In this Issue: In this Issue: - Beebe Medical Center

B E E B E M E D I C A L C E N T E R ’ SWINTER 2004DR. CARL ABRAMOWICZUSES STATE-OF-THE-ARTDIGITAL TECHNOLOGYIN THE DIAGNOSTICIMAGING READINGROOM AT THE BEEBEHEALTH CAMPUS.In this Issue:The Beebe HealthCampusThe Right Place, The RightTechnology, The Right People(Page 2)“What’s Next?”Case Managers, Beebe’s“Guardian Angels,” HaveYour Answers(Page 8)Lewes, DE

THE RIGHT PLACE, THE RIGHT TECHNOLOGY, THE RIGHT PEOPLEThe BeebeHealth CampusDiscrete patient registrationareas ensure privacy and confidentialityat the OutpatientCare Center at the BeebeHealth Campus.The Outpatient Care Center at the BeebeHealth Campus offers a new twist on the expression“location, location, location.” While location is a keyconsideration, the real advantages of Beebe MedicalCenter’s newest facility are its people and technology.The Outpatient Care Center team is dedicated to combiningeasily accessible services, new equipment, andthe highest standards of customer service.Community needs have been a part of the equationsince the beginning. Beebe chose its location on Route24, a quarter mile west of Route 1, in response to publicrequests for services closer to growth areas. Beforebuilding the Beebe Health Campus, Beebe surveyedlocal residents and designed the facility with thesepriorities in mind. The Outpatient Care Center, housingthe first services to open at the Beebe Health Campus,features physical therapy, radiology services, and lab2

Eulalia Cuginiexpress testing services including EKG—all underone roof with ample parking and extended hours.The main entrance has a sheltered patient drop-offarea, and each service has its own reception andwaiting area to make visitors comfortable and tomaintain patient privacy.Beebe will continue to operate outpatient serviceson Savannah Road; however, Beebe expectsmore than half of its patients who live west ofRoute 1 to use outpatient services at the BeebeHealth Campus. The Emergency Department andall inpatient services remain on Savannah Road.“Kim [Johnson] could take blood with her eyes closed. She’s thebest,” marvels Eulalia Cugini, Beebe Health Campus customer. Aftermoving to Rehoboth Beach from New Jersey seven years ago, Mrs.Cugini and her husband have had several occasions between themto visit Beebe Medical Center. “We have been pleased with Beebefor surgery, and this new location is very convenient when we needfollow-up testing,” she explains. Recently, Mr. Cugini had a blood testand she had her mammography and bone density checked all on thesame day. “It’s important to me that the facility is clean and beautiful,”she emphasizes, “but this group of people is what really stands out.”THE EXPRESS WAYWhether you need your cholesterol checkedannually or your glucose levels checked weekly,you’ll find convenient, friendly service at Beebe’snewest Express Testing location.Walk-in servicesare available Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–6 p.m., andSaturday, 6 a.m.–noon.“There is clearly a need for additional lab servicesin our area,” explains Kim Johnson, lab satellitecoordinator and 15-year employee at Beebe MedicalCenter.“We hope area residents consider BeebeHealth Campus another great location to get thetests they need—while running errands on Route 1,or when they get physical therapy or diagnosticservices right here under one roof.” Mrs. Johnsonoversees Express Testing, Beebe Lab Express atFive Points, and Long Neck Lab. She also teachesintroductory and advanced Phlebotomy at SussexTech Adult Education and at Beebe Medical Center.“Phlebotomy” includes specimen collection, fingerstickglucose testing, and blood drawing.The Express Testing staff includes a receptionist,three registrars, two lab technicians drawing blood,and one technician specimen processor. All employeesare skilled phlebotomists, and they are crosstrainedand rotate to stay current in each area.3

