St. David's HealthCare News Feed

St. David's HealthCare Names Chief Financial Officer?

reedsmith — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:44:41 GMT

AUSTIN, Texas-St. David's HealthCare today announced the addition of Cindy S. Sexton to its leadership team as vice president and chief financial officer. Effective June 1, 2012, Sexton-who has more than 22 years of financial management and leadership experience in the healthcare industry-will lead the financial division of St. David's HealthCare's seven-hospital healthcare system, across 60 locations in Central Texas.

For the past 12 years, Sexton has served as chief financial officer of St. David's North Austin Medical, where she not only successfully managed the facility's financial operations but also has been instrumental in advancing a number of key strategic growth initiatives. Sexton played a major role in physician recruitment to the campus, in the development of the Women's Center of Texas, in the creation of the Texas Institute for Robotic Surgery, and in the facility's access strategy to develop urgent and free-standing emergency care centers. Sexton's responsibilities were expanded in 2008 when she was appointed chief financial officer of St. David's Round Rock Medical Center. Under her leadership, both hospitals have continued to grow and improve operational performance.

"We are pleased to welcome Cindy to the team as our new chief financial officer," David Huffstutler, president and chief executive officer of St. David's HealthCare, said. "Her strong financial and operating acumen, her proven ability to identify and implement key growth opportunities in the market, and her experience in and knowledge of our partnership make her uniquely qualified for this position."

Before joining St. David's HealthCare, Sexton served as chief financial officer and chief operating officer for Columbia North Monroe Hospital, a 222-bed facility in Monroe, La.

In addition to other prior healthcare roles, Sexton has served as an accountant and auditor, directly involved in Medicare cost reports for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Sexton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

St. David's HealthCare
With more than 60 sites across Central Texas, St. David's HealthCare includes seven of the area's leading hospitals and is one of the largest health systems in Texas. Known for compassionate, high-quality care, the organization has been recognized with the Texas Award for Performance Excellence, the highest honor bestowed by the State of Texas based upon world-class quality measures. In January 2012, St. David's HealthCare was recognized as one of the top 15 health systems in the U.S. by Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare. In April 2012, three of the system's hospitals-St. David's Medical Center, St. David's North Austin Medical Center and St. David's Round Rock Medical Center-were named to the list of 100 top hospitals in the U.S. by Thomson Reuters. Perennially ranked as the top Austin-area employer among large companies by the Austin Business Journal's annual "Best Places to Work" survey, St.�David's HealthCare is the third-largest private employer in the Austin area, with approximately 7,500 employees. For more information, please visit StDavids.com.

St. David's South Austin Medical Center Awarded Gold Healthy Hospital Award For "Green" Efforts

reedsmith — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:26:36 GMT

Waste Reduction Efforts, Environmentally Sound Practices Saved St. David's

South Austin Medical Center $280,000, Avoided Nearly 9,000 Pounds of Waste
AUSTIN, Texas-St. David's South Austin Medical Center was recently awarded the Gold Healthy Hospital Award by Stryker Sustainability Solutions for its waste reduction efforts and environmentally sound health care practices in 2011. The award cites the hospital's outstanding performance in reducing environmental harm and improving overall hospital quality through medical device remanufacturing and reprocessing.

Stryker reprocesses devices by collecting them from facilities and then sterilizing them for reuse, following strict FDA guidelines. By utilizing Stryker's programs, St. David's South Austin Medical Center was able to reduce supply costs by more than $280,000 and reallocate significant resources to patient care quality initiatives. Through its partnership with Stryker, the hospital also reduced medical waste from landfills by nearly 9,000 pounds.

"We are extremely pleased to be recognized for our efforts to minimize our environmental footprint and to be able to set an example for other businesses in our community," Todd Steward, chief executive officer of St. David's South Austin Medical Center, said. "We plan to make continued strides in our green initiatives."

As the leading reprocessor of medical devices for hospitals throughout North America, Stryker Sustainability Solutions is committed to assisting hospitals and health care providers while reducing waste in their operations.

