The Little System That Could

the little

healthcare

system that

could

... and did

let us show you why little is better

... help 20,404 patients last year with

emergency attention.

Ridgeview Medical Center

Emergency and Ambulance… equipped with the latest life-saving

technology and expert staff to treat patients experiencing a medical emergency, anytime of the day or night.

... and did

... deliver 6,142 babies

in the past five years.


Women and Children… committed to creating a new model

for women’s health care.

... and did

... perform

36,093 surgeries in the past five years.


Surgery... award-winning surgical care for inpatient

and outpatient procedures close to home.

... and did

... provide 47,090

diagnostic and imaging procedures

last year.


Imaging and Diagnostics… leading-edge technology that

helps give patients the best odds for a favorable outcome.

RapidArc™

... and did

... support

214 regional

businesses and their employees

last year.


Business Health Services… health, wellness and safety solutions

for a happier, healthier workplace.

... and did

... earn the little health care system

a reputation for excellence.


Awards… always searching for new ways to

deliver the best possible health care to each patient. These are not just words but a commitment that continues to receive national recognition.

™

Ridgeview delivers an uncommon health care experience ... daily.

patient experience

With national recognition, high consumer satisfaction rankings and distinctions that most hospitals double Ridgeview’s size earn,

Patients put their trust in Ridgeview’s medical expertise but what touches them is the attention and empathy that come with diagnosis and treatment.

Great physicians can practice anywhere; many choose to be at Ridgeview.

“The quality is superior at Ridgeview,” “There are little things that matter here if

I was a patient looking for the whole package.”

RapidArc™

Striving to be the premier health care service in the region.

Women & Children’s Center Marie Steiner Kelting Hospice Home

Minneapolis Heart Institute® Ridgeview Heart Center—

“Supporting Ridgeview Foundation gives us the edge—that critical margin—that helps us go from good to great,”

Siemens 128-slice CT Scanner,

Award-winning care close to home.

consumers in Ridgeview’s service area rank “convenience” as the highest contributing factor for making their health care choices.

You can provide

life-savingsupport for Ridgeview’s

leadinghealth care

services1. Emergency Services

2. Cardiology Services

3. Orthopaedic Programs

4. Cancer Care Program

5. Hospice and Home Care

6. Women and Children

7. Innovation and Outreach

1.

Emergency ServicesBringing life-saving capabilities closer to home.

The Reason They ComeWith life’s unpredictability, it’s crucial to know that families in the west-metro have a nearby medical center offering emergency care with qualified and dedicated medical personnel to help manage those unforeseen events.

Emergency Care impacts the lives of more than 20,000 patients annually at Ridgeview. Unlike many hospital emergency departments, Ridgeview’s wait times are well below the national average. Plus, physicians are board certified in emergency medicine and practice only at Ridgeview. When every second counts and critical decisions are needed, these are the things that make a difference.

Medical staff collaborates with Ridgeview’s ambulance team to provide seamless emergency care across a five-county, 730-square-mile area, responding to more than 9,000 calls each year. A combined team of 100 paramedics and emergency medical technicians operate a fleet of more than a dozen Advanced Life Support ambulances and provide 24/7 emergency care to more than 120,000 households. All of this is backed by a state-of-the-art Communications Center, which serves as the primary backup to Carver County’s main 911 system.

Ridgeview emergency physicians Dr. Laresa DeBoer, Dr. David Larson and Dr. Laurie Drill-Mellum (L to R), providing patient-centered care

1. Em

ergency Services

Emergency Services What Sets Us Apart

When it comes to heart attacks, the chance of patient survival is among the best in the nation because of Ridgeview’s participation in the Minneapolis Heart Institute’s® Level One Heart Attack Program. Additionally, for those patients at risk, Ridgeview’s Chest Pain Accreditation will improve quality outcomes. Ridgeview is only the second hospital in the state to receive such accreditation. Ridgeview works collaboratively with Minneapolis Heart Institute® to design what is now the national standard for best practice in heart attack care.

