http://www.ochsner.org/news en kstaiano@ochsner.org Copyright 2012 2012-01-24T20:09:07+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_only_la_hospital_named_among_top_5_in_nation_for_superior_patient http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_only_la_hospital_named_among_top_5_in_nation_for_superior_patient#When:20:09:07Z NEW ORLEANS – HealthGrades, the nation's most trusted source of healthcare provider information, has named Ochsner Medical Center and Ochsner Medical Center- West Bank Campus (both campuses of Ochsner Clinic Foundation) Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence™ for the third year in a row. This prestigious distinction places Ochsner among the top five percent of hospitals nationwide for clinical performance – and the only hospitals in Louisiana to receive the award. In addition, in October a HealthGrades study of quality metrics rated Ochsner Medical Center and Ochsner’s West Bank Campus among the 100 Best in the Nation for Stroke Care, Gastrointestinal Care, Critical Care and Pulmonary Care. Ochsner was the only hospital in Louisiana to achieve these honors as well. What Does This Mean For Patients? Patients treated at HealthGrades Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence™, such as Ochsner, have 30% lower chance of dying and a 1.86% lower inhospital complication rate compared to all other hospitals Recipients of the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ consistently perform better across nearly all procedures and diagnoses studied. Only 263 hospitals nationwide out of nearly 5,000 evaluated received this award based on their quality outcomes – and Ochsner has received it three years in a row. Unlike other hospital quality studies, HealthGrades evaluates hospitals solely on clinical outcomes: risk-adjusted mortality and inhospital complications. HealthGrades analysis is based on approximately 40 million Medicare discharges for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010. Using these top-performing hospitals as a benchmark in this year’s HealthGrades study, HealthGrades quantifies the impact of differences in hospital quality in terms of lives lost and unexpected complications. HealthGrades Hospital Quality and Clinical Excellence study objectively identifies those hospitals with the best overall clinical performance across 26 medical diagnoses and procedures that the organization rates. These 263 top-performing hospitals represent only 5% of the nation’s hospitals and each is designated as a HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence™. “Receiving the Distinguished Hospital Award three years in a row is a testament to the importance of quality care to the doctors, nurses and staff here,” said Dr. Patrick Quinlan, CEO, Ochsner Health System. “We are extremely pleased and grateful that are our outcomes reflect our mission and the promise we make to our patients every day: to serve, heal, lead, educate and innovate.” “Ochsner Clinic Foundation can be proud of the contributions of its physicians, nurses and staff in achieving outstanding patient care,” said Kristin Reed, MPH, HealthGrades vice president of hospital ratings and author of the study. “The New Orleans community is fortunate to have access to some of the highest quality hospital care in the nation.”                                                                                    ### About Ochsner Health System Ochsner Health System is southeast Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system with eight hospitals and over 38 health centers in Louisiana. Ochsner has been named the Consumer Choice for Healthcare in New Orleans for 16 consecutive years and is the only Louisiana hospital recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a “Best Hospital” across seven specialty categories. Ochsner employs more than 12,500 employees, over 850 physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties and conducts over 300 clinical research trials annually. Ochsner Health System is proud to be a tobacco-free environment. For more information, please visit ochsner.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. HealthGrades Hospital Quality Distinctions As part of this study, HealthGrades evaluates each of the nation’s 5,000 nonfederal hospitals in 26 procedures and diagnoses, allowing individuals to compare their local hospitals online at www.healthgrades.com. HealthGrades hospital quality distinctions are independently created; no hospital can opt-in or opt-out of being evaluated, and no hospital pays to be evaluated. Mortality and complication rates are risk adjusted, which takes into account differing levels of severity of patient illness at different hospitals and allows for hospitals to be compared equally. About HealthGrades HealthGrades, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, is a leading provider of comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. More than 200 million consumers use the HealthGrades websites, including HealthGrades.com and BetterMedicine.com, to research, select, and connect with a physician or hospital, and use its comprehensive information about clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, patient safety, and health conditions to make more informed healthcare decisions and take action. Find more information about our products and services at HealthGrades.com. Follow us on Twitter (@HealthGrades) and Facebook for news and updates. More information on how HealthGrades guides Americans to their best health can be found at www.healthgrades.com.   