July/August - SSM Health Care

Click an article heading to go directly to that story. Document page numbers in the circles refer to the print edition.SSM Health Care1 COVER STORYSSM Set to Launch‘Healthy Living’ InitiativeThroughout the SystemJuly/August 20054SSM St. Joseph-St. Charles Cares forChildren in CrisisSituations6Emergency OpenHeart Surgery in EDSaves YoungMother’s Life7 For ThesePatients,ReputationCounts9GlennonPhysicianRunsMarathonINSIDE VIEWSSM Health Care477 2 N. Lindbergh Blvd.St. Louis, MO 63141www.ssmhc.com2By Sr. Mary Jean Ryan, FSMTaking an Exciting Step Towards Healthy LivingChanges in Tobacco PoliciesNon-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDSt. Louis, MissouriPermit No. 24062SSMHC Maintains AA- Credit Rating3Meet Dixie Platt: Senior Vice President-Mission & External Relations3455678888912SSMHC Releases 2004 Community Benefits ReportMedical Records: A Success Story from Behind Locked DoorsDrop the Needle, Soothe the SpiritSSMHC Moves toward Standard of Patient Charge Description MasterFormer Patient Writes Book to Inspire OthersPartial Removal of Skull Proves to Be Lifesaving for Stroke PatientSSMHC-St. Louis Recognized Again for Promoting Diversity in BusinessSSM Corporate Archives Releases ‘Preserving a Legacy of Care’Leads in Disaster PreparednessSt. Clare Hospice House OpensAt St. Marys-Jefferson City, Parking Is AvailableBrittany’s Goal: Attend High School GraduationAROUND THE SYSTEM1010PEOPLEWisconsinNew Spinal Procedure UnveiledAuxiliary Funds New Pediatric AmbulanceSt. Clare to Offer Radiation Oncology ServicesSt. Marys Among First to Use New CT TechnologyWhat’s for Breakfast?New In-Home Dialysis OptionSt. Clare Nurses Celebrate By Saying Thanks10IllinoisSt. Francis Participates in Large Stent TrialCharity Softball GameSt. Mary’s/Good Sam Has Called in SWAT TeamSt. Francis Joins in Blue Island’s July 4th Parade11MissouriSt. Marys-Jefferson City Centennial ExhibitSewing Walker Bags Easy as PIESt. Joseph’s Cancer Program Receives Top RatingSSM Rehab Teams with SLUDePaul Physicians Receive Diabetes CertificationSt. Mary’s Marjorie Mers Wins Dream VacationDiversity Development Association (DDA) FormedSt. Mary’s Accepts Top 100 Heart Hospital Award11OklahomaHodges Honored at Missioning CeremonySt. Anthony Receives Safety Council AwardInfection Prevention Project Brings ResultsCrossing Cultures and SSMSt. Anthony Employees Take Greene Challenge

SSM Health CareJuly/August 2005$Sharing Ideas to Advance Our Common Mission • www.ssmhc.comSSM Set to Launch ‘Healthy Living’Initiative Throughout the SystemBy Suzy FarrenSSM Health Care is poised to launch an initiative that promises to affect thehealth of SSM employees for years to come – in a good way.The Healthy Living Initiative, now in its infancy, consists of a steering team made up of eight subteams,each of which is exploring a specific area of health. Participants were named to the teams based on recommendationsby entity presidents. The team is headed by Sr. Mary Jean Ryan, FSM, President/CEOof SSM Health Care.“This initiative is the beginning of a long-term commitment to fostergood health habits among SSM employees,” Sr. Mary Jean said. “I expectthe Healthy Living Initiative to extend far into our future, because the healthof all of us is one of SSM’s greattreasures.”The team decided that beforemaking any recommendations, itwould survey employees and entitiesto determine what currently existsand what is wanted. To that end, thesteering team designed two surveys,one for entities and a second foremployees. In August, the employeesurvey was mailed with a letter from Sr. Mary Jean to the homes of23,500 SSM employees. Also in August, the entity survey was sent to facility presidents.Once the surveys are tabulated, the subteams will use the results to make recommendations for implementationnext year. But that’s just the beginning, accordingto Sr. Mary Jean.“Just like CQI, our Healthy Living Initiative isan ongoing journey, and it has great potentialto help employees at SSM Health Carebecome more aware of how to takebetter care of themselves – and theirloved ones. Over the comingmonths and years, I encouragepeople to embrace the initiativeand to come forward with suggestionsand ideas.”The eight subteams are:Movement/Activity, Nutrition/Dietary,Spiritual, Behavioral,Education, Communications,Human Resources,Environment/Plant.Out walking are (l. to r.) SusanDoyle, Karen Rozinski, DianeYee, and Diane Riley, allemployees at St. Marys HospitalMedical Center in Madison, WI.Each spring St. Marys encouragesemployees to walk aspart of the hospital’s Workingon Wellness (WOW) program.“This initiativeis the beginningof a long-termcommitmentto foster goodhealth habitsamong SSMemployees.”Members of the HealthyLiving Steering TeamNutrition/DietarySarah Barlow, MDSSM Cardinal GlennonChildren’s Hospital,St. LouisJennifer BeekmanSt. Clare Meadows CareCenter, Baraboo, WIKevin Johnson, MDSSM DePaul HealthCenter, Bridgeton, MOMovement/ActivityScot Wanamaker, MSSSM DePaul HealthCenter, Bridgeton, MOJay Noffsinger, MDSSM Cardinal GlennonChildren’s Hospital,St. LouisBehavioralPam TroupSt. Anthony Hospital,Oklahoma CityJennifer SheaSSM St. Joseph HealthCenter, St. Charles, MOSpiritualFr. Jim Krings – SSMSt. Joseph Hospital ofKirkwood, Kirkwood, MODavid FitzgeraldSSM St. Joseph HealthCenter, St. Charles, MOHuman ResourcesSherry Copple – St.Mary’s Good Samaritan,Southern IllinoisSusan MetcalfSSM Rehab, St. LouisEnvironment/PlantMelissa Berwick – St.Marys Hospital MedicalCenter, Madison, WIJohn Mueller, SSMSt. Joseph HealthCenter and SSMSt. Joseph HospitalWest, St. Charles andLake St. Louis, MOEducationMartha Fuhrman –St. Marys Health Center,Jefferson City, MOSue Peters, SSM St.Mary’s Health Center,St. LouisCommunicationsBob Davidson –SSM Cardinal GlennonChildren’s Hospital,St. LouisEric Clark – SSM St.Mary’s Health Center,St. LouisBack to Contents

INSIDE VIEWSSM Health CareNetwork © is publishedbimonthly by SSMHealth Care foremployees, physiciansand friends.Corporate Office:477 N. Lindbergh Blvd.St. Louis, MO 63141Phone: (314) 994-7800Fax: (314) 994-7900Dixie L. PlattSenior Vice President-Mission & ExternalRelationsSuzy FarrenDirector-CorporateCommunicationsCarol BalesEditorAnnice WestDistribution & EditorialAssistantCover FacesIn the cover mastheadof each issue of Network,we feature faces ofpeople mentioned inthe issue. This issuefeatures David Reed,Heather King, andJohn Bernard.Media InquiriesPermission is granted toquote any material inNetwork, if source iscited. Reporters seekingadditional informationshould contact PattyKlein at (314) 994-7886.Contact names andphone numbers are providedin Network tofacilitate networkingand information sharingamong employeesand physicians ofSSM Health Careand its entities.SSM Health Care providesequal employmentopportunities, withoutregard to race, color,religion, sex, age,national origin, veteranstatus, or disability toall qualified applicantsand executives.Mission StatementThrough our exceptional health care services,we reveal the healing presence of God.Core ValuesIn accordance with the philosophy of theFranciscan Sisters of Mary, we value thesacredness and dignity of each person.Therefore, we find these five valuesconsistent with both our heritage andministerial priorities.