Today's News for Tomorrow's Health-Summer 2013

Taking Your Healthcare to a Higher Levelsince 1889 Su

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Not Even Superheroes Work Alone see page 8 – 9

Today’s News for tomorrow’s health

Saint Elizabeth Breast Care CenterOur Breast Care Medical Team

3 Virtually scarless surgery

4 Maternal fetal medicine

6 Are you getting enough sleep?

8 Breast Care Center team

10 New radiation therapy for breast cancer

11 Joint Center recognized for quality care

12 Clinical research programs

13 Employee health coaching

14 Blood transfusions save lives

15 Events, programs & classes

Our Values

ReverenceIntegrity

CompassionExcellence

The Official Hospital of the University of Nebraska Athletics

President’s LetterDear Friend,

As summer approaches, our calendars quickly fill with various activities and events. I know many of you will be enjoying vacations and many of the outdoor sports and activities that are part of summer and our local community.

Saint Elizabeth is planning for a busy summer as well with support of several local events such as Celebrate Lincoln, the Cornhusker State Games and the Lincoln Relay for Life. Serving Lincoln and the surrounding

communities has been our mission since 1889 and we welcome the opportunity to continue to support local events that improve your health as you participate in the many educational and physical activities that are available. We encourage everyone to take individual responsibility to be as healthy as possible, and are proud to be among the leaders who make sure our community has many fun and exciting events that can improve your health.

Our staff looks forward to being at these events and having the opportunity to meet you. So please look for us and stop by to visit. Many times we have people stop and share their wonderful stories with us; “I delivered my daughter at Saint Elizabeth and she delivered my grandson there” and “I don’t know what we would have done if the Burn Center hadn’t been here to help us!”

Please remember to help keep all of your loved ones safe as we celebrate Independence Day on the Fourth of July. This year marks the 40th Anniversary of our Burn Center. It continues to be a life-saving blessing to our patients who come from Lincoln, across the state of Nebraska, and even the surrounding states as we provide the expert physical care and emotional support for burn victims and their families through a very difficult time in their lives.

Hoping your summer is filled with good times,

Kim S. MoorePresident

Table of Contents

For patients facing gallbladder removal, there is a new robot-assisted surgery that offers a quicker recovery with virtually no scar. This innovative procedure removes a patient’s gallbladder through one tiny incision at the belly button.

The da Vinci® Single-Site™ robotic surgery system makes this new minimally invasive procedure possible. A traditional laparoscopic procedure for gallbladder removal requires four small incisions, and typical recovery is one week. Now, there is a procedure that offers only one small incision that is usually less than an inch.

Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center has been performing the single-incision surgery since April of last year and is one of two hospitals in Nebraska offering this high-tech surgery. Patients experience less pain, faster recovery, a shorter hospital stay and minimal scarring.

www.SaintElizabethOnline.com ❘ 3

Virtually Scarless Surgery

To learn more about the single-incision gallbladder removal surgery offered at Saint Elizabeth, visit www.SaintElizabethOnline.com/roboticsurgerygallbladder or call 409-219-7000.

Rick Windle, MD General Surgeon

Greg Fitzke, MD General Surgeon

“ Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center is one of two hospitals in Nebraska offering this high-tech surgery.”

Greg Fitzke, MD, general surgeon, shares that his patients have been very excited about this new procedure. “Typically with laparoscopic surgery, you have four incisions. With this procedure, there is only one, small incision at the belly button. The virtually scarless procedure is very attractive to patients,” says Dr. Fitzke.

During the procedure, the surgeon sits at a console, viewing 3D, high-definition images while using controls to move robotic arms with surgical instruments attached. The system translates the surgeon’s hand, wrist and finger movements into precise, real-time movements of the surgical instruments inside the patient.

A typical surgery can be performed in about one hour. A patient arrives at the hospital in the morning and can be home by dinner time.

Kimberly Hovendick, a teacher at Lincoln Public Schools, says that the procedure appealed to her because it offered a quicker recovery and minimal scarring. “I had my procedure on a Wednesday and reported to school the following Tuesday.”