St. David's South Austin Medical Center
St. David's South Austin Medical Center, located at 901 West Ben White Boulevard, is part of St. David's HealthCare, one of the largest health systems in Texas, which was recognized as one of the top 15 health systems in the U.S. by Thomson Reuters in January 2012. St. David's South Austin Medical Center is an acute care facility with 292 beds, offering a range of complex specialties and sub-specialties, including a comprehensive and nationally recognized cardiac program, full-service maternity and newborn care with Level I and II nurseries, and a thriving 24-hour emergency department, among others. In 2010, the medical center launched a comprehensive $72-million renovation and expansion effort, to be completed in 2012. For more information, please visit StDavids.com.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Opens New Family Room at St. David's Medical Center

reedsmith — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:39:44 GMT

Ronald McDonald House Charities Seeks 30 Volunteers to Assist with

New Family Room at St. David's Medical Center-the Largest in Central Texas
AUSTIN, Texas-Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas (RMHC Austin) is scheduled to open a new Ronald McDonald Family Room at St. David's Medical Center in June.

The new Ronald McDonald Family Room at St. David's Medical Center will be the largest in the region, and it will have a significant impact on the families of medically fragile infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at St. David's Medical Center-the largest Level III NICU in Central Texas. Last year alone, the St. David's Medical Center NICU treated 650 babies with an average length of stay of 27 days.

"We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities to provide NICU families with a comfortable place to stay within our hospital while their baby is being treated," Don Wilkerson, chief executive officer of St. David's Medical Center, said. "A stay in the NICU can be stressful and sometimes difficult for families, especially those who live outside the region. In addition to providing the best possible medical care for their infants, we want to ensure that the families are cared for as well."

The 1,300 square-foot Family Room will consist of a living room, kitchenette, four bedrooms, two ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-accessible bathrooms, a big-screen television and two computers. It will provide a restful place within the hospital where families with a baby in the NICU can spend the night, take a shower, enjoy a snack, access the Internet, watch television, check email, visit with other families or simply get away from the beeping of the hospital monitors for a few moments.

Many of the families who will use the new Family Room live within the Austin area. However, more than 40 percent of the families live outside of Austin and often travel a great distance to be with their babies during this challenging time.

"Research shows that a family's presence in the hospital helps children heal faster and cope better," Ann Jerome, chief operating officer of RMHC Austin, said. "The Ronald McDonald Family Room encourages families to stay at the hospital and allows them to better communicate with their child's medical team and improve adherence to complicated treatment plans."

RMHC Austin is in immediate need of 30 volunteers to help with the new Family Room at St. David's Medical Center. Volunteers will work a weekly, four-hour shift to support families caring for their hospitalized children.

"The Ronald McDonald Family Room program thrives when our volunteers are present to support families," Derrick Lesnau, RMHC Austin programs director, said. "Volunteers create a supportive and caring environment that is essential to providing an on-site respite for families with children being treated in the NICU."��

St. David's Medical Center features a 65-bed Level III NICU and offers a wide range of services, including neonatal surgical care. The NICU consists of an in-house team of nurses and board-certified neonatologists, with board-certified pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, cardiologists, neurologists, nephrologists and other pediatric subspecialists available around the clock to handle the most complicated cases. Physicians at the NICU at St. David's Medical Center perform more neonatal surgeries annually than any other facility in the Austin area.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room at St. David's Medical Center will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

This is the third Ronald McDonald Family Room to open in Austin. RMHC Austin opened its first Family Room at St. David's Women's Center of Texas, located at St. David's North Austin Medical Center, in 2009. Then, in September 2011, it opened a Family Room at Dell Children's Medical Center.

To learn more about how to volunteer or to get additional information about the program, visit the Ronald McDonald Family Room page of the RMHC Austin website at RMHC-Austin.org/Family-Room-St-Davids.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas
Through its Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room programs, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. The Ronald McDonald House, with its 30 rooms for families, provides lodging and support services in a nurturing, home-like environment where families stay together while caring for their critically ill or injured children receiving treatment in Austin-area hospitals. The Ronald McDonald Family Rooms inside St. David's Women's Center of Texas, Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, and coming soon to St. David's Medical Center, are places of rest and support within the walls of the hospitals for families with children in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units. In 2011, RMHC Austin served over 1300 families in all programs combined.

St. David's Medical Center
St. David's Medical Center is part of St. David's HealthCare, one of the largest health systems in Texas, which was recognized in January 2012 as one of the top 15 health systems in the U.S. by Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare. Founded in 1924, St. David's Medical Center is a full-service medical center offering comprehensive medical care at three locations-St. David's Medical Center, located at 919 East 32nd�Street in Austin; Heart Hospital of Austin, located at�3801 North Lamar Blvd.; and St. David's Georgetown Hospital,�located in Georgetown at 2000 Scenic Drive. The three campuses offer a full range of medical specialties, as well as many other innovative health care services.

