I just had to tell someone about the excellent care I received at the Methodist Women’s Hospital during a recent surgery.

Dr. Mark Carlson, OB-GYN

The staff was unbelievable and well-educated on what they were supposed to do. They were kind and appropriate in every remark and response – they knew their job. They were simply outstanding.

From the time I walked in to the hospital I knew I was in great hands. I received great care from Jan, Marissa and Carla. We are so lucky to have you in Omaha. I was very impressed with the “robot” and Dr. Carlson’s capabilities. He is a doll!

The beauty of a women’s campus is the doctors and staff are sensitive to the specific needs of women. The whole process for me worked like a machine – but I didn’t feel depersonalized.

I just sent another friend to the women’s campus and she had a great experience.

Methodist understands women.

- Nancy N.

The 2012 Nurse Excellence Award Winners for Methodist Health System were announced at a celebration in their honor on Thursday, May 10.

Nurse Excellence Awards are given annually to Methodist Health System registered nurses for their participation in the advancement and practice of nursing.

Nominees must exemplify day-to-day demonstration of the core values of our organization: patient focus, honor and respect, excellence and teamwork, and service to community. They must demonstrate the characteristics of a 5-Star Nurse.

The Nurse Excellence winners are nominated by their peers and selected by the Professional Development Council.

Congratulations to this year’s Nurse Excellence Award Winners.

Jean Adair, Learning Center	Patricia Bell, Outpatient Surgery	Jenn Bierbaum, Rehab/ACE
Courtney Carle, Labor and Delivery/ High Risk OB	Arielle Clark, Progressive Care	Ann Clipp, Utilization Management
Suzette Collier, HealthWest Outpatient Surgery	Kate Halperin, Critical Care	Helen Jackson, Oncology
Tracy Johnston, NICU	Carrie Kelseth, Cardiac	Jami Kezeor, MWH Emergency Dept.
Nancy Legenza, Short Stay	Bridget Noonan, Mother/Baby	Jeff O’Hern, Inpatient Surgery
Jessica Peters, MH Emergency Dept.	Janice Raymond, Infusion Center	Tracy Sautter, Imaging
Rochelle Swanson, Ortho/Neuro	Heidi Taylor, Cath Lab	Suzanne Vankat, Medical/Surgical
Brooke Walters, PACU	Mercedes Yanes, General Medical

Shown, from left: Dr. Mark Clanton, Chief Medical Officer, ACS High Plains Division; Dr. Robert Langdon, Mike Dany, Executive Vice President, ACS; Steve Goeser, President and CEO, Methodist Hospital; Joy King, Regional Vice President, ACS; and Jay Goodman, Chief Staff Officer-Health Initiatives, ACS.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recently recognized Methodist Health System for its long-standing commitment to cancer patients through partnership with the Society.

About 30 staff members from ACS and Methodist were on hand at the breakfast meeting.  Society Executive Vice President for the High Plains Division, Mike Dany presented the award.  During the presentation he remarked about how valuable partnerships like Methodist’s are to the American Cancer Society.

During the event, the American Cancer Society recognized Methodist for the completion of a collaborative research project evaluating the impact of literature on newly diagnosed cancer patients.

The study aims to gain a better understanding of the impact of American Cancer Society materials on newly diagnosed patients.  ACS Chief Staff Officer for Health Initiatives, Jay Goodman presented preliminary results on the project.

For years, Methodist has been a partner with ACS by establishing effective strategies to improve the informed decision making and quality of life for newly diagnosed cancer patients, facilitating an early connection for cancer patients to available resources, and by reaching the medically under-served so that barriers to care can be overcome.

In order to ensure that we are providing exceptional patient care and providing a safe environment for our patients, Methodist Health System Imaging participates in Image Wisely and Image Gently.

Imaging tests provide immeasurable health benefits. They find a wide range of diseases in their earliest stages, help doctors make the right diagnosis and allow patients to avoid unnecessary medical procedures. Their benefits far outweigh any risks.

Nonetheless, many imaging procedures – including CT scans, X-rays, mammograms, nuclear medicine tests and fluoroscopy – involve small amounts of radiation that may have an accumulative effect over time.

To minimize any risk to patients, Methodist Imaging uses the lowest dose of radiation possible without affecting our ability to get high quality images.

In order to ensure that we are providing exceptional patient care and providing a safe environment for our patients, Methodist Health System Imaging will become participants in both the Image Wisely and Image Gently, two nationwide initiatives sponsored by the following groups:

• American College of Radiology
• Radiological Society of North America
• American Association of Physicists in Medicine
• American Society of Radiologic Technologists

Image Wisely focuses on adult imaging, whereas Image Gently focuses on imaging in children.

To learn more visit:

• www.imagewisely.org
• www.imagegently.org

The commitment to these programs supports Methodist Health System’s Strategic Initiatives that focus on People and Quality/Safety.

It’s where innovation meets compassion, working together to advance health and save lives.

Our new advertisements highlight some of the strengths of the Methodist Health System and how we are leading health care in the area.

Watch the commercials, then learn more about the services.

Methodist 192Dodge Campus

The only campus in the region dedicated to women’s health.