Rick Windle, MD, general surgeon, says that his patients are pleased with the operation, especially with the speed of recovery and lack of multiple incisions. “This procedure is as close to incisionless as we can be presently. Since it is a single incision, it reduces the scarring and discomfort,” says Dr. Windle.

Dian Hofferber also recently underwent single-incision surgery. “I’m glad I chose robotic surgery for my gallbladder removal, because I was able

to get back to my daily routine quicker. I had surgery at 9 a.m. and I was home by 4 p.m. I felt pretty good by the third and fourth days,” says Hofferber.

For Hovendick, the procedure was scarless. “I am very pleased that I don’t have a scar. Now, six months after my surgery, you can’t even tell that I had surgery at all. I would recommend this procedure to anyone.”

4 ❘ Summer 2013

Specialized Care for High-Risk Pregnancy and Birth …

High-risk pregnancies need frequent assessment and guidance as families cope with different circumstances than those of a normal pregnancy. To better serve those dealing with complicated pregnancies, Saint Elizabeth introduced the obstetric subspecialty of maternal fetal medicine 10 years ago. The benefit of having a maternal fetal medicine specialist available to serve as a consultant is well-proven.

Now the program is expanding by partnering with three talented specialists from Alegent Creighton Health.

“This provides women a high level of medical collaboration,” says Susan Walsh, interim director, OB/GYN, Saint Elizabeth. “We are combining the expertise of Alegent Creighton Health’s maternal fetal medicine specialists with our neonatal intensive care physicians and staff to give mothers the best opportunity for a healthy pregnancy and the best possible start for their babies.”

A maternal fetal medicine specialist completes an obstetrics and gynecology residency followed by a fellowship in high-risk pregnancies. High-risk pregnancies generally fall into one of three categories:

» Women who have an existing health condition before becoming pregnant. They usually know from the start that they may need special attention throughout their pregnancy.

» Women with health conditions that develop during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

» Women with risk factors that are pregnancy-specific; this may be due to the mother carrying more than one baby, the age of the mother or premature labor.

The maternal fetal medicine specialists at Saint Elizabeth are available for diagnostic testing and consultation for high-risk pregnancies. They consult with your referring OB/GYN to comanage your care. The coordination is provided during every stage of fetal development through birth and post-delivery treatment. To contact the clinic, call 402-219-8005. Saint Elizabeth Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides neonatology specialists 24/7 to care for premature newborns or infants needing more advanced care. “We are proud to be one of only five hospitals in the nation to receive this certification for preterm labor and one of seven hospitals to receive this certification for prematurity.

“These awards really speak to the exceptional care and the diligent work of the staff to achieve the best outcomes for mothers and their babies,” says B.J. Wilson, MD, medical director of the NICU at Saint Elizabeth.

The NICU at Saint Elizabeth offers 27 all-private rooms, specially designed for premature babies. Special features include:

» High-frequency, oscillating ventilators to help tiny, premature lungs breathe easier

» Adjustable light and sound levels in each room

» Three areas for oxygen and other vital hookups in each room—giving families the freedom to hold and cuddle their baby

One of only five hospitals in the nation

to have a Gold Seal for Preterm Labor.

One of only seven hospitals

to have a Gold Seal

for Prematurity.

Learn more about Nebraska Fetal Medicine Specialists at www.SaintElizabethOnline.com/maternal-fetal-medicine

Giving You Peace Of Mind

Nebraska Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists

Dr. Smith enjoys all aspects of the practice of medicine, including his administrative roles. He and his wife Melanie have two daughters and enjoy travel, especially to the mountains. In his free time, Dr. Smith enjoys running and playing guitar.

Mothers and newborns in critical health situations can be moved by either ambulance or helicopter to Saint Elizabeth with the assistance of their transport teams.

The Neonatal Transport Team includes neonatal nurse practitioners and experienced registered nurses. They have the expertise and necessary equipment (transport incubators, specialty ventilators, medications and blood analysis machines) to care for critically ill newborns. Complex care is initiated by the transport team upon their arrival at the referring facility and

continued throughout the transport and admission to the NICU.

