“Of course my baby was going

to be born at McLaren, I

couldn’t imagine anything else.”

Rafiah MeekinsPatient

Continued on page 2

Connection

The New Year is already full of surprises and promise for Terrance and Rafiah Meekins. They are the proud parents of Jade Sakaiah Meekins, born three minutes past midnight on January 1, 2008 at McLaren Regional Medical Center.

Terrance and Rafiah Meekins, both originally from Flint, currently reside overseas. Terrance serves as a gunnery sergeant in the United States Marine Corp. Rafiah, RN, BSN, spent several years working on the floors of MRMC. As a teenager, she was a Red Cross volunteer; as a college student she was a student nurse tech, eventually working as a graduate nurse, then a registered nurse on 11 South until 2002. Meekins’ travels have taken them around the globe, but they always planned for their child to be born in the United States.

“Of course my baby was going to be born at McLaren,” said Rafiah with a smile. “I couldn’t imagine anything else.”

Expecting their first baby in early February, Rafiah returned to their hometown in mid December to settle in and relax for the remainder of the pregnancy. Rafiah was able to meet her Ob/Gyn, Joseph Metz, M.D., at her first scheduled check-up in the States and enjoy the holidays with extended family and friends. Then to her great surprise, she went into labor on New Year’s Eve.

“We tried to hold off on the delivery until Terrance arrived,” stated Dr. Metz. “But with the weather conditions, we just couldn’t wait.”

Dr. Metz was pleased to be a part of the special delivery. Although he has delivered over five

Rafiah and terrance Meekins with baby Jade Sakaiah in their first family picture.

A Monthly Publication of McLaren Regional Medical Center Volume 8, Issue 1 January 2008

What’s Inside...Regional EMS Collects Toys for Tots ...........................2

Obese Discover Success through Surgical Weight Loss .........................................6

Employees Once Again Step Up for Shoes That Fit .............6

Couple Welcomes New Year’s Baby

thousand babies, Jade was the first to be declared the Genesee County New Year’s Baby.

“This baby is determined and a fighter,” said Jade’s mother. “She was ready to come out and didn’t want to wait any longer.”

The early arrival made it impossible for Jade’s father to be present for the delivery. Thwarted by the winter weather, Terrance was stranded at the Chicago airport on New Year’s Day. He kept in touch with many phone calls between he and Rafiah. He arrived in Flint on the afternoon of January 2 and went straight to McLaren to meet his daughter. Since baby Jade was kept in an incubator to stay warm,

Rafiah waited and let Terrance be the first to hold the baby.

The special baby has already given her mom and dad plenty

of heartwarming memories, but this New Year’s Baby surely will have many more wonderful stories ahead of her.

Couple Welcomes New Year’s Baby Continued fRoM PAge 1

Regional EMS Collects Toys for Tots

MRMC employee Rikki Simpson, R.n. from paCu stops by

the Regional eMS ambulance parked in

front of the Medical Center to give a

donation to toys for tots, manning the

effort are l-r Yvonne prill, Marketing

director for Regional eMS and Misty Baird,

a Regional eMS paramedic.

Santa’s sleigh wasn’t the only vehicle transporting gifts for children this season. Thanks to the generous donations by McLaren employees and visitors, a Regional

EMS ambulance was able to make a joyful delivery. The ambulance was parked outside MRMC on December 19 accepting donations on behalf of Toys for Tots. MRMC

was the fifth collection site for Regional EMS in the Flint Region this holiday season.

inside the Regional eMS ambulance

Cheryl ellegood and Kathy Reynolds, Rn present the Meekins family with a gift certficate to Babies R us.

�Holiday Party Welcomes 2007 Rehab Patients

L to R: Lisa Stogner, physical therapist; Katie Stogner (Lisa’s daughter) and Rachelle Fultz, physical therapist.

L to R: terri Harding, Manager of McLaren therapy Services and Cardiac Rehabilitation; Kelli Kirby, physical theapist; Sarrah Byrne, physical therapist and Margo phillips, occupational therapist.

