Med-Info
Inside: Northwest Hospital Breast Cancer Care Puts Patients First 2
SaeboFlex™ A Powerful Tool in Stroke Recovery 3
Northwest Earns It’s Nickname as “The Baby Hospital” 4
A Health Magazine Connecting Northwest Hospital with Our Community
May/June 2006
2 www.nwhospital.org For a Physician Referral, Call (206) 633-6436
Tina Wegner was just 29 years old when she discovered a lump in her right breast.
She and her husband had recently relocated to Seattle with their two young children, and were just settling into their new lives. As a new resident, Tina had not yet established relationships with local healthcare providers for herself or her family. So, when her daycare provider suggested that she come to Northwest Hospital, she immediately called and made an appointment at the Seattle Breast Center at Northwest Hospital.
“I just kept thinking, ‘this can’t be cancer - I’m only 29 years old,” Wegner says.
When Wegner came to the Seattle Breast Center at Northwest Hospital, physicians initially thought that Tina just had a cyst in her breast. However, following further testing, she was diagnosed with a 4-centimeter, estrogen-receptor negative tumor.
It was quickly determined that the cancer hadn’t spread to any other part of her body, and Wegner was referred to surgeon Dr. Mark Brakstad and Dr. George Birchfi eld, a medical oncologist, both physicians at Northwest Hospital & Medical Center.
Taking a multi-disciplinary approach to breast cancer care, Drs. Brakstad and Birchfi eld met with other members of Northwest Hospital’s breast cancer multi-disciplinary team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to meet Wegner’s individual needs.
The Breast Cancer care team is comprised of physicians and other healthcare professionals representing the full spectrum of services involved in breast cancer care - including medical oncology, diagnostic radiology, radiation oncology, surgery, pathology and an oncology nurse specialist. The group meets weekly to discuss all aspects of patient care on a case-by-case basis. Each and every breast cancer patient receiving care at Northwest Hospital is discussed during this meeting, and physicians from all specialities participate in each patient’s treatment plan.
“I wasn’t up-to-date on cancer research, so I trusted Dr. Birchfi eld and the rest of the team to do what was best for me,” Wegner says. “At 29, I wasn’t looking for ten year survival, I was looking for 30 years at least.”
Dr. Birchfi eld and the rest of the team determined that the best course of treatment for Wegner was to have
Cover Story
chemotherapy followed by surgery and then radiation.
According to Dr. Birchfi eld, Northwest Hospital was one of the only hospitals in the region taking this approach to treating breast cancer in 1999, at the time that Tina was treated. Traditionally, breast cancer is treated with surgery, followed by a course of chemotherapy and then radiation.
“We have learned that doing a course of chemotherapy prior to surgery allows us to use the tumor itself as a tool to see if the cancer is responding to treatment,” says Dr. Birchfi eld. “If the cancer is non-responsive, we can recognize that fairly quickly and look at different treatment options.”
The treatment course that Wegner followed has been proven effective in international studies, and, in some cases, it is a tool used to conserve breast tissue in women who are candidates for partial mastectomies, Dr. Birchfi eld says.
“We feel strongly about this approach to treating breast cancer because it makes sense, and intuitively it makes sense to our patients as well,” Dr. Birchfi eld says. “If you are going to get chemotherapy, wouldn’t it be nice to know whether it is working?” Dr. Birchfi eld says.
Wegner’s tumor responded completely to treatment, and she elected to have a double mastectomy to minimize her chances of the cancer recurring.
“I wanted to say that I did everything in my control to make sure that the cancer didn’t come back,” Wegner says. “I was 29 years old and I didn’t want it to come back when I was 30 or 35. I wanted to be able to watch my children grow up.”
Today, Wegner is a healthy 36-year-old mother of three daughters, aged 13, 14 and 2. Her youngest daughter, Emily, was born at the Northwest Hospital Childbirth Center four years after she completed her cancer treatment.
“I am grateful for the wonderful cancer care I received at Northwest Hospital, and today, I won’t go anywhere else for medical care,” Wegner says. “Not a day goes by that I don’t remind myself how lucky I am to be alive.”
