Inova Fairfax Hospital Maintains National Recognition for Nursing Excellence
February 22nd, 2011
Hospital Redesignated for Esteemed Magnet® Status; Among Seven Hospitals Nationwide to Earn Status Four Consecutive Times
Falls Church, VA – Inova Fairfax Hospital is proud to announce it has been redesignated as a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This status is considered the highest institutional honor awarded for nursing excellence, with only 378 of the nation’s 6,000 hospitals having earned this designation. Inova Fairfax Hospital was among the first in the country to be recognized as a Magnet hospital in 1997 and is now one of just seven hospitals to have been redesignated four times.
“This is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the nursing staff,” said Maureen Swick, RN, MSN, PhD, NEA-BC, Interim Chief Nurse Executive, Inova Fairfax Hospital. “This is such an incredible accomplishment and truly reflects on the clinical leadership, excellence and collaboration that take place on a daily basis throughout this campus.”
The ANCC developed the Magnet Recognition Program® to recognize healthcare organizations that provide nursing excellence. Inova Fair Oaks and Inova Loudoun hospitals have also attained Magnet status. Hospitals must demonstrate benchmarks in nursing leadership, excellence in patient care, quality clinical standards and a commitment to continued quality review and improvement. The benefits to patients include improved medical outcomes, shorter in-hospital stays and lower mortality rates.
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 to Welcome Newt Gingrich at Cardiovascular Symposium
February 21st, 2011
Conference Draws Experts Nationwide; Focuses on Management of Cardiac Diseases to Improve Patient Care
Falls Church, VA – On Feb. 26 Inova Heart and Vascular Institute will welcome about 200 medical professionals, including expert faculty from across the country, to its inaugural Cardiovascular Symposium. The goal is to enhance knowledge and increase competency of cardiovascular clinicians to improve patient care. Guest speaker Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, will present “The Cost and Consequences of Healthcare Reform.”
WHAT:
Inova Heart and Vascular Institute Cardiovascular Symposium
Contemporary Strategies for Practice Excellence in Cardiovascular Disease
WHEN:
Saturday, Feb. 26
7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Noon to 1 p.m. – Guest Speaker Newt Gingrich, “The Cost and Consequences of Healthcare Reform”
WHERE:
Inova Fairfax Hospital, Physicians Conference Center
3300 Gallows Road
Falls Church, VA
“We’re very excited to be hosting this event and expect a full house,” said Merdod Ghafouri, DO, Symposium Director and cardiologist at Inova Heart and Vascular Institute. “The faculty is a group of world-renowned cardiologists and leaders in their field, the sessions are clinically and practically oriented, and those attending will have the opportunity to connect with these experts to learn about the latest research and treatment in cardiovascular disease.”
Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans. About 80 million people in the U.S. have some form of cardiovascular disease. This unique program will focus on strategies for the prevention, detection and treatment of cardiovascular disease. It will also provide opportunities for physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals to come together to discuss innovations in practice, recent findings from research and the challenges that confront them in current cardiovascular care.
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. It also holds a three-star rating, the highest available, from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and is the only hospital 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.
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 Takes to the Catwalk to Promote Women’s Heart Health
February 18th, 2011
‘Wear Red’ Fashion Show to Raise Funds for the American Heart Association
Falls Church, VA – The Atrium at Inova Heart and Vascular Institute will be transformed into a catwalk on Thursday, Feb. 24 to present a ‘Wear Red’ fashion show. As part of National Heart Month, former patients, staff and volunteers will strut their stuff in order to raise awareness of women’s heart disease and to raise funds for the American Heart Association (AHA).
WHAT:
Inova Heart and Vascular Institute’s ‘Wear Red’ Fashion Show
WHEN:
Thursday, Feb. 24
Noon to 1 p.m.
WHERE:
Inova Heart and Vascular Institute Atrium
3300 Gallows Road
Falls Church, VA
(From Gallows Road, take the Gray Entrance and park in the Gray Parking Garage.)
The fashion show will feature clothing and accessories from local retailer Judy Ryan of Fairfax. There will also be a drawing for a chance to win a beautiful red Swarovski crystal necklace and a red dress from the Judy Ryan collection.
