All About Your Hospital Bill

I recently met a former patient who had questions and concerns about her hospital bill. As we were working through the process to get her bill reconciled and get some information for her, I realized this might be a good topic to discuss.

At the time you are admitted to the hospital, the admissions representative records your billing and insurance information and asks for your correct billing address and phone number. This particular patient I worked with never received a bill because the patient’s account did not have the correct billing information attached to their file. So, when you are admitted to the hospital or the emergency department, verify and re-verify that the hospital has all of your billing and insurance information correct. This is an important step to ensuring that you receive the bill in a timely fashion.

Our hospital has recently invested in a new registration and billing system, which interconnects with the electronic health record. The new systems have improved our billing processes.

This patient also had a concern about the amount of time we allow our patients to pay out their bill. In response to the downturn in the economy and feedback from our patients, I am pleased to tell you that we have also extended our payment period from 3 to 6 months for patients who request an extension to pay their bills. If for some reason you are not able to pay your bill in 6 months, we have a financing program that allows you more than 6 months to pay.

If you or anyone you know has a question about their bill, we encourage you to leave us a comment on the blog with your contact information or call the Texas Health billing customer service line at (682) 236-3000.

Exercising in the Heat

Have you ever seen the “orange” or “red” ozone alerts on the highway when you are driving? They put these alerts out foremost for your health because many people are not aware of the affects the ozone and the heat have on the body. However, pulmonologists will tell you that if you are going to exercise in the summer, you need to exercise first thing in the morning or later in the evening – when the ozone levels are not as high.

My wife and I get up and exercise every morning. I will admit, exercising gets more difficult in the summer. But, we have found that is precious time together – a time that we both look forward to, and we are determined not to let the Texas heat deter us.

I challenge each of you to find a time of the day when you can dedicate an hour to spend on yourself – exercising, relaxing, and focusing on your health. If you choose to exercise outside during the summer, try to get up earlier or exercise after work when the temperature has dropped and the hot Texas sun is not beating down.

- Oscar Amparan

Pal-n-Around Increases Nurse Retention

Our surgery department recently implemented the Promise Pal program, similar to a "buddy" program. for new employees in their area. The program is designed to give new employees a friend in the department who will help navigate their orientation process. It involves scheduled weekly updates with the "buddy pairs" as well as coffee breaks away from the operating room - all to develop friendships and welcome our new staff to the hospital.

Ultimately, the buddy program is designed to help new hires fit in, learn the culture of our hospital and the operating room and have a contact person for questions and moral support.

We have seen how successful this program has been in the OR, that we now are adopting it in several other areas of the hospital.

- Karen Robeano, vice president of patient care services

A "Magnetic" Hospital

Next week is a very important week for Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth. We will be undergoing our Magnet Recognition Re-designation Survey beginning on Monday, June 29 and ending on Thursday, July 2nd. The Magnet Recognition Program® was developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to recognize health care organizations that provide nursing excellence. Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth was the first Magnet designated hospital in Tarrant county, and is one of only 6% of all hospitals across the nation to achieve this recognition.
The re-designation process has been very thorough and lengthy, and has required widespread participation from our all of our health care professionals including nurses, chaplains, respiratory therapists, physicians, dietitians, transporters .... And now we will have the opportunity to demonstrate just how dynamic our team is. We will have 4 surveyors from the American Nurses Credentialing Center here observing our great work in action during our Magnet Re-designation Survey. Our teamwork is second to none, our commitment to excellence and to team building are apparent in everything we do. I am so honored to be part of this organization and am looking forward to this visit with great pride and admiration for the work you all do.
Join me in welcoming our surveyors and demonstrating to them just what a "Magnetic" hospital is all about!!!

- Karen Robeano, vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer

Photo Credit: Glen E. Ellman

A Baby Boomer's Perspective

Being a baby boomer I’m not as big on blogs as some members of the younger generation(s). However, in my position at the Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth I have found that often the biggest impediment to getting something done, whether it is superlative patient care or just a management issue is poor communication.
Therefore I welcome being a participant in “The ‘Care’ in Health Care”. This blog has now been in existence for three weeks and you have been exposed to the thoughts and ideas the president of the hospital, other executives, our staff and volunteers.

