Synapse : Spring 2009 - The Chester County Hospital

T H E H E A L T H N E T W O R K O F T H E C H E S T E R C O U N T Y H O S P I T A L
A fresh new approach to women’s health
T H E P O W E R O F
X-RAY
VISION
The Hearts
of our Heroes
Spring 2009

H O S P I T A L P R O G R A M S & E V E N T S
Throughout the year, The Chester County Hospital offers many types of programs, courses, support groups
and social events. Here are just a few of the many opportunities that will be taking place in the coming months.
Screenings
U P C O M I N G
■ O R A L C A N C E R * – April 29
■ S T R O K E – May 26
■ HE A RT T R AC K S – June 23
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
■ S K IN C A N C E R * – June 24
Shopping
E N C O R E S H O P
S C R E E N I N G S
UPSCALE CONSIGNMENT SHOP
SPECIALIZING IN CLOTHING,
ANTIQUES AND GLASSWARE.
Located at Route 52 South and Route 1,
Kennett Square, 610-388-6269. Visit
www.cchosp.com and search “Encore”.
W O M E N ’ S AUX IL I A RY
G IF T S H O P
■ TRENDY FLIP-FLOPS
■ UNIQUE JEWELRY
■ BEAUTIFUL HANDBAGS
Located within The
Chester County Hospital –
610-431-5544.
Registration
F O R P R O G R A M S & S C R E E N I N G S
To register or to learn more about the
times, locations and fees (if applicable) for
any of these events, call 610-431-5644.
* Free program; all others include a fee.
20TH
16TH
May
9TH
MAY FESTIVAL GALA – Elegant dinnerdance
(Sponsor: First National Bank)
MAY
FESTIVAL* –
CANCER SURVIVORS’ DAY*
Celebrating life
21ST
SENIOR SUPPER CLUB
Understanding Hip
& Knee Pain
SENIOR SUPPER CLUB
Taking Care of
Your Hands
DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP*
16TH
Inpatient Management
of Diabetes
2ND
NO PAIN,
NO GAIN?
Orthopedic solutions
for shoulder pain
14TH
14TH
28TH
April
DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP*
Diabetes and Chronic
Kidney Disease
8TH
18TH
A day for healthy
family fun
(Sponsor: First
National Bank)
HEART TO HEART WITH OUR
CARDIOLOGIST: Matthew Sewell, MD
Venue Partner: Ashbridge Manor
31ST
STOP
SMOKING NOW!*
( first of an 8-week series)
Venue Partner: Kennett YMCA
30TH
CHESTER COUNTY CHALLENGE
FOR CANCER BIKE RIDE
(Sponsor: J&L Builders)
THE CHESTER COUNTY
HOSPITAL GOLF INVITATIONAL –
Benefits women’s and children’s health
(Sponsor: L.F. Driscoll Co.)
15TH
POLO CUP –
Divot-stomping, family-friendly fun.
(Sponsor: Endo Pharmaceuticals)
STOP SMOKING
NOW!*
( first of an 8-week series)
DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP*
18TH
Exercise and Diabetes
16TH
June
17TH
SENIOR SUPPER CLUB
Maintain Your Balance
HEART TO HEART WITH
OUR CARDIOLOGIST
Raghunam Mallya, MD,
Venue Partner: Bellingham
Retirement Community

C O N T E N T S
3
12
Compassionate Coordinated Care
In the course of one week, a woman might have five
meetings, four errands, three family activities, two
dinner engagements and one visit to the doctor.
Life is certainly busy enough, without receiving an
abnormal test result from your physician. Understanding
the value of a woman’s time, the Hospital
has aligned harmonizing health services to expedite
answers about your well-being in a setting that
provides a calm and reassuring experience.
X-Ray Vision
The launch of an advanced radiology image-viewing
system allows for greater time efficiency, easier
consultations between physicians, and a better
diagnostic process that will alleviate wait times
throughout the Health Network.
The Hearts of Our Heroes
Firefighters heroically put themselves in harm’s way.
They run in while others run out. They understand
the danger involved in their line of work. The
Chester County Hospital has collaborated with
several local fire companies to educate them about
ways to protect their hearts.
D E P A R T M E N T S
2
7
8
14
16
17
10
Hospital of Distinction
Resistant Organism Reduction Taskforce
Points of Pride
Achievements and accolades bestowed upon
various departments.
Medical Staff Update
Biographies of new physicians that have
joined the Hospital’s team.
Newsmakers
A gallery of recent Hospital activities.
Charitable Giving
Health, Wealth and Wisdom: Donors make
the Women’s Specialty Center possible.
Building Update
The Hospital continues to establish and to
enhance its presence in the community.
ON THE COVER: Cynthia Brown, Breast Care Coordinator, with Sharon DeNault,
a 27-year breast cancer survivor.
GR E E T I N G S F R O M T H E
C H E S T E R C O U N T Y H O S P I T A L
Dear Neighbors,
Hospitals are usually immune from short-lived corrections in
the financial market, but the magnitude and depth of current
economic conditions are beginning to influence the healthcare
industry. We hear from our colleagues at other hospitals
that they are experiencing lower patient volumes as elective
procedures are postponed, and they are seeing an increasing
number of uninsured patients. While demand for our services
remains strong, we have to anticipate that these trends could
come to our Hospital. During these difficult times, we must
stay focused on providing the best care to our patients as
efficiently and as cost-effectively as possible.
To weather what many experts believe will be a protracted
economic downturn, we are taking proactive steps to conserve
our capital, hire new staff only when absolutely necessary, and
closely watch our discretionary spending. We know that the
most precious asset we have is our Hospital staff, and we have
a long history of protecting them as best we can.
For more than 116 years, The Chester County Hospital has
weathered good times and bad, and we know that our community
counts on our Hospital family to take good care
of them regardless. The Chester County Hospital has carried
on through more wars than we want to remember and has
faced frightening and deadly epidemics. We have found our
way through economic recessions and even a Great Depression.
Yet we have always marched resolutely forward driven
by a singleness of purpose and a resourcefulness that has
allowed us to succeed.
Stay well,
H.L. Perry Pepper
President
SYNAPSE (noun - sin-aps): e site of communication between nerve cells.
Synapse is a publication of The Chester County Hospital’s Corporate Marketing
Department. The articles provided in this magazine are solely for informational
purposes. It should not be relied on or used in placement of a physician’s medical
advice or assessment. Always consult a physician in matters of your personal health.
William W. Wylie, Jr. Chairman, Board of Directors
H.L. Perry Pepper President
Colleen Leonard Leyden Editor-in-Chief
Lisa M. Huffman Managing Editor
The Bing Group Design and Photography
F E E D B AC K W E L C O M E : Email synapse@cchosp.com to let us know what
you think about our magazine or to make suggestions about future topics.

