Inova Partnership for Healthier Kids Offering Free School Physicals
July 30th, 2009
Uninsured Children to Receive Immunizations, Schools Supplies
Falls Church, VA – Inova Health System’s Partnership for Healthier Kids, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, is providing free physicals and immunizations to uninsured students in Northern Virginia. Children who attend these events will receive a physical exam, immunizations and school supplies, enabling them to start school on time, healthy and ready to learn.
To enroll in school, Virginia law requires proof of a recent physical examination, as well as up-to-date immunizations for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps and rubella. For specific age groups, Hepatitis B and Varicella (chicken pox) vaccines are required. Over the past five years, Inova Partnership for Healthier Kids and the Fairfax County Health Department has provided more than 2,000 free school physicals to uninsured students.
Health screenings and immunizations for area students will be available at the following locations:
August 8
8am-noon
Mt. Vernon Health Department
8350 Richmond Hwy.
Alexandria, VA 22309
August 15
8am-noon
Springfield Health Department
8136 Old Keene Mill Rd.
Springfield, VA 22152
Space is limited and appointments are required. To make an appointment, call 703-698-2550. Inova Partnership for Healthier Kids will also have staff on hand to help uninsured parents find a source of primary care for their children’s healthcare needs.
Inova’s other community partners in this initiative include Fairfax County Public Schools, Anthem Health Keepers, Greater Springfield Communities of Faith, Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, Fort Belvoir and the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce.
For more information on Inova’s support of its community through Partnership for Healthier Kids, InovaCares Clinic for Children and Congregational Health Partnership, as well as other programs, visit inova.org/community.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Life with Cancer to Host Childhood Cancer Survivors Conference
July 20th, 2009
Nationally Renowned Experts to Address Concerns of Young Survivors
Fairfax, VA – Inova Life with Cancer is pleased to host the 2009 Childhood Cancer Survivors Conference on Saturday, July 25, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Dewberry Life with Cancer Family Center, 8411 Pennell Street Fairfax, VA 22031. The conference – officially titled I’m Cured … Now What? A Conference for Teen and Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer – will focus on medical and psychosocial concerns facing teen and young adult survivors of childhood cancer. Nationally renowned cancer experts will provide information on the long-term effects of treatment, helping survivors better advocate for themselves and lead healthy and productive lives.
“We’re pleased to have received a generous grant from the National Children’s Cancer Society for this program and to be collaborating with other national and local organizations that do such great work helping children with cancer,” said Gordon Hay, director, Life with Cancer. “As part of Inova’s commitment to the communities we serve, we’re constantly working to provide vital education and information to all our patients. This conference will shed new light on what young cancer survivors need and what the healthcare system should be offering them.”
Josh Sundquist, childhood cancer survivor and U.S. Paralympics skier, and Nancy Keene, author and advocate for children with cancer, will lead discussions on managing childhood cancer.
The conference will also highlight issues such as:
- Fertility
- Stress-Busters and Complementary Therapies
- Nutrition and Bone Health
- Dating and Disclosure
- Tips and resources for survivors and their parents
The conference is free and includes lunch and beverages. Each participant will receive signed copies of the books Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Practical Guide to Your Future, by Nancy Keene and Wendy Hobbie, and A Leg Up, by Josh Sundquist. Sponsors include The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, DC Candlelighters, Growing Hope, and Special Love, Inc.
Space is limited and registration is required. Participants can register at www.lifewithcancer.org. For more information, contact Connie Connor at 703-531-1515 or constance.connor@inova.org.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Loudoun Hospital New Moms Support Groups Meeting at New Location
July 16th, 2009
Groups Will Now Meet at Leesburg Campus
Leesburg, VA – Inova Loudoun Hospital’s New Moms support groups are moving to a new, larger location. Beginning Aug. 5, these groups will meet in the Cornwall Medical Pavilion, 224D Cornwall Street NW, Leesburg, VA 20176. Attendees can park in front of the Inova Loudoun Medical Campus – Leesburg main entrance. Meetings will take place on the first floor; the entrance is next to the pediatric offices.
“We are thrilled that our New Moms groups are growing, and even more pleased that we’ll be able to provide larger accommodations,” said Cindy O’Hara, Manager, OB Community Services, Inova Loudoun Hospital.
For more than 15 years, Inova Loudoun Hospital has been providing weekly support groups for new moms. Inova Health System supports the Northern Virginia community by offering a wide variety of support services and programs for new parents throughout the region.
For a class schedule visit www.thebirthinginn.org and click on Education.
