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Martha Jefferson Press Releases

Martha Jefferson Neuroscience Center NOW OPEN

January 14, 2012 

On January 14, Martha Jefferson Hospital opened the doors to its brand new, state-of-the-art Neuroscience Center.

For several years, Martha Jefferson Hospital has had specially trained, exceptional neurologists and neurosurgeons on staff. Additionally, the hospital began developing a stroke program in 2008. These things were just the first steps however in developing a comprehensive Neuroscience Center, which is now a reality.

“Martha Jefferson has always provided excellent care, and so it was a natural next step to add the Neurosciences to its range of high quality service lines. There is a definite benefit to the community to have compassionate, patient-centered, neurological and neurosurgical care delivered in the community hospital setting,” said Dr. Alex Grunsfeld, Director of the Stroke Center and a leading force in the development of the Neuroscience Center.

The Neuroscience Center is conveniently located in the Outpatient Care Center at Pantops, where the Freestanding Emergency Department was previously housed.  The center is equipped with the latest technology, with electromyography (EMG) and electroencephalography (EEG) diagnostic equipment, new vestibular balance rehabilitation equipment, low-dose CT imaging, and the capability to do such complex brain surgery as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).

In addition having  our four neurologists, two neurosurgeons and 13 rehab therapists all under one roof ensures our patients will get all the care they need in one location.

In addition, the Neuroscience Center has rolled out multi-disciplinary subspecialty clinics that deliver a coordinated, patient-centered approach, including:

  • Seizure Disorders and Epilepsy Clinic
  • Neuropathy Clinic
  • Stroke Recovery Clinic
  • Cognitive Rehabilitation Clinic
  • Vestibular Balance and Falls Prevention Clinic

“Developing our Neuroscience Center has been a group effort, and our team has truly developed a strong, evidence-based, high-quality program that will bring the type of coordinated, specialized care that will improve the experience and better the outcomes for people with neurological disorders,” said Dr. Grunsfeld.

Due to Flu, Masks Recommended for all Patients and Visitors to Martha Jefferson

January 9, 2013

In an effort to protect patients and visitors from the spread of flu, effective Wednesday, January 9, 2013, Martha Jefferson Hospital – as well as the other nine hospitals in the Sentara system – strongly recommends all patients and visitors wear a mask upon entering hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, urgent care centers, and primary care physician offices.

This recommendation comes at a time when seasonal influenza cases are double the numbers experienced at this time last year. Virginia is in the third straight week of widespread flu, which the Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cite as the highest category of flu activity.

Since vaccines are not 100% effective, patients and visitors entering the facilities who have already had flu vaccines are strongly encouraged to wear a mask as an added protection for themselves and their loved ones.

Medical evidence suggests infected persons can transmit the virus as much as 24 hours before displaying symptoms. This recommendation will help protect patients, visitors, and staff from exposure to flu, even before symptoms occur.

Our goal as health care providers is to use every available and appropriate measure to protect the community, our patients, visitors, family members and staff from exposure to outside infections.

In addition, Martha Jefferson Hospital is asking that individuals displaying symptoms of influenza-like illness not to visit the hospital.  Symptoms of flu include: fever and respiratory illness such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, chills and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.

The recommendation to wear a mask when entering health care facilities will remain in effect during the flu season and while prevalence of flu in the region is extraordinarily high.

Martha Jefferson Hospital Accreditation Recognizes Quality and Patient Safety

Stroke Program also recognized for going “above and “beyond” in patient care

January 2, 2012 

Martha Jefferson Hospital was recently accredited for the first time by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Healthcare, Inc., a healthcare accreditor. Martha Jefferson researched DNV for several years. Then, after joining Sentara Healthcare, representatives from each of the ten hospitals in the system decided to pursue accreditation because DNV shares the Sentara belief that medical accreditation is not just an inspection process, but should be a catalyst for quality and patient safety.

“DNV brings a new approach to the accreditation process that will hold our hospital accountable and also steer us to innovative best practices resulting in even better patient care,” said Susan Cabell Mains, Vice President of Human Resources and Compliance.

In addition to the hospital certification, DNV also accredited Martha Jefferson’s Stroke program.

“DNV reviewers felt that our stroke care ‘went above and beyond’ standard expectations,” commented Dr. Alexander Grunsfeld, Martha Jefferson Director of Stoke and NeuroCritical Care said. “Achieving DNV accreditation for our stroke care involved a very thorough process. Our success required a multidisciplinary effort and a true spirit of teamwork.”