McLaren’s Annual Rehabilitation Christmas party was well received by current and past patients and their families. On the evening of December 10, guests were entertained by the Southwest MI

#4 Jurisdictional Choir under the direction of McLaren’s own Dirdre Dill. Rehabilitation staff attended the party with family members to assist with the event and to celebrate the patients’

accomplishments. Members of Physical, Occupational, Speech, Escort, and Recreational Therapy were on hand to join in the celebration.

(Left) Southwest Mi #4 Jurisdictional Choir entertainment warms up with a little vocal practice before providing the evening’s entertainment.

KudosAbdul M.A. Hasnie, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I. passed the American Board of Vascular Medicine examination, has met the vascular board requirements and is certified as a diplomat in vascular medicine. He is also board certified in endovascular medicine. Dr. Hasnie’s practice includes cardiology and vascular medicine, including endovascular medicine.

�

Over the past several months, several changes have been made to the organizational structure within Surgical Services.

Surgical Services has also collaborated with Heart & Vascular to move several functions of both departments into one cost center under on manager. These include patient scheduling, patient charging and charge reconciliation, payroll and administrative assistant duties, statistical reporting and analysis--and all other associated business office functions for the divisions of Surgical Services and Heart & Vascular. The new manager of this area is Theresa Tithoff. Theresa brings a wealth of analytical knowledge, a strong IT back ground, and in-depth knowledge of the scheduling system and processes to assist in making this area efficient for all of the cost centers that it will serve. Following the construction

project, the final locations for the Surgical Services and Heart & Vascular Business Office will be in the current Ambulatory Surgery area with a satellite office in the H&V area.

Kate Robertson has assumed responsibility for the Operating Room, moving from PACU. Kate brings with her a wealth of professional knowledge and skills in the care of the peri-operative patient. She has continued to demonstrate a collaborative approach to nursing and the care of the patient and the customers we serve as she learns the new skills necessary to perform in this very challenging environment.

Renee Bradley has assumed responsibility for PACU in addition to Pre-Admission Testing and GI/Endoscopy. With the continued shift of ambulatory patients from GI/Endo to MMSEC, Renee will be changing her focus to the peri-operative

patient--a great fit based on her history with PAT. This change allows Renee to continue to use all of her skill set -- drawing on past work in ED and CVCU.

If you have any question or concerns regarding Surgical Services, please feel free to contact one of the following:Theresa: 22631 (Offc) or 389.0946 (Pgr)

Kate: 22803 (Offc) or 25021 (Spectra) or 389.1077 (Pgr)

Renee: 22267 (Offc) or 25108 (Spectra) or 389.0978 (Pgr)

Debra S Stephenson, RN-BSN, MBA, CNOR:Director Surgical Servicesv-mail: (810) 342-2412pager: (810) 389.1019spectralink phone: 342-5094e-mail: dsteph@mclaren.org

Management Changes in Surgical Services

Cheryl Wieber has been promoted to Interim Administrative Director, Cardio-Vascular Services. Cheryl has been with McLaren since July 2007 in the Business Development Coordinator position. She has been integral in facilitating many of the recent process improvements in the Cath Lab and CVCU. Cheryl has a B.A. in Business Management and a Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. She has administrative responsibility for the Cath Lab, CVCU, EKG, and Cardiac non-invasive services.

Julie Snyder has recently accepted the position of Director of Specialty Clinics and Wound Care Services. Julie has been with McLaren Regional Medical Center since 1989. She has been a Manager of Therapy Services since 1992 and has extensive experience in the health care industry. Julie has a B.A. in Audiology and Speech Sciences and a M.A. in Speech Language Pathology. Julie will have administrative oversight for inpatient and outpatient wound care services and the Specialty Clinics. She will also have responsibility for developing the Wound Care Program in the Clarkston project and assisting other McLaren subsidiaries with the development of their programs.

Cheryl Wieber

Julie Snyder

Kudos

�Spirit of Season Fills Employees Hearts and StomachsMcLaren Treats Employees to Holiday Feast

(Left) Standing by ready to serve up a delicious meal are members of MRMC’s Leadership team: (l to r) tracy Williams, Respiratory; Jeff glover, nutritional Services; Harry Mitchell, Security; Kate Robertson, oR; deb Stephenson, Surgery; Cris Mauro, Rehabilitation; Cheryl ellegood, administration; Brent Wheeler, administration.

