Partners for Healthy Students provides free health services to uninsured or under insured students at the schools it serves. The healthcare services, which are provided by certified pediatric nurse practitioners, include:

• Diagnosis and treatment of illness
• Prevention/well child visits
• Sports physicals
• Prescription medicines for acute illnesses
• Laboratory tests and radiology services
• Referrals to doctors, dentists and other specialists
• Health education for safety, nutrition and dental hygiene

“Our program helps children stay healthy and keeps them in school so they can learn,” said Mary Ellen Sandeen, RN, MSN, CPNP Program Director, Partners for Healthy Students. “We’re grateful for Wells Fargo support of the work Partners for Healthy Students does in our communities.”

Restaurant Raises Funds for YRMC Community BreastCare Fund

Breast cancer prevention in the Quad Cities got a boost in October, thanks to a campaign sponsored by the Gurley Street Grill, 230 W. Gurley St., Prescott. The campaign – Boot Out Cancer – raised $12,568 for the YRMC Community BreastCare Fund.

Krystal Burge and Mark Peterson, founders of Fork in the Road Restaurants, which owns Gurley Street Grill, recently presented the check to John Amos, President and CEO, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC).

As a registered nurse, Almendarez is familiar with the value of caring for the “total person.” He recalls a night that he was working in the emergency department (ED) of a hospital and an elderly man experiencing chest pain suffered a heart attack. Almendarez, who was performing CPR, called for staff to bring the gentleman’s wife of 50 years from the waiting area. Almendarez asked the wife to hold her husband’s hand and talk to him. As the ED team continued CPR and other life-saving measures, they called out the man’s name and encouraged him not to give up. After much effort, the man’s heart began beating.

“Three months later, that man, his wife and his granddaughter returned to the hospital to thank the ED team,” Almendarez said. “He told me that he could hear me calling his name while I was performing CPR. That was an eye opener. It demonstrated for me the importance of having behaviors engaging in total healing.”

In addition to supporting YRMC’s vision for a Total Healing Environment, Almendarez is committed to identifying ways to increase the hospital’s efficiency and to getting involved in several Prescott Valley service organizations.  

Almendarez and his family are enjoying their new home and his son’s school, both in Prescott Valley. The family is taking advantage of the community’s many festivals and outdoor activities. Almendarez also is looking forward to attending his son’s soccer games.

 

“Our nurses have completed trauma training and our physicians are board certified in Emergency Medicine or have earned Advanced Trauma Life Support certification,” said Christopher Thompson, RN, YRMC’s Trauma Coordinator.

To sustain YRMC’s Level IV trauma designation, Thompson will:

• educate YRMC’s trauma team about current trends in trauma care;
• pursue ongoing review of the trauma team’s performance; and
• sponsor community education outreach programs to prevent trauma.

“This is a huge commitment for the hospital,” Thompson said. “It’s a testament to YRMC’s dedication to its Total Healing Environment.”

The Yavapai Community Hospital Association, which does business and operates as Yavapai Regional Medical Center, will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, April 30, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Thumb Butte Room on the Campus of YRMC West in Prescott. The public is invited to attend.

The purpose of YRMC’s annual meeting is to summarize the hospital’s achievements during the previous calendar year.

• Cathy Cunningham will present the Council of Electors’ Report.
• Clifford Morgan, M.D., will present the Chairman of the Board of Trustees’ Report.
• Patrick Gallus, D.O., Chief of Staff, will present the President of the Medical Staff’s Report.
• Lynnel Walters will present the Director of Volunteers’ Report.
• John Amos will present the President and Chief Executive Officer’s Report.
• In addition, two Yavapai Community Hospital Association members will be elected to one-year terms on the Council of Electors.

Copies of YRMC’s 2013 Annual Report will be presented to members of the Board of Trustees and made available to members of the public.

For more information on Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s annual meeting, contact the Administration Office at (928) 771-5676.

“CareConnect helps YRMC patients make informed healthcare decisions,” said Michelle Henson, Supervisor of YRMC’s HIM department. “It gives people access to much of the same high-quality healthcare information available to their caregivers.”

People hospitalized after June 11, 2012 – when YRMC’s electronic medical record (EMR) was introduced – may access their health record information through CareConnect. However, anyone who has ever been hospitalized at YRMC is encouraged to set up a CareConnect account in order to begin building their secure online health record.

