Inova Blood Donor Services and George Mason University Double Number of Donors at CAA Challenge
November 30th, 2010
Inova Sets New Record for Most Number of Units Collected in One Day
Falls Church, VA – Monday, Nov. 15 marked a day to remember for the students, staff and volunteers of Inova Blood Donor Services and George Mason University. More than 850 people came out to donate during the ninth annual Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Blood Challenge, for a total of 806 units of blood. More than 2,400 patients in the Washington, DC region will benefit from this huge success.
“The turnout on campus was phenomenal!” said Terri Craddock, Director, Inova Blood Donor Services. “There was a steady flow of donors for the entire drive and the blood drive staff was absolutely amazing. The partnerships we had with Mason Athletics, Jim McKay Chevrolet and 106.7 The Fan certainly made the difference for us this year.”
The attendance at the CAA Challenge set a new record for Inova. The previous record of 609 units collected at a Washington Capitals blood drive earlier this year was outdone by the students, faculty and people in the community who came out and donated for George Mason University.
“It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you reach out to others for a great cause,” George Mason University Athletic Director Tom O’Connor said. “The competition to win the CAA blood challenge and a chance to win a lease on a car donated by Jim McKay Chevrolet were good motivators, but I believe the Mason student body, faculty and community really stepped up mostly because they wanted to help others.”
Donors received an “Are You My Type” T-shirt, a Dr. Alan Merten bobblehead and the chance to win a one year lease on a Jim McKay Chevrolet Cruz. On campus donors enjoyed free food provided by Chipotle and Chick-fil-A and had the opportunity to see LaVar Arrington and Chad Dukes of 106.7 The Fan as they broadcasted live from the Johnson Center where the main event was held.
The winner of the one year lease for the Jim McKay Chevrolet Cruz will be announced within the next two weeks at a George Mason University basketball game.
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 Alexandria and Inova Fairfax Hospitals Honored by Fairfax County for Employee Commuter Programs
November 29th, 2010
Photo courtesy: Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs
Hospitals Recognized for Their ‘Best Workplace for Commuters’ Designation
Falls Church, VA – Inova Alexandria and Inova Fairfax hospitals were recognized by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for their “Best Workplace for Commuters” designation. On November 16, the Supervisors presented hospital staff with certificates and commended them for their efforts in offering large-scale trip reduction programs to employees.
The “Best Workplace for Commuters” designation comes courtesy of the Fairfax County Department of Transportation, working in partnership with the National Center for Transit Research, part of the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation.
To qualify for the elite designation, the hospitals had to meet a rigorous list of outstanding commuter benefits for employees including offering a wide range of transportation options. The hospitals also had to maintain a focus of helping get employees to work safely, on time and free of commute-related stress.
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 Awarded Silver Level Green Business by Loudoun County
November 26th, 2010
Hospital Recognized for Going Green at County's First Annual Green Gala
Leesburg, VA – Inova Loudoun Hospital’s efforts to ‘go green’ were recognized at Loudoun County’s first annual Green Business Challenge on November 16. At the Green Gala, the hospital was awarded the Silver Certificate and a Resolution from the Chamber of Commerce in recognition of its efforts to go green.
Some of Inova’s accomplishments in this area include purchasing recycled office supplies, implementing a commingled recycling program, creating an employee benefits program for alternative transportation and holding workshops to educate employees on green topics.
The Green Business Challenge is a partnership between the Loudoun County Government and the Chamber of Commerce to encourage Loudoun businesses to adopt environmentally sound business practices.
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 Heart and Vascular Institute Earns Joint Commission Certification for Heart Attack Care
November 23rd, 2010
Falls Church, VA — The Inova Heart and Vascular Institute at Inova Fairfax Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for its treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) – also know as heart attack – by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for healthcare quality and safety. It is one of just two hospitals in the Washington, DC region to receive this certification.
To earn this distinction, the AMI program was evaluated against Joint Commission standards through an extensive on-site evaluation that included interviews with physicians and staff and an assessment of the program’s processes and the hospital’s ability to evaluate and improve care within the organization.