As the executive responsible for our electronic health record at THFW, I had planned on making it the subject of my first blog entry. However, Paul Palermo’s entry on June 23 said it better than I ever could. It is making a positive difference in patient care, just as it is intended to. All of the hospital and medical staff are working together to improve the product and enhance its value. This is what we are all about: working together to improve care.

So instead of talking about that I just want to let people know a little about my journey to my current position. I was born in New York City, but came to Texas as fast as I could. I practiced in Fort Worth as a Gastroenterologist for almost 30 years. While doing that I quickly discovered that Harris Methodist Fort Worth was, and still is, the best hospital in Fort Worth. In addition to taking care of my patients here I wanted to contribute to its success. I participated in committees that are designed to enhance patient care, took part in those that also helped with organizational issues, and finally, when I felt that I was ready for a change from the clinical practice of medicine, leaped at the opportunity to join the executive team. Now I am able to help not only the individual patient, but all of those who use our hospital.

- Harold Berenzweig, MD
Vice President, Medical and Information Management

What is the big deal about waterbirth?

For decades, waterbirth has been encouraged as a method of achieving a more gentle birth. As a midwife, I have often encouraged women in false labor or early labor to soak in a warm tub, relax, and see what their contractions do. For many women, relaxing in warm water is so relaxing, that they are able to decrease cortisol (stress hormone) levels and actually labor more effectively. The Nurse Midwives at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth are seeing more women in our community asking for and seeking hydrotherapy (laboring in water) and waterbirth, which the hospital is now offering.

Waterbirth isn't for everyone. Waterbirth candidates are women who have had an uncomplicated pregnancy and labor course with the fetus being positioned head down at the onset of labor. Women who are pregnant with multiples or who have had a complicated pregnancy or labor are not good candidates for waterbirth. For many women, we may know this prior to your labor. For others, there may be circumstances that arise during your labor that lead us to ask you birth "on land." Anyone interested in a waterbirth should be discussing this with their provider prior to labor and should be open to the advice their midwife provides at the time of labor and birth.

One of our patients had such a great experience with water birth that I wanted to share a bit of her story with you:

"Delivering my daughter in the water was, without a doubt, the single best experience of my life. I would strongly encourage any woman wanting a natural childbirth to consider a water birth. The warm water was very peaceful and soothing. In fact, I was so relaxed in the water that I never felt the need to ask for pain relief. The birthing pool was encircled by my husband, doula, midwife, obstetrician, and nurse. The support was amazing and all-encompassing. I feel very fortunate to have experienced a medication-free birth for myself and my daughter. My daughter came into the world in a very calm and natural way. She was lifted out of the water and placed onto my chest by my midwife when she was born. She was very alert and didn't appear to have experienced any trauma. She didn't make a peep and seemed very relaxed after working so hard. I believe the warm water attributed to her calm entrance into the world." - Rosanna Ratliff

If you are interested in learning more about waterbirth, please leave a comment on this blog with your email address.

- Kathleen Donaldson, certified nurse midwife on the medical staff at Texas Health Fort Worth

Collaborative Care

For years, we have seen thousands of patients bounce from one emergency room to another seeking care. The difficult issue for these patients is that they use the emergency room for routine doctor visits or wait until their disease or illness is out of control before seeking medical attention. Many of you who are reading this have a primary care physician and can relate to how important it is to have a doctor help you maintain your health. Many of you may not have insurance or find it difficult to afford to go see the doctor. Whatever your situation, I want to share with you some exciting new things we are doing to help patients in Tarrant County find the care they need at an affordable price.

Before I do that, let me set the scene in our ER for you. Last year, our emergency department treated more than 83,000 patients. That is a lot of patients! One of the biggest challenges is treating this many patients in a 55-bed emergency room. Many of the patients who come to us are very injured or very sick – and they absolutely should visit the emergency room for urgent care.

