Salem Hospital: News and Events: Press Release Archive: 2003

Marion and Polk County residents can receive $25 off the normal $55 installation of Salem Hospital’s Lifeline Program, when participants sign up for a minimum of two months service. This special runs through Jan. 15, 2004.

Lifeline is a personal emergency response service that gives people the ability to live alone — safely and confidently — in their own homes. By pushing a small, lightweight, waterproof button, worn either around the neck or on the wrist, subscribers have immediate access to an emergency response center.

Salem Hospital has been offering Lifeline services since 1985, and over the years has helped thousands of seniors quickly get the medical attention they need. The hospital’s Lifeline program currently has more than 900 subscribers in Marion and Polk Counties.

“Lifeline is an incredible program because it gives people the ability to live independently, without their family worrying about them falling down or having a medical emergency and being all alone,” said Carol Ashcraft, Lifeline program manager.

For more information call Salem Hospital Lifeline 503-561-6950 or check out our Web site at http://www.salemhospital.org/services/helpingHands/lifeline.htm

Holiday and grief workshop
November 26, 2003

People coping with the loss of a loved one can benefit from an evening seminar focused on grief during the holidays.

The free workshop, Getting through the holiday’s after a loved one’s death, will be held at Salem Hospital’s Wedel Auditorium, 665 Winter St. SE, Salem, Dec. 8, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Registration is not required.

“ This one-time workshop combines a time of memorial and practical ideas for observing the holidays, when the holidays are very difficult due to the death of a loved one,” says Barry Heath, D. Min., Director of Pastoral Care at Salem Hospital.

The ninety-minute program includes music, scripture, prayer, a time for silence, guest speakers, panel discussion, and opportunity for questions and responses.

“ We encourage people who’ve experienced the death of the loved one in the past year — even in the last 99 years — to join us for this memorable evening,” says David Watson, Chaplain and grief workshop facilitator.

This event is sponsored by the Pastoral Care Department of Salem Hospital. For more information call the Pastoral Care office at 503-561-5562.

Information about the Pastoral Department’s services is available on the hospital’s Web site by clicking here.

Patients Treated at Salem Hospital After Incident at Costco
November 18, 2003

At approximately noon today, patients began arriving at the Salem Hospital Emergency Room (ER) after reporting symptoms related to a potential hazardous substance exposure at Salem Costco on Hawthorne.

The patients all had common symptoms of headache, weakness and light-headedness, several reported nausea or throat irritation. The hospital was informed by emergency responders that this was a possible hazardous exposure incident, so everyone who came to the hospital who at been at Costco was treated as if they had been exposed to an unknown hazardous substance.

Initially three patients were reported to be transferred to the hospital. By 1:50 p.m. 11 patients had been admitted to the ER. A total of 24 people were admitted to the ER: five Costco employees, 13 shoppers, and six emergency responders.

At 1:35 p.m. the hospital instituted a disaster code. This code requires available personnel who are not working in direct patient care or care related to the disaster to be available for assistance.

All patients were treated in the ER for a possible unknown exposure, which included blood studies and physical examination. No abnormalities were found. Over time the symptoms cleared. The patients are being released and not admitted as a hospital inpatient.

The hospital’s disaster code was called off at approximately 2:45 p.m. and official counting of any additional ER admissions related to the event was stopped.

During the evening, several additional people have reported to the ER with similar symptoms. They will be treated the same as those who were admitted to the ER after the initial incident. No hospital inpatient admissions are expected. Since counting stopped at the end of the disaster code, no numbers are available for this group although it is reported to be just a few.

Family members seeking information about someone who was admitted to the ER is asked to call 503-561-3804 or go to the hospital’s main entrance (not the Emergency Room).

Psychiatric Center To Begin Re-Admitting Patients After Illness
October 21, 2003

On Friday, Oct. 24, Salem Hospital plans to resume admitting patients to its Psychiatric Medical Center after a brief halt in new admissions due to an illness whose symptoms are consistent with viral gastroenteritis.

