News / Developments

Urologists and Mercy Memorial Hospital System Provide Service to Community

Free Prostate Screen
September 16, 2010
4 - 7 p.m.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) is conducting a free prostate cancer screen, 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, September 16, 2010, at its Corporate Connection clinic located at 901 North Macomb Street, Suite 1, Monroe. The free screening is open to all men in the community and includes a digital exam and PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test. No appointment is necessary.

Urologists S. R. Nair, M.D. and Ashwin Shah, M.D. are donating their services for this screening and will perform the patient examinations.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in men. Nearly 1 in 6 American men will be affected by prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, a man should begin discussing prostate health with his physician by the age of 45 and have his first screening at age 50. Men who have a father, brother or son who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, or another risk factor, should have the conversation with their physician by at least age 40.

Each year, approximately 186,000 cases are identified. Early detection is a vital step in successful diagnosis and treatment. Men should let their doctors know if they are experiencing any of the following:

• persistent pain in hips, upper thighs or lower back



• notice blood in their urine or semen



• experience urinary problems such as frequent urge to urinate, weak flow of urine, involuntary start and stop of the urine flow, pain or burning during urination, inability to urinate or difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine.

For more information about the free prostate cancer screening, please call (734) 240-4162.

Saturday, September 25
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
MMHS' Rehab Center


Mercy Memorial Hospital System, in conjunction with other local businesses and organizations, will host a FREE car seat safety check on Saturday, September 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of Mercy Memorial Hospital System’s Rehabilitation Center located at 650 Stewart Road.

In the past few years, this clinic has checked over 50 cars and has given out 10 - 12 new replacement car seats per event. This year the Monroe County Sheriff Department will be present to provide FREE car seats with each seat check to those in need.

No appointment is necessary for the car seat safety check. Participants should bring the following items: the child whom the seat is intended to fit, a vehicle, the car seat or booster seat, the car seat instructions and the vehicle’s instruction book.

Sponsors for the event include: Mercy Memorial Hospital System, Safe Kids - Monroe, Michigan State Police, Monroe County Sheriff, State Farm Insurance and Monroe Community Mental Health.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System is pleased to announce their partnership with Philips- a leader in portable defibrillation technology- to provide Monroe elementary, middle and high schools with an incredible opportunity to obtain the HeartStart OnSite Defibrillators and complete accessory kits.

The defibrillator is a small, portable device that analyzes the heart's rhythm for any abnormalities. Should a heart related emergency occur, it allows the trained rescuer to deliver an electrical shock to the heart of someone suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. This shock-called defibrillation- may help the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.

As Monroe’s community hospital, MMHS recognizes the need to ensure child safety as they participate in extracurricular activities. It is critical that school officials are properly trained and equipped to respond as quickly and effectively as possible in the event of a medical emergency. For this reason, MMHS has contacted Philips to request that they provide AED equipment at a discounted rate; which will allow a savings of more than $700.00 per unit.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System does not receive proceeds from this program. The System realizes the importance of this life-saving device and is providing schools with the opportunity to ensure the safety of their students by making AEDs readily available to each institution and all off-site athletic facilities. To receive promotional pricing, schools must purchase the AED through MMHS. For additional information regarding this program, please contact Manager of Philanthropy, Molly Moore at (734) 240-4488 or Molly.Moore@mercymemorial.org.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) is pleased to announce that its laboratory has been awarded accreditation by the Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent onsite inspection.

The laboratory’s medical director, Celeste J. Batchev, MD, was advised of the national recognition and congratulated for excellent service provided to patients. Brad Stotz, director of laboratory services said that “Accreditation through The College of American Pathologists represents recognition of our continued commitment to excellence and is a culmination of the hard work of many staff members in all areas of the Lab. CAP is considered to be the leader in quality assurance. By attaining this accreditation, we have shown that we meet or exceed all requirements for providing high-quality and cost-effective patient care.” MMHS’ laboratory is one of more than 7,000 CAP-accredited worldwide.

The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program began in the early 1960’s and is recognized by the federal government as being equal to, and often more critical than the government’s own inspection program. During the accreditation process, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control procedures for the past two years. CAP inspectors also examine staff qualifications as well as equipment, facilities, safety programs and overall management of the laboratory. This in-depth inspection program is designed to specifically ensure the highest standard of care for laboratory patients.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) will provide PET/CT service to patients in Monroe County beginning June 26, 2010, on the campus of the MMHS main hospital. MMHS is the first and only medical facility to offer this service to the Monroe community. The new optimized imaging system is a faster way to “see and treat” diseases.

The Discovery ST is a redesigned PET/CT system that integrates a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner with a multi-slice Computed Tomography (CT) scanner and is capable of 2D and 3D imaging with a larger bore for all patient studies or sizes. This Discovery ST system provides physicians with more sensitivity, speed, resolution and diagnostic confidence when treating patients.

PET/CT is used to diagnose and stage cancer; in dementia cases to differentiate Alzheimer's disease from multi-infarct dementia and in the evaluation of Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. It can also be used to evaluate the extent of disease and recovery following therapy for strokes, and localizing seizure focus in patients with intractable complex seizure disorders.

The “ST” in Discovery ST stands for “See and Treat,” which is what this new system allows physicians to do. Built from the ground up with Six Sigma methodology, the Discovery ST assists MMHS physicians in locating a disease and planning the appropriate treatment. The new Discovery ST system will shorten scan times as well as provide improved image quality in both 2D and 3D modes.

Patient benefits include: Convenience, diagnostic confidence for patients suspected to have diseases, potential reduction of invasive procedures, reduction in exam time, greater peace of mind for patients and their families knowing that this technology provides comprehensive information, increased patient comfort due to the shorter exam time and as a result, less time spent on the table.

The GE Discovery ST provides state-of-the-art imaging which translates into more complete information for medical professionals. Since Mercy Memorial Hospital System is only location in Monroe County to offer this service, it eliminates the need to travel to surrounding medical facilities. The mobile unit will service patients on Saturdays beginning June 26, 2010, adding even more convenience to Monroe residents by offering weekend appointments.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) is pleased to announce The Monroe Cancer Connection is now the Mercy Memorial Cancer Connection. The organization became a part of the MMHS on Monday, June 21, 2010.

The Mercy Memorial Cancer Connection (MMCC) provides “hands-on” non-medical assistance to residents of Monroe County who have been diagnosed with cancer. MMCC has served this community for the past seven years under the guidance and direction of the Monroe Center for Healthy Aging. Some of MMCC’s services include: transportation within a 50-mile radius to cancer-related appointments, discounted and free nutritional supplements, resource referrals, medical supplies and equipment, support groups, wigs and head coverings, encouraging “sunshine calls” to monitor the clients’ well-being and many other non-clinical services.

The Monroe Cancer Connection was established after a similar program was closed in Monroe County. In less than six months, The Monroe Center for Healthy Aging led the way to reopen these services with funding from The United Way of Monroe and the help of the Monroe community. The organization is completely operated by volunteers; with the exception of Program Coordinator, Donna Bruck, who is the only full-time staff member.

The collaboration between Mercy Memorial Hospital System and The Mercy Memorial Cancer Connection will bring more visibility to the organization, resulting in more opportunities for patients to be served. This is a welcomed enhancement to The Monroe Cancer Center which is a collaborative project with MMHS, Karmanos Cancer Institute of Detroit and ProMedica Health System of Toledo set to open its doors in 2011. “As we continue to make strides toward developing a comprehensive cancer program, this is a great service to offer our patients. We are very excited about this collaboration,” said MMHS Vice President of Business Development and Strategy, John Kibble. The Monroe Cancer Center will be the permanent location of MMCC upon its completion.

During the initial transition, The Mercy Memorial Cancer Center will be housed at the MMHS Gardens Building “B,” which is located adjacent to the hospital’s main campus.

The Mercy Memorial Cancer Connection invites the community to an evening of creative fun and friendship in support of a great cause.

Scrap & Chat 4 Cancer takes place at 5 p.m., Friday, July 30 at the Monroe Center for Healthy Aging, 15275 South Dixie Highway, Monroe. Tickets are only $10 per person and include dinner, a beverage and an entire evening of working on scrapbooks and crafts. Bring some friends. Bring some pictures. Bring some mementos. There is plenty of space to spread out and let your artistic inspiration flow. Enter the 50/50 drawing. Take home some pastries from the bake sale.

All proceeds benefit Mercy Memorial Cancer Connection, a non-profit organization that provides transportation, durable medical equipment, nutrition supplements and other services to Monroe County residents who are fighting cancer.

For more information, call 734/240-5400.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System is pleased to announce that Ganesh Ramaswami, M.D., Ph.D., has accepted a position as a general surgeon and will service all of Monroe County. In addition to general surgery, Dr. Ramaswami is an experienced trauma surgeon.

He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Calcutta, India, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the University of London, United Kingdom. Dr. Ramaswami also participated in a fellowship with the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland. He has authored over 50 publications in peer-reviewed medical journals and written 15 book chapters in text books of surgery. His post graduate training includes general surgery work at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, and he is certified by the American Board of Surgery in general surgery.

Dr. Ramaswami is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, London, United Kingdom, and a member of The Convocation of the University of London, United Kingdom, The American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Medical Association. Dr. Ramaswami will be accepting patients in Monroe beginning June 9, 2010.

June 26, 2010

3 to 9 p.m.

Friendly Ford

2800 N. Telegraph Road



Friendly Ford of Monroe will be hosting the “Show and Shine” car show on Saturday, June 26, 2010, from 3 to 9 p.m. at 2800 N. Telegraph Road. The event is a fund raiser to benefit Mercy Memorial Hospital System’s Hospice of Monroe.

There will be classic cars, hot rods, nostalgic cars and trucks. There will be plenty of parking available, food, raffles and more. This is a family event. Guest donations are appreciated.

The 14th Annual “Hot Summer Nights” will be held Saturday, August 14, 2010, from noon to 9 p.m. at 1011 Monroe St. A 1991 Ford Mustang will be raffled at this free event. To purchase raffle tickets, call (734) 243-6000.

A program to assist children with speech/language and fine motor development.

The departments of Speech and Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy at Mercy Memorial Hospital System are pleased to announce its Summer Program for children.

This program was developed to provide a continuation of speech and/or occupational therapy services to children of preschool age through grade 12 during the summer months. Our expert therapists work with your child's school therapist to provide ongoing treatment.

The Summer Program also provides an opportunity for children who have never received therapy to be evaluated and receive a treatment plan developed to address the child's specific needs.

Each child will participate in individual sessions. Physical therapy services are also available.

Sessions
Individual sessions are offered twice weekly per discipline for six weeks. Sessions will meet for 30 minutes. OT/Handwriting sessions can be scheduled at alternate times if needed.

Fees
Insurance plans typically do not cover "summer programs." If your child has a medical condition leading to the need for therapy, please contact your insurance carrier prior to enrollment to verify this benefit.

Initial Evaluation Sessions are $90
Individual Treatment Sessions are $40/session

Application
Must be submitted by the deadline to allow for completion of evaluation prior to start of program. Initial evaluation fee may be waived if a recent evaluation report is obtained from your school.

