Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital Awarded Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers

January 28th, 2020

Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers.

“This certification recognizes our commitment to providing outstanding care to our patients in the Pearland and Brazoria County community,” said Kyle Price, senior vice president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital and Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital.  “We are proud to achieve this great distinction of becoming a Primary Stroke Center.”

The hospital earned this distinction after the Joint Commission conducted an on-site review in November.  Joint Commission experts evaluated compliance with stroke-related standards and requirements, including program management, the delivery of clinical care and performance improvement.

“Achieving this distinction was a team effort and represents to our community the quality of care we are able to provide to meet the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients in order to foster the best outcomes,” said Faraz Javed, performance improvement coordinator for stroke and chest pain at Memorial Hermann Pearland.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year more than 795,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the nation’s fourth leading cause of death. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every 4 minutes. Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States, with about 4.7 million stroke survivors alive today.

The Joint Commission’s Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on the recommendations for primary stroke centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association’s statements/guidelines for stroke care. The Joint Commission launched the program — the nation’s first — in 2003. A list of programs certified by the Joint Commission is available atwww.jointcommission.org.

For more information on Memorial Hermann Pearland, visit www.memorialhermann.org.

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Movers & Shakers: Todd Caliva

December 31st, 2019

Name:  Todd Caliva

Occupation: CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake

Hometown: Houston

Current home: Pearland

Family: Two daughters

Someone I’d like to meet: President George W. Bush

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: Ronald Reagan when he was President

My favorite performer is: Kenny Chesney

I like to spend my leisure time: Golfing

If I could travel to any place, I’d choose: Italy

My favorite meal is:  Italian Food
As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be:  Influential

You’ll never catch me: Sitting still

The thing that bugs me the most is: People who take short cuts

My favorite movie is: Rocky and also The Godfather

Few people know: I am working very hard to be a better listener

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HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake launches innovative alternative to open heart surgery

May 2nd, 2019

The HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake cardiology team celebrates after the hospital’s first TAVR procedures.

This April, Houston’s Bay Area marked a major cardiology milestone as HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake launched its transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) service, successfully completing three procedures on its first day.

A relatively new procedure, TAVR replaces damaged aortic valves through a catheter in contrast to open-heart surgery in which surgeons cut open the chest to expose the heart. Typically, candidates for TAVR suffer from aortic stenosis, a common but serious valve problem in which the aortic valve opening narrows, dangerously restricting blood flow and affecting pressure in the heart.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved TAVR in 2012 for patients who are considered at high risk for open-heart surgery. In 2016, the FDA approved the procedure for patients at intermediate risk. Later this year, experts expect the agency to expand its approval to low-risk patients, which will dramatically increase the number of patients who qualify for TAVR.

Just this April, Rolling Stones rocker Mick Jagger underwent TAVR for his heart valve disease, raising awareness of the procedure’s benefits, including not needing to rely on a bypass machine and a faster recovery – one to two days instead of three to five.

The FDA imposes strict requirements for hospitals wishing to practice TAVR, including successfully completing a certain number of open heart, surgical aortic valve, catheter, and percutaneous coronary interventions per year. The heart hospital at HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake, the only dedicated heart hospital in the Bay Area, performs more than 1,000 heart procedures annually.

Surgeons Pranav Loyalka and Hannan Chaugle worked with a team of cardiologists to successfully perform HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake’s first TAVR procedures. Patients interested in learning more about TAVR and other cardiology services should call (888) 842-3627 for more information.

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Houston Physicians’ Hospital

March 4th, 2019

Setting the new standard for healthcare

Houston Physicians’ Hospital is an award-winning facility with some of the first technology of its kind offered in the Houston Bay Area. As a physician-owned hospital specializing in surgical services, including joint, spine, sports medicine and robotic surgery, Houston Physicians’ Hospital has a vision to be the healthcare provider where physicians choose to practice, patients want to receive care, and employees prefer to work.

Dr. Greg Bonnen, Neurosurgeon, says that Houston Physicians’ Hospital “is really the only place I want to work. It is the most efficient and patients are the happiest with their experience here by far. There’s no other place where patients rave about their experience and the way they are treated.”

The team at Houston Physicians’ Hospital is dedicated to providing compassionate care with a patient-centered focus. The hospital accepts most major insurances and also publishes competitive cash pricing online. While most patients who are being treated by a physician do not need surgery or require a visit to a hospital, many patients find the value of aligning with physicians affiliated with Houston Physicians’ Hospital.

Award-Winning Care
Houston Physicians’ Hospital recently earned a 5-star rating for patient experience from CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and is one of only two in the Houston area to achieve such designation.

It is the first and only facility in Houston to earn Hip and Knee Replacement Certification from DNV and was recognized as a Center of Distinction by Stryker and recognized in the top 75th percentile for Joint Replacement.