Press Release, 2012-01-24T20:09:07+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/warner_l._thomas_president_coo_named_to_chair_2012_ahas_section_for_health http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/warner_l._thomas_president_coo_named_to_chair_2012_ahas_section_for_health#When:17:02:48Z WASHINGTON (January 4, 2012) –  Warner L. Thomas, president and COO, Ochsner Health System in New Orleans is the 2012 chair of the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Section for Health Care Systems, a constituency section representing health systems across the country that provide guidance in AHA’s policy development and governance. Thomas will lead a 24-person governing council of health leaders during the year, as the AHA continues to address key legislative and regulatory challenges on the horizon and support hospitals as they strive to work for the health and well-being of their communities. Thomas has been president and COO of Ochsner Health System, southeast Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, health care delivery system with eight hospitals and over 38 health centers, since 2005. He first joined the organization in 1998 as COO of Ochsner Clinic and became COO of Ochsner Clinic Foundation in 2001. Previously, Thomas served for six years as both president of Foundation Medical Partners, Inc., a multi-specialty physician group affiliated with Southern New Hampshire Health System in Nashua, N.H., and vice president of managed care and network development for Southern New Hampshire Medical Center. Before that, he was the medical center’s finance director and served briefly as its interim CFO. As a CPA and senior auditor and consultant for Ernst & Young in Manchester, N.H., Thomas worked with a variety of hospitals, health systems, and physician groups throughout New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont. A fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Thomas has served on the board of the American Medical Group Association and St. George’s Episcopal School. He also is a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and the New Orleans Business Council. Thomas holds a bachelor’s degree in management advisory services from New Hampshire College in Manchester and earned his master’s degree in business administration from Boston University. Stephen Hanson, senior executive vice president, Texas Health Resources, Arlington, Texas, is the chairman-elect and will assume the role of chairman in 2013.  Anthony Spezia, president and chief executive officer of Covenant Health in Knoxville, Tenn., is the immediate past chairman.  About the AHA The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the improvement of health in their communities.  The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which include almost 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks and other providers of care.  Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends.  For more information visit the website at www.aha.org. Ochsner Health System is southeast Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system with eight hospitals and over 38 health centers in Louisiana. Ochsner has been named the Consumer Choice for Healthcare in New Orleans for 16 consecutive years and is the only Louisiana hospital recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a “Best Hospital” across seven specialty categories. Ochsner employs more than 12,500 employees, over 850 physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties and conducts over 300 clinical research trials annually. Ochsner Health System is proud to be a tobacco-free environment. For more information, please visit ochsner.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. ### General News, 2012-01-19T17:02:48+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/yvens_g._laborde_md_wins_the_2011_alpha_phi_alpha http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/yvens_g._laborde_md_wins_the_2011_alpha_phi_alpha#When:16:55:19Z Ochsner Business Announcement Ochsner Health System is proud to announce that Yvens G. Laborde, MD, Regional Medical Director, OMC-West Bank Campus, won the 2011 Alpha Phi Alpha Community Service Award. Dr. Laborde was nominated for his response to the Haiti Relief efforts and unsung community service as a member of Ochsner Health System and was honored by the New Orleans Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for his dedication to the community and service ideals of the fraternity. Alpha Phi Alpha is the first Inter-Collegiate Black Greek Letter fraternity. It was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. The fraternity has over 185,000 members and has been open to men of all races since 1940. Currently, there are more than 680 active chapters in the Americas, Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia. Alpha Phi Alpha evolved into a primarily service organization and provided leadership and service during the Great Depression, World Wars, and Civil Rights Movements. Ochsner Health System is southeast Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system with eight hospitals and over 38 health centers in Louisiana. Ochsner has been named the Consumer Choice for Healthcare in New Orleans for 16 consecutive years and is the only Louisiana hospital recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a “Best Hospital” across seven specialty categories. Ochsner employs more than 12,500 employees, over 850 physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties and conducts over 300 clinical research trials annually. Ochsner Health System is proud to be a tobacco-free environment. For more information, please visit ochsner.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. ### General News, 2012-01-19T16:55:19+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_north_shore_golden_opportunity_program_announces_the_february_event http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_north_shore_golden_opportunity_program_announces_the_february_event#When:18:15:38Z Ochsner’s Golden Opportunity Program has released the February 2012 calendar of events for the North Shore region. Covington Coffee with Christie Wednesday, February 1st 10:00 am – 11:00 am Ochsner Health Center – Covington, 2nd floor conference room Enjoy your morning coffee with your GO friends.  Food Bank donations will be accepted. Call 985-875-2799 to RSVP. Slidell Coffee with Christie Monday, February 6th  1:00 pm Ochsner Medical Center – North Shore, 100 Medical Center Drive, Camellia/Azalea Rooms Enjoy a relaxing afternoon cup of coffee with your GO friends.  Call 985-875-2799 to RSVP. Pioneer Aerospace and Round Table Restaurant Bus Trip Thursday, February 9th  Depart from Ochsner Health Center – Covington at 9:15 am and return at 4:30 pm See first-hand how parachutes are made and enjoy an old-fashioned lunch like grandma used to make. Cost is $40 per person and includes bus transportation, tour and lunch at the Round Table Restaurant Call 985-875-2799 to RSVP. Dine Around: Zea Restaurant Tuesday, February 14th  11:00 am Enjoy a Valentine’s Day lunch treat with your GO friends!  Meet at Zea Restaurant – 110 Lake Drive in Covington.  Call 985-875-2799 to RSVP. Lunch and Movie Review:  Mystery Movie at Palace Theater 10 in Hammond Friday, February 17th Noon Meet at Santa Fe Cattle Company in Hammond Square Mall for lunch with your GO friends.  Afterwards, go to Palace Theater 10 in Hammond - 801 C M Fagan Drive - for a private showing of a mystery movie.  