Franciscan St. Francis Health nurses receive training, program grants

INDIANAPOLIS – The Franciscan St. Francis Health Employee Education Fund has enabled five of its registered nurses to receive additional training in their specialties.

The program provides financial support to non-physician employees for educational opportunities they otherwise could not afford to attend. The fund is intended for specific programs and seminars, not general tuition reimbursement or individual certifications.

Recipients of the 2012 program are registered nurses: Veda Hicks, Julie Lavender (intensive care unit-Mooresville), Tanya Hall (catheterization lab-Indianapolis), Amy Sprague (Nursing Services-Indianapolis) and Martha Stern (adult inpatient rehabilitation unit)-Indianapolis.

In their applications, the recipients were required to show how the funding supports the St. Francis Health’s goals and mission; who ultimately benefits from the educational opportunity; and if the applicants demonstrate the ability to plan, coordinate or facilitate a quality educational event as a result of their training.

Funding is administered through the Franciscan Alliance Foundation-St. Francis Health.

Cardiovascular professionals prepare for St. Francis Health-sponsored symposium

Former TV news journalist among featured speakers at event

INDIANAPOLIS –Hundreds of health-care professionals are expected to attend the fifth annual Franciscan St. Francis Health Cardiovascular Symposium on Friday, Sept. 14.

Hosted by the Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center, participants will discuss topics ranging from the latest cardiovascular procedures and interventions, innovative treatments for atrial fibrillation, peripheral arterial disease, new imaging technology and approaches to enhance cardiovascular diagnoses and minimally invasive surgical approaches for valve surgery.

Presenters include cardiologists from Franciscan Physician Network Indiana Heart Physicians along with cardiovascular surgeons from Cardiac Surgery Associates and a St. Francis pharmacist.  

The day-long symposium, which will be held at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis, offers continuing medical education credits, is designed to give primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses and other allied health professionals insight into new treatments and procedures advancing patient outcomes.

Participants also will hear from Indianapolis veteran television journalist, writer and speaker Anne Ryder, who will discuss how life-transforming events prompted her to change direction and purpose in both her personal life and profession. Ryder, who has amassed numerous awards and accolades in her career, has reported widely from war zones around the globe and traveled to Calcutta to interview Mother Teresa, the last American journalist to do so before her death in 1996.

Click here for a full listing of presenters, agenda and more details about the 2012 symposium.

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Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center

In 2012, Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center-Indianapolis was recognized by HealthGrades as the number one program in Indiana for overall cardiac services and named one of America’s 100 best hospitals for cardiac care and coronary intervention. In addition, St. Francis received five stars for heart attack treatment, coronary interventional procedures, heart valve repair and replacement surgery, cardiology services and heart failure treatment. The dedicated team of independent and Franciscan St. Francis Health physicians provide streamlined care with superior results according to U.S. News & World Report.

New lactation station location nurtures better health for babies

INDIANAPOLIS – Human breast milk is critical for the health of premature babies, decreasing their chances of infection and hospital stay, improving their cognitive development and immune system.

That’s why Franciscan St. Francis Health is partnering with Indiana Mothers Milk Bank (IMMB) to provide a convenient location at its Indianapolis campus for pre-approved donor mothers to drop off their breast milk.  St. Francis Health will safely store the milk and the Milk Bank will pick it up on a routine basis.

The grand opening for the new depot station is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Monday Sept. 10. It’s located in Classroom 1 near Entrance 5.  Breastfeeding mothers are welcome to come learn more about how to donate.

To learn more about lactation services at Franciscan St. Francis Health, contact the St. Francis Lactation Line at 317-528-5620.

Ortho surgeon explains arthritis, joint replacement therapies Sept. 27

FISHERS, Ind. – Hip and knee pain shouldn’t keep people from leading active and rewarding lives – and Franciscan St. Francis Health wants to show you how.

The Franciscan St. Francis “Road Show” will be coming to town at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 27, at the Hilton Garden Inn, 9785 North by Northeast Blvd., Fishers. In the spotlight is a hip and knee replacement seminar. A light buffet will be served at 6 p.m.

Jeff Pierson, M.D., will explain the latest procedures in joint replacement and arthritis treatments. He is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstructive surgery and joint replacement.

