The Medical Center Joins Norton Healthcare/UK HealthCare Stroke Care Network

The Medical Center, Norton Healthcare and UK HealthCare announced today that The Medical Center has become the newest member of the Norton Healthcare/UK HealthCare Stroke Care Network, a community-based stroke initiative providing the highest quality clinical and educational programs to hospital staff and the community. The Medical Center is the only hospital in Southcentral and Western Kentucky to join the network that includes 25 affiliate hospitals.

“This affiliation with the Norton Healthcare/UK HealthCare Stroke Care Network will enhance The Medical Center’s ability to carry out our mission to care for people and improve the quality of life in the communities we serve,” said Connie Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Commonwealth Health Corporation, parent company of The Medical Center. “Through collaboration with affiliate members, we will ensure patients in Southcentral Kentucky have access to the most advanced stroke treatment and prevention.”

As part of the Norton Healthcare/UK HealthCare Stroke Care Network, The Medical Center will continue to be a first-line stroke treatment center. The collaboration will allow for the sharing of best practices and outcomes data to promote continuous quality improvement in stroke care.

“By educating members of the community and Emergency Medical Services personnel in the region, we work together to provide valuable information about recognizing the signs of stroke and the importance of early treatment,” said Dr. Michael R. Dobbs, Director of the Norton Healthcare/UK HealthCare Stroke Care Network. “Our affiliate hospitals teach us about their communities and their patients. Meanwhile, we provide access to the resources and knowledge we have as an academic medical center.”

The Medical Center is the first hospital that was already designated as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission before joining the network. Other hospitals in the network obtained their Primary Stroke Center designation after becoming affiliates of the network.

“Primary Stroke Center designation by The Joint Commission is testament to the outstanding stroke care already provided by The Medical Center for stroke prevention, diagnosis and treatment,” said Smith. “This affiliation will further enhance the stroke care we provide by allowing us to tap into the resources and expertise of other affiliate members.”

The Medical Center Enhances Oncology Services with Acquisition of Tomorrow's Woman

The Medical Center announces the acquisition of Tomorrow's Woman effective October 1. The addition of Tomorrow's Woman will allow The Medical Center to expand its medical supply service and enhance its services for cancer patients.

Tomorrow's Woman is a full-service mastectomy supply and wig boutique uniquely geared toward serving female cancer patients and survivors. Staffed with certified fitters, Tomorrow's Woman assists women with their specific needs, including customized mastectomy bras, wig essentials, headwear and more.

The current owner, Bonnie Strode, will stay with Tomorrow's Woman as an employee of The Medical Center and will continue to manage operations. All staff will become employees of The Medical Center.

Tomorrow's Woman will become a division of MedEquip, The Medical Center's home medical and respiratory supply retailer, but will remain at its current location of 2362 Russellville Road in Bowling Green. The acquisition of Tomorrow’s Woman also includes The Perfect Fit, a lingerie and swimwear shop owned and operated by Bonnie Strode and located adjacent to Tomorrow’s Woman.

"Tomorrow's Woman will be an essential complement to The Medical Center's overall oncology service line," says Connie Smith, Chief Executive Officer of The Medical Center. "Our resources, coupled with Bonnie's expertise, will allow Tomorrow's Woman to further grow and meet additional needs of cancer patients in our region."

Commonwealth Health Corporation - Recognized as an American Heart Association Fit-Friendly Worksite

Worksites take steps to decrease healthcare expenses, increase productivity

Commonwealth Health Corporation has been recognized as a Platinum-Level Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association for helping employees eat better and move more. This is the fourth year CHC has achieved the Platinum Level.

“Physical activity and employee wellness are important priorities at Commonwealth Health Corporation. We are honored and excited to be recognized by the American Heart Association as a Platinum-Level Fit-Friendly Worksite,” said Lynn Williams, Vice President of Human Resources. “We’re committed to providing the best workplace environment possible. This will benefit our employees’ health and produce even more positive results for our worksite overall.”

Platinum-level employers:

• Increase healthy eating options at the worksite.
  
