Community Health: A Conversation About Lung Cancer Awareness
On The Valley Today this afternoon, host Janet Michael had a conversation with Dr. Shalini Reddy, Thoracic Surgeon and Medical Director of Thoracic Surgery at Valley Health’s Winchester Medical Center. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. As part of a community health partnership with Valley Health, the conversation this month focused on lung cancer screenings, the importance of having them BEFORE symptoms appear and the changes to who “qualifies.” Click here to listen to the conversation.
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 236,740 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2022. Lung cancer remains the number one cancer killer, accounting for more cancer deaths than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined. The ACS estimates that more than 4,600 people in Virginia and West Virginia combined will die of lung cancer in 2022.
Dr. Reddy explained that in February 2022, Medicare expanded coverage for lung cancer screening for qualifying beneficiaries. Plus the screening criteria was expanded. Screening is recommended for adults without symptoms who are at high risk for developing lung cancer. Screening eligibility criteria include:
- Adult smokers and ex-smokers age 50 and older (previously, eligibility began at age 55)
- Current smokers with a 20-pack year history (previously 30 pack years) of tobacco smoking
- Former smokers who have quit within the past 15 years
Low dose CT screenings are available at all six Valley Health hospitals. It is one of the easiest screening exams to have, and it takes less than 10 minutes to perform. If criteria for a low dose lung CT screening are met, Medicare and most insurance plans will pay for yearly screenings. Financial assistance may be available for individuals who meet screening criteria but do not have insurance to cover this screening. For more information about lung cancer awareness screenings: valleyhealthlink.com/our-services/imaging/low-dose-lung-ct/
The discussion included information about Valley Health’s Lung Cancer Program. In 2019, Winchester Medical Center was the first hospital in VA to be designated a Care Continuum Center of Excellence for lung cancer care by the GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer. Valley Health has one of the most comprehensive pulmonary/thoracic programs in the region for the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of lung cancer. The program’s multidisciplinary team includes specialists in thoracic surgery, radiology, interventional radiology, pathology, pulmonology, interventional pulmonology, medical oncology, radiation oncology and thoracic patient navigation.
Lung Cancer Screening – Valley Health hopes to find lung cancer at its earliest, more treatable stage and work towards eliminating late-stage lung cancer. Low dose CT lung screening is available at all Valley Health hospitals for adults with a history of smoking who are at high risk of lung cancer. The screening program also includes patients who have an incidental lung nodule found during routine or emergency imaging.
Valley Health’s multidisciplinary Lung Nodule Clinic specializes in expediting care for patients with lung nodules or lesions and provides assessment and options for further testing and follow-up. The clinic’s team of pulmonary and thoracic specialists also includes specialists in diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, radiation oncology and medical oncology.
Advanced Diagnosis – WMC interventional pulmonary specialists use robot-assisted technology combined with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) for diagnosis and staging in one procedure. This technology is also used to accurately mark lung lesions for more targeted radiation therapy as well as surgery. In 2019, WMC was the first facility in the broader region to acquire Intuitive Surgical’s ION™ Endoluminal System to perform robotic-assisted bronchoscopy. The ION system enables minimally invasive biopsy in difficult-to-reach peripheral areas of the lung. The Valley Health team has completed more than 250 ION cases.
Minimally Invasive Surgery – The hospital’s thoracic surgeons are experienced in minimally invasive video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and robot-assisted techniques using the da Vinci® XI™ Surgical System. Coupled with remarkable improvements in post-operative pain management and enhanced recovery protocols, these techniques help patients feel better and return home sooner. Dr. Reddy and the Valley Health team have completed 685 robot-assisted thoracic procedures since the surgical robotics program started at WMC six years ago.
Cancer Treatment and Support – Patients who receive treatment for lung cancer at the Valley Health Cancer Center at WMC will have the personal support of a thoracic patient navigator and access to treatment options such as advanced chemotherapy, radiation therapy and interventional radiology if indicated.