Ridgeview emergency staff has physicians, physician assistants, pediatricians and nurses who are certified in emergency medicine, Advanced Life Support and trauma care. Some even have specialized emergency credentials.

This highly regarded team is supported with on-site diagnostic imaging, dedicated trauma bays, far-reaching ambulance services, a helicopter pad, and surgical and critical care specialists. In addition, the entire emergency staff has extensive training in disaster preparedness and is the back up Disaster Control Center for Carver County.

With trauma as the leading cause of death in Americans under 44 years of age, and the third leading cause of death in Minnesota, Ridgeview recognizes its vital role to care for and manage patients with life-threatening injuries. Its designation as a Level lll Trauma Center means trauma patients have a better chance of getting the critical care they need in a timely manner–a testament to Ridgeview’s exceptional ER staff and resources.

Envision the Future

Possibilities. Needs. The difference between good and great. What’s your vision? Help Ridgeview move forward by giving back to an organization so crucial to so many lives, every day.

Emergency room facilities and equipment:

better patient experience

For the ambulance fleet:

Patients who are critically ill or injured will be seen sooner, which can often mean the difference between life and death

increase safety for both the patient and the caregiver

so rapidly

2.

Cardiology ServicesA place for hope and healing

in the 21st century.

The Reason They Come

The heart does an incredible job every day. Over an average lifetime, the heart beats 2.5 billion times—that’s one beat per second of every minute of every day. Although it’s a powerful organ, the heart is susceptible to disease and trauma.

Ridgeview provides an enormous value to its surrounding communities, because heart disease is still the nation’s No. 1 killer. In 2007, Ridgeview introduced a new level of cardiovascular care to the west-metro area with the opening of the Minneapolis Heart Institute® at Ridgeview Heart Center.

Through a partnership with the Minneapolis Heart Institute®—a nationally recognized leader in cardiac care—patients with common to complex cardiovascular diseases can now be treated locally, close to their homes, families and primary care physicians.

Dr. Scott Sharkey and Dr. Luis Pagan-Carlo in Ridgeview’s new state-of-the-art Cath Lab

Cardiology Services What Sets Us Apart

The level of cardiovascular care provided at the Heart Center is remarkable for a health care facility of Ridgeview’s size. Patient visits increased dramatically—over 70 percent during the center’s first two years, with nearly 100% of patients rating their experience above average.

The Heart Center, equipped with sophisticated technology in a unique, family-oriented environment, serves as a space of hope and healing for patients fighting against heart disease.

Ridgeview’s team of heart specialists is experienced and knowledgeable about all aspects of heart health—from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation.

While patients have access to this team committed to their individualized care, they can benefit from four key resources housed in Ridgeview’s new Heart Center:

1. The catheterization lab, where minimally invasive coronary procedures and a limited number of peripheral vascular procedures are performed, 2. The vascular outpatient clinic that features cardiologists who specialize in vascular medicine, 3. Interventional radiology, a sub-specialty of radiology where minimally invasive procedures are performed for diagnostic and treatment purposes, and 4. A pacemaker clinic that services all implanted cardiac devices, from pacemakers and defibrillators, to loop recorders.

In 2009 Ridgeview performed more than 200 catheterization procedures —signifying the level of capabilities and procedures performed locally.

Envision the Future

Possibilities. Needs. The difference between good and great. What’s your vision? Help Ridgeview move forward by giving back to an organization so crucial to so many lives, everyday.

procedures not currently available. Ridgeview’s ultimate goal is to offer 24/7 peripheral, vascular and interventional procedures so patients can stay close to home.

strength and function of the heart muscle and heart valves. The tests could limit the need for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnostic procedures, resulting in lower exposure to radiation for patients, reduced costs and shorter exam times.

include new technology or education updates for referring physicians. Well-trained primary care physicians will reduce the overall risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular disease.

2. Cardiology Services

Orthopaedic ProgramsThe region’s preferred center

for orthopaedic care.

The Reason They ComeThe demand for orthopaedic services is at an all-time high—and it’s expected to continue to climb. One in seven people in the United States have an orthopaedic condition that affects quality of life. That’s why Ridgeview’s physicians are compassionately dedicated to patients—and the health of their bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, or arthritis and osteoporosis conditions.