St. David's Medical Center in central Austin includes a�350-bed acute care hospital and a freestanding, 64-bed rehabilitation hospital providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. St. David's�Medical Center provides a complete range of women's services, including its acclaimed maternity unit, maternal fetal medicine,�a�high-risk maternal and neonatal transport team,�the region's largest and most sophisticated Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Breast Center, and a fertility center; is home to the internationally acclaimed Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute; NeuroTexas Institute�(including�the TIA Center for Stroke Prevention and designation as a Primary Stroke Center); complex surgical services; a comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Center; and a 24-hour emergency department.

Thomson Reuters named St. David's Medical Center to the list of 100 Top Hospitals in 2010, 2011 and 2012. For more information, please visit�StDavids.com.

St. David's Round Rock Medical Center Designated as a 2012 Texas Ten Step Facility

reedsmith — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:37:35 GMT

Award Recognizes Hospital as Supportive Environment for New Mothers

ROUND ROCK, Texas-St. David's Round Rock Medical Center has been designated as a 2012 Texas Ten Step facility by the Department of State Health Services and the Texas Hospital Association. This annual designation is awarded to birthing facilities that provide optimal care to improve breastfeeding outcomes and the health of newborns and infants.

The Texas Ten Step Program encourages breastfeeding as the preferred method of feeding for newborns and infants. This designation recognizes that St. David's Round Rock Medical Center is providing an environment that creates positive outcomes for breastfeeding families and supports new mothers and their decision to breastfeed.

St. David's Round Rock Medical Center has implemented 10 goals, or "steps," to support mothers who intend to breastfeed their infants. Texas Ten Step facilities are asked to address 85 percent of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, be designated as a Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite, evaluate their breastfeeding policies and maternity care practices, and routinely educate all health care staff with evidence-based courses.

Based on the World Health Organization and UNICEF's Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, the program aims to assist birthing facilities' support of breastfeeding mothers before, during and after delivery; encourages them to identify breastfeeding resources for the mother after she is discharged; and encourages facilities to reach the Healthy People 2020 goal of having 82 percent of mothers exclusively breastfeeding when they go home with their newborn.

The Texas Medical Association officially endorsed the Texas Ten Step Program in 2009 to encourage hospitals to create an environment that supports the breastfeeding mother.

For more information on the Texas Ten Step Program at St. David's Round Rock Medical Center, call Veronica Hendrix, program coordinator, at (512) 341-4592, or visit www.TexasTenStep.org.

St. David's Round Rock Medical Center
St. David's Round Rock Medical Center, located in Round Rock at 2400 Round Rock Avenue, is part of St. David's HealthCare, one of the largest health systems in Texas, which was recognized in January 2012 as one of the top 15 health systems in the U.S. by Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare. With 170 beds, this acute care hospital provides comprehensive health services to residents of Williamson County and the surrounding areas. Services include The Heart and Vascular Center with express testing, maternity and newborn services with Level I and II nurseries at The Women's Center, and a 24-hour emergency department, providing Level II trauma care in Williamson County. St. David's Round Rock Medical Center is also known for advanced orthopedic and bariatric services, among other complex specialties. Thomson Reuters named St. David's Round Rock Medical Center to the list of 100 Top Hospitals in 2012. For more information, please visit StDavids.com.

St. David's Medical Center Only Hospital in Central Texas to Acquire Robotic Fluorescence Imaging Technology With da Vinci� SiT Surgical System

reedsmith — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:48:34 GMT

AUSTIN, Texas-Recently, St. David's Medical Center became the first hospital in Central Texas to acquire fluorescence imaging technology with the da Vinci� SiT Surgical System. This technology offers the capability of providing real-time, image-guided identification of key anatomical landmarks using near-infrared technology. Fluorescence imaging allows surgeons to see and assess anatomy better than the naked eye, further enhancing the unmatched vision, precision and control of minimally invasive da Vinci surgery.

"This revolutionary fluorescence technology has the ability to illuminate healthy tissue, allowing for improved surgical precision," John Marietta, M.D., chief medical officer at St. David's Medical Center, said. "When performing a tumor removal procedure, for example, there is a fine line between the areas requiring removal and the healthy portions of an organ. This technology allows us to more precisely differentiate those areas with the flip of a switch, often sparing healthy tissues by leaving them intact."

