News
Community Education
Nason Hospital received a donation of books and toys from "Queenz for Kidz."  The "Queenz for Kidz" program was created by Typhani Janelle Russo, Miss Pennsylvania Heart Inspired and Beautiful Queen.  She states that she established this program to bring happiness and smiles to children in hospitals.  Four baskets were donated that contained stuffed animals, books, fuzzy posters, crayons and slinky toys among other items.  Each 2008 Pennsylvania Heart Inspired and Beautiful Queen will be donating baskets to different pediatric units across Pennsylvania throughout their reign."
The picture shows (left to right)
Christy Huber, Nason employee accepting the donation, Sarah Elizabeth Wesner, 2008 Pennsylvania Teen Miss Heart Inspired and Beautiful Queen and Typhani Janelle Russo, 2008 Miss Pennsylvania Heart Inspired and Beautiful Queen.
Choice. It’s today’s buzz word for health care consumers. Today’s health care consumer is confronted with many choices regarding physicians, pharmacies, labs and even hospitals. How do consumers make a decision with these complicated choices? The difficulty lies in what information is available to healthcare consumers to enable them to make an informed decision. Where do they turn to get unbiased factual information?

To help consumers make informed choices regarding hospitals, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) developed an instrument to measure patient perceptions of care. This measurement will be used publicly to report hospital performance (quality of care as perceived by patients). This survey is called the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems or HCAHPS. The goal of this public reporting instrument is to provide consumers with information that might be helpful in choosing a hospital. It is to be used as a complement to other quality improvement instruments already being used by hospitals.

The survey will be mailed to all hospital in-patients (with the exception of observation patients). The survey will be conducted by Press Ganey, a nationally recognized independent consulting company. The survey will ask patients after discharge to rate the following:
  • Communication with Doctors
  • Communication with Nurses
  • Responsiveness of Hospital Staff
  • Pain Control
  • Communication about Medicines
  • Cleanliness of the Physical Environment
  • Discharge Information
  • Overall Rating of the Hospital
  • Recommendation of the Hospital
Most hospitals, including Nason Hospital, have collected information over the years on patient satisfaction. However, in order to make “apples to apples” comparisons to support consumer choice, it was necessary to introduce a standard measurement approach. CMS believes that the HCAHPS survey will help accomplish this goal. (HCAHPS will utilize pertinent questions for inpatients over age 65.)

Nason Hospital is committed to providing quality services to our patients and to have our patients be satisfied with their care. This commitment is not something new at Nason Hospital. The Press Ganey Survey and HCAHPS initiative is simply a new method for Nason to measure patient satisfaction. Nason participated successfully in a “dry run” survey in April 2007. The “dry run” is a requirement prior to participation in the national CMS implementation. The first public reporting of HCAHPS results will occur in Spring 2008. Hospital results will be displayed on the Hospital Compare website, which can be found at http://www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov, or through a link on http://www.medicare.gov. Nason Hospital will provide a link to the Hospital Compare website.

Nason Hospital is committed to providing you and your family with the highest quality patient care available. We look forward to hearing your opinions. The HCAHPS results will simply be one more tool that we will use to continue to provide the type of care consumers have come to expect from us. Nason Hospital wants to be your healthcare provider of choice both now and in the future. If you have any specific questions regarding Press Ganey or HCAHPS, please email me directly at ghoover@nasonhospital.com.


Sincerely,
Garrett W. Hoover, MA, MHA, FACHE
President & CEO
PRESS RELEASE
December 4, 2007
Nason Hospital Introduces Limb Loss Support Group

Have you or a loved one had a life changing event due to diabetes or peripheral vascular disease? With the rising prevalence of diabetes in the USA (approximately 21 million patients) more and more people are being affected by the complications, including a partial or whole amputation of a foot or leg. This can often have a devastating impact on income, family and activities of daily living.

If you have experienced something like this, Nason Hospital Limb Loss Support Group is a place to find comfort and support for your loss. The medical advisors are on the medical staff at Nason Hospital and are actively involved in the Nason Wound Healing Program. The group will provide counseling and an open forum for you to share your experiences and concerns with other patients in similar life situations. In addition to medical advice regarding treatment options, different topics will be discussed, ranging from rehabilitation to nutrition and diabetic education.