• Compassion• Respect• Excellence• Stewardship• CommunityDeveloped by SSMHC employees systemwide during 1999.SSM Health CareExceptional Health Care ServicesExceptional Clinical OutcomesExceptional Patient, Employee andPhysician Satisfaction$ Exceptional Financial PerformanceLook for symbols on Network stories to link actionswith our focus areas.SSM Health Care is sponsored by theFranciscan Sisters of Mary.Look for SSM Network Online atwww.ssmhc.com and the SSMHC intranet.Network is printed on recycled paper that is recyclable.A web printing press is used, making four-color economical.$$Taking an Exciting Step TowardsHealthy LivingBy Sr. Mary Jean Ryan, FSMOn the front page of this issue of SSM Network, we’ve announced something new andexciting here at SSM Health Care: the Healthy Living Initiative. This initiative willoffer support to those of us at SSM Health Care who want to improve our health.Healthy living isn’t just about eating the right food in the right quantities or about getting a certainamount of physical activity. Our definition of healthy living involves the body, the mind, and alsothe spirit.Each of us has different needs. Some of us might want to lose weight, whilesome of us might need to lower our cholesterol. Others might need help findinga better balance between work and home life.With this variety of health needs in mind, we’ve divided the Healthy LivingSteering Team into eight subteams, each with a different focus. They are:Movement/Activity, Nutrition/Dietary, Spiritual, Behavioral, Education,Communications, Human Resources, and Environment/Plant.To get a better idea of what would help all of us at SSM become healthier,the Healthy Living Steering Team recently mailed a survey to our homes. I’dlike to take this opportunity to encourage you to take the time to fill out thesurvey. Your response will help the Steering Team make recommendationsabout specific ways to make SSM HealthOur definition ofhealthy livinginvolves the body,the mind, andalso the spirit.Care a healthier place for all of us.This initiative is the beginning of along-term commitment to foster goodSr. Mary Jean Ryan, FSMPresident/CEOhealth for everyone at SSM and for our loved ones, because good healthhabits affect members of families, as well as ourselves. I expect theHealthy Living Initiative to extend far into our future, because thehealth of all of us at SSM Health Care is one of our greatest resources.Thank you and God bless you.Changes in Tobacco PoliciesThe SSM Health Care Tobacco Free Steering team has revised policies that were implemented lastNovember related to the Tobacco-Free Initiative when all of our campuses became tobacco free.Effective September 1, SSMHC entities will strictly enforce the policy that prohibits smoking incars in our parking lots and garages. Members of the administrative councils, department managers, andsafety and security personnel will issue a notice to anyone who violates the policy. These notices will beplaced in the employee’s personnel file. As with other policy violations, any employee who receives threenotices will be terminated.A second policy addresses litter. Any employee who litters on our property or any property adjacent to anSSMHC campus will be issued a notice. Again, three notices will result in termination.Please contact your human resources department if you have any questions about these policies.SSMHC Maintains AA- Credit RatingIn mid-July, SSM Health Care (SSMHC) announced that Fitch, IBCA, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s, twomajor credit rating agencies, have maintained the system’s AA- credit rating. Both agencies have alsomaintained SSMHC’s stable outlook. These ratings indicate that both agencies consider SSMHC’sfinancial position to be exceptionally strong.“As you know, credit ratings are important because they affect our ability to borrow money and the interestrates SSMHC must pay,” said Sr. Mary Jean Ryan, FSM, President/CEO. “The AA- credit rating meanswe will continue to pay a lower rate of interest to access capital markets.”“As we plan for the future needs of patients,” she said, “our excellent credit rating will help us fund capitalprojects that will play a major role in meeting the health needs of our communities.”2SSM HEALTH CAREwww.ssmhc.comBack to Contents

$Drop the Needle, Soothe the SpiritBy Jane Rhoda, RN, SSM St. Mary’s Health Center, St. LouisWhen I first came to the radiation oncology department at SSM St. Mary’s Health Center in St.Louis, the open expression of spiritual ideals impressed me. I recognized how blessed we are to havestaff dedicated to precise, diligent planning and administration of radiation treatments. I observedour dosimitrist and physicians listening to gospel music while planning treatments. I felt the patients werereceiving the best care possible, enhanced by the obvious sincerity of the spirit-filled staff. The religiouslyand ethnically diverse department embodies this spirit.The radiation oncology members develop a bond with each patient while endeavoring to achieve a successfultreatment. When their treatments are over, the patients are amazed at how quickly the time passed.They get to know each of us and learn about our hobbies, families, vacations, and weekend activities. Wegive the patients encouragement for all aspects of their life, not just their treatment.The Simulation Room is the first room patients enterwhen starting treatment planning. The “Sim Room” can feel Spiritual Care: Fourth in a Seriesominous with its large X-ray machine, computers and otherequipment. To make the various procedures in this room more pleasant, we purchased a stereo. Playingmusic while instructing and preparing our patients for a procedure helps to relieve tension. When thepatients hear us sing along with an upbeat song, it helps them feel like everything is going to be OK. Wehave playful banter regarding our personal music choices, while explaining each step of the procedure to thepatient. We choose music based on the patient’s preference. We feel they are thinking of the music insteadof focusing on the procedure.A recent patient was a symphony musician facing a treatment patients are very anxious about. We listenedto an opera while reviewing the procedure. During the procedure we sang along with the music, andthe patient exhorted us to turn the music up!For the next treatment, I told her I was going to bring in several operas, and she would have to guess thetitle of the opera. I graded her answers, depending on how quickly she guessed the correct title, and howmany clues she needed. Her name for the game was “Drop the Needle!” As we listened, she talked aboutwhere she had played each selection. After treatments were completed, she told us, “No one would believeI actually looked forward to each treatment!”At home when I played one of the operas that the patient and I especially enjoyed, I immediately thoughtJane Rhoda cares for patient MichelleWerner of Granite City, IL, in the “ominous”Simulation Room at St.Marys, where music is playedto soothe anxious feelings.