The best way to prevent lung cancer is to stop smoking, and Valley Health provides resources to help. For information: www.valleyhealthlink.com/quitsmoking
Camping for Hunger: A Conversation About Community Health
Today’s conversation on The Valley Today with host, Janet Michael about Valley Health’s Community Health Needs Assessments was pretty eye-opening and insightful. It is part of a community health partnership with Valley Health where Janet talks each month with administrators, physicians, and other Valley Health staff about health topics, events, and the community. Click here to listen to the conversation.
Joining Janet today was Jason Craig, Director of Community Health for Valley Health. He highlighted his professional journey which includes direct experience in social service, education, behavioral health, and healthcare.
They discussed the value of Community Health Needs Assessments to identify and address all the needs surrounding community health. Every three years Valley Health conducts Community Health Needs Assessments for each of their hospitals, identifying priority health needs in the communities they serve. They work with health departments, United Way and other nonprofit agencies, local government officials and other key community stakeholders to learn where gaps in services exist and to identify priorities for action. Each hospital then develops implementation strategies for addressing the identified needs. The draft is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks at which time it will be made public. The results from previous CHNAs can be found by clicking here.
Jason gave examples of the many partnerships they’ve formed with nonprofits, Shenandoah University and other organizations across our communities. He talked of programs focused on workforce development, mental health, substance use, homelessness, and food insecurity. He highlighted a recent $1 million grant awarded to Page Memorial Hospital from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Emergency Rural Health Care Grant Program to remediate the impact of COVID-19 and improve health and access to care in Page County.
The pair also spent some time discussing all the social determinants that play a major role in community health. He spoke of a University of Wisconsin study that highlighted social determinants such as access to healthcare, health behaviors (tobacco use, diet and exercise, alcohol use); physical environment (access to healthy foods, quality of housing, crime and violence); and socioeconomic (education, job status, social support, family support, income, community safety.) He explained that those social determinants can be broken down into five major areas: neighborhood and build environment, health and healthcare, social and community context, education and economic stability.
WMH celebrates one year anniversary
Warren Memorial Hospital is celebrating its one year anniversary in their $100 million facility today.
They started the morning off with the Hills to Wellness 5k which travels down Leach Run, Happy Creek, and John Marshall Highway.
Then the celebration will start at the hospital at 11 am.
They will have kids activities like a bouncy house, teddy bear clinic, and face painting.
There will also be educational opportunities like hands on CPR, fire and rescue vehicles to explore, and more.
Warren Memorial will also have information about their services and health and wellness checks for the family.
Lonnie Hill will be broadcasting live from the celebration, so make sure to stop by and say hello!
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
News Maker Jennifer Coello on WMH one year celebration
Warren Memorial Hospital (WMH) will hold a one year anniversary celebration at their 351 Valley Health Way location.
The celebration will take place tomorrow June 25 at the hospital with the River 953’s Lonnie Hill on hand to help with the event.
We spoke with WMH Administrator Jennifer Coello about the celebration in our latest news maker.
News makers are brought to you by Warren County Together We are Community.
Jennifer tells us what will be happening at tomorrow’s celebration and more.
She also tells us about the hospital’s attributes.
Jennifer also tells us how great the past year has been in the new facility.
Click here for Jennifer’s interview.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
News Maker Jennifer Coello on WMH one year celebration
Warren Memorial Hospital (WMH) will hold a one year anniversary celebration at their 351 Valley Health Way location.
The celebration will take place tomorrow June 25 at the hospital with the River 953’s Lonnie Hill on hand to help with the event.
We spoke with WMH Administrator Jennifer Coello about the celebration in our latest news maker.
News makers are brought to you by Warren County Together We are Community.
Jennifer tells us what will be happening at tomorrow’s celebration and more.
She also tells us about the hospital’s attributes.
Jennifer also tells us how great the past year has been in the new facility.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Community Health: A Conversation about Robot-Assisted Knee/Hip Replacement
We recorded today’s conversation on location at Warren Memorial Hospital with Mesfin Shibeshi DO, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and Grace Speicher, Program and Operations Manager, Valley Health Orthopaedic Clinics, Southern Region. Click here to have a listen to the conversation.