Hospital of
D I S T I N C T I O N
THE INFECTION PREVENTIONISTS
Defending our patients from Superbugs
Armed with knowledge, technology and powerful cleaning supplies,
the Resistant Organism Reduction Taskforce is united in purpose
– to thwart the power of evil “superbugs” MRSA, VRE and C. diff and
defend the health of all of our patients.
In a healthcare environment, germs can spread if not treated quickly
and correctly. Some infectious organisms have undergone a metamorphosis
over the years, meaning the antibiotics once used to eradicate
them are no longer effective. Coined “superbugs,” these organisms have
been on the rise not only in healthcare – but in the community as well.
These organisms are often found in people who have been on an
antibiotic for a long time. Karen Novielli, Director of Pharmacy,
explains, “The antibiotic kills off sensitive germs, leaving the more
resistant strains to grow. Repeated exposure to the antibiotics causes
the bugs to mutate and develop resistance.” The Hospital established
its Taskforce to address the management of patients who need to be
isolated because of MRSA, VRE and C. diff – three drug-resistant
organisms that most Hospitals monitor.
• MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) often lives in the
nose and is resistant to common antibiotics, such as those in the
penicillin family.
• VRE (vancomycin-resistant Enterococci), which is resistant to the antibiotic
vancomycin, is found in the intestines and female genital tract.
• C. DIFF (Clostridium difficile) causes diarrhea and may be the result
of taking antibiotics for a different infection. Because the bug is
so resilient, environmental cleaning is key to controlling its spread.
INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT
SUCCESSES 2005-2008
✓ MRSA infections: Down 54%
✓ VRE infections: Down 21%
✓ C. DIFF infections: Down 33%
These Chester County Hospital
percentages are based on a “per 1000
patient days” ratio to provide the most
accurate comparison.
The Chester County Hospital is more than up-to-date with the
latest technology to prevent and treat antibiotic-resistant organisms.
Three years ago, the Hospital earned the North American Global
Excellence in Business Process Management and Workflow Award
for the system it implemented to track these bugs.
Ray Hess, Vice President for Corporate Information Management,
says, “The computer network checks the patient’s previous admission
data for any known history
HEALTH TIP
of MRSA or VRE. If positive, the
The best way to prevent system alerts the nurses at each unit.
spreading any infection is This practice has helped decrease
to clean your hands often. the number of infections in the
Hospital.” If a person who has been
admitted previously for an antibiotic-resistant organism returns to
our Hospital, a notification will be on record to check them upon arrival.
Charleen Faucette, Director of Infection Prevention and Control,
says, “Our goal is to quickly recognize those who have infectious
organisms now or have had them in the past, manage the infection
to improve our patients’ health, and reduce the risk to all those
around them.”
Once admitted, the patient is placed in a private room to
prevent the spread of the organism. The Hospital provides ready
access to special supplies, including gowns and gloves, for our
staff and to those visiting the patient.
Upon discharge, MRSA and VRE patient rooms are cleaned with
a Hospital-approved disinfectant specific for these organisms. Because
of its hardiness, C. diff patient rooms are cleaned with a special
sanitizer containing bleach, proven more effective in eliminating
C. diff. The Hospital’s comprehensive and strict cleaning policies
have helped reduce all three of these organisms.
“Our constant monitoring and the measures we have in place help
prevent the spread of these resistant organisms and prepare us for any
new ‘superbugs’ that may be identified in the future,” Faucette says.
Antibiotic-resistant organisms may be on the rise globally but
through our dedicated efforts and a few strong cleaning supplies, the
Hospital is controlling “superbugs” and making it hard for them to
spread here.
By Kristen M. Fulmer
TO LEARN ABOUT THIS TASKFORCE AND OTHER QUALITY
INITIATIVES, VISIT WWW.CCHOSP.COM/QUALITY.

C O V E R
S T O R Y
A F R E S H N E W H E A L T H E X P E R I E N C E F O R W O M E N
Here you are once again, looking at yourself in the bathroom mirror, standing in that compromised position following your
shower. Both arms raised, bent at the elbows with your fingers interlaced behind your head. Having already memorized the howto
instructions years ago, you know what to look for during this portion of your monthly self-breast exam – dimples or distortions.
Your doctor always asks if you check yourself regularly and so you make sure that you do.
In fact, you try to do everything you need to do to stay on top of your health. In addition to making a renewed effort to eat smart
and move more, you see your dentist, your optometrist and your gynecologist as often as prescribed. Once you hit that 40-plus age
milestone, you added mammogram to your must-do list.
These thoughts are not in your mind as you move step-by-step through the self-exam though. Instead, you are thinking about
your to-do list – whip up breakfast, make a hair appointment, go to the food store, baby-sit your grandson. It is as if you are
on autopilot, until something stops you in your tracks – something like a questionable lump.
This month, that is exactly what you found.
After you catch your breath, the medical professionals at The Chester County Hospital suggest you first make an appointment with
your primary care physician or gynecologist, or one of their nurse practitioners. You will then be provided with the necessary
prescription for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound, which is the first step in understanding the nature of your suspicious lump.
Within the past year, the Hospital has invested a significant amount of resources into its Women’s Imaging Center. With three
satellite Radiology locations – West Chester, Exton and Kennett Square – and the full spectrum of technology – digital
mammography, MRI (including dedicated Breast MRI), DEXA, 64-slice CT, X-Ray, and ultrasound – imaging services for Chester
County residents are easily accessible and the most state-of-the-art. The Hospital’s affiliation with the University of Pennsylvania’s
Department of Radiology assures your images are interpreted by radiologists who are well-trained, motivated and patient oriented.
The Hospital’s newest facility in West Chester is located at the Fern Hill Medical Campus. All diagnostic mammograms are
continued ➔
Breast Cancer Taskforce (from left): Ann Marie Siegal, MD, Radiation Oncology; Susan Chang, MD, Breast Surgery; Cynthia Brown,
RN, BSN, OCN, Breast Care Coordinator; Kim Killgore, Cancer Program Coordinator; Maria Lain, Service Line Director for Women’s
Health and Oncology; Fredric B. Squires, MD, Radiology; Michelle Tedeschi, MD, Hematology/Oncology; Pamela P. Scott, MD, Breast
Surgery; Paul S. Kim, MD, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Lisa Pinheiro, MD, Radiology; and Marge Lang, LCSW, OSW-C,
Oncology Social Worker.