(Photo by MarthaKrueger)of her, and the fun we had. It evoked such warmfeelings in me about what normally wouldhave been viewed as an unpleasantevent. Just as specific areas areplanned for radiationtreatment, so musteach patient’s emotionalneeds beuncovered forspiritualhealing.$SSMHC MovesToward theStandardization ofPatient ChargeDescription MasterBy Teri RegerAsystemwide CDM (Charge Description Master)Steering Team, established in the fallof 2004, has been looking into chargemasterrelatedissues faced daily by our hospitals.Initially, the steering team brainstormedabout current chargemaster issues and categorizedthese issues into one or more of SSM’s fiveexceptional characteristics of health care.Within each of the exceptional characteristics,the issues were prioritized to address themost pressing issues first. Three subteamsemerged:• One team has developed a proposal for standardizationof the entities’ chargemasters atthe system level, which is being reviewed bylistening groups across the system.• Another team is evaluating the need for investmentin a software tool that would complementthe entities’compliance efforts andrevenue integrity.• A third team ischarged with determiningand prioritizingthe educationalneeds of all SSMchargemaster stakeholders.The hospital chargemaster(also referred toas a charge descriptionmaster or CDM) is usedto generate patientbills. It contains theprices of all services,goods and proceduresfor which a separatecharge exists. A wellmaintainedhospitalchargemaster helps toensure that patientA well-maintainedhospitalchargemasterhelps to ensurethat patientbilling meetsthe requirementsof boththe Centersfor Medicareand MedicaidServices (CMS)and the entity’sFiscalIntermediary.billing meets the requirements of both theCenters for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)and the entity’s Fiscal Intermediary.The steering team will:• assess the level of standardization neededwithin the chargemaster;• provide overall direction for chargemaster management,review and maintenance;• conduct long-range strategic planning; and• assess and address key stakeholder needs.The overall goals are to make decision makingand CDM maintenance more efficient.SSM employees and physicians will soon beable to access updates on the team’s activitiesthrough a link on the system’s intranet site.Questions and comments relating to the CDMSteering Team may be directed to Teri Reger,SSM Corporate Finance at 314-994-7957, orKaren Everhart, SSM Corporate Finance at314-994-7952.NETWORK • A bimonthly publication for employees, physicians and friends July/August 2005 5Back to Contents

EXCEPTIONAL CAREFormer PatientWrites Book toInspire OthersApatient who underwent quadruple bypass surgeryat St. Marys Hospital Medical Center,Madison, WI, was so inspired by his life-changingexperience that he wrote a book to help otherswho are given such a second chance.David L. Reed, who was just 43 and nearly 300pounds at the time of his surgery, wrote MyPresent: My Battle with Heart Disease(AuthorHouse, 2004). While he acknowledges anunhealthy lifestyle in the past, he is most interestedto share how he was able to break badhabits and make better choices to change his lifefor the present.“St. Marys saved my lifeand it’s my turn to payback,” he says. My Presentis available at Barnes &Noble or by emailing Reedat daveandjaney@tds.net.Emergency Open Heart Surgery inED Saves Young Mother’s LifeBy Patty KleinThe Emergency Department nurses working last November 11 knew that theincoming patient was going to be in bad shape. A car-train collision rarely hasa good outcome. So when the 29-year-old victim was brought to the Mt. Vernoncampus of St. Mary’s Good Samaritan in Southern Illinois, the ED nurses wereprepared for the worst.“ Most of the time, when we have reports of a car versus train, the victim is usually pronounced dead atthe scene,” says Christy Kelley, Emergency Department RN. “And here she was, still talking and askingus to help her.”Heather King arrived alive and talking, but with serious, life-threatening “Thank you,injuries, including two head injuries, a lacerated liver, a fractured wrist, a fracturedankle, and a collapsed lung. However, her most serious injury was a puncturein her heart.Dr. Savage,for savingBut what happened next has been described as miraculous. Cardiothoracicand vascular surgeon David Savage was at the Mt. Vernon campus, but hismy family.”scheduled surgery had been cancelled. The ED team worked frantically to saveHeather’s life, but when Dr. Savage arrived, the young mother had no vital signsor neurological action. At that moment, every second counted. So rather thantaking Heather to an operating room, he opted to perform emergency openheartsurgery in the ED.“There was not time to prepare this young woman for surgery; if she wasgoing to have a chance to live, I needed to operate immediately,” Dr. Savage says.“After I opened her up, I quickly evacuated the blood from the chest cavity andfound Heather had holes in her heart, so I performed open cardiac massage andclosed the holes.”Dr. David Savage poses with hispatient, Heather King, and herhusband and daughter.Heather’s heart startedto beat, but she stillfaced a long recovery.She spent 41 days inthe hospital, followed by extensive physical therapyand several months of recovery at home.However, she was able to attend her 8-yearolddaughter’s Christmas program inlate December.Heather’s husband, Conan, creditshis wife’s recovery to the medicalexpertise of St. Mary’s GoodSamaritan’s staff. “Good SamaritanRegional Health Center is asmall regional hospital,” Conansays. “It’s pretty amazing whatthey can do to save someone’s life.All the medical staff were superb.”Heather, her husband, anddaughter, Summer, had an emotionalreunion with Dr. Savage andthe ED team in June. Cameras flashedas tears of joy mixed with smiles.Summer presented Dr. Savage with apicture she created that carried the messagethat said it all, “Thank you, Dr.Savage, for saving my family.”6SSM HEALTH CAREwww.ssmhc.comBack to Contents