Pierson is a surgeon with the Center for Hip & Knee Surgery at St. Francis Health–Mooresville. His offices are located at 12188 N. Meridian St., Carmel. 

The Center has been ranked No. 1 in Indiana for joint surgery five years in a row (2007-2011) by HealthGrades, one of the nation’s premier health care rating companies.

To register for this seminar, call St. Francis toll-free at 1-877-888-1777.

Try to remember those free classes in September offered by St. Francis Heart Center

INDIANAPOLIS – Prevention is the key to lowering your chances of developing a cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease, stroke or high blood pressure.

That’s why Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center is offering free “Change of Heart” classes throughout September in an effort to improve the community’s health through education and prevention.

To register for these classes call 317-782-4422 or toll-free at 877- 888-1777.

Getting Started with Good Nutrition

Sept. 5: Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center (8111 S. Emerson)

Sept. 18: Franciscan St. Francis—Mooresville (1201 Hadley Road)

Find out how much a “serving” is and how to manage a healthy weight. Discover how fats, carbohydrates and protein affect our body. Do you know how much salt, fiber and sugar are in the foods you buy? This class offers the foundation for a healthy future!

Savvy Shopping

Sept. 10: Meijer—South, 5325 E. Southport Road

With all the new and changing products on the shelves, grocery shopping can be overwhelming. Learn where to find the healthy foods and how to avoid packaging tricks commonly used to market foods. Discover how food labels make you a smarter shopper.

Healthy Dining Out Tips

Sept. 11: Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center

Americans eat nearly half their meals away from home. How can you control what you eat when you don’t cook for yourself? Learn how to make wise menu selections and eat smart while dining out.

Healthy Meals on a Budget

Sept. 19: Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center

Sept. 25: Franciscan St. Francis—Mooresville

As food prices climb and budgets get tight, smart purchases at the supermarket are important. In this class, you will learn ways to stretch your food budget while still getting the nutrients you need.

Cooking for 2

Sept. 20: Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center

As we get older, our health becomes more of a priority. But when the kids are gone, it can be challenging to scale back our cooking at home, so dining out seems like an easy option. In this class, learn how it really is cheaper and healthier to cook at home for two.

Fitness Tips

Sept. 27: Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center

Being fit is more than being thin. Research shows that no matter what you weigh, increasing your fitness helps your heart! Discover that exercise can be healthy and fun. Learn how to set up a schedule for yourself.

Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center docs offer free seminars, screenings this fall

INDIANAPOLIS – Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association.

Prevention is the key to lowering your chances of developing a cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease, stroke or high blood pressure. Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center is offering free classes and screenings through November.

To pre-register, call 317-782-4422 or toll free 1-877-888-1777. Registration also is available online at MyHeartCare.net.

Classes include:

Avoid a heart attack: Know your numbers

Session 1:

Presented by Mark Jones, MD

• Wednesday, Aug. 29, 6:30 p.m.

• Moral Township Fire Department, 8333 N. Frontage Road, Fairland

• Special number to register: (317) 421-1916

Session 2:

Presented by William Berg, MD

• Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6:30 p.m.

• Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center

Learn what happens to the heart muscle during a heart attack and what long-term complications can occur if treatment is delayed. Jones and Berg of Franciscan Physician Network Indiana Heart Physicians also will discuss signs, symptoms and risk factors for heart attacks and how to reduce your risk of having one.

Do you have a heart murmur?

Presented by Marc Gerdisch, MD, and Richard Shea, MD

Session 1:

• Thursday, Oct. 11, 6:30 p.m.

• Hilton Garden Inn Edinburgh, 12210 N. Executive Dr., Edinburgh

Session 2:

• Wednesday, Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m.

• Decatur County Memorial Hospital, 720 N. Lincoln St., Greensburg

Heart murmurs are caused by valves in the heart that don’t close properly. Sometimes, people can live with heart murmurs a long time without any symptoms. But if the problem becomes more serious, the blood flow to the heart may be affected. Gerdisch and Shea will talk about new treatments and surgeries for heart valves, including ongoing research studies at Franciscan St. Francis. Free heart valve echocardiogram screening will be offered to those who attend (value $500)

Coronary calcium scoring: How HeartScan identifies your cardiac risk

Presented by Ryan Daly, MD

• Wednesday, Oct. 17, 6:30 p.m.

• Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center

A build-up of calcium-containing plaque can block heart arteries and cause heart attacks. Coronary calcium scoring is a high-tech way of detecting calcium build-up in arteries and helps to identify your risk for heart disease. Daly will describe this test and answer your questions about other heart attack risk factors. A special screening offer will be made to those who attend the class.

How to protect yourself from stroke

Presented by Harry Genovely, MD

• Wednesday, Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m.

• Franciscan St. Francis Health—Mooresville

Genovely will talk about the importance of keeping the carotid artery leading to the brain free of plaque and disease, decreasing the risk for stroke. Class attendees may sign up for a free carotid artery screening.

Why does it hurt to walk?

Presented by Carl Rouch, MD

• Thursday, Nov. 29, 6:30 p.m.

• UnaVie Cardiology Center, 2451 Intelliplex Dr., Shelbyville

• Special number to register: (317) 421-1916

Leg pain can be a result of poor blood flow to the legs through the arteries, or it can be from poor blood flow back to the heart, causing enlarged or varicose veins. Rouch, of Franciscan Physician Network Heart Physicians, has a special interest in peripheral vascular disease. He will discuss the blood flow to and from the legs, signs and symptoms of arterial or venous disease and treatment options available. Those planning to attend may schedule a free peripheral vascular screening prior to the talk.

Youngsters learn grief coping skills through bereavement program

INDIANAPOLIS – Consider the caterpillar: It builds a cocoon and remains safe until it transforms and emerges into a new life, one that takes flight.

Death is a part of the life cycle, and it’s especially difficult for children to grasp and make sense out of it, particularly when they lose a loved one. And that’s why Hospice at Franciscan St. Francis Health offers Caterpillar Kids, a support program that offers learning experiences for children ages 5 to 12.

The six-week Fall Caterpillar Kids program begins Sept. 19 and runs through Oct. 24. The workshops, which are free, are from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., meeting each Wednesday.

Meetings are at Christ United Methodist Church, 8540 U.S. 31 South, one mile north of Greenwood Park Mall.

Led by staff trained in bereavement support for children, youngsters participate in storytelling, art projects, games and other sharing opportunities. Parents also are invited to participate in a concurrent session to assist them in supporting their children.

“Children do grieve and they may express it differently than adults, but their feelings are as genuine and essential in healing,” said bereavement coordinator Karla Norton. “Caterpillar Kids brings children together in a safe, nurturing environment where they receive information about grief and learn healthy ways to cope with the death of a loved one.”

Registration is required. To register or for more information about Caterpillar Kids, call 317-865-2092 or toll-free at 800-390-9915.

Ortho surgeon explains arthritis, joint replacement therapies

GREENCASTLE, Ind. – Hip and knee pain shouldn’t keep people from leading active and rewarding lives – and Franciscan St. Francis Health wants to show you why.

The Franciscan St. Francis “Road Show” will be coming to town at 6:30 p.m. (EDT), Thursday, Sept. 13, at The Inn at DePauw and Event Center, 2 W. Seminary St. In the spotlight is a hip and knee replacement seminar. A light buffet will be served at 6 p.m.

John B. Meding, M.D., will explain the latest procedures in joint replacement and arthritis treatments. He is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstructive surgery and joint replacement.

Meding is a surgeon with the Center for Hip & Knee Surgery at Franciscan St. Francis Health–Mooresville. The Center has been ranked No. 1 in Indiana for joint surgery five years in a row (2007-2011) by HealthGrades, one of the nation’s premier health care rating companies.

To register for this seminar, call Franciscan St. Francis toll-free at 1-877-888-1777.

More information about the Center for Hip & Knee Surgery is at stfrancishospitals.org. Click the link in the center section of the home page.

St. Francis Health earns national recognition for heart attack care

INDIANAPOLIS – ‘Franciscan St. Francis Health-Indianapolis has qualified to receive the American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline Bronze Award.

The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care thereby improving the survival and outcomes for patients suffering the most severe form of heart attack called STEMI (ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction).

Every year, nearly 250,000 Americans experience the STEMI type of heart attack, which is  severe heart attack caused by a prolonged period of blocked blood supply that affects a large area of the heart, which carries a substantial risk of death and disability.