Charles EbbertsThe Beebe Health Campus was in the right place at the right timefor Charles Ebberts, 77, of Long Neck. Mr. Ebberts needed to practiceclimbing steps following his leg amputation as a result of circulatoryproblems last April. “The gym has lots of devices, there’s plenty ofparking, and no traffic,” he explains.In addition to the convenient location, the Beebe Health Campusoffers flexible scheduling. “I’ll get a permanent prosthesis once I’veimproved my walking, and I have every confidence I’ll be up andwalking around in no time with Graham’s [Robbins] help.”A separate entrance and waiting room in the Physical Therapy Departmentat the Health Campus allows patients to park nearby and enter easily. RobinWarrington, physical therapy aide, welcomes patients at the reception desk.This level of experience draws repeat customers.“We understand that patients love to be rememberedby name, so we try to remember patient names, evenweeks later. We want to make everyone’s experienceas comfortable as possible,” Ms. Johnson explains.Comfort and privacy are key considerations atBeebe Health Campus. The registration area offersfour private registration desks, and the spaciouswaiting area features a television, coffee, juice, anda children’s play area.“All of Beebe’s lab sites are known for caringfor children,” Ms. Johnson notes.“We try to put themat ease with distraction—and we can use these sametechniques with patients of all ages.”PHYSICAL THERAPY—WITH APERSONAL TOUCHAccessibility is a priority for Physical Therapyservices at the Beebe Health Campus. A spaciousgym with new equipment is paired with a dedicatedentrance and adjoining registration area for addedconvenience. Services are available Monday–Thursdayfrom 7 a.m.–7 p.m. and 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. on Fridays.Call 645-3010 to schedule an appointment.Any decline in health can necessitate physicaltherapy, from surgery and stroke to amputation, aknee or hip replacement, or mastectomy. Patientsmay require physical therapy due to injury or to avoid4

Neal Kubala, administrativecoordinator of diagnostic imagingat Beebe Health Campus, withthe state-of-the-art CT imagingequipment.Radiologist Dr. Michael S.Ramjattansingh and radiologytechnologist Lee Ann Searsat a PACS (Picture ArchivingCommunication System)workstation. The workstationallows them to read highqualitydigital imaging withgreater flexibility and accuracy.Outpatient Care Center, MRI technologist, and nineyearBeebe employee. “The equipment here is state ofthe art, and because we do not have emergency andinpatient radiology services to prioritize, our dedicatedfocus makes things faster and easier. Imagine thebenefit for pre-employment screening, for example,”he explains.“People can have bloodwork, an EKG, anda chest X-ray—all on the same hall.”The Beebe Health Campus features highlyadvanced technology for diagnostic radiology services,which are available Monday through Friday.To schedule an appointment, call the 645-FAST schedulingline. No appointment is necessary for X-rays.Services include:• X-rays of bones and tissues• Radiographic Fluoroscopy (R/F)—a “video X-ray”used, for example, for upper GI• Ultrasound• Computerized Tomography (CT/CAT scan)• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)—Full-strengthmagnet with a flared-open design“The major advantage at the Beebe HealthCampus is the nature of its technology,” explainsDr. Carl Abramowicz, medical director of diagnosticimaging. “All images are non-invasive, and the ultra-6