“We are honored to be recognized with this certification,” said Patricia Knowles, RN, Interim Administrator, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute. “A heart attack is a life- threatening condition that requires expert care. Our Joint Commission designation is another indication that Inova Heart and Vascular Institute provides safe, high quality cardiac care to patients in our community.”
The Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards. The accreditation award demonstrates the Inova Heart and Vascular Institute’s dedication to complying with The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards on a continuous basis.
Inova Heart and Vascular Institute’s state-of-the-art flagship location on the Inova Fairfax Hospital campus is one of the most technologically-advanced cardiac care centers in the United States. Housed in the four-story, 410,000-square-foot facility are:
- 204 total beds
- 48 intensive coronary care beds
- 11 cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology suites
- Five operating rooms and a hybrid operating room suite
The Inova Heart and Vascular Institute has received a rating of #1 for cardiology services in Virginia, including five-star excellence ratings for valve replacement surgery and care of patients suffering from heart attack and heart failure from HealthGrades, an independent ratings company. It also holds a three-star rating, the highest available, from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. The hospital is the only facility in the Washington, DC area and in the Commonwealth of Virginia to be recognized on Hospital Compare for better than expected survival outcomes for heart attack patients.
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that seeks to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public through the provision of healthcare accreditation and related services that support performance improvement in healthcare organizations. The Joint Commission evaluates, accredits and certifies more than 18,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States, including hospitals and home care organizations.
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 Unveils New ‘Hybrid’ Operating Room
November 16th, 2010
Inova Introduces First Hybrid OR in Washington, DC Region; Innovative Design Allows Specialists to Operate Simultaneously
Falls Church, VA – Inova Heart and Vascular Institute is unveiling today a uniquely designed cardiovascular operating room (OR) that will allow cardiac surgeons, electrophysiologists and cardiologists to collaboratively perform combined procedures on a patient. This innovative hybrid OR reduces surgical time and allows patients to recover faster and with less risk of complications. Media is invited to a special reception and tour beginning at 5:30 p.m. today in the Inova Heart and Vascular Institute Atrium.
The hybrid OR suite combines a traditional OR with the advanced imaging systems of a catheterization lab. When a patient requires both surgery and an image-guided intervention, being treated in a hybrid OR allows doctors from different specialties to work together, resulting in shorter hospital stays and lower complication rates for patients.
This is the first hybrid OR in the Washington, DC region and the first in the country to pair Philips Healthcare’s cardiovascular X-ray systems with MAQUET’s “Magnus” surgical table in a single work environment.
“Hospitals today require rooms that are flexible and easily adaptable. Our cutting-edge hybrid OR represents the first of its kind in the nation,” said Patricia Knowles, RN, Interim Administrator, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute. “At Inova, we pride ourselves on investing in leading technology that benefits the patients we serve. Our new hybrid OR is a prime example of that investment.”
Philips’ 3D Heart Navigator tool combines 3D CT images of a patient’s cardiac anatomy into a single image with an overlay of the live X-ray fluoroscopy information. MAQUET’s “Magnus” OR table system features a carbon-fiber table top, which provides near 360° radio translucency, allowing optimum X-ray images in interventional procedures and minimally invasive operations. In addition, the flexibility of the OR table system allows anatomically correct positioning. By combining static 3D images with the live 2D images, Inova physicians will get a much clearer view of a patient’s anatomy, helping them to achieve the best clinical outcome.
“We are most pleased to be able to offer to our patients the newest and most sophisticated cardiac interventional facility in the region, if not in the country. Different cardiac interventional procedures, previously performed in three separate areas in the hospital, will now be consolidated in one specialized hybrid suite,” said Alan Speir, MD, Medical Director, Cardiac Surgical Services, Inova Health System. “Cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and electrophysiologists will all be able to collaborate together around the individual patient utilizing the most up-to-date technology available for each specialty.”
“We work closely with hospitals to listen to and act on their feedback, and it was clear that Inova Health System needed greater flexibility in how they used their minimally invasive surgical rooms,” said Bert van Meurs, senior vice president of Cardiovascular X-ray at Philips Healthcare. “By integrating MAQUET’s “Magnus” table, we can enable both minimally invasive procedures and open surgery to take place in a single space, simplifying the physicians’ work environment.”