Creating a CareConnect account is simple and takes approximately 10 minutes. To set up an account contact:

• Health Information Management, YRMC West, (928) 771-5657, extension 0  
• Health Information Management, YRMC East, (928) 442-8657  
• Admitting Department, YRMC West, (928) 771-5110  
• Admitting Department, YRMC East, (928) 442-8110

“With CareConnect, people can be on top of information about their health,” Betts said. “CareConnect empowers people.”

For more information about CareConnect or other YRMC programs and services, visit www.yrmc.org.

 

 

 

During an Anterior Approach hip replacement, Dr. Schuenman accesses the patient’s hip joint from the front (anterior) of the hip by moving the HANA table and then making a three-to-four inch incision. The HANA table uses x-ray imaging which allows for controlled placement of the new hip – a challenge for surgeons doing conventional hip replacement surgery.

“The HANA table allows for perfect positioning of the hip for every patient,” he said. “This is a reproducible outcome.”

Because the Anterior Approach procedure does not disturb muscles essential to hip function – like conventional hip replacement – patients are walking within hours of the procedure and return quickly to their normal activities.

When compared to conventional hip replacement surgery, Anterior Approach hip replacement features:

• Less muscle trauma (conventional hip surgery requires the surgeon to detach muscle from the pelvis or femur)
• Reduced hospitalization
• Smaller incision (three to four inches compared to ten to 12 inches with conventional hip replacement)
• Less blood loss (particularly when combined with YRMC’s Patient Blood Management strategies)
• Reduced pain
• Faster recovery (a total of two to eight weeks compared to two to four months with conventional hip replacement)
• No post-operative restrictions and less concern about dislocation

“YRMC’s Orthopaedic program is recognized as among the top nationwide by leading quality assessment organizations,” Dr.  Schuenman said. “For hip replacements, YRMC is one of 34 hospitals from among nearly 700 to receive the highest score from a well-respected consumer rating organization. When I see this kind of recognition, it makes me even more proud to work with such an excellent team of surgeons, physicians, nurses, surgical technicians and therapists.”

Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) has published its 2013 Community Health Needs Assessment. The assessment – conducted every three years – is a comprehensive look at the health needs of Yavapai County residents with a focus on western Yavapai County.

“As the area’s leading not-for-profit healthcare provider, YRMC goes to great lengths to stay connected to the community,” said Robbie Nicol, YRMC’s Executive Director of Community Outreach and Philanthropy. “The Community Health Needs Assessment provides information that allows YRMC to take that connection to an even deeper level. It ensures our services, programs and partnerships benefit the people we serve.”

The report highlights the challenges that can affect overall community health. It also reveals the need for effective partnerships between YRMC and other local not-for-profit organizations to address those challenges. The Community Health Needs Assessment was developed using data from county and national sources as well as surveys and interviews with key local organizations. 

“This report is an opportunity for the entire community to focus on ways to improve the health of western Yavapai County residents,” Nicol said. “YRMC is proud to lead this effort by sharing this valuable information.”

The Community Health Needs Assessment covers Yavapai County with a focus on western Yavapai County, including the Quad-Cities area of Chino Valley, Dewey/Humboldt, Prescott and Prescott Valley. Also included in the assessment are the communities of Bagdad, Mayer, Paulden and Skull Valley.

The 2013 Community Health Needs Assessment is available for download free of charge via YRMC’s website located at www.yrmc.org. For more information, contact YRMC’s Community Outreach Department at (928) 771-5686.

Ask Brian Kimball, MD—Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s (YRMC’s) 2013 Physician of the Year—what he enjoys most about his work and he’ll summarize it in two words: “The people.”

The board certified diagnostic radiologist joined the hospital’s medical staff in 2002, after considering other hospitals in Arizona and Utah.

“The community and the hospital are just full of good people,” he said. “YRMC’s physicians, nurses and technologists provide excellent care. The entire staff is kind and professional. I’m proud to be part of that.”

Before joining YRMC, Dr. Kimball served as an Air Force physician. From 1999-2002, he was stationed at Eglin AFB in Florida. Prior to that, he earned his medical degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and was a resident at the University of Arizona Medical Center in Tucson.