Loretta Buntingsound and MRI emit no radiation. These non-invasivemodalities (performed without making an incision)provide better diagnostic capability, are much faster,and the imaging is all digital.”Digital images require no film developing, savingtime in processing and providing an immediate imageon a computer screen. In the radiology world, thissaved time equates to less radiation for patients andcost-effectiveness—no need for repeating images if apatient moves and less film is used. Beebe radiologytechnologists can make a set of films for patients totake, if necessary.“MRI is the future of modalities,” agrees Mr.Kubala,“because no radiation is emitted and weuse non-iodinated contrasts to create the image.It’s the new frontier of technology.”Personalized service with an emphasis on personality is why74-year-old Loretta Bunting, of Georgetown, chose the Beebe HealthCampus for her mammogram. A lifelong resident of the area, Mrs.Bunting followed Linda Richardson, mammography technologist andnow Women’s Imaging Center coordinator, from Beebe’s GeorgetownImaging Center. “Linda is wonderful, and all the girls there are sonice,” she explains. “They took me right in, the facility is beautiful, andmy husband loved the parking!” As a survivor of peritoneal cancer,Mrs. Bunting is particularly aware of the importance of accurate diagnostictesting. “We saw something at my annual mammogram and Ihad to have a 4–6 month follow-up. I can even get my blood workdone at the same time.”DEDICATED WOMEN’SIMAGING CENTERThe entire Outpatient Care Center at the BeebeHealth Campus is part of Beebe Medical Center’sVision 2005 capital campaign. To further enhancethe $15 million investment in the new facility andnew technology, the Beebe Medical Center Auxiliarydonated $500,000 toward a dedicated Women’sImaging Center. Thanks in part to this generosity,women can relax in a private waiting area and enjoythe privacy of a “women only” imaging facility featuringtwo ultrasound suites, two mammography suites,and one bone densitometry room.Additionally, Beebe will offer stereotactic breastbiopsy, a minimally invasive technique to test forbreast cancer, at the Beebe Health Campus in early2004. (While all other imaging at the Beebe HealthCampus is digital, mammography still requires film.)A team of experienced, compassionate ultrasound andmammography technologists provides individualizedattention to every woman who visits. ■7

“What’s Next?”CASE MANAGERS, BEEBE’S “GUARDIAN ANGELS,” HAVE YOUR ANSWERSIn addition to meeting with patientsand families in the hospital, casemanagers at Beebe spend manyhours on their telephones coordinatingthe numerous arrangementsrequired for Beebe patients.Row one (back): Jackye Emory;David Mangler, director; HollyMarvel; Anne Cain; and Julie Eckler,coordinatorRow two: Holly Powers; SandyHunsicker; Maddy Anderson; andJacqueline MuirRow three: Gail Partridge; JoAnnJardina; and Carole TrentRow four: Shirley Rueggenberg;Doris Glass; and Kenda HillNot pictured: Patty Quinn and FloEwaskoBeebe Medical Center recognizes that everyhospital patient has at least one thing in common:a little apprehension. After having a baby, surgery, ora serious illness, what’s next? And what will happenwhen you leave the hospital? Beebe Medical Centerpatients can rest assured knowing that from themoment they are admitted into the hospital, a casemanager follows their care and plans for their safedischarge. Beebe’s case managers and coordinatorprovide coverage seven days a week.“We take a comprehensive approach to case management,coordinating healthcare resources in thehospital and the community to promote continuityof care for our patients,” explains Anne Cain, R.N. casemanager.“Our goal is to ensure your emotional andphysical needs are met while you are at Beebe andduring your transition home or to another facility.”Many departments work together to deliver yourcare, so you may not even know case managers arebehind the scenes.“Our goal to enhance the ‘continuumof care,’ to bring together all facets of the healthcareteam, was at the center of the creation of thisgroup of professional staff in 1997,” states DavidMangler, director of performance improvement andcase management.“Case managers developed newrelationships with the medical staff and departmentssuch as pharmacy, nutritional services, physical andoccupational therapy, patient advocacy, chaplaincy,and integrative health.”“The role of case managers at Beebe Medical8

