Study: St. Francis Hospital Patient Outcomes Superior
Clinical outcomes place St. Francis Hospital in the Top 10% in the Nation for Joint Replacement and GI Surgery & Procedures, HealthGrades study finds.

Wilmington, DE (October 15, 2007) -- The quality of hospital-based care in America is improving, but the gap between top-performing and poor-performing hospitals persists according to a study released today by HealthGrades, which identifies St. Francis Hospital as being Top 10% in the Nation for Joint Replacement and GI Surgeries & Procedures. HealthGrades is the nation’s leading independent healthcare ratings company.

The study, which documents a significant variation in care quality between the highest-performing hospitals and all others, also found that if all hospitals performed at the level of hospitals rated with five stars by HealthGrades, 266,604 Medicare lives could have potentially been saved over the three years studied.

“Our research shows that while the overall quality of hospital care in America is improving, the gap between the best-performing hospitals and the worst persists,” said Dr. Samantha Collier, HealthGrades’ chief medical officer and author of the study. “This persistent gap makes it imperative that anyone planning to be admitted to a hospital do their homework and seek out highly rated facilities.”

According to The Tenth Annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study, St. Francis Hospital is also recognized in the following areas:

1. Recipient of the HealthGrades Joint Replacement Excellence Award™
2. Ranked Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Joint Replacement
3. Ranked Best (#1) in DE  for Joint Replacement
4. Five-Star Rated for Joint Replacement
5. Five-Star Rated for Total Knee Replacement
6. Five-Star Rated for Total Hip Replacement

“We are honored to be recognized with some of the best hospitals in the Country for our joint replacement services.  St. Francis Hospital’s Mission is to bring our community high quality, personalized care – this award reflects our success.”  Ted LaLiberty, President & CEO of St. Francis Hospital.

The Tenth Annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study identifies key trends in the quality of care provided by approximately 5,000 hospitals nationwide. HealthGrades researchers analyzed Medicare discharges from every U.S. hospital between 2004 and 2006. Risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates were calculated and hospitals were assigned a 1-star (poor), 3-star (as expected), or 5-star (best) quality rating for 28 diagnoses and procedures from heart failure to hip replacement to pneumonia. Individual hospital quality results from this study are available at www.healthgrades.com.

Among the study’s key findings:

• Gaps persist between the “best” and the “worst” hospitals across all procedures and conditions studied. Five-star rated hospitals had significantly lower risk-adjusted mortality across all three years studied.

• Across all procedures and conditions studied, there was an approximate 71 percent lower chance of dying in a 5-star rated hospital compared to a 1-star rated hospital.

• Across all procedures and conditions studied, there was an approximate 52 percent lower chance of dying in a 5-star rated hospital compared to the U.S. hospital average.

The 2008 HealthGrades ratings for all hospitals nationwide are available, free of charge, on the organization’s award-winning consumer Web site, located at www.healthgrades.com.  More than three million individuals and employees of some of the nation’s largest employers and health plans visit HealthGrades each month to access quality information about hospitals, nursing homes and physicians. HealthGrades also provides consumers and payers with detailed assessments of hospitals’ patient-safety outcomes, based on indicators developed by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

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St. Francis Foundation Receives $1.5 Million Grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware in Support of Services, Technology & Human Resources for the Community

(Wilmington—May 23, 2007) The St. Francis Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBS) has awarded the St. Francis Foundation a $1.5 million grant to enable the Hospital to invest in new services, technology and human resources, while remaining true to our mission of serving those in our community who need our help the most – the uninsured and under-insured.

This landmark gift is the single largest corporate contribution ever received by the Foundation and Hospital and showcases BCBS as a leading corporate citizen in Delaware. “We are thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with BCBS on this innovative partnership that enables us to continue our Ministry of providing state-of-the-art, compassionate healthcare services to our community” said Ted LaLiberty, President & CEO of St. Francis Hospital.

As the only full-service Hospital in the City of Wilmington, St. Francis is a tremendous resource and provides invaluable services in our community. Despite financial challenges, St. Francis Hospital has remained committed to providing quality care and has invested in both revenue generating programs and growth initiatives over the past several years. A recently completed multi-year, $17 million capital campaign resulted in a new state-of-the-art Heart Center, an Emergency Department 60% larger than before, renovated facilities, new equipment and enhanced medical programs.

Since opening the Heart Center in late 2002, 10,000 cardiac procedures, including interventional cardiac catheterization, open-heart surgery, heart value repair/replacement and thoracic surgery, have been performed at St. Francis. The Heart Center is out performing both regional and national benchmarks for patient outcomes and “door to balloon time” – the time from when a patient enters the Hospital until they are on the operating table. The Hospital’s Emergency Department is now state-of-the-art and 60% larger than before. Every patient gets a private room and prompt care. Additional services include a new GE Multi-Slice CT Scanner, new radiology equipment, a wireless computer system and a patient/tracking management system.