Dealing with the consequences of diabetes can be a significant challenge and the caregivers at the Wound Healing Program have the skills needed to help you through these difficult times. If you are interested in attending the Nason Hospital Limb Loss Support Group, please call 814-224-2566.

The first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at 9:30 AM in the Nason Hospital Board Room located on the hospital lower level.

Nason Hospital Limb Loss Support Group Medical Advisors:
Adam M. Budny, DPM
Bert J. Altmanshofer, DPM
George W. Cummings III, DO
Nason OB Unit held an Open House on Sunday, October 21, 2007.  There were approximately 150 in attendance.  Tours of the expanded Obstetrical Unit were given by Lottie Ebersole, RN, OB Nurse Manager.  Participants had the opportunity to meet and talk with several obstetricians, pediatricians and nurse midwives.  Attending were Dr. Helen Lambe M.D., Dr. Shaun Jester D.O., Dr. Stacey Carltiz D.O., Dr. Joseph Castel M.D., Dr. Andrew Sinder M.D., Bettina Bernard, CNM, and Lori Verostick, CNM.  There were displays on breast-feeding, car seat safety and shaken baby syndrome.
Door prizes were awarded to:

- Dan Hammel
- Jennie Burket
- Randee Weicht
- Charlene Moore
- Jennifer Shaffer

A contest was held to guess the total number of babies that will be born at Nason Hospital by December 31, 2007.  As of the Open House, there had been 461 babies born.  Many people made their guesses and a $50 gift certificate will be mailed to the person with the closest guess on January 2, 2008. Cake and Cider punch were served.
PRESS RELEASE
August 31, 2007
Nason Hospital is pleased to announce the achievement of another milestone in the 21st Century Capital Campaign.

The Nason Hospital 21st Century Capital Campaign was officially launched on September 22, 2006. The purpose of this campaign is to raise funds which will be invested in hospital capital improvements that will provide improved and expanded facilities to better meet the growing needs of patients and their families.

Since that press conference in September 2006, a new power plant that houses two state-of-the-art generators that provide emergency back up power for the entire facility has been completed. A second floor “Special Delivery” Obstetrical Unit expansion has also been completed. This expansion includes an eight bassinette nursery, a pediatric work room, semi-private post partum room, patient lounge and an enlarged nursing station. An “Open House” will be announced in the very near future.

The next phase of the phase of the Master Facility Plan will include further upgrades including new canopies for the hospital front entrance and Emergency Department and a renovation to various internal areas of the hospital, such as: patient corridors, rooms and all signage.

In the pursuit of that goal, Nason Hospital is privileged to announce that we have received another vote of confidence and a major donation from a local financial institution. Thanks to the aforementioned pledge, Nason Hospital has received over $520,000 in pledges to date. We are extremely pleased with the level of support that Nason has received from the surrounding communities.

S & T Bank is an example of just that kind of community support. Founded in 1902, S & T Bank has always maintained a sincere interest in both its customers and the success of the local community. This interest has helped S & T meet its customer needs with quality banking services as well as foster the economic vitality of its communities.

Through this “commitment to community,” S & T has grown to over 50 offices that provide a full range of financial services to individuals and businesses throughout Western Pennsylvania.

Nason Hospital would like to thank S & T Bank for this history of community support and for their support of the Nason mission through their generous financial pledge of $25,000 to the 21st Century Capital Campaign.

Mr. Mike Settimio, Senior Vice-President Commercial Loan Officer and Mr. Dick Scholton, Senior Vice-President Commercial Loan Officer presented a ceremonial check to Mr. Garrett W. Hoover, President and CEO of Nason Hospital and Mr. Steve Martz, Nason Hospital Board Chairman.

###

Please contact Heidi Kreider, Director of Development, for additional details or with any questions at (814) 224-6208
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE
Summer is just around the corner and the campus of Nason Hospital is in full bloom!

The new addition is currently under construction at the rear of the hospital. It will include a new power plant with two new high-tech generators that will provide emergency back-up power for the facility. The second floor of the addition is an expansion of the hospital’s “Special Delivery” obstetrical unit. The new addition will provide an eight bassinet nursery, a pediatric work room, a semi-private post partum patient room, patient lounge and an enlarged nursing station. With over 600 births projected for 2007, the extra space is eagerly anticipated by staff and our “newest” patients!

