Time share plan offers patients, physicians savings

SAMC expands program to Franciscan Point
outpatient complex

For some, the term “time share’’ connotes thoughts of pushy sales people trying to sell vacation condos at high-pressure meetings that draw audiences with guarantees of free, expensive prizes.

But at Saint Anthony Medical Center’s Franciscan Point, time share means time and cost savings and sharing of quality care.

Timothy Mullally, DO, is the first physician to occupy the new time share location, which allows doctors to expand their practices by renting space and having the option of using their staffs, or those provided by the hospital, during scheduled times each week.

Deborah Nelson, vice president-support services for Franciscan Physicians Network, which oversees the program, calls time share a “turn-key’’ operation. “This program makes it easily accessible for doctors to go into other markets without worrying about costs of staff and equipment or supplies. We can provide those at a reasonable cost, or they can bring their own staffs,’’ Nelson said. “We’re excited about offering this opportunity.’’

Mullally, who is certified in family practice and sports medicine, has for 3-½ years been based at Franciscan Physicians Network’s Demotte location. He also has been a medical director for the Sports Medicine Institute at Franciscan Point for more than a year. Now, he occupies a time share office on the second floor at Franciscan Point, where he sees patients from 3 to 6 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays.

“This is a needed service that provides convenience for the community, with which we have a close relationship,’’ said Mullally, who also serves as team doctor for the Crown Point High School football team.

Mullally mostly treats high-school athletes who suffer various injuries and “lumps and bumps,’’ as well as “weekend warriors’’ and people of all ages.

“We want to get people back to their previous health and function fast,’’ he said, adding the new facility provides “rapid availability and prompt care.’’ The office offers orthopedic, x-ray and casting services and has three exam rooms.

Dr. Timothy Mullally can be reached at (219) 662-5530.

Besides the Sports Medicine Institute and time share offices, Franciscan Point, Saint Anthony’s new outpatient treatment complex, offers EXPRESSCare (immediate care for nonemergency cases), physical, occupational and speech therapy, a WorkingWell occupational health program, diagnostic imaging and physicians offices where family medicine, internal medicine, sports medicine and orthopedics services are provided.

Franciscan Point is located at 12800 Mississippi Parkway (about one-half mile east of Interstate 65, south of U.S. 231).

Franciscan Physicians Network has offered the time share program for about 10 years and has other locations in Crown Point and in Valparaiso.
For more information on the program, call Deborah Nelson at (219) 681-6993.

Marathon brings dual success for SAMC physical therapist

Brooke Nack runs 8-minute miles;
raises $1,124 for Capital Campaign

CROWN POINT - Brooke Nack accomplished twofold goals she had set prior to running in the recent 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

The Saint Anthony Medical Center physical therapist raised $1,124 – more than the $1,000 amount she had hoped -- in pledges that she will donate to the hospital’s Capital Campaign. In addition, her average time per mile was 8.28 minutes; she had aimed for under nine minutes. Nack completed the 26-mile course in three hours, 42 minutes. It was her first marathon.
I was so sore, especially in the quads, afterward and I think the cold weather had something to do with it. I went for a muscular massage on Tuesday after the race and it helped a lot.’’

Nack took about a week off from running to recover.

“I would do it again,’’ she said of attempting another marathon, adding, “I’m thankful I work for an organization that contributes resources to philanthropic efforts. As the organization is willing to give, so I want to give.’’ Nack also contributes to the cause through an employee giving program.

The Capital Campaign, which began last February and is scheduled to run through the end of next year, seeks to raise $4.5 million, half of which is being matched by a private community donor, to build a new complex to house the St. Clare Health Clinic and the Prenatal Assistance Program, both of which provide free services for underprivileged area residents.

Campaign chairman Joseph Allegretti donated the last $100 Nack needed to reach the $1,000 goal; subsequent donations allowed her to exceed that amount.
“It’s just great that Brooke went the extra 26 miles to raise funds for the Capital Campaign,’’ Allegretti said.

Nack said family members, friends from her church and Saint Anthony employees each contributed about one-third of the proceeds.
“I even had patients coming up to me and donating; that was heartwarming. There also was so much support at the race. I was wearing a shirt with my name on it and people were calling it out and cheering me on – it was great,’’ she said.

SAMC imposes visitation restrictions to stem spread of flu

CROWN POINT - Effective Oct. 21, Saint Anthony Medical Center temporarily is adding restrictions to patient visitation policies and taking other measures to protect patients and employees from exposure to influenza-related illnesses.

Persons under the age of 14 will not be allowed to visit patients. Also, the number of people allowed to visit at a time will be limited to two.

Visitors will be given a sticker to wear for the day. Regular visitation hours of noon to 8:30 p.m. will be enforced. There will be circumstances for which exceptions to those hours will be made. Tours of The Birth Place also will be temporarily suspended.

“During this flu season, our top priority is keeping our patients and staff as risk-free as possible, to ensure the well-being of all concerned,’’ said Dr. John King, vice president of medical affairs. “Doing so will reduce the risk of exposure to H1N1, seasonal flu and other illnesses.’’