Within the last year, St. Francis has added the Wound Care Center, Joint Center and The Woman’s Place a - comprehensive healthcare boutique that specializes in a holistic approach to women’s health offering gynecological, obstetrical, chiropractic and acupuncture services all under one roof. Most recently, St. Francis has been designated a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence; taken the lead in bringing the first Robotic Surgical System of its kind to Delaware – the daVinci Surgical System. This innovative technology enables surgeons to provide the most minimally invasive, state-of-the-art surgical option for patients in need of gynecological, urological or cardiothoracic surgeries.

St. Francis Hospital is committed to providing quality, compassionate care to those in need – regardless of their financial circumstances. We thank BCBS for their tremendous support of our mission and look forward to working together in future.

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St. Francis Hospital Recognized as Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence

(Wilmington, DE, March 14, 2007) - St. Francis Hospital announced today that it has been named a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS). The ASBS Center of Excellence designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable patient outcomes in bariatric surgery.

According to a study released in July 2005 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the number of U.S. bariatric surgeries more than quadrupled between 1998 and 2002 - from 13,386 to 71,733. Since clinical evidence shows that the most experienced and best-run bariatric surgery programs have by far the lowest rates of complications, the ASBS established the Centers of Excellence program to recognize bariatric surgery centers that perform well and to help surgeons and hospitals continue to improve quality and safety of care.

The ASBS closely examined St. Francis Hospital's bariatric surgical processes and collected data on health outcomes through a series of site inspections. St. Francis Hospital and other centers receiving the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence designation will continue to share information on clinical pathways, protocols and outcomes data in the future.

Obesity has become a significant national health issue, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that 64 percent of all U.S. adults are overweight or obese. Morbid obesity is closely correlated with a number of serious conditions that severely undermine the health of overweight patients, including heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Bariatric surgery, when performed correctly, can help obese patients manage these conditions.

"Obesity and the associated health risks are increasing concerns in today's society. With its bariatric surgery program, St. Francis Hospital has identified an opportunity to help improve the health of this patient population, said Ted LaLiberty, President and CEO of St. Francis Hospital. "Achieving the Center of Excellence designation demonstrates our commitment to providing the highest quality, safest care to our patients."

Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), an organization dedicated to pursuing surgical excellence, formulates and establishes the rigorous Center of Excellence standards, thoroughly inspects and evaluates each candidate for designation, and upon review recommends approval of designation for those physicians and facilities whose practices and outcomes meet the stringent demands set forth by SRC for ASBS.

Surgeons with ASBS Center of Excellence designations practice only top-quality care, ensuring efficacy of the procedure with each patient to the best of their abilities. At St. Francis Hospital, bariatric surgeons demonstrate this willingness to take the extra step by providing a safe and successful experience for all St Francis bariatric surgery patients. St. Francis surgeons at Christiana Institute of Advanced Surgery (CHRIAS) have performed over 2,000 weight loss surgeries on patients from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. The dedicated staff provides close follow-up and continuing support through support groups and educational seminars to ensure excellent outcomes after surgery.

American Society for Bariatric Surgery
The American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) is the largest society for this specialty in the world. Founded in 1983, foremost American surgeons have formed the society's leadership and have established an excellent organization with educational and support programs for surgeons and allied health professionals. The purpose of the society is to advance the art and science of bariatric surgery by continued encouragement of its members to: pursue investigations in both the clinic and the laboratory; interchange ideas, information and experience pertaining to bariatric surgery; promote guidelines for ethical patient selection and care; develop educational programs for physicians, paramedical persons, and lay people; and promote outcome studies and quality assurance. For more information about ASBS, please visit www.asbs.org.

Surgical Review Corporation
Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) is an independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to surgical excellence. SRC's mission is to promote the delivery of surgical care with the highest levels of efficacy, efficiency, and safety possible. For more information about SRC or to download a Center of Excellence application, please visit www.surgicalreview.org.

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St. Francis Hospital to Install da Vinci® Surgical System First in Delaware for this State-of-the-art Minimally Invasive Surgery Option

(September 28, 2006) The Board of Directors of St. Francis Hospital has voted and approved the purchase of a da Vinci® Surgical System. This acquisition, funded solely by the St. Francis Foundation, makes the hospital the exclusive home of this unique surgical system in the state of Delaware. St. Francis will be the sole provider of robotic-assisted minimally invasive procedures for conditions as diverse as obesity, heart disease and prostate cancer.