Unfortunately, we have also seen an upward trend of individuals who use the emergency room like a doctor’s office – which ends up creating more congestion and longer waits in the ER. Even more important than a busy ER, is the fact that using the ER for routine health care is not the best way to maintain your health in the long run. It is not good for your health and it does not allow you to have the consistency in your health care that you need.

So how are we working to solve these issues for our patients? After several years of discussions, we have formed a collaborative care model with John Peter Smith Hospital (JPS) to help those people who do not have primary care physicians as well as those individuals who do not have insurance. Both hospitals recognize that a collaborative spirit is necessary in these current economic times. Rising unemployment and a growing uninsured population are universal challenges for health care systems and our patients both across the nation and here in North Texas. Patients who have to pay their own bill without insurance (“self-pay” patients) will receive a discount on their health care at JPS through JPS’ Connection Program. This program will help provide a medical home for the uninsured.

I want to be clear about the type of patients who can be part of the program. Patients who present to the emergency room at Texas Health Fort Worth with emergency medical conditions will be treated immediately and may not necessarily be a candidate for this program. Patients who do qualify and are not experiencing a medical emergency will benefit from low cost co-pays, cheaper medications and can receive check-ups for as little as $5. More importantly these patients can find a doctor who knows them and who has a history with them.

Soon, Texas Health Fort Worth will become the home to a full-time JPS employee to work with self-pay patients, answer their questions and help them connect with a doctor at John Peter Smith when they are medically ready.

We are proud to provide these medical options for our patients and look forward to developing this service to help our patients. I will keep you posted in the weeks to come.



- Lillie Biggins, vice president of operations
Photo credit: Glen E. Ellman

Ah Ha Moments!

My name is Melissa Wolken, and I’m currently a resident at Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital (THFW). If you read this blog consistently, or have taken the time to review previous blogs, you may have read a great piece by Scott Spencer. Both Scott and I have accepted the challenge of a residency/fellowship in pursuit of a well-rounded education. The next year will hold an unfathomable amount of meetings, multiple rotations and several shadowing events.

With my best efforts, I’ll share some of those experiences with you:

Notably, I’ve been here at THFW for approximately three weeks. The THFW family has welcomed me with open arms. This of course- is to be expected. I’m neither shocked nor surprised; primarily because it was my choice to make the eight hour journey from Kansas to Texas with THFW in mind. As a matter of fact, I sought after this position. I have been fortunate enough to travel throughout the US working both with and in hospitals. During those “adventures” I was able to spend some time with the Texas Health Resource family, viewing the organization from the outside in. I witnessed an emerging system that focused on patient centered care, shared resources, growth and development in hopes of a healthier community. – Hence, my enthusiasm about joining the organization with the sole intent of education.

In an attempt to take in as much as possible, I have started to write down my “ah-ha” moments at the end of each day. There is no structure, nor subset of things I’m looking for – just something that happens during my day that merits an ‘ah-ha”.

Here are some of my favorites:

“I’ll take you there!’ Let me show you!” – Five different nurses offered to physically and personally lead me to my destination without any hint of irritation or aggravation.

“What does that look like?” – asked by an executive that tries to focus on the concept and situation from every angle.

“What can I do for you?” – asked by an executive that focuses on service and experience.

“This is why I love my job!” – stated by a director that prides herself on hard working staff and satisfied patients.

“Welcome to Texas!” – whispered by an employee when someone received a book about cowboys as a congratulatory gift.

“I’m happy to help, it’s important to foster growth and development for the future” – stated by a director that extended an 30 minute meeting to an hour ensuring I was comfortable with his department and how it worked.

Electronic Health Record Saves Time

My name is Paul Palermo and I am a nursing supervisor in the emergency department at Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth. I have seen many good ideas come to fruition that have changed direct patient care for the better. Over the past 4 years, I’ve had the privilege of working on the newly implemented electronic health record (aka Care Connect). This project has drawn on the talents and skills of physicians, nurses, technicians, administrators and everyone else who has any role in the delivery of health care at Texas Health Resources. The amount of coordination and work that was put into this project is difficult to put into words. However, the success of the project speaks volumes to the dedication of so many different people with so many different roles.

