Synapse : Spring 2009 - The Chester County Hospital

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.