The benefits to patients of robotic-assisted surgery are less pain and discomfort, less blood loss and a quicker return to normal activities.

The da Vinci® Surgical System represents the future of surgery in the nation and is in keeping with the St. Francis three-year plan of investing in state-of-the-art technology. Our mission of serving this community with the highest quality, most compassionate care continues to be steadfast. With this investment, St. Francis Hospital will have the ability to offer everyone in Delaware and the Brandywine Valley the option of minimally invasive surgery with greater patient benefits and outcomes.

The da Vinci® Surgical System was delivered on Friday, September 29, 2006. Surgical procedures are slated to begin in mid-October.

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St. Francis Hospital Opens New Wound Care Center

(Wilmington -- June 14, 2006) On June 5, 2006, St. Francis Hospital opened its new Wound Care Center on the sixth floor of the Medical Services Building. The Center provides a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive approach in treating patients with non-healing wounds due to diabetes, pressure, venous insufficiency, peripheral vascular disease, vasculitis, infections, trauma and other medical conditions.

St. Francis is working with the Center for Advanced Wound Care in applying standards of care as well as advanced therapies such as growth factors, bi-layered skin substitutes, vacuum assisted closure, electrical stimulation and much more.

A team approach works best for patients with chronic non-healing wounds, so the center is staffed with a medical director, clinical director, nurses, physicians and physical therapists. Referrals can also be made for the following services if needed: physician specialists, diabetes education, nutrition services, home care services, durable medical equipment and much more.

Dr. Matthew Lawrence is a member of Mid-Atlantic Surgical Group and serves as the Center's Medical Director. He is board certified in thoracic, vascular and general surgery and has extensive training in wound management.

Lisa Goodfriend, MPT, CWS, is the Center's Clinical Director. She comes to St. Francis from Howard County General Hospital: a Member of Johns Hopkins Medicine where she developed and broadened inpatient and outpatient wound care services for the past eight years.

For more information on the St. Francis Wound Care Center, please call 575-8181.

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St. Francis Foundation Receives $75,000 Donation From AstraZeneca

(Wilmington, DE -- March 31, 2006) The St. Francis Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce that AstraZeneca has donated $75,000 towards the Hospital’s outreach and prevention programs. The bulk of the funding ($65,000) will support the St. Clare Medical Outreach Van, a fully equipped doctor’s office on wheels that provides primary healthcare services to the uninsured. This contribution makes AstraZeneca the Van’s primary corporate donor. "AstraZeneca has supported St. Francis Foundation programs for many years, and is now delighted to provide a major charitable contribution to the St. Clare Medical Outreach Van," said Irene Fick, Director, Corporate Community Alliances for AstraZeneca.

Dr. M. Eileen Schmitt, Medical Director of the St. Clare Van, receives the donation from Irene Fick, Director of Corporate Community Alliances for AstraZeneca, as Brother Ronald Giannone, OFM, Executive Director of the Ministry of Caring, Inc. looks on.

"On behalf of the St. Clare Van staff, and especially its patients, I would like to thank AstraZeneca for their substantial contribution which will go a long way towards providing much needed medical care for those in the community," stated M. Eileen Schmitt, MD, Medical Director of the St. Clare Medical Outreach Program. The St. Clare Van visits dining halls that feed the hungry, homeless shelters and other sites around Wilmington four days each week. The staff on the Van provides medical care to people of all ages—newborns through the elderly—who have one thing in common, no health insurance. They average 25-35 patient visits a day, 120 visits a week, and approximately 6,000 visits per year. Over the years, more than 50,000 patients have received medical care through this service.

The remainder of the contribution will help support The Center of Hope—a full-service family practice office that provides medical care to poor and uninsured people in the Newark area; and Tiny Steps—a prenatal and maternity care program for low-income women. "Patient health is the foundation of everything we do," said Fick, "and this contribution underscores the value we place on our responsibility to enhance the health of patients, including those who are disadvantaged. We applaud St. Francis Hospital’s mission of providing quality, compassionate care to those who need it – regardless of their financial circumstances."

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Clarence "Ted" LaLiberty Named President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Francis Healthcare Services

(Wilmington, DE -- January 9, 2006) – The Board of Directors of St. Francis Healthcare Services is proud and pleased to announce that Clarence "Ted" LaLiberty has accepted the position of President and Chief Executive Officer beginning January 9, 2006.  Mr. LaLiberty will replace Richard A. Long, who announced his retirement in March 2005. Mr. LaLiberty comes to St. Francis from St. James Mercy Health System in Hornell, New York where he was President and Chief Executive Officer since 2001. Mr. LaLiberty brings thirty years of extensive leadership and experience in teaching, tertiary, community-based, and faith-based hospitals.   