“As a heart attack receiving center, we are being recognized for having high-quality processes in place along with highly trained staff to manage the heart needs of STEMI patients, while improving their outcomes and quality of life,” said Michael Hertel, executive director for the Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center.

The Heart Center’s systems of care close the gap of timely access to appropriate, life-saving treatments. Before they are discharged, appropriate patients are started on aggressive risk reduction therapies such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, aspirin, ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers in the hospital and receive smoking cessation counseling.

Hospitals receiving the Mission: Lifeline Bronze Performance Achievement Award have demonstrated for 90 consecutive days that at least 85 percent of eligible STEMI patients (without contraindications) are treated within specific time frames upon entering the hospital and discharged following AHA’s recommended treatment guidelines.

The 2012 HealthGrades report cited Franciscan St. Francis Health-Indianapolis’ cardiac program as No. 1 in Indiana. It also was rated among the nation’s best for overall cardiac and cardiology services, and coronary interventional procedures.

To learn more about the report go to http://stfrancisnews.blogspot.com/2011/10/franciscan-st-francis-health-cardiac.html

Franciscan St. Francis Health nurses honored for making a difference

BEV LOUNDERMILK

 INDIANAPOLIS – Making an enormous difference in the lives of patients they serve daily, two registered nurses at Franciscan St. Francis Health have been recognized by for extraordinary caregiving.

Registered nurses, Kelli Turlo and Bev Loudermilk have been named the July 2012 recipients of the hospital’s DAISY Awards.

Turlo, a post-surgical care unit nurse, Indianapolis campus, was nominated by a grateful patient, who wrote: “She made me feel comfortable, ensured me I wasn’t alone and gave me personal attention.  Kelli was so caring and her willingness to do for others is remarkable. I always felt her compassion and her caring spirit every time she entered the room. I will always now return to St. Francis and I would like to believe that Kelli had a lot to do with that decision.”

KELLI TURLO

Loudermilk, an emergency department nurse Mooresville campus, was nominated by an inspired co-worker. Loudermilk recently helped a patient’s family by arranging a meeting with a hospice representative. She made endless phone calls and was able to arrange a meeting for this family at their home. 

“The family was so grateful and I believe Bev’s compassion was seen by all,” wrote her co-worker.

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is a national program that honors the compassionate care and clinical excellence. Franciscan St. Francis localized the program in 2010 to recognize its nurses for their achievements.

The DAISY Award was established by the DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes who died at 33 an auto-immune disease. His family was so impressed by the clinical skills, caring and compassion of the nurses who cared for him that they created this national award to say “thank you” to nurses everywhere. For more information, go to www.daisyfoundation.org.

  

To learn more about nursing careers and programs at Franciscan St. Francis, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/nursing.

St. Francis Health, Perry Twp. schools offer on-site immunizations

RN Emily Cornpropst delivers a healthy
dose to this sixth grader.

INDIANAPOLIS – As local schools get back in full swing, parents are reminded their youngsters are required to have certain immunizations to remain in class.

That’s why Franciscan St. Francis Health, MSD Perry Township and the Marion County Health Department have partnered to offer free immunizations to children throughout the south-side school district.

Immunization clinics were offered this morning (Aug. 8) at Southport High School will resume at 12:15 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. at Southport Middle School at 5715 S. Keystone Ave.

On Aug. 9, a clinic will be held at Perry Meridian High School at 401 W. Meridian School Road from 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. The immunizations will resume at 12:15 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. at Perry Meridian Middle School at 202 W. Meridian School Road (across the street from the high school).

Parents and caregivers must bring children’s immunization records, insurance information and authorization for immunizations.

Similar clinics were held earlier in the week for kindergarten students through fifth grade at the Perry Township Education Center.

To learn more about school entry immunization requirements, go to http://www.mchd.com/pdf/immunization_req_2012.pdf.

Angela Jacinto receives reassurance from her mother Maria
 as RN Laurie Donnelly prepares to administer a vaccination.

St. Francis Health, Perry Twp. schools partner to boost immunizations

INDIANAPOLIS – As local schools get back in full swing, parents are reminded their youngsters are required to have certain immunizations to remain in class.

That’s why Franciscan St. Francis Health, MSD Perry Township and the Marion County Health Department have partnered to offer free immunizations to children throughout the south-side school district.