Dr. Shibeshi shared his knowledge and experience with respect to robot-assisted total knee replacement. Using this technology, Dr. Shibeshi is able to create a 3D model of a patient’s knee before surgery, allowing for precise planning of incisions and implant placement. The robotic surgical technology offers a level of personalization and precision that can limit soft tissue damage, preserve bone and reduce post-surgical pain for some patients.
Dr. Shibeshi is using this technology to aid in same-day total knee reconstruction procedures at Warren Memorial Hospital, the first Valley Health hospital to earn the Gold Seal of Approval® for Total Knee Replacement and Total Hip Replacement Certification from The Joint Commission.
Grace explained why certification is important. Certification keeps everyone focused on providing high quality patient care by providing:
- Patient Education– patients are prepared for their total joint journey. This is accomplished by distributing a total joint book to each patient, along with teaching what to expect prior, during, and after surgery. This is a collaborative effort with the surgeon, nursing, therapy and case management involvement.
- Early Ambulation and Pain Control– Studies have shown the sooner a patient ambulates the better their recovery. In order to accomplish this, pain must be controlled. In an effort to keep narcotic use at a minimum, they have what is called a multimodal approach which includes a block placed by the anesthesia team during the surgical process, along with a periarticular injection placed by the surgeon. This approach allows for a longer pain control with less need for oral pain pills. This is easier on the patient’s stomach, as well as less of a threat for narcotic dependence.
Practice Office in Front Royal:
Valley Health’s Orthopedics practice in Front Royal is located in the multispecialty clinic on the campus of Warren Memorial Hospital. Dr. Shibeshi sees patients in clinic there, and performs procedures in the OR at Warren Memorial Hospital. Info about the clinic can be found here: Orthopedic Care in Front Royal | Valley Health (valleyhealthlink.com)
More information about the robotics and certifications can be found here:
Two Valley Health Hospitals Add Robotic Technology for Knee Replacement
Warren Memorial Hospital Earns Gold Seal of Approval for Total Hip and Knee Replacement Program
Community Health: Robot Assisted Joint Replacement
We recorded today’s conversation on location at Warren Memorial Hospital with Mesfin Shibeshi DO, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and Grace Speicher, Program and Operations Manager, Valley Health Orthopaedic Clinics, Southern Region. Click here to have a listen to the conversation.
Dr. Shibeshi shared his knowledge and experience with respect to robot-assisted total knee replacement. Using this technology, Dr. Shibeshi is able to create a 3D model of a patient’s knee before surgery, allowing for precise planning of incisions and implant placement. The robotic surgical technology offers a level of personalization and precision that can limit soft tissue damage, preserve bone and reduce post-surgical pain for some patients.
Dr. Shibeshi is using this technology to aid in same-day total knee reconstruction procedures at Warren Memorial Hospital, the first Valley Health hospital to earn the Gold Seal of Approval® for Total Knee Replacement and Total Hip Replacement Certification from The Joint Commission.
Grace explained why certification is important. Certification keeps everyone focused on providing high quality patient care by providing:
- Patient Education– patients are prepared for their total joint journey. This is accomplished by distributing a total joint book to each patient, along with teaching what to expect prior, during, and after surgery. This is a collaborative effort with the surgeon, nursing, therapy and case management involvement.
- Early Ambulation and Pain Control– Studies have shown the sooner a patient ambulates the better their recovery. In order to accomplish this, pain must be controlled. In an effort to keep narcotic use at a minimum, they have what is called a multimodal approach which includes a block placed by the anesthesia team during the surgical process, along with a periarticular injection placed by the surgeon. This approach allows for a longer pain control with less need for oral pain pills. This is easier on the patient’s stomach, as well as less of a threat for narcotic dependence.