To see the benefits of Care Connect in the emergency department on a daily basis is truly rewarding. Access to information is almost instantaneous. Let me give you a quick example. A patient was recently admitted to the emergency department having a possible heart attack. In the past, the physician would have waited on a previous EKG to be delivered to him by one of the unit secretaries. Today, he had instant access to that EKG. This instant access gave him the ability to make the decision to send the patient to the cardiac catheterization lab for immediate intervention. This quick decision making can have a huge impact on patient outcomes and recovery as it is related to cardiovascular care.

What is truly exciting is to know how far we have come over the past seven months since we started using Care Connect. We have only begun to realize all of the potential benefits an electronic health record can bring to any hospital. After having been part of this effort and seeing the extraordinary strides we have made in such a short period of time, I can only imagine how things will continue to improve, for both patients and staff, in the future.

A moment on quality and patient safety.

Health care workers spend a lot of time creating solutions that are intended to improve the safety and quality in the hospital. We monitor evidence based practices and try to improve patient outcomes, using the best technology and best treatment regimens known. National agencies monitor various “indicators” that are surrogates for quality, and we create action plans to improve our results, hoping that we not only improve patient care, but are rewarded as a “Top Performer.”. Insurance companies rate hospitals based on their own perception of quality and efficiencies, and we work to meet their expectations, hoping to garner more public trust and business. All this work – all this science – all this technology. You’d think that the healthcare industry knew exactly what to do to improve quality and patient safety…
Sometimes the simplest approach is still the best. If we live our Promise: “Individuals Caring for Individuals Together” we are apt to engage in the more successful and meaningful quality and patient safety strategy yet created. If we live our Promise, we must Communicate. Studies consistently show that improving communication between care givers reduce errors. Better communication between health care workers and patients will, at the very least, improve patient care, relieve patient anxiety, and enhance the pool of knowledge surrounding the medical and social history of the patient. Better communication with the patient’s family will allow peace of mind and even improve patient care by allowing the family to assist in the staging and planning of the immediate and long term treatments needed by the patient.
Quality and Patient Safety are achieved by a blend of science, technology, education and intense dedication. Never to be forgotten, however, is the need for that simple and time-tested tool to support the patient: communication.

- Joe Prosser, M.D., vice president and chief quality officer

A tribute to our unsung staff

If you have ever wondered how well our treatment team functions in their work, become a patient or family member of an ill person. The reputation of an organization might be wonderful but the people who makes this reputable care happen is the real story. A part of this reputation comes from a few less high profile staff, housekeeping, dietary and patient transporters.

The housekeeper is one of the most important ambassadors for the team; they spend an average of 15 minutes a day in the room with patients and family members. They carefully clean the floor and furnishings while at the same time observing the patient and all in the room. Small chatter takes place daily between the housekeeper and those in the room and they embrace the cleaning function with grace and intensity and dignity. They gently rub and clean the surfaces with the intent of keeping the room safe for all who are there. Watching them work one gets a sense that each of them know the real value of what they do and what role their work play in the patient care reputation.

The dietary hostess is a ray of sunshine as they deliver the patient trays. Their smiles could brighten anyone’s day even though the patient’s meal often consists of gelatin and chicken broth. They carefully place the patient’s tray near the patient while being careful to verify that critical patient identification information. And before they leave the room the much valued question of can I get anything else for you is asked. If extra items are requested to enhance the meal they quickly confer with the nurse to see if the patients request can be honored. Family members are met with eye contact and their requests are quickly honored. One hostess asked a tearful wife if she would allow her to pray with the family. A much valued prayer was offered and as expected, was reflective of the faith in our God.

The transport team consists of a blend of young high school kids and seasoned staff. They carefully move patients throughout the building being careful to announce each upcoming bump and not out pace the family members who are accompanying the patient. Their attention to detail and protection of patient’s privacy is a critical part of their work, they show understanding of the need to maintain the patient’s dignity and show respect. . Just as critical is the small chatter with the patient and family members and the skill with managing the stretcher through the corridors. It’s amazing how they control so many aspects of the transfer while meeting the schedule for the patient’s timely arrival at the assigned destination. The oxygen tank, masks, IV poles, patient charts are but a few items the transporter carries with grace and style. Their gentle pat of the patients hand and smoothing of the sheet demonstrate the human kindness within them.