The Maternal Transport Team provides exceptional care for high-risk moms. The team carries all of the equipment necessary to care for moms and newborn infants. Moms and babies are in good hands because the team has experienced labor and delivery nurses as well as NICU transport nurses.

Both teams, the Neonatal Transport and Maternal Transport, are available 24/7 to provide very specialized services for newborns and moms.

James Smith Jr., MDMaternal Fetal Medicine & Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Barsoom loves practicing OB/GYN. The specialty of maternal fetal medicine gives him the opportunity to provide extraordinary care for moms and the tiniest patients. He has two daughters and loves to read.

Michael J. Barsoom, MDMaternal Fetal Medicine & Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Kovilam’s favorite saying is “What the mind does not know, the eyes cannot see.” Her grandmother used to say this all the time, and now it is a quote that she lives by.

Oormila P. Kovilam, MDMaternal Fetal Medicine & Obstetrics and Gynecology

“ We are combining the expertise of Alegent Creighton Health’s maternal fetal medicine specialists with our neonatal intensive care physicians and staff to give mothers the best opportunity for a healthy pregnancy and the best possible start for their babies.”

~ Susan Walsh, interim director, OB/GYN

575 South 70th Street, Suite 435 • 402-219-8005


6 ❘ Spring 2013

Judy Reid was not sleeping well and was exhausted all the time. “I’d go to sleep, but then I wouldn’t stay asleep,” recalls the Lincoln resident. “I just wasn’t getting a restful night’s sleep.”

Reid, 64, thought her insomnia was part of getting older and that it would pass. But when the problem persisted for more than six months, she decided to talk with her doctor.

When her blood tests came back normal, her doctor sent her to a pulmonologist, suspecting she might have sleep apnea, one of the most common sleep disorders, affecting more than six million Americans. The pulmonologist scheduled a sleep test for Reid at the Saint Elizabeth Sleep Disorders Center.

The sleep study showed Reid did not have sleep apnea. However, she did have Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), which severely disrupts sleep. Up to 10 percent of the U.S. population may have restless legs syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease.

Reid treats her RLS with medication. “I take it at bedtime,” she says. “It took some time to get my dosage just right. But now I sleep well, and I am rested come morning.”

Sleep Disorders are Common “There are hundreds of different sleep disorders,” says Douglas Fiedler, MD, medical director of the Sleep Disorders Center. As many as 70 million Americans experience chronic, treatable sleep disorders, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Fiedler expects the number of people with sleep disorders to rise as our lives continue to get busier. “We are working longer hours and have access to the Internet and email 24/7,” he says.

Are You Getting Enough Sleep?

» Maintain a regular bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends and holidays

» Resist napping

If these lifestyle changes do not help, talk with your doctor about investigating the cause of your sleeplessness. Once the problem is diagnosed, it can often be treated.

Accredited MemberThe Sleep Disorders Center at Saint Elizabeth opened in 1998 and expanded in 2008. It has five beds in private rooms that are just like home. “The room is like a small hotel room,” Reid says. “You have as much privacy as you want.”

The Center is an accredited member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, which sets the gold standard for excellence.

“Something has to give and, for many people, unfortunately, the first thing they sacrifice is sleep. As a rule, people aren’t getting the kind of sleep that they need.”

Lifestyle Changes Can HelpSleep disorders often do not get the attention they deserve. Like Reid, many people assume their problems sleeping will pass or aren’t worthy of medical attention.

Sometimes lifestyle changes can help solve sleeping problems.

To get a good night’s sleep, you should:

» Only use the bedroom for sleep

» Wind down before going to sleep. Shut off electronics well before bedtime

» Keep the bedroom dark and cool

» Avoid caffeine after mid-afternoon

» Get regular exercise, preferably at least five – six hours before bedtime

Douglas Fiedler, MD Medical Director, Sleep Disorders Center

When scheduled for a sleep study, you bring your own belongings—bathrobe, bedroom slippers, pajamas and toiletries. Sensors are attached so a sleep technologist can monitor your sleep pattern, breathing, oxygen level, heart rate and muscle tone while you sleep.