The fluorescence imaging technology provides real-time identification of a patient's anatomy. The specially designed endoscopes and camera allow physicians to visualize tissue and surrounding blood vessels by injecting a green-colored dye called IndoCyanine Green (ICG), which is activated by near-infrared light. This technology allows surgeons to identify malignant and healthy tissue as the procedure is performed.

The fluorescence imaging technology with da Vinci robotic surgery will be used to perform minimally invasive surgery across a wide array of specialties. Currently, it is primarily used in urologic and colorectal procedures.

The da Vinci Si Surgical System is developed by Intuitive Surgical, Inc. Intuitive Surgical, Inc., is the global technology leader in robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery. The company's da Vinci Surgical System offers surgeons superior visualization, enhanced dexterity and greater precision compared to traditional surgical approaches.

St. David's Medical Center

St. David's Medical Center is part of St. David's HealthCare, one of the largest health systems in Texas, which was recognized in January 2012 as one of the top 15 health systems in the U.S. by Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare. Founded in 1924, St. David's Medical Center is a full-service medical center offering comprehensive medical care at three locations-St. David's Medical Center, located at 919 East 32nd Street in Austin; Heart Hospital of Austin, located at 3801 North Lamar Blvd.; and St. David's Georgetown Hospital, located in Georgetown at 2000 Scenic Drive. The three campuses offer a full range of medical specialties, as well as many other innovative health care services.

St. David's Medical Center in central Austin includes a 350-bed acute care hospital and a freestanding, 64-bed rehabilitation hospital providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. St. David's Medical Center provides a complete range of women's services, including its acclaimed maternity unit, maternal fetal medicine, a high-risk maternal and neonatal transport team, the region's largest and most sophisticated Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Breast Center, and a fertility center; is home to the internationally acclaimed Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute; NeuroTexas Institute (including the TIA Center for Stroke Prevention and designation as a Primary Stroke Center); complex surgical services; a comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Center; and a 24-hour emergency department.

Thomson Reuters named St. David's Medical Center to the list of 100 Top Hospitals in 2010, 2011 and 2012. For more information, please visit StDavids.com.

St. David's Rehabilitation Launches Cancer Rehab Program

reedsmith — Thu, 10 May 2012 06:31:37 GMT

St. David's Oncology Rehabilitation Program Designed to Assist

Cancer Patients, Providing Access to Tailored Rehab Programs
AUSTIN, Texas-St. David's Rehabilitation Hospital recently launched a new oncology rehabilitation program, which includes inpatient and outpatient cancer programs, providing patients with access to physicians who specialize in rehabilitative care, nurses and therapists who tailor a rehabilitation program to meet patients' specific needs. The program ensures patients have immediate access to cancer resources, technologies and treatments.

"Our approach to oncology rehabilitation is unique because we do not use a one-size-fits-all philosophy," Everett Heinze, medical director at St. David's Rehabilitation Hospital, said. "But whether someone has experienced mild, moderate or severe effects of cancer, our goals are the same-helping the patient return to his or her family, easing pain, promoting mobility and function, and advocating for a productive future."

The St. David's Oncology Rehabilitation Program is dedicated to treating patients with a wide range of short- and long-term impairments that may result from cancer, such as weakness, fatigue and the loss of physical or cognitive function-including the ability to walk, speak or think clearly. The program also treats patients with lymphedema-a common condition in which fluid builds up in the tissues, causing swelling in the arms, legs, face, neck, abdomen or trunk-incontinence, cardiorespiratory deficiency, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, debility, dysphagia, premature bone loss, sarcoidosis, sarcopenia and steriod myophathy.

"Treating the cancer itself is only part of the challenge of caring for patients with cancer," Mark Burnett, M.D., neurosurgeon and executive medical director at NeuroTexas Institute at St. David's HealthCare, said. "Without adequate post-procedure treatment, patients often struggle through the remainder of their recovery. This program will help identify additional medical needs and treat them appropriately."

A recent study by Macmillan Cancer Support revealed physical activity can reduce the side effects of cancer treatment, underscoring the importance of exercise in cancer patients. It found physical activity after cancer treatment can reduce the impact of some debilitating side effects, such as swelling around the arm, anxiety, depression, fatigue, impaired mobility and weight changes. The study also suggested that comprehensive rehabilitation cancer services include physical therapy to encourage and recommend appropriate levels of activity.