In addition to the new visitation policies, reading materials and toys have been removed from waiting rooms as another precaution.

Saint Anthony Medical Center is working with the Lake County Health Department and other local hospitals in response to the escalating number of flu cases.

Saint Anthony has created an informational Web site link at www.stanthonymedicalcenter.com that contains flu updates, health advice and information on visitation. Informational brochures also are available at the main entrance reception desk.

“We look forward to the end of the flu season and hope the outbreak will be minimal as possible so we can return to business as usual as quickly as feasible,’’ King said. “In the meantime, we will do our best to limit flu exposure to our patients, visitors and staff as much as possible.’’

Sisters of St. Francis hospitals offer Family Health Fair

Westfield Southlake Mall program will offer free advice, screenings

HOBART - A Family Health Fair will be offered by Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Northern Indiana Region hospitals from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 25 at Westfield Southlake Mall.

The free program will include screenings for blood pressure, oximetry, glucose, bone density and heart risk assessments. Seferino Faris, MD, a general surgeon and member of Franciscan Physicians Network, will be available during an “Ask the Doc’’ segment to address questions.

Representatives of the following services offered by the hospitals will be on hand to provide information:
* Sleep Disorders Center.
* Radiation Oncology Center.
* Midwest Bariatric Institute.
* Volunteer Advocates for Seniors Program.
* Stroke Center.
* Osteoporosis Specialty Clinic.
* Anticoagulation Clinic.
* Wound Healing and Prevention Institute and Hyperbaric Medicine.
* Healthy Indiana Plan.
* Behavorial Health Center.
* Franciscan ExpressCare.
* Joint Replacement Center.
* Cardiovascular Services and Rehabilitation.

Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Northern Indiana Region includes Saint Anthony Medical Center in Crown Point, Saint Margaret Mercy hospitals in Hammond and in Dyer, Saint Anthony Memorial Hospital in Michigan City and Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster.

Genorosity times 10

Fund-raiser brings trailer of supplies to SAMC prenatal assistance effort

CROWN POINT - Donna Marsh said she would consider it a blessing if she were able to donate just one baby bed to the Saint Anthony Medical Center Prenatal Assistance Program following a fund-raiser she planned in the name of her deceased, pregnant daughter and unborn grandson.

Turns out the blessings were abundant; she donated 10 beds – and much more – and says that is only the beginning.

Marsh, on Sept. 26, with the help of three dozen volunteers, conducted the first of what she plans to be an annual event -- the All Vehicle Memorial Ride & Car Show for Kayla (her daughter) and William Kayl (the unborn child’s name) -- that took place in Roselawn and in Shelby.

Marsh, of Lake Village, used the proceeds (the total amount is being tallied) on a shopping spree that netted a trailer full of necessities and fun stuff she delivered to the Prenatal Assistance Program office, with the help of a dozen family members and friends, this week. She also has identified a family to whom she will donate a headstone – another goal of the fund-raiser.

Despite the extensive number of supplies she made available to women from four counties who are served by the program, Marsh said, “It’s not as much as I would have liked to have donated, but it’s more than what they had, so I am happy. Even being able to give one baby bed is a blessing, so I feel good and it was a really good thing for my (three) other girls (Ashley, Heather and Alicia).’’

Marsh said the fund-raising effort provided a focus that helped her better deal with the Nov. 2 death of her daughter, grandchild-to-be and son-in-law of 16 days, William Schneegas. The Mount Ayr residents were riding on a motorcycle that was involved in a crash with a van in Parr, near Rensselaer.

“I am just so thankful to my family and extended family of friends that made this possible – I could not have done this without them. I am also so thankful for everyone who came out to support us and made this possible,’’ Marsh said.

Plans already are in the works for next year’s fund-raising event. “They will be bigger and better every year,” Marsh promised.

Marsh said the Saint Anthony Prenatal Assistance Program’s concern for her daughter inspired a desire to give back.

“The first time the nurse came to visit Kayla, she offered to put her on the waiting list for a crib, but we already had one. That is what drew me to the program – I couldn’t stand the thought of an expectant mother not having a bed for her baby.”
As a result, “My goal is to take care of everyone on the waiting list,’’ Marsh said.

Kathryn Copak, manager of the Saint Anthony Prenatal Assistance Program, said Marsh’s gesture was “absolutely wonderful.’’ “Any time you can reach out to the community and someone finds it in their heart to do what Donna did, it’s amazing. There always is someone in need,’’ Copak said.


An abundance of generosity
Items delivered to the Prenatal Assistance Program by Donna Marsh and her volunteers included:
* Baby beds.
* Bouncy seats.
* Infant car seats.
* Crib sets.
* Bumper pads.
* ExerSaucer (stationary play center).
* Baby bottles and sterilizers.
* Food.
* Diaper bags.
* Portable swing.
* Diapers and wipes.
* Baby monitor.
* Clothing.
* Hats and mittens.
* Blankets.
* Shoes.