Patients prefer Ridgeview—a tribute to the orthopaedic excellence performed by experienced physicians every day. An independent survey ranked Ridgeview as the area hospital of choice for orthopaedic surgery or treatment of a bone or joint.

3.

Ridgeview’s Orthopaedics team, headed by Dr. D. Daniel Rotenberg, imaging a patient in the operating room prior to surgery

Orthopaedic Programs What Sets Us Apart

When it comes to surgery, experience counts. More than 2,500 orthopaedic surgeries, almost 50 percent of total surgical volume, occur annually at Ridgeview Medical Center and at Ridgeview’s Chaska outpatient surgery site. Both facilities have the latest surgical equipment and surgical techniques. Specialties include knee and hip replacements, shoulder and back surgery, trauma and fracture care.

Ridgeview’s highly recognized Orthopaedic Program is a collaboration of Twin Cities Orthopedics, Western Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Consultants and Ridgeview Medical Center. Ridgeview’s orthopaedic surgeons, among the metro area’s most trusted and experienced, work closely with in-house physical therapists and certified athletic trainers from Ridgeview Rehab Specialties.

A cornerstone of Ridgeview’s Orthopaedic Program is the Center for Joint Replacement, a dedicated wing

focused, group therapy approach proven to enhance post-surgical outcomes. With more than 500 total joint replacements each year, Ridgeview completes more of these procedures than most hospitals twice its size.

Ridgeview’s integrated, well-orchestrated support programs deliver shorter hospital stays and faster recovery. Patients have access to a highly specialized surgical and rehabilitation staff, an exercise room for group physical therapy sessions, and a care coordinator who guides and educates patients through pre- and post-surgery, and who personally follows up with patients for one year after a surgery to monitor progress.

The best minds in orthopaedics come to Ridgeview—committed to lifting spirits, restoring mobility and providing excellent care.

Envision the Future


technology that makes the art of orthopaedics more successful. Patients recover faster because it’s less invasive, and surgeons gain increased precision and accuracy.

discomfort, less scarring and less recovery time.

minimally invasive surgeries. From fractures to bone infections, patients can enjoy a faster recovery.

3. O

rthopaedic Programs

Cancer Care ProgramImproving patients’ survival rate and

quality of life.


Ridgeview is committed to developing personal connections with every cancer patient while offering the most advanced approaches to successful cancer treatment. Its accredited, integrated program reflects Ridgeview’s dedication to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients.

An average of 400 new cancer cases are diagnosed and/or treated through Ridgeview’s Cancer Care Program each year. Ridgeview physicians have experience with virtually every kind of cancer including breast, prostate, colorectal, lung and lymphoma.

Early detection is the key to the best-possible cancer diagnosis and treatment. That’s why Ridgeview offers free cancer screenings throughout the year for skin, breast, colon and prostate cancer.

4.

survivor Mary Frederick, with her husband, Danny

Cancer Care Program What Sets Us Apart

For more than a decade, Ridgeview’s Cancer Care Program has earned national approval from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC). Only 25 percent of U.S. hospitals have CoC-approved programs. This major distinction is the result of rigorous on-site evaluations, demonstrating compliance within a series of cancer program standards. For Ridgeview patients, it means excellent cancer care close to home.

Patients have access to the latest advances in technology and a multi-specialty team approach to ensure they have the greatest chance for recovery. With the range of technology—from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 128-slice computed tomography (CT) to digital mammography, Ridgeview excels. With breakthrough technology like RapidArc™, Ridgeview stays on top.

With RapidArc™ radiotherapy technology, patients experience more comfort and less treatment time because of its unprecedented speed and precision. Only 70 sites in the world offer RapidArc™ and 15 nationwide. Ridgeview is the first to offer it to patients in Minnesota.