Angie Womack,
Patient Registration
Sandy McBride,
Mammogram Technologist
Lisa Pinheiro, MD,
Director of Breast Imaging
Fredric B. Squires, MD,
Chair of Radiology
4 S Y N A P S E
performed here, which means the
team sees many women throughout
the day who are understandably
anxious. When designing the
new space, the creation of a calming
health experience for women was the
guiding principle.
“We have tried to make it a comfortable
area,” says Fredric B. Squires, MD, Chair of
Radiology. “We separated the waiting room for women
from the general waiting room.” Beyond the front desk, there are spacious changing rooms, a
private corridor for mammography, a patient education center and Internet access. “We really
want women to have a positive experience while they are here.”
More than the location, the technology and the environment, the quality of care and the efficiency
at which it is provided are the two greatest factors of a woman’s health experience.
“In the world of radiology,” says Lisa Pinheiro, MD, Director of Breast Imaging, “breast imaging
is really very unique because it is such an emotionally charged issue.” Every woman prescribed
to have a diagnostic mammogram because of an abnormal screening result is a “bundle of fear,”
she explains. Expediting the care for women so that conclusive answers can be drawn quickly
helps eliminate the amount of time between
Screening vs. Diagnostic Mammogram
appointments, when worry can run rampant.
While digital mammograms are offered at A screening mammogram is an x-ray of the
all three locations, Pinheiro says that the breast used to detect breast changes in
Hospital chose to centralize the problem-solving women who have no signs or symptoms of
mammograms at the Fern Hill location to make breast cancer. It usually involves two x-rays
of each breast. A diagnostic mammogram is
it simpler for patients. The Exton and Kennett
an x-ray of the breast that is used to check
Square offices perform screening mammograms.
for breast cancer after a lump or other sign
The Hospital recently launched its Accelerated or symptom of breast cancer has been found.
Diagnostic Breast Examination initiative so that A diagnostic mammogram involves more
women who have a questionable lump can x-rays in order to obtain views of the breast
be scheduled for an urgent appointment within
from several angles. After a diagnostic mammogram,
the Radiologist will personally
24 to 48 hours of receiving a prescription from
discuss the results with the patient.
their doctor.
(Source: National Cancer Institute)
“I’ve worked with plenty of women who
started with an abnormal screening mammogram,” says Pinheiro, “who came back for x-ray images,
had a biopsy and then had a diagnosis within a week.” This helps quickly alleviate any misguided
fears or put women with a true abnormal finding on the right path for care immediately.
To accomplish this, there must be synergy between the patient, her doctor, her radiologist and
her specialists, such as breast surgeons and oncologists. Since women’s health includes more than just
the breast, the patient’s team may extend to a gynecologic oncologist or urogynecologist.
Breast Care Coordinator Cynthia Brown, RN, BSN, and Cancer Care Coordinator January
Pasquantonio, RN, BSN, MA, work with patients to help them navigate the health system so that
patients are not misdirected or confused during their course of care.
Brown says, “Anytime a woman has an abnormal diagnostic mammogram, the radiologist and
I speak with her in our private consultation room before she leaves. Right there, I either schedule her
for an ultrasound-guided biopsy, or I will make her an appointment to see a breast surgeon for a

BREAST CANCER RISK ASSESSMENT TOOL
This tool helps calculate a women’s lifetime risk,
consultation within 48 hours.” Gone are
the days where women were left alone to
as well as her yearly risk. If the lifetime risk is figure out for themselves what to do and
greater than 20–25%, most health and insurance
organizations will consider her“high risk.” The
where to go when a possible diagnosis of
Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool is based on cancer is on the line. “I follow them along
a statistical model. To take the test online, the continuum of care to make sure they
search “Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool”
are okay,” she says.
at www.cancer.gov.
Certified in oncology nursing, the
1 Do you have a medical history of any breast scope of Brown’s role includes calling the
cancer, abnormal cell growth in the milk duct,
patient’s primary physician and gynecologist
to share the findings and plan for in-
or abnormal cell growth in the lobular ducts of
the breast?
2 What is your age?
tervention. She secures the digital images
3 What was your age at the time of your
first menstrual period?
for the surgeons; she follows up after the
surgical visit; she meets with the patient
4 What was your age at the time of your first
live birth of a child?
prior to the biopsy; she schedules all
the subsequent appointments; and she
5 How many of your first-degree relatives – mother,
sisters, daughters – have had breast cancer?
provides education about the Hospital’s
suite of resources for wellness and support,
6 Have you ever had a breast biopsy?
until a clean bill of health is received.
a. If yes, how many breast biopsies
“I try to meet our patients at their
(positive or negative) have you had?
appointments when they are likely to be
b. If yes, have you had at least one breast
the most nervous. I meet them at their
biopsy with atypical hyperplasia?
7 What is your race/ethnicity?
mammogram. I meet them before their
biopsy. And, if it is part of their plan of
care, I meet them at their first chemotherapy treatment, because that is when patients are anxiety
ridden,” she adds. Some of the women she helps are still awaiting a diagnosis, but about half
of the women have confirmed breast cancer.
Pasquantonio, who holds a master’s degree in holistic nursing, guides patients with all
types of cancer other than the breast. She supports women and men. She, too, facilitates
collaboration between multiple medical specialties and bridges the communication gap between
all related physicians.
“As a practitioner,” she says, “I’ve seen the problems patients have going through the stress of a
diagnosis like cancer. It is overwhelming for them. I handle the details, so they can focus on being
well and having time to recover.” She is often asked if there is a fee for the care coordinator service.
Since it is a Hospital-provided service, there is no charge to the patients or their health insurance.
Pasquantonio and Brown are the links between the Women’s Imaging Center and the Women’s
Specialty Center, the Hospital’s newest service. Also located at the Fern Hill Medical Campus, the
Women’s Specialty Center provides medical care in a unique setting that combines the expertise
of breast surgery, urogynecology and gynecologic-oncology.
Breast Surgeon Pamela Scott, MD, says, “The whole concept behind the Center is to have a
physical space identified as a place for women’s healthcare. The fact that Imaging is in the same
building, as well as one of the Hospital’s obstetrics-gynecology practices, makes it much easier
for women to pick up their studies, for the doctors to communicate between each other and for
us to review things with patients.” Dr. Scott, Medical Director of the Breast Health Program, and
fellowship-trained breast surgeon Susan Chang, MD, have provided clinical leadership as
members of the Hospital’s Breast Health Taskforce. The Taskforce was instrumental in the
establishment of the Women’s Specialty Center.
continued ➔
Cynthia Brown,
Breast Care Coordinator
Pamela Scott, MD, and Susan
Chang, MD, Breast Surgeons
January Pasquantonio,
Cancer Care Coordinator
Waleed Shalaby, MD,
Gynecology Oncologist
5