“When working in tandem, the OR table and the 3D Heart Navigator tool communicate simultaneously with each other, achieving the best possible imaging results,” said Dr. Dieter Engel, R&D director of the MAQUET Surgical Workplaces division. “With the integration of these systems, we are furthering the successful world-class care provided at Inova Heart and Vascular Institute.”
“We are excited to offer our patients the very first hybrid OR specifically designed to be used by surgeons, cardiologists and electrophysiologists for both cardiac arrhythmias and other structural heart diseases,” said Niv Ad, MD, Chief, Cardiac Surgery; Director, Cardiac Surgery Research, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute. “This unique patient-focused environment will directly benefit patients through having multiple clinicians in the same room collaborating on the patient’s care. Through the use of this exciting technology, which includes a bi-plane machine, clinicians can devise and deliver a plan of care that best meets the needs of the patient.”
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.
Seven Patients to Receive Hip and Knee Replacements
November 15th, 2010
Inova Mount Vernon Hospital Teams with Operation Walk
Alexandria, VA – Inova Mount Vernon Hospital and Operation Walk Virginia will help a construction worker, bartender, chauffeur, and grandmother receive hip and knee replacements on Nov. 20.
Seven individuals, who suffer from debilitating joint pain, will have a new reason to give thanks when they receive free hip and knee replacement surgeries at the First Annual DC area Operation Walk event at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital. Similar Operation Walk events will be held around the same time across the country.
The following patients will be available for media interviews after their surgeries.
- Robert Jones, 50, a Springfield, Va. resident and chauffeur, will be having a hip replacement surgery. He will be available to discuss the challenges the hip pain caused and how he hopes to return to work pain free.
- Carolyn Anderson, 64, a Waldorf, Md. resident, maintains two part-time jobs and looks forward to getting back to work pain free after having a left hip replacement.
- Bonnie Hardin, 56, a Woodbridge, Va. resident and bartender, suffers from debilitating knee pain after standing for several hours a day. She will receive a right knee replacement.
- Faith Ruderfer, 54, is homeless but living with a friend in Arlington, Va. She will have her right knee replaced.
- Cesar Fernandez, (speaks Spanish) 47, an Alexandria, Va. resident and construction worker, will receive a right knee replacement. He hopes the surgery will allow him to begin work again supporting his teenage daughter.
- Guillermina Salinas, (speaks Spanish) 76, Burke, Va. resident and grandmother, hopes to be able to do more activities with her grandkids after she receives her left knee replacement.
- Marta Mineros, (speaks Spanish) 66, an Annandale, Va. resident, looks forward to feeling relief from the constant pain in her right knee after receiving a right knee replacement.
Operation Walk Virginia, spearheaded by Gerard Engh, MD, Surgeon, Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, provides international medical missions in developing countries offering free knee and hip replacements for those who cannot afford this treatment.
The Nov. 20 event, being held locally, will include a team of surgeons, internists, anesthesiologists, nurses, therapists and other clinical staff who will donate their time, equipment and joint replacements to provide surgeries and follow-up care to those who do not have health insurance.
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 Ranked Among Top 100 Military Friendly Employers
November 11th, 2010
Recognition Highlights Commitment to Veterans and Their Spouses
Falls Church, VA –Inova Health System is ranked among the nation’s top 100 organizations to make G.I. Jobs’ eighth annual Military Friendly Employers®. Inova Health System, ranked 47 on the annual list, is the first healthcare system to be included in the top 100.
“Inova is proud to support the nation’s heroes,” said Knox Singleton, CEO, Inova Health System. “Our location in Northern Virginia affords us access to this rich talent pool of veterans, military spouses and transitioning service members.”
In 2008 Inova Health System launched its Military to Medicine program, a non-profit, national military service organization that recruits and trains extended military family members to become workforce-ready healthcare employees.
G.I. Jobs based its list from a sample of 5,000 organizations that heavily recruit military talent, have a high percentage of new hires with prior military service and embrace employees committed to National Guard and Reserve service.
