http://www.ochsner.org/news en sscott@ochsner.org Copyright 2012 2012-02-22T16:21:11+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_medical_center_offers_several_classes_for_expectant_moms_families http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_medical_center_offers_several_classes_for_expectant_moms_families#When:16:21:11Z As part of its continued effort to help moms-to-be and siblings of newborns, Ochsner Medical Center is offering various parenting and sibling classes at its Main Campus. The following is a list of classes scheduled for March 2012.   Ochsner Medical Center – Main Campus 1514 Jefferson Highway   Prenatal Class   Part 1 Class 1 - Delivery                                                       Pregnancy, when to go to the hospital and vaginal birth Tuesday, March 6   Part I Class 2 – Delivery Part II Medical interventions, epidurals, and C- Sections Tuesday, March 13   Class 3 – Post Partum & Baby Safety Care of new moms after delivery and newborn safety information Tuesday, March 20   Class 4 – Newborn Care Care of your baby in the hospital and when you get home Tuesday, March 27   All Classes will be held in Monroe Hall from 7:30 p.m. -.9:30 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to join Mom for class. Tours of the units are given at the end of each class.  All classes are free. For more information contact: Jenifer Ducoing, RNC  jducoing@ochsner.org   Lamaze Class Wednesday, March 7 Wednesday, March 14 Wednesday, March 21 Wednesday, March 28   All Classes will be held in the Caldwell Room, 2nd floor Conference Center from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.   Bring pillows and wear comfortable clothing Must register two weeks in advance with instructor Jane Savage, RN, PhD, LCCE: (504) 456-9377 or email jssavag@gmail.com. Cost for the class is $100   Breastfeeding Class Monday, March 5 Monroe Hall, 1st floor of the hospital near the Southport Cafeteria. 7:00 p.m. Registration required. To register, call the Breastfeeding Warmline: (504) 842- 5210    “Happiest Baby on the Block” (How to calm a crying baby!) Wednesday, March 7 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Conference Center, 2nd floor Brent House Registration required. To register, email Leslie Cazeaux, RN at  Lcazeaux@ochsner.org Cost is $25 – includes a parenting kit   Sibling Class “I’m going to have a baby brother/sister!” Sunday, March 11 4:30 p.m. Winter Garden, 3rd floor hospital For ages 3 to 10. Class is free, but registration is required. To register email Tabitha Duvernay, RNC at tduvernay@att.net     ### General News, Press Release, 2012-02-22T16:21:11+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_medical_center_kenner_march_class_and_support_group_meeting http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_medical_center_kenner_march_class_and_support_group_meeting#When:16:18:50Z As part of its continued effort to help moms-to-be and those in the community, Ochsner Medical Center -Kenner is offering a childbirth classes and diabetes support group meetings. The following is a schedule for March 2012.   Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner Campus 180 West Esplanade Avenue   Childbirth Class: March 10, 2012 Medical Office Bldg., 7th floor Auditorium 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Registration is required Call 504-464-8365 for more information or to register for a class   Breastfeeding Class: March 7, 2012 Creole Room – Hospital, 1st floor 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Registration is required Call 504-464-8365 for more information or to register for a class   You can find more information at: http://www.ochsner.org/services/womens_services_prenatal_classes_childbirth_education/   Diabetes Support Group Meeting March 14, 2012 Medical Office Building, 7th floor Auditorium 1:00 p.m. Class is free and open to the public, but registration is required Contact: Rosary Chetta, RN, BSN 504-464-8646     ###  General News, 2012-02-22T16:18:50+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_medical_center_west_bank_march_parenting_and_sibling_classes http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_medical_center_west_bank_march_parenting_and_sibling_classes#When:16:12:16Z NEW ORLEANS –   As part of its continued effort to help moms-to-be, Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank is offering a Lamaze class. The following is scheduled for March 2012.   Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank   2500 Belle Chasse Hwy., Gretna, LA   Lamaze Class Healthy birth practices supported by research to ensure positive, healthy birth outcomes for both mom and baby. Class will include a tour and breastfeeding information. Class is taught by a certified Lamaze instructor.   March 3 and March 10 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Registration is required. To register call 504-391-5529 The cost of the Lamaze class is $100.   ###    General News, Press Release, 2012-02-22T16:12:16+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/information_regarding_bone_density_external_hard_drive http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/information_regarding_bone_density_external_hard_drive#When:15:30:19Z NOTICE TO MEDIA On January 19, 2012, Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank Campus staff discovered that an external hard drive for the bone density machine was missing. After an exhaustive physical search, the external drive could not be located. As part of our commitment to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of our patients’ information, we immediately initiated an investigation. Ochsner’s investigation revealed that the external hard drive is no longer in Ochsner’s possession. Unfortunately, we cannot precisely say what data was contained on the external hard drive. The data may include patient names, addresses, date of birth, medical record number, medications, and pertinent medical history as it pertains to a bone density scan between November 2005 and January 2012. A bone density scan is a radiology exam that measures bone mass which is used as a screening tool for osteoporosis. The above information and the results of the bone density scans are not lost. They are still a part of each patient’s medical record. The external hard drive