On Oct. 9, the Psychiatric Medical Center discontinued admitting new patients, after a number of staff and patients began experiencing symptoms of a mild form of gastroenteritis. “We closed the center to new admissions and are following infection control procedures, such as isolating infected people and disinfecting the environment,” said Dr. John Girod, Salem Hospital epidemiologist.

The Psychiatric Medical Center normally has an average daily census of 22 patients. Currently seven patients are receiving treatment. During the time patients aren’t being admitted, admissions are coordinated with psychiatric centers in other communities.

Illness symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes low-grade fever. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the viruses that cause gastroenteritis are spread through close contact with infected persons. Outbreaks of viral

gastroenteritis are common in settings where people are in continual close contact, such as child-care or nursing facilities.

Staff who routinely work in the psychiatric center and had close contact with clients have been limited to specific work settings, or if they have symptoms, have been restricted from work, to prevent the spread of the virus.

“On Friday we’ll begin admitting a few patients and make sure there aren’t any additional problems,” said Timothy Murphy, psychiatric service line director for the hospital. “We’re doing everything we can to make it possible for Salem area residents to be able to get their needed psychiatric care in their home community.”

Viral gastroenteritis, although referred to as the stomach-flu, is not the same illness as influenza. Influenza (flu) shots are recommended for most people over the age and 50, and for people who are at increased risk for serious complications from the flu. Flu shot clinic schedules can be obtained through county health departments.

“ This is also an opportunity to remind people about the importance of proper handwashing with soap and water for about 20 seconds as a means of preventing illness,” says Dr. Girod.

Hospital Foundation Reaches Over One Million Dollars in Contributions This Year
October 10, 2003

Thanks to support from members of our community, the Salem Hospital Foundation has reached the second highest donation year in its 35-year history, with over 1 million dollars in contributions.

The Foundation raises, manages and distributes funds to support the hospital’s mission of improving the health and well being of the people and community it serves.

Projects supported by the Foundation include:

Community programs such as teaching car seat safety and providing stuffed animals for kids in the hospital’s emergency department.
Continuing education for hospital staff in the areas of critical care, emergency and oncology.
Equipment such as an Open MRI and Cardiac Van.
Patient care programs including diabetes education, rehabilitation and funding for cancer patients in need.
Scholarships for students pursuing medical or medically related careers.

“ We’re excited about receiving over a million dollars in contributions this year, but there is still much more to be done,” said Foundation Executive Director Martin Morris, Ph.D. “We have a number of exciting projects coming up that will need community support to help become a reality.”

The Foundation, which was established in 1967 by a group of Salem citizens who wanted to work with people interested in advancing health care through gifts and donations, is guided by a 15 member volunteer board of directors.

Leading Physician to Speak in Salem
October 3, 2003

One of America's top physicians, Dr. Kathryn Zerbe, will speak about women's health issues, Monday, Oct. 6, at Salem Hospital's Wedel Auditorium, 655 Winter St. SE. The event begins with a 5:30 - 7 p.m. health fair. Dr. Zerbe speaks from 7 to 8 p.m. The cost is $5. Register by calling 503-561-5639.

Dr. Zerbe, professor of Psychiatry and of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Director of Behavior Medicine at Oregon Health Science University's Center for Women's Health, will share the "12 Essential Health Secrets for Women" through an informative and lively presentation that weaves art, women's history, and important lessons of balance, health and wellness. Dr. Zerbe has received numerous awards for her clinical, teaching, and writing contributions to the field of women's health. In 2001 and 2002, she was recognized as one of America's Top Doctor's in the Castle Connolly Medical Guide.

Health fair exhibitors include: YWCA Encore-Plus, Ladies First Choice, Marion County Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program, cosmetic displays, health and nutrition information, blood pressure checks, and bone-density screening.

Free parking is available in the Visitor and Patient parking structure across the street from the hospital's main entrance.

This is the second of five community forums sponsored by the Salem Hospital this fall. A grant from the Salem Hospital Foundation helped sponsor this event.

SHAPES Program Receives Dream Award
August 15, 2003

Salem Hospital's SHAPES program was recently awarded the Roche Diagnostics' DREAM award.

SHAPES (Salem Hospital Ambulatory Parenteral and Enteral Service) specializes in caring for patients with certain types of illnesses that require intravenous or other medical therapies, many of which used to require hospitalization.

