For millions of people who suffer from kidney stones this year, relief cannot come soon enough. That is why St. John Medical Center opened of The Northeastern Ohio Kidney Stone Center, the first center of its kind in the area. The Northeastern Ohio Kidney Stone Center gives both the physician and patient convenient access to some of the most advanced kidney stone treatment methods available today. In collaboration with ForTec Litho, The Northeastern Ohio Kidney Stone Center offers state-of-the-art treatment technologies like Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy, a non-surgical procedure in which shockwaves are used to break apart kidney stones. Other available treatments include cystoscopy with stone extraction, percutaneous lithotripsy, flexible and rigid ureteroscopy and Holmium laser treatment.
The focus of The Northeastern Ohio Kidney Stone Center is to make these treatments as accessible as possible. To that end, the Center features convenient hours of operation and flexible scheduling, enabling patients to be treated within 24 to 48 hours.
Because more than one million people are diagnosed with kidney stones each year, Toni Noday-Krager, Director Surgical Services, thinks The Northeastern Ohio Kidney Stone Center will be an essential extension of hospital services. "We are pleased to be the first in the area to offer accessible, state-of-the-art kidney stone treatment," said Noday-Krager. "With the extreme pain and discomfort caused by kidney stones, patients deserve a faster, easier way to find relief."
For more information or to schedule an appointment with The Northeastern Ohio Kidney Stone Center, call 1-877-597-6348.
Ever watch Bravo’s Top Chef and wish that you could judge a contest of culinary skill and creativity as brave chefs meet head-to-head in battle? If so, your opportunity comes to Northeast Ohio this summer.
The versatility and inventiveness of four top chefs from Cleveland’s finest restaurants will be tested in a Top Chef competition on Friday evening, July 10 at the annual Festival of the Arts Friday night fund-raiser which kicks off the arts and crafts weekend. The contest will require each chef to prepare an appetizer and entrée. All of the action will be captured for all to see on a Jumbotron.
The competition will be hosted by Ted Allen, judge on Bravo’s Top Chef and Food Network’s Iron Chef America, and host of several television series, including Food Detectives and Chopped, two new primetime series onthe Food Network, and Uncorked: Wide Made Simple on PBS. Joining Allen will be Cleveland native Michael Ruhlman, food writer, author of several books celebrating food and the art of professional cooking, and a judge on Next Iron Chef and Iron Chef America.
The Top Chef competition at the 2009 Festival of the Arts will serve as the annual fund-raiser for St. John Medical Center. Proceeds will benefit the Hospital’s Community Outreach and Wellness Ministry programs, which promote health and wellness through community health screenings, seminars, support groups, childbirth education classes, and women’s services programs at little or no cost. Last year’s Festival of the Arts benefit raised more than $85,000 for Community Outreach and the purchase of life-saving equipment.
"We are excited about this new direction," says Cliff J. Coker, St. John Medical Center President. "The Friday night fund-raiser has always been a stellar event and certainly the highlight of the West Side benefit season. This year we wanted to raise the bar to clearly separate it from the others, as well as create a new tradition."
Be a part of Cleveland history and find out who will "pack their knives" and who will be crowned this year’s Festival of the Arts’ Top Chef on Friday, July 10. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the competition to begin at 7 p.m. Limited individual and sponsorship opportunities are available by calling 440-827-5002. Individual tickets are $125. Collector individual tickets, which include a program listing, are $150. More information and sponsorship forms are also available here.
St. John Medical Center is proud to announce the completion of a $2.5-million renovation of its Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Recovery areas. The renovation boasts state-of-the-art equipment to improve overall operational efficiencies, as well as patient and physician outcomes. St. John Medical Center operates three Cardiac Cath Labs.
During the renovation process the Cath Lab was enlarged and outfitted with the latest technology and equipment. Among improvements made to the Lab/Recovery areas are an expanded physician dictation area, new patient/family and physician consultation room, and new electrophysiology equipment. During an electrophysiology procedure, electrode catheters (flexible, insulated wires with metal electrode tips) are inserted into the heart in order to study the cardiac electrical system.