C O O R D I N A T I O N
O F C A R E
F O R W O M E N
The following services of The Chester
County Hospital work cooperatively to
ensure there is seamless integration of
care and speedier time to treatment.
• Women’s Imaging Center –
Radiology offers the highest quality
imaging equipment read by expert
radiologists, all of whom are members
of the University of Pennsylvania’s
Department of Radiology staff.
• Pathology/Laboratory – Accredited
by the College of American Pathologists,
the lab enjoys a reputation for excellence.
• Breast Surgery
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Urogynecology
• Gynecologic Oncology
• Hematology/Oncology and
Radiation Oncology – The Chester
County Hospital is a member of the
University of Pennsylvania Cancer Network.
• Pelvic Health Program – A multidisciplinary
team of clinicians work with
patients with pelvic health concerns to
create a personalized treatment plan.
• Lymphedema Treatment Program –
A short-term program, physical therapists
develop an individualized plan of care to
treat lymphedema.
• Accelerated Diagnostic
Breast Evaluation
• Care Coordinators
• Genetics Counseling
• Integrative Pain Management
• Wellness Programs and
Support Groups
6 S Y N A P S E
The Women’s Specialty Center is the
new model for women’s healthcare and
revolves around the ease of access, communication
and patient-centered care.
Conceptualized by women for women,
the new Center immerses its patients
in a restorative atmosphere from the
moment they step through the door.
One of the Hospital’s newest attending
David P. Singer, MD
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
physicians is Waleed Shalaby, Care Extends to Breast Reconstruction
MD, PhD, Gynecologic Oncologist. Dr.
Shalaby treats patients whose imaging
“Women who have had a mastectomy need a
silver lining,” says David P. Singer, MD, Plastic
and Reconstructive Surgeon. Dr. Singer is one
results from abdominal or pelvic ultrasounds,
CT scans or MRI tests confirm
of just two specially-trained physicians in the
entire Philadelphia region performing the most
they have cervical, ovarian or other modern options in breast reconstructive
gynecologic cancer.
“It’s important to give women access
to an array of sub-specialists who can
surgery – Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator
(DIEP) Flap and Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator
(SGAP) Flap. Alternatives to traditional
implants and muscle-tissue replacement, these
manage their care as they make their way
options use skin and fatty tissue from the
through the healthcare system,” he says.
tummy or the upper buttocks, respectively,
“It’s not just about medical care, but also
helping women with related issues they
face when they get home. Women need
to have access to their care providers.
to rebuild the breast(s). Some patients may
qualify to have a mastectomy and reconstructive
surgery simultaneously. The Hospital’s
breast surgeons can identify current patients
who qualify for the DIEP or SGAP procedures
It’s about giving them a much more
based on the stage of the cancer, as well
tailored approach.”
as the patient’s overall health. Dr. Singer
The essence of the Hospital’s and his colleagues – Paul S. Kim, MD, Gary
coordinated services is that women who
have a questionable breast lump or those
F. Wingate, MD and Albert Harris, MD –
have been performing this surgery for two
who have an abnormal gynecological
years at The Chester County Hospital.
test result can get the diagnosis confirmation
TO LEARN MORE, CALL 610–524–8244.
they need in an expedited fashion. Whether a woman is receiving care from the
Women’s Imaging Center or the Women’s Specialty Center, she can be assured that she will
receive consultation and a synchronized plan of action from specialists within a matter of
days, rather than weeks. The care coordinators will facilitate conversations across multiple
specialties, make appointments, provide resources and support, and help the patient
through the full continuum of their care.
“I think this fresh approach will resonate with women facing cancer,” says Dr. Shalaby.
“Patients bond with their care providers. They look for compassionate experts to talk to
them, hold their hand, and guide them.”
Integrated care, expedited time to diagnosis and treatment, and a warm and
empathetic environment conducive to healing are the goals. All of these are performed with
the patient – specifically the female patient – in mind.
Article by Lisa M. Huffman
Research by Kristine A. Conner
IF YOU NEED US, WE ARE HERE. VISIT THE WOMEN’S HEALTH
SECTION OF WWW.CCHOSP.COM TO LEARN MORE.

Points
P R I D E
Departmental Achievements Around the House
Generous Grant Broadens
the Reach of NHA’s Services
The Pennsylvania State Department of Health has generously
granted the Neighborhood Health Agencies, Inc. $250,000
\to develop a Home Visiting Nurse Practitioner program.
This program provides primary healthcare to low-income populations
in Chester County designated as medically underserved. The grant
will be used to set up a home office base in one of the medically underserved
locations, to establish the ability to make house calls, and
to provide access and education to skilled nursing, assisted living and
aggregate housing facilities.These direct on-site visits will increase
access to care by having the Medical Practitioner come to the home
of the patient who otherwise would be unable to access a health
provider, and may often end up in an Emergency Department.
Cancer Data Center
Recognized for Achievement
The Cancer Data Center received a certificate of achievement
from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry (PCR). The PCR awarded
this certificate to only 35 hospitals in the State of Pennsylvania for
meeting the timeliness standard of submitting at least 90% of our
cancer cases to the PCR within 180 days of discharge or outpatient
treatment. The Pennsylvania Department of Health Disease Reporting
Regulations mandates this standard. By meeting the benchmark,
our Hospital has directly influenced the availability of more timely
statewide cancer incidence data.
New Physical Therapy Program
Physical Rehabilitation, in conjunction with the orthopedic service line
and Neighborhood Health Agencies Inc., is beginning a patient-care program
called “Start Strong – Stay Strong.” It provides an integrated
and intensified program of education and treatment options for patients
undergoing total joint replacement. Recommended by the orthopedic
surgeons, it begins with a home safety assessment by Neighborhood
Health Agencies, pre-surgical outpatient rehabilitation to address physical
limitations, and a pre-surgical education class. Following surgery,
Physical Therapy offers more intense home care and outpatient care.
Cardiac Rehab Honored
as a 25-year Leader
The Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department received a
Service Recognition Award from Nursing Enrichment Consultants,
Inc. for its 25 years of Continuous Service as a Leader in
Cardiac Rehabilitation.
Award Received for Excellent
Wound Care Treatment
THE WOUND CARE AND HYPERBARIC MEDICINE CENTER
EARNED THE DIVERSIFIED CLINICAL SERVICES CENTER OF
DISTINCTION AWARD BY DELIVERING OUTSTANDING
RESULTS DURING 2008. THE AWARD IS IN RECOGNITION OF
MEETING OR EXCEEDING COMPANY BENCHMARKS IN
HEALING OUTCOMES, PATIENT SATISFACTION, OUTLIER
MANAGEMENT, DAYS TO HEAL, AND ACCESS TO CARE. OF THE
300 ELIGIBLE FACILITIES NATIONWIDE, THE CHESTER COUNTY
HOSPITAL’S WOUND CARE CENTER WAS ONE AMONG FIVE
LOCATIONS TO RECEIVE THE HONOR FOR 2008,
AND IT WAS THE ONLY ONE IN PENNSYLVANIA TO BE
RECOGNIZED. “THIS REALLY DOES REPRESENT THE BEST OF
THE BEST,” SAID JEFF NELSON, CEO OF DIVERSIFIED.
T H E C H E S T E R C O U N T Y H O S P I T A L 7