There are approximately 18,000 hospital- and physician office-based anticoagulation clinics in the United States, and this award is presented to between 40 and 50 programs annually in recognition of their excellence in patient management.

The award letter states: "In health care, as in life, it is difficult to not only rise above the mundane and the common, but to maintain levels of the extraordinary. It is in the spirit of your continual quest for excellence in patient care that we would like to present to you Roche Diagnostics' DREAM (Dupont/Roche Excellence in Anticoagulation Management) award."

Roche Diagnostics is the world's leading provider of diagnostic systems and decision-oriented health information dedicated to research, development, marketing and servicing of health care products and services.

Salem Hospital has two SHAPES clinics - one located at the hospital's Center for Outpatient Medicine on Oak street, and the other in Keizer on Inland Shores Way. Last year over 10,000 patients received services through the hospital's SHAPES program.

Hospital Foundation Awards Scholarships
July 22, 2003

The Salem Hospital Foundation recently awarded $72,550 to 61 students from Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties who are enrolled in a medical or medically related field.

The Foundation's scholarship program began in 1968. The first grant was awarded to a Salem Hospital employee enrolled in the Associate Degree of Nursing Program at Salem Vocational Tech., now known as Chemeketa Community College.

Since that initial grant, the Salem Hospital Foundation has awarded over $720,000 to students in our community.

Several special scholarships were awarded in memory of various community members including the John Alsever, M.D., physician scholarship; the Cass Bailey, M.D., physician scholarship; the Hattie Bratzel Kremen nursing scholarship; the Kathy deMarrais nursing scholarship; the Carl and Olive Emmons nursing scholarship; the Rollin Haag nursing scholarship; the Harold and Elmera Richardson nursing scholarship; and the Haap Jackson imaging scholarship.

The Salem Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization that supports medical and medically related projects. The foundation's 15 volunteer directors help raise funds and manage the resources of the foundation.

Nurse Brings A Little Magic To Safety Message
July 3, 2003

Kelly Owen, a nurse in the hospital's Emergency Department, will be presenting the Trauma Nurses Talk Tough (TNTT) program at four week-long safety camps called Cautious Kids. Cautious Kids is sponsored by Salem Hospital and the Salem-Keizer School District.

The TNTT presentation includes a slide show covering a variety of subjects such as bicycle, water, gun and pedestrian safety and the importance of wearing seatbelts. Kelly's presentation is unique in that she adds magic tricks when delivering the safety message.
"The magic is just a bonus to help hold the children's interest," said Kelly. "If we can change just one child's behavior to make them more safe, then we've accomplished our goal."

Cautious Kids will be held the weeks of July 7, 14, 21 or 28 from 9 a.m. to Noon at Bush Elementary School. It's geared for kids age six and seven, and children must know how to ride a bike. Cost is $35, which includes a T-shirt. Call the school district at 399-3121 to register.

Kelly also presents the Trauma Nurses Talk Tough Program to local elementary, middle and high school students in the Salem area. If you'd like to learn more about scheduling a presentation, call the hospital at 561-5427.

Hospital Sponsors Town Hall Meeting on Oregon Health Plan
June 18, 2003

Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members, hospitals and doctors have quickly felt the impact of reduced funding for the OHP. Member benefits have stopped for those who cannot pay the mandatory co-pay, and prescription drug coverage has been reduced or eliminated in many cases.

A Town Hall meeting on the Oregon Health Plan will be held Tuesday, June 24, at 7 p.m. at Salem Hospital to discuss the ramifications for the community from changes to the Oregon Health Plan.

Panelists include Senator Jackie Winters; Lynn Read, Administrator of the Oregon Medical Assistance Program; Norman Gruber, President and CEO of Salem Hospital and Loring Winthrop, M.D., President of the Mid-Valley Independent Physicians Association.

The presentation is sponsored by Salem Hospital, the Mid-Valley Independent Physicians Association, the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the Marion-Polk County Medical Society.

The free Town Hall meeting will be held in the hospital's Wedel Memorial Auditorium, 665 Winter St. SE, and reservations are not required. For questions, call the hospital at 561-1590.