The St. David's Oncology Rehabilitation Program is lead by board-certified rehabilitation physicians and nurses and provides a full continuum of rehabilitative care, including:

Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech and language therapy
Psychology
Clinical social work
Case Management
Recreation therapy
Nutritional counseling
Prosthetic training
Spiritual support
Community support group

After patients complete therapy, the St. David's Oncology Rehabilitation Program offers resources to help them continue their progress through individual consultations and lifetime support, including local support groups. The Brain Tumor Support Group at St. David's Rehabilitation Hospital is affiliated with NeuroTexas Institute at St. David's HealthCare and the National Brain Tumor Foundation, and it seeks to provide a refuge of support and information for brain tumor patients and/or their families.

For more information, contact St. David's Rehabilitation Hospital at (512) 544-8993, or visit StDavidsRehab.com.

St. David's Rehabilitation
St. David's Rehabilitation, including its flagship hospital located at 1005 East 32nd�Street, is part of St. David's HealthCare-one of the largest health systems in Texas,�which was recognized as one of the top 15 health systems in the U.S. by Thomson Reuters in January 2012. St. David's Rehabilitation Hospital features private rooms, state-of-the-art technology and the largest rehab pool in the market to support the most comprehensive aquatic therapy program in the region. All St. David's Rehabilitation facilities provide comprehensive rehabilitative care�for patients with neurological conditions, including stroke, and orthopedic illnesses or injuries. St. David's Rehabilitation also features three satellite facilities located at St. David's North Austin Medical Center, St. David's Round Rock Medical Center and St. David's Georgetown Hospital. For more information, please visit�StDavids.com.

St. David's Medical Center
St. David's Medical Center is part of St. David's HealthCare, one of the largest health systems in Texas, which was recognized in January 2012 as one of the top 15 health systems in the U.S. by Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare. Founded in 1924, St. David's Medical Center is a full-service medical center offering comprehensive medical care at three locations-St. David's Medical Center, located at 919 East 32nd�Street in Austin; Heart Hospital of Austin, located at�3801 North Lamar Blvd.; and St. David's Georgetown Hospital,�located in Georgetown at 2000 Scenic Drive. The three campuses offer a full range of medical specialties, as well as many other innovative health care services.

St. David's Medical Center in central Austin includes a�350-bed acute care hospital and a freestanding, 64-bed rehabilitation hospital providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. St. David's�Medical Center provides a complete range of women's services, including its acclaimed maternity unit, maternal fetal medicine,�a�high-risk maternal and neonatal transport team,�the region's largest and most sophisticated Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Breast Center, and a fertility center; is home to the internationally acclaimed Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute; NeuroTexas Institute�(including�the TIA Center for Stroke Prevention and designation as a Primary Stroke Center); complex surgical services; a comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Center; and a 24-hour emergency department.

Thomson Reuters named St. David's Medical Center to the list of 100 Top Hospitals in 2010, 2011 and 2012. For more information, please visit�StDavids.com.

St. David's Georgetown Hospital Included in Nation's 100 Top Hospitals By�Thomson Reuters as a St. David's Medical Center Facility?

reedsmith — Wed, 02 May 2012 19:13:26 GMT

GEORGETOWN, TEXAS-On April 16, 2012, St. David's Georgetown Hospital, a St. David's Medical Center Facility, was included in the nation's 100 Top Hospitals� by Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of health care. The hospital was included in the list as a campus of St. David's Medical Center, which received the designation for the third consecutive year. This is the first year the Georgetown campus' quality data was included in Thomson Reuters' evaluation of St. David's Medical Center for the award.

The award recognizes hospitals that have achieved excellence in clinical outcomes, patient safety, patient satisfaction, financial performance and operational efficiency, among others.

"We are honored that St. David's Georgetown Hospital was included as one of the 100 Top Hospitals in the country," Hugh Brown, chief executive officer of St. David's Georgetown Hospital, said. "This recognition helps establish us as a national center of excellence, and it is a testament to our entire hospital team that provides the highest quality of care for our patients."

Thomson Reuters' annual study evaluates hospitals on measures of overall organization performance, including patient care, operational efficiency and financial stability. It compares hospitals with other facilities similar in size and teaching status.

"I want to personally congratulate the team in Georgetown for being a part of Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals," Jean Chenoweth, senior vice president for performance improvement and 100 Top Hospitals program at Thomson Reuters, said. "Their efforts, combined with those of the other hospitals on this list, help raise the bar for quality patient care, not only in Texas, but also across the nation."

