http://www.ochsner.org/news en kstaiano@ochsner.org Copyright 2012 2012-05-08T17:06:06+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/warner_thomas_to_succeed_patrick_quinlan_as_ceo_of_ochsner_health_system http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/warner_thomas_to_succeed_patrick_quinlan_as_ceo_of_ochsner_health_system#When:13:55:15Z NEW ORLEANS (May 14, 2012)-- Ochsner Health System announced today that its president and chief operating officer, Warner Thomas, will succeed Dr. Patrick Quinlan as the system’s chief executive officer, effective September 1, 2012. Quinlan, who has led Ochsner Health System since 2001, will head the new Ochsner Center for Community Wellness and Health Policy, and will continue to be on the Ochsner Health System Board of Directors. “The Board carefully developed this succession plan over the past eighteen months, in partnership with Dr. Quinlan and Mr. Thomas,” Jimmy Maurin, board chair, Ochsner Health System, said. “The Ochsner leadership transition will benefit the Greater Gulf South communities that Ochsner serves because it leverages each leader’s skills and passions: visionary operational management and a continued emphasis on the technology and infrastructure required to maintain clinical quality from Warner Thomas as incoming CEO, and community wellness leadership and advocacy on a national level driven by the expertise and personal commitment of Dr. Patrick Quinlan.” “The practice of medicine remains at the core of Ochsner - it is the key to our past and future success.  I will continue my work with the Ochsner medical group and medical leadership to enhance the quality and scope of medicine at Ochsner.  In addition, partnerships are an important aspect in the future growth of Ochsner.  I will devote considerable time and effort to foster these growing partnerships in this country and abroad,” Quinlan said. Quinlan, a longtime advocate for public health issues, sees a great need for the new Center for Community Wellness and Health Policy. “For the first time, a major health system will take on the important responsibility of serving to educate and inform people and decision makers so that we are addressing health care issues at the root cause of disease instead of simply addressing the symptoms. It’s an opportunity to put meaningful resources in place to support tobacco-free living, the elimination of childhood obesity and other issues,” Quinlan said. Since Quinlan arrived at Ochsner in 1999, there have been many accomplishments, but perhaps the most notable being the 2001 unification of the Ochsner Clinic and Ochsner Foundation Hospital. For the 11 years of Quinlan’s tenure as CEO of Ochsner Health System, Ochsner Medical Center was recognized numerous times as one of the Best Hospitals in America by U.S. News & World Report and Thomson Reuters named it one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals ® three times. Quinlan was the driving force behind the creation of Ochsner’s tobacco-free initiative Living the Legacy as well as the creation of the successful program Change the Kids, Change the Future (TM) designed to inform the preventative health choices of families and children across the community. As president and chief operating officer, Thomas led Ochsner’s effort in building its own hospital system through the acquisition of six hospitals, which led to the Ochsner Health System as it stands today serving people across Louisiana. “Warner Thomas has been essential in preparing Ochsner to tackle the changes prompted by the Affordable Care Act and the reformation of health insurance,” Maurin said. “Warner’s management skills have benefited our patients, physicians and employees, all of whom have thrived in our high-functioning environment.” His expertise and ability have been noticed nationally, as well. Thomas was named 2012 chair of the American Hospital Association’s Section for Healthcare Systems which represents health systems across the country that provide guidance in AHA’s policy development and governance. “In addition, Warner has been committed to recruiting top talent and developing strong leaders throughout the organization. His vision has been realized through the creation of the Ochsner Leadership Institute,” Maurin said. “His focus on implementing industry best practices and developing innovative partnerships with major companies such as GE, have resulted in the operating capabilities required to successfully run a health system of this size.” “I’m deeply honored by the Board’s faith and confidence in me,” Thomas said. “As an integrated system under Dr. Quinlan, we have achieved great success. I hope to build on that success, together with our strong leadership team, to further Ochsner’s Mission and Vision of becoming a global leader while maintaining the highest quality healthcare in our community.” For more information, please visit ochsner.org/future.                                                                                              ### 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 13,000 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.   