• Promote a wellness culture in the workplace.
  
• Implement at least nine criteria outlined by the American Heart Association in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture.
  
• Demonstrate measurable outcomes related to workplace wellness.
  

“At CHC, we support our employees who each have unique wellness needs by offering a variety of health and wellness opportunities,” said Williams. CHC focuses on offering healthy vending options and encouraging smarter choices in its cafeterias. CHC offers incentive-based activity programs, activity/food-based challenges and on-line health workshops, and recognizes employees who achieve health and wellness goals.

The Fit-Friendly Worksites program is a catalyst for positive change in the American workforce by helping worksites make their employees’ health and well-being a priority.

American employers are losing an estimated $225.8 billion a year because of healthcare expenses and health-related losses in productivity, and those numbers are rising. Many American adults spend most of their waking hours at sedentary jobs. Their lack of regular physical activity raises their risk for a host of medical problems, such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Employers face $12.7 billion in annual medical expenses due to obesity alone. The American Heart Association is working to change corporate cultures by motivating employees to start walking, which has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity.

Recognition is a critical component of the Fit-Friendly Worksites program. Employers that join this program qualify for official recognition by the American Heart Association. They are listed on the program’s national website. Qualifying worksites also have the right to use the program’s annual recognition seal for internal communications and with external, recruitment-related communications.

For more information about the Fit-Friendly Worksites program and how it’s helping to improve the health of Americans by focusing on the workplace, visit heart.org/worksitewellness.

The Medical Center Is First Hospital in Kentucky to Implement NICVIEW

Camera System Connects NICU Babies with their Families

The Medical Center is the first hospital in Kentucky to install NICVIEW, an innovative camera system that allows for streaming video of babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The $35,000 investment in the new system will include 10 cameras.

“Bonding with a new baby is so important, but when a baby is born prematurely or sick and must be cared for in the NICU, bonding can be a challenge when parents and their baby can’t be together all the time,” said Caitlin Burklow, Director of Women’s Services for The Medical Center. “NICVIEW allows that bonding to occur by giving parents the opportunity to stay connected with their baby through video streaming even if miles apart.”

The NICVIEW system includes a small camera that is mounted to a baby’s bed or incubator. The system allows for video streaming through a secure online portal. NICU staff can post notes in the portal to share information with parents about baby’s activities.

The portal is accessible from any web-enabled computer or mobile device. All video and information are secured with up to 256-bit SSL encryption, the current web security standard. Usernames and passwords are only issued to parents who consent to use the system. Parents are advised to safeguard their username and password, but parents can choose to share the information with family and friends at their discretion.

The implementation of the new camera system is just one enhancement to The Medical Center’s Obstetrics and Neonatology Services. A recent renovation includes a new waiting area for families, a new triage area in Labor & Delivery and a new Obstetrics Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) in Labor & Delivery.

About The Medical Center Obstetrics and Neonatology Services

The Medical Center is the sole provider of OB services in Warren County and offers the only NICU and Neonatology Services in Southcentral Kentucky. Neonatology Services includes a team of physicians, registered nurses and respiratory therapists who are trained to provide specialized neonatal care for newborns with a variety of conditions including prematurity (babies born less than 37 weeks gestation), infection and respiratory problems. In fiscal year ending April 2014, The Medical Center delivered 2,355 babies. The NICU cared for 215 babies during that same time period.

Barren River Adult Day Care Center Wins Adult Day Care Center of the Year Award for Fourth Year

Barren River Adult Day Care Center (BRADCC) for the fourth year has won the Adult Day Care of the Year Award as part of the Kentucky Aging Network. The award was presented at the Kentucky Association of Gerontology (KAG) conference in Pikeville, Kentucky.

“We are very excited and honored to receive this award,” said Steve Creekmore, Director of Barren River Adult Day Care. “What makes it monumental is, we have been chosen four years in a row out of the whole state of Kentucky.”

Families know they can receive valuable resource information and guidance from the professional staff. The employees of Barren River Adult Day Care are always available to lend a helping hand as they recognize the struggles families face in caring for a loved one.