Partial Removal of Skull Proves toBe Lifesaving for Stroke PatientBy Kelly CheramyIt was a drastic move, but the only option. Working with a stroke victim whosuffered additional bleeding and subsequent swelling of the brain, neurosurgeonAlan Lozier, MD, decided to remove half of the patient’s skull to allow hermassive stroke to expand without crushing the remainder of her living brain.“It was a drastic maneuver against the odds, but it paid off,” says Dr. Lozier. “She is a bit of a miracle.”Maxine Westerman’s skull was initially stored in a freezer at St. Marys Hospital Medical Center,Madison, WI, after the first operation by Dr. Lozier. Her fragile condition required several reconstructionsand a long period of bed rest, both complicating her situation.“Even the best ‘pressure-free’ bed caused her fragile scalp skin to break down and expose the underlyingbrain,” explains plastic surgeon Minas Chrysopoulo, MD, who performed the subsequent reconstructionsto allow complete coverage of her brain. Eventually, Maxine’soverall condition and the healing of her scalp allowed Dr.Lozier to replace the piece of her skull that had beenremoved during the first operation.Maxine spent weeks in the ICU and months in an intermediatecare unit. She made slow progress through physicaltherapy, and her skin wounds began to heal.“She’s now talking, eating, and her long-term memory isawesome—but short-term is not so good,” says her daughter,Rita Flesher. “She still has a long way to go.”A great amount of Maxine’s recovery is due to MeganRandecker, CNA, who was stationed in her room andformed a bond that transcended job responsibilities. “Mymom was often frustrated and angry and would lash out,”Flesher says, “and Megan bore the brunt of that. But shestuck it out and that was a real comfort to our family.”On April 13, Maxine’s 69th birthday, she was dischargedto a rehabilitation facility. In May, on the very day she wastransferred to a nursing home in her hometown, her husbandtragically died of a heart attack – a blow to her spirit in recovery.But she forged ahead with the help of her family, physicians and staff. “The doctors became like partof the family; their commitment was amazing,” says Flesher. “They were very honest with us and kept uson task regarding visits and pushing my mother to reach the next goal. And they would support us whenwe needed it, too.”Their incredible story of teamwork and miracles brought recognition to the two physicians, the nursingassistant, and the patient when the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association had “ACelebration of Heroes!” in June.“All we could hope for was to save her life and get her back with her family,” says Dr. Lozier. “Maxine hasnot only done that but has maintained her vibrant personality.” Though she has a lot of work ahead, he says,“her future looks quite good.”In “A Celebration ofHeroes!” Richard Ellingson,director of Dane County(WI) Public SafetyCommunications(second from left),presents an awardto a group from St.Marys. They are, fromleft, Megan Randecker,CNA; neurosurgeon AlanLozier, MD; and plasticsurgeon Minas Chrysopoulo,MD, along with theirformer patient, MaxineWesterman.William Dangoiaof Fairfax, VA,recovering fromtriple-bypasssurgery at St.Francis Hospital& Health Centerin Blue Island,IL, poses withPatricia Dale, RN.John Bernard has been a regular user of strengtheningequipment at St. Mary’s since he had heart surgeryat the hospital more than a year ago.For These Patients,Reputation CountsSt. Francis Hospital & Health Center in BlueIsland, IL, was the first choice for Virginia residentWilliam Dangoia when he suffered a heartattack during a recent visit with his niece. Whenhe began to experience chest pains, Dangoiarequested that paramedics take him to St. Francis,even though it was not the nearest hospital. Hewas aware of St. Francis’ reputation as a Top 100Heart Hospital in the nation and was determinedto be treated there. After successful triple-bypasssurgery, Dangoia resumed his visit with his familybefore returning home to Virginia. “You’d like to bewith your own doctor when something like thishappens,” Dangoia says. “But St. Francis is one ofthe top 100 heart hospitals in the nation. It doesn’tget much better than that.”SSM St. Mary’s Health Center in RichmondHeights, MO, recently named a Top 100 HeartHospital by Solucient, is also tops on JohnBernard’s list. “I really believe that if they weren’twatching me and taking care of me, I’d be dead,”says Bernard, a retired St. Louis Public Schoolsadministrator and once avid athlete. “I was reallyimpressed with the way they took care of me.They just seemed to be concerned about me allthe time.” More than a year ago, physicians at St.Mary’s performed a coronary artery bypass graft onBernard to treat his heart disease. As he workedout recently on a treadmill at the hospital, sweatrolled down his face. But Bernard was far fromworn out. “I feel almost like I can go back andplay baseball now, and I owe it all to St. Mary’s.”Rosemary Hiller, a volunteer at Bone & JointHospital in Oklahoma City, OK, who hadalways led an energetic lifestyle, began to experienceunbearable pain in her knees. When shediscovered that she needed surgery to replaceboth her knees with prostheses, Hiller researchedhospitals and soon learned about Bone & Joint’soutstanding national reputation for care andservice. After a successful surgery at the hospital,she had two new knees and many newfriends. “I now have the opportunity to do anythingI want to do,” Hiller says. “I had a grandexperience at Bone & Joint, and I’d recommendtheir care to anyone who needed it because Iknow they’d receive the most excellent treatment.”She has resumed her active life, includingvolunteer activities at Bone & Joint.NETWORK • A bimonthly publication for employees, physicians and friends July/August 2005 7Back to Contents

THE NEWSSSMHC-St. LouisRecognized Againfor PromotingDiversity inBusinessSSM Health Care-St. Louis (SSMHC-St. Louis)has received another award for promotingdiversity in its vendor selection process. The St.Louis-based Missouri-Kansas ConstructionContractor Assistance Center (MOKAN) gave its2005 “Private Sector of the Year” Award toSSMHC-St. Louis in June. The award is givenannually to an institution that has demonstrateda good faith effort to include minority and femalecontractors in contracting opportunities.MOKAN, which represents minority businessesin architectural design and construction work, isnationally renowned as a not-for-profit organizationcommitted to assisting contractors in theconstruction industry and related fields in metroSt. Louis and the surrounding area.SSM CorporateArchives Releases‘Preserving aLegacy of Care’The SSM Corporate Archives, St. Louis, hasrecently released “Preserving A Legacy of Care,”an instructional CD-ROM. This CD-ROM takes youinside the Corporate Archives to show howarchival materials are handled, processed andstored. It also provides information on the varioustypes of materials the Archives is interested inreceiving, as well as services the Archives can provideto all SSM entities.CD-ROM HighlightsVideo Segments: There are several video segmentsin the CD-ROM that describe the role ofthe Corporate Archives and the services it provides.These segments can be used for educationalpurposes with individuals as wellas groups, large and small.Photo Gallery: An excitingcomponent of the CD-ROM isthe 101-image photo galleryshowcasing a wide cross sectionof SSM’s rich history. Thegallery is set up with both a manualand automated slide show feature. The automatedslide show lends itself to use with groups.Testimonials: Included are verbal and written testimonialsdescribing services that have beenaccessed from the Archives since its start-up in2001. These testimonials provide first-handinsight into the variety and quality of servicesprovided by the Archives.Copies of the CD-ROM have been distributed toall SSM entities. Additional copies are availableby contacting the Corporate Manager of Archives,Scott_Grimwood@ssmhc.com.