Dr. Kimball enjoyed Tucson, his wife’s hometown, but he missed the feeling that comes from living in a smaller community.

“I grew up in Richfield, Utah, which was a community of about 5,000 residents at that time,” he said. “When my wife and I visited Prescott, I knew that it had the small-town feel I was missing.”

According to John Amos, YRMC President and CEO, Dr. Kimball exemplifies the hospital’s Total Healing Environment in his interactions with patients as well as hospital staff and volunteers.

“Dr. Kimball always puts the patient first,” said Amos. “He strives for excellence in the care he provides patients and believes wholeheartedly in the value of every member of the YRMC team. He brings YRMC’s Mission and Vision to life every day.”

The YRMC Physician of the Year is presented annually to a doctor who:

• provides excellent patient care;
• builds positive relationships with employees and volunteers;
• shows respect for everyone with whom he or she comes in contact;
• demonstrates sensitivity to patients’ needs and desires; and
• takes pride in the hospital.

Top Neurosurgeon Brings Expertise and Experience to the Quad Cities

The first cranial neurosurgeries ever performed in the Quad City region took place recently at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). The two successful surgeries— Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting procedures—were performed by accomplished neurosurgeon, Harvey G. Thomas, MD, FRCFC, who joined YRMC six months ago.

“There is a need in the community for VP shunting,” Dr. Thomas said. “Now that this important service is available here, people who require it can remain close to home with support from family and friends.”

VP Shunting Surgery Performed at YRMC

VP shunting is performed to relieve pressure on the brain due to surplus cerebrospinal fluid, which may occur in people suffering from dementia, brain tumors or other conditions. This excess fluid can cause people to suffer from stroke-like symptoms. VP shunting re-routes the fluid, relieving the pressure on the brain and alleviating the patient’s symptoms.

During a VP shunting surgery, Dr. Thomas creates a small opening in the patient’s skull. He then inserts reed-thin tubing and directs it to the patient’s abdominal cavity. Dr. Thomas also places a dime-sized pressure valve under the skin behind the patient’s right ear. The tubing and valve together re-direct the fluid away from the brain to the abdomen where it can be reabsorbed into the body. The pressure valve is programmable and may be adjusted—opened for additional flow or closed tighter—even after the surgery by using a computer with specially designed software. The amount of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain is measured during CT scans of the patient’s head approximately four weeks after surgery and again six weeks post-surgery.

“A build-up of cerebrospinal fluid on the brain can cause forgetfulness, lack of concentration, problems walking and even incontinence,” said Dr. Thomas. “This procedure can relieve those symptoms for many people. And now, folks who need VP shunting don’t have to travel outside of our community for it.”

YRMC Prepares for VP Shunting

Before YRMC’s first VP shunting surgery, the hospital diligently prepared for the surgery by providing training for its nursing staff and purchasing special equipment for the surgical suite.

“VP shunting is the foundation for the hospital's entire Intracranial Neurosurgery program,” said Diane Drexler, RN, BSN, MBA, FACHE, YRMC’s Chief Nursing Officer. “The efforts we took to prepare for this surgery have established a strong foundation for the program going forward.”

YRMC’s nursing staff participated in classroom sessions led by Dr. Thomas and Physician Assistant Jeremy Platt, PA, PA-C. During these sessions, Dr. Thomas and Platt highlighted the role of the nursing team before, during and after VP shunting surgery. YRMC nurses also visited another hospital as part of their training program to prepare for VP shunting surgeries. From the pre-admission work the nursing staff pursues with patients, through surgery and recovery, YRMC’s nursing team was prepared to care for neurosurgical patients.

“Dr. Thomas has a great relationship with the nursing team,” Drexler said. “They know both Dr. Thomas and Jeremy are available to them as resources. This is so critical to a successful program.”

YRMC Launches Neurosurgery Program

Building the Neurosurgery program has been a collaborative effort between YRMC’s leadership—the executive team and its Board of Trustees—and Dr. Thomas.

“Every decision about the Neurosurgery program has been made with our community and patients in mind,” said Tim Barnett, YRMC’s President and CEO. “We are extremely pleased the program includes Dr. Thomas, who is an exceptional neurosurgeon, and a great addition to our community.”