“The award is based on recognition for significant contributions through our role in the aging network,” said Creekmore. “Families and clients know that our ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life of the individuals who we serve and provide valuable information and guidance.”

Barren River Adult Day Care staff use their creativity to develop daily activities that aid memory recall, enhance sensory stimulation, and promote body strengthening.

The Medical Center Is First Hospital in Kentucky To Treat Vertebral Compression Fractures with Kiva® VCF Treatment System

The Medical Center is the first hospital in Kentucky to utilize the Kiva® VCF Treatment System for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). VCFs occur when a vertebra (bone in the spine) cracks, fractures or collapses.

Board certified Neurosurgeon Clark Bernard, M.D. performed the first procedure using the Kiva System at The Medical Center on Friday, May 2. “Patients who have vertebral compression fractures can suffer severe and disabling pain and if left untreated, can experience impaired function and decreased activity,” said Dr. Bernard. “The Kiva system offers a new treatment option that has been shown to reduce pain and restore function and improve long-term results by reducing future fractures.”

The Kiva System by Benvenue Medical, Inc. is the first new, clinically proven approach to the treatment of VCFs in more than a decade. The Kiva System received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the reduction and treatment of spinal fractures in January 2014.

In clinical studies, the Kiva System was shown to match the performance of balloon kyphoplasty, the current standard of care in treating VCFs. Kiva has also been demonstrated to reduce the rate of adjacent level fractures, improve restoration of the curvature of the spine, reduce the rate of cement leakage into surrounding tissue and reduce the amount of cement used.

Used during a minimally invasive procedure, the Kiva implant is designed to provide structural support to the vertebral body and a reservoir to direct and contain bone cement during vertebral augmentation. The implant is delivered percutaneously over a removable guidewire in a continuous loop into the vertebral body through a small diameter, single incision. Once the implant is in position, bone cement is introduced through the implant to stabilize the fracture. The amount of the Kiva Implant delivered is physician-customized during the procedure.

The Kiva Implant is made of medical grade plastic called PEEK-OPTIMA®, which is closer to the consistency of natural bone than bone cement, which is significantly harder. PEEK-OPTIMA is a biocompatible polymer that is widely used and well accepted as a spinal implant.

About Vertebral Compression Fractures (VCFs)

VCFs remain underdiagnosed and undertreated. The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that there are 750,000 osteoporosis-related vertebral compression fractures annually in the U.S. alone, representing a large patient population which is only expected to continue growing as the population ages.

Without intervention, the pain from a VCF may subside as the fracture heals, and the vertebra heals in its deformed, compressed position. This shortened, compressed vertebra alters the normal alignment of the spine, putting the spine at greater risk for subsequent level fractures.

Medical Center EMS Receives American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Recognition Award

Medical Center EMS has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Bronze Award that recognizes its commitment and success in implementing specific quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who suffer a severe heart attack known as a STEMI (ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction).

Medical Center EMS is one of 208 EMS agencies in the United States and one of six EMS agencies in Kentucky to receive one of the inaugural Mission: Lifeline® Emergency Medical Services Performance Achievement Awards. Medical Center EMS is one of four EMS agencies in Kentucky and one of 109 agencies in the U.S. to receive the Bronze Award.

Every year, almost 300,000 people experience a STEMI, a type of heart attack caused by a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it’s critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by surgically opening the blocked vessel or by giving clot-busting medication.

Unfortunately, a significant number don't receive prompt reperfusion therapy, which is critical in restoring blood flow. Mission: Lifeline seeks to save lives by closing the gaps that separate STEMI patients from timely access to appropriate treatments. Mission: Lifeline’s new EMS recognition program recognizes those emergency responders for their efforts in improving STEMI systems of care and improving the quality of life for these patients.

Emergency Medical System providers are vital to the success of Mission: Lifeline. EMS agencies provide education in STEMI identification and access to 12-lead ECG machines and follow protocols derived from American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines. The correct tools and training allow EMS providers to rapidly identify the STEMI, promptly notify the hospital and trigger an early response from the awaiting hospital personnel.