Each of the groups demonstrate the love and kindness we are called to display and minister those who are sick and in need of care. I am blessed to be here with them in this time and place and I find joy in watching them care for others.

- Lillie Biggins, vice president of operations

Family Ties

Family is such an important thing in my life. I not only have an incredibly strong and supportive family and extended family, but I am privileged to lead a hospital that is like one big family.

For those of you who do not know me, I am Oscar Amparan, president of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth. One of the things that I absolutely love about our hospital is how we all work together as one big family. I am struck by the commitment and heart of this hospital. Just like my family, we are all working to lift each other up and care for each other.

There is such a strong bond that ties this hospital family together. Many of our employees have been here since they first began their careers (35, 40 and 45 years ago).

As we begin our journey of blogging, my hope is that you will see this family and the heart that is in this hospital. If you are inspired by the stories we share and want to come and join our hospital family – send me a note in the comment section. I look forward to sharing more with you in the coming months.

- Oscar

It is a privilege...to be a nurse

I love nursing. It’s quite a privilege to be a nurse. Nurses have the potential of benefiting and touching so many lives in such a positive way. As a Faith Community Nurse, I can practice the art of nursing, not just the science.

Faith Community Nursing focuses on the promotion of health within the context of the values, beliefs and practice of a faith community. It is caring for the whole person mind, body and spirit. You can’t have a healthy body if you don’t have a healthy spirit. Helping faith communities recognize the close relation between physical, emotional and spiritual health is one aspect that makes faith community nursing so special to me.

Faith community nursing is more about “being” than “doing”. It is a calling not a job.
“I will bring health and healing to you. I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.” (Jeremiah 33:6)

More to come from Faith Community Nursing and check out the pictures below...

- Paulette Golden, RN, manager of community health and Faith Community Nursing
Photo Credit: Glen E. Ellman

Healing in Meals

I am Hugh Gittens, executive chef at Texas Health Fort Worth. When I was asked to blog, I thought it was a great opportunity to share the story of how we care for our patients with nutrition and food.
When a patient enters the hospital, all sorts of processes go into action behind the scenes. Every one of those actions is geared toward compassionate patient care and healing.
One process in particular is meal service. Upon admittance, an assessment is performed and dietitians work with physicians to prescribe diets. At this point meals are prepared according to the patient’s diet order; using strict nutritional guidelines. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served by a warm, gracious smiling host or hostess at their bedside.
Every day, we serve more than 4,000 meals to patients, visitors, employees, physicians and volunteers. It takes an army to get this accomplished, but we have an incredible staff - many who have been at this hospital for most of their careers. The Texas Health Fort Worth Nutrition & Food Service is very diverse with employees from Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, Latin America, the Caribbean and the good ‘ol U.S.A. This diverse group ensures that healing meals are served in any language.
I will be sharing with you many of these employees stories in the coming months - giving you a flavor of the diversity and commitment these individuals have to providing quality food for our patients and the public.

My Journey Through Cardiovascular Care

My name is Scott Spencer and I am an administrative resident at Texas Health Fort Worth. I will be a guest blogger and sharing many of the neat adventures I have with you through my time here at the hospital. The first experience that I want to share with you is a day in the life of the Texas Health Heart Center.
The good folks in our cardiovascular services were very helpful in scheduling my rotations within their department. I was able to meet with the managers who were all friendly and seemed happy to answer my questions. All of staff I met were very helpful in teaching me about what they do and I enjoyed learning about the services we offer. Part of my rotation included observing an open heart procedure called a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).