Application Deadline is June 18, 2010
Sessions begins on June 28, 2010

Contact Mercy Memorial Hospital System’s Rehabilitation Center at (734) 240-1950 for additional information on the services provided.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System is pleased to announce that its 2010 Guild cookbook is now available for purchase in the Guild Gift Shop, located just right of Mercy Memorial Hospital’s main lobby. The previous version was printed in 1961 as the Mercy Hospital Guild Cookbook.

This new edition offers over 575 recipes that have been passed down by mothers and grandmothers to the next generation. It also includes great recipes from friends, neighbors, magazines and newspapers.

The cookbook is available for purchase in a deluxe three- ring binder format. The cost is $15.00 (tax included). All proceeds benefit patient services.

Monday, June 7
10 a.m.
Monroe Golf and Country Club

Mercy Memorial Hospital System is hosting its 22nd Annual Golf Classic on Monday, June 7, 2010, at the Monroe Golf and Country Club. This year’s proceeds will help to fund a cancer treatment assistance fund for patients.

As a full day event, registration begins at 10 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Individual tickets are $225 each or $800 per foursome. The tickets include a scramble format round of golf, cart rental, lunch and dinner at the awards reception at the end of the day.

Each year, the Golf Classic has been a success. In 2009, the Golf Classic raised more than $20,000 to support Mercy Memorial’s patient needs fund.

During these challenging economic times, Mercy Memorial has instituted programs and funds to serve the Monroe community. It is grateful to all individuals and businesses that support this event.

Businesses and individuals who are interested in participating in the Golf Classic or would like to become an event sponsor, should contact Molly Moore, manager of philanthropy, at 734/240-4488 by May 10, 2010.

Tuesday, May 18
3:30 - 6:00 p.m.
MMHS' Corporate Connection

Mercy Memorial Hospital System provides FREE health program for cancer prevention and awareness

In an effort to prevent skin cancer and promote awareness, Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) is offering a free skin screen to the general public from 3:30 until 6:00 p.m. on May 18. 2010 at its Corporate Connection, located at 901 North Macomb Street, suite 1. No appointment is necessary. Dermatologists Darius Mehregan, M.D., David Mehregan, M.D., and James Ulery, M.D. will be performing the complimentary screen.

For more information, please contact MMHS’ Corporate Connection at (734) 240-4150.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System announced the addition of Betty Rumschlag, D.O. as a staff physician in family medicine, effective April 1, 2010. Rumschlag’s practice, named Mercy Memorial Family Medicine - Bedford, is located at 7470 Secor Road in Lambertville, Mich. An open house is planned for Thursday, April 22 between the hours of 4 and 7 p.m. The general public is invited to attend to meet Dr. Rumschlag and staff.

Rumschlag earned her doctor of osteopathy degree at the A.T. Still University in Kirksville, Missouri. She also holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Michigan, Dearborn Campus and a masters degree in basic medical science from Wayne State University, Detroit. She completed her internship and family medicine residency at St. John Oakland Hospital, Madison Heights, Mich. Rumschlag is certified in advanced cardiac life support, advanced pediatric life support, fundamental critical care support and advanced life support obstetrics. She is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and the medical staff of Mercy Memorial Hospital System.

Rumschlag is board certified in family medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. Her practice will provide primary care for all ages, although she has additional training in areas of women’s health and osteopathic manipulation. She is accepting new patients by appointment and most insurance plans are accepted. Her office has convenient appointments including some early morning and evening appointments.

On Tuesday, March 30, Mercy Memorial Hospital System held a special tribute for 25 members of its medical staff at 8 a.m. in the main lobby to coincide with National Doctors’ Day. Known as the Quarter Century Club, these physicians were recognized for practicing medicine at MMHS for 25 years or more. The physicians listed below are being inducted as Charter Members of the Club:

50+ Years
John Burroughs, MD 53 years
William Middleton, MD 56 years

25+ Years
Soudabeh Ahadi, MD 33 years
Manoo Boonsiri, MD 28 years
Norma Carzon, MD 34 years
Danilo Dona, MD 25 years
Bruce Feyz, MD 31 years
Norma Flores, MD 31 years
Ihsan Haq, MD 33 years
Joseph Hunt, DO 39 years
Muhammad Javaid, MD 31 years
H. George Levy, MD 28 years
Anthony Melonakos, MD 27 years
James Miller, DO 28 years
R. S. Nair, MD 33 years
M. Hanif Peracha, MD 33 years
Lawrence Pompili, DDS 28 years
Tanvir Qureshi, MD 25 years
Nihal Saran, MD 25 years
Ashwin Shah, MD 25 years
Kanti Shah, MD 37 years
Stephen Shall, DDS 27 years
Usha Tampi, MD 28 years
Manhar Tejura, MD 25 years
Thomas Welch, MD 26 years

Today, Mercy Memorial Hospital of Monroe, ProMedica Health System of Toledo and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center of Detroit held a groundbreaking celebration at the building site of the future Monroe Cancer Center. The facility will be located at 800 Stewart Road near the campus of Mercy Memorial Hospital. The three organizations are equal partners in a joint venture to establish a world-renowned cancer treatment facility in Monroe. It will be the first integrated cancer center in the area offering medical and radiation oncology services under one roof.

More than $5 million will be invested into the state-of-the-art cancer center to deliver individualized cancer therapy, the latest protocols for medical oncology and advanced technology for radiation oncology. The facility will include physician offices, and offer laboratory and other oncology-related services. The radiation oncology area will be administered by the Karmanos Cancer Center and medical oncology services will be provided by Toledo Clinic.

“The collaborative between Mercy Memorial Hospital System, Karmanos Cancer Center, and ProMedica Health System allows us to provide nationally recognized cancer care in Monroe County,” said Annette S. Phillips, president and chief executive officer, Mercy Memorial Hospital System. “The cancer center will contain coordinated radiation and medical oncology in one location. Our goal is to improve our patients’ quality of care and quality of life because we believe recovery is done best when it’s close to home.”

“As a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, we are committed to providing exceptional, state-of-the-science cancer care to our patients,” said Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. “Working in partnership with Mercy Memorial Hospital System and ProMedica Health System to create the Monroe Cancer Center supports our mission at Karmanos, to create greater access to quality cancer care and targeted personalized treatments to save lives and end this disease.”

“We are extremely pleased about this collaboration which will significantly enhance the quality of medical care and treatment options that will be available in Monroe,” said Randy Oostra, president and chief executive officer, ProMedica Health System. Now, residents of this area will have access to the most innovative and technologically-advanced care, without having to travel to another community.”

The 10,000 square-foot facility will be designed by Hobb and Black Associates, Inc. of Ann Arbor, Mich. The construction project will be managed by Contracting Resources, Inc. of Brighton, Mich. The new center is expected to open in the first quarter of 2011 and bring new jobs to the area.

At MMHS’ Influenza Incident Command meeting held Friday, March 5, 2010, the decision was made to end the restriction on visitors to the inpatient units who are 16 years of age or younger. This change in policy is effective immediately.

The restriction was put in place in November 2009, as a precaution to decrease the risk of spreading the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu to inpatients and to MMHS employees. Hospital systems across the state of Michigan had established similar restrictions based on the occurrence of influenza in this age group and statistics published by the Michigan State Department of Public Health.

The Influenza Incident Command reviewed MMHS’ statistics and those of the surrounding area which showed a steady decline of the two influenzas and deemed it safe to lift the restrictions.

MMHS’ Influenza Incident Command does encourage visitors, patients and staff to continue to practice respiratory etiquette by thoroughly washing their hands frequently, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if their hands are not visibly soiled, covering their coughs and sneezes and to stay home if they are exhibiting flu-like symptoms.

Four new members to the Board of Trustees for Mercy Memorial Hospital System were approved and welcomed at the January 26, 2010, meeting. The new members are Paul E. Braunlich, Kurt L. Darrow, Arlene R. Walsh and Mark G. Worrell.

The Board of Trustees also recognized the following outgoing board members for their years of service to the hospital system. They are Frank Wszelaki, Timothy S. Bennett, H. Douglas Chaffin and John D. Kohler.

Paul E. Braunlich is an attorney and retired judge of the First District Court. He earned a bachelors of arts degree and doctor of jurisprudence at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. He held several posts in municipal government, providing legal counsel as a Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney, Monroe City Attorney, Legal Counsel for Monroe County and the Village of Dundee, Legal Advisor to Frenchtown Charter Resort District Authority, and as an attorney in private practice. Mr. Braunlich is a Past-President of the United Way and a member of several professional and fraternal organizations including the Exchange Club of Monroe, the American Bar Association, Michigan State Bar Association, American Judicature Society, American Judges Association, Retired District Court Judges Association, the Monroe Club and St. Mary Catholic Central Planned Giving. In 2009, Mr. Braunlich was recognized by the Michigan State Bar Association as a 50-Year Member.

Kurt L. Darrow is the President and Chief Executive Officer of La-Z-Boy, Incorporated. He has held several positions with the company during his 31 years of service, including President of La-Z-Boy’s Residential Division and Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He holds a bachelor of arts degree from Adrian College, Adrian, Mich. and in May 2009 was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Adrian College. Active in several professional and community organizations, Mr. Darrow is a member of the Adrian College Board of Trustees, Business Leaders for Michigan Board of Directors, the Anti-Defamation League’s Furniture Division Executive Committee, and past chairman of the American Home Furnishings Alliance.

After graduating from St. Mary Academy, Monroe, Mich. Arlene R. Walsh pursued a career in the banking industry, first with Newport State Bank and serving most recently as a Regional Manager for Bank of America. Ms. Walsh has served on the Mercy Memorial Hospital System Board of Trustees prior to this current appointment. During that term she held the position of President of the Board and chaired the Finance Committee. She has served on several fund-raising committees in the Monroe community including the Salvation Army and the March of Dimes, as well as the Monroe County Board of Realtors and the Monroe County Builders Association. She is the current chairperson of the Stewardship Commission for St. John Catholic School.

Mark G. Worrell is the Immediate Past-Mayor for the City of Monroe, Mich. He served one term as mayor after sitting on the Monroe City Council for 20 years. He earned an associates degree from Monroe County Community College, Monroe, Mich., a bachelors of arts degree from Adrian College, Adrian, Mich. and a masters of arts degree from Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti. He taught in the Monroe Public Schools District for 32 years. He is a former Board of Director of the Michigan Municipal League and the National League of Cities. Mr. Worrell continues to serve on several community organizations’ councils including the Community and Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund, Downtown Development Authority, Economic Development Review Committee and Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees.

Friendly Ford Recognized for Continuous Support through Fund-Raiser

At its Board of Trustees annual meeting held Tuesday, January 26, Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) honored local businessman Tom Shankie, owner of Friendly Ford, Inc. for his generous contribution to the System. MMHS’ President and CEO Annette Phillips and Board Chair Gerald Heck presented a special award to Shankie for his continuous support.