Dr. Thomas, who is affiliated with YRMC PhysicianCare, came to the Quad Cities from the Phoenix-area, where he helped found Arizona Spine and Joint Hospital. He also served as that hospital’s Chairman of the Board. Before that, Dr. Thomas was Surgery Department Chair at Chandler Regional Medical Center. Dr. Thomas is board certified as a neurosurgeon by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons. In 2010, he was selected as a “Top Doc” by Phoenix Magazine.

Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) is among six healthcare organizations nationwide—four of them hospitals—to receive the CNA Leadership in Safety Award since it was initiated by CNA HealthPro in 2009. The award was presented to YRMC leaders in December by CNA HealthPro executives.

“Every day, I see people throughout YRMC demonstrating their commitment to the hospital’s Total Healing Environment,” said Tim Barnett, YRMC President and CEO. “However, when representatives of an organization outside of YRMC observe our values in action and then feel compelled to recognize us, I can’t help but feel extremely proud of the YRMC team.”
Chicago-based CNA is a major provider of professional liability insurance for hospitals and other healthcare providers throughout the country. The CNA HealthPro representatives with whom YRMC works nominated the hospital for this award.

“YRMC’s patient-centered approach to delivering care demonstrates its ongoing commitment to the community it serves,” said June Leigh, CNA HealthPro Assistant Vice President, Risk Control. The CNA Leadership in Safety Award recognizes healthcare organizations that have exhibited excellence in patient safety.

“We work with many outstanding healthcare organizations, but only a select few are recipients of this award,” Leigh said. “The award represents organizations with enterprise-wide patient safety and quality improvement programs – dedicating their resources to achieve measurable results focusing upon outstanding customer service.”

Physician Introduces Neurosurgical Specialty to Quad Cities

When Harvey G. Thomas, MD, FRCFC, joined YRMC PhysicianCare in September, he brought outstanding credentials, an exceptional team and years of experience. He also brought a much-needed medical service to the Quad Cities.

“With Dr. Thomas’ arrival, we welcomed one of Arizona’s finest neurosurgeons to our community,” said Don Bolin, MBA, CMPE, Executive Director of YRMC’s employed physician network, YRMC PhysicianCare. “Today, residents in need of delicate back surgery have access to this extraordinary neurosurgeon.”

Dr. Thomas comes to the Quad Cities and YRMC PhysicianCare from the Phoenix-area, where he helped found Arizona Spine and Joint Hospital in Mesa and also served as its Chairman of the Board. Before that, Dr. Thomas held the prestigious post of Surgery Department Chair at Chandler Regional Medical Center. Dr. Thomas is board certified as a neurosurgeon by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons. He also is active in the American Association of Neurosurgeons and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons.

“I’m delighted to join YRMC PhysicianCare and YRMC,” he said. “The staff is very impressive. They know how to care for critically ill patients. They also were very eager to begin a neurosurgical program. With that kind of enthusiasm, there was no question about whether or not I would join the team.”

Dr. Thomas—an expert on solutions to chronic back pain and cranial procedures—is a sought-after speaker for national medical conferences. He also publishes extensively in professional journals. One of his most prized recognitions, however, came in 2010 when he was selected as a “Top Doc” by Phoenix Magazine.

“The ‘Top Docs’ are selected by a vote of physicians, your peers,” he said. “That was quite an honor to me.”

Originally from Canada, Dr. Thomas received his medical degree from the University of Calgary. He pursued an internship at Edmonton General Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and a residency in neurosurgery from Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

When he re-located his neurosurgical practice to the Quad Cities, Dr. Thomas’ wellestablished team joined him.

“This was a group decision,” he said. “My core staff members and our families collaborated on the decision. In the end, the answer was a unanimous and enthusiastic yes!”

That core staff includes physician assistant Jeremy Platt, PA, PA-C.

“The addition of Dr. Thomas and his team is a boost to our entire community,” said Tim Barnett, President and CEO of Yavapai Regional Medical Center. “He brings extraordinary experience and also expands the scope of medical specialties available to the people of the Quad Cities.”

Dr. Thomas may be reached at:
YRMC PhysicianCare
820 E. Ainsworth Drive, Suite B
Prescott, AZ 86301
928-445-4818

When he is not caring for patients, Dr. Thomas likes to mountain bike on nearby trails.

“Even before we moved to the area, we visited nearly every weekend. This is such a welcoming community. It’s a joy to call it home now.”