Immunization clinics were offered this morning (Aug. 8) at Southport High School will resume at 12:15 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. at Southport Middle School at 5715 S. Keystone Ave.

On Aug. 9, a clinic will be held at Perry Meridian High School at 401 W. Meridian School Road from 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. The immunizations will resume at 12:15 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. at Perry Meridian Middle School at 202 W. Meridian School Road (across the street from the high school).

Parents and caregivers must bring children’s immunization records, insurance information and authorization for immunizations.

Similar clinics were held earlier in the week for kindergarten students through fifth grade at the Perry Township Education Center.

To learn more about school entry immunization requirements, go to http://www.mchd.com/pdf/immunization_req_2012.pdf.

Meredith Sweeney, MD, establishes new practice with Indy Southside Surgical group

INDIANAPOLIS –  Meredith Sweeney, MD, has joined St. Francis Medical Group Indy Southside Surgical.

Board-certified in general surgery, she recently completed a minimally invasive surgery fellowship at Norton Suburban Hospital in Louisville and a general surgery residency at the University of Louisville.

Sweeney earned a medical degree at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago and bachelor of science in biology at the University of Illinois (Champaign).

She is a member of the American Medical Association, Illinois State Medical Society, Chicago Medical Scoiety, American College of Surgeons, Kentucky Medical Society and the Greater Louisville Medical Association.

Sweeney joins five other physicians at St. Francis Medical Group Indy Southside Surgical, which has been in practice since 1989.

Led by President Isaac J. Myers II, M.D., St. Francis Medical Group is a multidisciplinary group of physicians throughout central Indiana. These physicians offer a variety of primary care and specialty care services and all practice at Franciscan St. Francis Health.

To learn more about St. Francis Medical Group, go to www.stfrancisdoctors.org.

St. Francis Health orthopedic surgeon receives prestigious fellowship

MOORESVILLE, Ind. – Robert Malinzak, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with Franciscan St. Francis Health’s Center for Hip and Knee Surgery, has been chosen to participate in this year’s prestigious Insall Traveling Fellowship.

Only four knee replacement surgeons in the world are chosen annually for this honor, sponsored by The Knee Society.

The fellowship is named for John Insall, MD, whose legendary contributions to knee surgery were based on an academic pursuit of excellence in research, surgical techniques and patient care. Inherent in his life's work was the importance of educating knee surgeons throughout the world.

The chosen surgeons visit internationally recognized joint replacement and knee surgery centers.  Malinzak’s month-long fellowship will begin Sept 30 in Boston and end Oct. 31 in Denver, with stops in Charlotte, N.C.; Philadelphia; Ontario; New York City; Columbus, Ohio; Chicago and his own facility in Mooresville, Ind., which annually is a featured location for the fellows.

Malinzak and his colleagues in Mooresville have hosted Insall Fellows ever since the fellowship was created 10 years ago.

The candidates must undertake a project during the four-week course of their travels and subsequently present their data at selected international meetings and for publishing in appropriate journals.

Malinzak is not the first from his practice group, St. Francis Medical Group Joint Replacement Surgeons, to be chosen as an Insall Fellow. Michael Berend, MD, served his fellowship in 2004.

Malinzak is a graduate of the Duke University School of Medicine where he also completed his orthopedic internship and residency training. He is board certified in orthopedic surgery, with special interest in shoulder, hip and knee replacements.

Malinzak is a former team physician for athletes at Duke University and North Carolina Central University and has served as consultant for the U.S. Soccer teams. He is the author of the acclaimed orthopedic board review book First Aid for the Orthopaedic Boards.

He and his partners perform more than 2,500 knee, hip and shoulder replacements each year. Their work at the Center for Hip and Knee Surgery has been ranked number one in Indiana for joint replacement surgery five years in a row (2007-2011) by HealthGrades, a leading independent health ratings organization.

The center also has received a five-star rating for total hip and knee replacement for nine consecutive years (2003-2011) and earned HealthGrades’ Joint Replacement Excellence Award for 2011. The ratings are based on patient mortality and complication rates.

New engineering chief appointed at Franciscan St. Francis Health

INDIANAPOLIS – Keith A. Rodebeck has been appointed director of engineering for Franciscan St. Francis Health.