Houston Physicians’ Hospital obtained ISO-9001 certification, earned a Five-Star Recipient for Spinal Fusion Surgery from Health Grades in 2018, and was recognized as a Houston Chronicle Top Workplace in 2017.

Joint Solutions Center
The Joint Solutions Center at Houston Physicians’ Hospital is truly a one-of-a-kind program that provides an individualized plan with a patient navigator, pre-operative classes and a space-theme competition between patients post-operatively. The program is evidence based and provides some of the best outcomes in the country.

The team at the Joint Solutions Center at Houston Physicians’ Hospital “utilizes evidence-based protocols that were developed collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia, nurses and physical therapists,” said Dr. Anthony Melillo, Orthopedic Surgeon. “We continually enhance our program with a patient-centric approach. We invite patients back and incorporate their feedback to help us improve the program.” As a result, Houston Physicians’ Hospital is now performing the most joint replacements in the Clear Lake area.

Dr. Marilyn Copeland, Orthopedic Surgeon chooses Houston Physicians’ Hospital because “it has the lowest infection rate in the area. When I send patients [to Houston Physicians’ Hospital], they are pleased with the care. The employees love working here, and you can tell they want to be here. There’s a level of commitment and care to help patients feel comfortable so the whole experience is seamless.”

Mako Robot
Houston Physicians’ Hospital has the only Mako Robot in Southeast Houston for hip and knee surgery. Robotics is also a demonstration of a commitment to superior orthopedic outcomes. Several orthopedic physicians utilize the Mako Robot at Houston Physicians’ Hospital, which provides precision planning, rapid recovery and a shorter hospital stay for patients. It is the most accurate and personalized approach possible to hip and knee replacement surgery.

Spine Solutions Center
Houston Physicians’ Hospital takes spine care seriously and understands that neck and back pain can be life-altering. That’s why the Spine Solutions Center offers appointments within 48 hours with no referral needed. Based on diagnosis, the patient navigator will help with everything from getting timely appointments to selecting the right specialist. The Spine Solutions Center program focuses on patient care and clinical outcomes collaboratively designed by surgeons and highly trained clinical staff. The ultimate goal is to have patients resuming normal activity as quickly as possible. The team at Houston Physicians’ Hospital thoroughly assesses patients’ needs to ensure they receive the proper treatment. Most patients can be treated non-surgically with treatment options such as Physical Therapy. Houston Physicians’ Hospital has 15 physical therapy locations in the Houston area. If surgery is needed, neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, and pain medicine specialists provide advanced surgical options.

COOLEIF Treatment
“At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we embody excellence in terms of being in top of the most modern ways of treating problems,” Dr. Eduardo Garcia, Pain Management Physician. COOLIEF is a minimally invasive, non-narcotic procedure that treats chronic back, knee, and hip pain and can last up to a year. According to Dr. Garcia, “this device relieves pain to treat chronic arthritis. We are the only [hospital] who has it in the Houston Bay Area.”

Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep Brain Stimulation is used to help control the movement symptoms of Parkinson’s, including tremors, slowed movement and stiffness. For many people with Parkinson’s, Deep Brain Stimulation makes a difference when even small tasks have become challenging.

Caring Suite MRI
Houston Physicians’ Hospital has the first and only “Caring Suite” MRI in Southeast Houston that offers an innovative, personalized and stress-relieving approach to diagnostic imaging suite design. With a tap, patients can choose their favorite 4K nature theme, lighting hue, music, movie or even family photos. The MRI “Caring Suite” helps reduce anxiety and the need for sedation in patients that experience claustrophobia in other MRIs.

Patient Testimonials
After getting both of her knees replaced last year, Vicie Richardson says she doesn’t spend Saturdays in bed. “I can live again. Dr. Melillo is my hero. Everyone [at Houston Physicians’ Hospital] was phenomenal and treat you like you’re like the only person there. Every single person was kind,” said Richardson.

After seeing many specialists and going to an emergency room, Jodie Crews found Dr. Marilyn Copeland, who “saw me on her lunch break and correctly diagnosed me within five minutes of something I had been fighting for months and living in excruciating pain.” Within a few hours, her pain had subsided.

Carmelita Love was diagnosed with nonessential tremors 30 years ago. After her Deep Brain Stimulation procedure by Dr. Bonnen, she said “I came out of recovery in tears. I wasn’t crying in pain. It was tears of joy because my tremors were gone.” She commented that her “care [at Houston Physicians’ Hospital] was wonderful. I just love the place. The doctors, the PA, the nurses, even x-ray techs are so patient-focused.”

Cara McAfee recently had her second back surgery at 40 years old, and compared to her first surgery at another facility, “the physicians were coordinated so my care was seamless. I received customized treatment from the staff and Dr. Bonnen anticipated my needs to make sure it was the right environment for me to heal.”