Inova Loudoun Hospital, serving Loudoun County for nearly 100 years, is part of Inova Health System, a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Fairfax Hospital Ranked Among the Nation’s Best by U.S. News & World Report
July 16th, 2009
Inova Hospital Named in Three Specialties; Gynecology Services Among Top 25
Falls Church, VA – Inova Fairfax Hospital has again been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals.” The hospital was selected among the best in three specialties, including a top 25 ranking for Gynecology. Nationally, this year’s rankings for Inova Fairfax Hospital are as follows:
Specialty Ranking Among Top 50
Gynecology 25
Urology 33
Heart and Heart Surgery 49
“The fact that Inova Fairfax Hospital is consistently ranked among the best hospitals in the nation is a testament to our physicians, nurses and staff, and their dedication to providing world-class patient care,” said Patrick Christiansen, Administrator, Inova Fairfax Hospital Tower and Inova Heart and Vascular Institute. “We want our patients to know that we’ve made a commitment to provide them with the best care possible – not just at this hospital, but at every Inova facility in Northern Virginia.”
U.S. News uses rigorous standards in compiling its list of the nation’s best hospitals. Hospitals are ranked by specialty and not by specific procedures. Of the 4,861 hospitals evaluated, only 174 scored high enough to be ranked in at least one specialty.
In 12 of the 16 specialties, U.S. News ranked hospitals on hard data. Each specialty had its own eligibility requirements. A hospital must have seen a specified minimum number of Medicare inpatients who had certain conditions or underwent certain procedures during 2005, 2006 and 2007, or the hospital must have been recommended by at least one physician in recent U.S. News surveys. Hospitals then received a numerical assessment based on reputation, death rate, patient safety and such care-related factors as nurse staffing and technology.
This is the thirteenth time in the past 14 years that Inova Fairfax Hospital has been ranked among the nation’s best hospitals. The 2009 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Hospitals” will be available on newsstands Tuesday, July 21.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Health System Invites Public to Take Controls of Surgical Robot
July 15th, 2009
Public Invited to ‘Test Their Skills as a Surgeon’ and Learn How Robotic Technology Is Used in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Falls Church, VA — Inova Health System, a leader in the Washington metro area in robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery, is inviting the public to a demonstration of the da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System at the Dulles Town Center. Visitors can take the surgeon’s seat at the console and work the robot’s arms, testing the maneuverability of the surgical tools while trying their hand at such tasks as picking up coins and manipulating rubber bands.
WHAT:
da Vinci Robotic Surgical System Demonstration
WHEN:
Saturday, July 25
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE:
Dulles Town Center
Center Court
21100 Dulles Town Circle
Dulles, VA 20166
The da Vinci system integrates high-definition 3-D endoscopy and state-of-the-art robotic technology to allow surgeons greater dexterity and precision. During da Vinci procedures, the surgeon sits at a console a few feet away from the patient and remotely manipulates the robot’s surgical instruments. Viewing the surgical field through a high-powered camera and a magnifying-lens system, the surgeon performs procedures such as prostatectomy (the removal of the prostate to treat cancer) through small incisions. Such minimally invasive surgery reduces blood loss and recovery time, among other benefits to the patient.
Inova’s da Vinci prostatectomy program is now the largest program in Northern Virginia and is the only prostatectomy program in Northern Virginia to achieve a five-star rating from HealthGrades®, an independent company that rates the quality of clinical outcomes and patient experience in 26 different areas. To learn more about Inova’s other distinctions, see www.inova.org/awards. And for more information about Inova’s da Vinci program, visit www.inova.org/davinci.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Breast Care Institute at Inova Fairfax Hospital Named an Accredited Breast Care Center
July 13th, 2009
Hospital One of the First in Region to Earn Recognition
Falls Church, VA — The Inova Breast Care Institute at Inova Fairfax Hospital is one of the first in the D.C. region to earn a three-year accreditation in breast care from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), part of the American College of Surgeons, which sets the standard for how breast cancer patients receive care.
The Inova Breast Care Institute at Inova Fairfax Hospital earned accreditation by meeting or exceeding seven standards of breast cancer care during an on-site review. The institute was evaluated for its imaging technology, extensive radiation- and oncology-treatment options, reconstructive surgery, survivorship programs, leadership, cutting-edge research and a breast care navigator who helps patients through their diagnosis and treatment.
“Being one of the first breast care centers to receive this accreditation demonstrates that the Inova Breast Care Institute has a commitment to provide quality care for our patients,” said Kirsten Edmiston, MD, Medical Director, Cancer Services, Inova Health System. “This designation by NAPBC assures our patients that they’re receiving first-class, state-of-the-art care from a facility that has achieved a superior level of expertise in breast cancer care. The Inova Breast Care Institute is more than just one hospital and one doctor – it’s an entire healthcare system devoted to providing the very best in breast care.”