Works of Art at Salem Hospital's New Family Birth Center
June 3, 2003

When people visit the hospital's new Family Birth Center, they'll have more than cute and cuddly babies to look at.

In addition to wall waterfalls, special lighting and whirlpool tubs in all birthing rooms, the state-of-the-art facility has 198 works of art by various northwest artists, including 49 by Salem area artists.

Examples of Salem artists work includes: Susan Trueblood Stuart, who has seven pieces in mixed media; Margaret Coe, who grew up in Salem, has five oil paintings; Myla Keller, who has three pastels; Bonnie Hull, who has three acrylics; Nancy Lindburg, who has two oils and Diane Trivett, who has six pastels and three prints.

Themes in the building are trees and foliage, water, and flowers.

"I'm so excited to see the incredible works of art by Salem artists represented in the hospital's new birth center," said Mary Lou Zeek, who assisted with the selection of art for the building. "We have some truly amazing artists here, and it's great that the hospital wants to recognize their work in the new facility."

Another well known artist with a piece in the building is Bill Hoppe. His commissioned work reflects the architectural curve of the hospital's exterior and projects an illusionist perspective through line and form. Hoppe currently works in Bend, Oregon, and his work is represented in many major and private collections throughout the United States.

A small painted bronze "Greeter" statue in the main lobby was created by Margarita Leon. Ms. Leon has lived and worked in the northwest since the early 80s. Her work is represented in major public and private collections internationally.

You can check out these works of art at a public open house for the new Family Birth Center on Saturday, June 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The center officially opens to the public on Tuesday, June 17.

For more information about the artwork in the building, contact the hospital's Community Relations office at 561-5269.

Puppet Shows, Tours, Teddy Bear Clinic at the New Family Birth Center Open House
May 21, 2003

Over the years you've watched us grow to meet the changing needs of our community.

We've added services.
We've increased our staff.
We've expanded our campus with new buildings and the latest technology. And we've done it all with you in mind, keeping our focus on the people we serve.

Now it's time to take a look at our newest addition.

The Family Birth Center, located on two floors of our new building on Oak Street, opens in June. Our skilled staff and state-of-the-art technology has always given patients a sense of security, but now expectant parents and their families will be able to enjoy the level of comfort they deserve.

Special features include:

36 mother-baby rooms, all with private showers and sleeper couches.
Day beds and rocker gliders in every room so family members can be close to baby 24-hours a day.
Whirlpool tubs in all birthing rooms.
A special care unit, equipped to provide a higher level of care to premature babies.
A courtyard area with waterfall.
Wireless internet access in all rooms.
Cascade Café, featuring a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner items.

So plan to stop by and take a peek at our new surroundings before the special deliveries start arriving. We're celebrating our new addition on Saturday, June 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be:

Tours
Including seeing our special care nursery.

Mini Health Fair
With healthful information and blood pressure checks.

Puppet Shows
Mr. Yuk poison prevention puppet show for the kids (Performances at 11:30 a.m.
and 12:30 p.m.)

Teddy Bear Clinic
Kids can bring their favorite bear or stuffed animal and have it examined by our
nurses. The clinic will be open from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Giveaways and Refreshments
Like free:

Pink or Blue Rubber Ducks

Night Lights

Growth Charts

Coloring Books (at the Teddy Bear Clinic)

Physician Named Psychiatrist of the Year
May 20 , 2003

Maggie Bennington-Davis, M.D., has been named "Psychiatrist of the Year," by the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI).

NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help support and advocacy organization of consumers, families and friends of people with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders.

Dr. Bennington-Davis, who specializes in Psychiatry, is the medical director of Salem Hospital's Psychiatric Medicine Department, and has been a member of the hospital's medical staff since 1994. She is also the current (and first woman) President of Salem Hospital's Medical Staff, which has over 400 members.

She received her medical degree at Oregon Health and Sciences University, where she also completed her Psychiatry internship/residency. She is a past president of the Oregon Psychiatric Association, and is a member of the planning and advisory board for the state mental health division.