In addition, flat-screen plasma televisions were added to every patient admission/ recovery room, and permanent walls were erected between patient bays to enhance overall privacy. A multipurpose room was also included in the re-design, providing space for performing TE Echocardiograms (which uses ultrasound to examine the heart), Cardioversions (whereby an electrical shock is delivered to the heart to convert an abnormal heart rhythm back to a normal rhythm), tilt table evaluations, as well as a swing for non-invasive testing procedures.
To increase the Hospital’s door-to-balloon heart attack response time, a new door was added which leads directly from the Emergency Department to the newly renovated Cardiac Cath Lab area. This new access point will allow for easier and faster patient flow; in the case of cardiac care, time is muscle.
A recent Cleveland FOX-8 I-Team investigation titled "Heart Attack Care Report" looked into local hospitals’ response times to heart attack patients. The I-Team report cited St. John Medical Center as one of the area’s top three hospitals - and the only West side hospital - with a door-to-balloon time below the national standard. The American College of Cardiology and The American Heart Association guidelines suggest the best standard for restoring blood to the heart is 90 minutes (door-to-balloon time).
St. John Medical Center’s average is 59 minutes.
"We are extremely proud of the renovations made to our Cardiac Cath Lab and Recovery area," says Cliff J. Coker, President, St. John Medical Center. "These changes will bettter serve those seeking cardiovascular care near their home." Coker added "We are also pleased that TV-Channel 8 cited our Hospital as having the best door-to-balloon time on the West side - this is great news for the Hospital as well as the community."
A cardiac catheterization procedure evaluates blood flow in the coronary arteries, blood flow and blood pressure in the chambers of the heart, determines how well the heart valves work, and checks for defects in the wall of the heart. Results from a cardiac catheterization procedure help determine whether treatment with bypass surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), such as angioplasty, may be effective.
St. John Medical Center President Cliff J. Coker announced that Amelia Llerena, MD was recently elected medical staff president of St. John Medical Center. The election was held at a recent Medical Staff Quarterly meeting. Dr. Llerena assumed her new role on January 1, 2009.
Dr. Llerena has dedicated much of her time and service to the older Adult population on Cleveland's West side. In doing so, she has promoted the highest standards of geriatric practices in her roles as medical director of the St. John Medical Center Skilled Nursing Unit, and medical director for both Lutheran Home and Wellington Place. She has also participated in the Hospital's Nursing Home Geriatric Care Strategies Committee and Nursing Home Council. In addition to her contributions in the area of geriatric healthcare, Dr. Llerena has also served as co-chair of the Hospital's Ethics' Committee.
In 2008, she received the Carlos A. Maldonado, MD Award, which honors excellence in older adult services throughout western Cuyahoga County. She has previously received the St. John Medical Center Community Leadership Award and has been honored by Life Care Centers of America with a Certificate of Appreciation for more than 10 years of service. Dr. Llerena was also honored with the St. John Medical Center Society of St. Luke Award for her years of service and dedication to the Hospital Mission.
"Dr. Llerena is a tremendous asset to the Hospital," said Coker. "Her dedication, advice and counsel serving in previous leadership positions have enabled the Hospital to reach higher levels of success. We look forward to her continued guidance and commitment to the Hospital in her new role as medical staff president."
Also elected as Medical Staff Officers are Floyd Trillis, MD Vice President; Roberta Persaud, MD Secreatry/Treasurer; Gregory Bloxdorf, DO Member-at-Large and Charles Duncan, MD Member-at-Large.
Dr. Llerena replaces Robert Stern, MD who served as medical staff president of St. John Medical Center for 4 years. Prior to that, Dr. Stern held the chief of staff position and also served for more than one year as vice president of the medical staff. During his tenure at the Hospital, he has also dedicated nearly five years of his career to the position of chief of surgery. It was under Dr. Stern's supervision that St. John Medical Center developed its highly successful cardiothoracic surgical program. During his term, the Hospital opened its Spine & Orthopedic Center and UroDynamic Center. The Hospital also underwent an upgrade to its operating rooms and a $2.5 million renovation of its Cardiac Cath. Lab area. In addition, the Hospital was accredited as a Chest Pain Center, received Level III Trauma status, and was acknowledged as a Primary Stroke Center.