Every year for the past 13 years, Friendly Ford has closed its doors for one entire day to sponsor Hot Summer Nights, a fund-raising event that supports MMHS’ Hospice of Monroe. Over the past decade, the classic car event has become a popular venue in Monroe. Many residents are attracted to the fund-raiser featuring a classic car auto show with music from the 1950’s and 1960’s, 50/50 drawings, live auction, silent auction, quickie auctions and a raffle for a classic car, which is donated by Friendly Ford. In 2009, Friendly Ford donated a 1967 Ford Mustang.

Shankie and Friendly Ford have donated more than $150,000 to assist Hospice of Monroe in providing many “extras” that help the families in Monroe as well as many hours of volunteered work.

At the presentation, Hospice of Monroe’s Mental Health Services Director Larry Csokasy commented on Shankie’s generous spirit by paraphrasing a line from the Wizard of Oz, “There is no need to look any farther than our own backyard to find people with great hearts.”

Mercy Memorial Hospital System offers both cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid classes to the public on a monthly basis in its L. E. Fleuelling Community Education Center A1/A2, located on the fourth floor of Mercy Memorial Hospital. There is a $50 fee for each class. Pre-registration is required.

The next set of classes is scheduled for Tuesday, February 16. To register, please call Mercy Memorial Hospital System’s Education Department at (734) 240-4470.

Congratulations to the staff of Mercy Memorial Hospital System for generously sponsoring a blood drive and donating blood to the American Red Cross’ Western Lake Erie Region. Kicking off MMHS’ 2010 effort, the System exceeded its goal for the first time in the past few years and hosted two drives within a week- Wednesday, January 13 at its facility in Newport and Tuesday, January 19 at Mercy Memorial Hospital in Monroe.

With MMHS’ donation, more than 132 people in the community will benefit from the blood that was collected.

To schedule a donation or host a drive at your organization, visit the American Red Cross on the Web.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System is one of more than 110 MHA-member hospitals that have voluntarily eliminated industrial trans fats from hospital vending machines, cafeterias and patient nutrition programs as of Jan. 1, 2010. This effort by Michigan hospitals goes beyond caring for the sick; it helps to guide preventive health and community wellness efforts. The elimination of trans fats -- which contribute to obesity, high cholesterol and other adverse health conditions -- creates a healthier environment for patients, visitors, and staff.

This initiative began in November 2008 when the MHA Board of Trustees asked Michigan hospitals to lead by example in community health improvement, one of the association’s four strategic pillars for health care reform.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) announced it has received a full three-year accreditation from The Joint Commission for the hospital system and for home care/hospice care/home respiratory care. The accreditation is effective now through the next 39 months. The accreditation award recognizes Mercy Memorial Hospital System’s dedication to meeting and exceeding The Joint Commission’s high standards for health care quality and patient safety on a continuous basis.

By demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards, Mercy Memorial Health System has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval.™.

The Mercy Memorial Nursing Center did not participate in The Joint Commission survey. It completed a successful inspection by the Michigan Department of Public Health in January 2009.

The Joint Commission conducted an unannounced four-day survey at the end of October 2009 and rendered its official decision approximately two and a half weeks later. To earn and maintain accreditation, a hospital and/or health facility must undergo an on-site survey by a Joint Commission team of clinical and life safety experts. The objective of the survey is not only to evaluate the hospital system, but to provide counsel and guidance that will help staff continue to improve the hospital’s performance. The survey process also analyzes key operations and systems that directly impact the quality and safety of patient care.

“When taking into consideration the number of surveyors and the number of days on site, Mercy Memorial had a total of 20 survey days,” said Renee Richards, Executive Director Medical Affairs. “That total breaks down to 13 survey days for the hospital and seven survey days for HomeCare Connection, Hospice of Monroe and Home Respiratory Care.”

“The surveyors praised us for the tremendous improvements made since our last survey. The surveyor who accompanied the home care and hospice staffs on home visits was very impressed at the level of care rendered, calling them among the best programs she ever surveyed. The Life Safety Surveyor commented at the exit interview that our hospital is one of the most highly rated, fire-safe hospitals he had surveyed in a long time,” said Annette Phillips, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Memorial Hospital System. “I am so very proud of the excellent care and safe environment we provide for our patients.”

The Joint Commission, formerly known as the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, has been in existence for more than 50 years and accredits more than 4,200 health care facilities. Roughly 88 percent of the nation’s hospitals are currently accredited by The Joint Commission. Unannounced surveys are conducted every 18 to 39 months. Health care facilities are evaluated on standards that address the facility’s performance in specific areas to ensure that patient care is provided in a safe manner and in a secure environment.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System announced that orthopedic surgeon, Todd Prochnow, D.O., has accepted a position as a staff physician and is moving his practice January 6, 2010. Dr. Prochnow’s new office is located at the Mercy Memorial Hospital System Professional Office Building, 730 North Macomb Street, Suite 419, Monroe.

Dr. Prochnow brings more than seven years of experience to his new practice. He earned his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Michigan State University-College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, Mich. and a bachelor of arts in biology degree at Albion College, Albion, Mich. He completed a fellowship in orthopedic spine surgery at Vanderbilt University Hospital, Nashville, Tenn.; and an orthopedic surgical residency and an internship at Mt. Clemens General Hospital, Mt. Clemens, Mich. He is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery; and is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery, Michigan State Medical Society and Monroe County Medical Society. He is a member of the Mercy Memorial Hospital System medical staff.

Dr. Prochnow is accepting patients at his new location beginning January 6, 2010. New patients are welcome. Most insurances are accepted. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (734) 240-4290.

Dr. Prochnow and his family reside in the Monroe area.

Free Mammograms, Chair Massages, Breast Health Education

Early detection is a woman’s best defense against breast cancer. Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) is sponsoring a free mammogram screening day for qualifying women who reside in Monroe County. The event is by appointment and takes place 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, January 23, 2010 in the Women’s Health Center, located inside Mercy Memorial Hospital, 718 North Macomb Street, Monroe. The event is made possible through a grant awarded to MMHS by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Northwest Ohio.

Qualifying clients must be female, 40 years or over, Monroe County residents, uninsured or underinsured with a demonstrated financial need. Women who are younger than 40 years may qualify if they have a physician order indicating the medical necessity for the mammogram screening.

In addition to the free mammogram screening, clients have the opportunity to learn more about breast health, the importance of monthly self-exams and annual mammograms. All mammograms are performed by qualified technologists and the films are read by board certified radiologists. Massage therapists from Mercy Memorial Hospital System Rehabilitation Center and Professional Clinic of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork are providing free chair massages. All screening participants have an opportunity to enter the free drawing for a gift basket

A limited number of appointments are available for this event. To schedule an appointment, please call (734) 240-8440.

For more information about the Susan G. Komen for the Cure grant, please call (734) 240-4552.

Looking for something rewarding? Become a Hospice of Monroe Volunteer Today!


Hospice of Monroe volunteers are an integral member of a team that assists patients and their families who are terminally ill.

Join us for our training sessions

Monday, January 11 – 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, January 13 – 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, January 16 – 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Monday, January 18 – 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, January 20 – 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.



Volunteers may perform a variety of services including direct patient care, companionship, light housekeeping, errands, yard work, bereavement support, group facilitation, office/clerical support, computer work, fund-raising, public speaking, community outreach, pet therapy, massage therapy and more.

If you are ready to volunteer with Hospice or want to discuss possible involvement, contact Debbie at (734) 240- 8946.

MMHS was recently recognized for campus renovations. On October 10, 2009, the Huron Valley chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Huron Valley) announced Hobbs and Black Associates, Inc. as the recipient of its 2009 AIA Huron Valley Honor Award for the Interior Architecture category. The Ann Arbor firm was awarded this distinct honor for its work on the design of the 150,000 sq.ft. renovation of Mercy Memorial Hospital. Twenty-four projects were submitted for consideration by an independent jury.

AIA’s Honor Awards Program is an annual awards ceremony held at the University of Michigan and recognizes the work of firms and registered architects practicing in the Huron Valley Chapter area of Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, and Washtenaw Counties.

The 2009 Fantasy of Christmas Trees hosted by Mercy Memorial Hospital System on November 7, shattered current fundraising attendance numbers with more than 450 guests. The fifth annual fundraiser is actually two events on one day at Monroe County Community College’s La-Z-Boy Center and Shirley Meyer Theater. The event raised more than $27,000 for underserved and uninsured patients.


Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus greeted 140 guests at the Santa Breakfast held in the morning. Children made crafts, told Santa of their Christmas wishes, received a gift bag and were entertained by jugglers. Miss Monroe County Ryleigh Linsenmeyer and Miss Monroe County Outstanding Teen Breanna Gabrielle Davis visited with the children and signed autographs.


In the evening, the lobby of the La-Z-Boy Center was transformed into a Winter Wonderland. Annette Phillips, President and Chief Executive Officer and her husband Greg Phillips welcomed 300 guests who came to view the 16 full-sized Christmas trees and the more than 80 holiday gift baskets and decorative items in the silent auction. Auctioneer Jim Alban, assisted by Miss Monroe County Ryleigh Linsenmeyer, energized the crowd to bid on the one-of-a-kind trees.


Mercy Memorial Hospital System is grateful to all of the individuals and businesses that supported this event to make it a success.

Added Precaution During Influenza Season


Effective Monday, November 2, 2009, and until further notice, Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) is restricting visitors to the hospital’s inpatient areas. Persons 16 years of age or younger and individuals that are experiencing flu-like symptoms are asked not to visit patients on the units.

This restriction is particularly important for obstetrical patients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified these patients as one of the high risk groups for the H1N1 influenza.

This adjustment to the visitors’ policy does not apply to the Mercy Memorial Nursing Center.

This is a precautionary measure for the benefit of MMHS inpatients, medical staff, employees and volunteers. If guests are feeling ill and must visit a patient, MMHS asks that they first use hand sanitizer or wash their hands and wear a face mask that is provided at the entrances prior to entering the inpatient areas. Individual units may institute additional guidelines, such as in the obstetrical unit, for visitors based upon the status of the patients on the units.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System thanks the community for its cooperation and understanding.

Monroe County Flu Clinics Offer H1N1 Vaccinations in November

The Monroe County Health Department is offering H1N1 Flu clinics during the month of November. For a complete list of clinic locations, dates and times, please click here.

H1N1 Flu – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the H1N1 Flu?
H1N1 is a strain of the influenza virus. It is more commonly referred to as swine flu because the stain is prevalent in pigs. It is categorized according to two proteins found in the virus: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N).

In 1976, United States health officials confirmed cases of swine flu strain that did not become widespread. In 2009, H1N1 is considered pandemic due to the widespread cases reported throughout the US.


How is it spread?
The main way that influenza viruses are thought to spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Influenza viruses may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else’s mouth or nose) before washing their hands.


What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those of other influenza-like illness. People infected with the virus can expect to experience:

• fever and chills
• runny or stuffy nose
• sore throat
• body aches and muscle pains
• severe headache
• cough
• fatigue or weakness
• general discomfort
• sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

How serious is it?
Most people with 2009 H1N1 have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs and the same is true of seasonal flu.

