CAMBRIDGE, Ohio, March 14, 2012 – Physicians at Southeastern Med will soon put away paper charts and begin using an innovative on-line system to view their patients’ records.

On April 1, Southeastern Med, your community hospital, will celebrate a historic change with the launch of Meditech, a new hospital information system to to electronically streamline patient records electronically streamline patient medical records. to electronically streamline patient recordsThis milestone has been in the works for more than 12 months as clinical, technical and administrative staff members have collaborated to design a tool that will assist in improving the delivery of healthcare across the entire organization.

“The implementation of Meditech has been a great success thanks to the hard work, preparation and commitment of all the hospital staff and departments working together to ensure a smooth transition”, said Ray Chorey, President and CEO of Southeastern Med. “My sincerest thanks to everyone for rising to the challenge in order to transform the way we deliver health care locally.”

With a focus on quality and patient safety, Meditech, designed by Massachusetts-based Medical Information Technology Inc., will unify clinical, administrative and financial information throughout Southeastern Med to provide the most advanced technology available to enhance patient care.

The use of Meditech will allow caregivers to obtain and update a patient’s medical record and medications and immediately access laboratory and X-ray reports, and other test results at the patient’s bedside. Beginning in July, Meditech will also allow Superior Med physicians to schedule ordered tests to be completed at the medical center from their office.

When the system goes live, physicians will be able to share patient information electronically whether from hospital to physician office, hospital to hospital, or region to region. “That’s something we can’t do now,” Chorey said. “Meditech will allow doctors in different locations, such as a primary-care physician and a specialist, to obtain a patient’s medical record in real time to treat the patient. In many cases, this information can alter diagnosis and treatment decisions, as well as decrease the potential duplication of costly services.”

The new software will also improve safety and security of patient information through restricted access to patient files. Every person on a patient’s care team will have a different security profile that will allow them to only access the information they need to perform their duties and keep them from accessing information they do not need. For example, a radiologist can only access imaging information and a dietitian can only access dietary information.

Ultimately, the new system will allow physicians to keep better track of their patients’ health, no matter where they may be. “Before electronic medical records, if a physician was concerned about a patient, they had to call and have a nurse read the chart,” Chorey said. “Now, they will have access to patient information anywhere they have internet access – from their offices to their homes.”

With the federal government’s passing of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, hospitals must now demonstrate they are meaningful users of Electronic Health Records (EHRs). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) outlined these criteria for meaningful use:

• Improve quality, safety, efficiency and reduce health disparities;
• Engage patients and families;
• Improve care coordination;
• Improve population and public health; and
• Ensure adequate privacy and security protections for personal health information.

“Technology plays a pivotal role in today’s healthcare environment, and I am extremely proud of our organization’s commitment to using technology to meet the highest standards in healthcare,” Chorey said. “Our number one priority is to provide our patients the safest, most efficient, high-quality care possible. By investing in and launching Meditech, we are now at the forefront of using electronic medical records to better meet the needs of those we serve.”

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Despite being in critical condition, Robert Eltringham expressed his never-ending love for his wife, Pat, on their golden wedding anniversary in the ICU at Southeastern Med on Oct. 4. Pictured above are Robert and Pat Eltringham with Eyad Mahayri, MD, FCCP, medical director of the Intensive Care Unit at Southeastern Med.

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio, Oct. 14, 2011 – Despite being in critical condition, Robert Eltringham was determined to express his never-ending love for his wife, Pat, on their golden wedding anniversary. During a small ceremony in the Intensive Care Unit at Southeastern Med on Oct. 4, he repeated the same vows he promised his beautiful bride 50 years ago.

The couple, who share five children, originally exchanged vows on Oct. 4, 1961 at the Byesville Methodist Church. Robert secretly planned to renew his vows with Pat on their anniversary before he became ill and hospitalized in September with toxic megacolon, a life-threatening complication of inflammatory bowel disease that causes rapid widening of the large intestine.

“When the staff learned of our special anniversary, they went the extra mile to help us plan the event and make our dream a reality,” Pat said. “On that day, Robert wasn’t doing so well, and we didn’t think we were going to be able to hold the ceremony. But he’s a bit stubborn and nothing was going to stand in his way of the ceremony. The staff really went above and beyond to accommodate us and get his doctor’s blessing before the ceremony.”

While surrounded by their children and their spouses, the Eltringham’s looked on while their pastor, Kenny Thomas, from the East Forty Church of Christ, blessed their marriage, and a reception followed for the couple, their children and spouses – Patricia and Jeff Davis of Cumberland; Terry and Donnetta Tracy, of New Concord; Laura and Jim West, of Cumberland; Robbie and Barbara Eltringham of Buffalo; and Jason Eltringham of Buffalo.