Founded in 1979, NAMI has more than 210,000 members who seek equitable services for people with severe mental illnesses. The Oregon chapter is active both directly with families that struggle with mental illness and also with the legislature.

Foundation Sponsors Free Forum on Colon Cancer
April 25, 2003

At a free presentation titled Colon Cancer: Learn More About a Colonoscopy, participants will have a chance to see what the doctor sees when looking at the colon. They'll also get to look at a colonoscope, and learn more about what it's like to have a colonoscopy.

Robert Ponec, M.D., will be the featured speaker, with Ed Orlowski, M.D., talking briefly about the use of chemotherapy for colon cancer.

The free presentation will be held Thursday, May 15, at 7 p.m. in the hospital's Wedel Auditorium. The talk is sponsored by the Salem Hospital Foundation, and registration is not required. For questions, call 561-5639.

Free Installation of Lifeline Program During May and June
April 17, 2003

In honor of Mother's Day and Father's Day, Salem Hospital is offering free installation
(a $55 value) of its Lifeline Program in May and June when participants sign up for a
minimum of two months of service.

Lifeline is a personal emergency response service that gives people the ability to
live alone - safely and confidently - in their own homes. By pushing a small, lightweight, waterproof button, worn either around the neck or on the wrist, subscribers have immediate access to an emergency response center.

Salem Hospital has been offering Lifeline services since 1985, and over the years
has helped thousands of seniors quickly get the medical attention they need. The hospital's Lifeline program currently has over 800 subscribers in Marion and Polk Counties.

"Lifeline is an incredible program because it gives people the ability to live independently, without their family worrying about them falling down or having a medical emergency and being all alone," said Carol Ashcraft, Lifeline program manager.

For more information about Salem Hospital's Lifeline program call 503-561-6950.

Hospital Security Manager Receives International Recognition
April 11 , 2003

Rebecca Amundson, Manager of Security Services at Salem Hospital, recently passed her graduate exam from the International Healthcare Security and Safety Foundation, and is now a certified healthcare protection administrator.

Amundson is one of only 13 women and 200 people internationally to receive these credentials.

The written examination covered four areas of knowledge including management, security, safety and risk management. The International Healthcare Security and Safety Foundation is a not-for-profit educational entity dedicated to the professional advancement of healthcare security, safety and risk management administrators.

Amundson has worked at Salem Hospital for seven years, and supervises 20 members of the hospital's security services department.

Free Cholesterol Screening Offered in Exchange for Canned Food
March 25, 2003

Exchange Three Cans of Non-Perishable Food Items for a Free Cholesterol Screen
Courtesy of Salem Hospital

In recognition of National Medical Laboratory Week, Salem Hospital's Regional Laboratory Services is once again offering free cholesterol screenings in exchange for three cans of food. Last year the lab performed over 300 free cholesterol screens, and collected over 1,100 pounds of food for the Marion-Polk Food Share.

By bringing in three or more cans of non-perishable food items, you'll receive a free cholesterol screening. The screenings will be held on Tuesday, April 8, from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Salem Hospital's Regional Laboratory Outpatient Services Center located at 873 Medical Center Drive NE. Appointments are required by calling the hospital's Education Services Department at 561-5639. Fasting is not required.

National Medical Laboratory Week recognizes the dedication and contribution to our community's health made by the over 190 medical laboratory professionals and eight pathologists working at Salem Hospital.

Hospital Installs Revolutionary System
March 10, 2003

A revolutionary system has been installed at Salem Hospital allowing doctors to better view and treat coronary artery blockages that could cause heart attacks or strokes. The all-digital system enables doctors to view hard-to-see blood vessels with clarity and precision. The new technology provides for faster procedures, requires less radiation and gives doctors the ability to view details like balloons and stents better than ever.

"Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the United States as well as in Marion and Polk counties," said Jon Pelkey, the hospital's Cardiac Service Line Director. "This new technology has the potential to change patient care dramatically. Doctors can zoom in to look at important areas in greater detail, and the computer adjusts the image for greater clarity. In keeping with our commitment to the community, this new technology is a first for the Salem area. In fact, it is so new that we're the first of the big cities in Oregon to have the technology."