When Reid had her test, the sleep technologist observed she would jerk her legs when she was sleeping and the movement would wake her up. “It was astounding to me how many times my legs were moving,” Reid says.

After your study, the results will be shared with your doctor to determine whether further testing is necessary.

Common Sleep Disorders Common sleep disorders that may be diagnosed after a sleep study.

Sleep apneaBreathing can start and stop up to several hundred times a night. Sleep apnea typically affects men over the age of 40 who are overweight and who snore. Nevertheless, sleep apnea can also affect thin people as well as women and children. Treatments include altering sleep habits and body positions, weight loss and the use of mechanical devices that help keep breathing passages open during sleep.

NarcolepsyPeople fall asleep while walking, eating, talking or driving. They wake up frequently and have difficulty falling back asleep. Memory problems are another symptom. Lifestyle changes and medications are used to treat narcolepsy. InsomniaSymptoms include excessive tiredness during the day, trouble concentrating, mood changes, feeling tense and falling asleep unexpectedly or during the day at work. “Most people experience these sleep problems at some point in their lives,” Dr. Fiedler says. “But when insomnia happens frequently, it’s time to think more about your sleep.” Lifestyle changes and medications can help.

Restless legs syndrome People feel pain in their legs and have the urge to move them, especially at night. It appears most often between the ages of 40 – 65. Medication can be an effective treatment.

Talk with Your Doctor “Everyone will have days when they are more fatigued than others,” Dr. Fiedler says. “But if you are constantly feeling tired, then it’s definitely time to see your doctor and investigate the cause. If you have sleep problems, your family doctor is a good place to start. They can help you schedule a sleep study if needed.”


Learn More About the Sleep Disorders Center

Sleep testing is available Sunday through Thursday nights. You can get more information about the Center by calling 402-219-8742, emailing [email protected] or visiting the website, www.SaintElizabethOnline.com/sleep-disorders-center.

It is located at575 South 70th Street, Suite 445

Are You Getting Enough Sleep?

Judy Reid was diagnosed with restless legs syndrome at the Sleep Disorders Center. Reid says, “Now, I sleep well. I am rested in the morning.”

8 ❘ Summer 2013

You don’t have to face breast cancer alone. At the Saint Elizabeth Breast Care Center, we have partnered with local physicians to ensure women receive the best possible care—close to home.

Our doctors and nurses approach treatment and care as a team. And that team includes you and your family. We make sure you receive all the information and support you need to feel comfortable with each decision. We even have a designated staff member—called the breast cancer nurse navigator—who’s job is to guide you through the process and make sure you get answers to your questions.

Pictured from left: Michael Norris, Greg Fitzke, Michelle Ellis, Bennett Barios, Nate Green, Cary Peterson, Karen Pribnow, Dave Schmidt, Kevin Yiee, Toni Tilford, Mathieu Hinze, Madhu Midathada, Mark Hutchins, Zijun Hao, Phillip Hynes, Alan Berg, Rick Windle, Eric Avery, Todd Orchard, Steven Dunder, Joseph Kam Chiu, Stacey Knox


Medical OncologyEric Avery, MDAlan Berg, MD Steven Dunder, MDNate Green, MDStacey Knox, MDMark Hutchins, MDMadhu Midathada, MDCary Peterson, MDJoni Tilford, MD

Radiation OncologyBennett Barrios, MDPhillip Hynes, MDJoseph Kam Chiu, MDKevin Yiee, MD

RadiologyDavid Schmidt, MD

General SurgeonsGreg Fitzke, MDZijun Hao, MDMichael Norris, MDRick Windle, MD

Plastic SurgeonsMathieu Hinze, MDTodd Orchard, MD

Family Medicine LiasonMichelle Ellis, MD

Nurse NavigatorKaren Pribnow RN, MSN, OCN

Pictured from left: Michael Norris, Greg Fitzke, Michelle Ellis, Bennett Barios, Nate Green, Cary Peterson, Karen Pribnow, Dave Schmidt, Kevin Yiee, Toni Tilford, Mathieu Hinze, Madhu Midathada, Mark Hutchins, Zijun Hao, Phillip Hynes, Alan Berg, Rick Windle, Eric Avery, Todd Orchard, Steven Dunder, Joseph Kam Chiu, Stacey Knox

A few of our services include:

» Cancer genetic counselor

» Clinical trials

» New radiation therapy treatment called AccuBoost® (see page 10)

» One-step reconstruction

» Preparing for Breast Cancer Surgery class

» Support Group

» Survivorship care plans

We support you every step of the way, because, after all, not even superheroes work alone.