Ridgeview’s Cancer Care program attracts nationally recognized physicians and specialists. Consistently named in Mpls. St. Paul magazine’s annual listing of Top Doctors, Ridgeview physicians are board certified

Pulmonology and Urology. Specialty support staff includes certified oncology nurses, certified technologists, breast care nurses, social workers, home support/hospice professionals, genetic counselor, nutrition counselors and chaplains.

With a focus on making patients’ lives better today, combined with outstanding leadership and active community outreach, Ridgeview will continue to make a difference in cancer care.

Envision the Future


rooms dedicated to cancer patients, to help decrease wait times for surgical intervention.

additional national clinical research studies to find new and more effective treatments for cancer. In addition, fund advancements in diagnostic and treatment technologies for cancer.

that Ridgeview stays on the leading edge.

4. Cancer Care Program

5.

Hospice and Home CareIncredible care for the whole family.

The Reason They ComeRidgeview’s Hospice & Home Care program is the fastest-growing segment of patients served by the organization. With longer life expectancy, shorter inpatient hospital stays and the growth of same-day surgery, more and more patients and their families want nursing and rehabilitation services offered from the comfort of home.

Each year, Ridgeview Home Care professionals provide assistance to more than 1,000 patients with medical needs requiring a level of care that cannot be delivered in an outpatient setting. Specialized in-home services range from wound care and medication management to nutrition counseling and orthopaedic care. They’re all Medicare certified and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people of all ages.

Nearly 2,000 patients of all ages received end-of-life care through Ridgeview Hospice over the last decade. Hospice care is an optional holistic approach for patients in their final stages of life, most often administered at home. The Hospice team at Ridgeview diligently focuses on caring and nurturing patients, families and friends during the last six months of life.

5. Hospice and Hom

e Care

Hospice and Home CareWhat Sets Us Apart

Chaska, the first Medicare-certified hospice residence in the region to offer general and inpatient care. Hospice patients gain 24-hour nursing care with private rooms in a home-like setting. Most important, family and friends can gather together to support their loved ones during those last precious days.

Ridgeview Hospice is one of 10 area agencies selected to participate in the Stratis Health Minnesota Palliative Care Initiative. Palliative care is closely associated with hospice care, but it’s not just for the dying. The grant for this initiative runs through 2010. Working alongside other Minnesota communities will help Ridgeview develop a Palliative Care Program unique for the patients and families it serves.

Envision the Future

Possibilities. Needs. The difference between average and outstanding. What’s your vision? Help Ridgeview move forward by giving back to an organization so crucial to so many lives, everyday.

chronic diseases such as pulmonary and heart disease, and cancer. Plans are underway to develop a program to complement Ridgeview’s full continuum of care.

possible for patients with chronic heart disease. Funding is needed to purchase monitoring equipment and set-up of a clinical station at the Ridgeview Home Care & Hospice office.

pay for services not covered by Medicare or private insurance. Creation of a fund to help cover those expenses will allow additional hospice patients access to the residence.

6.

Women and ChildrenCommitted to creating a new model for

women’s and children’s health care.


Women are career professionals, mothers and caregivers—not to mention chief decision-makers when it comes to health care. Ridgeview Medical Center designed the Center for Women & Children with family in mind. It’s a convenient choice—a sophisticated hub for supporting women’s and children’s individual health care needs for all life’s stages.

Ridgeview’s integrated network of medical professionals and associated clinics creates an unparalleled destination for women and children—conveniently close to home.

Women and Children What Sets Us ApartIn the summer of 2009, Ridgeview opened a unique, high-amenity Birthing Center on the third floor of the hospital. The new Birthing Center is a reflection of Ridgeview’s advanced, high-touch approach to excellent care.

With six spacious birthing suites, 18 hotel-like, private postpartum suites, a newborn and critical-care nursery, and two rooms dedicated to C-section births, the commitment to deliver a very personal experience is obvious. Spa tubs in each suite allow women to labor in water or choose a water birth—an option at only a few Minnesota hospitals.

New mothers consistently rank Ridgeview as one of the top providers of obstetrical care. A 2008 independent research study of consumers rated Ridgeview as the best hospital in the region for having a baby—great news for the 1,200 mothers who deliver there each year.