That new technology replaces conventional X-ray imaging components for crisper, clearer images. The digital detector reads X-rays passing through the patient's body, creating an almost instant image on a high-resolution monitor. It also has the capability to be viewed online on a secure site.

"The development of this technology can be compared to the technological difference between typewriters and computers," said Pelkey. "It's a revolutionary way to image the heart and related blood vessels and even other organs that will let us provide excellent care for more patients. And the referring physician can see the results of the imaging instantaneously, enabling better and faster communication between physician and patient in critical cases."

Foundation Scholarship Applications Now Available
March 6, 2003

Applications for Salem Hospital Foundation scholarships are now available. Applicants must be half-time or full-time students in medically-related fields of study, and must have applied to, be accepted into or enrolled in a formal training program before applying for a scholarship.

Last year the Salem Hospital Foundation awarded $59,800 to 50 students from Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties, and has granted more than $665,900 since the scholarship program was established in 1968.

Special scholarships are presented in the memories of John Alsever, M.D., Cass Bailey, M.D., Nita Carter, R.N., Kathy deMarrais, R.N., Carl and Olive Emmons, Rollin Haag, Happ Jackson, Hattie Bratzel Kremen and Elmera (Tiny) Richardson, R.N.

For a scholarship application packet, contact Angela Nelson at 503-561-5576 or E-mail: angie.nelson@salemhospital.org According to John Knott, chairman of the scholarship committee, the selection of candidates will be announced in July.

Annual Heart Fair and Forum Coming Up
February 26, 2003

Salem Hospital is holding its annual free Heart Fair and Forum on Thursday, Feb. 27, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the hospital.

Stop by and hear a free talk on Learning More About Caring for Your Heart: The Latest in Surgical Treatment, from Thomas Winkler, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon. His presentation will be held at 7 p.m. in Salem Hospital's Wedel Auditorium, located in the basement of the hospital at 665 Winter St. SE.

Prior to the lecture there will be a free health fair from 5:30 to 7 p.m. A variety of free heart-healthy information will be available including:

Blood Pressure Checks
Nutrition and Diet Tips
American Red Cross Information on CRP and Blood Donations
Demonstrations on the Latest Diagnostic Imaging Testing
Information on Services of the Salem Heart Improvement Program for Congestive Heart Failure Patients

There will also be free refreshments and great giveaways. For questions, call the hospital at 561-5639. Reservations are not required.

Long-Time Employees Honored
February 11, 2003

At the annual Salem Hospital and West Valley Hospital Employee Recognition ceremony held Friday, Feb. 7, at the Wittenburg Inn in Keizer, 226 hospital employees were recognized for their years of service to either Salem or West Valley Hospital.
Top honorees were:

40 Years of Service
Donna Kimball, Surgical Services
Elizabeth Terhaar, Health Information Management

35 Years of Service
JoAnn Ahmed, Pediatrics
Linda Ross, Laboratory
Richard Johns, Surgical Services
Carol Smither, Special Care Nursery
Mary Moore, Health Information Management
Virginia Springer, Mother/Baby

30 Years of Service
Patricia Brimm, Surgical Services
Betty Kutschinske, Nursing Services
Judy Fry, Diabetes Education
Nancy Nielson, Emergency Center
Nikki Hardman, I.V. Therapy
Emily Person, Laboratory
Vee Jewell, Surgical Services
Betty Powers, Nutrition Services
Walter Kosiewicz, Laboratory

Other awards were given for 25, 20, 15 and 10 years of service. Salem Hospital is the largest private employer in Salem, with approximately 2,900 full and part-time employees. Both hospitals serve an area of over 360,000 people, including all of Marion, Polk and portions of Yamhill counties.

Hospital Names New President
February 7, 2003

Pacific Health Horizons Board Chair Katherine Keene announced today that Norman F. Gruber will become President and CEO of Salem Hospital and West Valley Hospital in Dallas on March 1, 2003.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Gruber most recently served as President and CEO of the Palomar Pomerado Health Center in San Diego, California. Earlier in his career he was responsible for implementing a new community hospital in Ventura County, California, from its formative stage through facility construction and development of its first medical staff. He then served as the hospital’s chief executive for 20 years.