“The ICU staff was understandably worried, but we worked together with a team of physical and respiratory therapists to determine Mr. Eltringham’s specific needs to hold the ceremony,” said Rita Mellot, a registered nurse in the ICU at Southeastern Med. “With the support and blessing of both Drs. Sarap and Mahayri, we were able to help the couple plan a very special day. We wish this wonderful family many years of happiness and health.”

A week after the celebration, Robert was finally well enough to be released from the hospital. He is now at home recuperating, and the family is planning a small celebration for when he is fully recovered.

“Right now, we are focusing on celebrating life,” Pat said. “The love and support of our family during such a difficult time helped in his recovery. His improvement is a miracle, and we are truly blessed to have been able to celebrate our 50^th anniversary together.”

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The 2011 Mary Beam tile featuring Kennedy’s Bakery is available for purchase at the Southeastern Med Gift Shop for $15. The sale of the tiles is a fundraising project of Wing 12 Auxiliary. Pictured with the tile are Bobby, Noralee and Patty Kennedy, owners of Kennedy’s Bakery; Rita Nolan, Auxiliary Coordinator; and Kelli Brown, Wing 12 member.

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio, Oct. 4, 2011 - This year, Southeastern Med’s Auxiliary Wing 12 is set to commemorate the 37th anniversary of the Mary Beam ‘Christmas in Cambridge’ tile collection by featuring the design of Kennedy’s Bakery.

For many Cambridge residents, Kennedy’s Bakery has been a downtown landmark since 1925 when W.A. Kennedy bought the bakery. Today, Bobby and his sister, Patty, the third generation of Kennedys, operate the family business for their mother, Noralee.

A limited supply of 2011 Kennedy’s Bakery tile is available for purchase at the Southeastern Med Gift Shop, located in the lobby of the hospital, for $15.

The Southeastern Med Auxiliary is dedicated to enhancing patient care through community fundraisers. All proceeds from the ‘Christmas in Cambridge’ tile fundraiser will help raise funds for a STERRAD^® NX™ System, which is a fast low-temperature sterilizer that will enable the Sterile Processing Department to handle more caseloads and keep the operating rooms running on schedule.

Mary Beam is a nationally recognized artist and has been painting, teaching and judging watercolor exhibits for more than forty years. She is an elected member of the American Watercolor society, where she became a Dolphin Fellow and won the society’s Gold Medal of Honor in 1996 and 2002.

The Southeastern Med Auxiliary will honor Mary Beam at the 20^th Annual Wonderland of Trees on Friday, Nov. 11 at the Cambridge Country Club, 60755 Southgate Rd, in Cambridge. Hors d’oeuvres begin at 5:30 p.m. with dinner being served at 6 p.m., and the auction will begin at 7:30 p.m. The auction is open to the public. Tickets for the event are $35 per person.

If interested in attending or donating a decorative auction item for Wonderland of Trees, or purchasing a collectable 2011 Mary Beam 37^th Anniversary Tile, please call Rita Nolan at 740-439-8151. Older tiles from the Mary Beam ‘Christmas in Cambridge’ tile collection are available at the HayMarket, located at 709 Wheeling Ave., in Cambridge.

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OSU Medical Center has partnered with REACH Health, Inc., a medical technology company specialized in developing on demand physician access technologies. Their telestroke network bridges time and distance to smaller hospitals to enable significantly improved patient outcomes with rapid diagnosis and treatment by neurologists specializing in stroke care.

“This will dramatically improve the treatment and outcome for stroke patients living outside central Ohio in areas where highly trained stroke experts are often not available,” said Sara Widing, Director of Neurosciences at Ohio State University Medical Center. “Once a patient has a stroke, every second counts. If we can share our expertise in real time to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatments, we can eliminate unneeded travel time to transfer patients between rural communities and OSU Medical Center.”

Ohio State University Medical Center is the latest in a growing list of healthcare organization and academic medical centers that are implementing REACH’s innovative physician access solutions for treating strokes.  REACH’s easy-to-use, web-based solution provides the information clinicians need to conduct real-time, clinically rich consults. Richard Otto, President and CEO of REACH, said: “We’re pleased to partner with one of the top healthcare providers in the nation to implement REACH’s innovative technology. OSU Medical Center was just named among the top 10 academic medical centers in the nation for quality of care and their selection of REACH as their telestroke provider is a testament to the quality of our clinical software solutions.  We look forward to working with OSU Medical Center to help grow develop and expand their network.”