I went in early to observe the pre-op process. I was told to stand at the head of the operating table to get a good view of what all the team does. The cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. Richard Vigness, explained to me, in detail, all of the steps he and the team go through from opening the patent’s chest to stopping the heart from beating to closing the chest and sending the patient to the cardiac ICU. Before the surgery I thought I might get a little sick, but it was so fascinating I didn’t even think about it. After the procedure, Dr. Vigness invited me to spend the rest of the day with him. I came back that afternoon to observe a carotid endarterectomy, a procedure where fatty plaque is removed from the carotid artery. This procedure was a little tough to watch. I’ll admit I chickened out and had to look away a time or two. Afterwards we rounded on some of his other patients to see how they were doing and determine dates for discharge.
Towards the end of the day, we met with a patient that a cardiologist had referred to Dr. Vigness. He determined that the patient was a prime candidate for a valve replacement procedure which was subsequently scheduled for the following week. This is one of Dr. Vigness' favorite procedures and suggested I come back to see this procedure.
The following Tuesday I scrubbed in and observed the valve replacement. This was especially cool because I was able to observe the patient's jouney: I met and talked with the patient before hand, observed the procedure, and then visited with her throughout her inpatient stay.
This was an excellent rotation and I consider myself very lucky to be at Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth with such great people. They were happy to teach students like me about what they do and the services we offer.

Hope through Adversity

Meet Jaclyn Creech.
She was recently diagnosed with leukemia while recovering from a traumatic injury where she lost her right arm. And, Jaclyn Creech is still optimistic. Nothing seems to break her spirits.
For the last 15 months, Creech has been back and forth between her home in Gustine and our oncology unit at Texas Health Fort Worth. She says she doesn’t mind the travel because she loves being amongst her friend – the nurses and staff members on the oncology unit.
“I’ve made more friends here than I have ever before. This is a comfortable spot,” Creech said.
She said she has enjoyed her time at the hospital – a place that she finds a great amount of hope.
“They treat me like a person not like I’m handicapped, just normal and that makes me feel good,” Creech said.
She is looking forward to her last treatment in July as well as getting back to a normal life with her children. While she acknowledges the seriousness of her illness, she doesn’t believe it should stop her from living. She said her journey here has been a good one. “This is where I needed to be.”

Single Foods

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to eat foods that had only one ingredient, the food itself? Or in other words “a single food”. Could it improve your health, shape up your body composition, help you lose weight, and maybe even help you feel better?

Before I answer this, let me introduce myself. I am Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD registered dietitian for Ben Hogan Sports Therapy Institute and the Executive Health Program at Texas Health Fort Worth.

As a registered dietitian, people are always asking me…”How can I lose weight?”… “How can I get rid of cellulite?”… “How can I have more energy?” Well, I have an answer…eat clean and be lean! The reality is that Americans eat processed food after processed food. Everything comes in a package, a box, or better yet…a package inside a package. We have more “healthy” and “diet” food on the market than ever before and yet 65% of America is overweight. Hmmm…are we missing the big picture?

Take a look at our genes…our ancestors did not have a weight problem…so let’s look at their lives. They hunted food (buffalo, bison, deer, chicken, fish). They gathered food (fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains). And they walked to do all of it (exercise!). Nothing they ate came in a package, a box, a container or had a list of ingredients attached. Hmmm…they ate single foods…foods that each had one ingredient…itself.

So, if you are trying to improve your health, lose weight and feel better…I have a challenge for you…Go with “single foods”! Try a single food breakfast (hard boiled egg, bowl of fresh fruit and some raw almonds with an espresso), a single food salad for lunch (lettuce, veggies, pecans, avocado, corn, and berries), a single foods dinner (grilled salmon, sweet potato, roasted broccoli and cauliflower) and supplement with single food snacks during the day (apple & natural almond butter, a Lara Bar, raw veggies with a banana and a few walnuts). Yep…sounds hard doesn’t it? But like I always say…if it were easy, everybody would be doing it!
Photo credit: Glen E. Ellman

Navigating the Breast Cancer World

Hello. My name is Dana McGuirk, RN, Breast Health Navigator.

I am a Texan at heart, but born in Denver. Our family moved to Houston back in the 70’s, and I graduated from TCU nursing school and have been here ever since.

I have been employed at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth for 25 years, most of that time as a surgical recovery nurse. Three years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram, and found that I was scared to death. What do I do? Where do I turn? What options do I have and am I going to live?

