WHEN YOU'RE KNOWN FOR YOUR EXPERTISE in caring for the most complicated heart surgery cases, the expectations are higher. At St. Joe's, we're delivering excellent heart care because we are devoted to advanced medical science and a genuine team approach to healthcare.We leverage the extraordinary experience of our physicians, our surgeons, our cardiologists-our entire medical staff-and our nursing and clinical care teams through an initiative called "quality through evidence-based practice." Our collaborative approach is based on the best academic and clinical research, backed with the best technologies and always delivered with compassion and patient focus. The results speak for themselves, and our patients are much better off for it.

Our innovative team approach to advanced heart care and the quality outcomes that result aren't a "someday." It's real life. It's here at St. Joe's today. It's innovation at work. And it's one more reason why St. Joseph Medical Center is one of the best hospitals you'll find anywhere.

Whether it's life-saving emergency care, comprehensive cancer treatment, minimally invasive surgery options, kid-friendly pediatrics, compassionate women's health services or leading-edge heart care, you don't take chances with your family’s health. Insist on St. Joe’s. Because you deserve healthcare this good.

ST. JOE’S HAS AN INNOVATIVE NEW OPTION for heart catheterization patients—one that has been shown to be safer and more effective, with fewer potential complications. Trans-radial heart catheterization uses an artery in the wrist for heart catheterization access instead of the traditional groin access.With “trans-radial” access, recovery is more comfortable and much faster. In fact, in most cases, “recovery” is mostly for the sedation to wear off. The result: patients are back to their lives within hours, not days.

We’ve even created the area’s first Radial Access Lounge—specially decorated private rooms with recliners,Wi-Fi connectivity, flat screen televisions, a sofa for family and a hospitality cart with refreshments—all designed to increase convenience and comfort for patients and families alike.

 Trans-radial heart catheterization is not a “someday.” It’s here at St. Joe’s today. It’s innovation at work. And it’s one more reason why St. Joseph Medical Center is one of the best hospitals that you’ll find anywhere.

Whether it’s life-saving emergency care, comprehensive cancer treatment, minimally invasive surgery options, kid-friendly pediatrics, compassionate women’s health services or leading-edge heart care, you don’t take chances with your family’s health. Insist on St. Joe’s. Because you deserve healthcare this good.

St. Joseph Medical Center is seeing into the heart from the wrist using a procedure that increases patient safety and comfort

Reading, PA., November 8, 2010 -- Patients at St. Joseph Medical Center who need a heart catheterization are giving a hand--literally--to their doctor for a new procedure that dramatically lowers potential complications and gets patients back on their feet almost immediately.
 
For the last year, St. Joseph Cardiologist Dr. Guy Piegari has been giving patients the option of accessing their heart through an artery in the wrist, called trans-radial artery catheterization,  instead of through the femoral artery, found in the groin.

 

Less potential for bleeding, more comfortable for patients

 

Using the radial artery approach has become the preferred method outside the United States for the majority of patients, according to Dr. Piegari.

 

“It has been shown to be the safest way to access the central circulation with less risk of bleeding complications,” he explains.  “Patient comfort also is a major advantage since gaining access to and closing the artery (after the procedure) is usually less painful.”

 

Femoral access site recovery usually involves the patient lying on their back for a few hours in bed and requires limitations with lifting and excessive walking for 2 days afterwards. These are no longer issues when radial access is used.

 

The Trans-radial approach also allows for the performance of the procedure in patients who have no access from the groin because of peripheral occlusive disease (blocked arteries in the legs). And, Dr. Piegari adds, the procedure is far more comfortable and safer for overweight patients.

 

“As we all adjust to changes in how health care is delivered in the US this procedure will be become a cornerstone for invasive cardiology. It greatly increases those procedures that can be safely done as an outpatient, and it saves money for the patient and the hospital,” Dr. Piegari noted.

 

New Lounge reduces anxiety

 

St. Joseph also has created the area’s first Radial Access Lounge designed to increase the comfort for patients and families.

 

The lounge offers private rooms with recliners for patients (instead of uncomfortable litters), Wi-Fi connectivity, flat screen television, a sofa for family and a hospitality cart with refreshments.

 

“The café reduces the anxiety associated with invasive heart procedures,” explains Lori Shober, the Director of the Heart Institute.  “When the patient comes back from the procedure their 'recovery' is mostly for the sedation to wear off (about 90 minutes).  If everything checks out and the patient is feeling well, they are discharged to their home.”  Patients can change into their street clothes as they have a lunch or a snack that they can order off a menu while they wait to be released.

 

“If you talk to any patient who has gone through a cardiac catheterization from the groin access, they will tell you the thing they dreaded the most was the requirement to lay still so the femoral incision could begin closing.  The biggest complaints are back discomfort and about the pressure being applied to their groin.”

 

 

Leonard "Lee" Tuanquin, M.D., radiation oncologist, practices at St. Joe’s Cancer Center, under the auspices of the ongoing affiliation between St. Joe’s and Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute. Dr. Tuanquin is an active member of the Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute clinical faculty and St. Joseph Medical Staff.

 

Dr. Tuanquin earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and anthropology from George Washington University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.

He received his medical degree from West Virginia University School of Medicine and completed his residency at University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center, serving as chief resident during his final year of residency.

 

He is a member of the American Society of Radiation Oncology and the American Brachytherapy Society. Dr. Tuanquin treats radiation therapy

patients at St. Joe’s Monday through Friday.

St. Joseph Medical Center will offer free flu shots in the main lobby of its Bern Township Campus on Monday, November 1st from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.  No appointments required.  The shots will be offered to adults 18 and older.

 

Last year, the hospital gave out more than 1500 free flu shots in a five-hour period.