Like the seasonal flu, H1N1 may be serious for young children, elderly adults, pregnant women and anyone with health issues. H1N1 flu may vary in severity from mild to severe. Severe disease with pneumonia, respiratory failure and even death is possible with H1N1 flu infection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza has increased and has been higher than what is expected at this time of year. Since April 2009, CDC has received reports of 95 laboratory-confirmed pediatric H1N1 deaths and another seven pediatric deaths that were laboratory confirmed as influenza, but where the flu virus subtype was not determined.


Do I need to go to the emergency room if I think I have H1N1?
No. It is best to stay home and get rest if you think you have either seasonal or H1N1flu. You should not go to the emergency room unless you are very sick and exhibit emergency warning signs of flu. If you go to the emergency room and you are not sick with the flu, you may catch it from people who do have it.

If you get sick with flu-like symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications or you are concerned about your illness, call your health care provider for advice.


What are the emergency warning signs?
In children

Fast breathing or trouble breathing

Bluish skin color

Not drinking enough fluids

Not waking up or not interacting

Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Fever with a rash

In adults

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

Sudden dizziness

Confusion

Severe or persistent vomiting

What do I do if someone in my home gets H1N1?
You should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events and public gatherings. By staying home, you are helping to prevent the spread of germs to others. If the illness worsens and the person has any of the emergency warning signs, seek medical attention immediately.

For a sick child, make sure someone can take care of them throughout the duration of the illness.

Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making them sick. If you must leave home, for example to get medical care, wear a facemask if you have one, or cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. And wash your hands often to keep from spreading flu to others. CDC has information on “Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home” on its website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm.


What can I do to protect myself from H1N1?
Hand washing is one of the most basic, yet best means to effectively protect you from influenza. The Centers for Disease Control recommend using soap and running warm water. When washing, work up a good lather with the soap and briskly rub hands together for a minimum of 20 seconds on all areas of hands. Rinse well and thoroughly dry hands. Turn off faucet with a paper towel.

An alcohol-based hand sanitizing product can be used as an effective alternative to hand washing when hands are not visibly soiled.

Cover your cough or sneeze. When coughing or sneezing, the Centers for Disease Control recommend that the mouth and nose be covered with either a paper tissue or a sleeve. Immediately dispose of tissue into a wastebasket – and wash your hands.

Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Eat foods rich in vitamins and nutrients.

Get sufficient rest. Sleep helps the body regenerate for the next day’s activities.

Avoid crowded spaces whenever possible.


How long should I stay home if I’m sick?
According to the CDC, it is recommended that anyone with flu-like symptoms stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever has gone (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®.) You should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events and public gatherings.

The exception to this recommendation is if your illness worsens and you still have a fever. In this case, seek medical attention.


I already got a seasonal flu shot this year. Does this shot also protect me from H1N1?
Data from the CDC currently indicates that seasonal flu vaccination does not have any effect on the 2009 H1N1 swine flu. Young children, elderly adults, pregnant women and anyone with health issues are at serious risk for complications with H1N1. It is recommended that anyone in these groups, as well as healthcare workers should consider getting the vaccination.

For more information, visit the following web sites:

www.cdc.gov/flu

www.michigan.gov/flu

Monroe County Department of Public Health

Santa Breakfast, Live & Silent Auctions, Man Tree Raffle

Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) announces its plans for the Fifth Annual Fantasy of Christmas Trees, Saturday, November 7 at Monroe County Community College, 1555 Raisinville Road, Monroe. Proceeds from the fund-raiser support patient services and is made possible, in part, by sponsorships from the law firm of Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook, Monroe Bank and Trust and Monroe Community Ambulance.

“The fund-raising event is actually two separate functions, one in the morning for children and one in the evening for adults. Both are held at Monroe County Community College’s La-Z-Boy Center and Meyer Theater,” said Debbie Sieb, chairperson of the 2009 Fantasy of Christmas Trees. “We have tremendous support from many talented people in Monroe County to make this event a success and bigger and better every year.”

Breakfast with Santa – The Mercy Memorial Hospital System Guild hosts this event for children between the ages of 3 and 10 years at 10 a.m. Tickets are $15 per person and include breakfast, children’s games, a visit from Santa Claus and a preview of the Christmas trees.

Winter Wonderland – The public is invited to bring their cameras and walk among the indoor winter wonderland of professionally decorated trees from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

Live and Silent Auctions – 6 p.m. until Midnight. Christmas trees, from tabletop to 6-feet tall, make up the live auction. Local artists, florists and designers have donated their time and talents to decorate the trees in themes ranging from traditional holiday to sophisticated jewel tones to children’s characters. Wreaths, swags, garlands, centerpieces and gift baskets – all in keeping with the season – will be on display throughout the evening for guests to bid on.

The Man Tree – Back by popular demand, The Man Tree is a main focal point of the event, appealing to all things hunting, fishing, golfing, grilling and camping. Started by a group of men whose wives were members of the Fantasy of Christmas Trees committee, The Man Tree items are the prizes in a special raffle. Last year, The Man Tree raised more than $20,000. Tickets are $50 each or 3 for $100.

Tickets for the evening gala and auction are $50 per person and include a strolling supper, cocktails and dancing to the live entertainment of the Double Cross Band. Guests may also purchase a souvenir photo from Shutterbug Digital.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (734) 240-4552.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) is pleased to announce that Dennis Burns has joined its Physician Services Department as Physician Recruiter, working closely with Leslie Bazini, Director of Physician Services. With the addition of Burns, MMHS plans to recruit new physician talent and proactively develop an in-house recruitment program.

With more than 18 years of physician recruitment experience, Burns will work to find new physicians that will help strengthen MMHS’ strategic position and support System services. “In the short-term, I am looking to fill four to six physician specialty opportunities for MMHS,” said Burns. “Working with Leslie, and upon completion of the Physician Manpower Plan, I intend to work toward fulfilling the needs as outlined in that Board-approved Plan and cultivate an in-house program to solicit exceptional physicians for the System.”

Burns joins MMHS from Saint Vincent Health System in Erie, Penn. where he worked for approximately two years as Director of Physician Recruitment and Development. He also has recruitment experience from the Michigan region, working in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo and Allegan.

Burns earned a bachelor’s from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Mich. and a master’s from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

Monroe County residents looking to get a seasonal influenza shot this year should visit either one of the United Way of Monroe County’s Health Check or the flu clinic at the Monroe County Health Department (MCHD).

MCHD is offering seasonal influenza and pneumonia vaccinations at The United Way’s Health Check from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, October 21 at Monroe County Community College and again on Thursday, November 5 at Carleton United Methodist Church.

Residents can also visit MCHD’s flu clinic, which is located at 2353 S. Custer Rd. During the month of October, the flu clinic is open, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The first and third Wednesday of October the flu clinic is open from 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 1p.m. to 6 p.m. The flu clinic is for those aged 4 years and older. Both vaccinations are covered by Medicare B. The cost for the influenza shot is $25 while the pneumonia shot is $37. Shots can be given together.

In addition to the flu clinic, the flu vaccination will be available to children 6 months -18 years of age who qualify for the Vaccines For Children (VFC) Program during regular immunization clinic hours. Immunization clinic hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.- 4 pm; the first and third Wednesday 9 a.m. -11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.; CLOSED THURSDAYS. There is a $10.00 charge for the influenza vaccine through the VFC Program

For more information on vaccinations, call MCHD’s Flu Hotline at (734) 240-7878 or (888) 354-5500, ext. 7878. You can find additional information online by visiting the MCHD Web site. If you have questions, please call MCHD at (734) 240-7812.

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Influenza Guidelines to the Public

Stay home when you are sick.
Seasonal flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Stay home from work, school, church and other public places if you are feeling sick. By staying home, you are helping to prevent the spread of germs to others.

Contact your primary care physician by phone for further advice.

Seek Emergency Medical Care if you are experiencing:

difficulty breathing or chest pain

have purple or blue discoloration of your lips

vomiting and unable to keep liquids down

signs of dehydration – dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or absence of tears in infants when they cry

seizures

confusion or feel less responsive than normal

Protecting Yourself
Hand washing is one of the most basic, yet best means to effectively protect you from influenza. The Centers for Disease Control recommend using soap and running warm water. When washing, work up a good lather with the soap and briskly rub hands together for a minimum of 20 seconds on all areas of hands. Rinse well and thoroughly dry hands. Turn off faucet with a paper towel.

An alcohol-based hand sanitizing product can be used as an effective alternative to hand washing when hands are not visibly soiled.

Cover your cough or sneeze. When coughing or sneezing, the Centers for Disease Control recommend that the mouth and nose be covered with either a paper tissue or a sleeve. Immediately dispose of tissue into a wastebasket – and wash your hands.

Keep your hands away form your eyes, nose and mouth.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Eat foods rich in vitamins and nutrients.

Get sufficient rest. Sleep helps the body regenerate for the next day’s activities.

Avoid crowded spaces whenever possible.


Seasonal Flu Vaccinations – Who Should Consider It?

Persons who wish to reduce the likelihood of contracting the seasonal influenza or spreading seasonal influenza to others.

All children between the ages of 6 months and 18 years

Persons 50 years of age or older

Pregnant women

Persons with long-term or chronic health conditions

Persons with a weakened immune system

Residents of nursing homes, chronic care facilities, college dormitories or other group environments

Health care providers

Caregivers of children between the ages of infancy to 5 years

Caregivers of adults who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for complications from influenza

For more information, visit the following web sites:

www.cdc.gov/flu

www.michigan.gov/flu

Free Mammograms, Chair Massages, Breast Health Education


October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Early detection is a woman’s best defense against breast cancer. Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) is sponsoring a free mammogram screening day for women who are Monroe County residents, 40 years or over and who are uninsured or are underinsured. The event is by appointment and takes place 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, October 3 in the Women’s Health Center, located inside Mercy Memorial Hospital, 718 North Macomb Street, Monroe. The event is made possible through a grant awarded to MMHS by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Northwest Ohio.

Qualifying clients must be female, 40 years or over, a Monroe County resident, uninsured or underinsured with a demonstrated financial need. Women who are younger than 40 years may qualify if they have a physician order indicating the medical necessity for the mammogram screening.

In addition to the free mammogram screening, clients have the opportunity to learn more about breast health, the importance of monthly self-exams and annual mammograms. All mammograms are performed by qualified technologists and the films are read by board certified radiologists. Massage therapists from Professional Clinic of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork are providing free chair massages. All screening participants have an opportunity to enter the free drawing for a gift basket.

A limited number of appointments are available for this event. To schedule an appointment, please call (734) 240-8440.

For more information about the Susan G. Komen grant, please call (734) 240-4552.

MMHS is pleased to announce that Judy Roberts has joined its Physician Services Department as Physician Liaison, working closely with Leslie Bazini, Director of Physician Services. With the addition of Roberts, MMHS plans to promote positive physician relationships as well as enhance communication with its medical staff.

As liaison, Roberts will serve as MMHS’ goodwill ambassador through regular visits with physicians and their office staff. “I plan to focus my immediate attention on getting to know the medical staff to gain a better understanding of their needs relative to hospital services,” said Roberts. “Our goal is to provide a point person for physicians to enhance communication and coordinate problem resolution.”