$$George Salsman, SSM St. Joseph Hospitalof Kirkwood’s director of safety andsecurity, and Joan Eberhardt, SSM DePaulHealth Center’s administrative directorof EMS and trauma services, led St.Joseph’s Point of Dispensing (POD) site.Leads in Disaster PreparednessSSM Health Care-St. Louis participated in a joint emergency response Strategic National Stockpile(SNS) exercise in June to prepare hospitals and agencies for their role in the event of a bioterror attack.The SNS program was established by the federal government to enable the delivery of large quantitiesof pharmaceuticals and supplies to any U.S. location in an emergency.The SNS exercise was part of the nation’s Cities ReadinessInitiative (CRI) to prepare metropolitan areas for bioterrorism-relatedevents.SSM Health Care was invited to be a lead participant inthe SNS test for the St. Louis area. SSM St. JosephHospital of Kirkwood hosted one of 12 “point of dispensingsites” for the St. Louis metropolitan area. St.Joseph Hospital Director of Safety and Security GeorgeSalsman served as incident commander and JoanEberhardt, SSM DePaul Health Center administrativedirector of EMS and trauma services, led a dispensingsite at St. Louis Community College-Meramec duringthe SNS exercise.St. Clare Hospice House OpensBy Paul Hoch, St. Clare Hospital & Health Services Community Relations InternLess than two years after the project’s conception and one year after its groundbreaking, the St. ClareHospice House in Baraboo, WI, is complete and ready to accommodate patients.“We were able to accomplish this project so quickly because of the tremendous support from thecommunity,” says Ron Schaetzl, administrator of St. Clare Meadows Care Center and chairperson of the St.Clare Health Care Foundation’s hospice committee. “Through the generosity of nearly 600 donors, we haveraised over $300,000 for this project.”On July 22, St. Clare Health Care Foundation held a dedication ceremony and grand opening to celebratethe community’s support of the new facility, located on St. Clare Meadows Care Center property, andto pass the key to Tom Brown, president and CEO of Home Health United. Home Health United, whichhas provided home hospice services for nearly 20 years, has teamed up with St. Clare Hospital & HealthServices and St. Clare Meadows Care Center to operate this facility, which is solely for hospice patients. “Itis a real pleasure to be able to pull together with St. Clare for this venture to benefit the community,” saysBrown. “We will provide a dedicated staff with specialized hospice training to assist family members withcare around the clock.”The St. Clare Health Care Foundation also hosted an open house on July 23 for the community with toursof the new facility. The 5,000-square-foot hospice house offers a quiet, peaceful environment accommodatingup to four patients at a time. It is connected to St. Clare Meadows Care Center through a corridor in therear of the building, but the front gives the appearance of a large house. The patient rooms are very comfortablewith many windows that provide a great deal of sunlight. Each patient room features a bathroom, a kitchenetteand a sofa sleeper for family members. The hospice facility also contains a meditation room, threelounges, a garden patio and strolling path, a dining room with a kitchen, conference room, and offices.“This facility is a new manifestation of the Mission weembrace at St. Clare and SSM Health Care,”says Keri Olson, director of St. ClareHealth Care Foundation. “The St.Clare Hospice House exemplifiesSt. Clare’s continuing questto serve people in all phasesof life.”St. Clare Foundation HospiceCommittee member BonnieSauey (right) poses withher brother and sister-inlaw,Richard and ShirleyZumkehr. The Saueyfamily sponsored theSerenity Waterfall atthe entrance of St.Clare HospiceHouse. (Photo byRon Brayer)8SSM HEALTH CAREwww.ssmhc.comBack to Contents

Glennon Physician Runs MarathonBecomes a top fundraiser in nation, honors his cousin, andfulfills his own rehab goal after bypass heart surgeryBy Beth CrossMany people are willing to go the extra mile when it comes to helping a friend or loved one, but fewcan say they’ve run the extra 26.2, as Gordon Gale, MD, has done.Dr. Gale’s purple “Team in Training” T-shirt showed most spectators at the June 2005 Rock ‘n’Roll Marathon in San Diego why he was running his first marathon ever, but the true motivation was symbolizedby something much smaller and less visible to onlookers.“My friend and cousin Howard was the main focus,” says Dr. Gale, SaintTeam in TrainingLouis University professor of pediatrics and pediatric oncologist at SSM CardinalTeam in Training is a Glennon Children’s Hospital, St. Louis.national organization Dr. Gale’s cousin Howard Kraner completed three Ironman triathlons inthat helps individuals Hawaii before losing a battle with Leukemia in 1992. His grave bears thetrain for marathons, half Ironman logo and lists his completed races.marathons, cycling races “I carried one photo of him, and another of his headstone when I ran,” Dr.and triathlons whileGale says. “When I got tired, I pulled it out and started talking to him, and I’dparticipants raise moneythink, he’s done three Ironman triathlons, and I only have to do one marathon.for the Leukemia &Lymphoma Society. For That kept me going.”more information, visit Inspired by his cousin, Dr. Gale raised more than $11,700 for the Leukemiawww.teamintraining.org. & Lymphoma Society, making him the top fundraiser in St. Louis and placinghim in the top 1 percent of Team in Training fundraisers nationwide.As a physician treating children with cancer, Dr. Gale’s connection to the cause was already significant.But his cousin’s own struggle with the disease made Dr. Gale’s goal even more personal.Originally, Dr. Gale said he was concerned he would have trouble raising the minimum $3,900 requiredfor each Team in Training participant. However, he was quickly proven wrong after sending out a mass mailinghonoring Kraner to friends, co-workersand family.“I got unbelievably generous responses,”including an individual donation of $1,000,and multiple $500 and $250 gifts, he says.“These were all personal donations from colleaguesat Cardinal Glennon, Saint Louis University, friends,relatives, and friends and relatives of Howard.”Dr. Gale started running in 2002 after a friend ofhis ran the Chicago Marathon, and though he feltfine, Dr. Gale decided to have his heart checked forgood measure. After failing a stress test, doctors found90 percent blockage of two vessels and told him hewould need bypass surgery.It was during his rehab at SSM St. Joseph Hospital ofKirkwood, which included walking, jogging, and finallyrunning, that Dr. Gale started making personal goals.Starting with 5K races, he worked his way up to 10Ks andhalf-marathons, but San Diego was his first marathon.Dr. Gale averaged an 8.5 minute mile throughout therace and qualified for the Boston Marathon in April2006 with a time of 3:42:44.