Lunch is on your own and movie admission cost is $5 per person. Call 985-875-2799 to RSVP. Lunch and Learn: Camellia Gardening Tuesday, February 28th  11:00 am Meet at #2 Oak Grove Way in Slidell. Learn the tips and tricks of successful camellia gardening just in time for the spring.  Cost is $10 per person and includes a boxed Honey Baked Ham lunch. Call 985-875-2799 to RSVP. Wellness Workshop:  How to Improve your Hearing Friday, February 29th  1:30 pm Ochsner Health Center – Covington, 2nd floor conference room Rachel Giacontiere, Au.d., CCC-A will discuss hearing loss and aids.  Valarie Patterson from the Deaf Faction Center North Shore, Inc. will discuss and distribute equipment. Call 985-875-2799 to RSVP. Golden Opportunity is a program for adults 50 and older in the North Shore region.  The program promotes an active, healthy, independent lifestyle for all seniors.  Golden Opportunity offers a broad range of wellness services, educational information and seminars, wellness screenings, special discounts, social activities and travel opportunities.  Anyone interested in learning more about Golden Opportunity can contact the office at 985-875-2799.  ### General News, Event Announcements, Press Release, Display on Homepage, 2012-01-17T18:15:38+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_announces_february_family_birthing_center_class_schedule http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_announces_february_family_birthing_center_class_schedule#When:14:44:12Z Ochsner’s Family Birthing Center has released the February class schedule. Breastfeeding Support Group Meeting February 6th 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Meetings are led by moms and offer the opportunity to share stories and tips. Childbirth Classes February 7th 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Part I February 14th 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Part II February 21st 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Part III Saturday, February 18th  - The entire three part series is offered in a one day session. 8:00 am – 3:30 pm The three part childbirth class series includes pregnancy topics, pain theories, pre-labor signs, labor signs, comfort measures, labor positions, interventions, pain medications, post partum and newborn procedures and breastfeeding.  Cost for the series is $25 for mom and a partner and includes registration, materials and refreshments.  All classes are held at Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge in the first floor classrooms.  Call 755-4854 to register. ### Ochsner’s Baton Rouge services include six local health centers and Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge, a full service acute care hospital located at I-12 and O’Neal Lane.  Ochsner employs more than 1,000 locally, including nearly 100 physicians. Ochsner Baton Rouge is a part of Ochsner Health System, southeast Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system. For more information, please visit www.ochsner.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.   General News, Event Announcements, Press Release, Display on Homepage, 2012-01-12T14:44:12+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_baton_rouge_golden_opportunity_program_announces_february_even http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_baton_rouge_golden_opportunity_program_announces_february_even#When:14:41:56Z Ochsner’s Golden Opportunity Program has released the February 2012 calendar of events. GO Road Trip: Degas House and Old New Orleans Rum Distillery Tours Tuesday, February 14 Depart Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge at 8:00 am and return at 5:00 pm.  Cost is $65.00 per person and includes bus transportation, brunch and tours of the Degas House and  rum distillery.  Call 755-4984 to RSVP. Movie Review:  The Vow Thursday, February 16 10:00 am Grand Cinema Theater – 15365 George O’Neal Road Meet at Grand Cinema on George O’Neal Road for a private showing of this latest movie.  Admission cost is $6.50 per person and includes admission, small drink and small popcorn. Call 755-4984 to RSVP. Around Baton Rouge and Culinary Run: From the Dairy to the Village             Friday, February 24 9:00 am Kleinpeter Dairy      14444 Airline Hwy Little Village Restaurant 14241 Airline Hwy The Kleinpeter family has been processing milk longer than anyone in Louisiana! Meet at Kleinpeter Dairy to tour the facility and learn the history of milk processing.  Afterwards, we will enjoy a great lunch and great company. Lunch on your own. Call 755-4984 to RSVP. Lunch Bunch: 7 Mistakes of Benefits Qualifying Wednesday, February 29 Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge Classrooms 17000 Medical Center Drive 10:30 am - Noon Peter Lossavio, attorney-at-law, will discuss the common mistakes made by individuals in trying to qualify for benefits.  He will also discuss Medicaid, veteran benefits, planning and special needs trust. Call 755-4984 to RSVP for this free event Golden Opportunity is a program for adults 50 and older in the Baton Rouge region.  The program promotes an active, healthy, independent lifestyle for all seniors.  Golden Opportunity offers a broad range of wellness services, educational information and seminars, wellness screenings, special discounts, social activities and travel opportunities.  Anyone interested in learning more about Golden Opportunity can contact the office at 755-4984.  General News, Event Announcements, Press Release, Display on Homepage, 2012-01-12T14:41:56+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_health_system_launches_line_of_private_label_vitamins_and_supplemen http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_health_system_launches_line_of_private_label_vitamins_and_supplemen#When:19:32:30Z OCHSNER HEALTH SYSTEM LAUNCHES LINE OF PRIVATE-LABEL VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS Vitamins Are Available to Public at OchsnerVitamins.com NEW ORLEANS –   When choosing vitamins, how do you determine which ones to buy? Do you know which vitamins you should be taking and how they interact with medication you currently take? Do you choose the brand by the manufacturer with the highest quality ingredients or do you just select the best deal available?  To help break through the confusion, Ochsner Health System today announced its debut of 15 high-quality, private-label vitamins and supplements. The initial Ochsner Vitamins and Supplements product line includes multivitamins for men, women, children and seniors, Omega 3, vitamin D and vitamin C, among others. Products are available at OchsnerVitamins.com, the Ochsner Medical Center pharmacy and gift shops, Ochsner Total Health Solutions and all Elmwood Fitness Center locations.  