Roberts joins MMHS from Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital where she worked in Physician Services as Medical Staff Services Coordinator. She has been assisting physicians as part of the Henry Ford Health System for the past 14 years, working previously at its Main Campus Hospital in Detroit, and Henry Ford Wyandotte and Riverside Osteopathic Hospitals in the Downriver area.

“I look forward to utilizing my past experience in service excellence and as a member of the physician satisfaction team to further develop the physician relations program at MMHS,” Roberts stated.

Roberts holds certification as a medical staff services professional, is a member of the Michigan Association Medical Staff Services, and is a life-long resident of Monroe County.

Two hospital systems and one comprehensive cancer center are joining forces to bring world-renowned cancer services to Monroe, Michigan. Mercy Memorial Hospital System of Monroe (MMHS), ProMedica Health System of Toledo, and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit have announced a joint venture agreement which will bring innovative, state-of-the-science cancer care to Monroe and the surrounding communities. Each of the health institutions will be equal partners in the joint venture. The agreement, forming the company Monroe Cancer Center, LLC, was recently approved by each organization’s executive leadership. A groundbreaking for the new cancer center is expected to take place by early 2010. The center is targeted to open within one year following. The official name of the new center has not yet been determined.

The center will be located at 800 Stewart Road, part of the 110 acres owned by Mercy Memorial Hospital System, about a mile-and-a-half from the hospital campus. The 10,000 square-foot facility will include medical and radiation oncology. Currently, many cancer patients in the Monroe area travel outside their community to receive radiation therapy. The new cancer center will bring together excellent cancer care and the individualized, patient-targeted cancer therapy all under one roof.

According to Annette Phillips, president and CEO, Mercy Memorial Hospital System, “A comprehensive cancer center in Monroe is a huge step forward for the patients and their families. The duration of radiation therapy and chemotherapy regimens typically continue for several weeks. It’s a difficult process for patients emotionally and physically. Their friends and families are often juggling work and family schedules to provide transportation to Toledo, Ann Arbor or Detroit. The new Monroe site provides the perfect combination of high quality cancer care close to home.”

“ProMedica has been at the forefront of cancer treatment in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan for many years and is committed to providing world class cancer care in all of the communities we serve,” says Alan Brass, chief executive officer, ProMedica Health System. “This affiliation is an opportunity to further develop our partnership with Karmanos Cancer Center, and to expand our relationship with Mercy Memorial Hospital System.”

The total investment for the new cancer center is approximately $5 million as of press release time. The estimated staff needed for the radiation oncology area, which will be administered by the Karmanos Cancer Center, will be approximately seven full-time positions. Another full-time physician and a team of registered nurses, medical assistants, and laboratory staff will be needed for the medical oncology area, administered by Toledo Clinic Hematology/Oncology Group. Toledo Clinic will work in partnership with ProMedica and MMHS.

“We’re proud to be one of only 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the country,” said Ann Schwartz, Ph.D., interim president and CEO, Karmanos Cancer Institute. “We have very high standards in cancer care and it’s that level of excellence that we share with our patients. We’re happy to be teaming up with Mercy Memorial and ProMedica to provide world-renowned cancer treatment to residents of Monroe and surrounding communities.”

Groundbreaking for the new cancer center is expected to take place by early 2010. The center is targeted to open within one year following. It’s a difficult process for patients emotionally and physically. Their friends and families are often juggling work and family schedules to provide transportation to Toledo, Ann Arbor or Detroit. The new Monroe site provides the perfect combination of high quality cancer care close to home.”

“ProMedica has been at the forefront of cancer treatment in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan for many years and is committed to providing world class cancer care in all of the communities we serve,” says Alan Brass, Chief Executive Officer, ProMedica Health System. “This affiliation is an opportunity to further develop our partnership with Karmanos Cancer Center, and to expand our relationship with Mercy Memorial Hospital System.”

The total investment for the new cancer center is approximately $5 million as of press release time. The estimated staff needed for the radiation oncology area, which will be administered by the Karmanos Cancer Center, will be approximately seven full-time positions. Another full-time physician and a team of registered nurses, medical assistants, and laboratory staff will be needed for the medical oncology area, administered by Toledo Clinic Hematology/Oncology Group.
Toledo Clinic will work in partnership with ProMedica and MMHS.

“We’re proud to be one of only 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the country,” said Ann Schwartz, Ph.D., Interim President and CEO, Karmanos Cancer Institute. “We have very high standards in cancer care and it’s that level of excellence that we share with our patients. We’re happy to be teaming up with Mercy Memorial and ProMedica to provide world-renowned cancer treatment to residents of Monroe and surrounding communities.”

Car Seat Safety Check
September 19, 2009
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

September is nationally designated as Child Passenger Safety Month.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System, in conjunction with other local businesses and organizations, will host a free car seat safety check on Saturday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of Mercy Memorial Hospital.

In the past few years, this clinic has checked over 50 cars and has given out 10 - 12 new seats per event. The seats available for distribution are to replace any expired or recalled seats currently being used.

No appointment is necessary for the car seat safety check. Participants should bring the following items: the child whom the seat is intended to fit, a vehicle, the car seat or booster seat, the car seat instructions and the vehicle's instruction book.

Sponsors for the event include: Mercy Memorial Hospital System, Michigan State Police, State Farm Insurance and Monroe Community Mental Health. Mercy Memorial Hospital is located at 718 North Macomb Street, just south of Cole Road.

Urologists and Mercy Memorial Hospital System Provide Service to Community


Free Prostate Screening
September 17, 2009
4 - 7 p.m.


Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) is conducting a free prostate cancer screening, 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, September 17, 2009, at its Corporate Connection clinic located at 901 North Macomb Street, Suite 1, Monroe. The free screening is open to all men in the community and includes a digital exam and PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test. No appointment is necessary.

Urologists S. R. Nair, M.D. and Ashwin Shah, M.D. are donating their services for this screening and will perform the patient examinations.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in men. Nearly 1 in 6 American men will be affected by prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, a man should begin discussing prostate health with his physician by the age of 45 and have his first screening at age 50. Men who have a father, brother or son who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, or another risk factor, should have the conversation with their physician by at least age 40.

Each year, approximately 186,000 cases are identified. Early detection is a vital step in successful diagnosis and treatment. Men should let their doctors know if they are experiencing any of the following:

persistent pain in hips, upper thighs or lower back

notice blood in their urine or semen

experience urinary problems such as frequent urge to urinate, weak flow of urine, involuntary start and stop of the urine flow, pain or burning during urination, inability to urinate or difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine.

For more information about the free prostate cancer screening, please call (734) 240-4162.

Mark your calendar for 7 p.m., Saturday, September 12, and plan to attend the 4th Annual Wine ‘n’ Dine hosted by the Mercy Memorial Hospital System Guild. Enjoy the views atop the MBT Headquarters Building from the Fourth Floor Assembly Room, located at 10 Washington Street in Downtown Monroe. Sample signature dishes and vintages by local restaurants, caterers and wine vendors. Bid on the gift items in the silent auction and enjoy the live music of harpist Tonya Bess. This event is sponsored, in part, by the law firm of Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook, Monroe Bank and Trust, Health Plan of Michigan and 4-Star Greenhouses. Tickets are $50 per person. Proceeds benefit services for patients. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (734) 240-4552.

Group answers phones, provides support and makes referrals

The Mercy Memorial Rape Crisis Center provides timely, coordinated, comprehensive care to pediatric and adult residents of Monroe County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Volunteers are the foundation of the Center, making themselves available a minimum of 12 hours a month to answer the hotline, plus attend the monthly volunteer meeting and six training sessions a year. Volunteers perform much of the work conducted by the Center, and it is in need of more hands to help.

Volunteers, under the direction of a certified forensics registered nurse, provide crisis intervention to sexual assault victims in the emergency department, provide support, give information and make referrals to the victims and their families.

The Mercy Memorial Rape Crisis Center serves all of Monroe County and is one of the three grant-funded programs operating out of one office. The other two services are a child advocacy center and a sexual assault nursing center.

For more information on volunteer opportunities, please contact the Center’s office at (734) 240-4508.

Community Invited to Share in the Celebration

Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) announced plans for the opening of its new surgical services at the hospital’s campus on North Macomb Street. The new surgical services department is a major component of the System’s $36 million investment in its flagship campus.

“The new surgical services department is an investment in our future as a health care provider, and the community of Monroe as well,” said Annette Phillips, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Memorial Hospital System. “The new area demonstrates our commitment to high quality care and service to our patients. Not only does it provide a more comfortable environment for patients and their families, but it is also designed to better ensure their privacy.”
The surgical services department features:

• six operating rooms, each measuring 650 square feet
• state-of-the-art Stryker video systems
• new anesthesia and operating room equipment and central sterile processing facilities
• a dedicated entrance on the south side of the hospital, near the new emergency department
• dedicated registration and family waiting area that is large and comfortable, yet accommodates privacy

Several surgical specialties are represented on the Mercy Memorial Hospital medical staff including general surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, otolaryngology, plastic and reconstructive, urology, vascular and gastroenterology.

More than 10,000 cases were performed at the hospital in 2008.

Join in Our Celebration!

Mercy Memorial Hospital System is celebrating the new area with a Grand Opening Gala on Friday, June 26, from 7 to 11 p.m. The fund-raising event will feature tours by the staff, a strolling supper and live entertainment. Signature dishes by Monroe area caterers and restaurants are featured. Tickets are $75 per person and available by calling the philanthropy office at (734) 240-4552


The Community is Invited to a Public Open House. The surgical services staff will serve as tour guides of the new operating rooms and adjoining areas on Sunday, June 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. PAWS, the official mascot of the Detroit Tigers Baseball Club, will be on site. The Frenchtown Fiddlers will perform from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Refreshments and a free drawing are also featured.

After the opening festivities, the staff is scheduled to move the department to its new quarters during the second week of July.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System is pleased to announce the appointment of Leslie Bazini, Director of Physician Services. Bazini was hired to lead the oversight of physician recruitment, physician relations and physician practice management and development.

“I am working very closely with John Kibble, Vice President of Business Development and Strategy for growth opportunities,” said Bazini. “Currently, I am looking at meeting the needs of our medical staff as well as staffing and additional physician partnerships.” As part of her commitment to MMHS physicians, she joined the System’s Physician Satisfaction Team.

Bazini joins MMHS from Henry Ford Health System- West Bloomfield where she was Senior Associate of Physician Practice Development & Management and was responsible for the development of the medical staff structure as well as the community physician primary care network. Her position at HFHS had expanded responsibilities to include other HFHS community of hospitals such as Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, Henry Ford Macomb Hospital-Warren, and the new Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital. In addition, she has extensive experience with physician contacts.

Prior to HFHS, Bazini worked more than 10 years at Oakwood Healthcare System performing duties as Manager of the Medical Staff Office, Physician Liaison, Physician Development Coordinator and Physician Recruiter.

Bazini has a Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan.