BEEBE MEDICAL CENTER’SCommunity NewsVision 2005 Capital CampaignPhase One Raises Over Half of $12 Million GoalThe first phase of the Beebe Medical CenterVision 2005 capital campaign has raised morethan $6 million in gifts and pledges to supportthe construction of a new Outpatient CareCenter on Route 24 and infrastructure improvementson the Savannah Road Campus in Lewes.Second Phase Begins: Expansionand Renovation of Beebe MedicalCenter Emergency DepartmentThe second phase of the Vision 2005campaign will raise an additional $6 millionMy contributionto Vision 2005:❑ I/We wish to make a contribution to support the futureof Beebe Medical Center:❑ $25 ❑ $50 ❑ $100 ❑ $250 ❑ $ (other)I/We will make a contribution by:Check in the amount of $payable to Beebe Medical FoundationCredit card in the amount of $❑ MasterCard ❑ Visa ❑ Discover ❑ American ExpressCredit card #: Expiration date: /Signature:Date:I/We wish to make a pledge in the amount of $and will make regular ❑ annual ❑ semi-annual ❑ quarterlypayments of $on this pledge beginning(All contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.)Name (please print)to support the significant expansion—from 18to 36 beds—and renovation of the EmergencyDepartment. This aspect of the capital campaignis critically important to support the increasingdemand for emergency services from bothresidents and visitors to Sussex County.As a community-owned, not-for-profit medicalcenter, Beebe plans to be here for you andyour family now and in the future.Your supportis needed if Beebe is going to continue to meetthe dramatically increasing demand for healthcareservices.Please support Beebe Medical Center’s Vision 2005 Capital Campaign(month & year)PhoneAddress City State ZipPlease indicate how you would like your name(s) to appear on the Honor Roll of Donors:BEEBE MEDICAL CENTERPHONE DIRECTORYGeneral Information . . . . . . . 302-645-3300Baylis Rehabilitation Center—Lewes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-645-3235—Millsboro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-934-1500—Millville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-539-6404Beebe Imaging & Lab Services—Georgetown Radiology . . . . 302-856-9729—Millsboro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-934-9039—Millville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-539-8749Beebe Medical Foundation . . . 302-644-2900Beebe Lab Express—Lewes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-644-9344—Long Neck . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-947-1202Emergency Department—Lewes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-645-3291—Millville (summer only) . . . 302-539-8450Gull House AdultActivities Center . . . . . . . . . 302-226-2160Hastings HeartCare Center . . 302-645-3258Cardiac Rehabilitation • EKG• Stress Testing • Cardiac CatheterizationHome Health Agency . . . . . . . 302-854-5210Human Resources . . . . . . . . . . 302-645-3336Lewes Convalescent Center . . 302-645-3030Nursing School Office . . . . . . 302-645-3251Outpatient Care CenterBeebe Health Campus . . . . 302-645-3010Diagnostic Imaging • Women’s Imaging• Express Testing • Physical TherapyPhysician Referral Service . . . 302-645-3332Pulmonary Service . . . . . . . . . 302-645-3298Sleep Disorders Center . . . . . 302-645-3186Tunnell Cancer Center—Integrative Health . . . . . . . 302-645-3528—Medical Oncology . . . . . . . 302-645-3770—Radiation Oncology . . . . . . 302-645-3775Vascular Lab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-645-3710Women’s Health Pavilion . . . . 302-645-3726Wound Care Services . . . . . . . 302-947-2500The Beacon is published by Beebe MedicalCenter to present health information to the peopleof Sussex County. Health information provided inthe Beacon should not be substituted for medicaladvice offered by a physician. Please consult yourphysician on medical concerns and questions.Jeffrey M. Fried, President,jfried@bbmc.orgWallace E. Hudson,Vice President, Corporate Affairs,whudson@bbmc.orgSharon Harmon, Editor,sharmon@bbmc.orgNancy Cummings, Editorial Assistant,ncummings@bbmc.orgBeth Heid, Writer,bheid@bbmc.org❑ I/We wish to remain anonymous.❑ My employer has a matching gift program.❑ I/We have included Beebe in my/our estate plans.❑ I/We wish to include Beebe in my/our estate plans.Please mail your gift to:Beebe Medical Foundation • 902 Savannah Road • Lewes, DE 19958Please call the Foundation at 644-2900 for more information.All gift information is confidential.Your not-for-profit, community-owned hospitalLewes, Delaware • www.beebemed.org