He has over 30 years of experience in health care and hospital administration and is a diplomat of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Mr. Gruber received his Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Redlands in Redlands, California, and his MHA (Health Care Administration) from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is married and has four sons.

"Norm Gruber emerged from an outstanding group of candidates for the position of President and CEO," said Keene. "His combination of deep experience, a highly collaborative, open and approachable management style and a commitment to quality, community-based health care made him the clear choice of the search committee and the Board of Trustees. We believe Norm will provide the leadership needed to deliver high quality hospital services, and we are looking forward to having him and his family become residents of our community."

Keene also thanked Interim President Jeff Cushing for the leadership he has provided since assuming the interim position on October 1, 2002.

"Jeff has done a terrific job, and we are grateful for his steady hand during this leadership transition," said Keene. "He has at all times been focused on delivering the best quality of care at Salem Hospital, and we know he will continue to be a great resource as part of Norm Gruber’s team."

Pacific Health Horizons is a nonprofit corporation that owns and operates Salem Hospital and West Valley Hospital, serving residents throughout Marion and Polk counties.

West Valley Hospital Passes Recertification Survey with no Deficiencies
February 4, 2003

West Valley Hospital recently received notice from the Oregon Department of Human Services that it passed its Critical Access Hospital recertification survey with no deficiencies. The surveyor looked at a number of things including quality of care, the hospital's policies and procedures, as well as various performance improvement plans.
The hospital just completed its first year as a Critical Access Hospital, and is one of 11 Critical Access Hospitals in Oregon.

"According to our surveyor, not many critical access hospital's receive a deficiency free survey," said Joyce Evans, Site Administrator at West Valley Hospital. "I'm extremely proud to be part of such a great team that has worked incredibly hard to accomplish such a positive, deficiency free survey."

The hospital, which employs approximately 119 people, is currently being renovated. Upgrades include a new main and ambulance entrance, new lobby and waiting areas, remodeling of patient rooms and moving rehabilitation services inside the hospital. Renovations are expected to be completed this summer.

The hospital continues to offer core services such as medical inpatient procedures,
24-hour emergency care, same day surgeries, rehabilitation, laboratory and radiology services.

Designation as a critical access hospital by the Oregon Department of Human Services, Health Division, is provided to rural hospitals to receive reimbursement from Medicare to maintain operations of the hospital.

According to the Office of Rural Health, some of the criteria Critical Access Hospitals must meet include:

Being located 35 miles from another hospital (15 miles in mountainous terrain or areas
with only secondary roads); or certified by the State as being a necessary provider.
Limiting bed size to 15, except in swing-bed facilities, which may have up to 25
inpatient beds that can be used interchangeably, provided not more than 15 acute care beds are used at any time.
Having an annual average length of stay of less than 96 hours.
Making available 24 hour emergency services and nursing services but not needing to
meet all the staffing and service requirements that apply to other hospitals.

Other Critical Access Hospitals in Oregon are:

Blue Mountain Hospital in John Day
Cottage Grove Hospital in Cottage Grove
Harney District Hospital in Burns
Lake District Hospital in Lakeview
Lower Umpqua Hospital in Reedsport
Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Heppner
Providence Seaside Hospital in Seaside
Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital in Lincoln City
Southern Coos Hospital in Bandon
Wallowa Memorial Hospital in Enterprise

Hospital Foundation Appoints Three New Board Members
January 31, 2003

Kent Aldrich, Bud Pierce, M.D., and John Ross, M.D. have joined the Salem Hospital Foundation Board of Directors.

The Foundation is a charitable organization that supports medical and medically related projects. The Foundation's 15 volunteer directors help raise funds and manage the resources of the Foundation.

Aldrich is a founding partner in the accounting firm of Aldrich Kilbride & Tatone, LLC, and has lived in Salem for 36 years. He is involved in a number of civic organizations including the Boys and Girl's Club, Goodwill Industries, and the Hitchman Foundation.

Doctor Pierce, who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients, has been a member of the hospital's medical staff since 1994, and is the current President of the Marion-Polk County Medical Society.