Currently, fewer than 70 breast centers nationwide have earned this recognition from NAPBC, which represents organizations dedicated to the improvement of the quality of care for patients with breast care issues.
The Inova Breast Care Institute offers a multidisciplinary team of nearly 100 experts across the System who provide a full range of breast cancer care. With access points at each Inova hospital, Inova provides more breast cancer care than any other healthcare organization in Northern Virginia, treating more than 1,000 women each year.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Heart and Vascular Institute Improves Quality, Cuts Costs with Blood Conservation
July 13th, 2009
New Protocol Reduces Need for Blood, Improves Outcomes
Falls Church, VA – Surgeons and anesthesiologists at Inova Heart and Vascular Institute have implemented an innovative, multidisciplinary approach to reduce blood and blood-product transfusions, improving results and safety while helping to cut costs. The comprehensive blood-conservation protocol also reduces the risk of infection and length of hospital stay.
“The improvements observed in patient outcomes have been remarkable,” said Elmer Choi, MD, medical director, Cardiac Anesthesiology, who helped lead the program. “We have established an outstanding process that is achieving great results through teamwork, out-of-the-box thinking and the adoption of cutting-edge techniques.”
The blood-conservation protocol incorporates the use of withdrawing up to two pints of a patient’s own blood just before a surgical procedure. This blood is kept safely sequestered away from the bypass machine and is not exposed to air or any medication. After surgery, the patient is re-infused with their own blood. The procedure, which reduces time on a mechanical ventilator and reduces the risk of pneumonia, is expected to save the Heart and Vascular Institute more than $5 million annually.
“Under our new protocol, fluctuations in blood supply and risk of allergic reaction play less of a role in the delivery of care,” said Alan Speir, MD, medical director, Cardiac Surgical Services, Inova Health System. “Using a patient’s own blood is the best possible option during a surgical produce because it’s safer, healthier and ultimately more cost-effective.”
Re-infusing a patient’s own blood reduces the costs involved in blood donation because the blood does not have to be drawn, separated into its three components, stored and then transported to a hospital for use. In addition, the constant need for blood and a lack of blood donations can lead to shortages, causing elective surgical procedures to be postponed until enough blood becomes available. Inova leadership adds, though, that blood donation is still critically important.
“While we continue to look for ways to reduce the need for blood, blood donation remains vital to many of the cardiac procedures we perform,” said Patrick Christiansen, PhD, administrator, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute. “Blood conservation is another tool helping us manage a critical resource that saves lives everyday. Make no mistake – blood donation is still needed.”
Every day, approximately 39,000 units of blood are required in hospitals and emergency-treatment facilities nationwide for patients with cancer and other diseases, for organ transplant recipients, and to help save the lives of accident victims.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Health System Adds Leading-Edge Surgical Robots for Minimally Invasive Surgery
July 10th, 2009
Inova Invests in Latest da Vinci Robotic Surgical Systems
Falls Church, VA — Inova Health System, a leader in the Washington metro area in robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery, has added two new latest generation da Vinci® Robotic Surgical Systems to serve patients in Northern Virginia.
Specially trained surgeons at Inova Fairfax Hospital and Inova Loudoun Hospital will use the da Vinci to perform minimally invasive surgery, primarily to treat prostate cancer and a variety of urologic and gynecologic conditions.
“The da Vinci represents the perfect marriage of human surgical expertise and leading-edge technology,” said Simon Chung, MD, Director of Robotics and Minimally Invasive Urological Surgery at Inova Fairfax Hospital.
“The 3-D view during robot-assisted laparoscopic procedures allows for great precision and accuracy that benefits our patients,” said Gregory Schenk, MD, Medical Director of Robotic Surgery at Inova Loudoun Hospital. “We’re able to perform delicate procedures, such as removing the prostate or removing a tumor from the kidney, while sparing the vital organs and surrounding nerves and tissue. As a result, patients experience less pain, less blood loss, a faster recovery and are afforded the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.”
Inova Fairfax Hospital – the first hospital in the Washington, D.C. region to offer the da Vinci in 2001 – is trading in its original model for the latest and most advanced model, the only one of its kind in the mid-Atlantic region.
The addition of a da Vinci robot at Inova Loudoun Hospital is a first for Loudoun County. There will be a public demonstration on July 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dulles Town Center in the mall’s Center Court. Visitors will be able to put themselves in the place of the surgeon and “test drive” the robot.
The da Vinci system integrates high-definition 3-D endoscopy and state-of-the-art robotic technology to allow surgeons greater dexterity and precision. During da Vinci procedures, the surgeon sits at a console a few feet away from the patient and remotely manipulates the robot’s surgical instruments. The surgeon guides the four arms of the robot into the patient through small incisions. Viewing the surgical field through a high-powered camera and a magnifying lens system, the surgeon then performs the procedure through these small incisions.