Agencies that receive the Mission: Lifeline Bronze award have demonstrated at least 75 percent compliance for each required achievement measure for three months (one quarter), and treated at least four STEMI patients for the year.

“We commend Medical Center EMS for this achievement award, which reflects a significant commitment to improve the quality of care for heart attack patients,” said A. Gray Ellrodt, MD, Chair of the Mission: Lifeline committee and Chief of Medicine at the Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, Mass. “All too many heart attack patients in the United States still fail to receive appropriate treatment for their life-threatening condition within the recommended timeframes. We must all continue this important work to streamline and coordinate regional systems of care to save lives and prevent complications.”

“Medical Center EMS is dedicated to making our unit among the best in the country. The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program is helping us accomplish that by implementing processes for improving STEMI systems of care with the goal of improving the quality of care for all STEMI patients,” said Randy Fathbruckner, Director of Medical Center EMS. “We are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in emergency medical care for STEMI patients.”

About Medical Center EMS

Medical Center EMS provides emergency medical services for Warren County including basic life support and advanced life support. Medical Center EMS is one of only two EMS services in Kentucky accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS).

About Mission: Lifeline

The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® program helps hospitals and emergency medical services develop systems of care that follow proven standards and procedures for STEMI patients. The program works by mobilizing teams across the continuum of care to implement American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology clinical treatment guidelines. For more information, visit heart.org/missionlifeline and heart.org/quality.

Commonwealth Health Corporation Recipient of the 2014 Gallup Great Workplace Award

Commonwealth Health Corporation (CHC), parent company of The Medical Center, has received the 2014 Gallup Great Workplace Award which recognizes the best-performing workforces in the world. CHC is one of 36 organizations to receive the prestigious Gallup award this year.

“Employee engagement is one of CHC’s core strategic goals. It is not a one-time initiative but a culture that is woven throughout all aspects of our corporation,” said Connie Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Commonwealth Health Corporation. “We at CHC recognize that a highly engaged workplace means a better place for our employees to work and a better place for our patients to receive quality care.”

CHC began utilizing the consulting services of Gallup in 2008 and since that time has experienced significant gains in employee engagement. Results from a 2013 employee engagement survey of CHC’s employees, combined with a demonstrated link between engagement and business outcomes, qualified CHC to apply for the award.

“In order to maintain long-term growth and profitability, we must invest time, energy and resources into engaging our employees,” said Smith. “We have found that engaged employees improve overall patient care and help in managing the impact of declining reimbursements and financial challenges due to the disproportionate share of government subsidized care provided by our hospitals and other facilities.” Over the past six years, CHC has experienced reduced employee turnover, decreased patient complaints, increased employee donations to CHC’s charity care programs, and improved financial performance.

CHC will be presented the award during the Gallup Spring Summit on May 13-15, 2014 in Omaha, Nebraska. During the summit, Great Workplace Award winners including CHC will present the best practices they applied to their workplace and the improved business results they achieved through building an engaged workforce.

“These award-winning organizations set a new standard for workplace excellence,” said Dr. James Harter, Chief Scientist with Gallup. “They have proven track records for improving lives along with performance. The management tenets they practice have proven value in both thriving and struggling economies overall.”

About the Gallup and the Gallup Great Workplace Award

Combining more than 75 years of experience with its global reach, Gallup delivers forward-thinking research, analytics, and advice to help leaders solve their most pressing problems. Gallup knows more about the attitudes and behaviors of the world’s constituents, employees, and customers than any other organization. Gallup’s 2,000 professionals deliver services at client organizations, through the Web, and in nearly 40 offices around the world.

The Gallup Great Workplace Award recognizes the best-performing workforces in the world. Only organizations who meet specific criteria may apply for the award. Applicants’ results are compared across a workplace research database composed of millions of work teams in more than 100 countries. A panel of workplace experts assesses each application and selects the winners.