Breast Cancer Survivor Grateful For Life-Saving Treatment
“I’m grateful for the wonderful cancer care I received at Northwest - I won’t go anywhere else for medical care.” - Tina Wegner, Breast Cancer survivor treated at Northwest Hospital
Northwest Hospital Breast Cancer Care Makes Patients Top Priority
Breast Cancer Survivor Tina Wegner walks on the beach at Golden Gardens Park. Tina, who received cancer treatment at Northwest Hospital, spent a lot of time at the beach with her family while during her cancer treatment and recovery.
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The Med-Info newsletter is published bi-monthly as a community service by the Public Relations department.
To contact us about the newsletter, e-mail [email protected] or call (206)368-1645.
Publications Coordinator Richelle KernsCover Photography Nichole DeMent
MAIN CAMPUS1550 N. 115th Street
OUTPATIENT CENTER10330 Meridian Avenue N.
PHONE 206-364-0500
Visit NWHOSPITAL.ORG for information and directions.
Tim Oswald lost complete use of his left arm when he suffered a stroke in October 2004. Today, with the help of SaeboFlex™ and the Outpatient Occupational Therapy team at the Center for Medical Rehabilitation at Northwest Hospital, Tim is once again able to perform day-to-day tasks that require the use of both hands.
When Oswald came to Northwest Hospital& Medical Center in May 2005 to begin rehabilitation, an evaluation determined that he could benefi t from the use of SaeboFlex, a custom exercise orthotic device designed to help neurologically impaired patients recover use of their upper extremity.
After Oswald was fi tted for the SaeboFlex device, he met regularly with Linda Hagemeyer, an Occupational Therapist at Northwest Hospital, who is trained to use the SaeboFlex device with stroke patients.
During his sessions with Hagemeyer, Oswald does exercises using the SaeboFlex, which include a series of functional grasp and release activities, such as picking up balls and moving them from one box to another. In addition to his sessions with Hagemeyer, Oswald spends at least 45 minutes a day using his SaeboFlex to do similar exercises at home.
“A stroke changes your life from day one,” Oswald says. “If you’ve been an active person, having that taken away from you is diffi cult. SaeboFlex has been a tremendous assistance in helping me regain the use of my entire arm - from the shoulder to the elbow.”
Since he started using the SaeboFlex, Oswald has regained most of the use of his left arm. He says he has recovered almost complete function of his left elbow and shoulder and is now also able to open and close his hand. Using his SaeboFlex, he continues to work on fi ne motor function and says he is gradually regaining his coordination.
In fact, because of his improved strength in his hand, Oswald was just recently able to integrate the use of dumb bells back into his regular workout routine.
In addition to daily exercises using the
Think FAST, Act Quickly.What You Need To Know About Stroke.
Date: Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Location: Lindsay Gould Auditorium on the Northwest Hospital & Medical Center main campus, 1550 N. 115th Street in Seattle.
Presenters: Dr. Victor Erlich, Neurologist at Northwest Hospital, and Dr. Evan Cantini, Rehabilitation Specialist at Northwest Hospital.
Time:Stroke Screenings 5 to 6:30 p.m. Presentation 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
We will have a variety of stroke education tables, including information about: DASH Diet; Smoking Cessation; Stroke Awareness and Prevention; Diabetes; Blood Pressure; and Stroke Rehabilitation.
Reservations required for Stroke Screenings, call (206) 368-1148.
3 May/June 2006
device, as part of Oswald’s treatment plan, he also sleeps with his wrist and hand in a splint with his fi ngers extended.
“The goal of the nighttime splinting is to have a prolonged stretch to prevent the muscle fl exors from shortening,” Hagemeyer says.
According to Hagemeyer, the SaeboFlex device has become a powerful tool in stroke rehabilitation. The fact that it allows patients to use their affected arm and hand both in therapy and in their home environment is often extremely positive for patients.
“The quick response that patients often have to the SaeboFlex treatment program, combined with the repertoire of activities and exercises that patients can do with it helps keep them motivated during the recovery process,” Hagemeyer says, adding that the diverse applications of the SaeboFlex encourage patients to do their at-home exercises, which are a crucial part of the success of their therapy program.