Press Release, 2012-05-14T13:55:15+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_announces_june_family_birthing_center_class_schedule http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_announces_june_family_birthing_center_class_schedule#When:15:07:26Z Ochsner’s Family Birthing Center has released the June class schedule. Breastfeeding Support Group Meeting June 4th 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Meetings are led by moms and offer the opportunity to share stories and tips. Childbirth Classes June 5th 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Part I June 12th 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Part II June 19th 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Part III Saturday, June 16th   - 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. ###  General News, Event Announcements, Press Release, Display on Homepage, 2012-05-11T15:07:26+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_receives_special_accreditation_from_the_american_college_of_radiolo http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_receives_special_accreditation_from_the_american_college_of_radiolo#When:21:26:32Z    NEW ORLEANS –   Ochsner Medical Center and Ochsner Baptist Medical Center has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in radiation oncology as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). Radiation oncology (radiation therapy) is the careful use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer. A radiation oncologist may use radiation to cure cancer or to relieve a cancer patient’s pain. With more than 2,000 new cancer patients seen each year, the Ochsner Cancer Institute provides a comprehensive continuum of care through a team of highly skilled specialists and surgeons across all of the campuses. The multidisciplinary, collaborative approach is beneficial, providing patients with a number of resources including state-of-the-art, innovative treatment options, research participation or support services. “This accreditation serves as a validation of our commitment to providing high quality standards for patient care in radiation oncology,” said Dr. Troy Scroggins, Jr., chairman of radiation oncology for Ochsner Health System. “Our goal is to offer our patients peace of mind through compassionate physical and mental support and the most advanced cancer care available.” Awarded in late April, the ACR-ASTRO seal of accreditation represents the highest level of quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting specific Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards developed by ACR and ASTRO after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified radiation oncologists and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Patient care and treatment, patient safety, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR-ASTRO Committee on Radiation Oncology Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice 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 13,000 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.      Press Release, 2012-05-10T21:26:32+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_medical_center_named_as_top_100_great_hospitals_and_leaders_in_amer http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_medical_center_named_as_top_100_great_hospitals_and_leaders_in_amer#When:16:51:44Z NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner Medical Center has been named one of the nation’s “100 Great Hospitals” by Becker’s Hospital Review. Michael Hulefeld, CEO of Ochsner Medical Center, was also honored as one of the “100 Leaders of Great Hospitals” Each of the hospitals selected has contributed to the history of American healthcare, achieving notable accomplishments in 2011.The list includes a variety of organizations that serve as anchors of wellness in their local communities. Ochsner Medical Center is the only hospital in the Gulf Coast region to receive these awards. The honorees of the “100 Leaders of the Great Hospitals” include presidents, CEOs and directors who have emphasized organizational excellence, patient safety, quality service, financial savvy and an appropriate management demeanor, all of which are vital as the healthcare industry continues to transition. “It is an honor for Ochsner to be included in such a prestigious group of respected and influential executives from renowned institutions,” said Michael Hulefeld, CEO, Ochsner Medical Center. “This award is a collaborative effort from our entire staff and emphasizes our commitment to providing quality healthcare to our patients.” The Becker's Hospital Review editorial team analyzed, scored and weighted data from outside sources on factors including patient safety, clinical outcomes and reputation. After examining these national rankings, the editorial team performed additional research and sought insight from industry sources before determining final selections. The list covers a wide spectrum, from well-known academic medical centers to less widely recognized community hospitals. Hospitals do not and cannot pay to be included on this list. These accolades are the latest in a string of awards in 2012 for Ochsner Health System. For the third year in a row, Ochsner Medical Center was named a Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals® National Benchmark Study winner and Top 15 Major Teaching Hospitals in the nation. Additionally, we were a recipient of the Everest Award, and Ochsner Medical Center and Ochsner Medical Center- West Bank Campus were recognized as Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence™ by HealthGrades. For more details, view a full list of the 100 Great Hospitals and Leaders in America at www.beckershospitalreview.com. ### 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 13,000 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.   