"Under Dr. Stern's leadership as Medical Staff President, the Hospital strived to reach the highest clinical standards and patient care excellence," says Coker. "His dedication to our Mission and commitment to enhancing hospital services made St. John Medical Center a considerably better organization."
St. John Medical Center is pleased to announce the formal appointment of Jack Burke to chairman of the Hospital's Community Board, effective January 1, 2009. The appointment was made by Sister Judith Ann Karam, CSA, president and CEO of the Sisters of Charity Health System and chair of the Partnership Board (UHHS/CSAHS-Cuyahoga Inc.). St. John Medical Center is a partnership between the Sisters of Charity Health System and University Hospitals. St. John Medical Center is a provider of Catholic health care.
Burke brings a wealth of experience to his role as chairperson of St. John Medical Center's Community Board. He is currently the senior vice president of Ferris Baker Watts, LLC, a Division of The Royal Bank of Canada. Prior to that, he served as senior vice president at Raymond James & Associates, Roney & Co. Merger; vice president of sales at Morgan Stanley-Dean Witter and corporate vice president at Paine Webber Jackson & Curtis.
Burke also serves as trustee/chairman of the board for the Kidney Foundation of Ohio; and is trustee and investment committee member of the Westshore Osteopathic Foundation. He is a graduate of Kent State University, attended the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Finance, and graduated from The Securities Industry Association’s Advanced Management Program.
"Jack is a dynamic leader who subscribes to the Hospital's commitment to excellence and mission," said Cliff J. Coker, president of St. John Medical Center. "I am certain that with his direction and guidance, St. John Medical Center will continue to be the health care provider of choice for Western Cuyahoga County and Lorain County residents."
Burke replaces Patricia Fox, who served as chairperson for St. John Medical Center’s Community Board for more than a decade. During her tenure, St. John Medical Center successfully entered into a partnership between the Sisters of Charity Health Systems and University Hospitals. Additionally, she was at the helm when the Hospital underwent a $10-million Emergency Department renovation, unveiled its Cardiac Care Pavilion and launched its Spine & Orthopedic and UroDynamic Centers.
"It is very difficult to put into words the many contributions that Pat Fox had made to the Hospital throughout the years," said Coker. "Pat's wisdom and advice has greatly advanced the Hospital to higher levels of success."
On Thursday December 4, the Lake Erie Monsters Hockey Team took some time off of the ice to visit St. John Medical Center. During their visit they spent time with patients and signed autographs for Hospital employees and friends in the main lobby. St. John West Shore Hospital is the "Hospital of Choice" for the Lake Erie Monsters.
Several of the Monsters, including Darey Campbell, J.D. Corbin, Ray Macais, Aaron Mackenzie, Mark McCutcheon, Wes Oneill, Chris Stewart and the team mascot Sullivan C. Goal, aka Sully, were on hand.
The team visited several areas of the Hospital, including the Spine & Orthopedic Center, Cardiac Care Unit-Step down, Pediatrics, and the Skilled Nursing Unit. The team spent time getting to know the patients and sent warm words of encouragement towards a speedy recovery. The Monsters also presented each patient with a gift bag that included a Monsters hat, gloves, and t-shirt.
After making their way around the hospital, players and Sully set up in the main lobby to meet employees, sign autographs and take pictures. Staff members were encouraged to bring family and friends to come meet the team.
St. John Medical Center would like to thank the Monsters for all of their kindness and encouragement they brought to the hospital. Go Monsters!
FOX-8 I-Team Investigation Uncovers Northeast Ohio Hospitals With the Quickest Lifesaving Door-to-Balloon Times.
