Statement on U. S. Supreme Court Ruling on the Affordable Care Act
June 29th, 2012
Falls Church, VA – Inova Health System has been an active participant in the Commonwealth of Virginia’s efforts to go beyond federal health reform and thoroughly examine the health care system as a whole to meet the present and future needs of the communities we serve.
By actively engaging stakeholders in the various discussions led by the Commonwealth, as well as serving on health reform task forces such as the Virginia Health Reform Initiative, Inova is committed to participating in the Commonwealth’s efforts to improve the delivery of affordable health care coverage to more Virginia residents. As the implications of the Court’s decision are evaluated in the coming days and weeks, we look forward to continuing those efforts with Secretary Hazel and Virginia’s key health care stakeholders to drive the future of health.
We share the belief that improving quality and value are integral components to ultimately bending the health care cost curve and most importantly, improving the health of our communities.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit health care 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 Issues Emergency Call for Blood Donations
June 29th, 2012
Inova Blood Donor Services Inventory as of June 28, 2012
All blood types needed to replenish depleted supply
Falls Church, VA – Inova Blood Donor Services has issued a call for eligible blood donors to visit their local blood center or mobile blood drive to donate blood and/or platelets as soon as possible. Donors may schedule an appointment, or find a blood drive or donor center in proximity by visiting www.inova.org/donateblood or calling 1-866-BLOODSAVES (866-256-6372).
“The inventory of blood at Inova has been severely impacted by a lower than normal blood donor participation rate attributable to an unseasonably mild early spring coupled with summer activities and vacations,” according to Terri Craddock, Director, Inova Blood Donor Services “This has lead to critically low inventory levels of blood and platelets, leaving hospitals vulnerable in response to emergency patients as well as challenged in meeting in or out-patient procedures requiring the use of blood and blood products.”
Everyday Inova must collect approximately 250 units to keep up with demand, yet collections have slipped to between 150-200 units daily. All blood types are needed, but especially O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative in order to meet patient demand this summer.
“Blood testing can take 24-48 hours before it is available to patients,” according to Craddock “I encourage the public to access www.inova.org/donateblood or call 1-866-BLOODSAVES without delay.”
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, mental health , 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 Alexandria Hospital Performs First Nationwide Embolism Procedure
June 29th, 2012
Launches clinical trials for treatment of enlarge prostate, pulmonary embolism
Alexandria, VA - Inova Alexandria Hospital (IAH) has launched two clinical trials – Ultrasound-Accelerated Thrombolysis for pulmonary embolism (PE) and Prostatic Artery Embolization for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate.
IAH was the first in the U.S. to enroll a patient in The SEATTLE II trial, offered at only 25 hospitals. The trial uses the EKOS EkoSonic® Endovascular Device which employs high-frequency, low power ultrasound to deliver clot-busting medication, tPA to the arteries at the time of an embolism.
“We can deliver the necessary drug quickly and directly into the clot with this technology,” said Keith Sterling, MD, Interventional Radiologist at IAH and Principal Investigator, “By dissolving the embolism in the lung, we reduce the strain on the heart.”
The U.S. Surgeon General reports over 600,000 people are stricken with a PE resulting in up to 180,000 deaths a year, more than AIDS, breast cancer and car accidents combined. A PE occurs when a blood clot, usually in the leg or pelvis, breaks away and lodges in the lungs. The resulting strain on the heart causes symptoms similar to a heart attack. The EKOS catheters provide more rapid absorption of clot busting drugs; critical when every minute counts. The system, cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2005, has been used by doctors worldwide.
The second trial addresses BPH, one of the most common diseases of aging men that presents itself with urinary tract symptoms such as frequent urination. Embolization of the prostate gland offers a minimally invasive and low risk method for reducing the size of the prostate and therefore urinary tract symptoms. Surgical methods have complications like incontinence and sexual dysfunction.
“Some men experience improvement in BPH within one week, many others within a month,” says Sandeep Bagla, MD, Interventional Radiologist at IAH and Principal Investigator, “The procedure only takes 45 minutes and most patients go home the same day.”
To schedule an interview with Keith Sterling, MD or Sandeep Bagla, MD, call Allison Kenty at 703-504-3840.
Fireworks Injuries Lead to More than 8,000 ED Visits
June 28th, 2012
Sparklers account for the largest number of estimated injuries for children under five years old
Falls Church, VA – While most of us enjoy a safe 4th of July with our family and friends -fireworks were involved in an estimated 8,600 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during calendar year 2010 (the most recent year statistics are available) and sparklers resulted in the largest number of injuries in children under five years old according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Fireworks Annual Report issued in 2011.
Dr. Robert Cates, medical director of the Inova Fairfax Hospital Emergency Department, says all types of fireworks, even sparklers can cause burns, eye-related, and other injuries. “Many people think that sparklers are harmless and they are often not as careful when using sparklers vs. other types of fireworks.” He adds, “While most patients with firework injuries can be treated and released, some can be serious and require an overnight stay or a transfer to a hospital with a burn unit.”