Welcome
N E W P H Y S I C I A N S
A T T E N D I N G
S T A F F
Joseph Acri, DO, Department of Medicine,
Section of Internal Medicine. Dr. Acri graduated
from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic
Medicine, and completed an internship
and residency at Community General Osteopathic
Hospital in Harrisburg. Dr. Acri is Board
Certified in Internal Medicine and has joined
Hospital Care Specialists.
Susan Chang, MD,
Department of Surgery,
Section of General Surgery.
Dr. Chang graduated
from Temple
University School of
Medicine, and completed
an internship and residency at UMDNJ-
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a
breast surgery fellowship at John Wayne Cancer
Institute in California. Dr. Chang is Board
Certified in General Surgery and has joined
Surgical Specialists, PC.
Glenn Ereso, MD,
Department of Surgery,
Section of Anesthesiology.
Dr. Ereso graduated
from the Virginia
Commonwealth University
School of Medicine,
completed an internship at Abington
Memorial Hospital and a residency at Thomas
Jefferson University Hospital. Dr. Ereso has
joined West Chester Anesthesia Associates.
Chad Friedman,
DPM, Department of
Surgery, Section of
Podiatry. Dr. Friedman
graduated from the
Temple University
School of Podiatric
Medicine, and completed a residency at
Washington Hospital Center in Washington,
DC. Dr. Friedman has joined Podiatry Care
Specialists, PC.
Laura Lasley, MD,
Department of Pediatrics,
Section of
Neonatology. Dr. Lasley
graduated from Northwestern
University in
Chicago, completed
an internship and residency at Children’s
Hospital of Los Angeles and a fellowship at
Women & Infant’s Hospital of Rhode Island in
Providence. Dr. Lasley is Board Certified in
Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine and has joined
the Hospital’s neonatology practice, CHOP
Newborn Care.
Raghuram Mallya,
MD, Department of
Medicine, Section of
Cardiology. Dr. Mallya
graduated from
UMDNJ-New Jersey
Medical School and
completed an internship, residency and fellowship
at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
Dr. Mallya is Board Certified in Internal
Medicine and has joined Chester County
Cardiology Associates.
Matthew Sewell,
MD, Department of
Medicine, Section of
Cardiology. Dr. Sewell
graduated from the
University of Virginia
School of Medicine
and completed an internship and residency at
the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
and a fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University
Hospital. Dr. Sewell is Board Certified in
Internal Medicine and has joined Chester
County Cardiology Associates.
Jason Tatka, DO, Department of Pediatrics,
Section of Neonatology. Dr. Tatka graduated
from Midwestern University in Chicago,
completed an internship at the Philadelphia
College of Osteopathic Medicine, a residency
at Christ Hospital and Medical Center and a
fellowship at Loyola University Medical Center,
both in Illinois. Dr. Tatka is Board Certified
in Pediatrics and has joined the Hospital’s
neonatology practice, CHOP Newborn Care.
Nestor Veitia, MD, Department of Surgery,
Section of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Veitia graduated
from Jefferson Medical College, completed
an internship and residency at
Pennsylvania Hospital and a fellowship at the
University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Veitia’s practice is
located in Chadds Ford.
Susan Ward, MD,
Department of Medicine,
Section of
Rheumatology. Dr.
Ward graduated from
Jefferson Medical
College, completed
an internship and residency at Bryn Mawr
Hospital and a fellowship at Thomas Jefferson
University Hospital. Dr. Ward is Board Certified
in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology
and has an office in Exton.
8 S Y N A P S E

C O U R T E S Y
S T A F F
Abass Alavi, MD, Department of Radiology.
Dr. Alavi graduated from the Tehran University
of Medical Sciences and Health
Services in Tehran, Iran, completed an internship
and residency at Albert Einstein Medical
Center in Philadelphia and a fellowship at the
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr.
Alavi is Board Certified in Nuclear Medicine
and is part of the Penn Radiology service at
The Chester County Hospital.
Michelle Alonso-Basanta, MD, Department
of Radiology, Section of Radiation Oncology.
Dr. Alonso-Basanta graduated from
New York University School of Medicine
where he also completed an internship and
residency, and is part of the Penn Radiology
service at The Chester County Hospital.
Marc Awobuluyi, MD, Department of Radiology.
Dr. Awobuluyi graduated from Harvard
University School of Medicine,
completed an internship at Massachusetts
General Hospital and a residency and fellowship
at the University of San Francisco School
of Medicine. Dr. Awobuluyi is Board Certified
in Radiology and is part of the Penn Radiology
service at The Chester County Hospital.
Jeffrey Friedman, MD, Department of
Medicine, Section of Physical Medicine. Dr.
Friedman graduated from Albany Medical
College in New York, completed an internship
at Crozer-Chester Medical Center and a residency
at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
Dr. Friedman is Board Certified in Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation. He has an office
in Malvern.
Mitchell Smith, MD, Department of Radiology.
Dr. Smith graduated from Tulane University
School of Medicine in Louisiana,
completed an internship at Carilion Health
Systems in Virginia and a residency at the
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.
Dr. Smith is Board Certified in Radiology
and is part of the Penn Radiology service at
The Chester County Hospital.
Stefan Tachev, MD, Department of Medicine,
Section of Nephrology. Dr. Tachev graduated
from the Medical University of Sofia in
Bulgaria, and completed an internship, residency
and fellowship at Drexel University
College of Medicine/Hahnemann University
Hospital. Dr. Tachev is Board Certified in Internal
Medicine and Nephrology. He has
joined Clinical Renal Associates.
Rachel Montgomery, DDS for Courtesy
Staff, Department of Surgery, Section of Dentistry
(Pediatric). Dr. Montgomery graduated
from the University of Texas Dental Branch at
Houston and completed a residency at Boston
University. Dr. Montgomery has joined Children’s
Dental Health Associates.
C O U R T E S Y
for coverage only
S T A F F
Scott Uretsky, MD, Department of
Medicine, Section of Neurology. Dr. Uretsky
graduated from SUNY Downstate School of
Medicine in New York, completed an internship
and residency at the University of Pittsburgh
Medical Center and a fellowship at
Wills Eye Hospital. Dr. Uretsky has joined
Neuro Care Associates.
A F F I L I A T E
S T A F F
Martha Brinsfield, MD, Department of
Family Practice. Dr. Brinsfield graduated from
Jefferson Medical College, and completed an
internship and residency at Thomas Jefferson
University Hospital. Dr. Brinsfield is Board
Certified in Family Practice and has joined
Kennett Family Practice.
Sam Cheng, MD, Department of Radiology.
Dr. Cheng graduated from Mount Sinai
School of Medicine in New York, completed
an internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital and a
residency at Albany Medical Center, both in
New York. He also completed a fellowship at
New Haven Hospital in Connecticut. Dr.
Cheng is Board Certified in Radiology and is
part of the Penn Radiology service at The
Chester County Hospital.
Jeffrey Citara, DO, Department of Medicine,
Section of Physical Medicine. Dr. Citara
graduated from the Philadelphia College of
Osteopathic Medicine, completed an internship
at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Philadelphia
and a residency at Baylor College of Medicine
in Texas. Dr. Citara has joined Chester
County Orthopaedic Associates, Ltd.
D E N T A L S T A F F
Paul Bahn, DMD for Courtesy Staff, Department
of Surgery, Section of Dentistry (Pediatric).
Dr. Bahn graduated from Temple
University School of Dentistry where he also
completed a residency. Dr. Bahn has joined
Chester County Dentistry for Children.
Carla Guzman, DDS for Courtesy Staff,
Department of Surgery, Section of Dentistry
(Pediatric). Dr. Guzman graduated from the
University of Maryland Baltimore College of
Dental Surgery and completed a residency at
Cincinnati Children’s Medical Hospital Center.
Dr. Guzman has joined Children’s Dental
Health Associates.
These physicians hold Medical Staff privileges at
The Chester County Hospital but are not necessarily
employees of The Health Network of The Chester
County Hospital or its affiliates.
Complimentary
MEDICAL DIRECTORY
Contact the Corporate Marketing
office at jbixler@cchosp.com.
T H E C H E S T E R C O U N T Y H O S P I T A L 9