"St. Francis Hospital, and its affiliated entities, represents everything a healthcare provider should be in today’s demanding world. The Mission is one of unparalleled compassion and commitment to ensuring access to the most recent advances in technology for the community. As an employer, St. Francis is the economic anchor and catalyst for growth for the west side of Wilmington. Our physicians, nurses and technicians are amongst the best and brightest in the region. I’m looking forward to working with them, the staff, Board Chairman, Tom Preston and the entire Board of Directors to continue St. Francis Hospital’s long tradition of excellence. My wife and I are eager to become active members within the greater Wilmington community and experience all that Delaware has to offer. This is an ideal location for us to raise our children," said new President and CEO, Ted LaLiberty.

"Ted LaLiberty comes to us with an impressive and successful career in healthcare administration. I am particularly impressed with his knowledge and commitment to faith-based health systems and I know he will be a dynamic leader for the healthcare ministry that is St. Francis. Ted will be a tremendous asset not just to St. Francis, but also to Wilmington and to Delaware," said Tom Preston, Chair, St. Francis Healthcare Services Board of Directors. 

Mr. LaLiberty replaces Richard A. Long, who has selflessly served St. Francis Hospital as President and CEO since August 2001. Mr. Long also served in that capacity from 1974 to 1986 and then further advanced his career with the Franciscan Health System. "If there was ever a leader that truly displayed the real values of our organization, it is Richard Long. Rich has dedicated his life to advancing the Mission and Values originally established by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia in 1924. It might be safe to say that no one knows this place like Rich. I cannot thank him enough for his commitment, leadership, and stewardship of our fine hospital. His presence and knowledge will be missed," added Tom Preston.

During Mr. Long’s second term as President and CEO, he oversaw the completion of a $20 million renovation and upgrade to the Hospital that included the opening of the St. Francis Heart Center, Delaware’s most advanced center for open heart surgery and treatment of heart disease; a complete modernization and expansion of the Emergency Department; and the implementation of "Values In Practice," a comprehensive patient and staff satisfaction initiative.

"As President and CEO, Richard Long continued our tradition of excellence and compassion, and I’m sure Ted LaLiberty will do the same. Under Rich’s leadership, the St. Francis Foundation raised an unprecedented $18 million for support of our Mission. I am excited about the future of the Foundation and the Hospital as Ted LaLiberty embodies everything that we stand for in the community. I’m looking forward to continuing our momentum under Ted," added Brian DiSabatino, Chair of the Board for the St. Francis Foundation.        

"I’ve always said that you’ve got to have a unique passion to work in healthcare, and I’m absolutely passionate about St. Francis and the people that make our healthcare ministry the special place that it is. It’s with mixed emotions that I retire, but I know the Hospital is in good shape with a new energetic Board of Directors. I’m confident that Ted will bring his own talents to the organization to further advance the Mission and continue our legacy as the hospital where people can come for specialized medicine with a human touch regardless of who they are or their ability to pay.

It’s been a blessing to be a part of St. Francis Hospital," said Richard Long.

St. Francis Healthcare Services and St. James Mercy Health System are both members Catholic Health East, a multi-institutional Catholic health system serving communities through regional healthcare systems in 11 eastern states from Maine to Florida.

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St. Francis Hospital Appoints 2005-2006 Board Members

(Wilmington, DE -- December 22, 2005) – St. Francis Hospital is pleased to announce that 6 new members have been added to the Board of Directors. With the transfer of Reverend Barry Langley, a new chairperson and vice chair have been elected. The Chairperson of the Board is Thomas P. Preston, Esq., Partner with Blank Rome LLP. Vice Chair is Mark L. Reardon, Esq., Partner with Elzufon, Austin, Reardon, Tarlov & Mondell, PA.

New members of the St. Francis Hospital Board of Directors are:

• Rick Deadwyler, Corporate Contributions Officer, The DuPont Company
• Dennis M. Salter, Entrepreneur
• William H. Schieffer, President, Operating Subsidiaries, Siegfried & Associates
• Sr. Christa Marie Thompson, OSF, Executive Director, Franciscan Spiritual Center
• Michael B. Vincent, MD, Ophthalmologist
• Joseph L. Yacyshyn, Vice President, Wilmington Trust Company

"We are extremely pleased to welcome this dynamic group of community leaders to our existing Board. They add new talent and increased diversity to the Board of St. Francis Hospital. This is an exciting time in our history, and this group will enhance the hospital’s critical and essential stewardship," stated Richard A. Long, President and CEO of St. Francis Hospital.