Doctor Ross, an anesthesiologist, has been a member of the hospital's medical staff since 1986. He is a past president of the hospital's medical staff, and a past chair of the anesthesiology department. He is currently a board member of the YMCA.

Last year the Foundation granted over $180,000 to various projects including providing scholarships to students pursuing careers in the medical field; purchasing equipment such as a mobile cardiovascular unit and sponsoring community education programs on topics such as diabetes and heart.

New Medical Staff Officers Elected for 2003
January 14, 2003

Maggie Bennington-Davis, M.D., has been elected President of Salem Hospital's Medical Staff for 2003. Dr. Bennington-Davis, who specializes in Psychiatry, is the medical director of Salem Hospital's Psychiatric Medicine Department, and has been a member of the hospital's medical staff since 1994. She received her medical degree at Oregon Health and Sciences University, where she also completed her Psychiatry internship/residency. She is a past president of the Oregon Psychiatric Association, and is a member of the planning and advisory board for the state mental health division. Dr. Bennington-Davis is the first woman president of the hospital's medical staff.

Cardiologist Kirk Walker, M.D., has been elected President-Elect of Salem Hospital's Medical Staff. Dr. Walker received his medical degree from Oregon Health and Sciences University in 1989. He received his internal medicine residency training at Colorado Health Sciences University, and Oregon Health and Sciences University. He completed a cardiology fellowship at Oregon Health and Sciences University in 1996, and has been a member of Salem Hospital's Medical Staff since 1998.

Salem Hospital's medical staff is comprised of over 400 members representing all specialties.

Salem Hospital Home Care Receives High Marks in Federal Report on Healthcare Quality
January 10, 2003

In the first ever national report from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) showing comparative measures of health outcomes for home care patients, Salem Hospital's Home Care Agency met or exceeded the national average in 31 of 40 measures. In addition, 96 percent of customers said they were satisfied with the services they received.
The measures were selected to form the basis for a national Outcome Based Quality Improvement program for Home Care.

"Until recently, individual agencies measured their own quality of care and set their own quality improvement goals," said Joan English, Director of Salem Hospital Home Care. "But the process was not as objective or comparative as home care agencies wished. These new measures are. We can now see how well we're doing as an agency compared with other agencies across the country."

The measures assess the effect home healthcare staff has on patients' health status and ability to perform activities of daily living. The measures reflect, for example, the patients' need for emergency medical services, readmission to the hospital, ability to manage pain, and ability to walk safely. Salem Hospital Home Care exceeded scores in these and other areas.

Later this year, CMS will begin publicly reporting outcome scores for all Medicare-certified home health agencies on its website at www.medicare.gov. Soon consumers can go to the site and compare home care agency quality measure scores before choosing an agency.

To further improve home health care, CMS has contracted with each state's quality improvement organization (QIO) to work with home health agencies on quality improvement projects over the next three years. As part of that program, OMPRO, Oregon's QIO, recently sponsored free workshops for home health agencies to encourage participation in voluntary, focused quality improvement efforts such as teleconferences and forums where exemplary agencies can share ideas and practices.

Staff from Salem Hospital's Home Care Agency have participated in the workshops, and will continue concentrating on connecting patients with community resources to help with activities of daily living and to avoid future health crises.

"Salem Hospital has been providing home care in this community for the past
16 years, and we're always working to give our patients the best service possible," said English. "Home Care is not only a vital, but also cost-effective, part of the health care process, and we're excited that we now have the facts to prove it."

Fast Facts

Salem Hospital's Home Health Agency was established in 1987.
It is a non-profit Medicare certified, State licensed, JCAHO accredited agency and department of Salem Hospital.
Last year, staff made 53,756 visits.
There are 100 staff members, including Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Home Health Aides, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Medical Social Workers, Homemakers, and Administrative Support Staff.
The agency is located on the hospital's Center Street Campus at 2455 Franzen Street NE, and provides services to people in Marion, Polk, Linn, Benton and parts of Yamhill and Clackamas counties.

Press Release Archives - 2004

Press Release Archives - 2003

Press Release Archives - 2002

Press Release Archives - 2001

For more information, contact
Community Relations at 503-561-5269 or cr@salemhospital.org.