F E A T U R E
HIGH-TECH DIGITAL IMAGING REPLACES OLD-SCHOOL FILMS
The doctors and nurses of The Chester County Hospital
do not claim to have super powers...
■ WE ARE NOT ACTUALLY FASTER THAN A SPEEDING BULLET.
■ WE ARE NOT LITERALLY MORE POWERFUL THAN A LOCOMOTIVE.
■ WE CANNOT TRULY LEAP TALL BUILDINGS IN A SINGLE BOUND.
But, now that the Hospital is well-equipped with a super new digital
imaging system, it is coming close to having one of the television hero’s
most well-known capabilities.
Before, we just had x-ray films; now, we have x-ray vision. Or rather,
we’ve successfully implemented our vision for imaging technology to
provide greater speed, power and accessibility. The Picture Archiving
and Communication System (PACS) uses digital software created by
Siemens® Medical to computerize the storage and viewing of new radiology
films and reports.
Anyone who has had x-rays taken knows how it was done the “old way.”
First, you would have your x-ray taken, either at the Hospital or at an offsite
location, then you’d wait. And, wait. Our average wait time was a respectable
30 minutes, but with busy schedules and stressful
anticipation, that half-hour could seem like eons to you.Then, after your
films were ready, you became the messenger carrying your precious
films with you wherever the doctor sent you next.
The old way, there was just one set of films, and it could only be viewed
in whatever single location it currently resided. Think of it as Kodachrome®
slide film. It took a long time to develop the sole copy at the
local Fotomat®; it could be viewed only when the appropriate light
source was available; and it had limited detail.
The old way is to slide film, as the new way is to digital photography.
Faster than a speeding bullet
The wait is over. Literally. The wait for your images to be ready is a thing
of the past.
“Like a digital picture, radiology images are now instantly available,”
says Michael Ward, PACS Administrator for the Hospital. “This is going
to help patients get in and get out faster.” Not only will their wait-time
be reduced, but with the Radiology Department’s high-volume CT scanners
that capture the digital images, the amount of time a patient needs
to spend having images taken is also greatly decreased.
Of all the benefits the PACS system affords, the patient will most
likely notice the speed in which their images will be ready for viewing.
Once the CT scanner captures the image, it is sent and stored directly
in Radiology’s database, making it available to the clinical team faster
than ever.
Affiliations and Partnerships
The Chester County Hospital Department of Radiology combines
the capabilities of the latest technology with the international reputation
of the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Radiology.
For nearly a decade, the Hospital has been a partner of
Siemens to bring advanced medical technology to our patients,
often before other hospitals in the area. The most notable
technology is the Hospital-wide Soarian® system that allows
digitized patient medical records to be accessed and maintained
from all clinical workstations. In essence, your electronic medical
record (EMR) travels with you throughout The Health Network of
The Chester County Hospital. EMR is a hot topic among politicians
eager to move healthcare into the digital age. The Chester County
Hospital has already implemented this technology.
10 S Y N A P S E

More powerful than a locomotive
“For our Radiologists,” says Paul Morris, Jr., Radiology Imaging
System (RIS) Administrator for the Hospital, “their entire lives have
been dedicated to reading film, and we’ve shaken their world.” But,
the enthusiasm our Radiologists have for this new technology is
inspiring, he adds, because the clarity of the digital images gives them
the power to isolate more depth and detail in the x-rays. The greater
the clarity; the greater the accuracy.
Another strength of the PACS system is that it seamlessly integrates
with the Radiology Information System (RIS) and the Voice
Recognition System (VRS). RIS and VRS are both components of
Siemen’s Syngo® technology, as is PACS. Physicians reading the
digital x-rays can record their clinical analysis directly into the
digital file while viewing the image, ensuring their verbal description
is saved to the patient’s record with the image itself.
Another benefit of the new system is that as old films are requested
from storage, they are then scanned as well.
“Once they are digitized, they are always in the system,” says
Rob Smith, Consulting Project Manager for the Syngo® suite. As the
Hospital’s Siemens representative, Smith worked on-site throughout
Radiology’s transition to troubleshoot any technical issues with the
cutting-edge system before it went live last year.
“Not many community-based Hospitals have technology like this,”
he shares.“The Chester County Hospital is among the few healthcare
facilities at the forefront of this technical advancement.”
The Hospital offers state-of-the art outpatient Radiology
services in West Chester, Exton and Kennett Square. For
locations, visit www.cchosp.com/directions. Other imaging
services available include Ultrasound, CT Scanning, Digital
Mammography, DEXA, MRI, 64-slice CT and Breast MRI.
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION William J. Barry, MD, Radiologist,
analyzes the images on the multi-panel screen while digitally
recording his findings into the patient’s record.
Able to leap tall buildings
in a single bound
From the ground floor to the top floor, the digital nature of the images
will allow them to be shared and viewed at any workstation in the
Health Network simultaneously. Greater accessibility also reduces
wait time.
For patients, the other most notable difference will be that they are
no longer the film’s courier. Because the images are digital, the
Radiology report should arrive to your doctor’s office before you walk
through their door. This reduces the obligation on the patient to be
responsible for the single set of films, and ensures the images are
not misplaced during transport.
The main goal of this technological innovation is to better serve the
health needs of the community by eliminating unnecessary delays and
by giving the clinical team greater capability to read detailed images
with more accuracy. The Chester County Hospital has fully adopted
this new vision for x-ray imaging advancement. Although it might
require more technical equipment than the “man of steel” variety,
our “x-ray vision” gives our Radiologists the same powerful ability
to positively affect the residents of our very own “Metropolis” –
Chester County.
By Lisa M. Huffman
THE WAIT IS OVER. CALL 610-431-5131 TO SCHEDULE AN
APPOINTMENT WITH RADIOLOGY.
T H E C H E S T E R C O U N T Y H O S P I T A L 11

The Hearts
of our Heroes
PROTECTING THE HEALTH OF THOSE WHO PROTECT US
The West Whiteland Fire Company had not lost a firefighter in the “lineof-duty”
since 1953, but in 2006 a member was directing traffic at the
scene of a house fire when he had a fatal heart attack. It is this kind of
crisis The Chester County Hospital hopes to prevent through outreach
and cardiovascular education programs, such as Heart Tracks.
Heart Tracks has been in place for five years, and works in conjunction
with the Hospital’s CardioVascular Center, Cardiac Rehabilitation,
and Outpatient Nutrition programs, as well as the Chester County
Health Department. “We wanted to expand what we were doing in
the community regarding heart disease prevention,” explains Susan
Pizzi, the Community Health Educator for the program.
After a successful initial screening program conducted as part of
the Hospital’s annual heart awareness event, Pizzi and Julie Funk,
Director of Community Outreach and Education, put together a
Hospital team composed of several cardiovascular professionals
including nurse educators, dietitians and physicians—to offer the
program both on and off campus at local YMCAs, businesses, and
medical offices. In 2008, the Hospital teamed up with two local fire
companies to bring Heart Tracks directly to local firefighters.
“While many people are well aware of a firefighter’s job-related
hazards, most do not know that nearly half of all deaths experienced
by on-duty firefighters are actually caused by heart disease,” says
Gregg Neithardt, MD, Cardiologist. “Studies show that the greatest
risk for heart-related death is during fire suppression, followed by
returning from an alarm, and then by responding to an alarm,” he says.
He adds that blood pressure and cholesterol screenings are critical
for emergency workers who routinely experience stressful situations,
which in turn puts their heart at risk especially if they have undiagnosed
coronary disease.
Bud Turner, President of West Whiteland Fire Company (and Fire
Chief during the 2006 tragedy), recognized that his company needed
to take steps in line with the U.S. Fire Administration’s emphasis on
physical fitness. “Of the 115 or so firefighter deaths in the line of
duty nationally last year, some 58% were heart related,” explains
Mr. Turner. When he learned about the Hospital’s Heart Tracks program,
it was just what the company needed.
Individuals attending Heart Tracks are assessed for their risk of
heart disease and diabetes. The program components include a blood
pressure screening, weight and body fat evaluations, Ankle Brachial
Index (a tool to screen for heart disease), and cholesterol, HDL and
blood sugar screenings. Each participant meets with a member of the
professional team who reviews the screening results, discusses their
risk and develops a personalized care plan to give meaning and direction
to the results.
It was during a screening at First West Chester Fire Company that
the team saw first-hand the affect of a call on a firefighter’s heart. A 20-
year-old firefighter was having his blood pressure checked—with results
that were perfectly normal—when the company received an
emergency call. Within seconds, the nurse saw his blood pressure spike.
Assistant Fire Chief Dale McClure of First West Chester describes
the ongoing stressors that volunteer firefighters face. In 2008, his
company, one of three in West Chester, responded to 523 calls. As of
early-March, his company already had 116 calls, each requiring at least
one hour, in addition to the three-hour trainings they do each week.
The time and physicality of the work are rigorous.
“Since firefighters are routinely under extreme stress,” says Dr. Neithardt,
“they may develop symptoms or complications from their heart
disease that would remain silent in others. A heart attack may occur
because the stress causes a plaque to rupture or simply because their
heart cannot keep up with the demand placed on it.” Lifestyle factors
such as diet, exercise, and use of tobacco products take on even more
significance. “The advantage of an outreach program like Heart
Tracks,” he says, “is that it gives a chance to screen early on for
any risk factors so that heart disease can be prevented.”
12 S Y N A P S E

