News
Patients coming to Massena Memorial Hospital for routine Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans have a new reason to be excited. With a new MAGNETOM Verio MRI scanner from Siemens, physicians at MMH can offer some of the most advanced MR imaging services in a magnet that is designed for maximum patient comfort. The MAGNETOM Verio offers excellent image quality, superb diagnostic capabilities, and exceptional patient comfort with a large, patient-friendly 70-cm opening. With one foot of spacious headroom patients won’t feel like they are nose to nose with the top of the magnet. This means the tight confines in older MRIs are a thing of the past.
Charles F. Fahd, II, Chief Executive Officer, "We are very excited to bring the MAGNETOM Verio to Massena Memorial Hospital. We feel that this system will allow our doctors to have one of the widest ranges of imaging capabilities while being able to cater those services to patients in almost any situation. And it is the only MRI of this magnitude in a 150 mile radius. This is great for the patients of the North Country."
At 3T, the MAGNETOM Verio boasts the strongest magnet field strength used clinically today and gives physicians access to many applications, including neurology and functional neurology evaluation, orthopedic and cartilage assessment, and breast, vascular and cardiac imaging. The system’s large 70-cm opening is wide enough to accommodate a diverse array of patients including individuals who have traditionally been hard to image, such as children, those who are obese (up to 550 lbs), the elderly, and those who are claustrophobic.
"With our new fixed permanent MRI unit, it provides easy full time access to Medical Imaging," said Terence Schumpert, M.D., Radiologist and Chief of Medical Imaging. "With the new 3 Tesla unit, it will provide better image resolution and faster scanning making it a speedy process and easier for the patient."
MAGENTOM Verio, with the power of TimTM (Total imaging matrix) technology, has up to 102 seamlessly integrated matrix coil elements and up to 32 independent radiofrequency channels which allow flexible coil combinations that make patient and coil repositioning virtually unnecessary. This allows increased speed for most MRI exams.
"The Siemens MAGNETOM Verio gives Massena Memorial Hospital one of the most cutting-edge pieces of MRI equipment on the market today and in the North Country," said Dr. Schumpert. "With this system, we have a magnet that operates at the highest clinically used field strengths but that allows us to deliver one of the most comfortable imaging experiences to our patients
. With the many workflow-enhancing features on the system, we also anticipate that it will enable us to increase the number of patients who can take advantage of these valuable imaging services."
Quality, competence and comfort in the delivery of patient care are the number one priorities for the nursing team at Massena Memorial Hospital. Members of the Massena Memorial Hospital Nursing team recently underwent training in advanced Intravenous Technology. The hospital brought in a specialist, Debra McPherson, MSN, RN, Portland, Maine, to present a program on PICC, Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters.
MMH's PICC Team participants attended a three-day workshop consisting of the didactic section, followed by the practical component for the insertion of the PICC Lines, explained Joyce Smith, MSN, RN, Director of Medical/Surgical/Pediatric Unit. Seven full-time registered nurses from the Medical/Surgical/Pediatric Unit, Emergency Department, ICU/CCU, Endoscopy, Surgical Services and Nursing Supervisors attended the training.
The PICC Team includes seven registered nurses, they are: Joyce Smith, Cindy Rockhill, Tara Williams, Cathy Thomas, Suzanne Trautman, Kathy Mason and Ralene North.
"The Nursing Director for the Medical/Surgical/Pediatric Unit, Joyce Smith, MSN, RN, was instrumental in the development of the PICC team and bringing the training in-house for the benefit of our patients," explained Sue Beaulieu, MSN, RN, Chief Nurse Executive. "Excellent patient care is always expected, going beyond standard procedures and bringing a higher level of healthcare is the commitment of the hospital's nursing team."
Following the training these nurses can perform assessment, insertion and follow-up of advanced venous access devices including Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs.)
"PICC lines are especially useful for those patients requiring multiple intravenous punctures and long term intravenous therapy," Smith added.
An important component of the PICC Team's service is allowing line insertion to take place at the patient"s bedside. Patients are not required to be transported to another department to obtain their PICC line. This has shown to be a convenience to nurses, physicians and especially to patients, as well as their families.
Early assessment and early placement of advance venous access devices are important in providing patients with the best quality of care. Patients are often plagued during hospital stays with needles to start IVs and obtain lab specimens. PICC lines greatly reduce the need for needle sticks for patients, thereby reducing the stress and anxiety associated with being in the hospital.