Surgeons at Inova closely follow advancements in the use of robotic-assisted surgery and are often among the first in the region to perform newly approved procedures. “Even though it was originally designed for cardiac surgery, the da Vinci has proved the perfect tool for performing delicate procedures like prostate surgery,” said Dr. Chung. “As a urologist, I started using the robot in 2004 for prostate surgery. Now, the number of different ways to use the da Vinci are virtually endless. Because of their commitment to the best technology for the patient, Inova’s surgeons are among the most experienced in the region in this type of minimally invasive surgical techniques.”
Inova’s da Vinci prostatectomy program (the removal of the prostate to treat cancer) is now the largest program in Northern Virginia and is the only prostatectomy program in Northern Virginia to achieve a five-star rating from HealthGrades®, an independent company that rates the quality of clinical outcomes and patient experience in 26 different areas. To learn more about Inova’s other distinctions, see www.inova.org/awards. And for more information about Inova’s da Vinci program, log on to www.inova.org/davinci.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Health System Again Among ‘Most Wired’ Hospitals, Health Systems
July 9th, 2009
Survey Finds Hospitals with Commitment to IT Innovation Have Better Outcomes
Falls Church, VA – Inova Health System has again been named one of the nation’s 100 Most Wired hospitals and health systems, according to the results of the 2009 Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study.
According to the 2009 study, the 100 Most Wired hospitals show better outcomes in patient satisfaction, risk-adjusted mortality rates and other key quality measures through the use of information technology (IT). Marking its 11th year, the Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study continues to be seen as a leader in the field in analyzing and benchmarking healthcare IT.
“We’re excited to have been selected once again as one of the top 100 Most Wired Health Systems in the country,” said Geoff Brown, SVP, chief information officer, Inova Health System. “As part of our commitment to provide superior healthcare throughout the System, we work to integrate technology in every way possible to not only improve the patient experience, but also help share critical information among our hospitals and physicians, to ensure that each patient gets the best and safest care.”
The Most Wired Survey is conducted annually by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine, the journal of the American Hospital Association, which uses the results to name the 100 Most Wired hospitals and health systems. It focuses on how the nation’s hospitals use information technologies for quality, customer service, public health and safety, business processes and workforce issues. Inova Health System has been a recipient of this recognition six out of the last 11 years, reflecting the organization’s commitment to a sustained culture of innovation and to technology solutions designed to improve patient care.
Hospitals & Health Networks conducted the 2009 survey in cooperation with Accenture, McKesson Corp. and the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives. The July H&HN cover story detailing results of the Most Wired survey is available at www.hhnmag.com.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Loudoun Hospital Invests in da Vinci Robotic Surgical System
July 3rd, 2009
Open House Demonstration for Media
WHAT:
Open House Demonstration for Hospital’s New da Vinci® Surgical System
Continuing Inova Health System’s commitment to provide the most advanced care close to home, Inova Loudoun Hospital has brought the first da Vinci Surgical System to Loudoun County. We are opening our doors to the media to invite you to meet the “newest member of our surgical team” and learn how state-of-the-art robotic surgery combines superior 3-D visualization with unmatched precision. With this technology, surgical capabilities are enhanced, improving clinical outcomes and redefining standards of care. The ultimate in minimally invasive surgery, the da Vinci enables faster recovery, smaller incisions, less risk of infection and shorter hospital stays.
During the open house, the following individuals will be available to answer questions:
- Gregory Schenk, MD, Medical Director of Robotic Surgery, Inova Loudoun Hospita
- Jaye Sutton, Director, Surgical Services, Inova Loudoun Hospital
- Randy Kelley, CEO, Inova Loudoun Hospital (between 10-11 a.m.)
- Susan Carroll, COO, Inova Loudoun Hospital (between 10-11 a.m.)
WHEN:
Wednesday, July 8
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE:
Inova Loudoun Hospital
Surgical Services Waiting Area (off Atrium)
44045 Riverside Parkway
Leesburg, VA 20176
Enter the main hospital entrance and walk toward cafeteria.
WHY:
The da Vinci Robotic Surgical System gives patients better access to highly sophisticated medical technology. It integrates high-definition 3-D endoscopy and state-of-the-art robotic technology for greater dexterity and precision.
Inova Fairfax Hospital was first to bring robotic-assisted surgery to the Washington, DC, area in 2001. Inova Loudoun Hospital is proud to bring the first da Vinci robot to Loudoun County.
Inova Loudoun Hospital, serving Loudoun County for nearly 100 years, is part of Inova Health System, a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
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