Press Release, 2012-05-09T16:51:44+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_receives_3.867_million_health_care_innovation_award_for_comprehensi http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_receives_3.867_million_health_care_innovation_award_for_comprehensi#When:16:35:07Z NEW ORLEANS –   Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that Ochsner Clinic Foundation is one of 26 organizations receiving a Health Care Innovation Award. The awards, which were made possible by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, are funding up to $1 billion in grants to applicants who will implement the most compelling new ideas to deliver better health, improved care and lower costs to people enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs. Utilizing the Innovation Award, Ochsner will focus on better serving almost 1000 acute stroke patients in Jefferson and St. Tammany parishes by employing two telemedicine enabled concepts called “Stroke Central” and “Stroke Mobile.”  These systems will enable care providers to monitor patients, evaluate outcomes, and check on medication and treatment adherence on a real-time basis both in the hospital and in the home. The program will continue to monitor patients over a 12 month period resulting in improved quality of life, improved acute stroke management and reduced complications.  The Comprehensive Stroke Care Model is estimated to save almost $5 million over the next three years.  Ochsner, which is ranked by HealthGrades as the #1 stroke program in Louisiana, currently provides telestroke services for 14 community hospitals and has performed over 1,200 patients. "This is a win for the people of Louisiana,” said Warner Thomas, President and COO of Ochsner Health System. “This is an opportunity for even better care to patients who have suffered strokes. It also is an example how Ochsner can combine its most valuable resources in clinical care with our expertise in research, to bring funding for such an important project." Preliminary awardees were chosen not only for their innovative solutions to the health care challenges facing their communities, but also for their focus on creating a well-trained health care workforce that is equipped to meet the need for new jobs in the 21st century health system. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the health care and social assistance sector will gain the most jobs between now and 2020. The first batch of awardees’ projects include collaborations of leading hospitals, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, technology innovators, community-based organizations, and patients’ advocacy groups, among others, located in urban and rural areas that will begin work this year to address health care issues in local communities.  This initiative allows applicants to come up with their best ideas to test how we can quickly and efficiently improve the quality and affordability of health care.   “We can’t wait to support innovative projects that will save money and make our health care system stronger,” said Secretary Sebelius. “It’s yet another way we are supporting local communities now in their efforts to provide better care and lower cost.” The awards total $122.6 million. CMS’ Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation is administering these awards through cooperative agreements over 3 years. To learn more about other innovative models being tested by the CMS Innovation Center, please visit: www.innovation.cms.gov. #### 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 13,000 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.       Press Release, 2012-05-09T16:35:07+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/get_the_skinny_on_ochsners_eat_fit_nola http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/get_the_skinny_on_ochsners_eat_fit_nola#When:17:06:06Z In a city famous for its food, making nutritious choices when dining out in New Orleans can be quite a challenge.  But making healthy choices doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your favorite restaurants, and it also doesn’t mean you’re relegated to just a dry salad. Now, Ochsner’s Eat Fit NOLA, a partnership with local restaurants, will help you identify the most nutritious options on the menu! Read more and view the video here.  