Learn more at www.SaintElizabethBreastCenter.com or call 402-219-5900.

10 ❘ Summer 2013

Women at Saint Elizabeth Breast Care Center are benefiting from a new radiation therapy treatment that cuts down the body’s exposure to radiation.

Saint Elizabeth began offering the new AccuBoost® treatment in June. It allows women receiving radiation for breast cancer treatment to have improved targeting during their treatment, minimizing the amount of radiation going to other organs such as the heart and lungs.

Instead of using external beam radiation, the technology uses brachytherapy, which is a very precise and highly effective form of radiation therapy delivered as close to the tumor as possible.

“Saint Elizabeth is the only hospital in the area—and in the Midwest—to offer AccuBoost,” says Mike Hopkins, director, radiology and radiation therapy. “At our Breast Care Center, we offer patients the latest, innovative treatments.”

Improving Traditional Treatment MethodsIf a breast cancer patient undergoes a lumpectomy (surgically removing the cancer while preserving the majority of the breast), they typically receive six weeks of radiation treatment. “Many patients also receive an additional boost of radiation to help prevent the cancer from returning,” says Kevin Yiee, MD, medical director of radiation therapy at Saint Elizabeth.

With traditional approaches, the extra boost can unintentionally expose your skin, lungs and heart to radiation. A March article in the New England Journal of Medicine reports that women who have had breast cancer radiation treatment may be at a slightly higher risk for heart problems.

“One way to minimize the boost risk is brachytherapy, which allows us to deliver radiation close to the site of the

tumor,” says Dr. Yiee. “AccuBoost allows us to see with certainty the site where the cancer was removed and focus the radiation as tightly as possible. It allows us to accurately focus the radiation exactly where the cancer was removed.”

Dr. Yiee adds, “Adding this new treatment is part of our commitment to offering women the latest technology and medical advancements. AccuBoost helps limit the risks of radiation exposure to normal tissues, so this treatment can potentially have a big impact on a woman’s health 10 or 20 years later.”

New Radiation Therapy Treatment Helps Fight Breast Cancer

Kevin Yiee, MD, Medical DirectorRadiation Therapy Center

Mike Hopkins, DirectorRadiology and Radiation Therapy

Learn more at www.SaintElizabethOnline.com/AccuBoost


Bill Peters is pain-free after undergoing knee replacement earlier this year at the Saint Elizabeth Joint Center. He takes a break from working around his acreage in Seward, Neb.

After a lifetime of activity, sports and hard work, Bill Peters endured constant joint pain. “I was bone-on-bone in both knees. There wasn’t any cartilage left,” recalls the 62-year-old pneumatic controller and steam expert.

After seven surgeries, including two total knee replacements, Peters is living without pain for the first time in years.

“I can walk without pain now,” says Peters. “People at work give me a hard time because I don’t limp anymore. Pain had been a constant part of my life for years.”

Peters is not alone. The Joint Center performs nearly 1,100 joint replacements each year—more knee and hip replacements than any other facility in the Lincoln area.

The Joint Center’s success is built on teamwork and constant efforts to raise the standard of care for joint replacement, according to Brenda Stutzman, director, orthopaedics/neurosurgery/joint and spine. “We are focused on quality of care and safety, as well as what patients value.”

Focus on Patient SatisfactionA big part of what makes the Saint Elizabeth Joint Center unique is its staff. “Our physical and occupational therapists are upbeat motivators,” says Stutzman. “The physicians and nurses take the time to build a trusting relationship with their patients.”