In 2010, Ridgeview will open a new specialized nursery, part of a multiyear expansion plan for a Neonatal Care Unit (NCU). This NCU will be the only one of its kind west of I-494. Neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners from nationally recognized Children’s Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota are partnering with Ridgeview physicians and staff to provide critical care for these fragile newborns.

Ridgeview’s nationally recognized lactation specialists are committed to successful breastfeeding experiences for moms. Eighty-seven percent of babies born at Ridgeview are breastfeeding when they go home, out-pacing the national average of 75 percent.

Ridgeview is committed to caring for children with a variety of medical and surgical conditions as well as emergency care. Located on the second floor of the hospital, Ridgeview’s Pediatric and Young Adult Unit will undergo a renovation and relocation in 2010. Larger, private rooms designed for the comfort of young patients and their families will allow important together time in a peaceful setting.

The Ridgeview Women’s Imaging & Breast Center is focused on patient comfort with a welcoming atmosphere and a knowledgeable staff. But it’s about caring for the whole patient—from advanced cancer prevention, screening and detection to treatment services. Ridgeview performs more than 6500 mammograms annually with same-day results, fewer worries and, if needed, faster treatment.

nurse midwife and reproductive specialists from the University of Minnesota, offers effective evaluation and treatment options.

Their expertise with hereditary counseling determines if patients or babies are at high risk.

Envision the FuturePossibilities. Needs. The difference between good and great. What’s your vision? Help Ridgeview move forward by giving back to an organization so crucial to so many lives, everyday.

expand integrative therapies such as massage, acupuncture and aromatherapy

being treated in the ED, Imaging, Surgery and Pediatric areas

to cope with illness, and the techniques to treat them, through play therapy

families who cannot afford to purchase breast-feeding pumps

the-art equipment and programs, a women’s health library, lactation program, women’s education and more

6. W

omen and Children

7.Innovation and Outreach

Stand-Alone Emergency and Outpatient Care Center

Charity Care

Complementary Alternative Medicine

7. Innovation & O

utreach

Extending Emergency Ambulance and Communications Services

Ridgeview Autism Clinic

Helping Train the Next Generation of Health Care Workers

Philanthropy is the difference between good and great medicine.

Ridgeview Center for Women & Children Heart Center Marie Steiner Kelting Hospice Home

The Ridgeview

Experience.

Kindness:

Compassion:

Intuition:

The Little Health Care System Did ...

Ridgeview is a unique place. There’s excitement and energy. Amazing doctors choose to practice there because of the good community feeling and good people they serve.

—Tim Foster, former patient and Ridgeview, Foundation Board member, Eden Prairie

I’m extremely grateful to Ridgeview Medical Center and Dr. Laurie Drill-Mellum. I am a true supporter of Ridgeview and a strong believer in the need for outstanding medical care in our community.

—Addie Mucha, brain aneurysm survivor and Ridgeview grateful patient, Howard Lake

The people from Ridgeview Hospice were wonderful and compassionate. We are grateful for what the program did for us—and, most important, Justin.

Fourteen days in the hospital. Ninety missed days at work. Eighteen different doctors. A total of 800,000 total milligrams of antibiotics—and a billion thank yous later, I got through it thanks to the exceptional care and staff at Ridgeview.

—Doug Scholla, Ridgeview grateful patient, Waconia

I can’t imagine getting better care. I brag about it. Every day I feel better. I’m excited! I’ll be back doing four nights a week with the band. I’m extremely grateful for that—and to Ridgeview.

—Johnny Holm, Ridgeview hip replacement grateful patient, Chanhassen

Arnold died peacefully at home. His wife, Eleanor says, Ridgeview Hospice made such a difference. She says he didn’t ask for much, but what he received up to the end was a gift.

—The Engebretson family, Waconia

There was so much caring and focus on me—not just some number.

—Christine Carey, lung cancer survivor, Belle Plaine

With

your

help,

Ridgeview

will continue

to provide

an exceptional

health care

experience.

Documents

The Little System That Could