Michael Racke, M.D., OSU Medical Center’s Chairman of the Department of Neurology, said this life-saving technology allows physicians to quickly review and interact with a patient remotely, while at the same time gives them access to pertinent lab results and CT images.  “A rapid assessment will allow patients to be treated more aggressively and effectively, and, if needed, transferred to OSU Medical Center for more advanced treatment.”

Ohio hospitals that are part of the network include Barnesville Hospital, Coshocton County Memorial Hospital, Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center  in Cambridge, Fairfield Medical Center in Lancaster, Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine and Lima Memorial Hospital and St. Rita’s Medical Center, also in Lima.

About REACH Health, Inc.

REACH provides robust on demand physician access technology that bridges time and geography for rapid access to specialized care.  REACH makes remote physician consults convenient and easy, enabling specialists to operate in a collaborative care environment with real‐time documentation and reporting.  For more information go to www.reachhealth.com.
About Ohio State University Medical Center

Ohio State University Medical Center’s Department of Neurology specializes in stroke treatment, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, movement disorders, neuro-oncology, and memory disorders. The department is ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report and is the only ranked neurological department in central Ohio.

About REACH Health, Inc.

REACH provides robust on demand physician access technology that bridges time and geography for rapid access to specialized care.  REACH makes remote physician consults convenient and easy, enabling specialists to operate in a collaborative care environment with real‐time documentation and reporting.  For more information go to www.reachhealth.com.
About Ohio State University Medical Center

Ohio State University Medical Center’s Department of Neurology specializes in stroke treatment, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, movement disorders, neuro-oncology, and memory disorders. The department is ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report and is the only ranked neurological department in central Ohio.

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CAMBRIDGE, Ohio, Oct. 12, 2011 – The bright lights outside the Cambridge Court House will glow pink for a very special Breast Cancer Awareness Month ceremony from Southeastern Med on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. with the lighting ceremony beginning at 6:30. The pink lights will remain lit for the remainder of October.

Along with the pink lights, the ceremony will feature a speech from breast cancer survivor, Becky Wheeler. Information about breast cancer and Southeastern Med’s Power Me Pink program will also be available. The community is asked to participate in the event by wearing pink.

Southeastern Med’s Power Me Pink program provides women who are uninsured and underinsured with breast health education, clinical breast exams, mammograms and additional testing if necessary. The program reaches women 35 years and older who earn between 250-300 percent of the poverty level. The program also reaches women younger than 35 years of age with a family history of breast cancer.

For more information about the ceremony, please call Jen Fannin, Cancer Registrar at Southeastern Med, at 740-439-8156. To learn more about Southeastern Med’s Screening Mammogram Program or to learn if you qualify for a screening mammogram, call 740-435-2500.

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CAMBRIDGE, Ohio, Oct. 11, 2011- The American College of Radiology (ACR) recently awarded Southeastern Med and the Community HealthLink a three-year term of accreditation in mammography.

The ACR is a national professional organization that awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation of the practice. The purpose of the review is to assess the qualifications of the personnel and the efficiency of the facility equipment.

“I am continually proud of the efforts put forth by our mammographers to achieve and maintain this accreditation,” said Mark Fowler, director of Diagnostic Imaging at Southeastern Med.  “This accreditation truly reflects the quality of excellence in our mammography services.”

Southeastern Med provides mammography services in two different locations.  The Community HealthLink, located on the corner of the Clark Street and Edgeworth Avenue in Cambridge, offers screening mammography for patients who have no symptoms or breast problems. The Diagnostic Imaging Department, located within Southeastern Med, offers diagnostic and screening mammography.

“The mammographers at Southeastern Med and the Community HealthLink strive to always serve their patients needs first and this accreditation proves our commitment to our patients,” said Leisa Arnold, MHA, RT, (R) (M), associate in the Diagnostic Imaging Department at Southeastern Med.

Through a grant from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Southeastern Med’s Power Me Pink program provides women who are uninsured and underinsured with breast health education, clinical breast exams, mammograms and additional testing if necessary.   The Power Me Pink program serves women 35 years and older who earn between 250-300 percent of the poverty level with breast health education and mammograms. The project also reaches women younger than 35 years of age who have a family history of breast cancer. To see if you qualify for a free screening mammogram, please call 740-435-2500.

A physician’s order is required to schedule a mammogram at Southeastern Med or the Community HealthLink. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the perfect time for you to visit your family physician and ask him or her to contact Southeastern Med to order a mammogram for you. To find out more about Southeastern Med’s mammography services, please call the Community HealthLink at 740-439-5465.

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CAMBRIDGE, Ohio, Oct. 4, 2011 – As flu season begins, Southeastern Med encourages everyone who is eligible for the flu vaccine to protect themselves from the virus as early as possible.