The vitamins and supplements are priced competitively starting from $6.99. Because vitamins and supplements are not regulated by the FDA, “there is a big potential difference in quality control between various brands,” says Carl “Chip” Lavie, M.D. Medical Director, Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention, John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute. “It was essential that Ochsner’s products be something consumers can trust.” When creating its vitamins, Ochsner contracted with the best manufacturer in the industry in an NSF-certified (nsf.org) Good Manufacturing Practice laboratory to ensure all of our products and raw materials are tested for purity, efficacy and safety prior to formulation. Because Ochsner’s name is on the label, you can be certain that almost 70 years of unparalleled clinical expertise and quality outcomes stand behind what is in the bottle.  “Our role as a healthcare provider is to enhance your everyday health and wellbeing, whether that is preventative well-care or traditional sick care,” says Patrick Quinlan, CEO of Ochsner Health System. “Vitamins are an integral part of our daily health and wellness, and it’s important to Ochsner that we provide a high quality product to the community.” Visit OchsnerVitamins.com, to find detailed descriptions about each of our products as well as recommendations on which ones may be right for you based on a variety of factors such as age, level of activity and current health. In addition, the site features a depletion chart that indicates which medications you may already be on that are depleting your body of essential nutrients. To purchase any of Ochsner’s high-quality vitamins and supplements, please visit OchsnerVitamins.com. *** Images available upon request ### The Ochsner Vitamins and Supplements line consists of high-quality, private-label vitamins and supplements approved by Ochsner’s own Physician Advisory Board. Ochsner Vitamins are created in an NSF-certified Good Manufacturing Practice laboratory to ensure all of our products and raw materials are tested for purity, efficacy and safety prior to formulation. Because Ochsner’s name is on the label, you can be certain that almost 70 years of unparalleled clinical expertise and quality outcomes stands behind what is in the bottle.  Ochsner Vitamins and Supplements are a product of Ochsner Health System, southeast Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system. To purchase any of Ochsner’s vitamins and supplements or for detailed information about which ones are right for you, please visit OchsnerVitamins.com. General News, Press Release, Display on Homepage, 2012-01-04T19:32:30+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_ceo_patrick_j._quinlan_md_named_one_of_2011_healthleaders_20 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_ceo_patrick_j._quinlan_md_named_one_of_2011_healthleaders_20#When:18:55:50Z NEW ORLEANS –   HealthLeaders Magazine annually selects 20 individuals across the country who are changing healthcare for the better – known as the “HealthLeaders 20.” Ochsner Health System is proud to announce that Dr. Patrick J. Quinlan, our Chief Executive Officer, has been named one of these 20 leaders who is playing a crucial role in making the healthcare industry better. Quinlan’s profile highlights Ochsner’s Change the Kids, Change the FutureTM program which is an integrated approach in our schools that encompasses education and lifestyle changes for students, staff and families to improve the health of the next generation. The program focuses on nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits, all of which set the stage for children’s ongoing behavior. To read the rest of the HealthLeaders 20 article in the December 2011 issue, please visit http://bit.ly/tolTNK or to learn more about Change the Kids, Change the Future, please visit ochsner.org.    General News, Press Release, 2011-12-19T18:55:50+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/santas_sleigh_to_make_a_cyber_stop_at_ochsner_medical_center http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/santas_sleigh_to_make_a_cyber_stop_at_ochsner_medical_center#When:18:52:08Z WHAT: Santa Conducts Video Calls from the North Pole with Ochsner Pediatric Patients WHEN: 10:30 am – 11:30 am   Friday, December 16, 2011 WHERE: Please contact Stafford Scott upon arrival at 504-952-3641 for escort   Ochsner Medical Center – Pediatrics Unit    1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, LA  HOW: Cisco Systems’ “Santa Connection Program” enables hospitalized children to remotely connect and communicate with Santa using Cisco’s video collaboration technologies. Christmas and Santa Claus go hand-in-hand for children around the world. But often those who are hospitalized during the holidays don’t have the opportunity to tell Santa in person what tops their wish list. Fortunately, that will change for many children this year as Santa Claus has found a way to visit Ochsner Medical Center, without leaving the North Pole! Children will experience the magic of the season as Santa will be making an important cyber-stop thanks to the magic of the Internet. Ochsner has joined with Cisco Systems this year to bring Santa to its patients – using a video monitor and web-enabled camera. Santa will visit with children in the hospital’s playroom, and for those who don’t feel well enough to leave their rooms, a mobile cart will help Santa travel room-to-room for a bedside visit! Much like children who are able to sit on Santa’s lap, patients will have the opportunity to pass along their wishes this holiday season in plenty of time for Santa to make his list and check it twice! Event Announcements, 2011-12-16T18:52:08+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsners_it_department_named_one_of_the_countrys_best_by_healthcare_it_news http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsners_it_department_named_one_of_the_countrys_best_by_healthcare_it_news#When:18:48:22Z NEW ORLEANS –  As part of the Healthcare IT News first annual “2011 Where to Work: Best Hospital IT Departments,” Ochsner ranked 5th of ten hospitals in the Large Hospitals category (351+ beds). Overall, 179 hospitals were nominated for "Where to Work: Best Hospital IT Departments” and 25 were honored.   