When it comes to cardiac care, time is muscle. How quickly a hospital can unclog a blocked artery and restore critical blood flow to the heart muscle, also known as door-to- balloon time, can be the difference between life and death for a patient. A recent Cleveland FOX-8 I-Team investigation titled "Heart Attack Care Report" looked into local hospitals’ response times to heart attack patients. The I-Team report cited St. John Medical Center as one of the area’s top three hospitals — and the only West side hospital— with a door-to-balloon time below the national standard.
The American College of Cardiology and The American Heart Association guidelines suggest the best standard for restoring blood to the heart is 90 minutes (door-to- balloon time). St. John Medical Center’s average is 59 minutes.
The Hospital’s door-to- balloon time can be credited to its LIFENET Receiving Station that allows its Emergency Department to receive real-time, 12-lead EKG data from paramedics while they are still in the field. St. John Medical Center was the first hospital on the West side assisting local EMS to obtain equipment necessary to relay real time, 12-lead EKG data in order to save valuable evaluation, diagnosis and treatment time in cardiac emergencies. Communities benefiting from the 12-lead EKG initiative include Westlake and other surrounding Westside communities and eastern Lorain County communities.
"Our Hospital is continually looking for ways to provide better patient care," said Cliff J. Coker, president and CEO of St. John Medical Center. "With our 12-lead EKG initiative, we have significantly decreased door-to-therapy time which provides the patient with the best chance of survival and recovery."
The 12-lead EKG technology is not new to the medical profession. But only in recent years has the improved diagnostic quality of this technology allowed for accurate interpretations of the 12-lead EKG obtained in the field and transmitted in real time.
"Real time information is critical in order for us to fully assess a situation and determine how to best prep the Cath Lab," said Roy Seitz, M.D., medical director of the St. John Medical Center Emergency Department and one of the leading advocates of the 12-lead EKG initiative. "This type of technology is critical in allowing us to accurately diagnose a heart attack/myocardial exam. By knowing in advance, that there is an occlusion, we can completely bypass the Emergency Department and send the patient directly to the Cath Lab for angioplasty or another form of interventional treatment. Even though our transport times on the West side are relatively short, this type of field evaluation could save us as much as 10 to 5 minutes. For some patients, that means the difference between living and dying. For others, it might mean a higher quality of life after recovery."
In addition to the LIFENET Receiving Station contributing to the below door-to- balloon time standard, St. John Medical Center also utilizes a STEMI Alert protocol. As part of the protocol, the Cath Lab team is alerted at the very same time the interventional cardiologist is notified of an incoming patient. An overhead page is also given to alert necessary departments that a STEMI patient is in the Emergency Department.
According to the American Journal of Cardiology, acute myocardial infarction (an occlusion that blocks blood flow to the heart) is the leading cause of death for adults in the U.S. More than five million Americans enter hospitals each year with chest pain. Of those, approximately 600,000 will die annually from heart disease. The blocked artery must be opened in order to restore blood flow. Until such time, valuable heart muscle continues to be damaged.
The Society of St. Luke was established to recognize and honor selected members of the Medical Staff of St. John Medical Center (SJMC) for their distinguished service to patients and the Mission of St. John Medical Center. St. Luke, an author of one of the four gospels, was also a physician and is recognized as the 'Patron Saint of Physicians." The spirit of St. Luke continues today in the Society of St. Luke at St. John Medical Center.
The ceremony is held every other year. The 2006 Inductees were Albert Musca, MD, Nora Tolentino, MD, and Satesh Waghray, MD.
This year The Society of St. Luke Award Presentation was held on Friday, September 5 at LaCenter in Westlake. The 2008 Society of St. Luke inductees were:
At the award ceremony, each recipient received a special medallion and a short video was played highlighting his/her lifetime accomplishments.
"Our heartfelt congratulations to the 2008 inductees, as well as to all the inductees who have been honored since the programs inception in 2002. These three physicians are an asset to St. John Medical Center and the community," says Cliff J. Coker, Hospital President. "They are most deserving of this award and continue to practice medicine and pursue professional excellence.
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