Vice President Kibble Accepts Award for Health Series

Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) and the Monroe Center for Healthy Aging (MCHA) were the co-recipients of an award by the National Council on Aging and CVS/Pharmacy. On April 23, 2009, MCHA presented MMHS with the 2009 Prescription for Better Health Award for its commitment to provide support for Health Odyssey, a monthly education series designed to help seniors take better care of their health. Aaron Simonton (left) MCHA, presents John Kibble with the award for the MMHS Health Odyssey series.

MMHS has supported the senior center’s health education program for the past few years by providing lunch and clinical speakers.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) announces that certified surgical technologist, Jennifer Mata, was a recipient of a $2,000 Scholarship awarded by Ambulatory Anesthesia Associates, P.C.

Mata, a Bedford, Mich. resident and MMHS employee for three years, is pursuing a degree as a physician’s assistant at Lourdes College in Sylvania, Ohio. Mata has a passion for the health care field and for being a caregiver to the people of her community. She credits the support she has received from her physician colleagues in surgery in deciding to further her education in the medical field.

Taufiek Alhadi, D.O., Chief of Anesthesiology at MMHS, and a member of Ambulatory Anesthesia Associates, P.C., was instrumental in encouraging Mata to apply. Ambulatory Anesthesia Associates, P.C. sponsors the scholarship program and awards a maximum of three scholarships every calendar year. Applicants must be employed full or part-time at one of the six Michigan health care facilities where the group is on staff. The scholarship is not limited to those interested in a health care career, but rather, is designed to encourage and promote advanced education in all fields.

Annual Campaign Supports Pediatric Services

Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) was the recipient of a $1,611.63 donation from Fifth Third Bank’s 23rd Annual “Bright a Child’s Life” campaign. The funds are earmarked for Mercy Memorial Hospital’s inpatient pediatric service.

Fifth Third Bank employees Jami Gullum and Diane McCormick work at Monroe area locations and were instrumental in raising the funds to support Mercy Memorial Hospital. Ms. Gullum is credited with raising the second highest amount of donations at all Fifth Third locations during the campaign and Ms. McCormick ranked third. Ms. Gullum and Karen Fraker, senior vice president, Fifth Third Bank, visited the hospital on April 28 to present the check and tour the pediatric area and birthing center at MMHS.

Fifth Third Bank’s campaign is conducted throughout the month of December at all of its locations in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Throughout the campaign, donors have the opportunity to contribute $5 to the fund and write his or her name on a “Brighten a Child’s Life” paper ornament on display in the banking center’s holiday tree. All donations collected are given to area hospitals to help make life easier for hospitalized children and their families.



CAPTION: Fifth Third Bank representatives presented Mercy Memorial Hospital with a check for $1611.63 from the bank’s 23rd Annual “Brighten a Child’s Life” campaign. The campaign supports inpatient pediatric services at hospitals in Northwestern Ohio and Southeastern Michigan. The check represents the portion of the $26,000 collected at the Fifth Third locations in Monroe during the 2008 campaign. Pictured from left are Karin Newsom, RN, manager of 4-North and 5-North at MMHS; Jami Gullum, 5/3 Bank Monroe; Karen Fraker, senior vice president of marketing, 5/3 Bank Toledo; and Michele Sampson, RN, executive director, Women’s Health and Surgical Center at MMHS. Not available for the photo was Diane McCormick, 5/3 Bank Monroe.

Hospital provides free health program for prevention and awareness

In an effort to prevent skin cancer and promote awareness, Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) is offering a free skin screen to the general public from 3:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on May 12. 2009 at its Corporate Connection, located at 901 North Macomb Street, suite 1. No appointment is necessary. Dermalotogists Darius Mehregan, M.D., David Mehregan, M.D., and James Ulery, M.D. will be performing the complimentary screen.

For more information, please contact MMHS’ Corporate Connection at (734) 240-4150.

Guidelines to the Public

Stay home when you are sick.
Like seasonal flu, swine flu (Influenza H1N1) in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Stay home from work, school, church and other public places if you are feeling sick. By staying home, you are helping to prevent the spread of germs to others.

Contact your primary care physician by phone for further advice.

Seek Emergency Medical Care if you are experiencing:
• difficulty breathing or chest pain
• have purple or blue discoloration of your lips
• vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
• signs of dehydration – dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or absence of tears in infants when they cry
• seizures
• less responsive than normal or is easily confused

Protecting Yourself
Handwashing is one of most basic, yet most effective means of protecting yourself. Using soap and running water, work up a good lather with the soap and briskly rub hands together, for a minimum of 20 seconds on all areas of hands. Rinse well and thoroughly dry hands. Turn off faucet with a paper towel.

Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Immediately dispose of paper tissue into a wastebasket – and wash your hands.

Keep your hands away form your eyes, nose and mouth.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Eat foods rich in vitamins and nutrients.

Get sufficient rest. Sleep helps the body regenerate for the next day’s activities.

Avoid crowded spaces whenever possible.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control web site:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

Community Education and Resources are also part of the week-long observance

The Rape Crisis Center of Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) is observing National Victims of Crime Awareness Week, April 27 through May 1, 2009.

As part of its community outreach and education, the Center is staffing an informational exhibit from Monday through Friday in the hospital’s main lobby on North Macomb Street. The community may visit the display and choose from a collection of free informational brochures on several topics. Plush bears will also be available for sale, with proceeds going to support the Child Advocacy Center. The bears are $10 each or two for $15.

On Wednesday, April 29, the Rape Crisis Center is conducting a candlelight vigil in the hospital’s Good Samaritan Chapel at 7 p.m. The staff and the community will gather to raise the public’s awareness of violence prevention and of victims’ rights, and to remember victims of assault, domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse.

The Rape Crisis Center of Mercy Memorial Hospital System is here to contribute to the overall health of Monroe County citizens with a variety of programs, services and counselors, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The center, a grant-funded service for sexual assault in Monroe County, actually functions as three separate services – a rape crisis center, a child advocacy center and a sexual assault nursing center – all working together toward one common goal. Volunteer advocates make up most of the center’s staff. They must complete a rigorous 40-hour training program and then at least one hour of training a month thereafter.

They are the foundation of the center, making themselves available 24 hours a day
to answer the hotline. The director of the program is a registered nurse who specializes in forensics. Through this nursing specialty, the director is qualified to respond to the physical, psychological, social and legal issues affecting a victim of sexual assault or domestic abuse.

Victims of rape or sexual assault are four times more likely to know their assaulter, than to be attacked by a stranger.

In 2006:
+ more than 905,000 children were victims of abuse or neglect
+ approximately 606,350 women and 148,460 men were victimized by an intimate partner
+ in the senior community of persons 65 years and older, 117,760 fell prey to non-fatal violent crime

April is Occupational Therapy Month! In observance, Mercy Memorial Hospital System’s Rehabilitation Center is highlighting two special services available at the Rehabilitation Center – free handwriting screens for children and low vision rehabilitation for adults.

Handwriting Screens
Many young children have difficultly with handwriting – whether it’s something as common as poor grip or something more serious such as letter/number reversal. Parents now have a way to know if there is a problem before their children get too comfortable developing poor handwriting habits. MMHS’ Rehabilitation Center is offering convenient afternoon screenings on Wednesdays in April to help children who struggle with developing and refining this fine motor skill. Parents can bring their children to the Rehabilitation Center to be evaluated by a registered occupational therapist on letter/number formation, posture, pencil pressure, grip, and concentration. If appropriate, the children may then be registered for a six week summer handwriting program. This program offers one on one time with the child and Occupational Therapist to focus on improving handwriting skills.

Low Vision Rehabilitation
Eye sight is a precious asset. When we start to lose sight due to age or other factors, it is a reminder of just how precious vision is to maintain independence in daily living. Low vision is an impairment of 20/70 or less while using corrective lenses. Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration are known diseases that cause low vision and possibly blindness. Early intervention can improve your odds of maintaining your independence. MMHS’ Rehabilitation Center has a Low Vision Clinic that can help maximize an individual’s functional ability while coping with decreased vision. The occupational therapist will focus on customizing a treatment plan that will allow for the individual to learn compensatory strategies, optimize remaining functional vision, and providing resources including adaptive equipment and assistive technology to the individual experiencing vision loss.

To schedule an appointment for either of these special offerings, please call MMHS’ Rehabilitation Center at (734) 240-1950.

Hospital Continues Free Screening Program for Uninsured/ Underinsured Women

Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) has once again received a grant from the Northwest Ohio Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure „¥. to fund a unique breast cancer screening program. With the grant, MMHS will be able to continue its program to provide awareness and annual mammogram screenings, free of charge, to uninsured and underinsured women who live in Monroe County.

Komen began its 2009-2010 grant cycle yesterday by presenting the first of two installment checks in the amount of $23,930 to representatives from MMHS at an in-service and luncheon held at the Toledo Club. MMHS will receive another installment of the same amount in November.

MMHS has been a recipient of this grant since 2004 as a means to offer free screenings to the community. According to a September 2008 report from the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition, Michigan has lost more than 315,000 manufacturing jobs since 2000, which is the largest decline in the nation. Southeast Michigan, including Monroe County, has been the most affected, with many unemployed laborers facing healthcare issues without insurance.

In conjunction with The Monroe Center Cancer Connection, MMHS uses a portion of its grant funds for the ¡§Put Yourself First Today!¡¨ program, which is an annual health fair held in October on the hospital campus that is designed to help women age 40 and over who live in Monroe County and are either uninsured or underinsured. As part of this free mammogram screening program, mammography technologists educate women on the importance of early detection of breast cancer, monthly breast self-exams, and yearly mammogram screening. Women under the age of 40 can also qualify for this free service if they have a physician order indicating medical necessity, are uninsured or underinsured (with a demonstrated financial need), and live in Monroe County.

With support from Komen and its grant program, MMHS is able to help approximately 50 women each year receive clinical breast exams, self-breast exam and mammogram education, as well as follow up care when needed.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System will raise a flag in awareness of organ donation on April 1, 2009. MMHS is one of nearly 70 Michigan hospitals and organizations promoting organ and tissue donation awareness by flying or displaying flags that read “Donation Saves Lives” during April.

Michigan’s flag-flying campaign — the first in the state — is part of a national effort to bolster organ donor registries in April, which is Donate Life Month. Hospitals and their staffs are hoping the new flags will remind their communities of the benefits of organ donation as well as motivate them to join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry.

“Organ and tissue donation can save and improve lives in our community, around Michigan and across the nation, and Mercy Memorial wants to help drive that point home with this symbolic flag,” said Matthew Heffner, Marketing and Public Relations Manager. “Joining the Donor Registry gives hope to those in need of organ and tissue transplants, while leaving a legacy of generosity for the donor and his or her family.”

Michigan’s flag campaign and efforts to promote organ, tissue and eye donation are sponsored by Gift of Life Michigan, the Michigan Health & Hospital Association Keystone: Gift of Life initiative, and the Michigan Eye-Bank. More than 3,000 Michigan residents are waiting to receive lifesaving hearts, livers, lungs, kidneys and other organs. Last year in Michigan, 327 people donated organs. It was a record for the state, but was not enough to meet the growing need in Michigan, let alone across the country. In fact, 18 people die every day in the United States waiting for an organ transplant and the national waiting list topped 100,000 for the first time in October.