General News, 2012-05-08T17:06:06+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_only_hospital_in_louisiana_utilizing_robotic_fluorescence_imaging http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_only_hospital_in_louisiana_utilizing_robotic_fluorescence_imaging#When:00:13:21Z NEW ORLEANS –   Ochsner Medical Center is the first and only hospital in Louisiana utilizing Near-Infrared Fluorescence (NIRF) Guidance for the daVinci Si robotic surgical system to spare kidney tissue during cancerous tumor removal. Only a small group of hospitals in the country have this technology, also known as “Firefly”. Fluorescence imaging offers real-time, image-guided identification of key anatomical landmarks using near-infrared technology, allowing surgeons to see and assess anatomy better than the naked eye.  By injecting a green dye called Indocyanine Green (ICG) that is activated by near-infrared light, surgeons can more precisely differentiate between malignant and normal tissue during surgery. Dr. Stephen F. Bardot, Chairman, Department of Urology, Ochsner Medical Center, is now using Firefly during kidney-sparing surgeries for patients with kidney cancer. “Firefly improves our ability to be more exact in getting out the tumor and tissue we need to get out while preserving healthy tissue,” says Bardot. Sparing kidney tissue is important because studies show that patients who have their entire kidney removed are more likely to suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD) after surgery compared to patients who receive a kidney sparing partial nephrectomy. Bardot says Ochsner is investigating the Firefly application in prostate cancer treatment as well. For more information, please call Ochsner Urology Physician Liaison, Jeannine Clutter (504)842-5263 or visit www.ochsner.org/firefly.                                                 ### 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 13,000 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.   Press Release, 2012-05-04T00:13:21+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/muriels_jackson_square_offers_healthy_choices_with_all_the_flavor1 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/muriels_jackson_square_offers_healthy_choices_with_all_the_flavor1#When:22:59:59Z New Orleans, Louisiana— In an effort to help guests meet their personal health and wellness goals Muriel’s Jackson Square has announced it is partnering with Molly Kimball, registered dietitian with Ochsner’s Elmwood Fitness Center, to offer Eat Fit NOLA menu items. “Our Eat Fit menu reflects a healthier version of many of our classic New Orleans dishes,” states Gus Martin, Muriel’s Executive Chef. “We worked especially hard to keep the integrity of the dishes without losing any of the flavor.” With obesity rates reaching epidemic proportions and upcoming changes to healthcare reform, people want better control over their own state of health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than one-third of American adults are overweight, and the American diet is to blame. “We know that many people want healthy choices when they dine out and having Eat Fit NOLA dishes identified on the menu helps them easily choose those healthy options,” states Rick Gratia, Muriel’s Jackson Square owner. “If we can help our guests find choices to fit their lifestyle and health goals we have achieved our goals with this new program.” “Although unhealthy dietary and lifestyle patterns contribute greatly to the epidemics of obesity and cardiovascular diseases, many of the finer restaurants for which New Orleans is known -- such as Muriel's -- offer heart healthy choices to satisfy one's palate but also maintain good cardiovascular health,” says Dr. Chip Lavie, Medical Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention, Ochsner Medical Center. Kimball states, “We're providing this service to New Orleans locals and visitors to make it easier to make smart choices, to take out any guesswork, to eliminate any anxiety or stress about making the best choices for their bodies, waistline and health.... and that yes, it's possible to eat healthfully and nutritiously even when dining at the best New Orleans restaurants!” Eat Fit NOLA menu items must meet the following criteria:             Entrée or Entrée Salad: Less than 500 calories Less than 600 mg sodium Less than 10% of calories from saturated fat 0 grams trans fats No white, refined starches Less than 5 grams (one teaspoon) of added sugar (e.g. honey, agave, sugar, etc) Appetizer, Soup, Salad, or Dessert: Less than 300 calories Less than 300 mg sodium Less than 10% of calories from saturated fat 0 grams trans fats No white, refined starches Less than 5 grams (one teaspoon) of added sugar (e.g. honey, agave, sugar, etc) Ochsner is offering local restaurants nutrition consulting as part of its Eat Fit initiative, which also includes the Eat Fit Plan – an individually-tailored food plan which provides fresh, delivered meals by The Fit Gourmet. Eat Fit To Go will launch at Elmwood Fitness Center soon, offering healthy, delicious meals on the go. Guests also can enjoy Eat Fit NOLA dishes on the menus at Commander’s Palace and Café Adelaide. To stay updated on the latest restaurants, to join Eat Fit NOLA or for more information, please visit www.ochsner.org/EatFit. Muriel’s Jackson Square is open for Lunch and Dinner seven days a week, and offers a Sunday Brunch featuring Joe Simon’s Jazz Trio. Located at 801 Chartres Street in the French Quarter. For reservations or more information call 504.568.1885 or visit www.muriels.com. 