(above l to r) Shake’sa payton, Housekeeping; Sonya grayer, Housekeeping; Juaice Lamar, CCu; and taiesha Robinson, Housekeeping

(Left) annette taylor, nutritional Services carves the roast beef while terri Harding, therapy Cardiac Services and debra Main, Critical Care serve up the stuffed chicken breasts and baked shrimp.

(above) Ruby gill and Becky neph from endoscopy dine amid the glow of holiday lights strung on the 20 ft. tree.

(Left) Lisa ash, Clinical improvement joins Laura Van petton, nurse aide; and Laura’s mom, Sandra Winn, from the Medical Staff office.

�

McLaren Bariatric Institute Offers Permanent Weight Loss Solutions Bariatric surgery can provide dramatic improvements in health and appearance for patients who suffer from medical obesity. The McLaren Bariatric Institute provides a comprehensive surgical weight loss program to

equip patients with the necessary tools and support for successful, permanent weight loss.

What is Bariatric Surgery?There are two basic ways that bariatric surgery works to help patients lose weight and improve or resolve co-morbidities: malabsorption and restriction.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LapBand): is a purely restrictive surgical procedure in which a band is placed around the

uppermost part of the stomach. This band divides the stomach

into one small portion and one larger portion. Since the stomach is divided into smaller parts, most patients feel full faster. As the name indicates, the band is adjustable. So if the rate of weight loss is not acceptable, the band can be adjusted.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: is both a restrictive and malabsorptive procedure. The surgeon creates a small stomach pouch and then constructs a “bypass” for food. The bypass allows food to skip parts of the small intestine. By skipping a large part of the small intestine, the body cannot absorb as many calories or nutrients. The Roux-en-Y procedure can be performed laparoscopically through traditional laparoscopic methods or aided by the sophisticated da Vinci surgical

robotic system. It can also be performed as an open surgical procedure.

Surgery alone does not guarantee complete weight loss success. To achieve lasting weight loss, the bariatric program includes additional support, and dedicated medical care. Features of the McLaren Bariatric Institute are:

• Complete Medical Evaluation • Surgical Consultation • Psychological and Nutritional

Counseling • Complete Pre and Post

Operative Care • Support Groups • Fully Monitored and Specially

Equipped Bariatric Unit for Inpatient Care

Who Qualifies for Bariatric Surgery?Anyone that can answer “yes” to the questions below may be a candidate.

• Are you 100 pounds or more above your ideal body weight?

• Do you have a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or greater?

• Do you have a BMI of 35 or greater with one or more obesity-related health condition(s)?

• Have other forms of weight control failed?

• Are you over 18 years of age?• Are you well informed about

the potential procedure and risks?

Payment OptionsMany insurance carriers cover the cost of bariatric surgery provided medical documentation of weight loss attempts exist and the patient shows a medical need for the procedure. A flexible self-payment plan is also available through McLaren.

The McLaren Bariatric Institute is located on the extended campus of McLaren Regional Medical Center at Beech Hill Centre. Free informational seminars are held monthly. Call 1-888-342-5470 to register or to schedule a private consultation.

Name: BillSurgical procedure: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Weight loss following procedure: 138 lbs.

Date of Surgery: March 5, 2007

“I had run out of options. I had lost 100 pounds or more four times before, without lasting success. The laparoscopic Roux-en-Y surgical procedure along with the support I received from the staff was truly a life-saving experience. The recent results of my annual physical were so great, my doctor wrote me a letter congratulating me on my perfect test results. I no longer have to take any medications I took prior to my weight loss surgery.”

Obese Find Success with Surgical Weight Loss

“I had run out of options. I had lost 100 pounds

or more four times before,

without lasting success. The laparoscopic

Roux-en-Y surgical

procedure along with the support

I received from the staff was

truly a lifesaving experience.”