The ‘Wear Red’ theme comes from the AHA’s ‘Go Red for Women’ campaign, designed to encourage awareness of the issue of women and heart disease. According to the AHA, cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of women, claiming the lives of half a million women in the U.S. every 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 Blood Donor Services Unveils New Bloodmobile
February 18th, 2011
New Equipment Allows for Additional Double Red Cell Donation
Falls Church, VA – Inova Blood Donor Services has added a new bloodmobile to its fleet, one with additional space to allow for more double red cell donations. Double red cell donation is similar to a whole blood donation, except a special machine is used that allows people to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation. Red blood cells are the most frequently used blood component and are needed by almost every type of patient requiring transfusion.
“With additional double red cell equipment, we can collect more blood in the field which means more blood for the patients in the 15 hospitals we serve,” said Carolyn Bayless, Mobile Operations Manager, Inova Blood Donor Services. “We spent three years fundraising for this bloodmobile, and we want to thank the community and our donors for their support.”
Only 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate, and less than 5 percent actually do so. Donating as often as often possible will help ensure a ready blood supply for patients in the 15 hospitals Inova Blood Donors Services serves. To donate blood or for more information, visit www.inova.org/donateblood or call 1-866-BLOODSAVES (866-256-6372).
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 Fairfax Hospital for Children to Host Family-Friendly Fundraiser
February 14th, 2011
‘Every Kid’s a Rock Star’ Welcomes Children for a Night of Music and Games
Falls Church, VA – Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children will crank up the music and celebrate its youngest patients at the “Every Kid’s a Rock Star” fundraiser on Sunday, Feb. 27, at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner. A crowd of more than 300 families, donors, physicians and Inova team members are expected to attend this family- and kid-friendly event.
WHAT:
Every Kid’s a Rock Star Fundraiser
WHEN:
Sunday, Feb. 27
5 to 8 p.m.
WHERE:
The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner
1700 Tysons Boulevard
McLean, VA
This unique event will feature live entertainment by nationally recognized “A+ Dropouts” and DJ Jamie Biden. There will be numerous interactive games and activities like Mega Make-it Mix (to mix your own songs), Dimmer the Robot, Immersitron technology (to superimpose yourself into video games via chroma key technology), Guitar Hero, and DJ Hero. Families will have the chance to meet Caitlin Uze, Miss Virginia 2010; Megan Lawless, Miss American Sweetheart 2011; and the Washington Wizard Girls.
The featured auction items include a one-week stay at a villa in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, an Omega watch made famous by Peirce Bronson in the James Bond movies, a consultation and color treatment by Michael Canale (Jennifer Aniston’s hair colorist), an Alex Ovechkin autographed hockey stick and Caps tickets, Rock Star Birthday Parties and some amazing pieces of jewelry.
All proceeds will go to Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, a 186-bed full-service children’s hospital devoted to the healthcare of infants, children and adolescents. It is Northern Virginia’s only pediatric tertiary care center and includes a full-service pediatric emergency department, the area’s only pediatric intensive care unit and the region’s largest neonatal intensive care unit. As a not-for-profit healthcare provider, Inova relies on the support of the community to achieve its mission to provide world-class medical care to patients close to home.
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 Mount Vernon Hospital Holds Breast Health Education Series
February 11th, 2011
Local Boutiques Partner to Provide Breast Health Events for Community
Alexandria, VA – Inova Breast Care Institute at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital will be partnering with local Alexandria boutiques to provide a breast health series.
This year-long series will include breast care experts who will discuss exercise and healthy eating habits for survivors, breast care screening options, risk factors and other breast health concerns.
“We have come a long way towards more accurate screening and will continue to pursue the day when every cancer can be detected at an early, curable stage,” said David Weintritt, MD, Medical Director, Inova Breast Care Institute, Inova Mount Vernon Hospital.
The Full Cup and BeautyFull Boutiques are the first to participate in this series by hosting an event to discuss the importance of knowing breast cancer risk factors.
“Our store’s focus and core mission is to educate women on total breast wellness, from the benefits of wearing the proper fitting bra to teaching women how to acknowledge and take care of their breast”, said Lindsey Palacios, Store Manager, The Full Cup Boutique.
February breast education events include:
Friday, February 18, 5:30 p.m.
Breast Health and Heart Health
Inova Mount Vernon Hospital
2501 Parker’s Lane, Alexandria, Va.
Engh Conference Room
Monday, February 28, 6:30 p.m.
Latest in Breast Cancer Treatment Options and High Risk Factors
David Weintritt, MD, Surgeon, Inova Mount Vernon Hospital
BeautyFull Boutique
118 N. Fayette St., Alexandria, Va.
“Inova Breast Care Institute is excited to partner with local businesses to generate awareness about this important topic and we’re grateful their customers want to be proactive about their breast health,” said Bellinda Conte, Executive Director, Inova Cancer Services.
