, MI – Borgess Visiting Nurse & Hospice’s volunteer group has won the 2012 STAR (Sharing Time And Resources) Award in the “Adult Group Volunteer” category. The group received the honor at a celebration breakfast on April 18 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo.

“Our volunteers impact so many lives on very personal levels,” said Julie Luginbill, volunteer coordinator, Borgess Visiting Nurse & Hospice. Luginbill nominated her group of volunteers for this special award. “They laugh, cry, and most importantly, they provide a gentle presence to those who are nearing the end of life. Their work is far from easy, but this group of volunteers doesn’t shy away from the challenge of helping and comforting those who are dying.” Read More »

Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital Bids Farewell to Mary Ketchum After 18 Years of Service

0
Posted by Lew Tysman on April 24, 2012 – 4:45 pm
Filed under Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital

DOWAGIAC, MI – Mary Ketchum will retire this month after 18 years of service at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital.

“Mary has always been a strong advocate for our patients,” said Joy Strand, administrator and chief operating officer, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital. “From delivering antibiotics to providing pain management to giving a simple prayer or hug, her dedication to those we serve will be greatly missed.”

Ketchum started nursing school at age 40, while raising five children as a single parent. She has served as a floor nurse at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital since January of 1994. During her career, she has also worked in hospice and assisted a midwife, caring for those facing the beginning and end of their lives. “I felt like I had come full circle, from birth to death,” she said. “Both are very rewarding, spiritual experiences.” Read More »

Spring Forward And Support Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital’s Book Fair

0
Posted by Lew Tysman on April 18, 2012 – 9:00 am
Filed under Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital

DOWAGIAC, MI – Spring forward with the gift of good health by joining Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital for its semiannual book fair on Friday, April 27, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sponsored by the Lee Memorial Foundation, the event’s proceeds will again benefit the hospital. Held on the first floor, the book fair will feature adult and children’s hardback and paperback books of various genres, such as novels, history books, bestsellers, cookbooks and autobiographies.

In addition to books, CDs, children’s reading activities and toys, as well as stationery and other writing products, will be available. Items will be sold for up to 70-percent off retail prices. Acceptable payment forms will include cash, check, major credit cards, and for hospital employees, payroll deduction. For more information, call (269) 783.3083.

Learn the ABCs of COPD at Free Screening Event

0
Posted by Lew Tysman on April 17, 2012 – 1:30 pm
Filed under Borgess-Pipp Hospital

PLAINWELL, MI – Borgess-Pipp Hospital will offer a free chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) screening event on Thursday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

About COPD
COPD is a progressive disease that makes it difficult to breathe. The disease can cause severe coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and other symptoms. COPD includes two main types of lung conditions: emphysema and chronic obstructive bronchitis. Symptoms of COPD often get worse over time, because the disease develops slowly.

“COPD does not have a cure, but there are still things you can do to manage your symptoms and slow the progression of the disease,” said John Ryder, administrator and chief operating officer, Borgess-Pipp Hospital. “The biggest thing is avoiding lung irritants, especially cigarette smoking.” Read More »

Certified physician assistant (PA-C) joins Borgess Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine

0
Posted by Lew Tysman on April 14, 2012 – 11:00 am
Filed under Borgess Medical Center

KALAMAZOO, MI – Heather Matheny, PA-C, has joined Borgess Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine.  Borgess Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine provides expert diagnosis and treatment for conditions of the lungs and respiratory system, as well as experienced care for persons suffering from sleep disorders.

Matheny received a bachelor of business administration degree from Davenport University and a master of science in physician assistant from Western Michigan University.  Prior to joining Borgess, she was a PA-C with Grand Valley Medical Specialists, PLC, in Wyoming, Mich.  Matheny is certified by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).  She specializes in helping patients with sleep apnea breathe easier by successfully using continuous airway pressure therapy (CPAP).

Matheny is now accepting new patients.  To make an appointment or to learn more, call (269) 345.1161.

Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital Hosts Free Women’s Health Fair May 4

0
Posted by Lew Tysman on April 13, 2012 – 2:00 pm
Filed under Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital

DOWAGIAC, MI—To give women the TLC they deserve, but often don’t find the time to receive, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital will host its annual Women’s Health Fair on Friday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the multi-specialty clinic on the first floor. 

This year’s event will give women the opportunity to shop, enjoy food samples and even relax with a free massage. Local restaurants and other vendors will sell food, flowers, jewelry, and more in a tented area located in Farr Park. Women can also take advantage of a wide variety of free health information and screenings, from blood pressure and blood sugar testing to back health and dental education to beauty tips.  