The SaeboFlex is just one component of Northwest Hospital’s comprehensive stroke program. The hospital’s team of professionals is dedicated to improving the recovery rates for stroke patients through rapid response and taking a team approach to providing a standardized plan of care, family support and rehabilitation, as well as ongoing efforts to educate the community about stroke. For more information on Northwest Hospital’s Stroke Program, visit www.nwhospital.org.
SaeboFlex Provides Powerful Stroke Recovery Tool Device Enhances Northwest’s Stroke Rehabilitation Program
Tim Oswald, stroke victim and patient at the Center for Medical Rehabilitation at Northwest Hospital uses the SaeboFlex™ orthotic device during a therapy session.
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Patient Services
For more than two decades, Northwest Hospital has been frequently referred to as “The Baby Hospital,” a nickname that grew from the hospital’s family-friendly approach to the birthing process. With innovative practices such as private birthing suites and a one-to-one patient to nurse ratio during childbirth, Northwest continues to be the hospital of choice for many expectant mothers and their families.
In fact, people like Tom Elliott who was born at Northwest Hospital in the 1960s, have returned to have their own children at the Northwest Hospital Childbirth Center. Elliott and his wife Christie, have had three children at Northwest’s Childbirth Center over the last 15 years.
“Everytime we came to the Childbirth Center, the experience as a whole was wonderful,” Elliot says. “The atmosphere was comfortable and soothing for everyone - it was kind of like being at home.”
Northwest Hospital is one of the only Childbirth Center’s in the country where patients can receive individualized nursing care during the birthing process. A one-to-one nurse-to-patient ratio provides patients and their families the security of knowing that a nurse is constantly assessing the needs of the mother and her unborn child.
“Our ongoing commitment to one-to-one nursing care during delivery allows us to provide some of the most personalized patient care in the country,” says Kim Stanich, ARNP, Manager of the Childbirth Center. “It ensures that technology is complemented by the physical and emotional support that our individualized bedside nursing provides.”
In the 1980’s the Northwest Hospital Childbirth Center was the fi rst in the Seattle-area to offer families the opportunity to stay in the same room for the entire birthing experience. The hospital’s Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum (LDRP) suites were designed with the patient experience in mind. At a time when many women were looking to give birth at home, the private suites offered a comparable environment, and patients had immediate access to a full-spectrum of emergency medical support, if necessary.
Today, Northwest Hospital continues to be one of the few hospitals in the region that provides all patients with a private LDRP suite. It is more common for hospitals to have patients deliver their babies in one room and then be relocated to another part of the hospital for postpartum care. However, allowing patients to stay in the same room before, during and after the birth of their child helps to make the birthing process more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.
“Our goal is to enhance our patient’s childbirth experience by giving them access to outstanding care from a variety of specialties - from midwives to obstetricians, and family doctors to neonatologists - in a patient-focused environment,” says Dr. James Joki, who has been an
Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Northwest Hospital for 27 years.
For patients who experience birthing complications, Northwest Hospital has Neonatologists available 24-hours a day. The Childbirth Center also offers a Level II Special Care Nursery available for any infants who need additional care or observation. Staff nurses with specialized training are available to provide expert Level II neonatal care.
The Childbirth Center also features two cesarean birth surgical suites, which are located in close proximity to the LDRP suites, so that patients don’t have to be relocated to another part of the hospital to have a cesarean birth.
“It was nice not to feel like I was in a hospital,” says Christie Elliott, who had a cesarean delivery at Northwest Hospital when she gave birth to her fi rst child. “The rooms were very pleasant and the nurses were very attentive - if I needed anything at all they were right there for me.”
In an effort to help prepare patients for the birthing process, and caring for a newborn, Northwest Hospital offers Childbirth Education Classes through Gracewinds Perinatal Services. Classes are taught on the Northwest Hospital campus and cover topics ranging from Breastfeeding Basics to Infant Safety and CPR.