Since 2007, signing the back of a Michigan driver’s license no longer registers an individual as an organ and tissue donor. Those who wish to do so must now join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry by completing a registration form at a Secretary of State branch office or by visiting www.giftoflifemichigan.org. After joining, a red heart sticker will be sent by the Michigan Secretary of State to be placed on the individual’s Michigan driver’s license or state identification card. The presence of the heart sticker officially designates that person as a registered donor.

More than 167,000 people joined the Michigan Organ Donor Registry in 2008. Currently, of the state’s 10 million residents, about 1.5 million are registered donors.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System is pleased to announce that it’s Outpatient Surgery Center has achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC/Accreditation Association). Accreditation distinguishes this surgical center from many other outpatient surgical facilities by providing a safe work environment and the highest quality of care to patients.

Status as an accredited organization means MMHS’ Outpatient Surgery Center has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care, set by the Accreditation Association. More than 3,600 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by AAAHC. Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation; not all undergoing the on-site survey are granted accreditation.

“We believe our patients deserve the best,” stated Mary Cunningham, R.N., Administrative and Nursing Director of OPSC. “When you see our certificate of accreditation, you will know that the AAAHC, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has closely examined our facility and procedures. It means that we as an organization want our patients to have the best health care experience possible.”

Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by the AAAHC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by the Accreditation Association’s expert surveyors –volunteer physicians, nurses and administrators who are actively involved in ambulatory healthcare. The survey is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization improve its care and services.

"Going through the process reinforced our commitment to quality. We continually challenge ourselves to provide the highest quality of care for our patients here at the surgery center," said Cunningham.”

AAAHC accreditation is specifically for organizations that provide diagnostic or medical care on an outpatient basis – where an overnight stay would not be required. Among the types of ambulatory health care organizations that can seek AAAHC accreditation are ambulatory and office-based surgery centers, single and multi-specialty group practices, college health centers, dental group practices, community health centers, occupational health centers and managed care organizations.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System is pleased to announce the appointment of John E. Kibble as its new Vice President of Business Development and Strategy. Kibble has leadership responsibility for strategic planning, business development, marketing, public affairs, community relations, as well as oversight of physician practice management and development, physician recruitment, and physician relations.

“I look forward to the challenge of developing and implementing a strategic plan that compliments our excellence in quality and service as well as provides significant growth opportunities for the organization. Mercy Memorial has been the health care leader in Monroe County for many generations and I plan to continue that tradition by working with our staff and physicians to develop unique offerings to meet the health and medical needs of our community,” said Kibble.

Kibble joins MMHS from Henry Ford Health System where he most recently was the Director of Physician Practice Development & Management. His responsibilities included physician manpower planning, physician recruitment and relations, physician practice management, and business development for the HFHS community hospitals including Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals, Henry Ford Cottage Hospital and the new Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital. Kibble was also a key facilitator in launching several programs throughout HFHS including the bariatric surgery program at Wyandotte.

Prior to HFHS, he was the Vice President of Operations for the Centers for Obesity Related Illness (CORI), which was owned and operated by MSO Medical, Inc. with its corporate office located in Bannockburn, Illinois. He also served as the Vice President of Operations for JEG Diversified Healthcare in Los Angeles. Kibble began his career at POH Medical Center in Pontiac where he served in a variety of administrator roles in clinical operations.

He and his family reside in Grosse Ile, a neighboring downriver community.

Consumers are becoming more and more skilled at searching for quality healthcare data and a government Web site, hospitalcompare.hhs.gov, is making that search a little bit easier.

“We’re very proud of how Mercy Memorial Hospital System compares to other hospitals – not just regionally, but nationwide,” says Annette Phillips, President and CEO of Mercy Memorial Hospital System. “Having this data available to our patients demonstrates the high levels of safe, quality healthcare provided at Mercy Memorial.”

Hospital Compare describes itself as a tool that provides consumers with information on how well hospitals care for all their adult patients with certain medical conditions or surgical procedures. Because the Web site provides information from all hospitals in Michigan, you can use it to compare the quality of care each hospital provides.

The Web site allows the public to compare any given hospital data with the state and national average. Mercy Memorial Hospital System has shown favorable comparisons statewide and nationally in many quality measures, many of which are at 100%.

Hospital Compare provides information on 26 quality measures, which include process of care and outcome measures. Process of care measures reflect how well a hospital provides care, while outcome measures reflect the results of the care received while in the hospital.

In heart attack measures, Mercy Memorial scored higher than the state and national average for Aspirin at Discharge, Beta Blocker at Discharge, Aspirin at Arrival, Beta Blocker at Arrival as well as Smoking Cessation Advice/Counseling. All of these quality measures are above or within 7% of providing care for 100% of their patients.

“The bottom line is that we have strong physician and nursing leadership using the information to provide continuous quality improvements in patient care and patients are using the information to make well-informed healthcare choices,” says Phillips. “Hospital Compare will show us where we need to improve and engage more extensively in the quality improvement activities of their staff and physicians”

Another major focus of Hospital Compare data is on pneumonia measures. Again, Mercy Memorial scored higher than the state and nationwide average in most categories.

Hospital Compare was created through the efforts of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Health and Human Services and other members of the Hospital Quality Alliance: Improving Care Through Information (HQA). The information on their Web site has been provided primarily by hospitals that have agreed to submit quality information for Hospital Compare to make public.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System is pleased to welcome Thomas Schilling as its new Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Schilling was most recently the CFO at POH Medical Center in Pontiac, an affiliate of the McLaren Health System.

At POH, Schilling successfully managed the revenue and expense activity for the organization. “Mercy Memorial is dealing with issues similar to POH,” stated Schilling. “With Michigan’s economy we are seeing much more uncompensated care at hospitals. While dealing with this economic situation, I was still able to put together a viable plan to stabilize POH and even promote growth. I plan to look at the revenue cycle and see where there is missed revenue for the hospital. At POH we were able to capture $750,000 a year in lost revenue,” stated Schilling.

His financial background is impressive. He has served in the role of CFO for more than 12 years, controller for six years, and accounting management for more than seven years. Combined with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Wayne State University and 29 years of experience in healthcare finance management, Schillings’s exceptional background assures his proven ability to successfully champion a financial turnaround for MMHS.

“Tom is a huge asset to our executive team” stated Annette Phillips, President and CEO of MMHS. “I am confident he will provide the financial leadership necessary for this very challenging economic time.”

Schilling resides in White Lake, Michigan and has been an active member of the community. He has been a Board Member for Medilink Insurance Company since 2000, President of Michigan Resonance Imaging since 1990, Treasurer of Clarkston Medical Center since 2000, and has coached little league baseball for more than 14 years.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System is proud to announce that it has received the State of Michigan’s prestigious 2007 Governor’s Award of Excellence for Improving the Quality of Care and Patient Safety in the Hospital Setting. MMHS was awarded this esteemed honor for surpassing award goals for improving its appropriate care measures, Surgical Care Improvement Project, and Emergency Department. “This award demonstrates the dedication to quality and safety as well as the outstanding teamwork at Mercy Memorial,” stated Annette Phillips, MMHS President and CEO.

The GAE award is a state program that was established in 2003 in collaboration with Michigan Peer Review Organization (MPRO). It recognizes hospitals for adopting evidence-based practices and achieving/surpassing set quantifiable metrics aimed at improving the quality of patient care.

“Award recipients are committed to providing Michigan citizens with high quality health care,” said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. Award criterion aligns with improving care in a number of clinical areas. MMHS chose from pre-selected clinical areas. These clinical areas are designated as national health care priorities by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

At the end of 2007, MMHS submitted hospital performance data for three measures: Appropriate Care Measure (ACM), Surgical Care Infection Prevention (SCIP), and Emergency Department (ED). The award for ACM required an achievement of a 25% reduction in failure rate for the ACM composite rate based on the five Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), two Heart Failure (HF), and three Pneumonia (PN) measures. The award for SCIP required a 15% reduction in failure rate for the SCIP measures (average). The award for ED required rates for AMI and PN early indicators to individually be at or above 90% and meet the criteria for ACM award. MMHS surpassed each goal to improve safety and quality of care for its patients.

MMHS joined other Michigan hospitals to receive its award during a ceremony on October 29, 2008, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Ray Peters, ER Clinical Operations Leader, and Mary Desloover, Surgical Unit, Clinical Operations Leader accepted the award on behalf of MMHS.

Congratulations to Mercy Memorial Hospital System physician Tedd March, DO for being elected to the Monroe Public Schools Board of Education. Dr. March specializes in internal medicine and has been a part of the Monroe community for many years.

To read more about this story, visit the Monroe Evening News.

Saturday, November 8
Monroe County Community College's La-Z-boy Center – Meyer Theater


A full day of family entertainment with Mercy Memorial Hospital System! All tickets are available through the MMHS Foundation.

The day begins at 10 a.m. with Breakfast with Santa. Children ages 3-10 can enjoy breakfast, a picture with Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick (courtesy of Shutterbug Digital), a free gift, and entry into the public viewing. All children must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $20 per child.

The day continues with public viewing of the trees and silent auction items beginning at 11a.m. Viewing lasts until 3p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children 6-12, and free for children 5 and under.

Finally, enjoy an evening of fantasy featuring hors d’oeuvers, open bar, live entertainment, and live and silent auctions of decorated trees, wreaths, and a variety of holiday décor. The Festival Gala begins at 7 p.m. and lasts until 11 p.m. Tickets are $50/person.

This year’s festival is featuring the “Man Tree” once again, but with a twist. There are four separate prizes and four chances to win. Tickets are $50/ea. or three for $100.

There is also a “Woman’s Tree” this year. Volunteers are sitting in the hospital front lobby by the tree from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Tickets are just $5/ea.

Thursday November 13
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
718 N. Macomb Street, Ste. 317

Monroe County's Child Advocacy Center has moved from its location at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ida to Mercy Memorial Hospital in Monroe. Please join us at our new location!

Board members will be available to answer questions and lead tours.  Come learn about the services we are providing to assist abused children and their families.

In an effort to increase breast cancer awareness among the community, there will be two charity volleyball events to benefit the Side-Out Foundations’s breast cancer research and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Coached by Norm Potter, the junior varisity and varsity teams will raise awareness and funds for Side-Out Foundations’s breast cancer research. The teams will host the “Dig Pink” volleyball event held on Tuesday, October 14 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Dundee High School, located at 130 Viking Dr. The mistress of ceremonies will be Kelly Heidbreder of NBC TV 24 in Toledo. There will be raffles of women’s health and fitness services.

More than 700 volleyball teams across the nation are participating in Side-Out campaign this year.

Airport High School and Jefferson High School will compete on Wednesday, October 29 in “Volley for the Cure”, a match to raise awareness and funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. “Volley for the Cure” will be held at 6 p.m. at Airport High School, located in Carleton at 11270 Grafton Rd.

Pink Volley for the Cure T-shirts will be sold for $5 and there will be a raffle for prizes such as an iPod, DVD player, autographed T-shirts, duffel bags and food coupons.

Admission is $4 for those wearing pink.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System welcomes J. Ricardo Compean, M.D. to its medical staff.