Practice Office in Front Royal:
Valley Health’s Orthopedics practice in Front Royal is located in the multispecialty clinic on the campus of Warren Memorial Hospital. Dr. Shibeshi sees patients in clinic there, and performs procedures in the OR at Warren Memorial Hospital. Info about the clinic can be found here: Orthopedic Care in Front Royal | Valley Health (valleyhealthlink.com)
More information about the robotics and certifications can be found here:
Two Valley Health Hospitals Add Robotic Technology for Knee Replacement
Warren Memorial Hospital Earns Gold Seal of Approval for Total Hip and Knee Replacement Program
Valley Health receives “A” safety grade
Valley Health’s acute care hospitals, Winchester Medical Center and Warren Memorial Hospital, earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group.
The organization is a national nonprofit which recognizes organizations for protecting their patients from harm in the hospital.
A, B, C, D, or F grades are given based on safety performance measures which includes errors, injuries, infections, and accidents as well as systems in place to prevent harm.
Only 14% of organizations evaluated receive the highest “A” rating.
Valley Health has secured that rating since 2020.
To see the full grades for WMH and WMC, head to HospitalSafetyGrade.org.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Community Health: A Conversation About Advance Medical Directives
Today’s conversation on The Valley Today is part of an ongoing community health partnership with Valley Health where host, Janet Michael talks each month to physicians, administrators, nurses, etc. from Valley Health about a wide range of topics regarding healthcare. The guest today was Dr. James VanKirk, Director of Palliative Care for Valley Health, based at Winchester Medical Center about advance medical directives. You can click here to listen to the conversation.
Dr. VanKirk explained what palliative care is: a specialized, interdisciplinary approach to improving comfort and quality of life at any stage of serious illness by addressing symptoms, communications, and next steps. The two talked about National Healthcare Decision Day that happens on April 16 each year. He told us that it’s actually observed for the entire week but advance medical directives can be done at any time of year.
Dr. VanKirk talked about the different types of advance medical directives, how to start the conversation with loved ones, how to decide who you’d like to be “your person” and the steps you should take to ensure your wishes are on file somewhere like your local hospital. An advance directive is a form you can complete so that you can be in charge of your health care if you become unable to make healthcare decisions for yourself because of injury or illness. “It always seems too early until it’s too late.”
An Advance Directive includes two important parts:
- Choosing someone to be your voice when you cannot speak for yourself. This person is commonly called a health care agent, or may also be known as a Health Care Proxy, Substitute Decision-Maker, or Medical Power of Attorney.
- Communicating the kind of medical treatment you want or don’t want. This is called your Living Will.
For more information, visit their website: https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/patients-visitors/for-patients/advance-care-planning/
To hear more conversations in this series, visit the podcast page: https://theriver953.com/communityhealth/
Community Health: Advance Medical Directives
We were on the screen today for a conversation with Dr. James VanKirk, Director of Palliative Care for Valley Health, based at Winchester Medical Center about advance medical directives. This is part of an ongoing community health partnership with Valley Health where I talk every month to physicians, administrators, nurses, etc. from Valley Health about a wide range of topics regarding healthcare. Have a listen to the show by clicking here.
Dr. VanKirk explained what palliative care is: a specialized, interdisciplinary approach to improving comfort and quality of life at any stage of serious illness by addressing symptoms, communications, and next steps. We talked about National Healthcare Decision Day that happens on April 16 each year. He told us that it’s actually observed for the entire week but advance medical directives can be done at any time of year.
Dr. VanKirk talked about the different types of advance medical directives, how to start the conversation with loved ones, how to decide who you’d like to be “your person” and the steps you should take to ensure your wishes are on file somewhere like your local hospital. An advance directive is a form you can complete so that you can be in charge of your health care if you become unable to make healthcare decisions for yourself because of injury or illness. “It always seems too early until it’s too late.”
An Advance Directive includes two important parts:
- Choosing someone to be your voice when you cannot speak for yourself. This person is commonly called a health care agent, or may also be known as a Health Care Proxy, Substitute Decision-Maker, or Medical Power of Attorney.
- Communicating the kind of medical treatment you want or don’t want. This is called your Living Will.
For more information, visit their website: https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/patients-visitors/for-patients/advance-care-planning/
To hear more conversations in this series, visit the podcast page: https://theriver953.com/communityhealth/