By being included in this recognition, St. David's Georgetown Hospital demonstrates that high-quality patient outcomes can be achieved while improving efficiency. According to the organization, if all hospitals performed at the same level as the 100 Top Hospitals award winners (based on analysis of Medicare inpatients over one year):

More than 186,000 additional patients would survive each year.
Approximately 56,000 patient complications would be avoided annually.
The average patient stay would decrease by nearly half a day.
More than $4.3 billion could be saved.

The Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals study evaluates performance in the following 10 areas to determine the 100 Top Hospitals:

Risk-adjusted mortality index (in-hospital)
Risk-adjusted complications index
Risk-adjusted patient safety index
Core measures mean percent
30-day risk-adjusted mortality rate for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure and pneumonia
30-day risk-adjusted readmission rate for AMI, heart failure and pneumonia
Severity-adjusted average length of stay
Case mix- and wage-adjusted inpatient expense per discharge
Profitability (adjusted operating profit margin)
HCAHPS score (patient rating of overall hospital performance)

The winning hospitals were announced in the April 16 edition of Modern Healthcare magazine. Please visit www.100TopHospitals.com for more information on the award and 100 Top Hospitals research.

St. David's Georgetown Hospital
St. David's Georgetown Hospital, located in Georgetown at 2000 Scenic Drive, is part of St. David's HealthCare, one of the largest health systems in Texas, which was recognized as one of the top 15 health systems in the U.S. by Thomson Reuters in January 2012. St. David's Georgetown Hospital is an acute care hospital with a range of services, including a 24-hour emergency department with a level IV trauma center, Certified Chest Pain Center, intensive care unit, inpatient and outpatient surgery, acute inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient therapy, and maternity and newborn services with mother-baby couplet care close to home for Georgetown families. St. David's Georgetown Hospital is a St. David's Medical Center facility. For more information, please visit�StDavids.com.

St. David's South Austin Medical Center Earns American College of Radiology Accreditation

reedsmith — Wed, 02 May 2012 19:11:38 GMT

AUSTIN, Texas-St. David's South Austin Medical Center has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). MRI is a noninvasive medical test that utilizes magnetic fields to produce anatomical images of internal body parts to help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement.

The ACR is a national professional organization serving more than 34,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology, as well as the delivery of comprehensive health care services.

St. David's South Austin Medical Center
St. David's South Austin Medical Center, located at 901 West Ben White Boulevard, is part of St. David's HealthCare, one of the largest health systems in Texas, which was recognized as one of the top 15 health systems in the U.S. by Thomson Reuters in January 2012. St. David's South Austin Medical Center is an acute care facility with 292 beds, offering a range of complex specialties and sub-specialties, including a comprehensive and nationally recognized cardiac program, full-service maternity and newborn care with Level I and II nurseries, and a thriving 24-hour emergency department, among others. In 2010, the medical center launched a comprehensive $72-million renovation and expansion effort, to be completed in 2012. For more information, please visit StDavids.com.

Heart Hospital of Austin to Participate in Landmark Study of New Approach to Treat High Blood Pressure

reedsmith — Wed, 02 May 2012 19:07:53 GMT

Clinical Trial Evaluates Investigational Approach to Treat High Blood Pressure

By Deactivating Nerves in Arterial Walls Leading to Kidneys?

AUSTIN, Texas-Heart Hospital of Austin is now enrolling patients in the SYMPLICITY HTN-3 study, a clinical trial of the investigational Symplicity� renal denervation system for treatment-resistant hypertension. Treatment-resistant hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure that remains high (greater than 140/90 mmHg) despite treatment with three or more anti-hypertensive medications.

"I am excited that this therapy is�being evaluated through a clinical trial in the Austin area,"�Helen J. Maidment, M.D., a nephrologist with Capital Nephrology, said. "This treatment�may be key for patients whose hypertension cannot be optimally controlled by other medical treatments. Additionally, medicines to treat hypertension can be costly and have undesirable side effects."

Renal denervation is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure that regulates the output of nerves that line the walls of the arteries leading to the kidneys. These nerves are part of the sympathetic nervous system, which is one of the ways the body controls blood pressure. In people with hypertension, the renal nerves are hyperactive, raising blood pressure and contributing to heart attack and stroke.

"We're eager to participate in the study of this interventional treatment, which may represent a new and innovative approach to treating the growing number of resistant hypertension patients in the United States," said Dr. Frank Zidar, M.D., principal investigator and interventional cardiologist with Austin Heart who practices at Heart Hospital of Austin. "Renal denervation and ongoing treatment with anti-hypertensive medications have the potential to help patients with this challenging form of hypertension achieve their target blood pressure levels. Controlling blood pressure clearly impacts an individual's risk of stroke and heart attack."