for the bone density machine was used only to back up the data. Because the data was stored in a proprietary format, Ochsner does not believe that it is possible to access the information simply by connecting the hard drive to a computer and opening the files. To access the information in a readable format, one would have to use various software applications. At this time we feel that there is minimal risk to patients’ personal information. At Ochsner, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of our patients is our top priority. We deeply regret this occurrence and any inconvenience it may have caused. The protection of our patients’ private information is important to Ochsner Health System, and we are committed to maintaining and improving the security of our patients’ personal information. Any Ochsner patient affected by this incident will receive a detailed notification letter from Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank Campus. However, Ochsner urges any patients with questions or concerns regarding this notification or the letter they receive to please contact the Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank Campus Patient Relations Department at 1-855-808-4104. If a member of the media requires additional information, contact Stafford Scott, Public Relations Manager, at 504-842-9143.   General News, 2012-02-20T15:30:19+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_auxiliary_to_give_two_scholarships_to_area_students http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_auxiliary_to_give_two_scholarships_to_area_students#When:18:19:05Z Ochsner Medical Center – North Shore’s Auxiliary has announced its annual call for scholarship candidates.  Nancy Fisher, Auxiliary President says two Lillian Lambour & Analea Miller Memorial Scholarships will be awarded to East St. Tammany Parish High School Seniors who are pursuing degrees in the healthcare field. The annual scholarship program is a long-time project of the hospital’s Auxiliary and is funded by the Sunshine Gift Shop as well as other Auxiliary projects throughout the year.  This year two $1,000.00 scholarships will be awarded. Applications are available in the Sunshine Gift Shop located in the Main Lobby of Ochsner Medical Center – North Shore in Slidell or from any of the high schools in Slidell and Pearl River.  All applications must be postmarked by April 6, 2012.  No hand delivered applications will be considered.  Applicants will be judged by financial need and community stewardship. Established in 1985, the Auxiliary is comprised of volunteers who work throughout the year to raise funds for local charities such as, Children’s Wish Endowment, Hope House, Sunshine Village, etc.  For more information regarding scholarships or the Volunteer Program at Ochsner Medical Center – North Shore in Slidell, please contact Kimberly Holmes, Volunteer Coordinator at 646-5021.    ### About Ochsner’s North Shore services: Ochsner’s North Shore region includes health centers in Abita Springs, Covington, Hammond, Mandeville and Slidell, providing access to physicians in a range of specialties. Ochsner Medical Center – North Shore is a 165-bed, acute-care hospital in Slidell offering a range of inpatient and outpatient services.  Ochsner North Shore 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, 2012-02-17T18:19:05+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_announces_march_family_birthing_center_class_schedule http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_announces_march_family_birthing_center_class_schedule#When:21:32:37Z Ochsner’s Family Birthing Center has released the March class schedule. Breastfeeding Support Group Meeting March 5th 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Meetings are led by moms and offer the opportunity to share stories and tips. Breastfeeding Basics March 24th 9:00 am – Noon 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 March 6th 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Part I March 13th 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Part II March 20th 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Part III Saturday, March 17th  - 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, 2012-02-10T21:32:37+00:00 http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_golden_opportunity_program_announces_march_events_calendar http://www.ochsner.org/news/story/ochsner_golden_opportunity_program_announces_march_events_calendar#When:21:28:59Z Ochsner’s Golden Opportunity Program has released the March 2012 calendar of events. The Holocaust “From a Survivor’s Viewpoint” Monday, March 5 10:30 am - Noon Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge Classrooms 17000 Medical Center Drive Judith Roheim, MD - Ochsner psychiatrist, will talk about her own life experiences as a 10 year old child during the Holocaust. Call 755-4984 to RSVP for this free event. Craft Day Thursday, March 8 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge Classrooms 17000 Medical Center Drive Presenter Lorena Long will teach the art of bow-making with a “hands on” lesson. Call 755-4984 to RSVP for this event. Culinary Run: Another Broken Egg Cafe Thursday, March 15 9:00 am Another Broken Egg Cafe 2531 Citiplace Court Let’s do breakfast!  Meet at Another Broken Egg for breakfast with your Golden Opportunity friends.    Call 755-4984 to RSVP. GO Road Trip: A Day at the Races Friday, March 23 Depart Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge at 9:00 am and return at 5:00 pm.  Cost is $55 per person and includes bus transportation, admission into the clubhouse, lunch, racing program, tax and gratuity.  Call 755-4984 to RSVP. GO4Life: Bowling Lessons March 6, 13, 20 & 27 All Star Lanes (Don Carter’s) 9829 Airline Hwy Join your Golden Opportunity friends for bowling lessons every Tuesday during the month of March.  The total cost for the four lessons is $15.00 plus $2.50 for bowling shoe rental each session.  Meet at the lanes at 1:00 pm.  Call 755-4984 to RSVP. Movie Review:  1000 Words Thursday, March 29 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 this includes admission, small drink and small popcorn. Call 755-4984 to RSVP. 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, 2012-02-10T21:28:59+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