“The fair offers a little something for everyone,” said Alisha Brandau, clinical nurse leader, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital. “Combined with shopping, eating and screenings, throughout the day, we’re offering four 15-minute health presentations.” Read More »

New administrators lead Borgess Visiting Nurse & Hospice

0
Posted by Lew Tysman on April 13, 2012 – 10:16 am
Filed under Borgess VNA Home Health & Hospice

KALAMAZOO, MI – Borgess Visiting Nurse & Hospice (BVNH) announces new leadership heading its administration and operations.

Tricia Carson is the new administrator for BVNH, stepping into the role after serving as Director of Rehabilitation Services.  As administrator, Tricia is responsible for overall planning, organizing, directing and management of all operational activities.  She also represents BVNH in the Borgess Health Continuum of Care, and she also oversees the therapy, marketing and counseling services for the organization.

Tricia has served BVNH for nearly 10 years as a supervisor and as Director of Rehabilitation Services.  She has worked in home care since 1981 and is experienced in pediatric care, geriatric care, acute care, rehabilitation, long-term care, home care, psychiatric care, and crisis intervention.  Prior to joining BVNH, Tricia was employed at Mary Free Bed Hospital and Rehabilitation Center in Grand Rapids, Mich. as staff occupational therapist.  She also worked at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. Read More »

Endoscopy & Surgery Center at Borgess at Woodbridge Hills gets AAAHC accreditation

0
Posted by Lew Tysman on April 6, 2012 – 12:15 pm
Filed under Borgess at Woodbridge Hills

KALAMAZOO, MI – Borgess at Woodbridge Hills has reached an important milestone in patient care for the third time.

The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), an independent, not-for-profit organization, is again recognizing the Endoscopy & Surgery Center within Borgess at Woodbridge Hills for providing the highest quality of care to its patients.  The Endoscopy & Surgery Center, according to AAAHC, has met standards for the provision of quality health care set by the national organization and has been awarded a full three-year term of accreditation.

“Our patients at Borgess at Woodbridge Hills deserve the best,” said Renee Langeland, administrative director, Endoscopy & Surgery Center at Woodbridge Hills. “When patients see our certificate of accreditation, they know that AAAHC has closely examined our facility and procedures.  It means we as an organization care enough about our patients to strive for the highest level of care possible.”

AAAHC accreditation involves a rigorous on-site process.  Ambulatory health care organizations seeking AAAHC accreditation undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by AAAHC expert surveyors – physicians, nurses and administrators who are actively involved in ambulatory health care.  The survey is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization improve its care and services.  The dedication and effort necessary for an organization to be accredited by AAAHC is substantial and demonstrates a true commitment to providing the highest possible care and service to those served.

“AAAHC accreditation challenges us to find better ways to serve our patients,” said Paul Spaude, president and CEO, Borgess Health.  “We are proud to have met the challenge of AAAHC accreditation.  This process is a constant reminder that our responsibility is to strive to continuously improve the quality of care we provide.”

Information on the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care can be found at www.aaahc.org.

Borgess hosts diabetes wellness conference

0
Posted by Lew Tysman on April 5, 2012 – 11:31 am
Filed under Borgess Diabetes Center

KALAMAZOO, MI – Living with diabetes and building a culture of health is the focus of a free wellness conference to be held at Borgess Medical Center.

The conference takes place from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 2 inside the Lawrence Education Center.  It features a keynote address from Chris Lampen-Crowell, co-founder of Gazelle Sports in Kalamazoo.  Chris will share his vision, “Kalamazoo: Keep Moving Building a Culture of Health.”  His address focuses on how Kalamazoo can transform to become the healthiest community in the nation.

The diabetes wellness conference features free health information exhibits, along with a workshop from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. led by Michael Valitutto, DO, medical director, Borgess Diabetes Center.  Dr. Valitutto’s workshop is titled, “Lab Language: Understanding Vitamin D, Thyroid, Testosterone and Other Lesser Known Lab Tests.”

“Diabetes affects more than 66,000 people in southwest Michigan alone,” said Dr. Valitutto.  “That may seem like a huge number, but the good news is that people can learn to better manage the disease, feel their very best and live a longer, healthier life.  Our goal for the conference is to provide people with the tools and knowledge to make that happen for them.”

Certified by the Michigan Department of Community Health and the American Diabetes Association, the Borgess Diabetes Center features classroom instruction, individual education and an insulin pump therapy program.  Specially trained in diabetes management, the Center’s nurses and dietitians provide personalized, highly skilled care to each and every patient they serve.  Borgess has the first clinical practices and the only primary care practitioners in Kalamazoo County to receive recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for providing the highest level of diabetes care.

For more information and to register, call (269) 226.8135 or (800) 828.8135, or visit diabetes.borgess.com.