The renal denervation system is a flexible catheter and an energy generator. The Symplicity� catheter is introduced through the skin into the femoral artery, located in the upper thigh, and is then threaded up into the renal artery leading to each kidney. It is connected to the Symplicity� generator, which produces controlled, low-power radio-frequency (RF) energy.

Once within the renal artery, the tip of the Symplicity catheter is placed against the arterial wall in several places where it uses controlled, low-power RF energy to deactivate the renal nerves according to a proprietary, computer-controlled algorithm. The treatment does not involve a permanent implant and is performed under conscious sedation.

SYMPLICITY HTN-3 is a randomized, controlled trial that will enroll approximately 530 treatment-resistant hypertension patients across several U.S. medical centers. People receiving the investigational treatment will be compared with a control group that does not, with all patients continuing to take their blood pressure medications. Patients enrolled in the SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial will be randomly assigned to a group, with two out of three assigned to the treatment group and one out of three assigned to the control group. In addition, those in the control group may receive the treatment after a six-month period passes. The primary endpoints of the study are the change in blood pressure from baseline to six months and incidence of major adverse events.

"This study has a unique design since patients in the control group have the option to receive renal denervation treatment six months following randomization, which may extend the benefit of renal denervation to all participants in the trial," said Dr. Zidar.

The Symplicity renal denervation system has been successfully used since 2007 to treat more than 2,000 patients worldwide. It has been commercially available in Europe and Australia since April 2010. The Symplicity renal denervation system is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for commercial distribution in the United States.

Treatment-resistant hypertension poses a serious health threat to nearly six million Americans and 100 million people worldwide. It is an especially dangerous chronic disease because of its association with increased cardiovascular risk, including stroke and heart attack, as well as heart failure and kidney disease. Research suggests that 28 percent of treated hypertensive individuals are considered resistant to treatment. Additionally, these patients have a threefold increase in the risk of cardiovascular events compared with individuals with controlled high blood pressure.

Patients can contact the Austin Heart Research Department at (512) 421-3851 for more information about the clinical trial. Prospective participants also are encouraged to visit SymplifyBPtrial.com to learn more about the SYMPLICITY HTN-3 study and their potential eligibility for the trial. Those considering participation in the trial should be diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure) and unable to control their hypertension even when taking three or more blood pressure medications.

Heart Hospital of Austin
Heart Hospital of Austin, located at 3801 North Lamar Boulevard, is part of St. David's HealthCare, one of the largest health systems in Texas, which was recognized as one of the top 15 health systems in the U.S. by Thomson Reuters in January 2012. Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease,�Heart Hospital of Austin�is a shared vision of local cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons. Working with hospital leadership, the physicians created an atmosphere of quality, resulting in the leading cardiac program in Texas for six consecutive years as ranked by HealthGrades�-a leading independent�health ratings organization. In July 2009, a study funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services revealed that Heart Hospital of Austin was the leading hospital in the United States for treatment of a heart attack.�Heart Hospital of Austin has also been named a top cardiovascular hospital in the nation by Thomson Reuters for six years, most recently being named to the list of 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals in 2011. In addition to providing a full range of cardiovascular services and an advanced Executive Wellness Program, Heart Hospital of Austin has a comprehensive 24-hour emergency department. Heart Hospital of Austin is a St. David's Medical Center facility. For more information, please visit�HeartHospitalofAustin.com.

Austin Heart
Austin Heart is the largest provider of cardiac and vascular services in Central Texas, with 12 full-time office locations, 17 outreach clinics and 45 cardiologists. Austin Heart has been serving the Central Texas area since 1973.�Austin Heart's cardiologists sub-specialize in every diagnostic and treatment area of cardiovascular disease, America's No. 1 killer-interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, vein disease, sleep disorders, erectile dysfunction, imaging, women's cardiovascular health and a nationally recognized research department. To learn more about Austin Heart physicians, or to schedule an appointment, visit AustinHeart.com.

St. David's HealthCare Names Medical Director of St. David's Emergency Center in Bastrop

reedsmith — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:00:23 GMT

St. David's HealthCare has named Corey Jones, M.D., medical director of the new St. David's Emergency Center in Bastrop, located at the site of the former Lakeside Hospital at Bastrop. In this role, Dr. Jones will oversee the medical operations of the new center.