A PICC line is a peripherally inserted central catheter. It is long, slender, small, flexible tube that is inserted into a peripheral vein, typically in the upper arm. It is similar to other central lines as it terminates into a large vessel near the heart. However, unlike other central lines, its point of entry is from the periphery of the body, the extremities. And typically the upper arm is the area of choice.
A PICC line provides the best of both worlds concerning venous access. Similar to a standard IV, it is inserted in the arm, and usually in the upper arm under the benefits of ultrasound visualization. Also, PICCs differ from peripheral IV access but similar to central lines in that a PICCs termination point is centrally located in the body allowing for treatment that could not be obtained from standard periphery IV access. In addition, PICC insertions are less invasive, have decreased complication risk associated with them, and remain for a much longer duration than other central or periphery access devices.
"This training/program is wonderful for the patients and offers a greater quality of care for those who need long term IV therapy," said Sue Beaulieu, MSN, RN, Chief Nurse Executive. "Again this is substantiation, of why MMH has the best nursing team in the North Country. They are always willing to learn more for the benefit of our patients' treatment."
A PICC line may requested for a variety of treatment options which include some of the following:
• Prolonged IV antibiotic treatment;
• IV access obtainable by less invasive and longer lasting methods;
• Multiple accesses obtainable with one access line;
• PPN Nutrition;
• Chemotherapy;
• IV access related to physiological factors; and
• Home or sub-acute discharge for extended treatment.
PICCs are frequently used to obtain central venous access for patients in acute care, home care and skilled nursing care. Since complication risks are less with PICC lines, it is preferred over other forms of central venous catheters. A PICC is not appropriate for all patients, and must be ordered by a physician.
The PICC may have single or multiple lumens. This depends on how many intravenous therapies are needed. A PICC line can be used for antibiotics, pain medicine, chemotherapy, nutrition, or for the drawing of blood samples.
The instructor, McPherson, has over 23 years experience in the field of vascular access, and has practiced in a variety of clinical settings. This experience includes ten years as the Parenteral Therapy Nurse Coordinator at Maine Medical Center managing the Parenteral Therapy department and developing the PICC Service. She is a resource contact person for hospitals throughout the northeast and mentors others in developing a business plan to support the need for a dedicated PICC Service.
Massena Memorial Hospital will host a health fair Friday, May 15th at the 20th Annual Radio/Telethon. The Health Fair will run from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Massena Arena.
The hospital will offer free blood pressure checks by the North Country’s finest Nursing staff. Additionally, the Laboratory staff is offering free cholesterol screening.
There will be medical and health care information for the whole family...such as:
The Emergency Department will be on hand to talk about Triage when entering the Emergency Department. Patient Financial Counseling will help explain the healthcare billing, along with offering information for those who do not have insurance. Sometimes the most frightening thing about going to the hospital is not the illness or injury we face, but dealing with the resulting paperwork and bills. At Massena Memorial Hospital your healthcare comes first, helping patients deal with the aftermath of their medical expenses is the Patient Financial Counseling Office.
Nutrition Services is offering Body Fat Analysis. Many times we look to shedding a few pounds this time of year, and knowing what your Body Mass may help.
Patient Family Services will have information on hand about Lifenet and Advance Directives. The Auxiliary will have information on Organ Donation and the WHALE Program. The North Country Veterans Clinic will offer open enrollment to any veteran with an honorable discharge.
Environmental Services will give any community member a free digital thermometer in exchange for a mercury thermometer. The Tender Touches Birthing Center will have a booth on Early Pregnancy Information. Additionally, there will also be Mammography Department will have information about Breast Cancer awareness and Mammography.
Nutritional Services – Body Fat Analysis and nutrition information and offering information about Abdominal Girth from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Kids Korner Pediatric Centre – Teddy Bear Clinic Dr. Iqbal - 3 – 5 p.m.
This year’s proceeds from the Radio/Telethon will be used to help purchase medical equipment for MMH’s Medical Imaging…help make a difference in our community!
The goal is to purchase the following equipment: the Suros ATEC Emerald - Breast Biopsy and Excision System for biopsies under MRI guidance and the Suros ATEC Pearl - Breast Biopsy and Excision System for biopsies under Stereotactic (Mammography), Ultrasound, or CT guidance...valued at over $40,000.
In conjuction with the health fair, there is a community fair to include the following:
• Massena Police Department – Bike Safety Program, DARE Program and sex offender info
• Massena Rescue Squad – CPR & First Aide Info and they will also be bringing an Ambulance.