Although the most infections typically occur in January and February, flu season runs from October through May — so it’s smart to get vaccinated early in order to stay healthy this fall.

Influenza is a serious viral respiratory illness spread from person to person in secretions of the nose and lungs, for example when sneezing. Respiratory infections caused by other viruses often are called flu, but this is incorrect. Whereas with other viral respiratory infections the symptoms usually are mild and most people can continue working or going to school while ill, with the flu, the symptoms are severe and prolonged and cause individuals to miss days of work or school. Influenza usually causes a fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit; aching muscles, especially in your back, arms and legs; chills and sweats; headache; dry cough; fatigue and weakness; and nasal congestion.

“The benefits of getting a flu shot far outweigh the risks related to the vaccine,” said Cathy McIntire, RN, CNOR, director of Infection Prevention at Southeastern Med.

“The vaccine will keep you and your family from a lot of aggravation and prevent serious complications. Everyone has to choose if the vaccine is right for themselves or their children. Before you decide if the vaccine is right for you or your children, I caution people to read from expert resources and to not believe everything they read on the internet or hear at the supermarket about the flu vaccine.”

When to Get Vaccinated

The CDC recommends everyone get a seasonal flu vaccine at the beginning of the flu season, which can begin as early as October and last as late as May. Vaccination before December is best since this timing ensures that protective antibodies are in place before flu activity is typically at its highest.

The vaccine is available primarily in two forms — an inactivated vaccine delivered as a shot injected with a needle and a live, weakened vaccine delivered as a nasal spray. The nasal spray is recommended only for healthy people between the ages of 2 and 49 who are not pregnant.

It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to take effect and lasts for about one year. Since the flu shot changes each year, it is important to get vaccinated again every fall.

Who Should Get Vaccinated

Vaccine experts recommend everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine each year. While everyone should get a flu vaccine, it is particularly important for people in risk groups or with close contact with people in risk groups. Risk groups are as followed:

• Pregnant women;
• Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old;
• People 50 years of age and older;
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions;
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities; and
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including: health care workers, household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu; and household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age.

Who Should Not Be Vaccinated

Those who fall in one of the following should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician. These include:

• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs;
• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination;
• Children younger than 6 months of age; and
• People who have an illness with a fever.

Vaccine Side Effects

Different side effects can be associated with the flu shot and nasal spray. Some minor side effects that could occur include:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given;
• A low-grade fever; and
• Aches.

The viruses in the nasal spray vaccine are weakened and do not cause severe symptoms often associated with the influenza illness. Side effects from the nasal spray vaccine can include:

• Runny nose;
• Wheezing;
• Headache;
• Vomiting;
• Muscle aches;
• Fever;

• Sore throat; and
• Cough.

Other Preventative Measures

Along with the flu vaccine, the following are a few preventative measures to take during the flu season to help limit the spread of influenza:

• Wash hands frequently throughout the day;
• Cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing; and
• Maintain distance from those infected with the flu.

“It is extremely important to always be vigilant about hand washing and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing,” McIntire said. “To keep your immune system healthy, get enough sleep, eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, exercise regularly, and drink at least eight glasses of water a day.”

Where to Get Vaccinated

For those interested in more information about the flu vaccine, please contact your family physician or local pharmacy.

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CAMBRIDGE, Ohio, Sept. 20, 2011 – The 19^th Annual “Walk to Remember” will be held on Sunday, October 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Southeastern Med, 1341 Clark St., in Cambridge. The annual walk is held for parents who have experienced the death of a child.

This year’s walk will begin with a short program followed by a one-mile walk and balloon release. Refreshments and fellowship will follow at Southeastern Med.

Walk to Remember began in 1993 through Southeastern Med Childbirth Center’s RTS (Resolve Through Sharing) Bereavement Services. The mission of the bereavement support group is to provide dignified, respectful and compassionate bereavement care for patients and families.

For more information about the Walk to Remember, the grief recovery program, or bereavement support group at Southeastern Med, call Wendi Miller, RN, RTS Coordinator of the Childbirth Center at 740-439-8868.

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CAMBRIDGE, Ohio, Sept. 20, 2011 - Area residents age 55 and older are invited to the 16th Annual Older Adult Health and Education Fair on Oct. 7, from 9 -11:30 a.m., at the Guernsey County Senior Citizens’ Center, 1022 Carlisle Ave., in Cambridge. The health and education fair provides area residents the opportunity to access low-cost health screenings, enjoy a variety of exhibits, win door prizes and enjoy themselves in a safe and secure environment.