He has worked with the hospital’s engineering department for more than 26 years and more recent was assistant manager of renovation and construction. In that role he has served as liaison between the hospital and general contractors, design firms and other vendors on major construction projects, such as Franciscan St. Francis’ recently completed $270 million expansion project at its Indianapolis campus.

A resident of Fountaintown, Rodebeck has professional certifications from Villanova University, the City of Indianapolis and Project Management Institute.  He received associate of science degrees at ITT Technical Institute and Colorado Tech University and later earned a bachelor of science from Indiana Wesleyan University. 

Currently, he is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration at the University of Indianapolis.

Rodebeck succeeds Toby Orme, who recently retired from Franciscan St. Francis.

St. Francis Health video commercials garner national ‘Telly’ Awards

INDIANAPOLIS – Two commercials profiling patients who received care at Franciscan St. Francis Health have earned recognition in the 2012 Telly Awards.

The commercials – “David’s Story” and “Jayme’s Story” – received Bronze awards in the Internet/On-Line Video Health and Fitness category

The annual Telly Awards honors the finest film and video productions, groundbreaking web commercials, videos and films, and outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs. This year’s competition included 12,000 entries from all 50 states and five continents. 

“David’s Story” details the experience of a Bloomington, Ind., farmer who underwent heart valve surgery at Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center. Similarly, “Jayme’s Story” is a testimonial ad, featuring an Indianapolis middle-school teacher who was diagnosed and treated for colorectal cancer at Franciscan St. Francis Cancer Center.

“We’re honored by this recognition,” said Kelli Searles, director of marketing and community relations. “The biggest honor, however, is the confidence patients place in the care they receive at our three hospitals. We’re grateful they generously shared their stories to inspire others.”

The commercials were produced by Rich marc Productions of Indianapolis, with consulting provided by Franciscan St. Francis marketing managers and Neat hawk Dubuque & Packet, a Richmond, Va.-based advertising agency.

To view “Jayme’s Story,” go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qbc90dL4jLU. “David’s Story” can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD0tcrXxxyA.

St. Francis Health takes extra steps to conserve water, electricity during drought

INDIANAPOLIS –  As drought conditions continue to deepen throughout Central Indiana and force water usage restrictions and burn bans, Franciscan St. Francis Health is taking additional steps to conserve resources at its Indianapolis and Mooresville campuses.

The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that portions of central Indiana – including Marion, Johnson and Morgan counties – are classified as being in “extreme drought.”

“One of our bedrock values is the commitment to be good stewards of resources at our hospitals and facilities,” said Robert J. Brody, president and chief executive officer. “Given the climate conditions and the uncertainty of any immediate relief, we are taking further steps to reduce our water consumption and more closely monitor our utilities – none of which will affect the safety and comfort of our patients.”

Effective immediately or to be phased in soon at our Indianapolis and Mooresville campuses will:

•  Use disposable dishes and cutlery for customers at the Terrace Café. Discontinue the use of the cafeteria pulper, a machine which shreds food waste. With both measures in place, more than  2,400 gallons of water will be saved every day.
• Use disposable cloths for surface cleaning.
•  Defer power-washing of sidewalks and bricks and sprinkler testing.
•  Defer fire hydrant testing while remaining in compliance with regulations.
•  Reduce the washing of hospital vehicles by at least 50 percent.
• Increase usage of bottled water (both one and five-gallon containers) to ensure sufficient quantities are on hand for reserves.
• Test well water for personal consumption safety if needed.  

 Additionally, the hospitals will make more efficient use of electricity by:

•  Turning off lights in storerooms, unoccupied offices, restrooms and other similar areas.
• Close drapes and blinds on the sunward side of buildings during daylight hours to help reduce temperatures in those areas.
•  Increase the temperature in non-clinical areas to 76° F.
• Wherever possible, thermostat night setbacks will be used.

Additionally, hospital officials remind the public that all campuses are designated as “smoke-free,” meaning that smoking is not permitted anywhere on Franciscan St. Francis Health properties. There have been numerous incidents of grass fires throughout Central Indiana in recent weeks caused by motorists tossing their cigarettes. Extinguishing these fires unnecessarily depletes water supplies.

There is no imminent threat of widespread water shortages, which could affect operations at the two hospitals. All hospitals are priority customers of utility companies.