• Seaway Valley Ambulance Service – Car Seat Safety Program and information
• North Country Medical - CPAP/BIPAP info, DME and Oxygen information
• Central New York Eye & Tissue Bank- information
• Highland Nursing Home – information regarding services they provide
• Massena Volunteer Fire Department – traveling fire house & information
• North Country Tobacco Cessation Program – information on quit smoking & FREE Nicotine Replacement.
• Massena Senior Citizens – information
• Cin Breeze Massage – message table and information on message therapy
• Fibromyalgia Support Group – information regarding their group
• MS Support Group- information regarding their group
• Tri-Lakes _DME information
• Lions Club – Vision Testing
• Marra’s Homecare – DME services
"Our traditions are all about keeping our community well…It’s all about getting better!"
MMH offers Free Skin Tumor/Lesion Clinic
A deep tan used to be a sign of good health. Now we know that too much sun can lead to skin cancer. It may appear as a new growth, or as a change in size, shape, or color of an existing mole. A doctor should check any changes in your skin.
Early diagnosis can make all the difference that is why Sanjay Shah, M.D., F.A.C.S., General Surgeon and Massena Memorial Hospital are offering a monthly free screening clinic. Dr. Shah will offer the Skin Tumor/Lesion Detection Clinic on the second Wednesday of the month, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the hospital.
The next two clinics will be Wednesday, April 8 and May 13 in the Levine Outpatient Center. This clinic is free to all and all ages welcome. For an appointment or more information, please call: Massena Memorial Hospital Outreach Services at (315)769-4340
According to the experts, skin cancers are usually curable if found and treated in the earliest stages. In addition, you can improve your chances of detecting skin cancers by performing a skin self-exam every month.
What to Look For...
While skin cancer can be found anywhere on the body, it most often develops on the head, face, neck, hands, legs, arms and back. Skin cancer can appear as a:
* Reddened lump
* Small, smooth, shiny, pale, or waxy bump
* Flat, red spot that is rough, dry, or scaly.
The most lethal form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, usually begins in a mole. When examining moles, look for the "ABCDs" of malignant melanoma:
* Asymmetrical shape, meaning that one side of the mole does not match the other side
* Borders that are irregular, uneven, or ragged
* Color that varies from one area to another
* Diameter larger than six millimeters, or bigger than the standard eraser on the end of a pencil
How to Check Your Skin...
Now that you know what to look for, here is how to examine your skin:
* Stand in front of a wall mirror in a well-lighted room, just after a shower or bath.
* Examine your face, neck, chest, arms, hands, stomach, and genital area.
* Uses a hand mirror to help you better see your buttocks and upper back in the full mirror reflection.
* Sit down to examine your legs, the tops and soles of your feet, and in between your toes. Use the hand mirror to check the backs of your legs.
Dr. Shah encourages, if you notice anything questionable, see your doctor, or make an appointment at the free screening clinic.
Regular professional skin exams are important, too. Based on your personal risk factors and family history, your doctor can help you decide how often you should be checked. For an appointment at the April 8 and May 13 free skin clinic or more information about the free skin screening, please call, Outreach Services at (315)769-4340.
Massena Memorial Hospital and the North Country Veterans Clinic hosted a Healthcare and Enrollment Fair on Friday, March 20 at the Massena VFW, 101 West Hatfield, Massena for all veterans
Are you out of work? Are you about to lose your job? Are you faced with no healthcare coverage? Are you a veteran with an honorable discharge? You may apply for medical benefits and can be seen at the Massena Memorial Hospital North Country Veterans Clinic.
At the Healthcare and Enrollment Fair, veterans can stop by and learn about the benefits you may be eligible for...
*Your questions and concerns about the comprehensive VA Healthcare Package, the GI Bill, and Small Business Loans will be answered by knowledgeable Veteran Benefits Counselors, Pete Havens and Patrick Rourke.