Thus, that is how I landed my role as a “Breast Health Navigator.” A navigator by definition is a health care professional who assesses the physical, psychological and social needs of the patient, coaching the patient to work as an informed partner with her health care team. In essence, providing education, support and anticipatory guidance throughout the continuum of illness and challenges of survivorship.

I have found this to be my “passion”. Knowing how afraid I was, (even as a nurse), and realizing how afraid MY patients must be, I want to offer guidance and hope to those that are diagnosed and help make their journey a little easier. On average, I am seeing 350- 400 patients per year.

In addition to my navigating role, I found it important to have access to items and resources that would be helpful during treatment and recovery and now have opened the Cancer Boutique and Resource Center. We offer free wigs, scarves and hats through donation of the American Cancer Society. I also have recovery camisoles, (post mastectomy), skin care products for patients going through chemo and or radiation, night wear designed to wick away moisture for women going through menopause and inspirational jewelry. A certified bra fitter can come in by appointment to fit ladies with their mastectomy bras and prosthesis and we have a lot of reading material about cancer issues. Additionally, we have our wonderful Cancer Library right across the hall with numerous resources to aid in your questions and concerns. The boutique is open daily from 10am-2pm., but can be opened any time during the day between 8-5 if that is more convenient, by paging me at 817-654-7827. The boutique # is 817-820-4861.

If there comes a time when you or someone you know needs assistance, please do not hesitate to call me at 817-820-4805.

Photo Credit: Glen E. Ellman

Palliative Care = Comfort Care

I was recently asked to contribute to this BlogSpot and I jumped at the chance. Many of my friends have BlogSpots and use them to share about their families and children. It is fun to catch up on what everyone is doing and an excellent way to keep in touch with my friends that do not live in Fort Worth. I am excited about this BlogSpot and sharing what is happening in nursing and the Palliative Care at Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth.

Let me introduce myself…I am Ashley Hodo and I am the nurse manager for Palliative Care. I have worked at Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth since 2001 when I started as a nurse extern (student nurse). Upon graduation from Texas Christian University, I worked in the Medical/Surgical Intensive Care Unit as a RN and have learned a great deal that I will carry with me throughout my career and life. I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Texas in Arlington.

I imagine that some of you may be asking “What is Palliative Care?” Here is a working definition of Palliative Care. Palliative Care is a form of care or treatment that works to reduce the severity of disease symptoms. The goal is to prevent and relieve suffering and to improve quality of life for people facing serious, complex illness. I also believe the nurses in palliative care work hand in hand with the family members of their patients’ providing emotional, spiritual and comfort support.

This Friday, June 12th we are having an opening celebration for our new Palliative Care Unit. This is the first unit of this type in the Tarrant and surrounding counties, serving this special patient population. This unit has been a work in progress since 2005, and I am honored to be part of something so exciting and innovative. For the past month, we have been interviewing nurses, patient care technicians and unit secretaries. I have been encouraged by the wonderful people interested in working in Palliative Care. They are caring, compassionate individuals. I look forward to answering your questions and addressing comments about Palliative Care, as well as sharing with you some amazing stories related to this unit opening.

Photo Credit: Glen E. Ellman

97-Year-Old Popcorn Man

Mooney McBurney is our 97-year-old Popcorn Man. Mooney has been a volunteer since 1991 and is remarkable. When I asked him to share his story on a blog - he kindly replied that he thought the technology is remarkable and has advanced tremendously over his lifetime. So we agreed that I would share his story with you, on his behalf.

Mooney is a very well traveled man. He worked in California for most of his career and has traveled the world. When he retired, he began to look for ways to fill his time. He met a friend at church who was the Popcorn Man at Harris. In 1991, he came to volunteer with his friend - and has stayed ever since.

With more than 12,000 hours of service to our hospital, Mooney says he looks forward to Friday's when he can come and visit with all the people who walk by. He recently appeared on Fox 4 News, who named him a Hometown Hero. Mooney told me that when he went to his usual breakfast place this morning, the diner had rolled out a red carpet in honor of his moment of fame.

Mooney is truly famous in our hospital. Employees love to come by and see his shining face every Friday. David Kerr, engineering supervisor, said, "Mr. Mooney has been an inspiration to my wife and I since he started. I always look forward to seeing him. I am encouraged by his kind smile."