“I am told that is quite an accomplishment for myfirst time,” he wrote in a thank-you letter to donors.“I am forever grateful to all of you for helping mehonor my friend and cousin Howard Kraner, as wellas all of the children I have cared for over my career.”Overall, Team in Training raised $14 millionnationwide for the San Diego marathon. Though Dr.Gale said he is not planning to run another Team inTraining race in the near future, he does plan to attendinformational meetings to encourage others to race.“This organization is wonderful,” he said. “This was thebest experience I have ever had.”Dr. Gordon Galeruns in the final0.2 miles of theRock ’N’ Rollmarathon in SanDiego this June.$At St. Marys-Jefferson City,Parking IsAvailableThe Parking is Available Team includes (back row,l. to r.) Ann Bollone, Mike Bock, Mary Ann Stegeman,Julie Henley, Jeff Harrison, (front) Dianne Lowry,Mary Kay Hoelscher, and Gregory Norfus.Parking at St. Marys Health Center in JeffersonCity, MO, was already tight when administratorsfaced a construction project that would close24 parking spaces for 12 months.Only 810 spaces are normally available for customer,visitor and employee parking, and it wascommon for all spaces to “max out” two to threetimes a week, says Jeff Harrison, safety/securitysupervisor. The landlocked campus has a long historyof parking challenges, with complaint lettersdating back to the 1930s.When patients and visitors would arrive andfind no immediate parking spot, “it was a big dissatisfier,”Harrison says.The hospital activated a CQI team consistingof representatives from administration, marketing,plant operations, education, auxiliary, andsafety/security. Using the Plan-Do-Check-Actmodel, the team devised a parking-projectionworksheet identifying low, medium and high risksfor shortages. The projections are based on threecategories of parking demand: patient census,student interns, and meetings that draw outsidersto campus.Three medium-risk categories on a given dayprompt close monitoring of parking lots. With twohigh-risk categories, personnel with radios monitorparking and direct traffic if necessary. Withthree high-risk categories, the hospital implementsa parking shortage plan, and more personnelhelp count vehicles entering and exiting parkinglots, direct traffic, and create extra parkingspaces on ramps.Offering employees one free meal ticket a weekto use the remote lot gained nearly 20 spacesnear the building, Harrison says.Hospital staff members have used the projectiontool to tweak meeting schedules to avertshortages. Meeting planners now use foresight toincorporate parking projections into their schedulingto avoid parking problems.The SMJC Administrative Council regularlyreviews parking reports, which show that parkinghas not maxed out since the plan was implemented.NETWORK • A bimonthly publication for employees, physicians and friends July/August 2005 9Back to Contents

AROUND THE SYSTEMPEOPLEMissouriHonors and AuthorsSteve Barney, SSM Health Care’s senior vice presidenthumanresources, and Jo Godfrey, RN, endoscopy department,SSM St. Mary’s Health Center, St. Louis, discussedSSM’s Phased Retirement Program during the July 12 editionof National Public Radio’s Marketplace.Three SSM Home Care supervisors received certification asHomecare Coding Specialists in Diagnosis from the Boardof Advanced Medical Coding: Ann Ziegenmier, RN; MaryBeth Smith, RN, and Sarah Collier, RN.SSM St. Mary’s Health Center Pharmacy Director NeilSchmidt, MA, RPh, FASHP, and former employee RuthSeabaugh, PharmD, BCPS, were showcased in HospitalPharmacy Regulation Report for their work on St. Mary’smedication reconciliation program.AppointmentsJerry Rumph joined SSM DePaul Health Center as inpatientdirector of Radiology Services. SSM DePaul MedicalDirector Kevin Johnson, MD, has been appointed to the2005 Board of Examiners for the Malcolm BaldrigeNational Quality Award. Mark C. Howard, MD, a familypractitioner, has joined SSM DePaul Medical Group inBridgeton and the Family Care Physicians. Scott C. Kutz,MD, a neurosurgeon, has joined DePaul’s medical staff.The SSM Medical Group has announced the addition ofAntonella Quattromani, MD, MBA, a specialist in cardiacelectrophysiology and pacing and internal medicine specialistJianmei “Jamie” Liu, MD. The Group also welcomedJanette A. Powers, MD, to the MetropolitanPediatrics practice in Sunset Hills.Alison Ruehl, president of SSM Home Care and secretaryof the Missouri Alliance for Home Care (MAHC) board ofdirectors, has been named Home Care representative onthe Impaired Nurse Task Force.Pat Clark, MSN, ANP, ACNP, has joined the SSM St.Charles Clinic Medical Group and is part of the Troy cardiologyand internal medicine practice of Rodrigo Goh, MD.OklahomaAppointmentsAt St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City, Jeff Neff hasbeen named administrative director of diagnostic services;Neal Sisson promoted to director of the cath lab; andAmy Boyd, RN, appointed program director of patientcare for behavioral medicine. OB/GYN Chris Lane, MD, hasjoined the medical staff. The Cancer Care Associates practiceat St. Anthony has welcomed Thy Nguyen, MD, anoncology specialist. Bill Leggett has become director ofthe St. Anthony Hospital Volunteer League.IllinoisHonors and AuthorsSt. Francis Hospital & Health Center in Blue Island honored66 physicians for their long-time service to the hospital.Among those recognized were: Murray R. Gordon,MD, for 45 years of service; Robert M. Gasior, MD, for35 years of service; Rafiq A. Ahmed, MD; Harold F.McGrath, MD; Alfonso Mejia, MD; and Baroukh Radfar,MD, for 30 years; and Nittor R. Jayaram, MD; Jeffrey J.Lin, MD; and Yunus T. Nomanbhoy, MD, for 25 years onstaff at the hospital.WisconsinHonors and AuthorsDr. Jim Damos, a family practice physician at St. ClareHospital and Health Services in practice with MedicalAssociates in Baraboo, was named St. Clare’s Rural HealthAmbassador for 2005 by the Rural Wisconsin HospitalCooperative, recognizing leaders in rural health care. TheWisconsin Hospital Association honored Kate Nelson ofthe laboratory at St. Clare, as a Pride Program awardee.Mary Barman, RN, and Joan Beglinger, vice president--patient services, at St. Marys Hospital Medical Center inMadison, were featured speakers at the spring meeting ofthe Congress on Healthcare Management, sponsored bythe American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). St.Marys’ nursing organization is featured in the AdvisoryBoard Company’s latest practice brief, Toward Staff-DrivenDecision Making: Assessing, Building and Sustaining aShared Governance Model.AppointmentsAt St. Clare Hospital and Health Services in