Learn about the services found at the 192Dodge campus.

Gynecologic Oncology

Offering women more clinical trials for more hope beating cancer.

Learn the ways we are fighting gynecologic cancer in women.

Do you feel confident expressing your thoughts and ideas to others in your business or personal life, resulting in a win-win outcome?

Defining an individual’s communication style and teaching them how to use it effectively will be the focus of the fifth and final session of “Creating Transformation for Your Body, Mind and Spirit,” a unique series offered by Methodist Women’s Hospital and the Institute for Career Advancement Needs (ICAN).

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and this year communities across the country will promote the 2012 campaign “It’s Time…to talk about it!”

The 2012 campaign encourages individuals and communities to bring health sexuality into the conversation on how we connect with and respect one another in order to prevent sexual violence.

Did you know?

• Every two minutes, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted.
• One in four women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetimes.
• An estimated 60 percent of rapes are not reported (Douglas County Health and Human Services)
• 70 to 80 percent of victims know their assailant; therefore, acquaintance rape is more common than stranger rape.

Methodist Health System, home to the Heidi Wilke SANE/SART Survivor Program, supports Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The Heidi Wilke SANE/SART Survivor Program is available at the emergency departments at both Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital.

Since 2002, the Heidi Wilke SANE/SART Survivor Program has provided specialized services to nearly 1,000 victims of sexual assault, many under 25 years of age.

An online forum about sexual assault, hosted by Methodist health experts, is scheduled for April 12 from noon to 1 p.m. on KETV.com.

During the month of April, individuals can show their support by wearing teal and black on Thursdays. The color black supports sexual assault awareness and teal is in support of survivors.

Survivors of sexual assault and others can find additional resources and info here. The Women’s Center for Advancement (formerly YWCA) is sponsoring many activities during the month as well. Additional resources can be found at the WCA’s website.

From the amazing story about a young woman who survived a sexual assault to the team of professionals who guide cancer patients during their journey, the latest issue of The Meaning of Care magazine is sure to have a little something for everyone.

Learn more about the people and programs featured in The Meaning of Care Magazine.

After reading the online edition, you can read more of the caring, innovation and medical expertise that defines The Meaning of Care:

A Sexual Assault Survivor’s Story

Surgical Innovation: Carpal Tunnel Release

Support for the Cancer Journey

Healing for Diabetic Wounds

Methodist Hospital Foundation

Subscribe to the print edition of The Meaning of Care Magazine.

Help and Healing After Sexual Assault

Since its inception in 2003, the Heidi Wilke SANE/SART Program has treated nearly 1,000 victims of sexual assault. The first hours after an assault are critical and Methodist offers a special environment designed for the privacy, security, comfort and treatment of survivors of sexual assault.

Both Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital offer 24 hour support in areas designed for comfort, privacy and treatment.  The 24 hour response of the Sexual Assault Response Team(SART) is led by a specially-trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner(SANE).

402-354-8899 24-hour Sexual Assault Hotline.

Surgical Innovation: Carpal Tunnel Release

Patients of Kayvon Izadi, M.D. have had surgery over their lunch hour – and then returned to work. This busy hand surgeon provides surgery with just a local anesthetic for those suffering from carpal tunnel pain. Dr. Izadi recommends early intervention to minimize any permanent injury from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) which he feels affects 1 in 20 people.

Part of the Methodist Physicians Clinic orthopedic clinic, Dr. Izadi sees patients at the HealthWest campus at the northwest corner of 156 and W. Dodge Road.

Help for Cancer Survivors

Several features of our latest issue feature ways in which cancer survivors are surrounded with support at the Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center. From the personal greetings of Joyce and Ethel through to a special salon to help bring out a cancer survivor’s inner beauty, there are many services available to help navigate this disease.

• The Psycho-oncology team provides specialized counseling to those with a cancer diagnosis – and their families.  Learn about the services provided and watch a video of a family helped through Psycho-oncology.

• At the Inner Beauty Salon, cancer survivors get specialized hair, body and skin care. The salon, located inside the Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center caters to cancer survivors with mastectomy fittings, lymphoma sleeves, skin care and more for men and women.

Healing for Diabetic Wounds

Dermagraft, a safe and effective skin substitute is being used by Brad Copple, DPM, of Methodist Physicians Clinic Orthopedic Clinic in the treatment of diabetic wounds. Estimates of up to 25% of diabetics will develop a foot ulcer with 24% of those requiring amputation. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Copple by calling 402-354-0707.

Methodist Hospital Foundation

The busiest surgical suites in town need renovation. With an average of more than 70 surgeries each day, these  renovations will increase the size of the suites by 50%.

Make a gift through the Methodist Hospital Foundation.

The tough economy has brought me to be a humble person. I never thought I’d have to ask for help. I was embarrassed because I’ve always been an independent and “to proud to beg” type of person.

I am very humbled that I was provided financial assistance through your hospital at a time in my life I needed the help the most. I am glad I asked for the help and I’m very appreciative of the assistance.

I am a mother of one wonderful child and have had so many medical bills lately. I will always be grateful of the care I received  from those great nurses and nurse practitioner, but am thoroughly impressed with your system.

- Melissa A.