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 13,000 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.                                                                                            ###   Press Release, 2012-05-03T22:59:59+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/good_samaritan_organ_donor http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/good_samaritan_organ_donor#When:16:59:19Z To read the full story of Eric Parrie's altruistic kidney donation at Ochsner on ABCNews.com, click here.  General News, 2012-05-03T16:59:19+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_north_shore_volunteers_recognized_for_outstanding_work http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_north_shore_volunteers_recognized_for_outstanding_work#When:13:39:36Z Ochsner North Shore recently celebrated National Volunteer Month with special luncheon events for hospital and clinic volunteers.   In 2011, clinic volunteers contributed a total of 1,100 hours of their time to assisting patients, families and staff at Ochsner Health Center – Covington.  During the same time, Ochsner Medical Center - North Shore volunteers contributed an additional 11,826 hours of time to the hospital.  “Every year our volunteers make a considerable difference in the lives of our patients, families and staff,” says Polly Davenport, Ochsner North Shore Chief Executive Officer.  “We are grateful to have such a dedicated group of caring individuals work with us.” Volunteers perform a range of tasks including front desk receptionist, waiting room attendant, gift shop assistant and greeter.  For more information on available opportunities contact Kimberly Holmes, Volunteer Manager at 985-646-5021.   ###  General News, Press Release, Display on Homepage, 2012-05-01T13:39:36+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_health_center_covington_now_offering_breast_mri_services http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_health_center_covington_now_offering_breast_mri_services#When:19:25:28Z Ochsner Health Center – Covington has added breast MRI services to its full list of breast imaging options which also includes mammography and ultrasound services.   “We are pleased to be able to offer our patients this additional diagnostic tool,” says Melissa O’Malley – Ochsner North Shore Radiology Director.  O’Malley says breast MRI’s are being performed using the health center’s open MRI machine which offers patients a more comfortable experience.  MRI scans are traditionally needed for patients with a medical condition that is not easily detected through a more conventional physical exam.  The scans generate clear, high quality images aiding in a more accurate diagnosis.  Breast MRI’s are most often used to screen patients at high risk for breast cancer using specific criteria or to determine the best surgical approach or type of surgery needed for those patients who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer.  Breast MRI’s are being offered at Ochsner Health Center – Covington, located at 1000 Ochsner Boulevard.    General News, Press Release, Display on Homepage, 2012-04-27T19:25:28+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/april_is_organ_donation_awareness_month http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/april_is_organ_donation_awareness_month#When:01:19:09Z April is National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Month. More than 113,000 men, women and children are on the national transplant waiting list. Every 12 minutes another person is added. In Louisiana more than 1,800 people are waiting for organ transplants. Nearly 20 people each day die unnecessarily because there are too few organ donors. Friday, April 20 is flaunt your colors day! Ochsner is encouraging all employees to wear green or blue, the official colors of Donate Life Louisiana, to work and show our support of organ and tissue donation. You can register to be a donor at the following locations from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.: OMC-West Bank - Cafeteria  OMC-Baton Rouge - Lobby  OMC-North Shore -Lobby  EFC - Elmwood -Lobby OMC - Executive Health, Main Atrium (front of old Kids Club)   You can help save and enhance the lives of these people. Visit the Ochsner Transplant page to learn more about organ donation.   