So what can you do to minimize the risk of injury from fireworks and sparklers? Leave the fireworks display to the professionals and enjoy a public fireworks display.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety list of firework safety tips includes, but is not limited to:
- Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
- Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.
- Sparklers remain hot after the flame has gone out. Drop spent sparklers in a bucket of water.
- Teach children not to wave sparklers, or run, while holding sparklers
- Closely supervise teens if they are using fireworks.
- Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
- Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
- Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
- Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
To schedule an in-person or phone interview with Dr. Robert Cates, medical director, Inova Fairfax Hospital Emergency Department, please call Michelle Conner at 703-391-3390.
A Recipe for Food Safety
June 28th, 2012
Summer is here and the smell of barbeque is in the air. Grilling can be one of the healthiest ways to prepare meals, but we want you to prevent getting food poisoning. The CDC says each year, foodborne diseases make about 48 million Americans sick. Dr. Christina Bauer, Inova Family Medicine – Lake Ridge explains, “People with a food borne illness can experience a variety of symptoms – some occurring almost immediately, while others may not appear until several days after eating contaminated food. A common diagnosis for food borne illness is gastroenteritis and the effects can last for hours or up to six months. Keep your family safe when planning this year’s picnic by following the food safety tips outlined below.”
Four key ingredients
- Clean. Wash your hands with soap and water. Discard outer lettuce and cabbage leaves. Wash fruits and vegetables carefully.
- Chill. Refrigerate leftovers promptly. When you arrive home from the grocery store, put refrigerated items away first. Don’t let milk sit out during a meal; pour what you or your family needs and put the container back in the fridge immediately.
- Cook. Cook meat well. The following are guidelines from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
- Beef, veal, and lamb steaks and roasts—145°F for medium rare, 160°F for medium, and 170°F for well done
- Ground pork and ground beef—160°F
- Ground poultry—165°F
- Poultry breasts—170°F
- Whole poultry (take measurement in the thigh)—180°F
- Fin fish—145°F or until the flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork
- Shrimp, lobster, and crabs—the meat should be pearly and opaque
- Clams, oysters, and mussels—until the shells are open
- Separate. Don’t let raw foods such as vegetables touch raw meats.
Enjoy your summer!
Inova Loudoun Hospital Celebrates 100 Years
June 26th, 2012
It started 100 years ago, a group of 11 dedicated citizens banded together, and on June 5, 1912, Leesburg Hospital opened in a rented house and admitted its first patient, fittingly, a jockey thrown from his horse in a race. The officers, board members and organizers knew the hospital would need volunteer supervision of housekeeping and a passionate and committed source for ongoing fundraising. On June 25, 1912, The Ladies Board of Managers met for the first time.
Since then the hospital has continued to grow to serve our growing Loudoun County community with support from The Ladies Board and community members.
- A 26 bed hospital was built on Cornwall Street and it opened in April 1918.
- The Nurses’ Home was built in 1926 for comfortable quarters for our nurses.
- In 1974, an 85 bed hospital and 100 bed long term care unit opened on Cornwall Street.
- In 1997, the Lansdowne Campus became the home for the hospital and The Birthing Inn.
- In 2005, Loudoun Hospital Center merged with Inova.
- Inova Loudoun Hospital expanded care includes, coronary intervention program, da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery program, breast surgery program, outpatient specialty rehabilitation, cancer care center, outpatient surgery center, several urgent care facilities, a dedicated pediatric care unit and pediatric emergency department.
On Saturday, June 23, 2012, we celebrated with our community at Ida Lee Park. We banded together to break a world record, the most number of people wearing surgical masks, played games, ate cake and enjoyed a beautiful summer day. Here is to the next 100 years!
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- Inova Mobile Health Services were on site to help celebrate.
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- We set-up a tent to meet everyone that came to celebrate.
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- Kids showed off their wheel spinning skills.
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- Every birthday needs a great cake!
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- Stilt walkers mingled with the crowd.
Aetna and Inova Health System establish a new health plan partnership in Northern Virginia
June 22nd, 2012
Inova Health System and Aetna (NYSE: AET) today announced an exclusive partnership to establish Innovation Health Plans, a jointly owned health plan serving Northern Virginia. (more…)
Philanthropic investment translates to better care for victims of abuse
June 22nd, 2012
A generous gift from Charles and Betty Ewing makes renovation of vital program possible
Fairfax, Va –The Forensic Assessment and Consultation Teams (FACT) Department at Inova Fairfax Hospital is not a department that anyone would like to see busy. The department, which addresses the unique needs of abused children and adults, is vital to the community, but the hope is that one day it is not necessary. Until that day, the steadfast support of Charles and Betty Ewing has made the expansion and renovation of the FACT Department possible. In recognition of their gifts, Inova is pleased to announce these essential programs will now be known as the Charles B. and Betty G. Ewing FACT Department.
“The Ewing’s gift has helped us create a much more comfortable environment for the patients that we see,” said Dr. William Hauda, Medical Director of the Ewing Fact Department. “Because of their support, we are able to provide a more private setting, have more space to consult with law enforcement, and are able to better provide care and counseling to victims of abuse.”