“After more than 45 years of service, Northwest Hospital continues to earn its nickname as ‘the baby hospital,’” says Dr. Joki. “Our team of highly qualifi ed, experienced physicians, nurses and support staff are always available and ready to provide the personalized, quality care that parents and their newborns deserve.”
For additional information or to arrange a tour of the Northwest Hospital Childbirth Center, call (206) 368-1784 or visit www.nwhospital.org.
Childbirth Center Provides Family-Friendly Approach to Patient Care
May/June 2006
Northwest Continues to Earn Nickname as “The Baby Hospital”
A private Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum suite Northwest Hospital’s Childbirth Center. The suites provide patients with some of the comforts of home, including: a Jacuzzi tub or shower, a CD player; table and chairs; and a television with a VCR and DVD player.
5
Childbirth, Parenting, and New Baby classes are offered in conjunction with the Gracewinds Perinatal Services. All classes are held on the Northwest Hospital campus. Please call Gracewinds Perinatal Services at (206) 781-9871 or visit www.gracewindsperinatal.com/nwclasses for scheduling and registration information.
Childbirth Prep Classes A four session course that is designed to give expectant parents the tools and information needed during childbirth. This course is also available in a condensed weekend format. Cost: $105 per couple.
Newborn Care Class This course is an excellent primer for fi rst time parents, grandparents and babysitters. Cost: $35 per couple.
Infant Safety/CPR A class designed to give new parents, grandparents and babysitters the skills to help prevent accidents, to perform infant CPR and to relieve an obstructed airway. This class does not provide a CPR certifi cation card. Cost: $35 per couple.
Breastfeeding Basics This class is designed to educate parents on proper feeding techniques and positioning. Cost: $35 per couple.
Conscious FatheringA class for expectant dads. Taught by an experienced father, this popular class addresses topics and issues associated with fathering, Cost: $35.
All Inclusive Family Education Package Purchase all fi ve classes and get one class for free. Cost $200.
CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION
DIABETES EDUCATION Living Well with DiabetesThis program has been formally recognized for excellence by the American Diabetes Association. Participants will gain information and skills to manage diabetes in this four-session series offered monthly. Note: Physician referral is required for class. Day and evening classes available. For more information contact your physician, or call (206) 368-1564 to receive a brochure.
Community Classes at Northwest Hospital & Medical Center
PRENATAL SERVICES “Baby Your Back” Back pain is a frequent complaint of pregnant women and has many causes. Baby Your Back is a two-hour class for expectant mothers taught by a licensed physical therapist. It is offered the second Thursday of each month at Northwest Physical Therapy Services, located in Northwest Hospital & Medical Center’s Outpatient Medical Center.
Cost: $10. Call (206) 368-6032 to register. Healthcare provider referral required.
May - August 2006
www.nwhospital.org For a Physician Referral, Call (206) 633-6436
WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY EDUCATION “Is Weight Loss Surgery Right For You?” Join us for a free informational seminar to learn more about: weight loss surgery options and risks; patient selection criteria; nutritional requirements; and insurance coverage. Question and answer segment to follow each talk.
“Laproscopic and Open Gastric Bypass and Laproscopic Band Surgery,” presented by Joseph Chebli, MD from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on May 23; June 7 and 22; July 12 and 27; August 9 and 24.
All sessions are held on the Northwest Hospital campus. Call (206) 368-1350 to reserve your space today. Cost: Free.
EMERGENCY SERVICES EDUCATIONCPR Training Learn lifesaving skills from Medic II personnel. Offered on the third Tuesday of each month, 7 – 10 p.m. Registration required. Call (206) 368-1564 for more information. Cost: Free.
6 www.nwhospital.org For a Physician Referral, Call (206) 633-6436
Classes, Lectures, Support Groups and Research Studies May - August 2006 (continued)
Beginning Soaring Crain Qigong Gentle movements and visualization increase focus, energy and well-being. For continuity, students are asked not to drop in mid-session.Wednesdays, July 12 - August 16, 2:30 to 3:45 p.m.