Saturday Nov 13, 2010 6:30 - Midnight VF Outlet Center, Designer's Place

Charity Ball Invitation • Charity Ball Gift Form • Sponsorship Opportunities • Charity Ball Silent Auction Items

2010 Charity Ball Sponsor List

 

Diamond Sponsor

Giorgio Foods, Inc. www.giorgiofoods.com

Carole and Ray Neag

 

Sapphire Sponsor

Fox Rothschild LLP

J.M. Winston Radiology Associates

Respiratory Specialists

VF Outlet Center

 

Ruby Sponsor

Berks Pathology Associates

Lehigh Cement Company

 

Emerald Sponsor

Fulton Bank - Great Valley Division

Land Displays

Lillibridge

Sweet Street Desserts

Wachovia/Wells Fargo

Wyomissing Optometric Center
Susan E.B. Frankowski, Esq.

 

Wine Sponsor

St. Joseph Medical Center Medical Staff

Doctors and clinical staff from St. Joseph Medical Center have planned the following talks as part of the medical center's fall lecture series.  All programs are open to the public and free of charge.  Each begins at 7 p.m. in the Franciscan Room at the hospital's Bern Campus unless otherwise noted below:

click here for more information

Wednesday, October 20
Putting Hearts in Perfect Rhythm – Dealing with Palpitations...The best treatment for you.  Presented by Electrophysiologist and Cardiologist Christopher Rogers, DO

Wednesday, October 20 @1 PM 
NOTE:  (This a Webinar, an on-line presentation that people can log on to from a home or office computer)
It’s a Women’s Thing: Breast Cancer, Osteoporosis and Menopause
Presented by Gynecologist Christie Ganas, MD; To register call 800-278-7837.

Tuesday, October 26 @1 PM 
Could you be at Risk for Diabetes? Preventions and lifestyle changes.
Presented by Angela Serafin, RN, MSN, CDE, Certified Diabetic Educator

Wednesday, November 3
Cardiac Disease:  Are you at Risk?
Presented by Cardiologist Ronald Polinsky, Jr., MD

Thursday, November 18
Strategies to Help Heart Failure Patients Enjoy Holiday Fun and Food
Presented by Cardiologist Mayank Modi, MD

Wednesday, December 1 @ 1 PM 
Understanding Your Heart Medications – What You Should Know.
Presented by Pharmacist Jill Kennedy, PharmD

New St. Joseph Route 222 Walk-In facility to expand; already offers outpatient lab and radiology services.
 
Reading, Pa., Sept 17, 2010 -- St. Joseph Regional Health Network will open an Urgent Care service within its Maidencreek Outpatient facility located off of Route 222 and Tamarack Boulevard (across from the CVS) on Monday, September 20th at 4 p.m.
 
The Urgent Care will be staffed by doctors and nurses.  It will offer evening and weekend hours for walk-in, no appointment, treatment for conditions that require prompt attention but do not pose an immediate health threat, including: Bad Colds/Flu, Cough, Earache, Headache, Insect bite, Skin irritation, Nausea/vomiting, Sinus infection, Sore throat, Sprains, Strains, Minor fractures, Cuts requiring stitches, and Bruises.
 
Urgent Care hours are Monday to Friday 4 PM to 9 PM; Saturday 8 AM to 4:00 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 4:00 PM.
 
The Maidencreek facility also houses other St. Joseph services including: CT Scan, X-Ray, Lab, Mammography, Physical Therapy, and EKG.

St. Joseph Regional Health Network’s leadership – its Board of Directors and its management – take great delight in knowing that the former property of St. Joseph Medical Center has been repurposed and reimagined in a way that gives back to the community – and will do so for generations.

Our collaboration with the Reading School District’s Board and its Administration has resulted in the creation and construction of one of the state’s newest and most architecturally-stunning academic facilities. The Citadel also is a wonderful tribute to the twin legacies of St. Joseph and that of our founders, The Sisters of St. Francis. We look forward to continuing to work together to advance the common good of our entire community.

St. Joseph Health Center at Shelbourne Square is offering a complimentary 10-week Walking Program in conjunction with the Medical Fitness Association and AARP for those 50+.

The kick-off for the 10-Week Walking Program is August 3, 12:30 – 2:30 pm, at Shelbourne. The first 100 participants will receive a free pedometer, which they may use to log their own steps. Participants meet weekly to hear various exercise tips from Shelbourne’s exercise physiologists, as well as have opportunity to ask questions. Progress charts will be posted at Shelbourne, as well, to encourage some healthy competition.
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St. Joe's Quality Medical Laboratory has been awarded an accreditation by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of an on-site inspection this week.

The Quality Medical Laboratory is one of the more than 6,000 CAP-accredited laboratories nationwide, and the only CAP certified hospital in Berks County.

During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the laboratory's records and quality control procedures for the preceding two years, as well as staff qualifications, laboratory's equipment, facilities, the safety program and record, and the overall management of the laboratory.

PENN STATE HERSHEY AND ST. JOSEPH EXPAND CARE FOR CHILDREN AND CANCER PATIENTS IN BERKS COUNTY

Pediatric specialties services now open; radiation oncology service opens July 19

Reading, PA  -  Berks county children and families now have increased access to pediatric specialty care and enhanced cancer services through the growing partnership between St. Joseph Regional Health Network and Penn State Hershey Medical Center and Health System.

On Monday, July 5, Penn State Hershey opened the new Penn State Hershey Medical Group at St. Joseph Medical Center, located on the St. Joseph medical campus in Bern Township. By the fall, approximately two dozen Penn State Hershey Children‟s Hospital physicians in15 pediatric specialties and sub-specialties will see patients at the St. Joseph site Monday through Friday on a rotating basis.
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