Employees graded their IT departments across seven categories: day-to-day work, IT team, management, hospital leadership, workplace culture, training and development and compensation.   Read the highlight on our IT department at this link.    General News, 2011-12-06T18:48:22+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_nicu_celebrates_the_holidays_with_32nd_annual_reunion_party http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_nicu_celebrates_the_holidays_with_32nd_annual_reunion_party#When:18:14:06Z NEW ORLEANS –   The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Ochsner Medical Center on Jefferson Highway cordially invites members of the media to attend its 32nd Annual NICU Alumni Holiday Reunion Party as Ochsner NICU “graduates” and their families celebrate life and the holiday season.   Every year, Ochsner celebrates the lives of our NICU graduates at the Alumni Holiday Reunion Party.  It is a wonderful holiday gift for the physicians, nurses and staff to have the opportunity to see fragile infants grow into healthy children. Many of these children were born either extremely premature and/or were very ill at birth and required special care.  At Ochsner Medical Center, more than 350 newborns are cared for each year in the NICU. The party will take place Friday, December 9, 2011 from 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. at Ochsner Medical Center at 1514 Jefferson Highway in the Brent House 2nd floor Conference Rooms.  Santa Claus will make a surprise guest appearance to deliver keepsake gifts to the families and listen to the children’s holiday wish lists.     Event Announcements, Press Release, Display on Homepage, Display on Nursing Homepage, 2011-12-05T18:14:06+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_named_among_top_organ_transplant_centers_in_nation http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_named_among_top_organ_transplant_centers_in_nation#When:18:19:43Z New Orleans, LA – HealthGrades, the nation’s leading independent ratings organization, has recognized Ochsner Clinic Foundation’s liver transplant program as among the best in the nation. Of the 111 hospitals performing liver transplant procedures, Ochsner is one of only seven hospitals nationwide to receive the Liver Transplant Excellence Award, and the only hospital in Louisiana to receive this distinction for 2012. Across the four transplant areas included in the HealthGrades assessment (heart, liver, kidney and lung) Ochsner is one of only 20 hospitals nationwide to receive a 2012 HealthGrades Transplant Excellence Award. Ochsner received a similar honor last year when it was one of only 11 hospitals in the country to receive the 2011 HealthGrades Kidney Transplant Excellence Award.  “The Transplant Excellence Award is a tribute to our transplant staff, Ochsner Medical Center as a whole and to the referring physicians who partner with us in caring for these very complex patients,” said George Loss, Jr., M.D., Chief of Ochsner Health System’s Multi-Organ Transplant Institute. “Transplant is a team endeavor and our outcomes and the subsequent recognition received from HealthGrades would be impossible without all of those mentioned above cooperating and coordinating on our patients’ care. This is quite an honor. We are proud not only of our liver transplant outcomes, but also for the superlative results we have achieved in heart, kidney and lung transplantation.”   HealthGrades’ annual evaluation of the nation’s top-performing hospitals in organ transplantation includes clinical quality data, based on patient outcomes, for each of the 263 adult and pediatric acute care hospitals that perform transplants. The following data is displayed on HealthGrades.com and was calculated by the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) for all adult and pediatric acute care hospitals in the U.S. with transplant programs: One and three-year risk-adjusted patient survival; One and three-year risk-adjusted graft survival; The rate at which waitlisted patients receive transplants; and Waitlist mortality.   Hospitals with transplant programs received HealthGrades Transplant Excellence Awards if they had a statistically significantly higher three-year survival rate. Award recipients were also required to have waitlist mortality that was either not significantly different than expected or was significantly lower than expected based on SRTR calculations. Of the 230 adult acute care hospitals evaluated, 20 hospitals received this award. Pediatric Hospitals were not evaluated to receive this award. The Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant Institute has performed more than 3,500 life-saving liver, kidney, pancreas, heart and lung transplants, making it the Gulf South's leading transplant center. Louisiana’s first liver transplant was performed at Ochsner in 1974. Since that time, our surgeons have performed more than 1100 adult and pediatric liver transplant operations, making Ochsner the busiest liver transplant center in Louisiana by far. “More than 112,000 patients are on a waiting list for an organ transplant in the U.S and it is imperative that patients have a resource to compare patient outcomes and other criteria at programs across the country,” said HealthGrades’ Vice President of Hospital Ratings Kristin Reed. “HealthGrades’ hospital ratings are based on objective patient outcomes, empowering patients to choose a program that gives them the best chance at survival.” For more information, please visit ochsner.org or contact our Transplant Hotline at 1-800-643-1635. ### About Ochsner Health System Ochsner Health System is southeast Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system with eight hospitals and over 38 health centers in Louisiana. Ochsner has been named the Consumer Choice for Healthcare in New Orleans for 16 consecutive years and is the only Louisiana hospital recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a “Best Hospital” across seven specialty categories. Ochsner employs more than 12,500 employees, over 850 physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties and conducts over 300 clinical research trials annually. Ochsner Health System is proud to be a tobacco-free environment. For more information, please visit ochsner.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. About HealthGrades HealthGrades is America's most trusted, independent source of physician information and hospital quality outcomes. HealthGrades’ online properties are the nation's leading destination for physician search and empower more than 200 million consumers annually to make informed health care decisions.   