Baraboo,Theresa Weiland, RN, has been named director of emergencyservices, and Jessica Smith, RN, director of theintensive care department.WisconsinNew Spinal Procedure UnveiledDean/St. Marys neurosurgeons have aremarkable new tool to treat the mostextreme cases of chronic lower backand leg pain. It’s the Dynesys SpinalSystem surgery, which uses a minimallyinvasive incision to attach a smalldevice that supports bad vertebrae. TheDynesys device helps to redistributeweight on the spine without having tofuse the vertebrae. Recovery takes anaverage of six versus 12 weeks.St. Clare to Offer RadiationOncology ServicesSt. Clare Hospital and Health Services inBaraboo received a new linear acceleratorthis June and plans to open its new radiationoncology service in the fall. St.Clare will be the only facility within 50miles of Madison to offer the service.St. Clare Nurses Celebrate BySaying ThanksNurses at St. Clare Hospital and HealthCenter in Baraboo celebrated NationalNurses Week by hosting an appreciationreception for their co-workers in otherhospital departments. In addition, theymade a donation of $500 to HospiceHouse, the new 4-bed hospice additionto St. Clare Meadows Care Center.IllinoisSt. Francis Participates inLarge Stent TrialHeart Care Centers of Illinois (HCCI) atSt. Francis Hospital & Health Center inBlue Island is part of the clinical trialfor a new drug coated stent. The HorizonsTrial is one of the largest trialsever conducted and offers one of thenewest treatment options available foracute heart attack patients.Auxiliary Funds New Pediatric AmbulanceSt. Marys Hospital Medical Center’s newambulance announces the preciouscargo inside. The vehicle, funded bySt. Marys Auxiliary, is speciallyequipped for infants and children.The Auxiliary has committed nearly$200,000 for the purchase. Ablessing ceremony for the ambulancetook place in August. Thehospital’s existing ambulance,donated by the Auxiliary in 1987,St. Marys Among First toUse New CT TechnologySt. Marys Hospital Medical Center inMadison is among the first facilities inthe nation to employ a 64-slice CTscanner for earlier and more precisedetection of potential problems in theheart, lungs and brain. The new scanneris noninvasive and, therefore, saferand requires no recovery time.New In-Home Dialysis OptionA new in-home dialysis machine ismaking life more convenient forpatients of the Renal Services Center atSt. Marys Hospital Medical Center inMadison. The new NxStage System Onefor home daily hemo dialysis allowspatients to avoid inconvenient andtime-consuming dialysis sessions inthe hospital. With the leased unitspatients can dialyse more frequentlyfrom their homes, rather than spendlong periods of time each week in thehospital’s renal center. The 70-pound machines make it easierfor patients to go on vacationsand enjoy a more convenientand healthy lifestyle.Charity Softball GameDr. Luke Pascale, a cardiologist at St.Francis for the past 50 years, will throwout the first pitch at the hospital’s 3rdAnnual Charity Softball Game onAugust 24. St. Francis employees takeon hospital physicians in this charityevent to benefit the American HeartAssociation.St. Francis Joins in BlueIsland’s July 4th ParadeSt. Francis Hospital & Health Center’sJuly 4th float was secondin the parade, just behindthe city’s float. ColleenKannaday, the hospital’spresident, servedas grand marshall ofthe parade.is being donated to the city of SanCristobal de Las Casas in Mexico.What’s for Breakfast?St. Clare Nutrition Services has introducedbreakfast cart service at St. ClareMeadows in Baraboo. The new serviceoffers a wide variety of foods. Since itsintroduction, satisfaction with foodselection, temperature and quality hasrisen dramatically among residents. Inthe fall, a bedtime beverage and snackcart is planned at St. Clare Meadows.In the photo, Dayle Zant, the firstSt. Marys patient to use the new dailydialysis program, is shown with thesetup in his home. Since the unit isportable, Dayle and his wife, Christina,were able to take iton their summercamping tripto Minnesota.St. Mary’s/Good Samaritan HasCalled in the SWAT TeamAt Good Samaritan Regional HealthCanter in Mt. Vernon, the SWAT team isalways on campus. The SWAT team is theSkin/Wound Assessment/Treatment Team,a group formed in January 2004 to advocateprevention of skin breakdown and toassist in wound care management.The multidisciplinary team has succeededin promoting continuing educationin skin assessment and wound managementas well as discussion of unitspecific and housewide skin care issues,and in increasing awareness of patientskin care concerns.Marsha Haake, RN, BSN, CWOCN, aHome Health and part-time inpatientwound/ostomy/continence care nurse atSt. Mary’s/Good Samaritan, Inc., servesas the SWAT team leader. “The team’saccomplishments are making a big differencefor patients at risk for skin andwound problems,” Haake says.10SSM HEALTH CAREwww.ssmhc.comBack to Contents

MissouriSt. Marys-Jefferson City Centennial ExhibitSt. Joseph’s Cancer Program Receives Top RatingThe Cancer Program at SSM St. Joseph hasreceived the highest level of approval possiblefrom the American College of Surgeons(ACoS) Commission on Cancer (CoC). TheCoC rating was granted after a rigorousevaluation and performance reviewprocess. SSM St. Joseph Health Center,SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, and SSMSt. Joseph Medical Park are the onlyfacilities in the St. Charles area toreceive the commendation. Shown areLanis Hall-Daniels, MD; Dan Luedke, MD;and Lillie Thomas, director of oncologyservices for the three facilities.DePaul Physicians Receive NCQA Certification for Diabetes CareThe National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Diabetes Physician RecognitionProgram has recognized physicians from SSM DePaul Medical Group and SSM DePaulHealth Center in St. Louis for meeting high national standards for diabetes care.St. Mary’s Marjorie Mers WinsDream VacationMarjorie Mers will soon take in the viewfrom the deck of a cruise ship in theCaribbean. A long-time RN at SSM St. Mary’sHealth Center in St. Louis, Mers is the winnerof a $3,000 dream vacation, complimentsof the SSM Health Care-St. Louis’“Blitz III” Employee Referral Program(ERP). Not long ago, Mers referred her husband,John, for a bonus-eligible position atSSMHC-St. Louis, and he was hired for afull-time RN position with SSM BehavioralHealth Services.A ribbon-cutting ceremony launched theSt. Marys Health Center Centennial Exhibitat the Cole County Historical SocietyMuseum in Jefferson City. The exhibit ispart of St. Marys’ 100th anniversary celebrationand includes artifacts, photos andother memorabilia. The exhibit will be atthe museum through December andincludes an early hospital room and morethan 70 photos of St. Marys.Diversity DevelopmentAssociation (DDA) FormedTo enhance the mentoring efforts thatspanned four years and culminated in2004, SSM Health Care recently launchedthe Diversity Development Association(DDA). This 40+ member organizationconsists of