More than 30 members of First West Chester took part in the Heart
Tracks program. The West Whiteland station had nearly 75%
participation in the voluntary program, with more than 40
participants. Spouses from both stations also participated.
“The program was actually fun,” says Mr. Turner. “The people
from the Hospital truly became a catalyst for ongoing change in our
company.” The experience led to a twice-weekly company program
with a personal trainer to help our members get in better physical
shape. “This has led to a leaner, healthier force,” he says.
Other participants have come back to the Heart Tracks Program
for re-screening and have reported significant lifestyle changes because
of their prior assessment. Many report they have lost those
extra pounds or have started walking regularly. “One recent attendee
followed up with his doctor and soon after underwent an
angioplasty to repair a blood vessel,” notes Funk. “We’re so proud
to play a continuing role in helping members of our community to
take better care of themselves.”
McClure says, “Many of the people in our company were surprised
that their overall health was better than they expected,
but they were also able to learn about little changes that could
make a big difference.” The Hospital plans to continue
supporting the lifestyle changes of these two fire companies
and to extend this effort to the other two West
Chester companies in the near future.
Heart Tracks is one of many outreach program
offered by the Hospital with the goal of keeping
our community well. Wellness education for
heart health goes hand-in-hand with the
Hospital’s full spectrum of cardiovascular
services, which include diagnostic testing
(i.e. electrocardiogram or ECG) and
interventional procedures (i.e. cardiac
surgery), for which it has a clinical
affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.
Together, these programs are supporting
the heart health needs of Chester
County residents.
By Alison Rooney
Tobacco Grant Allows for Free
Smoking Cessation Programs
The Community Health Education Department at The Chester
County Hospital has been involved with the development and implementation
of tobacco prevention and cessation programs for
youth and adults for more than 10 years. These programs consist
of multiple interventions involving families, schools and the community
at large. There are four essential components: building
strong community-based partnerships; reducing exposure to environmental
tobacco smoke; reducing youth initiation to tobacco;
and promoting cessation services to adults and youth. In 2008,
the Hospital applied for and received a grant from the Health Promotion
Council and the Pennsylvania Department of Health to
fund these and new programs. The grant awarded was $180,000
over a 21-month timeframe. In addition to Heart Tracks, the firefighters
have also been welcomed to participate in the Hospital’s
smoking cessation educational initiative – Stop Smoking Now!
Because of the grant, the Hospital is able to offer Stop Smoking
Now! and nicotine replacement therapies for free.
WANT TO GET TO THE
HEART OF THE MATTER?
CALL 610.738.2300 TO LEARN MORE
ABOUT OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
WITH THE HEART TRACKS PROGRAM.
Pictured: The firefighters of First West Chester.
T H E C H E S T E R C O U N T Y H O S P I T A L 13

movers shakers newsmakers
GEM Premier 4000
Premiers in the NICU
The MOMS Club of Downingtown East, the Benton family and Hospital staff
celebrated the unveiling of the GEM Premier 4000 earlier this year. Purchased
with proceeds from the MOMS Club cookbook – Sugar and Spice and
MOMS Club Delights – and the 2nd Annual Golf Invitational, the GEM
Premier 4000 conducts rapid blood testing for newborns with a fraction of
the sample required for traditional testing.
Fore Health Golf Classic
The 23rd Annual Fore Health Golf Classic was held on September
23 at the beautiful White Manor Country Club. The event paired a
great day of golf with a fall beer tasting by Victory Brewing Company
and raised more than $35,000.
In Memoriam: Jean M. Reidnour
The Hospital mourns the loss of Jean M. Reidnour, who passed away
in late September. Jean had a distinguished career and lived a life of
“service above self.” After 24 years of service at The Chester County
Hospital, she retired in 1982 as Vice President for Nursing Affairs. She
was responsible for the entire Nursing Service and School of Nursing.
During her career in West Chester, she served on the boards of the
American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross, the Visiting Nurses
Association, and local and state nursing organizations. She served a
term as president of the Pennsylvania Nurses Association. She retired
from the Hospital, highly respected by the Board of Directors, Medical
Staff and Hospital family.
The Benton’s started the Invitational to honor the life of their late son, Henry,
and the outstanding care and medical expertise offered in the Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Each year, with the help of the MOMS Club, the
Benton’s raise funds to benefit Women’s and Children’s Health. The GEM
Premier 4000 is an amazing piece of technology and a truly generous gift. To
sponsor or participate in this year’s golf outing on June 8, call 610-431-5329.
Pictured: Kelly Hornak and Jen Coughlin of the MOMS Club, joined H.L. Perry
Pepper, Hospital President, and Andy Benton with the GEM Premier 4000.
14 S Y N A P S E

SHiNE
On October 18, the historic Winterthur Estate sparkled as the annual
SHiNE dinner dance raised $150,000 to support patients of The
Cancer Program. SHiNE funds created the position of Cancer Care
Coordinator at the Cancer Center, and it pays for prescription and
transportation assistance.
Chester County Day
Always the first Saturday in October, the 67th Chester County Day
House Tour showcased homes in the southwest quadrant of the county
that ran the gamut in age, architecture, landscaping and décor. The tour
truly represented the unique character of Chester County, and with more
than 3,000 guests, raised an impressive $115,000 for the Hospital.
Gifford Photography
Pictured: Lisa Hayes celebrates with Kim Lamb when her key
was drawn to win the lease for a brand new 2009 Jaguar XF
donated by Jaguar Land Rover West Chester at last year’s SHiNE.
From the Bottom
of their Huggy Hearts
The students of Penn State University’s Brandywine Campus
donated 246 Heart Huggy Pillows to The CardioVascular Unit (CVU).
The patients use the pillows for compression to stabilize their incision
when they cough, sneeze or change positions. This was the Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day of Service project of senior Emily Robb (pictured).
Emily, who also had members of the community assisting with the
pillow project, says her goal was to create awareness about the importance
of the pillows and to make sure every patient in our CVU is able
to have one this year. The Hospital distributes about 25 pillows each
month. The quantity Penn State donated so far will last until the fall.
Our gratitude goes to Emily, Penn State and everyone who shared their
heart with the patients in the CVU.
Dilworthtown Inn Wine Festival
Perfect weather, gourmet cuisine, great shopping and delicious wine
complemented the pristine scenery surrounding the Dilworthtown
Inn for the 17th Annual Wine Festival on October 12. The event
raised more than $46,000 to support The Cancer Program and
Neighborhood Hospice.
T H E C H E S T E R C O U N T Y H O S P I T A L 15