About the Prenatal Assistance Program
The Saint Anthony Medical Center Prenatal Assistance program, which was established in 2002, provides free assistance for expectant Northwest Indiana mothers who have limited family income.
Services include:
* Free pregnancy testing.
* Referral and assistance with accessing community and hospital resources.
* Nutritional and pregnancy-related education.
* Regular and supportive contacts during pregnancy.
* Mother and infant care teaching after delivery.
* A clothing closet for expectant mother and baby needs.

The program, previously offered at the former Crown Point Clinic, 1121 S. Indiana Ave., has temporarily relocated to Saint Anthony-North Point, 2050 N. Main St., in anticipation of plans to build a new, permanent location for the Prenatal Assistance program, and for the St. Clare Health Clinic, on the Indiana Avenue site. The expansion is being financed by the Saint Anthony Medical Center Capital Campaign, which is seeking to raise $4.5 million, including matching funds from a private donor, by the end of next year for the effort.

Prenatal Assistance Program hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. For more information, call (219) 663-5349.

Saint Anthony Medical Center recognized for stroke treatment, patient excellence

HealthGrades rating places hospital
in top 5% nationally

CROWN POINT - Saint Anthony Medical Center is 5-Star rated for treatment of stroke for the eighth consecutive year, according to a comprehensive annual study released today by HealthGrades, the leading independent health care ratings organization.

The study annually assesses patient outcomes – mortality and complication rates – at virtually all of the nation’s nearly 5,000 nonfederal hospitals.

David Ruskowski, Saint Anthony Medical Center president, is pleased with the latest news from HealthGrades. “These latest accomplishments, as recognized by HealthGrades, are examples of our continuing commitment to our patients. Nothing matters more to us than their treatment and recovery from stroke, and all other ailments, and their safety and comfort while they are in our care. We look forward to making even further strides in these areas and are honored by the national recognition we have received,” Ruskowski said.

In addition to its stroke care, Saint Anthony was recognized for quality performance in the area of orthopedics. Saint Anthony is 5-Star rated for hip fracture repair for the third consecutive year and ranks among the top 5 in Indiana for Overall Orthopedic Services.

According to the 12th annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America study, top-rated hospitals had a 52 percent lower mortality rate than the U.S. national average when studying patient outcomes of 17 procedures and diagnoses, ranging from bypass surgery to heart attack treatment. When the top-rated hospitals were compared to the poorest performers, there was an even greater difference, 72 percent lower mortality.

Earlier this year, Saint Anthony was a recipient of the 2009 Patient Safety Excellence Award and ranked among the top 5 percent in the nation for patient safety in the sixth annual HealthGrades Patient Safety in American Hospitals Study, released in April.

The 2010 HealthGrades hospital ratings are posted at http://www.healthgrades.com/.

HealthGrades ratings
HealthGrades’ hospital ratings and awards reflect the track record of patient outcomes at hospitals in the form of mortality and complication rates. HealthGrades rates hospitals independently, based on data hospitals submit to the federal government. No hospital can opt in or out of being rated, and no hospital pays to be rated.

HealthGrades issues star ratings for 28 procedures and treatments that reflect the mortality and complication rates for each category of care.

Hospitals receiving a 5-star rating have mortality or complication rates that are below the national average, to a statistically significant degree. A 3-star rating means the hospital performs as expected. One-star ratings indicate the hospital’s mortality or complication rates in that procedure or treatment are statistically higher than average. Because the risk profiles of patient populations at hospitals are not alike, HealthGrades risk-adjusts the data to allow for apples-to-apples comparisons.

For more information on the HealthGrades study, including the complete methodology, visit http://www.healthgrades.com/.

Saint Anthony official leads areawide hospital preparedness effort

Don Hess elected chairman of district
emergency planning group

CROWN POINT Don Hess just expanded his credentials as a leader in Northwest Indiana’s emergency services field.
Hess, who for 10 years has served as manager of Saint Anthony Medical Center’s Emergency Medical Services Academy-Provider Organization, recently was elected chairman of the District 1 Hospital Emergency Planning Committee Inc. Hess said teHhhhh he group consists of 14 hospitals representing Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton and Jasper counties that work to coordinate preparedness efforts to deal with crises.
“In an emergency situation, we’re all in this together,” said Hess, a paramedic who has been at Saint Anthony for 13 years and in his field for 26. “We do training so that all hospitals are at the same level of preparedness, so we can help each other.’’
The committee formed about 2.5 years ago, Hess said, as an offshoot of a regional bioterrorism planning group that came about as a result of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
“We were formed to help better handle funding (most of which is federal) and grants and to look at our emergency response efforts more as a district than separate hospitals,’’ he said, adding the committee meets monthly with the bioterrorism group.
Among its duties, the committee deals with disaster preparation, training, equipment stockpiles and maintaining pharmaceutical supplies.
“We work to strengthen what goes on in the district so that in case of a disaster, we know what we can do for our communities,’’ Hess said. “I see a lot of opportunity to make this group grow and to provide better emergency services to those communities.’’