The G.I. Jobs Military Friendly Employers list serves as a benchmark of corporate recruiting programs aimed at veterans. The annual survey conducted by G.I. Jobs magazine is one of the primary tools used to determine the nation’s most Military Friendly Employers.
“This list serves to disprove a populist notion that veterans are having difficulty finding jobs when leaving the military,” said Chris Hale, General Manager, G.I. Jobs.
The military produces nearly 400,000 new civilian workers annually, making it one of the largest sources of renewable, skilled talent in the country.
For more information about Military to Medicine, visit militarytomedicine.org. For more information about GI Jobs, visit gijobs.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 Heart and Vascular Institute Unveils Innovative ‘Hybrid’ Operating Room
November 10th, 2010
***Media Advisory***
WHAT:
Inova Heart and Vascular Institute Unveils Hybrid Operating Room
Inova Heart and Vascular Institute will unveil a uniquely designed cardiovascular operating room (OR) that combines the capabilities of a cardiovascular OR and a cardiac catheterization lab in one room. It will allow cardiac surgeons, electrophysiologists and cardiologists to combine their expertise and operate together on a patient. This high-tech hybrid OR, the first in the Washington, DC region, reduces surgical time and allows patients to recover faster.
WHEN:
Tuesday, Nov. 16
5:30 p.m. Reception
6:30 p.m. Tour of Hybrid OR
WHERE:
Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Atrium and Operating Room
3300 Gallows Road
Falls Church, VA
(From Gallows Road, take the Gray Entrance to the Gray Parking Garage.)
WHO:
Mark Stauder, President & COO, Inova Health System
Patrick Christiansen, PhD, COO, Inova Fairfax Hospital Campus
Patricia Knowles, RN, Administrator, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute
Harvey Sherber, MD, Medical Director, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute
Alan Speir, MD, Medical Director, Cardiac Surgical Services, Inova Health System
Niv Ad, MD, Medical Director, Cardiac Surgery Research, Chief, Cardiac Surgery, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute; Professor, Surgery, VCU
Delegate Tom Rust, Virginia House of Delegates, 86th District
Delegate Kaye Kory, Virginia House of Delegates, 38th District
Penny Gross, Vice-Chair, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Supervisor, Mason District
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 Blood Donor Services, George Mason University Team Up for ‘Blood Challenge’
November 9th, 2010
Blood Collection Competition Pits GMU Against Rival Schools
Fairfax, VA – Inova Blood Donor Services and George Mason University are teaming up on Monday, November 15, for the ninth annual Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Blood Challenge, a fun competition among 12 universities to emphasize the critical importance of donating blood. Inova Blood Donor Services will be drawing blood at George Mason University from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Johnson Hall on the Fairfax Campus.
The CAA challenge has raised more than 22,100 units of blood during the past eight years, with Drexel University taking top honors for the past fours years.
“If we achieve our goal of collecting 900 units, this drive would be the largest in our history,” says Terri Craddock, Director, Inova Blood Donor Services. “I look forward to seeing the community come together to claim the number one spot from Drexel. And with the generous contribution from Jim McKay Chevrolet, I see that being a very possible achievement.”
Anyone who donates on campus will receive a Dr. Merten bobblehead, an “Are You My Type” T-shirt, and will be entered in a drawing for a one-year lease on a Jim McKay Chevrolet Cruze. 106.7 The Fan’s LaVar Arrington and Chad Dukes will be on campus broadcasting live from the blood drive. Alumni and community members also are encouraged to stop by any of Inova’s blood donor centers: Dulles Town Center, Woodburn Road or CentreMed. Those who donate at a donor center will receive the T-shirt and a chance to win the car.
***disclaimer***
Inova Health System is not responsible for the items or services provided by third parties. Inova Health System makes no warranties or representations and disclaims any and all liability with respect to the Jim McKay Chevrolet Cruze. Does not include tax, tags, title or insurance. Only persons 21 years and older are eligible to win the Jim McKay Chevrolet Cruze lease.
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.
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