Stutzman points out that patient education begins several weeks before surgery. “Patients receive 90 – 120 minutes of education and a tour of the facility,” she explains. “They want to know what is going to happen which helps ease their anxiety after surgery.”

After surgery, patients who have undergone knee or hip replacement surgery benefit from group therapy twice a day. The support of a friend or loved one who can act as a coach during

the recovery process is encouraged. “My wife was with me,” recalls

Peters. “I really value the fact that she was there, so when we came home she was able to push me and encourage me.”

Achieving the Blue Distinction Center+ AwardBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska named Saint Elizabeth a Blue Distinction Center+ in Knee and Hip Replacement and Spine Surgery for demonstrating unwavering commitment to quality care, better overall outcomes and fewer complications.

Saint Elizabeth Joint Center earned this award by meeting a rigorous set of criteria, Stutzman says. “The Blue Distinction Center+ award reaffirms our commitment to providing the best possible care for our patients.”

Five months after his knee replacement surgery, Peters is looking forward to retirement. “I’m seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” he says. “Working around the house and being out doing things like hunting, fishing and gardening are all better when you aren’t doing it with pain.”

Joint Center Recognized for Commitment to Quality Care

Brenda Stutzman Director of Orthopaedics/

Neurosurgery/Joint and Spine

Learn more at www.SaintElizabethOnline.com/orthopaedics

12 ❘ Summer 2013

Research brings about the latest technological advancements and provides patients with access to medical care that they wouldn’t receive otherwise. Often, only academic medical centers have the resources and expertise to participate in research. But Saint Elizabeth is one community hospital that is committed to research with the intention of improving patient care and health outcomes.

“Participation in clinical research provides access to innovative treatments, devices and medicines, while at the same time advancing the body of knowledge that will improve the quality of care in the future,” says Paul Edwards, clinical research coordinator.

Saint Elizabeth has been actively supporting clinical research since 2000. Researchers have completed FDA- sponsored trials that developed new antibiotics to treat skin and wound infections, a new medicine for abdominal surgery patients that accelerates the time to recovery and another trial that helped develop a drug treatment for burn patients that allows them to maintain muscle mass and also shortens their hospital stay.

Some of the research and clinical trials currently under way include:

Burn Care A research study is taking a comprehensive look at the treatment outcomes for burn patients. Researchers are working to identify the most successful ways to treat burns and provide optimal physical therapy so that patients are able to maintain their range of motion long-term. Currently there are 17 burn centers across the United States involved.

High-Level Research Aims to Improve Care

CancerClinical trials offer cancer patients treatment options that wouldn’t be available otherwise. Patients have access to clinical trials through the National Cancer Institute, Nebraska Cancer Research Center and Catholic Health Initiatives cancer centers across Nebraska. Access to these clinical trials gives patients cutting-edge cancer treatment close to home. Cancer patients are routinely screened to see if they are eligible to participate in a cancer treatment trial. Physicians who work with Saint Elizabeth Cancer Institute have a long-standing commitment to supporting and participating in clinical trials and cancer research.

Center for Translational ResearchSaint Elizabeth is participating in a national research program that explores how genes affect the growth and development of cancer tumors. The foundation of this research is a biorepository of patient samples, including blood and tissue samples, used for analysis to identify cancer signatures that indicate cause, risk for disease and recurrence or best treatment for that individual. Through this approach, future discoveries will help guide physicians to make more informed care decisions, ultimately leading to the best care possible.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)Every year, 60,000 – 100,000 Americans die because blood clots develop in their legs, break loose and then lodge in their lungs. Saint Elizabeth is one of 50 sites participating in the ATTRACT study. The purpose of

the study is to help researchers identify the best and most effective strategies for treating blood clots and preventing them from becoming life-threatening.

Nursing Care Nursing students and staff nurses have researched, published and presented on a wide variety of research questions ranging from how does the delivery of pain medication affect patients to how does a patient’s initial contact with nurses affect their stay at the hospital? “In the last year, 12 nurses working on their master’s degree or PhD have completed their research projects here,” Edwards says.