Bill(patient)

Bill(Before)

Bill (After)

�

“I now feel better both physically and emotionally. It feels great to be thin!” Sandy(patient)

Danny(After)

Paula(After)

Sandy(Before)

Sandy(After)

Name: PaulaSurgical procedure: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Weight loss following procedure: 103 lbs.

Date of weight loss surgery: October 23, 2006

“Not a day went by that I didn’t look for a new way to lose weight. In my eyes, I was extremely obese. Working with special needs children, I have to be ready to get up and go at anytime. With my numerous health issues associated with

my obesity, I could not move the way

I wanted to. I chose to have the Roux-en-Y procedure. I

am happy to say I have no health issues to worry

about anymore. I have made

a lifetime commitment to weight loss and I feel like a success!”

Name: DannySurgical procedure: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Weight loss following procedure: 97 lbs.

Date of weight loss surgery: June 25, 2007

“My orthopedic surgeon said I had to lose 50-60 pounds before he would perform hip replacement surgery. The next day, I called McLaren Bariatric Institute. With their support, I was able to lose 50 pounds before my weight loss surgery,

and I have lost over 97 pounds since then. The counseling by the dietician was very

informative, and I received excellent care overall. I still call them with questions. I am no longer short of breath and I am definitely more active.”

Name: SandySurgical procedure: LapBand gastric banding

Weight loss following procedure: 80 lbs.

Date of weight loss surgery: April 12, 2006

“I am an overeater and had no control. If I hadn’t had the Lap-Band procedure, I would still be overweight. The staff at the McLaren Bariatric Institute is very supportive and I really enjoy participating in the support group for McLaren bariatric

patients. I now feel better both physically and emotionally. I feel comfortable in my clothes and I can

now cross my legs like a lady. It feels great to be thin!”

Paula(Before)

Danny(Before)

�

Students Experience Robots Used in Modern Medicine

The students were able to operate

the robotic controls,

experience the system’s dexterity and visualization capabilities,

and learn about the practical

applications of robots

in modern medicine.

For many young students interested in engineering, Legos are a medium for creativity, design, and experimentation. The colorful interlocking blocks have expanded beyond child’s play to competitive teams. These teams use special kits to build robotic machines, designed to perform selected functions. Recently, students aged 9 through 14, competing in the First Flint Lego Championship, were invited to McLaren to observe a robotic system in use at the Medical Center for specialized surgical procedures.

On December 14, a small group of students toured the MRMC surgical suite which houses the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. Specially-trained members of the surgical staff were on hand to assist with hands-on demonstrations of the system and answer questions. Here, the students were able to operate the robotic controls, experience the system’s dexterity and visualization capabilities, and learn about the practical applications of robots in modern medicine.

Scott Micunek, clinical sales representative for intuitive, explains to students how the da Vinci robotic surgical system works.

adam ezell, a home school student and third year

member of the Lego team, observes the procedure

demonstration taking place behind him from the color monitor located in

the surgical suite. a reporter from tV5

was also on hand to cover the visit.

�

In 2008, the Joint Commission, is asking hospitals to take an all-hazards approach to preparedness.

Knowing what you can, and should do, in any kind of emergency, is important. Working to make sure you and our hospital are prepared for any crisis, or emergency situation, small or large, is a constant challenge for the Medical Center and its Emergency Management Committee. In 2008, the Joint Commission, is asking hospitals to take an all-hazards approach to preparedness. According to the Joint Commission, these standards emphasize a “scalable” approach that helps organizations manage the variety, intensity, and duration of the disasters that affect a single organization, multiple organizations, or an entire community. The revised standards also stress the importance of planning and testing response plans for emergencies during conditions when the local community cannot support the health care organization. These revised standards emphasis six critical areas:1. Communication-organizations

must develop a plan to maintain communication

pathways both within the organization and also to critical community resources;

2. Resources and Assets-materials and supplies, vendor and community services, and state and federal programs are some of the essential resources that organizations must know how to access in times of crisis in order to ensure patient safety and sustain care, treatment, and services;

3. Safety and Security-as emergency situations develop and parameters of operability shift, organizations must continue to provide safe and secure environments for their patients and staff;

4. Staff Responsibilities-as new risks develop and conditions change, staff members will need to adapt their roles to meet new demands on their ability to care for patients;

5. Utilities Management-the supply of key utilities such as power or potable water, ventilation, and fuel, must not be disrupted or adverse events may occur as a result;

6. Patient Clinical and Support Activities-the organization must have clear, reasonable plans in place to address the needs of patients during extreme conditions when the organization’s infrastructure and resources are taxed.