As phase two nears completion, the next phase is currently in the planning stages. It will include new canopies for both the front entrance and the entrance at the Emergency Department. The hospital is also planning to renovate various internal areas including patient rooms, corridors and signage.

Be on the look out! We will announce plans for an Open House in early summer to celebrate the completion of this first phase of the Nason Hospital 21st Century Capital Campaign.
Nason Hospital is pleased to announce two major pledges from area businesses in support of the 21st Century Capital Campaign.

A March Press Conference was held to announce a pledge from Omega Bank in the amount of $25,000.

Ralph J. Albarano & Sons also pledged support of the capital campaign through an undisclosed pledge.
Nason's New Years Baby!
Isaiah Frederick Crocker was the first baby of 2007 born at Nason Hospital. He didn't arrive until 1:56 a.m. on the second day of January.  He is shown here with his parents, Jessica and Joseph Crocker of Fishertown, and Linda Ritchey of the hospital staff, who presented the Crockers with a variety of gifts.  Isaiah weighed eight pounds, two ounces and was 20 inches long.  He was delivered by Dr. Helen Lambe. 

He has a brother Austin, 6, who is a student at Chestnut Ridge.  Grandparents are Vickie and Kevin Glass of James Creek; Penny and Carl Hyde of Manns Choice; and Brad Snyder of Chest Springs.
Gifts for the new baby and his family included gift certificates from two local stores, and from the Nason Hospital Auxiliary, a shelf sitter, a crocheted white afghan, a stuffed lamb, a shirt and some items for the baby's brother.
PRESS RELEASE
November 21, 2006
November 21, 2006

Nason Hospital is pleased to announce two major donations to the Nason Hospital 21st Century Capital Campaign which was officially launched September 22, 2006.

Thanks to two generous corporate pledges and the pledges and donations of several other philanthropic individuals, Nason Hospital 21st Century Capital Campaign is well on the way to reaching or base goal of $1.5 million and our challenge goal of $3 million.

New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company has been a generous supporter of Nason Hospital for more than 50 years. Their association with Nason Hospital goes back to 1952 when Dale W. Detwiler was President of the Nason Board of Directors for almost 25 years. In fact, Mr. Detwiler was the President of the Board when the current Nason Hospital opened its doors in 1961. Since that time, New Enterprise Stone & Lime has shown continuing support for Nason Hospital in many ways, including having a presence on the Board of Directors ever since that time. They have committed to a generous corporate pledge of $250,000.00.

Appleton Papers has been a community presence and supporter of Nason Hospital for just as long. Mr. D.M. Bare founded the paper mill in 1865 and was a consistent supporter of Dr. W. Albert Nason’s efforts to open a charitable hospital. Mr. Bare personally donated funds to modernize the original hospital and continued to support Nason Hospital throughout his lifetime. When the current hospital opened its doors in 1961, Appleton Papers, which at the time was called D.M. Bare Paper Company, helped to transport 38 Nason Hospital patients (including 8 babies) from the old facility to the new facility. They have committed to a generous corporate pledge of $100,000.00.

Mr. Jamie Van Buren, Vice-President of Development and Chief Operating Officer from New Enterprise Stone & Lime will present the ceremonial check in the amount of $250,000.00.

Also, Mr. Tony Fago, Mill Manager from Appleton Papers – Roaring Spring Mill will present the ceremonial check in the amount of $100,000.00.

Please reference the attached Press Release from September 22, 2006 for details regarding the scope of the 21st Century Capital Campaign. You may contact Heidi Kreider, Director of Development for additional information at (814) 224-6208.
PRESS RELEASE
Nason Hospital has announced “The 21st Century Capital Campaign” on September 22, 2006. The $12 million campaign will invest in capital improvements and advancements that will provide improved facilities and services to meet the needs of our patients and their families. The project will include a major Surgical Suite Addition, an Obstetric Department expansion, two state-of-the-art power generators, new canopies for the hospital front entrance and Emergency Department entrance, as well as other facility improvements.