The need for organs and tissues for transplants greatly exceeds the availability and the difference is growing every day. Every 10 minutes another name is added to the waiting list for organ donation. Transplantation gives hope to thousands of people each year and to celebrate this spirit of generosity and compassion, we will be sharing transplant stories each day for the 30 days of April. These stories highlight real people who have either received an organ, donated an organ or are on a waiting list. We hope these stories help motivate others to sign up and become organ. eye and tissue donors and give those in need the chance of life. Visit the Ochsner Multi Organ Transplant Institute's Facebook page to hear these stories and learn more. You can be a donor! Click here to register in Louisiana Click here to register Nationally Even if you're currently an organ donor, you can still help. Have a discussion with your family members, so they are aware of your wishes. Also, please share this message with those you love. General News, Display on Homepage, 2012-04-20T01:19:09+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_medical_center_named_one_of_the_nations_100_top_hospitals_by_thomso http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_medical_center_named_one_of_the_nations_100_top_hospitals_by_thomso#When:22:21:45Z NEW ORLEANS –   For the third consecutive year, Ochsner Medical Center was named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals® and an Everest Award winner by Thomson Reuters. The 100 Top Hospitals® award winners demonstrate top performance on both how patients are cared for through clinical measures and how the hospital performs as an efficient business. Within the list, Ochsner Medical Center was one of only 12 hospitals to receive the Everest Award, which honors hospitals that have achieved both the highest current performance and the fastest long-term improvement over five years. In addition, Ochsner was one of 15 hospitals named in the "Major Teaching Hospital" category among peers such as The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. No other hospitals in Louisiana or Mississippi made the list.  The Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals® study is unique in that it evaluates hospitals on measures of overall organization performance, including patient care, operational efficiency, and financial stability. It measures the overall performance of nearly 3,000 U.S. hospitals in 10 key areas, including mortality, medical complications and patient safety. “We strive every day to provide excellent, quality care in a safe and effective manner,” says Mike Hulefeld, CEO, Ochsner Medical Center. “This award assures us, and the community, that we are doing a good job and we are on par with the best our country has to offer.”  Based on comparisons between the study winners and a peer group of similar high-volume hospitals that were not winners, the study found that if all hospitals performed at the level of this year’s winners: More than 186,000 additional lives could be saved. Approximately 56,000 additional patients could be complication-free. More than $4.3 billion could be saved. The average patient stay would decrease by nearly half a day. More information can be found at www.100tophospitals.com and also in Modern Healthcare.                                                                   ### 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 13,000 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. Press Release, 2012-04-19T22:21:45+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/access_to_present_a_sweet_soiree http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/access_to_present_a_sweet_soiree#When:13:47:02Z On April 21, Adapting and Changing Children’s Environments with Successful Solutions (ACCESS) will present "A Sweet Soiree" to benefit children with disabilities and their families. The event will take place from 7-10 p.m. at the Stone Creek Club and Spa in Covington and will feature a "Who’s Who" of area musicians. The mission of ACCESS is to raise awareness and funds to help support families of children with disabilities in order to improve their quality of life. The group includes individuals, health care providers and businesses. ACCESS has a core advisory board composed of representatives of the north shore medical community, including physicians, therapists and hospital system administrators, as well as parents, Northshore Families Helping Families and parents of children with disabilities. Ochsner physician, Dr. Aaron Karlin, is closely involved with the ACCESS program.  To read more about the ACCESS "A Sweet Soiree," click here.  Event Announcements, 2012-04-18T13:47:02+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_take_back_drug_initiative_set_for_april_28th http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_take_back_drug_initiative_set_for_april_28th#When:20:38:47Z NEW ORLEANS –   Many homes in South Louisiana have medicine cabinets stocked with expired or unused medications.  Ochsner Health System is providing a safe way to dispose of those unneeded medications by hosting a Take Back Initiative on Saturday, April 28th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  All controlled, uncontrolled and over-the-counter medications will be collected and appropriately disposed of.  Syringes and injectables will not be accepted.    The National Take Back Initiative was started by the DEA in September of 2010 in response to the increasing rate of prescription medication abuse in America.  According to the Partnership for a Drug Free America, approximately 2,500 teenagers abuse these medications daily.  