Dr. Compean and wife Cynthia have established Compean Family Medicine, PLLC, located in Monroe at 327 Stewart Road, and opened the practice on October 6, 2008. Dr. Compean is welcoming new patients and is excited with the prospect of serving the Monroe County community.

“I have lived in Monroe for 15 years. I enjoy everything about Monroe, from its lakefront and the county fair, to the parades and the friendly atmosphere. It has always been my desire to open a family medicine office serving the residents of Monroe,” stated Compean.

As a family practice physician, Compean will not be limited to a specific population and, therefore, will care for patients of all generations. He treats a variety of medical conditions such as, but not limited to, diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and more.

Compean began his medical career as a hospital corpsman in the United States Navy, attending school at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, California. After receiving advanced training as an electroencephalographic (EEG) technician at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, he became the lead petty officer (LPO) of the neurology department.

After his military career, he graduated from Mercy College (University of Detroit-Mercy) with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in physician assistant studies. As a physician assistant, Compean was employed in family medicine by Henry Ford Health System and the Lymphoma Service at Harper Hospital (Karmanos Cancer Center) in Detroit. Working in these areas enriched Compean’s faith as well as fueled his compassion.

With years of medical experience and the desire to continue his education, Compean, supported by his Cynthia and their four children, decided to attend medical school at the University of Health Sciences Antigua School of Medicine, graduating June of 2005, with a Doctor of Medicine degree. In August 2008, he graduated from Mercy Health Partners Family Medicine Residency Program at St. Vincent’s Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio. During his tenure as a resident, Compean served as the associate chief resident during his second year of residency and chief resident during his third year.

Compean said, “Our mission is to provide compassionate patient-centered care, defined as listening to our patients while diagnosing and managing acute and chronic medical conditions. We will have a Web site in the near future where a patient may leave a message, request a refill of medication, and review their laboratory results in a secure environment from the privacy of their home. Our goal is to become a certified medical home by meeting national standards and achieving national recognition for the treatment of diabetes, congestive heart failure and asthma."

With his up-to-date knowledge, high quality and comprehensive medical care, Compean is committed to his patients’ health and accepts most insurance plans. Compean is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Association, Michigan State Medical Society, Monroe County Medical Society and also a valued medical staff member of the Mercy Memorial Hospital System.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System’s Tender Tears is a memorial service for parents who have suffered a loss through miscarriage, stillbirth or early infant death.

The hospital’s maternity staff recognized the need to offer a better bereavement program for those parents that have to deal with the grief from the loss of an infant. Maternal/Infant Services staff believed that they could do more to show how much they care for affected families and Tender Tears was formed. Laure Vandervlucht, RN, BSN, Maternal Infant Services recalled, “When I first started at Mercy Memorial six years ago, we did not have a program in place to help educate our patients who suffered a loss… even to acknowledge that loss and give them support and direction for their return home. This service gives them a much needed outlet.”

This memorial service will be held on October 18, 2008, at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Cemetery (909 North Monroe Street).

Spa Saturday
Saturday, October 4, 2008
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

In conjunction with a grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation and The Monroe Center Cancer Connection, Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) is sponsoring a free health fair for women 40 and over in Monroe County who are uninsured or underinsured. Spa Saturday will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2008 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Women’s Health Center, located inside Mercy Memorial Hospital at 718 North Macomb Street in Monroe.

If you are a woman aged 40 and older (or under age 40 and have a physician order indicating medical necessity), uninsured, underinsured (with a demonstrated financial need) and a Monroe County resident, then you qualify for a free mammogram through this grant-funded program.

Mammography technologists will be on hand to explain the importance of monthly breast self-exams as well as perform your yearly mammogram. Come to MMHS to talk with the experts, get a free screening mammogram and a complementary massage while you wait.

To register for this event, please call (734) 240-8440. For answers to other questions, please contact Community Relations at (734) 240-4552.

Car Seat Safety Check
Saturday, September 27, 2008
12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

September is nationally designated as Child Passenger Safety Month.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System, in conjunction with other local businesses and organizations, will host a free car seat safety check on Saturday, September 27 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Harwood Automotive.

In the past few years, this clinic has checked over 50 cars and has given out 10 - 12 new seats per event. The seats available for distribution are to replace any expired or recalled seats currently being used.

No appointment is necessary for the car seat safety check. Participants should bring the following items: the child whom the seat is intended to fit, a vehicle, the car seat or booster seat, the car seat instructions and the vehicle’s instruction book.

Sponsors for the event include: Mercy Memorial Hospital System, United Way, State Farm Insurance, Child Advocacy Network (CAN), Lenawee Safe Kids, Monroe Community Mental Health, Monroe County Community College and Harwood Automotive. Harwood Automotive is located at 6095 North Monroe Street, just north of Nadeau Road.

In preparation for the child car safety check, Mercy Memorial has received money from these community organizations to cover the costs of certifying twelve Child Passenger Safety Technicians. Because of the new booster seat laws, Mercy Memorial hopes more technicians will be certified in the near future.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System has welcomed Donald Brock, D.O., as its new Medical Director of the Emergency Department. Dr Brock brings over 17 years of emergency medicine experience to Mercy Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department.

“I am extremely happy to have Dr. Brock join us as the new Medical Director of the Emergency Department. His extensive leadership experience in emergency services will add significantly to our continuing efforts to better serve our community,” said Gilbert Burgos, MD, Senior Vice President of Health Care Services and Chief Medical Officer at Mercy Memorial Hospital.

Over his extensive career, Dr. Brock has been involved in implementing Best Practices, 30 minute guarantees, electronic medical records, quality review programs, fast tracks, American College of Emergency Physicians’ triage guidelines and protocols, and a 50% reduction in door to physician time and 60% reduction in length of stay for patients.

“With the help of Mercy Memorial Hospital System and NES, we intend to institute best practices, improve service operations and ultimately improve patient care,” says Dr. Brock.

Dr. Brocks also hopes to continue improving patient satisfaction in the ED and says that his intention is to raise the bar in Emergency Medicine.

He currently sits on the American College of Emergency Medicine’s Examining Board and Practice Management Committee and was the Emergency Physician of the Year in 2005 for the Michigan College of Emergency Physicians.

Dr. Brock’s previous work includes positions at Bixby Medical Center in Adrian, Mich., Medical Director at Herrick Medical Center in Tecumseh, Mich., and Medical Director over the entire system of emergency departments at Oakwood, managing more than 230,000 patient visits annually.

After completing medical school at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1991, Dr. Brock trained at the POH Medical Center in Pontiac, Mich..

Dr. Brock will be working with NES Healthcare Group to serve Mercy Memorial Hospital System. NES is a privately held, physician-owned and managed, national emergency medicine staffing and management company.

Dr. Brock says he is excited by the opportunity to serve the residents of Monroe County and surrounding areas and is honored to be a part of the Mercy Memorial Hospital family.

Henry Ford Health System Vice President Joins Mercy Memorial Family

Mercy Memorial Hospital System is pleased to announce the appointment of Annette Phillips to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer effective June 16, 2008. Annette joins Mercy Memorial from Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, a 379 bed hospital, where she served as Senior Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. In her previous roles at Wyandotte Hospital, Annette has served as the Chief Financial Officer, Administrator of Business Development and Managed Care, Service Line Leader and Controller. Annette also has extensive public accounting firm experience at Deloitte and Touche.

A Certified Public Accountant, Annette is completing a Masters of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University where she also earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She is active in her community through her role as Treasurer of the Wyandotte Rotary, and has previously been involved in Zonta and has served on the board of the Downriver YWCA Board of Directors.

Annette and her family currently reside in Brownstown Township with plans to relocate to the Monroe area shortly.

With the assistance of an executive search firm, the process to select Mercy Memorial’s President and CEO was one that involved its Board of Trustees, Medical Executive Staff and senior leadership team through a series of meetings and interviews. Annette emerged as a highly qualified healthcare administrator with a wide range of hospital administration, quality, customer service and financial experience. Annette has a rich and diverse background that will greatly aid Mercy Memorial in its transformation and contribute greatly to the hospital system, physicians and staff.

Most people visit the hospital about once every five years. So unless you have visited recently, read a news article, or have heard by word of mouth, you may not know about Mercy Memorial Hospital System’s (MMHS) brave transformation.

MMHS’ has evolved from its origin as two separate hospitals. For more than forty years, the City of Monroe was served by two independent, nonprofit hospitals, Memorial Hospital of Monroe and Mercy Hospital of Monroe. In July 1972, the two hospitals merged and Monroe had just one hospital; the newly formed Mercy Memorial Hospital System.

Built around the family practitioner, Mercy Memorial Hospital System provides treatment for sick and injured patients. As it continues its commitment to serve area residents, MMHS has dedicated itself to providing the highest level of comprehensive care to the residents of Monroe County, and its surrounding areas.

In 2006, MMHS entered into an exciting and vital juncture as it began a major construction and renovation project designed to modernize its’ facilities. MMHS has become a state of the art facility in order to provide Monroe County residents with the healthcare services they need. It also developed an ambitious and comprehensive plan to expand its’ service area through the development of offsite facilities throughout the county. It currently has seven outpatient sites in Monroe along with a new site in Bedford, one site each in Carleton, Dundee and Ida, and two sites in Newport.

To date, MMHS’s construction and renovation project has completed a new emergency department, outpatient pharmacy, main entrance and lobby, gift shop, and renovated imaging services and patient rooms. New operating rooms and digital cardiac catheterization lab are nearing completion. Ground work has begun on a new ambulatory surgery center on Stewart Road, which is also the planned site of the Karmanos Cancer Center.

When completed, this important modernization will provide Monroe County with state of the art emergency and surgery departments, state of the art diagnostic technology, and predominantly private patient rooms. It will enable MMHS to compete favorably with much larger hospitals. Also, the availability of highly advanced healthcare will meet the needs of the growing community of Monroe.

With the completed renovation of its Imaging Services department, MMHS is already providing high tech services to Monroe area residents, including a state of the art 3.0T MRI, 64 Slice CT scanner, 4D Breast Mammography, and CT Angiogram. With the use of Fuji/Synapse web-based application as its picture archiving and communication system (PACS), physicians can view images from anywhere within 24-hours.

MMHS’s planned partnership with the Barbara Ann Karmanos Institute will provide the most advanced radiation therapy services in the region.

In June 2008, MMHS launched the “Healthy Monroe” insurance plan to provide Monroe County businesses with access to convenient, affordable, and comprehensive healthcare for their employees. In conjunction with Starmark, MMHS offers local businesses and their employees with management strategies to promote wellness and support disease and lifestyle management. “Healthy Monroe” offers affordable and flexible health plans, and personal service from a leader in the industry.

The imperative to retain and expand the services provided by our award-winning community hospital, is clear from a healthcare perspective. Equally important is the positive economic impact this venture will provide to Monroe County and the surrounding communities.

This brave transformation is an investment in the health and economic strength of the community as well as a clear message that our community intends to keep its healthcare asset independent.

MMHS does not expect to stop with these improvements. It continues to raise excellence in quality and service that it provides to each of its patients.