Existing members of the St. Francis Hospital Board of Directors are:

• Joseph G. DiPinto, Representative, 4th District, State of Delaware
• Brian DiSabatino, EDIS
• Helena Doordan
• Romona Fullman, Esq., Department of Labor, State of Delaware
• Robert Materese, retired
• Stephen R. Permut, MD, Temple University School of Medicine

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St. Francis Hospital Joins Institute for Healthcare Improvement's 100,000 Lives Campaign

The Campaign Is One of the Largest Health Care Quality Improvement Efforts Ever Undertaken in the U.S.

(Wilmington, DE -- September 29, 2005) – St. Francis Hospital announced today that it has joined the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s 100,000 Lives Campaign, the first-ever national initiative to save a specified number of lives by a certain date (June 14, 2006), using proven clinical practices and methods. In August 2005, eight months after its kick-off, the Campaign surpassed its enrollment goal of 2,000 and announced the participation of over 2,500 of the U.S. acute care hospitals in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

"We are organizing an unprecedented campaign to elect quality," said Dr. Donald Berwick, President and CEO of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). "The health care organizations that join this campaign are dedicated to putting proven, life-saving improvement techniques into action."

"Dedication to patient safety, never-ending quality improvement, and the ability to provide access to specialized medicine with a human touch are the cornerstones of our healthcare ministry," said Richard A. Long, President and CEO of St. Francis Hospital. "St. Francis Hospital is committed to constantly improving and redefining how care is provided to our patients. Our efforts involve the sharing of the best available scientific knowledge and learning and therefore applying methods for change. We know that this is hard work, but the time is now for making a difference for those we serve. We are extremely proud to be part of this initiative and host the IHI in this historic 100,000 lives bus tour campaign. It speaks volumes about the quality of our services and the commitment of our people."

"American hospitals have responded with great enthusiasm to the challenge IHI has issued and we’re delighted at the national network of committed organizations that is emerging," stated Joe McCannon, 100,000 Lives Campaign Manager. "We understand this will be hard work, but we also know that together we have the potential to accomplish something unparalleled in the history of health care."

The Campaign was formally unveiled on December 14, 2004, and has been endorsed by such distinguished health care organizations as the American Medical Association, the American Nurses Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and the National Patient Safety Foundation.

Health care facilities that choose to participate in the Campaign commit to implement some or all of the following six quality improvement changes:

• Deploy Rapid Response Teams – by allowing any staff member, regardless of position in the chain of command, to call upon a specialty team to examine a patient at the first sign of decline;
• Deliver Reliable Evidence-Based Care for Acute Myocardial Infarction – by consistently delivering key measures – including early administration of aspirin and beta-blockers – that prevent patient deaths from heart attack;
• Prevent Adverse Drug Events – by implementing medication reconciliation, which requires that a list of all of a patient’s medications (even for unrelated illnesses) be compiled and reconciled to ensure that the patient is given (or prescribed) the right medications at the correct dosages – at admission, discharge and before transferring a patient to another care unit;
• Prevent Central Line Infections – by consistently delivering five interdependent, scientifically grounded steps collectively called the "Central Line Bundle";
• Prevent Surgical Site Infections – by reliably delivering the correct perioperative antibiotics, maintaining glucose levels and avoiding shaving hair at the surgical site;
• Prevent Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia – by implementing five interdependent, scientifically grounded steps collectively called the "Ventilator Bundle" – such as elevating the head of the hospital bed to between 30 and 45 degrees – thereby dramatically reducing mortality and length of stay in the Intensive Care Unit.

Additional information about the 100,000 Lives Campaign and a list of all participating hospitals and hospital system are available at: www.ihi.org/ihi/programs/campaign.

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St. Francis Receives Golden Apple Awards

On May 4, 2005 at the Hotel du Pont, St. Francis Hospital, Franciscan Care Center at Brackenville, Home Care Services and the Health Information Services Department all took home prestigious Golden Apple Awards from Quality Insights of Delaware. Quality Insights, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization, established the Golden Apple Awards Program in 2000 to provide recognition for Delaware health care providers in their community and among their peers for improving patient care. The awards represent the highest level of professional acknowledgment in Delaware's health care quality improvement arena.

The Golden Apple Awards Program recognizes excellence, leadership and outstanding achievement in healthcare quality improvement, particularly as it impacts Delaware's older adult population. There are three types of awards: Quality Associate, Quality Innovator and Quality Leader. Awards are given in four separate health care venues: hospital, physician, nursing home and home health agency.