The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of care for the patient. “We are committed to improving patient care and furthering research,” says Edwards. “Research makes a difference in patients’ outcomes and lives.”

Paul Edwards Clinical Research Coordinator

Jamie Koch is fighting colon cancer at age 33. She chose to participate in the Center for Translational Research study to help find new ways to improve cancer treatments and, perhaps, even a cure.

Learn more at www.SaintElizabethOnline.com/research-clinical-trials


Staying healthy while living with a chronic condition isn’t always easy. It takes a game plan. And, it definitely helps to have someone in your corner cheering you on.

That is where Trisha Rogers RN, comes in. As a population health coach, Rogers is a part of the new health coaching program now available to Saint Elizabeth employees and their families. The program is part of a wider effort to empower people with the skills and knowledge to care for their health outside of the doctor’s office.

“It is really about partnering with the person and their primary care physician to help them identify the goals they want to meet and goals that will be attainable over a lifetime,” Rogers says. “It’s moving beyond just giving information and advice and moving toward partnering with a patient and their physician, and working as a team.”

Rogers meets with people of all ages. She and fellow coaches help patients with a variety of challenges, such as setting health goals, creating weight-loss and exercise plans, sticking to a medication routine and incorporating prevention into daily life. They can be especially helpful for employees living with and managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, obesity and low back pain.

Saint Elizabeth Offers Health Coaching Program to Employees

Trisha Rogers RNPopulation Health Coach

Better Community Health Starts One Employee at a TimeAs of this year, all Saint Elizabeth employees, as well as their families, can enroll in the health coaching program at no cost and with or without a referral from a primary care physician.

“Health coaches, all of whom are registered nurses, are part of the Saint Elizabeth larger mission to improve employee health and wellness,” says Greg Gillespie, vice president of human resources for Catholic Health Initiatives Nebraska.

“Our mission at Saint Elizabeth is to create healthier communities,” Gillespie says. “We know that patients listen to their physicians, but when your appointments are three or six months apart, it can be easy to fall off track.”

Meeting with a health coach is completely voluntary and can be done in person or by phone. Rogers typically works with individuals for about six months, but is available for longer periods of time if needed. Employees can reach out to Rogers in between appointments as well, “we are very flexible,” she says.

Of course, one of a coach’s most important roles is providing support and motivation. In fact, health coaches can add that extra touch of compassionate accountability that can make all the difference.

“It’s about motivating employees to identify the things they want to change and keeping them accountable,” Rogers says. “They might know what they need to do to get healthy, but being held accountable will help them get there.”

“ It is about listening to what the patient/employee wants to do and then guiding them to set measurable goals. They usually know what they need to do to stay healthy, but having a support system will keep them engaged and help them meet their goals.”

~ Trisha Rogers, Population Health Coach

14 ❘ Summer 2013

Overjoyed by the arrival of their son, new parents, Megan and Troy, were in great spirits and excited about their family’s future. “Owen was perfect and completely healthy, or at least that’s what we thought,” says Megan.

The morning after Owen was born a nurse noticed bruising on the newborn’s back, an unsettling discovery. Blood was drawn immediately to check his platelet count. The results confirmed everyone’s fear. Owen’s platelet levels were only at 9,000—healthy, “normal” levels are around 250,000. With his blood unable to clot due to low platelets, Owen was experiencing uncontrolled bleeding.

“My son was diagnosed with Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia or NAIT disorder,” explains Megan. “Basically, my platelet type and my husband’s type were incompatible which caused Owen’s body to destroy his own platelets.”

Initially, Owen received platelets from volunteer blood donors to help maintain his levels. “He had already developed a brain bleed causing mild seizures, so without platelet transfusions, he wouldn’t have survived,” admits Megan.

Since receiving donor platelets was only a temporary solution, it was determined that Megan was a compatible donor for Owen and her platelets could reverse the situation. Our NICU team worked closely with the Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) to arrange for the donation as quickly as possible. Less than 24 hours after Megan’s donation, Owen received his mom’s platelets. This transfusion did just as doctors had hoped and raised Owen’s platelet levels to 419,000—a remarkable number as the newborn’s levels had dropped to just 6,000 prior to the transfusion.