Qigong Meditation This self-masssage and simple hand movement meditation calms the emotions and centers the spirit. Drop-ins welcome!Wednesdays, June 7 - 28 and July 12 - August 16, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Lung Cancer Support GroupSecond and Fourth Thursdays: June 8 and 22; July 27 (No Class July 13);August 10 and 24, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Below is a sampling of the Cancer Lifeline Classes offered on the Northwest Hospital campus.
Call Cancer Lifeline at (206) 297-2600, or visit www.cancerlifeline.org on the web for more information and a full class listing.
Do you suffer from prostate enlargement (BPH)? The Northwest Prostate Institute is conducting a study to gather medical information on BPH treatment using an FDA approved laser treatment as compared with pharmaceutical treatment. You may qualify if you: have an enlarged prostate; have been told your enlarged prostate requires treatment; understand and agree to sign an Informed Consent form; and are 50 years or older.
If you qualify, you will receive study related evaluations. If selected for the pharmaceutical treatment group, you will receive two years of medication at no cost. Appointments are required. Please call (206) 368-6591.
At All Hours, The Bathroom Calls. Urgent/frequent urination, especially during the night. Interrupted stream/fl ow. Feeling that you need to strain. Feeling that your bladder does not completely empty. If you experience these symptoms, you may have enlarged prostate or BPH. Our physicians are conducting a research study of an investigational medication for BPH in men 50 or older. If you qualify, you will receive all study-related care and study medication.
To learn more, please call Myrah Frohlich, CRC, (206) 368-6599.
Breast Cancer Support Group Wednesdays, June 7 - 28, July 19, and August 16, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
Nutrition and Cancer 101 and 102 Good nutrition is important before and after cancer treatment. In the 101 class, learn the key components of good nutrition, and how the Top Ten Super Foods help speed recovery and may prevent recurrance. Learn nutrition strategies to reduce treatment side effects. Come back for the 102 class, and learn how foods can boost the body’s own system to protect cells and fortify its detoxifying capabilities. 101 Class: June 1, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 102 Class: July 20, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
CANCER LIFELINE CLASSES AT NORTHWEST HOSPITAL
RESEARCH STUDIES FOR MEN D
is conducting a study to gather medical information on BPH treatment using an FDA approved laser treatment as compared with pharmaceutical treatment. You may qualify if youprostate; have been told your enlarged prostate requires treatment; understand and agree to sign an Informed Consent form; and are 50 years or older.
RESEARCH STUDIES FOR RESEARCH STUDIES FOR
Understanding Lymphedema • Have you or a loved one had surgery or radiation for breast cancer or any other cancers?
• Do you suffer from lymphedema?
• Are you concerned about developing a condition called lymphedema?
Please join Cancer Lifeline representatives and a panel of lymphedema experts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2006, in Northwest Hospital’s TCU Auditorium to learn more about lymphedema - its causes, symptoms, prevention and management.
You will have an opportunity to speak with our panel and ask questions in a supportive environment, hear from individuals who successfully manage their lymphedema and learn about exercise that is beneficial for lymphedema.
Lunch will be provided with a free gift bag and much more!
Space is limited, please call (206) 397-2600 to register.
Community Offerings at Northwest Hospital
7
Foundation
Patient becomes Donor after Positive Patient Care Experience Donation Helps Cover Uncompensated Care Costs at Northwest Bernard and Nyda May have lived in the Northgate area for more than 50 years, and during that time they have watched Northwest Hospital & Medical Center grow from the ground up.
Over the last 15 years, the couple has experienced a broad spectrum of the patient services available at Northwest Hospital - including one visit that involved rehabilitation in the Easy Street Environment®, and two separate trips to the emergency room to treat food poisoning and a strangulated hernia - and the couple says they are very pleased with the quality of care they have received.
In fact, the Mays’ positive patient experiences at Northwest Hospital & Medical Center inspired them to become fi nancial supporters of the organization. Most recently, the Mays submitted a letter of appreciation and a fi nancial contribution to Northwest Hospital Foundation following Mr. May’s February 2006 visit to Northwest Hospital.
The letter expressed Mr. May’s gratitude for the excellent care he received from physicians, nurses and support staff at Northwest Hospital during his time spent in the Emergency Department, the Operating Room and his overnight stay at the hospital.