St. Francis Hospital received a crystal Gold Apple in recognition as a Quality Leader. To be recognized as a Quality Leader, a provider must be an active member of their quality improvement group and achieve measurable, significant gains in quality measures. The hospital was recognized for an improvement by 15.1 percentage points in clinical areas, including heart failure, heart attack, pneumonia and surgical infection.

St. Francis Hospital, Franciscan Care Center at Brackenville, St. Francis Home Care, and Van Buren Medical Associates of Wilmington (Kent Sallee, MD, Scott Harrison, DO, Joseph Berrang, DO, and Mary Ann Connor, DO) were all recognized as Quality Associates. To receive this award, a provider
must be an active members of their quality improvement group at the time of final measurement and fulfill scheduling and meeting attendance and deliverable submissions. They all received certificates recognizing their participation in the Quality Insights program.

The Health Information Services Department of St. Francis Hospital was presented with a Good Apple Award. The department received a plaque recognizing their excellent support of quality improvement in health care services in the state of Delaware.

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St. Francis Offers New Treatment for Dysphagia Patients

St. Francis Hospital now offers new hope to patients who live daily with dysphagia, or swallowing disorders. The Speech Therapy Department has recently acquired VitalStim Therapy™, a new patented, FDA-approved medical treatment for patients with dysphagia. The therapy consists of a specialized neuromuscular electrical stimulation system and electrodes which are applied to the patient's throat to stimulate swallowing muscles.

In the United States, approximately 60,000 people die annually of complications from dysphagia. The 1999 Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) evidence-based practice report suggests that about 75 percent of hospitalized patients who suffered a stroke will also experience dysphagia. Dysphagia can also occur as a result of many conditions, including cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, Lou Gehrig's disease, mouth or throat cancer and traumatic brain injury.

Certain methods of treating dyphagia, such as traditional speech therapy, patient education, and diet changes usually provide limited success. Patients with dysphagia are often placed on a PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy) tube for feeding. It can be uncomfortable and inconvenient.

Independent studies have shown that the VitalStim Therapy has been successful for many dysphagia patients on an outpatient basis. By using a combination of VitalStim therapy and dilation, 71 percent of patients in the studies with dysphagia were eventually able to swallow all consistencies of food. Some patients experience dramatic improvement in six to 20 daily sessions.

The Speech Therapy Department is beginning to provide this therapy to patients who meet medical criteria. The goal is to have patients continue the therapy on an outpatient basis. The St. Francis Home Care Department is also preparing to provide this therapy to home patients. For more
information on VitalStim Therapy, contact Ann Goldberg, Speech Pathologist, at (302) 421-4647.

Source: VitalStim Therapy by Chattanooga Group, www.vitalstimtherapy.com

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First State Health & Wellness Partners with St. Francis Pain Center For Delivery of Hospital-Based Chiropractic Services

(Wilmington -- December 1, 2004) First State Health & Wellnessof Wilmington, DE, has signed the State's first-ever agreement to create a hospital facility-based acupuncture/chiropractic treatment center operating out of the St. Francis Pain Center.

The center opens on December 1 offering both acupuncture and chiropractic services provided by Dr. Douglas Briggs, a published author on the topic of acupuncture. Located in the St. Francis Hospital Medical Services Building, it will be part of the offering of the St. Francis Pain Center.

"Given the historic division between allopathic and homeopathic practices of medicine in America, and in Delaware, this really is a historic event. As a result, we're exceptionally proud that the leaders of Delaware's hospital community have chosen First State Health & Wellness to provide hospital-based acupuncture and chiropractic services," said Dr. Stacy S. Cohen, principal in First State Health & Wellness.

"At St. Francis, we've recognized that many of our patients request acupuncture and chiropractic services," said Dr. Philip Kim, Medical Director of the St. Francis Pain Center. "We're committed to meeting community health care needs, and, if this is a service that can benefit our clients and patients, we want to be able to improve access to it."

"As we looked at the marketplace, First State Health & Wellness has established a leadership role in Delaware's health care delivery system with which we at St. Francis want to be affiliated. First State offers a uniquely high level of chiropractic care, and its reach is the greatest in the State, via its five centers," added Dr. Kim Carpenter, Vice President, Medical Management at St. Francis Hospital.

Dr. Douglas Briggs, a native of Pike Creek Valley who still resides in the area, is one of the country's leading authorities on Euro-Asian acupuncture. His work with the legal industry led to a series of legal journal articles, which in turn will be part of a textbook for the legal profession. A graduate of Messiah College and the Palmer College of Chiropractic, he is a Diplomate of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture and a Fellow of the Acupuncture Society of America. Dr. Briggs was recently appointed to the Board of the American Chiropractic Associations College of Chiropractic Acupuncture. Currently he is pursuing Diplomate status with the American Academy of Pain Management. 

