Spring 2008 - Memorial Hospital of South Bend

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Eric Wohlrab, M.D., consults with workers at Lock Joint Tube (left) and the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District. GET TO WORK, MICHIANA! Memorial Center for Occupational Health keeps workers on the job PULSE › Memorial Health System › 574-647-6800 Leaders, managers, human resource executives, anyone who helps keep Michiana businesses up and running, all know that employees who are physically and emotionally healthy make a strong and productive organization. From equipment issues to chemicals, asbestos, needle sticks, burns, falls and more, Memorial’s Center for Occupational Health (COH) does whatever it takes to help employers protect workers in the workplace. “Employees are the number one resource companies have,” says Occupational Medicine Specialist Eric Wohlrab, M.D., MPH, M.S., FACOEM. “That’s why we really try to limit the time employees are away. We get them in and out of the door as quickly and safely as possible.” From a human standpoint there’s no better way to tell your employees you care than to provide the safest work environment and the best medical care possible. From a business standpoint, an investment in human capital returns $3 for every $1 invested. Along with treating common (and not so common) workplace ailments, Memorial’s COH also provides preventive services to help keep workers well in the first place. “Our passion as a clinic is really in prevention,” says Dr. Wohlrab. “You can find anyone to put stitches in, but we can also take you through your workplace and discuss ways you can protect the health of your employees.” One of the more innovative ways Memorial’s COH fulfills this promise is through its WorkSAFE Ergonomics Program, which provides on-site consultation and evaluation to help reduce workplace injuries caused by repetitive tasks. Dr. Wohlrab adds, “We’re a clinic without walls. If we stayed within the confines of this building we’d be missing 50 percent of what occupational health is all about.” With 2,500 clients, Memorial’s COH has expanded to include Memorial’s four Med-Point clinics to better meet the needs of clients. “Serious injuries such as significant burns, falls from heights, much of that happens after hours. The after-hours service provided by Med-Points helps us out tremendously,” says Occupational Medicine Specialist Melinda Dy, D.O., MPH, ABFM, ACOEM. While working autonomously, occupational health physicians are also required to adhere to federal, state and local laws enforcing workplace safety, all while working with the employer and the employee. “Each day is different. We could have 20 people scheduled and end up seeing 90 people that day,” adds Dr. Dy. “It’s definitely a unique and challenging work environment.” Memorial Center for Occupational Health 2301 N. Bendix, Suite 500 South Bend 574-647-1675 Memorial Center for Occupational Health at LaPorte Medical Group 900 I Street, LaPorte 219-324-1960 www.memorialcoh.com 010
A NEW ERA New surgical suites part of Memorial’s largest-ever expansion project The largest expansion in Memorial’s 112-year history is well under way. Ground has been broken, foundations poured and walls erected for the new surgical suite replacement project, which will increase capacity to 13 pre-surgery rooms, 13 operating rooms, 12 recovery rooms, and six swing rooms for either pre-surgery or recovery. The project also includes renovation of the Outpatient Surgery Center. This 137,066-square-foot expansion will result in up to 45 new clinical jobs and 300 constructionrelated jobs, with completion slated for summer of 2009. Memorial’s administrators envisioned the surgical suite expansion to help accommodate yearly increases in surgical cases. Memorial Health System President and CEO Philip A. Newbold says, “We are now performing close to 14,000 surgeries a year and we’re outgrowing our existing space, which was last renovated in 1980. This extensive project will allow us to accommodate a 53 percent increase in surgical cases to keep up with the demand for specialized care.” When the center opens, Memorial will operate one of the most technologically advanced surgical centers in the country. The new facility will also help attract additional surgeons to the area, including pediatric surgeons as part of the Children’s Hospital expansion. Memorial Vice President of Nursing Connie McCahill, R.N., described the design of this project. “Our medical staff has worked very closely with us to plan a new surgical service that offers great flexibility for each surgeon and the clinical support staff. We are very excited about how soon our patients will benefit from the new capacity this construction will provide.” Plans for the new space also include the Memorial Regional Cancer Center, featuring a highly integrated medical, surgical and radiation services model emphasizing the comprehensive needs of cancer patients and their families. Other new services will include a new main entrance, sterile processing center, loading dock and energy center. SPRING / SUMMER 2008 › www.qualityoflife.org 011
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Spring 2008 - Memorial Hospital of South Bend

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