“Whenever we think of relocating to another area, one of our fi rst considerations is that we are so glad to be near our hospital,” the letter says.
Since Mr. May’s February visit, he says that he has changed cardiologists so that, should he need an angiogram or other cardiac procedure performed, he can come to Northwest Hospital. The hospital offers fi rst-rate programs in cardiology, from emergency care and heart diagnostics to open heart surgery and cardiac rehabilitation.
In 2006, Northwest Hospital provided $5.3 million in charity care to the Seattle community. The donations Northwest Hospital Foundation receives, through community events and donations from grateful patients such as the Mays, are used to cover the costs the hospital incurs each year as result of services provided for which they do not receive compensation.
There are many ways to support Northwest Hospital’s mission of raising the long-term health status of the community. Visit the Foundation Website at www.nwhfoundation.org or call (206) 368-1647 for more information.
“We know that a lot of people can’t afford medical care, and we want to help make it possible for Northwest Hospital to provide care for them.”
- Bernard May, Northwest Hospital Patient and Financial Supporter
“Northwest Hospital is committed to providing the same quality care to every patient who comes through our doors, regardless of their fi nancial situation,” says Mark McCampbell, Executive Director of Northwest Hospital Foundation. “Financial contributions from generous patients such the Mays make it possible for us to continue providing uncompensated care.”
Mr. May says that uncompensated care that Northwest Hospital provides in areas such as the Emergency Department, is precisely the reason he and his wife have made ongoing fi nancial contributions to Northwest Hospital.
“We know that a lot of people can’t afford medical care and we want to help make it possible for Northwest Hospital to provide care for them,” Mr. May says.
McCampbell says that donations of all shapes and sizes - from monetary contributions to gifts of personal property or stocks, bonds and mutual funds - add up to make a big difference.
“Every gift that Northwest Hospital Foundation receives makes a difference in the lives of the patients who come to Northwest Hospital and receive life-changing care,” McCampbell says. “Ongoing community support makes it possible for Northwest Hospital to continue fulfi lling its mission to provide personalized, quality care with compassion, dignity and respect.”
For more information on the variety of ways to make a donation to Northwest Hospital Foundation, call (206) 368-1647 or visit www.nwhfoundation.org.
1550 N. 115th Street Seattle, WA 98133www.nwhospital.org
In the Community
Non-Profi t Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDSeattle, WA
Permit No. 1549
Northwest Hospital Introduces Free Physician Referral Line Service Connects Patients with Doctors Who Meet Specifi c Healthcare Needs Northwest Hospital & Medical Center strives to provide the best possible healthcare to the community that it serves. In an effort to further ensure that patients receive the personalized quality healthcare they deserve, the hospital recently launched the Northwest Hospital & Medical Center Physician Referral Line, a full-service call center staffed 24-hours-a-day by specially-trained physician referral specialists.
Individuals seeking a physician referral or information on a related services available at Northwest can call (206) 633-4636 (MED-INFO) and be greeted by a knowledgeable, friendly representative who can provide referrals to Northwest Hospital doctors and specialists, and provide information about additional services available at Northwest Hospital & Medical Center.
The service is absolutely free to callers, who can request a referral based on specifi c criteria, such as physicians’ locations, specialties or their clinical interests. Callers may also specifi cally request a healthcare provider who accepts their insurance plan.
When patients call the referral line, the specialist answering the phone will ask the caller what type of physician they are seeking. If callers are unsure, and, for example, mention that they have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, the referral specialist can provide a list of physicians who have a clinical interest or specialty in treating diabetes, and callers
can select a physician based on the information provided.
Once callers have chosen a physician, the referral specialist can transfer them directly to the physician’s offi ce so that they can schedule an appointment. If necessary, the referral specialist can also facilitate scheduling the appointment on behalf of the caller.
Medical advice is not available through the Northwest Hospital Physician Referral Line.
Physician Referral Line
Call (206) 633-4636 (MED-INFO)
24 hours a day, 7 days a week for a FREE personalized referral to a
Northwest Hospital & Medical Center physician who meets your individual
healthcare needs.
New!