“Since 1995, the Older Adult Health Fair has proven to be an event that individuals, 55 and older who live in Cambridge and the surrounding communities, look forward to every year,” said Lori Colby, coordinator of the Older Adult Health Fair. “Several Southeastern Med departments and physicians associated with the medical center provide the most up-to-date medical information and technology that is available, while local businesses and agencies provide valuable information that attendees can readily utilize.”

Local businesses and agencies participating in this year’s fair include the Guernsey County Senior Citizens’ Center, Guernsey County Sheriff’s Department Project Lifesaver,  Hospice of Guernsey County, US Bank, Guernsey County CASA, Beckett House of New Concord, Clear Hearing Gallery, Cambridge YMCA, Alzheimer’s Support Group, Western-Southern Life Insurance, Ohio Smiles with Dr. Denise Antalis, DDS, Lifeline, Summit Acres Nursing Facility, Advantage Bank, Cambridge Fire Department, Maple Heights Apartment Complex, Area Agency on Aging, Byesville and Northstar Pharmacy, Guernsey County Job and Family, and Yankee Bionics.

Departments and physicians associated with Southeastern Med will also be providing exhibits, including Dr. Michael Sarap, surgeon with Southeastern Ohio Physicians, Inc.; Dr. Corey Jackson, orthopedic surgeon at Southeastern Med;

Dr. Charles Perry, podiatrist; Wellness Resources; Cancer Registry and the Power Me Pink Mammogram Program; Volunteer and Auxiliary Services; Southeastern Home Care; Pastoral Care; Surgical Services; Sports Med and PT/OT; Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab; and Endoscopy.

Foot health, hearing, blood pressure and skin cancer screenings will be offered free of charge but an appointment is required for the foot health and hearing screenings. Participants are asked to wear shoes and socks that can be easily removed for the foot-health screening. Appointments can be made beginning Sept. 26 by calling 740-435-2900.

Southeastern Med’s Laboratory Services will provide a comprehensive blood screening at the event for the following, glucose and lipid profile for $10, thyroid for $10 and prostate for $10. The screenings require a 10 to 12 hour fast with only water permitted. Those participating can still take any morning medications as usual. As registration for this health screening is required, walk-ins will not be accepted.  Appointments can be made beginning Sept. 26 by calling 740-435-2900.

Flu vaccines will be available at the event provided by the Guernsey County Health Department. Participants must present their Medicare or Medicaid card and be 55 years or older. Those without a Medicare or Medicaid card will be required to pay the vaccine fee. For questions regarding the flu vaccines, please call Luann Danford at the Guernsey County Health Department at 740-439-3577.

Admission to the health fair is free for seniors 55 years and older. Parking is available at the senior center and at the furthest section of the Elk’s parking lot. The senior center’s transportation van is available for anyone needing a ride to the fair. To reserve a seat, please call the senior center at 740-432-3838.

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CAMBRIDGE, Ohio, May 31, 2011- During the National Cancer Registrars Association’s (NCRA) 37th Annual Education Conference in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, May 15-18, Elekta honored Becky Wheeler, Certified Cancer Registrar at Southeastern Med, as the 2011 Registrar of the Year. The award recognizes registrars who make valuable contributions to the success of their registry, as well as extend those contributions to benefit the broader medical facility and community.

“Becky is most deserving of this award,” said E. Edwin Conaway, Jr., MD, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Southeastern Med. “She is passionate about the Cancer Registry and the contribution that the Registry plays in both cancer treatment and prevention. Southeastern Med has been blessed with her leadership in its Cancer program.”

Recognized for 25 years of service, Wheeler received the award for the passion she brings to the profession, from compiling data that provides valuable information for monitoring and improving cancer treatments to conducting research and targeting prevention and screening programs. Board President of the Guernsey County American Cancer Society, Becky is involved in the Tar Wars program, where she has visited almost every fifth-grade class in Guernsey and Noble counties to educate students on the dangers of smoking. In addition, Becky spearheaded an awareness program, Think Pink, to increase the number of women receiving breast cancer screenings.

“A kind and generous mentor to fellow registrars, Becky manages all aspects of her registry and still finds the time to volunteer, coordinate a variety of screening programs and remain active in NCRA, the Ohio Cancer Registrars Association and the Cancer Registrars Association of Central Ohio,” says Bonnie Bolyard, office manager, Genesis Hematology & Cancer Treatment Center. “Truly patient focused, Becky has the kindest heart of anyone I know.”

Elekta is a human care company pioneering significant innovations and clinical solutions for treating cancer and brain disorders. The company develops sophisticated, state-of-the-art tools and treatment planning systems for radiation therapy and radiosurgery, as well as workflow enhancing software systems across the spectrum of cancer care.

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