Press Release, 2011-11-30T18:19:43+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_health_system_community_calendar_listings_for_december_20111 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_health_system_community_calendar_listings_for_december_20111#When:18:10:48Z “HELLO HEALTH” seminar As part of its continued effort to keep the community healthy, Ochsner Health System is hosting a number of events in the month of December for area residents to learn more on specific health issues. Some of the events will be held at area restaurants, while other health discussions can be viewed on WLAE-TV. For those in the New Orleans area and Jefferson Parish, the following community health seminars will be held: December 1, 2011 Eric Royster, MD Pain Management The discussion will be on the topic of Pain Management Time/Location/Price: Noon Zea's Restaurant 1525 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans, LA $15 per person December 7, 2011 Dana Bolton, DPM Podiatry The dinner discussion will be on topic of Heel Pain Time/Location/Price: 6:00 p.m. Andrea's 3100 19th Street Metairie, LA $15 per person Invite your friends and family to attend the upcoming Hello Health seminar. Call 1-866-OCHSNER (1-866-624-7637) to register for this event.  Can't make it to a Hello Health seminar? You can follow along live on Ochsner Health System's Twitter page, www.twitter.com/OchsnerHealth. Just search the hashtag #HHLive.  Health topics that can be viewed on WLAE-TV, which can be seen on Cox Cable Channel 14, Charter Cable Channel 11 and Direct TV Channel 32: December 5, 8:00 p.m. Katherine Baumgarten, MD Infectious Disease Avoiding Shingles, Pneumonia and the Flu December 12, 8:00 p.m. Katherine Baumgarten, MD Infectious Disease Avoiding Shingles, Pneumonia and the Flu (This is a re-run) December 19, 8:00 p.m. Molly Kimball Dietician Maintain don't Gain during the Holidays (This is a re-run) December 26, 8:00 p.m. John Bolton, MD Surgeon Treatment Options for Colo-Rectal to Liver Cancer (This is a re-run) Event Announcements, Press Release, 2011-11-21T18:10:48+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_health_system_community_calendar_listings_for_december_2011 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_health_system_community_calendar_listings_for_december_2011#When:18:08:16Z “HELLO HEALTH” listings As part of its continued effort to keep the community healthy, Ochsner Health System is hosting a number of events in the month of December for area residents to learn more on specific health issues. This month’s health topics can be viewed on WLAE-TV, which can be seen on Cox Cable Channel 14, Charter Cable Channel 11 and Direct TV Channel 32: December 5, 8:00 p.m. Katherine Baumgarten, MD Infectious Disease Avoiding Shingles, Pneumonia and the Flu December 12, 8:00 p.m. Katherine Baumgarten, MD Infectious Disease Avoiding Shingles, Pneumonia and the Flu (This is a re-run) December 19, 8:00 p.m. Molly Kimball Dietician Maintain don't Gain during the Holidays (This is a re-run) December 26, 8:00 p.m. John Bolton, MD Surgeon Treatment Options for Colo-Rectal to Liver Cancer (This is a re-run)   Event Announcements, Press Release, 2011-11-21T18:08:16+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_opens_new_central_health_center http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_opens_new_central_health_center#When:16:47:58Z In February, Ochsner Health System broke ground on a new health center in the City of Central with the goal of bringing healthcare closer to families in the area. On Wednesday, November 23rd, 9:00am – 10:00am, Ochsner will mark the opening of the $2.2 million Ochsner Health Center – Central, 11424 Sullivan Road, with a ribbon cutting ceremony.  Members of the media are invited to attend. Speakers will include: • Mitch Wasden, CEO Ochsner Baton Rouge Region • Congressman Bill Cassidy, MD • Ron Erickson, President, Central Chamber of Commerce • Shelton “Mac” Watts, Mayor, City of Central • Dr. Robert Hart, Medical Director, Ochsner Baton Rouge Region • Dr. Keith Holmes, Internist, Ochsner Health Center – Central Lead Physician “We are excited to become a permanent part of the City of Central and look forward to growing along with this thriving community,” says Ochsner Baton Rouge Chief Executive Officer Mitch Wasden.  “Ochsner wants to make healthcare more convenient for our patients and their families and opening clinics such as this one allow us to do just that.” The expanded clinic, which is located in Central Park Professional Plaza, is new construction by Central native and developer Brandon Rogillio, Central contractor TBT Industries and Scott Ritter of Ritter Maher Architects. The facility features: • 7,500 square feet • 12 exam rooms • Laboratory services • Imaging services including x-ray With this expansion, Ochsner will now provide more specialty services and pediatric care in addition to adult primary care.  The following Ochsner physicians will be available at Ochsner Health Center – Central:  Keith Holmes, MD (Internal Medicine); Kenneth Gaddis, MD (Neurology); Lei Gao, MD (Cardiology); Gregory Gaspard, MD (Gastroenterology); Lois Gesn, MD (Pediatrics); Alicia Kober, MD (Pediatrics) and Salvador Velazquez, MD (Cardiology).  “As a long-time Central resident and 21 year Ochsner physician I am proud of the commitment that Ochsner is showing to the City of Central with the establishment of this new location,” says Keith Holmes, MD, Internist and Ochsner Health Center – Central Lead Physician.  “The expanded facility allows us to treat the entire family with the addition of pediatrics. In addition, Central residents will no longer have to travel out of town for laboratory and imaging services.” Ochsner will host a free, family-friendly grand opening celebration on Saturday, December 10th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in order to give area families the opportunity to tour the facility and meet the physicians.   