"As a native of the Wilmington area, it's exciting to me to become a part of such a treasured institution, providing services in a supportivecapacity to the patients in the St. Francis community," said Dr. Briggs.

First State Health & Wellness has been providing superior patient treatment, education, and satisfaction for 20 years in the State of Delaware. The First State chiropractic approach concentrates on "maintaining health" versus "treating symptoms." Chiropractic healing acts at the cause of disease while relieving symptoms at the same time. Chiropractic is very effective in treating conditions such as headaches; low back pain; disc problems; knee, ankle or foot problems; shoulder problems; carpal tunnel syndrome; work-related injuries; auto-related injuries; and many other conditions.

More information regarding First State Health & Wellness can be obtained at www.FirstStateHealth.com and more information regarding St. Francis Hospital can be obtained at www.StFrancisHealthCare.org or by calling Mark B. Thompson, Director, Marketing & Community Relations, at 302.575.8262. 

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New Expanded and Renovated Emergency Department Opens at St. Francis

(Wilmington -- July 27) St. Francis Hospital today unveiled its new 29-bed, 60-percent larger Emergency Department (ED). Hospital officials say that space has been dramatically expanded, wait times reduced, safety and privacy ensured, and advanced technology added throughout. The new department includes:

• Two critical care/trauma rooms - These larger, private rooms contain the latest equipment and monitoring of patients
• Located in proximity of the ICU, OR, Cardiac Catheterization Lab,
• and new multi-slice GE CT Scanner, providing provides easy access for patients and staff to other necessary medical services.
• Prompt care area expanded to four rooms - This "fast track" area is where patients are quickly treated and released for such conditions as bumps, bruises and small fractures.
• All the rooms are private with blanket warmers and personal televisions in each room for patient comfort
• Digital radiology plain films - Instead of developing film, the image is transferred to a screen and digitized. This enables the image to be enlarged, emailed, and printed out for the patient for follow-up.
• Wireless Computer System and Bedside registration - To expedite the registration process, computers are taken to the patient's bedside.
• Easy access EMS/Paramedic room fully equipped with Pyxis - Pyxis is a secure computerized system which facilitates the replenishment and billing of medications used by staff/paramedics.
• Handheld Electronic Medical Record (EMR) - Physicians can carry a tablet PC with them to enter patient information, order tests and receive test results. This functions as the patient's chart.
• Wireless physician order entry - This feature enables Emergency Department physicians to enter their orders directly into the EMR, eliminating errors and reducing time spent waiting for paperwork.
• Patient Tracking/Management System - When implemented in December 2004, this computer system will enable the staff in the Emergency Department to instantly track the status of patients.

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St. Francis Sleep Center Receives AASM Accreditation

(Wilmington -- April 2, 2004) St. Francis Hospital Sleep Center in Wilmington received program accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) on January 25, 2004.

"The AASM congratulates St. Francis Hospital Sleep Center on fulfilling the high standards required for receiving accreditation as a sleep disorder center," said Conrad Iber, M.D., president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. "The Center is a significant resource to the local medical community and will provide academic and scientific value in addition to the highest quality care for patients suffering from sleep disorders."

To receive a five-year accreditation, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional quality healthcare as designated by the Academy. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine accreditation process involves detailed inspection of a center's facility and staff, including an evaluation of testing procedures, patient contacts, and physician training. Additionally, the facility's goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves. Currently, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine accredits 678 sleep medicine centers and laboratories across the country.

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St. Francis Hospital and the North Wilmington Women's Center Are First Mammography Facilities in Delaware to Offer a Softer Mammogram

(Wilmington -- November 4, 2003) The Women's Center at St. Francis Hospital and the North Wilmington Women's Center are the first mammography facilities in Delaware to offer a new product that dramatically eases the pain that many women feel when they get a mammogram.

The FDA-cleared foam cushion, called the Woman's Touch MammoPad™, is designed to provide a softer, warmer mammogram. By making it more comfortable to get a mammogram, the Centers hope to increase the number of area women complying with recommendations for regular screenings.

"The discomfort that many women feel during mammography is widely know to be a reason that some don't come back as often as they should, or at all," said Donald S. Ostrum, MD, Chairman of the Department of Radiology. Many women report that the procedure can cause painful compression, pinching and skin stretching. The cold surfaces and hard edges of the mammography device can make the experience even more uncomfortable for some patients. "The MammoPad answers these complaints by cushioning the breast during mammography," states Dr. Ostrum.