Today, Owen is doing great and developing perfectly. Doctors say he should suffer no long-term effects from his rough arrival and that his platelet levels have now stabilized and remain at the normal level.

“It makes me tear up to even think about that day, the blood donors who donated to keep Owen strong and how much everyone at the Blood Bank cared about our family,” concludes Megan. “I understand it’s not very often you get to meet the families you help but I’m sure they’re all as grateful as we are for what you do every day.”

“ Looking back, I remember trying to wrap my mind around what was going on. Dr. Tan was very compassionate. She came to our room and sat down to discuss everything in detail. Along the way, she let us know how everything was going and what the next step would be. When we were discussing discharge information, she gave us the best advice—enjoy every moment and don’t worry about the ‘what ifs’—I try to live by those words daily.”

~ Megan

Blood Transfusions Save Lives

“ We were working against the clock as Owen’s body was rapidly consuming his own platelets. Without Megan’s platelets, he would not be the normal healthy toddler he is today. Our knowledgeable staff not only saved Owen’s life, but prevented a potential, long-term condition. Everyone played a key role, including the newborn nursery nurse who first noted Owen’s bruises, the experienced NICU providers that made the rapid diagnosis and the lab personnel who worked with the Nebraska Community Blood Bank to test, obtain and process Megan’s platelets for Owen.”

~ Rosemarie Tan, MD, Neonatologist

Article courtesy of Nebraska Community Blood Bank

BLOOD DRIVE HONORING OWENHelp others like Owen. Nebraska Community Blood Bank’s Blood Mobile will be at Saint Elizabeth on Tuesday, July 9. Visit the blood drive to make a life-saving donation. Tuesday, July 9, noon – 3 p.m. To schedule an appointment to donate, call TLC at 402-219-7000.


PreDiabetesSaturday, July 20 or Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m–noon

What you can do to lower your risk of diabetes. Advice on how to get started, what changes to make and what guidelines to follow. Cost: $15

Reshape Your Life—Surgial Weight LossSecond Thursday of every month, 7–8:30 p.m.

Learn more about obesity and related health problems as well as the Saint Elizabeth Accredited Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Center. Information on surgical weight-loss procedures such as Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy and the Lap-Band®. Presented by Benjamin Hung, MD or Raymond Taddeucci, MD. FREE

Expressions of Art & Hope for Cancer SurvivorsCancer survivors are invited to explore your artistic expression through our free art classes. FREE

Monday, July 8, 6–8 p.m.

Participants will create a ceramic tile by starting with a clay slab. Participants will add coils of clay to the surface, apply glaze and then draw into the tiles to make a 3-dimensional piece.

Monday, August 12, 6–8 p.m.Participants will explore drawing techniques as they work from a still life. Different shading and blending techniques will be taught as participants learn to draw what they see.

Diabetes Education UpdateSaturday, September 7, 9 a.m.–Noon

Variety of topics presented by local medical providers with the opportunity to ask questions. Vendors of diabetes supplies also available. FREE

Asthma Care ClassTuesday, September 17, 1–2 p.m.

Learn about medications and using inhalers correctly, how to self-monitor to recognize triggers and symptoms and what actions to take, booklet provided. FREE

Power of Pink—Breast Care Center Annual EventSave the Date!Friday, October 18

Planning for a Baby?Our classes and tours will help you prepare for childbirth and parenting.Tour our birth center and meet our staff » Lamaze » Another Baby Is Coming Soon » Sibling Tours » Infant Care and CPR » Breastfeeding » Car Seat Fitting

Events, Programs & Classes

For more information, go to www.SaintElizabethOnline.com

Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center555 South 70th StreetLincoln, NE 68510

©2013. Our articles are reviewed by medical professionals for accuracy and appropriateness. No magazine, however, can replace the care and advice of medical professionals, and readers are cautioned to seek such help for personal problems.

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Documents

Today's News for Tomorrow's Health-Summer 2013