Prudent Growth Helps Sentara Maintain Its Local Mission

by Editor on September 2, 2010

The following article, written by David L. Bernd, CEO, Sentara Healthcare, was featured in The Virginian-Pilot on Sunday, August 29, 2010.

The recent announcement that Rockingham Memorial Hospital (RMH) in Harrisonburg, Va plans to affiliate with Sentara Healthcare provides an opportunity to elaborate on why Sentara is growing outside of Hampton Roads.  Last December, Potomac Hospital in northern Virginia also joined the Sentara family.  I welcome The Virginian-Pilot’s invitation to discuss this aspect of the Sentara Strategic Plan, which was approved by our Board of Directors and includes an imperative for growth into new regions by merging with existing providers. 

Growth has allowed Sentara to better meet our mission here in Hampton Roads and in every community we serve.  Economies of scale, sharing of best practices with rapid deployment of information, and consistent standards of quality are just a few of the advantages shared within Sentara .  [click to continue…]

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Sentara Offers Important Hurricane Weather Preparation – Are You Ready?

by Editor on August 31, 2010

With hurricane season here, it’s important to be ready. Are you prepared? Here’s a checklist to help you get prepared, just in case Earl, or any other hurricane hits the area. Read the list and get ready. So, if a storm hits, you’ll know what to do. 
   
* Get a kit.  If you haven’t already thought about putting an emergency kit together, it’s not too late to do so. Include food, water, a manual can opener, first aid kit, battery operated radio along with extra batteries, a written family emergency plan, and any additional items you may need if you have infants, toddlers or pets in your home.  Read a complete list of what to include in a kit.

 

* Make a plan.  Disasters can strike anytime and anywhere. And you may be forced to evacuate without much warning. Designate an emergency contact and make sure everyone in your family knows who the emergency contact is and how to get in touch with the person. Decide where and when family members will meet if you are forced to evacuate an area. And, if you own a pet, make a plan for your pet. Learn more about what to include in a plan for you and your family.

* Stay informed.  Familiarize yourself with the difference between a ”Hurricane Watch,” and a “Hurricane Warning.” A watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. A warning means a hurricane is expected in your area. If you are advised to evacute, leave immediately. Know where the emergency evacuation locations are located in your area, as well as any details about evacuation routes. Make sure to stay connected. Read more about how to stay informed. 

Learn more important hurricane information from Sentara.

 
 

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Summer’s Not Over Yet – Remember These Diving Safety Tips

August 27, 2010

Planning a day at the beach, pool or water park before the days of summer end. Then take a few minutes to learn these diving safety tips to prevent head injury or spinal injury. Many people die each year from head, neck or back injuries. Many more are permanently disabled. 
So the next time you decide to [...]

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Sentara Leigh Hospital Proposed Expansion Project Featured in The Virginian-Pilot

August 25, 2010

Today’s edition of  The Virginian-Pilot features an article entitled, “Sentara Leigh Hospital Applies for 130.5 Million Upgrade.” 
Learn about the latest renovation project which Sentara Leigh Hospital has applied for state approval. The project would increase the hospital’s size by more than 40 percent to 506,000 square feet.
It’s the major phase of a long-term makeover for Sentara Leigh Hospital, which [...]

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Brushing and Flossing Each Day May Keep Heart Problems Away

August 23, 2010

The following article written by Dr Carl Hartman was featured in The Virginian-Pilot on July 18, 2010.
Carl Hartman, M.D., is a board certified cardiologist practicing with Cardiovascular Associates. He serves as the medical director of Cardiac Services at Sentara Heart Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. Dr. Hartman is also an Associate Professor of Medicine at Eastern [...]

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Immunizations Are Worth Considering At Any Age

August 20, 2010

The following article, submitted by Susan Tweed, PhD, RN, health educator at Optima Health, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot on Sunday, July 11, 2010.

The first vaccination originated in 1796 when British scientist Edward Jenner exposed a young boy infected with cowpox to smallpox, after noting those with cowpox were immune to smallpox.

Vaccines have come a long way since then, and now billions of people worldwide have safely received protection from many different types of diseases.

A vaccine works by producing disease-fighting antibodies when a person is injected with a weakened or killed form of the disease. If the person is later exposed to the disease, the immune system remembers the disease and is able to produce antibodies to fight the illness. Many times, the person is not even aware of the exposure.

The American Academy of Pediatrics views immunizations as one of the most successful medical advances of all time. The group believes that getting vaccinated against disease is the single most important and effective method of preventing illness.

However, many times when we think of vaccinations, our minds go to the standard immunizations infants and children receive. Preteens and young adults are also important to think of when it comes to immunizations.

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Sentara Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance Staff: Putting Lives Back Together One Shift At A Time

August 17, 2010

Sentara Commitments: Always work together as a team to provide you with quality healthcare.
In 2009, two-year-old Talia Jackson, was airlifted by Sentara Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance  to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Young Talia had been viciously attacked by a pit bull and needed to be transported for emergency care. She was treated at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital [...]

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Music Uplifts Patients, Visitors and Families at Sentara Facilities

August 13, 2010

On Friday, August 6, 2010, WVEC-TV 13  featured the following story,”Tidewater Arts Outreach Hits Milestone On Its Mission Of Healing.”  Featured pianist Thad Dixon (right) is interviewed  by WVEC-TV 13 reporter Sandra Parker (seated at left) for the news story at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital.
It’s a well known fact that music uplifts the [...]

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Forensic Nurses: Comfort Victims, Gather Evidence in Assaults

August 11, 2010

(L-R): Angie Laing, RN, SANE-A, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Emergency Department Director, Rusty Bradfield, RN, and Dr. Kelly Anne Foley, medical director of the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Forensic Nurse Examiners Program. 
Most of us think of nurses as caregivers, healers and comforters, but, crime fighters?
While the role may be surprising, that is indeed the case [...]

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Sentara Nurse Notices Weight Discrepancy On An Electronic Patient Record

August 9, 2010

Sentara Commitments: Always Keep You Safe
While caring for patients as a nurse on the Intensive Care Unit at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, Marsha Ruckle noticed that the weight on an electronic patient record was recording in pounds, not kilograms.  Because medication doses are calculated by weight and weight (for dosing purposes) is typically [...]

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