A single-use, adhesive-backed foam cushion, the MammoPad, attaches to the compression plates of the mammography device. It was developed by Stanford University breast surgeon Gale Lebovic, MD, who understood mammography discomfort from both physician's and patient's points of view. The MammoPad not only provides a soft, warm surface for breast positioning, but also helps lessen skin pulling.

The MammoPad is "invisible" to x-rays and does not interfere with the image quality of the mammogram. Made from a proprietary material, the MammoPad is also free of image-clouding artifacts.

"At St. Francis we've always tried to create the best possible experience for our patients," said Dr. Ostrum. "We're pleased to be able to offer our patients this important enhancement."

A new analysis by the American Cancer Society demonstrates that women can reduce their risk of death from breast cancer by more than 60 percent if they receive regular mammographic screens. For this reason both the society and the American College of Radiology recommend that women 40 and older receive mammograms yearly.

Yet despite the urgency of this message, compliance with the recommendation is lower than expected. Numerous studies have shown mammography pain and discomfort to be a major reason that women do not return for annual screening. The new foam cushion could help reverse this trend. The MammoPad has been clinically proven in both the United States and Sweden, where clinical evaluations in more than 1,300 patients found more than 70 percent experienced a significant reduction in pain when the pad was used, Dr. Ostrum noted.

"Early detection of breast cancer can make the crucial difference between life and death," said Dr. Ostrum. "Mammograms identify lumps that a woman's self-exam wouldn't find until an average of 1.7 years later. That is why regular mammograms are the only scientifically proven way to reduce breast cancer mortality. I am excited that the MammoPad removes a major barrier to women receiving this important procedure."

St. Francis is a committed leader in women's imaging services. The hospital pioneered the East Coast's first ImageChecker®, technology that double-checks mammograms. In addition to mammograms, the Women's Center at St. Francis Hospital offers stereotactic biopsies, ultrasounds, breast cyst aspirations and breast needle localizations. We also provide bone mineral density screenings with our new DEXA scanner at both the hospital and North Wilmington locations. To schedule a mammogram or any other procedure at the hospital, please call Central Scheduling at (302) 421-4141. Mammograms and DEXA scans at the North Wilmington Women's Center can be scheduled by calling (302) 529-7900.

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St. Francis Hospital Provides Diabetes Education Classes

(Wilmington -- May 20, 2003) In a move to bring health education directly to its community and provide easy access to meet an urgent need, St. Francis Hospital announces that it will begin a comprehensive diabetes education program.

Diabetes is a major threat to the well-being and productivity of the American workforce. More than 15 million people have it—and millions more will get it in the next five years. Each day 2200 people are diagnosed with diabetes in the United States. Nearly 18.4 percent of the United States population aged 65 and older has diabetes. The risk for type 2 diabetes increases with age.

For people with diabetes, staying healthy requires education. But very few of the millions who have it receive any diabetes education at all. Why aren't more people with diabetes enrolling in programs? So far, there haven't been enough programs available, or the existing programs haven't been adequately publicized. Existing classes have sometimes been difficult to get to. St. Francis Hospital's program is intended to remedy this situation.

With diabetes, knowledge is power. The daily routine of people with diabetes calls for testing their blood sugars several times and paying close attention to what and how much they eat to manage their carbohydrate intake. It may also require taking oral medications or injecting insulin to keep their blood sugar levels right. It's a big job, and it's up to the person with diabetes to do it.

Studies show that people who have attended diabetes education classes run a four times lower risk of developing the "complications" of diabetes—complications such as heart attacks, blindness, kidney failure and amputations.

That's why St. Francis Hospital wants everyone to know about its new program. "With diabetes on the rise, we at St. Francis Hospital recognized that education is the best way to help people manage their diabetes," said Maureen Jewell, RN, BS, CHCA, Director of Nursing Operations. "It's not only the right thing to do, it should actually lower health care costs in the long run, by helping people avoid the terrible complications of diabetes and stay healthy, now and in the future."

Diabetes education is a lifelong process. Since diabetes care is continually evolving, people with diabetes need ongoing education to stay informed about new tools and techniques to keep themselves healthy and productive. The new program is being continually updated. People who have had diabetes education in the past are encouraged to join the new classes.

The program also stresses the education and involvement of the family of the individual with diabetes. "When a person has diabetes, it affects the entire family," says Patricia Winston, MS, RN, CHE, Vice President of Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer. "So we're encouraging everyone to bring family and friends to the program, to learn how to help. We want people to stay healthy now and for years to come."

The program, which is recognized by the American Diabetes Association, consists of five classes, each two hours long. All classes are led by Certified Diabetes Educators. The classes are designed to be highly interactive, in an atmosphere that is relaxed and supportive. To find out more about the classes, call (302) 421-HEALTH.

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