* NYS Department of Labor will provide Employment information
* The North Country Veterans Clinic at Massena Memorial Hospital provides preventative and medical care for men and women veterans with an honorable discharge (you did not have to serve during a wartime/military conflict for benefits)
* Low cost prescription medicines, dressings, colostomy, diabetic supplies mailed to your home from VAMC Pharmacy. Free transportation to VAMC, every Tuesday and Thursday in the DAV's van
* Mental Health Services-Counseling to include PTSD, Combat, Traumatic Brain Injury, Suicide Prevention
* New services Women's Health…mammography, annual complete physical including a pap smear, etc…
Registration Applications Available…stop by the Health and Enrollment Fair to register for your health benefits...bring your DD214
The clinic that serves over 3000 North Country Veterans registered for both medical and mental health services. In 2008, the Veterans clinic had nearly 9,000 patient visits. The North Country Veterans Clinic offers many services to both the men and women veterans in the North Country. The VA Healthcare Network continues a Community Based Outpatient Clinic in St. Lawrence County. The Syracuse VA Medical Center has partnered with MMH since 1993, bringing health, wellness and mental health services locally to the veterans of the North Country. With the continued service over the last sixteen years the services provided have expanded.
Registration applications will be available at the Healthcare and Enrollment Fair House, so all veterans are encouraged to attend and register for your health benefits.
For more information about the MMH North Country Veterans Clinic, please call (315)769-4253. "The Best Care Anywhere!" A service of Massena Memorial Hospital and Syracuse VA Medical Center.
Medical Imaging
Sees New Views
March 2006 -- Patient comfort, privacy and state-of-the-art imaging for quality patient care are the motivation for the full re-design of Massena Memorial Hospital 's Medical Imaging Department.
"The hospital's Board of Managers, Physicians and Administration saw a need to re-design and upgrade the Medical Imaging to make it the most state-of-the-art, patient welcoming department in the North Country," said Mark Brouillette, Senior Director Ancillary Services. "With the upgrade, MMH imaging is the best equipped, but has the best Medical Imaging Staff of technologists and Radiologists. We want to make sure our staff has the best tools of their trade to ensure patients have the best images and diagnostic treatment available."
"The hospital's Medical Imaging Department has undergone vast improvements with diagnostic imaging equipment, including a multi-slice CT scanner," says Terence Schumpert , M.D. , Radiologist/Medical Director. "These improvements provide greater speed and productivity while allowing for new exciting possibilities in imaging the human body that will result in better detection of certain diseases."
Massena Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce completion of the 8500 square foot three million dollar project to improve and expand its Medical Imaging services. The project increased the overall size of Medical Imaging by 40%. But increased space was not the sole factor behind the changes.
"Patient comfort and privacy were the motivating factors in the design changes," noted Robert Elsner , Director, Medical Imaging. "As services expanded over the year, we found ourselves having to utilize existing spaces. With this project we were able to focus on designing new rooms and amenities based upon the needs of our patients and physicians."
Nowhere is this more evident, than in the new Women's Imaging Center . The Women's Imaging Center is a facility within a facility and is home to the two-mammography suites and two ultrasound suites. These rooms are spacious, private, and designed to provide maximum comfort. A separate waiting area provides additional privacy.
This attention to detail and design extended throughout the project with each renovated room being expanded as necessary to accommodate, not only the new equipment, but with patient comfort and privacy in mind.
From the spectacular new waiting area to the expanded Computerized Tomography (CT) suite, visitors and patients will notice the changes. We even have beautiful fall foliage ceiling for our patients to enjoy while undergoing their CT scan.
New equipment and technology has been installed that will do great things for our community. At the forefront of this technology is our new Siemens Somatom Sensation, multi-detector Computerized Tomography (CT) Scanner. This scanner will bring a host of new vascular imaging previously unavailable locally. The ability of this system to perform detailed "virtual" voyages of the body and reconstructs structures in 3-dimensional services and care to our community. The Imaging Department will be able to offer a range of cardiac and planes and color will be invaluable in the diagnosis and treatment of our patients.
Additionally, MMH has the Philips iU22 ultrasound scanner, which offers detailed analysis of small parts without the shadowing, and streaking associated with older technology. As with our CT scanner, the Philips iU22 can be upgraded and expanded to perform a host of services not previously available to our physicians. MMH has added a new remote fluoroscopic room, the Siemens ICONOS R200. This unit essentially upgrades our "live" x-ray capabilities producing digital images at a significant dose reduction to both patients and staff. Sometimes it is not only what "new" services or technology that is important, but can you provide it more efficiently and safely.
X-ray systems can last a long time. In fact, our new Siemens MULTIX general-purpose x-ray room allows a technologist to lower the table to accommodate the patient. This may not seem like a "fancy" feature, but it makes a difference to the patient's safety and comfort.
Future planning for the What's next for the Medical Imaging Department, a PAC system, Pictorial Archival Computer System, and fixed MRI .
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