Above are photos of Mooney and his friend, Forest. Special thanks to Forest who is dedicated to bringing Mooney to volunteer every Friday. Photos below are of Mooney's TV debut with Clarice Tinsley. Also pictured is David Kerr.

Through the Eyes of a Make-Up Artist

Rudy Sotomayor.
Every heard his name? I had not.

He is a famous make-up artist who has worked on clients like Destiny's Child, Cameron Diaz, Queen Latifah and others.

I met him a few months ago when he was in our Brain Injury Transition Services (BITS) Program. You see, Rudy was walking to work in New York City when he was hit by a car, suffering a severe brain injury. Rudy had three brain surgeries in NYC before he was brought to Fort Worth for rehabilitation.
When Rudy first started the BITS program, he was in a wheel chair and had limited use of the left side of his body.
After several months of intense physical, occupational and speech therapy, Rudy no longer needed his wheel chair and was doing the make-up of our physical therapists.

Let me tell you - they were lining up to have their make-up done!

Part of his rehab was to begin working again in a setting that was therapeutic, but also got him back on the road to starting his career. The BITS program partnered with Birdeville ISD school's cosmetology program where Rudy began teaching young cosmetology students. After a few months of mentorship, several of Rudy's students competed at the district and state level.

What a huge success he has become. Stories, like Rudy's, are great example of what our BITS program does.

Photo Credits: www.wfaa.com; www.rudysotomayor.com

Telling the Story

We are about to embark on a new journey for our hospital - blogging. This is still relatively new to the health care world.

We will have at least 30 employees, physicians, nurses, volunteers and executives contributing to this blog. It is our way of giving you a closer look at what truly happens in a hospital. This will not be a marketing blog, rather real life stories, experiences and perspectives from the front line at Texas Health Fort Worth.

I value your comments and feedback. I would also like to encourage you to share our blog with your friends, colleagues, and family. If you have any social media sites, we would like to be a link that you share with others.

As one of the many individuals who will be contributing to this blog, I wanted to take a second to introduce myself and my role. My name is Whitney Jodry. I am the public information officer for Texas Health Fort Worth. I am a graduate of Auburn University, where I studied nursing and public relations. I will be helping to navigate our journey, but will not be the only contributor.

For now, I would like to give you a window into my role as the public information officer.

Every day, I have the privilege of working with some of the most incredible individuals. My favorite time of the day is when I get to roam the patient floors and find out the latest in patient care technology, life-saving patient stories and grateful patients.

Another part of my job is dealing with issues management. My philosophy is to be proactive when an issue or opportunity arises. This is the only way to make our hospital stronger. The most recent issue I handled was the swine flu. By working with the media and educating the public, I do believe we were able to share messages that were informative and factual. I encourage each of you to bookmark this blog as a tool and information resource if/when we have another health scare like swine flu.

The other large piece of my job is working with the media. We have some incredible news reporters who truly want to bring good news to inspire and encourage you. One of the most awesome patient stories I have ever had the opportunity to share is that of Truman Duncan. Many of you might have seen his story on the Today Show. Truman is one of those patients that I will remember for the rest of my life. He had the will to live and a true desire to defy the odds.

I will never forget the call I received from our ER in 2006. They told me that we had a gentleman who was run over by a train, who made his own 9-1-1 call. I knew at that moment that he was a fighter!

I immediately ran up to the ER to begin working with his family. Media calls poured in from all over the world. At that point, I began to realize the magnitude of his story.

Truman spent 4 months at our hospital. During that time, media outlets from all over the world wanted to share his story. Truman was focused on getting better.

Over the next two years, I continued to receive calls from many media outlets, both locally and nationally. It wasn't until late 2008 that Truman decided to share his story. When he did, he inspired the entire country!

Looking back on Truman's experience and his story, I am reminded why I love working at this hospital. The dedication and heart that each person puts into caring for our patients is incredible and the opportunity to work with patients, like Truman, who truly want to inspire others, is what gets me excited about coming to work every day.

Photo Credit: Glen E. Ellman