Houston Physicians’ Hospital is located at 333 North Texas Avenue, Suite 1000, Webster, TX 77598. Visit them online at www.houstonphysicianshospital.com

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Houston Methodist Clear Lake Pledges $500,000 to expand Leader in Me program

November 1st, 2018

Joining in to celebrate the CCISD Leader In Me Houston Methodist announcement at the Clear Creek Education Foundation Kick Off Breakfast were Armand Bayou Elementary students, from left to right, 5th grader Miller Skowron, 4th grader Sophia Tamayo, 5th grader Carmen Evans, and 1st grader Violet Van Haaren; along with Port Commissioner John Kennedy, who serves on the Houston Methodist Board of Directors; CCISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith and attorney Levi Benton with Mahomes Bolden PC and on the hospital Board of Directors and CCEF Board of Directors.

Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital has committed half a million dollars to the Clear Creek Education Foundation in support of the Clear Creek School District’s planned expansion of The Leader In Me program in 14 schools over the next five years.

The announcement was made at the Clear Creek Education Foundation’s Community Kickoff Breakfast held at the CCISD Challenger Columbia Stadium Fieldhouse.

Clear Creek ISD is in its third year of progressively implementing The Leader In Me program at its schools. The Leader In Me program is a whole school transformation process that teaches 21st century leadership and life skills to students and creates a culture of student empowerment based on the idea that every child can be a leader. This mindset leads to tangible improvements in the academic, behavioral and social wellbeing of participating students.

With funding made possible by the Clear Creek Education Foundation, Falcon Pass Elementary and Armand Bayou Elementary schools were the first two CCISD campuses to introduce The Leader In Me program into their school culture. Both campuses have seen the trajectory of their school’s academic performance rise along with student achievement and positive behaviors.

Over the next five years, the Houston Methodist Clear Lake contribution will have the power to substantially increase the footprint of The Leader In Me in CCISD and positively impact an additional 13,000 students in grades pre-k through 12 throughout the District.

“The impact of Houston Methodist’s generous commitment will be both measurable and immeasurable for years to come,” said Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith. “Our students will be even better equipped to achieve their full potential, build the skill-set necessary for success in the 21st century and access more opportunities for a better life.”

The announcement comes on the heels of a similar commitment of $60,000 over three years by Space Center Rotary Club to begin the program at Space Center Intermediate.

Based on Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, The Leader in Me allows administrators, faculty, staff and students the opportunity to practice and celebrate the 7 Habits daily, learning how to be proactive, set goals and collaborate with others.

The Leader In Me is aligned with many national and state academic standards and the process teaches students the skills needed for academic success in any setting. These skills include critical thinking, goal setting, listening and speaking, self-directed learning, presentation making and the ability to work in groups.

“The Leader In Me cultivates the qualities and attitudes employers look for in today’s highly competitive environment,” said Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital CEO Dan Newman. “Self-management, independent thinking, problem-solving and other important skills like these empower our students with the tools they need to achieve success. I applaud CCISD’s innovation and its commitment to adopt The Leader In Me. Houston Methodist Clear Lake is proud to play a role in providing this unique opportunity to potential future leaders.”

The District plans to continue to expand the program into even more schools until every CCISD campus and student has the opportunity to experience The Leader In Me and unleash their full potential. Business, government and community organizations interested in becoming a Leader In Me underwriter and partner may contact Deborah Laine, executive director of the Clear Creek Education Foundation (a 501c3 organization) at 281.284.0031 or at [email protected].

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UTMB announces plans to lease Bay Area Regional Medical Center

August 15th, 2018

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has signed a letter of intent to complete negotiations regarding a long-term lease of the recently vacated Bay Area Regional Medical Center in Webster.

The Bay Area facility at the corner of Highway 3 and Blossom opened in 2014 but was shuttered in May, throwing several hundred employees out of work. The UT System Board of Regents approved UTMB proposed plans Thursday with financing to be managed through operational funds.

“This is a unique opportunity for UTMB Health to advance our mission of education, research and patient care,” said Dr. David L. Callender, president of the university.

“The Webster location will complement our existing facilities on our League City Campus and in surrounding areas, as well as our future plans for education and research activities in the Bay Area. Together, these facilities will enable us to broaden our efforts to serve a rapidly growing region, while supporting our academic work to define the future of health care.”

When a lease is final, UTMB will work with UTMB faculty and program leaders, as well as existing physicians in the Bay Area, to determine how best to use the property, he explained.  Once final agreements have been signed, an opening date will be determined, he added.

UTMB is continuing with plans to add 60 beds to its existing 37-bed League City Hospital, which currently includes an emergency room, mother-baby unit with Level II infant special care capability, and medical/surgical services for adults. Numerous UTMB specialty services also are available on the university’s League City Campus and nearby facilities.

In 2016, UTMB dedicated the 250-bed Jennie Sealy Hospital in Galveston and work is continuing to modernize the nearby John Sealy Hospital. In addition, UTMB has a hospital at its Angleton Danbury Campus in Brazoria County, as well as numerous clinics throughout the Greater Houston/Galveston area. The clinical facilities support the university’s education and research activities.

 

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