The Ewing FACT Department addresses the unique needs of abused individuals, including innovative programming for the prevention, evaluation and treatment of child and adult trauma and maltreatment of children and adults. It was home to the first Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) in the mid-Atlantic region and has since grown to include a pediatric SANE program, as well as a domestic violence program, physical child abuse program and a body cavity search program for the adult detention center. Sadly, the department sees more victims of abuse each year. In the year 2011, 712 victims of physical and sexual abuse were seen by the specially trained professionals of the department. Nationally, 740,000 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year for injuries resulting from abuse, and five children’s lives are lost each day to abuse and neglect.
“Words cannot express the level of gratitude that Inova has for the Chuck and Betty Ewing,” said Dr. Reuven Pasternak, Chief Executive Officer of Inova Fairfax Hospital. “Their leadership and generosity will continue to have a lasting impact on the FACT program, and so many other programs throughout Inova and our region, for years to come.”
The Ewing’s gift to the FACT program is just one example of their commitment to the children and families in our region. Serving on multiple boards with in Inova and Children’s National Medical Center, they have provided guidance to the growth of both institutions and given generously to ensure that each has the resources to achieve their ambitious visions.
To learn more about the newly designed and renovated Charles B. and Betty G. Ewing FACT Department or make a gift to the programs contact Kate Luke at 703-776-3422 or kate.luke@inova.org.
Ladies Board Rummage Sale Trailers Open July 9
June 21st, 2012
74th Annual Ladies Board Rummage Sale Ready For Donations
Leesburg, VA – The Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital is officially accepting donations for the annual rummage sale. Donations will be collected on Monday, July 9 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Parkway, Leesburg, VA, and at Inova Loudoun Medical Campus – Leesburg, 224 Cornwall Street. Signs will be posted to direct traffic to the specially designated trailers.
All donations received will be offered for sale at the 74th Annual Ladies Board Rummage Sale on Friday, Oct. 19 and Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 at Morven Park – Tutt Lane entrance, 41793 Tutt Lane (off Route 15) in Leesburg, VA.
“We are asking for clean and gently used items” said Sue Clewis, co-chairman of the event. “Over the next few months, we will have about seven tractor trailers filled with fabulous finds. It takes us a week to set everything up to sell.” It is the ultimate in bargain hunting and attracts a loyal, growing fan base each year.
The first Donation Day in 1912 asked people “to bring some donation — no matter how small or how large” including “money, furniture, pictures, sheets, towels, pillow cases, a pound of tea, other groceries, eggs, vegetables, china, etc.” While the perishables aren’t accepted, unusual items are welcome. Particularly rare or valuable items are needed for the Silent Auction held Friday, October 19.
Tax receipts are provided and all the money raised goes to support Ladies Board projects in the community. The Ladies Board raises several hundred thousand dollars each year toward special needs equipment at Inova Loudoun Hospital and recently pledged a $1 million for the Cornwall Cares project. The Ladies Board awards more than $100,000 in nursing scholarships annually.
The Ladies Board accepts furniture, clothing, books, household items, linens, lamps, sports equipment, etc., but some items cannot be accepted, such as mattresses or large appliances. For more information on what can be accepted or not, please call 703-771-2985 or visit www.LadiesBoard.org.
About the Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital
The Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital is a non-profit organization with the mission to promote good will between the community and the hospital, and to raise funds for nursing education, patient services and special projects. The Ladies Board operates the Twice Is Nice thrift shop, the hospital gift shop and the annual rummage sale.
About Inova Loudoun Hospital
Inova Loudoun Hospital, serving Loudoun County for 100 years, is part of Inova, 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.
Doctor’s Orders During a Heat Wave
June 20th, 2012
It is officially the first day of summer and we’re definitely experiencing a heat wave here in the Washington DC/Northern Virginia area. In fact, there have been advisory alerts issued related to the heat – please take a moment to review DC’s Heat Emergency Plan.
We all look for summer to enjoy outdoor activities, so Dr. Tushar Patel from Inova Internal Medicine – Centreville wants you to be prepared for too much sun, heat and dehydration, which can lead to heat stroke. Dr. Patel indicated that frequent heat stroke symptoms include, fatigue, exhaustion, extreme weakness or confusion and you can prevent heat stroke by staying hydrated and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
This summer, pools, parks and the great outdoors are great ways to enjoy your summer days and nights. For a full listing of pools in the Northern Virginia area see Northern Virginia Magazine’s Guide to Public Pools. If you plan on spending any time outdoors in the heat this summer, here are a few tips to protect you and your family from dehydration:
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working or playing in the sun.
- Make sure you are drinking more fluids than you are losing.
- Try to plan physical outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day (early morning/evening).
- Drink appropriate sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance if you are exercising outside more than 90 minutes.
- For infants and young children, solutions such as Pedialyte® will help maintain electrolyte balance during illness or heat exposure. Do not try to make fluid and salt solutions at home for children.
Stay safe (and cool) out there!
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