The goal of the Take Back Initiative is to remove these substances from homes where they are easily accessible.  The first Take Back Initiative resulted in 121 tons of pills being collected by nearly 3,000 state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the country. “Ochsner has teamed up with local law enforcement to safely offer these drop off locations,” says Andy Boothe, Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge Pharmacy Director.  “We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity and remind everyone that the program is anonymous with no questions asked at the time of drop off.” Boothe says most medications do have an expiration date after which they should no longer be used.  Even everyday items such as cough syrups have a shelf life and should be disposed of properly. The following Ochsner locations will host a Take Back Initiative: Ochsner Medical Center Front of Hospital on Jefferson Highway 1516 Jefferson Highway New Orleans, LA 70121 Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner In front of the Emergency Room Main Entrance 180 W. Esplanade Ave Kenner, LA 70065 504-464-8043 Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital At front entrance to hospital 4608 Hwy. 1 Raceland, LA 70394 985-537-8353 Ochsner Baptist Medical Center At the corner of Napoleon Ave. and Magnolia St. (driveway under the building) 2626 Napoleon Ave. New Orleans, LA  70115 504-897-4220 Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank Campus By the front entrance of the hospital 2500 Belle Chasse Hwy. Gretna,  LA  70056 504-392-3131   Anyone wishing to dispose of their medications can simply drop them off at the above location.  Everyone is encouraged to remove any identifying information from medication bottles before disposing of them.                                                                ### 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 13,000 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, 2012-04-17T20:38:47+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_announces_may_family_birthing_center_class_schedule http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_announces_may_family_birthing_center_class_schedule#When:19:31:42Z Ochsner’s Family Birthing Center has released the May class schedule. Breastfeeding Support Group Meeting May 7th 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Meetings are led by moms and offer the opportunity to share stories and tips. Breastfeeding Basics May 22nd 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Class topics include: getting baby latched on, how often to nurse, how to tell if baby is getting enough milk, and how to use a breast pump.  The $25 class fee covers registration, materials, and refreshments for mom and a partner. Childbirth Classes May 1st 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Part I May 8th 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Part II May 15th 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Part III Saturday, May 19th   - 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.   ###  General News, Event Announcements, Press Release, Display on Homepage, 2012-04-16T19:31:42+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/queensland_students_go_into_the_community http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/queensland_students_go_into_the_community#When:14:17:13Z In March, the members of the Ochsner Medical Student Association (OMSA) organized two outreach projects in the New Orleans community. OMSA was created in 2011 by Ochsner’s contingent of medical students from The University of Queensland in Australia. On March 10, a team of Ochsner medical students volunteered with Habitat for Humanity to build a home in New Orleans. Mel Lam and Jessie Sushinsky worked on constructing the banister for the porch while Dan Henbest, Dave Pinckney, Katie Weyer, and Steve Sushinsky shingled the roof. For some students, using power tools for the first time was a real learning experience. Steve, Katie, Jessie, and Mel were particularly interested in the opportunity because they live a mere 4 blocks away from the new Habitat home. “I think knowing that the house we were working on was near where I was living was pretty special,” said Mel. “It was a great way to help out in the community and get to know my neighborhood a little bit better.” OMSA members are planning many future volunteer days with Habitat for Humanity and encourage anyone who is interested—students, faculty, staff, family, and friends—to join them! On March 28th and 29th, another OMSA team participated in Wellness Week at Bonnabel High School. OMSA members set up and staffed a booth in the high school courtyard during the lunch hour to speak with students about topics ranging from diet and exercise to substance abuse and sexual health. Many high school students stopped to examine a set of actual human lungs, giving Jennifer Lee and Dara Mitchell the opportunity to start discussions about the consequences of smoking. Jose Feliberti, Jonathan Lu, and Ron Chong-Yik used models to compare the sugar contents of foods—such as chicken nuggets versus grilled