Inova Breast Care Institute at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital received the prestigious three-year accreditation in breast care from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, which sets the standard for how patients receive breast care.
For more information about the Inova Mount Vernon Hospital breast health education series contact Genea Luck, Community Affairs Executive at 703-664-7193.
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.
Statement from Inova Breast Care Center
February 9th, 2011
Journal of American Medical Association publishes results of breast cancer study, which questions lymph node removal
Statement from Inova Breast Care Center
Certainly the results of the recent study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which found a subset of patients who did not have additional lymph nodes removed because of breast cancer were no less likely to survive five years after the surgery than those who did, is exciting news. Here at Inova Breast Care Center we agree with this study and support using data such as this to better target treatment. We have taken into account that there is a small subset of women with favorable characteristics, undergoing lumpectomy and radiation treatment with a small tumor, who likely do not need to remove additional lymph nodes from their armpit even if one of their nodes is positive. However as the study authors themselves indicate, the “limitations of the study such as the failure to achieve target accrual and the possible randomization imbalance favoring the sentinel lymph node alone group must be considered.” The goal of physicians treating women with breast disease is to appropriately balance treating tumors aggressively without over treating the patients. In addition to caring for the patients’ quality of life by limiting unwanted side effects to a minimum. Fortunately, the trend in cancer care is to better target treatment for the individual patient and the data found in this study certainly contributes to our knowledge of options. We look forward to updates on this landmark study and other research related to breast care
Costanza Cocilovo, MD, Medical Director, Inova Breast Care Center
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 Fairfax Hospital Celebrates 50 Years of Medical Excellence
February 7th, 2011
Hospital Marks Milestone with Physicians and Staff from 1961; Notes Transformation from Community Hospital to Regional Medical Center
Falls Church, VA – Today was a day of celebration at Inova Fairfax Hospital as staff and community supporters gathered to mark 50 years of the hospital’s dedication and service to the community.
“When I came here three years ago, what I was impressed with was the sense of history and pride that people had in this hospital,” said L. Reuven Pasternak, MD, CEO, Inova Fairfax Hospital. “The people who founded it, its sense of mission, its sense of commitment is something that we keep to this very day.”
At 8 a.m. on Feb. 6, 1961, the 96-bed hospital opened its doors for the first time. Fifty years later, the hospital has transformed into a world-class, regional medical and research center with 833 beds. Its campus includes Northern Virginia’s only Level 1 trauma center, a nationally-ranked cardiac program, the fifth busiest obstetrics program in the country and Northern Virginia’s only Children’s Hospital.
Supervisor Pat Herrity, Springfield District; Chairman of the Board Sharon Bulova; Knox Singleton, CEO, Inova Health System; Supervisor Penny Gross, Vice-Chair, Mason District; L. Reuven Pasternak, MD, CEO, Inova Fairfax Hospital
Sharon Bulova, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Penny Gross, Mason District Supervisor and Member of the Inova Board of Trustees, and Pat Herrity, Springfield District Supervisor, presented Knox Singleton, CEO, Inova Health System, and Dr. Pasternak with a resolution honoring the hospital’s long history of offering Fairfax County top quality healthcare.
The hospital marked its 50-year milestone with a celebratory cake cutting by Dick Foster, who was the Associate Administrator of The Fairfax Hospital in 1961, and Mary Brown, a nurse who was the first Director of Obstetrics.
Dick Foster, Associate Administrator of The Fairfax Hospital in 1961, and Mary Brown, RN, the hospital's first Director of Obstetrics, cut the cake to celebrate 50 years.
Also on hand was Jack Lucas, the son of the late Grace Lucas. She is credited with organizing the Fairfax Hospital Association which guided and planned the original hospital. Lucas is carrying on his mother’s legacy and currently works for Inova Heart and Vascular Institute.
One of the most significant changes over the past 50 years has been the growth of the obstetrics program, from about 1,500 deliveries in 1961 to more than 10,000 in 2010. As part of the 50th celebration, the hospital wants to hear from its Fairfax babies. If you were born at Inova Fairfax Hospital, join our Facebook group “I was born at Inova Fairfax Hospital.”
For more information, visit Inova’s website for a look back at the hospital’s amazing transformation during the past 50 years.
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.
Statement from Inova Breast Care Center
February 1st, 2011
The Journal of American Medical Association publishes results of breast cancer study, which reported that there is no agreed upon guidelines for the need of a second lumpectomy (more…)
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