Franciscan St. Francis’ smaller hospital in Carmel is not affected by these actions at this time.

“Our employees are good stewards of resources,” Brody said. They do so not only out of a sense of professional responsibility but because it is the right thing to do at all times.”

Patients have fast, secure online access to medical records, doctors with MyChart

INDIANAPOLIS – Reaching your doctor’s office can be a challenge because office hours don’t always coincide with your free moments

So, imagine connecting with your physician’s office with a click of a button, submitting medication refill requests, appointment time requests, even non-emergency questions?

That’s what MyChart offers to primary-care patients through St. Francis Medical Group of Franciscan St. Francis Health. The group has practices offer new information technology to streamline patient care and administrative services.

With MyChart, patients can:

• ·         Schedule appointments online.
• ·         Send direct messages to their primary care physician’s office.
• ·         Receive test results online – with no waiting a return call or letter.
• ·         Request medications refills.
• ·         Review medications, immunizations, allergies and medical history.
• ·         Access family records.
• ·         View details of past and upcoming appointments.
• ·         Link children’s accounts for convenient access to appointments and other vital medical records.
• ·         View Franciscan St. Francis Health inpatient discharge instructions.

Patients 18 years and older can sign up for MyChart when visiting their physician’s office. It only takes a few moments to complete the forms, review the instructions and receive a personal activation code, enabling them to login through a secure link at www.StFrancisDoctors.org.

“As a working parent, it’s tough to squeeze in calls to my pediatrician’s office around meetings,” said one mother, who now communicates with her pediatrician’s office from her office computer. “MyChart was easy to use, and I got a response quickly without worrying about missing a phone call. Better yet, I was assured this access was secure and the information remained confidential.”

MyChart is part of a fully integrated suite of applications for electronic medical records (EMRs) developed by Wisconsin-based Epic.

Franciscan St. Francis Health began its transition to the Epic system more than a year ago and is part of a corporate-wide transition to integrated electronic medical records for the Franciscan Alliance, a network of 14 hospitals systems in Indiana and Illinois.

To learn more about MyChart, go to www.franciscanalliance.org/MyChart.

Central Indiana knee surgeon listed among ‘super elite’ nationally

MOORESVILLE, Ind. – When it comes to knee surgeons, who are the “super elite”? That’s the question asked and answered by Orthopedics This Week, one of the most widely read publications in the orthopedics industry. 

Among those named is Michael E. Berend, MD, a surgeon with the Center for Hip and Knee Surgery at Franciscan St. Francis Health—Mooresville.

According to Orthopedics This Week, “Knee surgeons at the top of their game let us know their thoughts on the best orthopedic surgeons in their subspecialty. Here is that list.”

What follows is a list of 26 knee surgeons in alphabetical order obtained through a telephone survey of “thought leaders in the field,” along with quotes from those leaders. Fourth on the list is Berend, who serves on the executive board of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. He is listed along with his brother, Keith Berend, MD, a joint surgeon in Columbus, Ohio.

According to one survey responder, “(Michael Berend) has done substantial research on total and partial knee replacement. He is a really high-volume surgeon….”

Berend is a physician with the nationally recognized Center for Hip and Knee Surgery working with St. Francis Medical Group Joint Replacement Surgeons, in Mooresville, Ind.

He is a graduate of the Duke University School of Medicine where he also completed his internship and residency training. He is board certified in orthopedic surgery.

Berend has been published in more than 75 orthopedic publications and has presented research papers nationally and internationally. He travels worldwide to train surgeons on the latest surgical techniques. He also participates annually in Operation Walk, a volunteer medical organization that provides free surgical treatment for patients in developing countries.

Berend and his partners perform more than 2,500 knee, hip and shoulder replacements each year. Their work at the Center for Hip and Knee Surgery has been ranked number one in Indiana for joint replacement surgery five years in a row (2007-2011) by HealthGrades, a leading independent health ratings organization.

The center also has received a five-star rating for total hip and knee replacement for nine consecutive years (2003-2011) and earned HealthGrades’ Joint Replacement Excellence Award for 2011. The ratings are based on patient mortality and complication rates.

More information about the Center for Hip & Knee Surgery is at centerforhipandkneesurgery.org