chicken breast and french fries versus baked potato—as a starting point for explaining the pathogenesis of diabetes. Jose said, “The kids were keen to learn about nutrition and interested in the evolution of disease with unhealthy eating practices.” Asia Downing and Marilyn Marshall handed out fliers that explained the dangers of sexting and drew students to the OMSA booth with vivid pictures of sexually transmitted infections of the eyes and throat. Kathryn Vreeland handed out pedometers to students jumping double dutch to see how many steps they could reach before getting caught in the rope and demonstrated how fun exercises can meet daily activity goals. Dan Henbest enjoyed both teaching and learning. “I had no idea what to expect,” he said, “but I was really pleased with how well we were received by the students and how much they already seemed to know about things like lung disease.” OMSA members plan to participate in Bonnabel’s Wellness Week annually and also hope to continue their relationship with the high school students by starting a monthly Wellness Club this fall. General News, 2012-04-13T14:17:13+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_golden_opportunity_program_announces_the_may_events_calendar http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_golden_opportunity_program_announces_the_may_events_calendar#When:20:28:37Z Ochsner’s Golden Opportunity Program has released the May calendar of events for the North Shore region. Life’s Simple 7 Thursday, May 17th Noon – 1:00 pm Ochsner Health Center – Hammond, (41676 Veterans Avenue) Ochsner Cardiologist Dr. Lei Gao, MD, PhD will discuss the seven simple steps for a healthier heart.  Light lunch will be served. Free event Call 985-875-2799 to RSVP. Know the 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s Thursday, May 22nd      2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Ochsner Health Center – Covington, (1000 Ochsner Boulevard) 2nd floor conference room Alzheimer’s Disease impacts millions of lives each year.  Chet Harrell from the American Alzheimer’s Association will provide information on the disease including its signs and symptoms.  Food Bank donations will be accepted. Call 985-875-2799 to RSVP. Dine Around: Olive Garden Restaurant Wednesday, May 23rd 11:30 am Meet at the Olive Garden Restaurant at 168 Northshore Boulevard in Slidell.  Join other Golden Opportunity members for lunch at the Olive Garden Restaurant in Slidell.  Afterwards, members will tour the New Orleans/Baton Rouge National Weather Service Office at 62300 Airport Road. Call 985-875-2799 to RSVP. Biloxi Shrimping Bus Trip Tuesday, May 29th Bus departs Ochsner Health Center – Covington at 8:00 am and picks up additional passengers at Ochsner Medical Center – North Shore in Slidell at 8:30 am.  Bus returns at 5:00 pm. Welcome to the Mississippi Gulf Coast!  Members will enjoy a 70 minute trawling ride aboard the Sailfish shrimping boat, a dockside shrimp boil and a tour of the City of Biloxi.  Cost is $68.00 per person. Call 985-875-2799 to RSVP. Heart Health Thursday, May 31st       10:30 am – 11:30 am Ochsner Medical Center – North Shore in Slidell (100 Medical Center Drive), Camellia Room Learn more about improving your overall heart health from Ochsner Cardiologist Dr. James B. Lam, F.A.C.C. Free event 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, 2012-04-12T20:28:37+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_medical_center_baton_rouge_raises_the_donate_life_flag http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_medical_center_baton_rouge_raises_the_donate_life_flag#When:17:50:19Z Baton Rouge, LA – In recognition of April being Organ Donation Awareness Month, Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge conducted a Donate Life flag raising ceremony.   Throughout the month of April Ochsner will host organ donation awareness activities at locations throughout southeast Louisiana.  Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge staff raised the Donate Life flag in recognition of April as Organ Donation Awareness Month.  Those present at the flag raising ceremony were Dawn Pevey Mauk, Ochsner Baton Rouge Chief Nursing Officer; Tiffany Snedigar, LOPA Hospital Resource Coordinator; Tom Ashworth, liver recipient and Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge volunteer and Ruth Kirby, Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge Clinical Educator and donor team lead. More than 113,000 men, women and children are on the national transplant waiting list with another person added every 12 minutes.  In Louisiana more than 1,800 people are waiting for organ transplants.  One organ donor can save the lives of nine recipients.    ### General News, 2012-04-12T17:50:19+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_transplant_saves_daughter_of_anne_butler_owner_of_butler_greenwood http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_transplant_saves_daughter_of_anne_butler_owner_of_butler_greenwood#When:21:38:09Z To read the full story of Chase's transplant at Ochsner from Baton Rouge's The Advocate, click here.    General News, 2012-04-11T21:38:09+00:00