past mentorees and other professionalsand managers who will work to:•Further develop diverse talents;• Bring together diverse employees whowill informally serve as mentors and rolemodels; and• Engage an increasing number of diverseemployees on committees and/or teams.Sewing Walker Bags Easy as PIEKindergarten students at Keysor ElementarySchool have been hard at work creatinghandmade “walker bags” for patients usingwalkers in the acute rehabilitation unit atSSM St. Joseph Hospital ofKirkwood. The bags are very popularwith patients. The walker bagproject is part of the Partners inEducation (PIE) program that helpsKeysor students explore and understandthe world of health care.Pictured here are Marie Gildehaus(center), the first St. Josephpatient to receive a walker bag;Mary Kay Vasterling, St. JosephSSM Rehab Teams with SLUThrough a new affiliation agreement, SSMRehab and the Saint Louis UniversitySchool of Medicine department of neurologyopened a specialized inpatient neurologicalrecovery center for stroke patientsin July. The new center, located at SSMRehab’s inpatient unit at SSM St. Mary’sHealth Center in St. Louis, provides stateof-the-artneuro rehabilitation for patientsSt. Mary’s Accepts Top 100 Heart Hospital AwardBecause of its exceptionally high heartsurgery survival rates, low number of complications,and shorter lengths of stay,SSM St. Mary’s Health Center has beennamed one of the Top 100 CardiovascularHospitals in the country.From left, holding acrystal trophy fromSolucient that recognizesSt. Mary’s as aTop 100 Heart Hospital,are Dr. JohnKilgore, St. Mary’schief of cardiology;Dr. Joseph Bodet,director of physical and occupational therapy/SSMRehab (left); Jennifer McCoy, Keysorkindergarten teacher (right); and Keysorstudents (l. to r.) Bailey McCoy, AllisonRandazzo, Mark Mackenzie, and Jack McCoy.recovering from strokes or dealing withmultiple sclerosis or other neurologicaldisorders.It includes a residency program, providingadvanced training for physicians inneurology, and a research program fordeveloping new and innovative therapies.The academic affiliation will help create acenter of excellence in stroke rehabilitationat SSM Rehab.medical director, cardiac rehab; Dr. TrevorAxford, medical director, cardiothoracicsurgery; with Nancy Trujillo, director, cardiopulmonaryclinical services; and KenLukhard, president of the hospital.OklahomaHodges Honored at Missioning CeremonyCrossing Cultures and SSMIsaree Darachai and Defang Zhang, graduatesof the Oklahoma School of Mathematicsand Sciences, volunteer their timeat Bone & Joint Hospital’s informationdesk, assisting surgical patientsand answering the phonesSt. Anthony President Joe Hodges washonored at a missioning ceremony onJune 21. Sr. Mary Jean Ryan, FSM, President/CEO,and Bill Schoenhard, SSMHCexecutive vice president/COO, were onhand for the ceremony when Hodgesreaffirmed his commitment to SSMHealth Care’s mission and values. Shownare C.L. Archiniaco, regional vice president-planning& marketing; Joe Hodges,and Pam Troup, executive director, St.Anthony North.in waiting rooms.Both volunteers have had remarkablelives—Isaree was born in Bangkok, Thailand,and Defang lived in Beijing, China.Defang and Isaree appreciate life in theU.S. and have achieved tremendous academicsuccess. In the fall, Isaree willattend Saint Louis University andDefang Washington University MedicalSchool in St. Louis. Both look forwardto continuing their volunteer work atSSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospitalwhile in St. Louis.St. Anthony Receives Safety Council AwardSt. Anthony Hospital recently received the Oklahoma Safety Council’s 2005 CommunityInvolvement Award for its work on safety and health issues in Oklahoma City and statewide.Infection Prevention Project Brings ResultsSt. Anthony Hospital participated in a year-long nationwide effort to improve surgical careand reduce surgical infection rates. The Surgical Infection Prevention Project was sponsoredby the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and involved 55 hospitals from 50 states. Asa result, the infection rate decreased 27 percent among participating hospitals.St. Anthony Employees Take the Bob Greene ChallengeFrom mid-July through mid-October,employees and members of the public areparticipating in a 12-week Total BodyMakeover Challenge based on Greene’sbook Total Body Makeover. Employeesparticipate in weigh-ins, weeklyjournaling, lunch-and-learn sessions,and complete an essay,all with the goal to loseweight and improve overallhealth. On October 13, BobGreene himself will visitSt. Anthony Hospital North. In the photo,Jon T. Heath works with St. Anthony Northemployee Tarra Mossier onstrength training.NETWORK • A bimonthly publication for employees, physicians and friends July/August 200511Back to Contents

SPOTLIGHTBrittany’s Goal: Attend High School GraduationBy Beth CrossMost 18-year-olds struggle to complete the work needed to earn their coveted high school diploma once “senioritis”sets in, but passing a few tests and showing up for class barely compares with what one SSM Cardinal GlennonChildren’s Hospital patient recently accomplished.Although she is currently undergoing chemotherapy for a brain tumor,Brittany Stoulp has shown unmatched strength, graduating fromBayless High School in St. Louis on June 6 surrounded by classmatesand family.“It was great,” she said later. “I liked it a lot, seeing all my friends.”Brittany was referred to the Footprints program at Glennon in mid-May.At their first care conference, her parents, Donna andGreg Stoulp, said one of Brittany’s main goalswas to attend her graduation.“The care conference got everyone sittingtogether in one room to talk and coordinatecare for Brittany,” said Sr. Judy Carron, carecoordinator and chaplain. “Everyone workedtoward a plan to get her to graduation, and Ijust think it was a dream come true, and a wonderfulway to see the Glennon team mobilize.”Footprints is designed for children at CardinalGlennon with life-threatening or terminal illnesses.The program’s staff members work with familiessuch as the Stoulps on an ongoing basis to provide the best quality of care.With only a few weeks to reach Brittany’s goal, a team of physicians, physicaland occupational therapists, social workers, respiratory therapists, nurses,and Footprints staff all worked on getting Brittany well, and by June 6, shewas strong enough to get out of bed and attend her commencement, accompaniedby transport nurse Dana Rolland.“Brittany is their focus, and they’ve always tried todo what’s best for her, so that’s what the goal was,”Donna Stoulp said. “Sr. Judy said, ‘She’s going, andwe’re going to get her there.’ And they did.”The end result, she said, was nothing short of“awesome.”“Brittany needed three credits her senior yearto graduate, and had to do it all through tutoringat the hospital and at home,” Donna Stoulp said.“So the whole thing, just seeing her there, wasvery awesome.”Brittany plans to study journalism in college.Back to Contents