Kohl’s Grant Supports The Medical Center’s Newborn Care & Safety Program

Kohl’s Cares® has once again awarded Commonwealth Health Foundation a grant to enable The Medical Center to reach expectant parents with vital obstetrics education classes. This year’s grant totaling $23,712 will be used for The Medical Center’s Newborn Care and Safety Class which teaches expectant parents essential baby care skills.

“Having a baby can make parents feel apprehensive. They want to know the proper way to do everything from diapering, to feeding to comforting their newborn,” said Cindy Gilliam, OB Educator for The Medical Center. “The Newborn Care and Safety Class provides all this information and much more. It is one of our most attended classes. By teaching parents the basic skills they want and need to know, they feel much more comfortable and confident in caring for their new infant.”

The Newborn Care and Safety Class is a free, hands-on class where participants use baby dolls to practice swaddling and holding a newborn, diapering and giving the baby a bath. A variety of safety issues are addressed, and a CPR demonstration shows parents what to do in an emergency. Last year 33 classes were held with 675 total participants, and 34 classes are already scheduled for 2014.

The Kohl’s grant also funds the purchase of items such as “The Joy of Parenthood” publication on baby care and safety, DNA identification kits, infant CPR refrigerator magnets, and baby safety gift sets, are provided to parents at no cost. A baby monitor is also given out in a drawing at every class.

The Medical Center is the local Kohl’s Cares® beneficiary. Since 2006, Kohl’s has donated $188,221 to The Medical Center to support its health and wellness programs including construction of two community walking trails at local elementary schools.

Kohl's commitment to Commonwealth Health Foundation and The Medical Center is made possible through the Kohl's Cares® cause merchandise program. Through this initiative, Kohl’s sells $5 books and plush toys where 100% of net profit benefits children’s health and education programs nationwide, including hospital partnerships like this one. Kohl's has raised more than $231 million through this merchandise program. In addition to the merchandise program, Kohl's features the Kohl’s Cares® Scholarship Program, which last year recognized more than 2,300 young volunteers with more than $400,000 in scholarships and prizes. Through Kohl's Associates in Action volunteer program, more than 669,000 associates have donated more than 2.2 million hours of their time since 2001, and Kohl’s has donated more than $63 million to youth-focused nonprofit organizations. Kohl’s also offers fundraising gift cards for schools and youth-serving organizations. For more information, visit
www.Kohls.com/Cares.

About Kohl’s

Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced, exclusive and national brand apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty and home products in an exciting shopping environment. With a commitment to environmental leadership, Kohl’s operates 1,155 stores in 49 states. In support of the communities it serves, Kohl’s has raised more than $231 million for children’s initiatives nationwide through its Kohl’s Cares® cause merchandise program, which operates under Kohl's Cares, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohl's Department Stores, Inc. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.Kohls.com or join the discussion on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/kohls or Twitter http://twitter.com/Kohls or get inspired on Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/kohls/) and instagram (http://instagram.com/kohls).

About Commonwealth Health Foundation

Commonwealth Health Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Commonwealth Health Corporation (CHC). Commonwealth Health Foundation helps build relationships and partnerships across Southcentral Kentucky that will inspire charitable giving by individuals, foundations, corporations and organizations. These gifts help support the mission of CHC to care for people and improve the quality of life in the communities it serves. For more information about the Foundation, please visit www.commonwealthhealthfoundation.org or call 270-796-5543.

About The Medical Center

The Medical Center at Bowling Green is the flagship hospital for Commonwealth Health Corporation (CHC). Located in Bowling Green, Ky., The Medical Center is a 337-bed, full service, not-for-profit hospital specializing in heart, cancer care, obstetrics and neonatology, and orthopaedic services. With a mission to care for people and improve the quality of life in the communities it serves, CHC and its entities including The Medical Center at Bowling Green contributed $67.1 million in community benefit in fiscal year 2013. The Medical Center treats patients regardless of their ability to pay and annually provides millions in community benefit through charity care for the uninsured and shortfalls in governmental reimbursements (Medicare and Medicaid). To learn more, visit www.TheMedicalCenter.org.