The new Surgical Services Addition will be an approximately 26,000 sq. ft. total addition. This addition is needed as the operating rooms at Nason Hospital are nearing full capacity. Our goal is to remain in the forefront of surgical medicine by providing larger, more advanced surgical facilities to meet the increasing demand. Dr. Howard Black, Immediate Past President of Nason Medical Staff says, “The facility renovation and expansion project is necessary to handle the increasing patient volumes as well as the continued development of programs.”

The expansion of the Obstetrical Suite, which is named the Special Delivery Unit, is necessary given that we have increased the number of deliveries by 89% over the last three years. An expansion is needed to continue to provide the type of birthing experience that has become the hallmark of our Special Delivery Unit.

Nason Hospital will also undergo a major transformation of the physical plant. An addition will be built to house two new generators that will provide complete back-up power for the facility and equipment. The entrance to the main hospital as well as the emergency department will be renovated so that both include a large covered canopy for patient drop-off/pick-up convenience.

Other future projects include renovating and updating internal areas of the facility including hospital corridors, inpatient rooms, and other ancillary services. Other departments may be relocated in the future to provide more access, efficiency and service for our patients.

D. Stephen Martz, Chairman of Nason Hospital’s Board of Directors, explains, “It is very gratifying to rekindle the vision that many leaders had for Nason Hospital over 100 years ago. We presently face the challenge of a changing population with increasing health care needs. It is our goal to provide an expanded, state-of-the-art facility to meet those needs.”

Nason Hospital is committed to accomplishing these improvements at the lowest possible cost. However, sufficient money is not available through current patient charges and borrowing capacity will not cover the entire project. Therefore, community support will be critical to our future viability. We need to keep our health system open to serve all residents of the area.

Nason Hospital was built by the community, for the community and now, we are looking to the community for help to improve their hospital facilities for the future. The last Capital Improvement Campaign at Nason Hospital was over 35 years ago. By playing an active philanthropic role community members have a unique opportunity to invest in our community healthcare organization in an effort to improve choice, access, quality, and competitive pricing.

Please refer to your packet for additional information or call Heidi Kreider, Director of Development, at (814) 224-6208 or email at HKreider@nasonhospital.com.
Outpatient Draw Station - Hollidaysburg Location
Your time is valuable. At Nason Hospital we realize this and want to provide you the most efficient way to have blood draws without waiting in long lines. With Nason appointments are established to provide you a convenient way to have your blood drawn. All testing will be performed at Nason Hospital using the latest state of the art techniques and equipment. Your outcome results will be sent to the ordering physician of your tests.

Our hours are Monday and Thursday from 6:30am – 10:00am.
(Except holidays)

You can schedule an appointment to have lab work drawn by calling 814 224-6215 or call 1-866-695-4140 and ask for the Main Lab.

Please remember to bring physician’s order and insurance card with you when you come for your appointment. Lab work can not be done without a signed physician’s order.

We are conveniently located at the Southern Cove Medical Center, 1890 N. Juniata St., in Hollidaysburg. (Near the Meadow’s Intersection.)
Nason Wound Healing Program . . .
A Team Approach
For most people, a minor cut or scratch isn't a problem. But, for some six million Americans who suffer from chronic wounds, such as those with severe diabetes, having the inability to heal due to poor blood circulation can result in serious infection, gangrene, and possible amputation.

The Nason Wound Healing Program focuses on preserving limbs and healing difficult wounds through a comprehensive team approach. Adjacent to Nason Hospital, we are easily accessible with ample parking for your convenience.

The Nason Wound Healing Program staff includes physicians, nurses, a diabetic educator, a Registered Dietitian, and therapists who are highly-skilled and experienced in healing complex wounds. Our interdisciplinary team aggressively treats chronic wounds by applying evidence-based, medical and surgical techniques that are outcome focused and cost-effective.

To promote optimal recovery, the program uses the latest techniques, products, and services. Our wound healing specialists teach patients and their caregivers how to properly handle wounds at home to advance healing.

Teamwork, coordinated care, advanced technologies, easy access, and excellent outcomes define the Nason Wound Healing Program, located at 105 June Drive,
Roaring Spring, PA. For more information, please call 814.224.2566.