These new standards also require organizations to evaluate the six performance areas identified during planned exercises and drills. Look for more information, more drills, and new reference tools to come from your Emergency Management Committee in 2008 so we can all be better prepared for any disaster or emergency situation, large or small.

2008 Revised Emergency Management Standards

Becky Wolfington has been appointed to serve as Manager of the Specialty Clinics and Wound Care Services. Becky has been with McLaren Regional Medical Center since 1994. She was appointed the Wound Care Coordinator in April, 1998. In this role she has applied her talents to develop a comprehensive inpatient wound care program. Becky has a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and in October, 1998 she achieved her certification in wound care. Becky will be working with Julie Snyder to integrate our inpatient and outpatient wound care programs and develop subsequent programs in the McLaren Health Care system.

David J. DeSimone, Director for Planning and Business Development at McLaren Regional Medical Center, was recently elected to serve a two-year term as Vice President of The Great Lakes Chapter of The American College of Healthcare Executives. DeSimone is a Fellow of The American College of Healthcare Executives, and is a member of the Regional Governing Board for The Great Lakes Chapter of The American College of Healthcare Executives.

david J. deSimone

Kudos

Becky Wolfington

10

McLaren employees fulfilled all

300 requests for shoes or

boots for Flint Community

School students.

Employees Step Up for Shoes That FitThe outpouring of support for the Shoes That Fit campaign remained constant in 2007, the seventh year for the annual event. McLaren employees fulfilled all 300 requests for shoes or boots for Flint Community Schools students. There were also an additional 23 pairs of shoes collected and donated. Monetary donations totaled $730. The medical center also donated funds so each of the McLaren sponsored students would get a six pack of socks. It is clear that MRMC has more than a few good soles!

(Right) Lorie Smith, Budget

(above) tenaha Williams, 8S

(Right) pamela Handley, nurse

practitioner, Case Management

(above) Shelly anderson, Lab

11

The Medical Center also donated funds so each of the McLaren sponsored students would get a six pack of socks.

(Left) More than 300 pair of shoes are boxed and ready for Ross Wood and david Hall to transport to Youth projects Headquarters. once they arrive, the shoes are sorted according to school by volunteers and delivered to Flint School children in time for the holidays.

(above) Lyna Havalda, iCu

(Left) Julie Coon, nursing office

(above) otto townsend, pharmacy

Connectiona monthly publication for employees and friends of McLaren Regional Medical Center. donald Kooy, President and Ceo,McLaren Regional Medical CenterManaging editor: Laurie Prochazka,director of Marketing Communicationseditor:ellen Peter, Marketing Communications SpecialistContributing Writers:Sherry Stewart, ellen Peter, Laurie Prochazka, and contributions from McLaren employeesphotography:ted Klopf, and contributions from McLaren employeesdesign:Shamiah Specht, graphic designer,McLaren Art departmentprinting:McLaren graphics departmentWe welcome comments, suggestions, and ideas: ellenp@mclaren.org or call (810) 342-4478

Youthful voices filled the halls and many hearts at GLCI-McLaren as New Lothrop High School Varsity Chorus members brought holiday cheer to cancer patients, family members and employees on December 14 with a concert of holiday music.

New Lothrop Choir Carols

at Cancer Institute

MISSON: McLaren Health Care, through its subsidiaries, will be Michigan’s best value in healthcare as defined by quality outcomes and cost.

Community Connection

Blood Drive

February 28

Mark Your

Calendars!

Blood Drive The American Red Cross invite all MRMC employees and visitors who qualify to donate blood at the upcoming blood drive held in Ballenger Auditorium on Thursday February 28. Help us achieve our goal of 31 pints!

mclarenregional.org

This FREE KIT could save your life!