"Dr. Jones has more than 10 years of experience treating emergent medical conditions and has gained a wealth of knowledge in emergency medicine during that time," Todd Steward, chief executive officer of St. David's South Austin Medical Center, said. "We know that he will be able to effectively lead and grow this emergency center, offering exceptional emergency care to the residents of Bastrop."

Dr. Jones has served as an emergency medicine physician with Capitol Emergency Associates (CEA)-the group of board-certified emergency medicine physicians that provides care in all St. David's HealthCare emergency departments throughout Central Texas-since 2002. He currently works primarily at St. David's Medical Center in Central Austin, where he has served as the chairman of emergency medicine and medical director since 2004. In this role, Dr. Jones is responsible for overseeing the medical safety and quality of care provided by the department, as well as providingoversight of staff physicians. St. David's Medical Center treats about 55,000 patients in its emergency room every year.

Dr. Jones was also instrumental in transitioning the emergency department through a major physical expansion in 2004 and 2005. Additionally, he worked closely with hospital administrators in achieving the status of a National Stroke Center and a Chest Pain Center of Excellence.

In addition to being board certified in emergency medicine, Dr. Jones is board certified in hyperbaric medicine by the American Board of Emergency Medicine.

He is the medical director of the Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Care Clinic at St. David's South Austin Medical Center, where he has served since February 2012. Dr. Jones has worked as a hyperbaric medicine consultant since 2005, practicing at St. David's Medical Center, St. David's South Austin Medical Center and St. David's North Austin Medical Center.

Dr. Jones earned his bachelor's degree in biology and liberal arts from St. Olaf College in Minnesota and went on to earn his master's in animal physiology and genetics from the University of Minnesota. He was awarded his Doctorate of Medicine by the University of North Carolina and completed his emergency medicine residency at Detroit Medical Center.

Dr. Jones is a member of the Travis County Medical Society and the Travis County Medical Society EMS Advisory Council, as well as a former chairman of the council. He is also a member of the Medical Executive Committee at St. David's Medical Center and a founding member of the Stroke Subcommittee for Neurosciences at St. David's Medical Center. Additionally, he sits on the CEA board of directors, where he has served since July 2004. Dr. Jones is a former member of the Travis County Healthcare Board subcommittee on Mental Health and the St. David's Medical Center Quality Management and Medical Records Committee.

Dr. Jones will be transitioning out of his leadership role at St. David's Medical Center in June 2012 to assume the responsibilities of medical director of the newly built St. David's Emergency Center in Bastrop.

St. David's Emergency Center in Bastrop will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as a full-service, free-standing emergency department, without attached inpatient facilities. It will feature state-of-the-art equipment, a staff of trauma-certified nurses, a trauma room, advanced testingcapabilities including radiological testing and a medical lab, CT scans, x-rays and ultrasounds.

The St. David's Emergency Center, which is scheduled to open June 18, will serve as an extension of St. David's South Austin Medical Center's emergency department.

St. David's HealthCare

With more than 60 sites across Central Texas, St. David's HealthCare includes seven of the area's leading hospitals and is one of the largest health systems in Texas. Known for compassionate, high-quality care, the organization has been recognized with the Texas Award for Performance Excellence, the highest honor bestowed by the State of Texas based upon world-class quality measures. In January 2012, St. David's HealthCare was recognized as one of the top 15 health systems in the U.S. by Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare. In April 2012, three of the system's hospitals-St. David's Medical Center, St. David's North Austin Medical Center and St. David's Round Rock Medical Center-were named to the list of 100 top hospitals in the U.S. by Thomson Reuters. Perennially ranked as the top Austin-area employeramong large companies by the Austin Business Journal's annual "Best Places to Work" survey, St. David's HealthCare is the third-largest private employer in the Austin area, with approximately 7,500 employees. For more information, please visit StDavids.com.

St. David's South Austin Medical Center

St. David's South Austin Medical Center, located at 901 West Ben White Boulevard, is part of St. David's HealthCare, one of the largest health systems in Texas, which was recognized as one of the top 15 health systems in the U.S. by Thomson Reuters in January 2012. St. David's South Austin Medical Center is an acute care facility with 292 beds, offering a range of complexspecialties and sub-specialties, including a comprehensive and nationally recognized cardiac program, full-service maternity and newborn care with Level I and II nurseries, and a thriving 24-hour emergency department, among others. In 2010, the medical center launched a comprehensive $72-million renovation and expansion effort, to be completed in 2012. For more information, please visit StDavids.com.