Editor
AuthorI’ve worked in Corporate Communications at Sentara Healthcare for the past 25 years. I am the editor of the Sentara Today blog, working behind the scenes to capture inspiring stories about our employees and patients. Currently, I am working on a new blog that we’ll launch very soon. I’ve had the opportunity to be closely involved in helping preserve our organization’s historical archives for many years. In my spare time, when I am not blogging, I enjoy spending time with my husband and three children, reading, cooking, and practicing yoga as often as I can.
Suspect Heart Trouble? Call 911
Written by Carl Hartman, M.D. Many times patients have recounted to me, as a practicing cardiologist, stories about dealing with a major cardiac event (or the suspicion of such an event) where they took actions that jeopardized their health. They ignored the warning signs. They waited it out. When they decided they should go to … Continue Reading
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Employee Represents Innovation and Leadership
Sentara executive selected for new Innovation Advisors Program to improve care for patients. Congratulations to Grace Hines, senior vice president of Strategy and Strategic Implementation at Sentara Healthcare, on being selected for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Innovation Advisors Program. The initiative, launched by the CMS Innovation Center in October 2011, will help … Continue Reading
Thoughts on Quality Care
How Our Team Works Hard to Improve Health Every Day Editor Note: This letter was written by Beth J. Carlson, Vice President of Patient Care Services, Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center. It was featured in a recent issue of the Virginia Gazette. As a nurse and member of the hospital leadership at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical … Continue Reading
Medicaid Statement 2012
By David L. Bernd CEO, Sentara Healthcare.
We understand that Medicaid is a significant driver of costs in Virginia’s biennial budget. However, current Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospitals, nursing homes and physicians are having real and tangible effects on access to care and healthcare jobs in Virginia. Current budget proposals will make the crisis worse.
A Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association (VHHA) report says 14 hospital obstetrics units have closed in Virginia since 2003, due in part to historically low Medicaid reimbursements. Another hospital OB department and a 16-bed psychiatric unit are scheduled to close in 2012.
Welcome to Sentara Today
Announcing our “New and Improved” blog. We would like to take a few minutes just to introduce you to ourselves, and some of the new features on Sentara Today. About Us Sentara Today began in 2009 as a way to inform and recognize our patients and employees. We bring you: news and happenings around the … Continue Reading
Virginia Advance Directive Registry
Written by: David Cochran, MBA, MTh, Sentara Center for Healthcare Ethics You may have noticed some news coverage recently about the Virginia Advance Directive Registry. It is a new state service for storing Advance Medical Directives, but for now, Sentara is not participating. Let me explain why.
Helping People with Chronic Health Conditions
How Sentara’s Use of TeleHealth Can Transform Healthcare. Keeping patients off the health care merry-go-round, was the message Ray Darcey, President of Sentara Home Care, recently carried to Washington to educate congressional leaders and their staffs on the value of telehealth technologies in promoting quality care, quality of life and access to care for people … Continue Reading
A Commitment to Service and Leadership
Dr. Dale Carroll recognized by the VHHA for his exceptional contributions to health care The Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) honored RMH Healthcare senior vice president for clinical effectiveness and chief medical officer, Dale Carroll, MD, MPH, for his many years helping Virginia hospitals prepare for mass casualty incidents and public health emergencies. Dr. Carroll … Continue Reading
‘Tis the Season to Eat Healthy
Written by: Joan B. Sechrist, PhD, RD Joan B. Sechrist, PhD, RD, is a Research and Education Specialist, in Health and Preventive Services at Optima Health. ‘Tis the season for parties, shopping and celebrating with families and friends. It’s also a time that we get busy and tend to forget about eating nutritious foods and … Continue Reading
Preventing Diabetes Complications in Pregnancy
Controlling blood sugar is best way to prevent diabetes complications during pregnancy Written by: Becky Gregory, RNC-OB Becky Gregory, RNC-OB is a case manager in the Partners in Pregnancy program at Optima Health that serves members throughout their pregnancy. You find out your pregnant and you’re thrilled with the thought of becoming a mother. But, what … Continue Reading