General News, Event Announcements, Press Release, Display on Homepage, 2011-11-21T16:47:58+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsners_ochsners_2011_tree_of_l2011_tree_of_life_dedicated_to_the_memory_o http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsners_ochsners_2011_tree_of_l2011_tree_of_life_dedicated_to_the_memory_o#When:18:05:10Z NEW ORLEANS – Amelia LeBert spent precious few days on this earth, but her infectious smile and spirit lives on and her family hopes her story will help raise much-needed funds for other children who wait for a life-saving transplant. Amelia will be honored as Ochsner kicks off this year’s holiday season with the dedication of its 2011 Tree of Life. The dedication will be held on Friday, December 2, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in the Main Atrium Lobby, 1514 Jefferson Highway. This year’s ceremony will benefit the Pediatric Cardiology Transplant Fund at Ochsner, which provides training and education for employees and physicians, special equipment and direct support to the families who care for young transplant patients. The Tree of Life is sponsored by staff and friends of the Multi-Organ Transplant Center at Ochsner. On December 2nd, ornaments inscribed with the name of a loved one will be individually announced and then hung on the Christmas tree as a way of remembering them during this special time of year.  Holiday caroling by local choirs will take place before and after the ceremony. The family of Amelia will start the ceremony by placing a special ornament in her memory. Born with a congenital heart defect, Amelia underwent seven heart surgeries before she was eight months old. In May 2008, Amelia received a heart transplant but was never able to overcome the challenges life presented her. Two-year-old Amelia died in 2009. Her family is forever eternally grateful for the loving and compassionate care she received and hopes her story will help other families. To purchase an ornament or brick in honor of your loved one, call 504-842-7113 or visit www.ochsner.org.   General News, Event Announcements, Press Release, 2011-11-15T18:05:10+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_medical_center_baton_rouge_earns_gift_certification http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_medical_center_baton_rouge_earns_gift_certification#When:19:17:18Z Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge’s Family Birthing Center received the Golden GIFT Breastfeeding Award in recognition of its recent GIFT certification.  The Louisiana Maternal and Child Health Coalition and the Louisiana Office of Public Health-Maternal and Child Health Program awards GIFT certification to those birthing centers which demonstrate a commitment to breastfeeding through hospital-wide policies that support, promote and protect breastfeeding as the preferred and normal method of infant feeding.  Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge employs three International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC's) to assist new moms with breastfeeding before, during and after baby’s arrival.  The hospital’s Family Birthing Center was also designed to allow babies to room in with moms throughout their hospital stay in order to make breastfeeding easier.  “All of these efforts are in place to help our moms successfully breastfeed their new additions as soon as they are born,” says Jessica Evins, BSN, RN, IBCLC – Ochsner Lactation Consultant.  “Our team of Certified Nurse Midwives and OB/GYN’s encourage their patients to breastfeed and we as lactation consultants do everything we can to help moms succeed.”   In 2010 Ochsner renovated the entire fourth floor of Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge creating the Family Birthing Center.  The unit features six labor and delivery rooms, two built-in birthing tubs, two cesarean rooms and nine NICU beds.  ### Ochsner’s Baton Rouge services include six local health centers and Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge, a full service acute care hospital located at I-12 and O’Neal Lane.  Ochsner employs more than 1,000 locally, including nearly 100 physicians. Ochsner Baton Rouge is a part of Ochsner Health System, southeast Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system. For more information, please visit www.ochsner.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.   General News, Press Release, Display on Homepage, 2011-11-10T19:17:18+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_one_of_only_22_u.s._sites_approved_to_implant_new_heart_valve_witho http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_one_of_only_22_u.s._sites_approved_to_implant_new_heart_valve_witho#When:19:02:38Z NEW ORLEANS  –  Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first transcatheter aortic heart valve that can be implanted without open heart surgery -- and Ochsner Medical Center was one of only 22 sites in the United States for this landmark clinical trial. The FDA’s approval of the Edwards SAPIEN heart valve gives patients who are considered non-operable for conventional open heart valve surgery new hope for longer life and relief from symptoms. Annually, some 300,000 people in the U.S. need a new heart valve. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) involves a catheter carrying a tissue valve built into a metal frame a half an inch in diameter being threaded up the artery from the leg to the aortic valve, where it positions the new valve within the damaged one. This procedure is performed in a state-of-the-art cath lab on a "beating heart," without the need for bypass machine, which can pose additional risks. “The Edwards SAPIEN valve offers a new lease on life for patients with severe aortic stenosis through a minimally invasive procedure which can reduce morbidity and recovery time," said Ochsner’s Stephen Ramee, M.D., FACC, Medical Director of the John Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute Heart Valve Program.  “We are seeing patients in their 80s and 90s who were bedridden before the procedure participating in their daily activities again just a month later. It is extremely gratifying for the doctors and for the patients.” Regionally, this procedure is available only through the John Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute’s Heart Valve Program. “Between Dallas and Miami and up to Atlanta, Ochsner is the only hospital that has the ability to perform the transcatheter aortic valve replacement,” said Ramee. Ochsner was chosen for the trial due to its expertise in valve replacement surgery and vast experience in interventional procedures. "This is an interdisciplinary study in which Ochsner's Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Anesthesia, Pulmonology and Nephrology departments are working collaboratively, using the best techniques from all specialties, to advance the standard of care for our patients," said Ramee. For more information on Ochsner’s Heart Valve Program, please call toll free 1-855-842-3724 or email heartvalve@ochsner.org.   ### General News, Press Release, Display on Homepage, Display on Nursing Homepage, 2011-11-08T19:02:38+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_baton_rouge_golden_opportunity_program_announces_december_even http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_baton_rouge_golden_opportunity_program_announces_december_even#When:16:18:42Z Ochsner’s Golden Opportunity Program has released the December 2011 calendar of events. Movie Review:  Jack & Jill Thursday, December 1st 10:00 am Grand Cinema Theater – 15365 George O’Neal Road Meet at Grand Cinema on George O’Neal Road for a private showing of this latest movie.  Admission cost is $6.50 per person and includes admission, small drink and small popcorn. Call 755-4984 to RSVP. Culinary Run: Juban’s Restaurant Monday, December 5th 11:30 am Juban’s Restaurant 3937 Perkins Road Let’s do lunch!  Meet at Juban’s Restaurant for lunch with your Golden Opportunity friends.  Members will pay $24.00 per person to include lunch, gratuity and tip with a special menu for GO members.  Call 755-4984 to RSVP. Lunch Bunch: An Open Forum on Respiratory Issues Tuesday, December 6th Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge Classrooms 17000 Medical Center Drive 10:30 am - Noon How do I prevent asthma attacks?  Can I improve my overall lung health?  Ochsner’s Jerome Cambre, Respiratory Therapist, will answer your questions regarding respiratory issues at an open forum for GO members. Call 755-4984 to RSVP for this free event GO Annual Holiday Celebration Friday, December 9th Nottoway Plantation Celebrate the season with your GO family and friends.  Enjoy food, live entertainment and holiday festivities at Nottoway Plantation.  Cost is $55.00 per person. Call 755-4984 to RSVP. Lunch Bunch: The ABC’s of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) Wednesday, December 14th Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge Classrooms 17000 Medical Center Drive 10:30 am – Noon Ochsner physician, Gregory Gaspard, MD, will discuss the facts, symptoms and treatment options for IBS, which is a common disorder affecting the large intestine. Call 755-4984 to RSVP for this free event Golden Opportunity is a program for adults 50 and older in the Baton Rouge region.  The program promotes an active, healthy, independent lifestyle for all seniors.  Golden Opportunity offers a broad range of wellness services, educational information and seminars, wellness screenings, special discounts, social activities and travel opportunities.  Anyone interested in learning more about Golden Opportunity can contact the office at 755-4984.  General News, Event Announcements, Press Release, 2011-11-02T16:18:42+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_medical_center_named_consumer_choice_award_winner_for_16th_year_in http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_medical_center_named_consumer_choice_award_winner_for_16th_year_in#When:15:33:40Z NEW ORLEANS –   National Research Corporation (NRC) announced that New Orleans residents have named Ochsner Medical Center the Consumer Choice Award winner for the 16th consecutive year – a feat accomplished by only 41 other hospitals. The Consumer Choice Award identifies hospitals that healthcare consumers have chosen as having the highest quality and image in over 300 markets throughout the United States.  New Orleans-area consumers chose Ochsner Medical Center based on four metrics: • Best overall quality • Best image and reputation • Best doctors • Best nurses “I am extremely proud of and thankful to our medical staff and employees,” said Dr. Patrick Quinlan, CEO, Ochsner Health System. “The Consumer Choice Award affirms our commitment and devotion to the highest quality care for our patients, and receiving such an award – especially 16 years in a row -  is a great honor.” Susan L. Henricks, President and Chief Operating Officer at NRC, said, “The Consumer Choice Award provides a benchmark for consumers to show how important quality healthcare is to them and to their families.” “Consumers are taking a more proactive role in their healthcare decisions and demanding higher quality. In a constantly changing healthcare industry, consumer perception is becoming more and more vital to the success of all hospitals,” Henricks said. “At NRC, we know it is imperative to learn from the patient’s experience in order to improve the quality of care. The Consumer Choice Award recognizes those facilities that are meeting or exceeding the needs of consumers – their patients.” Winners, named in the October 17 issue of Modern Healthcare magazine, are selected from the nationwide consumer health care profile, the NRC Ticker study. This study surveys over 250,000 households representing over 450,000 consumers in the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia. From the households surveyed, 3200 hospitals named by consumers are analyzed and ranked based on their Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs) as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, with the winning facilities being ranked the highest. NRC’s Ticker Survey is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive study of its kind.  No other study measures hospital performance and preferences and contains more consumer responses than NRC’s study.  The study has a margin of error of + or – 0.2 percent at a national level.  Co-winners are named when scores fall within the statistical margin of error for a given market. National Research Corporation (NASDAQ: NRCI) is an industry leader, with more than two decades of experience in healthcare performance measurement and improvement.   ### Ochsner Health System is southeast Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system with eight hospitals and over 38 health centers in Louisiana. Ochsner has been named the Consumer Choice for Healthcare in New Orleans for 16 consecutive years and is the only Louisiana hospital recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a “Best Hospital” across seven specialty categories. Ochsner employs more than 12,500 employees, over 850 physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties and conducts over 300 clinical research trials annually. Ochsner Health System is proud to be a tobacco-free environment. For more information, please visit ochsner.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.   General News, Press Release, Display on Homepage, Display on Nursing Homepage, 2011-10-27T15:33:40+00:00