A clear vision: On Nov. 1, Mission Health and Industries for the Blind announced the opening of Mission Low Vision at the IFB facility in Asheville. In its new location, Mission Low Vision is expected to see upwards of 2,000 patients on an annual basis. Photo by Caitlin Byrd.
Hospitals recognized, merge and fundraise
The third nursing home of its kind in the state, the N.C. State Veterans Home in Black Mountain officially opened its doors to care for elderly soldiers on Oct. 25.
“We always like to say that North Carolina is the most military-friendly state in the nation and it really shows with the opening of the new N.C. State Veterans Home in Black Mountain,” said Gov. Bev Perdue, who spoke at the grand opening ceremony. “This is how we show appreciation to those who served and sacrificed to make our state and country a better, safer place to live and prosper.”
The 100-bed Black Mountain facility provides its residents with single rooms with private baths. The facility also provides skilled-nursing care and is outfitted with a state-of-the-art therapy center, including a therapy pool. In addition, this 111,000-square-foot center features a Memory Support Unit for Alzheimer’s patients, as well as comprehensive therapy services.
It cost about $22 million to complete the facility, and funds from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act paid for about 65 percent of the construction costs.
The N.C. State Veterans Home program provides skilled care services to qualified North Carolina veterans. Currently, approximately 765,900 veterans reside in North Carolina and about 100,000 veterans in Western North Carolina are served by the Asheville Veteran Affairs Medical Center.
North Carolina currently operates two other facilities like the one that opened in Black Mountain. There is a 150-bed facility in Fayetteville and a 99-bed facility in Salisbury. A fourth facility is scheduled to be completed in early 2013 in Kinston.
— From a press release from the Governor's Office
Mission Hospital recognized by American Heart Association
Mission Hospital has received the Get with the Guidelines® – Heart Failure Gold Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association. The recognition demonstrates Mission Hospital’s commitment to quality care for heart failure patients, according the American Heart Association.
“Mission Heart offers a carefully coordinated heart failure program to ensure that patients receive the latest evidence-based treatment. This recognition is a result of our commitment to our patients, and to our community,” said Karen Lemieux, vice president of Heart Services for Mission Hospital. “Heart failure is a leading cause of preventable hospitalization in our state, and Mission Heart is working to change that.”
To do this, Mission Heart has been using the American Heart Association's Get with the Guidelines-Heart Failure program. The program provides hospitals with a web-based patient management tool, best practice discharge protocols and standing orders, along with a robust registry and real-time benchmarking capabilities to track performance. The quick and efficient use of guideline procedures can improve the quality of care for heart failure patients, save lives and ultimately, reduce healthcare costs by lowering the recurrence of heart attacks.
This is the second national recognition in two months that Mission Heart has received. In September, the program received a Platinum Performance Achievement Award from the American College of Cardiology Foundation’s NCDR ACTION® Registry.
—From a press release from Mission Health
Park Ridge Health Foundation raises more than $90,000 for patient care and wellness services
The Park Ridge Health Foundation raised more than $90,000 at its Esperienza Gala on October 25 at the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park. The sold-out “Passport to Paris” fundraiser welcomed 165 guests who together with sponsors helped to raise funds for Park Ridge Health’s patient care and community wellness services.
“I am overwhelmed by the generosity of our community, ” said Beth Davey, director of the Park Ridge Health Foundation. “Contributions from local businesses and individuals will directly help our patients and equip our hospital in life-changing ways. Thanks to Presenting Sponsor Phoenix Physicians and countless others, Park Ridge Health continues to offer a world-class experience to every guest who visits our hospital and physician offices.”
The gala’s proceeds will benefit hospital renovations for inpatient care; Kid Power, a children’s exercise and nutrition program to combat childhood obesity; and the Breast Health Resource Room, which provides free wigs and prostheses for breast cancer patients. Funds raised will also help purchase a stereotactic breast biopsy unit, a diagnostic tool that is crucial in determining the course of treatment for breast cancer patients.
—From a press release from Park Ridge Health
Transylvania Regional Hospital joins Mission Health as a member hospital
After being managed by Mission Health since Jan. 1, 2011, officials with Transylvania Regional Hospital announced that the hospital has now become a full member hospital of Mission Health System, the sixteenth largest health system in the state.
"Transylvania Regional Hospital is committed to providing the best quality care to patients in our community, while working to maintain, enhance and increase access to care locally. Our relationship with Mission Health supports that commitment,” said Bob Bednarek, president and CEO of Transylvania Regional Hospital. “Mission Health is invested in our community, and our membership with Mission positions us well for the future so that we can keep physicians in our local community, ensure that our facilities in Brevard remain current and continue to deliver the outstanding local care that patients in Transylvania County have come to expect from their hospital.”
Bob Maxwell, past chairman of Transylvania Regional Hospital's Board of Trustees, added, “Mission Health is an outstanding partner and healthcare provider. We couldn’t be more pleased with how our relationship has developed— the results have been exceptional for our hospital and most importantly, for our community.”
According to Ron Paulus, president/CEO of Mission Health, improving the health of the people of Western North Carolina remains the goal. “As the only locally owned and governed health system in our region, Mission Health exists solely to serve the residents of western North Carolina. Our goal is to continue to ensure access to quality local healthcare close to home in Transylvania County while improving the lives of people across our region."
—From a press release from Mission Health
Send your health-and-wellness news and tips to Caitlin Byrd at cbyrd@mountainx.com or mxhealth@mountainx.com, or call 251-1333, ext. 140.
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