C H A R I T A B L E
G I V I N G
Health Wealth Wisdom
16 S Y N A P S E
The Women’s Specialty Center benefits
from the generosity of two philanthropists
ALL IN THE FAMILY: Pat and John Celii (pictured right) with daughter
Jacqui and her husband, Mark Friday, and granddaughter,
Ashley, at the Women’s Specialty Center dedication.
The Celii’s daughter Stephanie was unable to attend.
Health services for women need
to complement a woman’s life. It
serves women well, especially
those who are facing a possible
cancer diagnosis, to be scheduled
for appointments quickly
and to have specialists and
services centrally located.
The Hospital wholeheartedly
believes in this comprehensive
and convenient approach to
healthcare. In 2008, it conceptualized
a specialty center for
women, with a price tag of
$500,000, but knew the project
would have to wait until funding
was available.
About the same time, the Chester County Community Foundation
reached out to the Hospital to say that one of its donors
was interested in supporting a medical project in the county and
wanted to learn about the Hospital’s needs. The Community
Foundation, whose mission is “to connect people who care with
causes that matter,” introduced The Chester County Hospital to
Patricia and John Celii.
Mr. Celii says, “Knowing that we love living in Chester County
and that we have an interest in healthcare programs that could
benefit the county, the Community Foundation recommended
that we support The Chester County Hospital.”
Of the Hospital’s many worthy projects the Celii family could
have supported, the Women’s Specialty Center resonated most
with Mr. and Mrs. Celii and their two daughters, Jacqui and
Stephanie. As a family, they have personally struggled with coordinating
medical conversations between multiple specialties. Like
many, they have felt the frustration of traveling from location-tolocation
within one day’s time to see various doctors in the city
and the suburbs.
The Women’s Specialty Center provides the compassionate
guidance women need in a unique medical setting that combines
the expertise of breast surgery, urogynecology and gynecologiconcology
in one convenient
location at the Fern Hill Medical
Campus in West Chester.
Mrs. Celii says, “We are very
excited that The Chester County
Hospital has placed a priority on
providing an innovative and
state-of-the-art environment for
female patients who face various
illnesses.”
The commitment of $250,000
from the Patricia C. and John
Celii, Jr. Medical Research Fund,
administered by the Community
Foundation, was the first step toward
fulfilling the concept of the
Women’s Specialty Center. With
half the amount needed for the project in hand, the Celii’s issued a
challenge to find other donors that would match their gift.
Within a few short weeks, a second, equally generous donor
stepped forward and matched the $250,000 donation, dollar-fordollar.
Requesting to remain anonymous, this long-time supporter
of The Chester County Hospital chose to meet the challenge to
fund the Center because he too believes in the fresh philosophy
of care this program offers women.
At the celebration of the opening of the Center in February,
Hospital President H.L. Perry Pepper said, “We are very appreciative
of the Celii family’s generous gift and that of our anonymous
benefactor. Through their leadership, we are able to
establish the Women’s Specialty Center.”
Conceptualized by women for women, the Center immerses
its patients in a restorative atmosphere from the moment they step
through the door. From the rapport with the entire team to the
décor of the facility, the Center is a place for comfort and healing.
“We are happy to be able to give, and it’s really good to know
that people will benefit from a coordinated care program,” says
Mr. Celii.
By Lisa M. Huffman
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU TOO MAY SUPPORT
THE CHESTER COUNTY HOSPITAL, CALL 610–431–5108.

B U I L D I N G U P D A T E
West Pavilion Expansion
THE LONG-TERM DEMAND FOR THE HOSPITAL’S SERVICES REMAINS STRONG,
DRIVEN BY THE RAPIDLY GROWING POPULATION IN THE CHESTER COUNTY AREA.
The need for more inpatient beds remains a top priority. The Hospital is poised to
begin construction to expand its facility as soon as financing becomes economically
feasible.
Eventually, the financial system will move back toward equilibrium and long-term
borrowing rates will rationalize. In the meantime, we are seeing much better pricing
for the materials and equipment that will go into our new building. And, perhaps
the best news is that we have received several large donations in recent months that
have taken us ever so close to meeting our $25 million fundraising goal for the project.*
So, while we need to be patient, it may be that things are actually moving in a
good direction.
The Hospital’s plans are for a four-story addition that will: (a) consolidate and integrate
all cardiovascular services; (b) increase capacity by adding up to 72 beds;
and (c) add surgical and interventional suites.
By H.L. Perry Pepper, President
* At the time of printing, the Hospital’s Foundation surpassed its comprehensive campaign
goal of $30.0 million. Of the $25.0 million needed for the building
project specifically, the Hospital has raised more than $24.0 million, with
confident anticipation that it will exceed its second goal shortly.
TO SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN FOR CHESTER COUNTY HOSPITAL,
VISIT WWW.CCHOSP.COM/FOUNDATION.

The Health Network of
The Chester County Hospital
701 East Marshall Street
West Chester, PA 19380
cchosp.com
NON-PROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT #9
WEST CHESTER, PA
Call 610-738-2793 to update your mailing information.
BEYOND GOOD CARE
As part of The Chester County Hospital's mission, we are dedicated to not only healing our patients but
also keeping them well. With this spring comes a full calendar of events designed to bring the
family together to enjoy the outdoors and take part in fun, healthy activities that benefit the Hospital.
May Festival Raffle
presented by
Thomas Chevrolet
Available through May 16
Raffle tickets for a new car and other
items will be sold in the Hospital as
well as at Parkway dry cleaners.
May Festival Science Fair
May 16 @ 10 am – Noon
The Chester County Hospital
New to the May Festival this
year is a Science Fair for
students of grades 7–10.
May Festival Gala
presented by First National
Bank of Chester County
May 9 @ 7:00 pm
Longwood Gardens
This event, supported by the Medical Staff
and many local organizations, benefits
The Chester County Hospital.
May Festival
presented by First National
Bank of Chester County
May 16 @ 10 am – 7 pm
The Chester County Hospital
Join us to Think Smart,
Eat Well, and Move More
with food, fun, friends, and
entertainment! This is a
FREE one day event for
the whole family!
The Chester County Challenge
for Cancer Bike Ride presented by J&L Builders
May 31 @ 8am, The Cancer
Center of Chester County
This bike race, which includes a 63,
50, 25 mile non-competitive rides
and 10, and 5 mile family rides,
benefits The Cancer Program
and Neighborhood Hospice.