DNV accreditation addresses the demands of quality-driven hospitals that are dedicated to patient-centered care. In order to maintain accreditation, hospitals go through an un-announced survey once each year. While on site, DNV surveyors trace the care of patients as they visit various departments in the hospital as a way to study the processes of care across the organization.

“While on-site, the surveyors observe the care and services being provided, conduct interviews with patients, family and staff members and also do a medical record review,” said Mains. “They have a thorough process which ensures everything is looked at and no stones are left un-turned.”

DNV’s accreditation process is based on the National Integrated Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations (NIAHO) standards, approved for use in hospitals in the United States in 2008.  In turn, the NIAHO uses the ISO 9001 Quality Management System standard which is a common standard adopted across a range of industries to recognize quality products and services provided to consumers. The system centers around “improving upon what you do, not just meeting a set of standards.”

Burris Named CFO for Sentara Blue Ridge Region

December 27, 2012 

Mike Burris has been named vice president and chief financial officer for the Sentara Blue Ridge Region, which is currently comprised of Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville and RMH Healthcare in Harrisonburg.

Burris has served as chief financial officer of Martha Jefferson Hospital since June 1986 and as  interim chief financial officer for RMH since May 1.

Both Martha Jefferson Hospital and RMH are members of the 10-hospital, not-for-profit Sentara Health System. Over the past year, the two hospitals have been working more closely together since they are in the same region, noted Martha Jefferson Hospital President Jim Haden.

“I was glad that Mike was willing to take on this new role when it became available,” commented Haden. “He has a sincere interest in understanding how different financial situations affect our organization and our patients and is always looking to make the best decisions possible. Both Martha Jefferson and RMH are fortunate to have him as part of their teams.”

Before joining MJH, he served as the vice president of Finance and chief financial officer at Radford Community Hospital, now the Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, in Radford, Virginia. He started his career in public accounting.

Burris holds a B.S. in business, with a major in accounting, from Virginia Tech. He is a certified public accountant and a certified Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

“It has been a pleasure to work with the RMH team for the last eight months and I look forward to continuing our relationship in a permanent capacity,” said Burris. “I appreciate the opportunity to help both RMH and Martha Jefferson Hospital achieve their goals and continue to remain financially strong to serve their respective communities.”

Burris and his wife, Diane, have three children and live in Charlottesville.

 

Martha Jefferson Hospital First in Central Virginia to Use New Calypso Cancer Treatment

GPS for the Body’ system provides real-time tracking of tumors during prostate cancer treatments

November 27, 2012 

Charlottesville, VA. Martha Jefferson Hospital today became the first hospital in Central Virginia to use a new technology that more accurately delivers doses of radiation to prostate cancer patients. The Calypso® system allows doctors to precisely track and target tumors while avoiding damage to healthy tissue. Patients lie still for 30 minutes while the treatment machine rotates around them and aims radiation beams at the cancerous tumors.

Martha Jefferson radiation oncologist Dr. Sylvia Hendrix says previous treatments couldn’t track natural internal changes in the body.

“Physicians used to assume the prostate didn’t move during treatment.  We now know that isn’t true. The Calypso system is very precise. If the prostate or the target area moves just a millimeter we can stop the treatment, reposition the patient, and precisely target the patient’s cancer.”

The Calypso system uses three tiny Beacon® electromagnetic transponders, each smaller than a grain of rice, which are implanted into the prostate during a simple outpatient procedure. The beacons work in a way similar to GPS markers enabling doctors to monitor the movement of the patient’s prostate and his cancer in real-time during radiation treatments.

The first patient to receive the treatment, Mr. Craig LaMountain of Greene County, noted that the procedure really is painless.

“You feel nothing.  If I wasn’t worried about moving, I’d fall asleep.”

Hendrix says studies show patients who undergo Calypso experience few side effects from radiation, and they’re just temporary.

“Not only will patients receive better treatment, they will also have fewer long-term side effects including bladder issues, lower digestive issues, as well as sexual function,” said Hendrix.

Calypso is currently only treating prostate cancer patients, but it could be used for women with left-side breast cancer in the future.

For more information on Calypso, or to find a urologist who is Calypso-certified, call Health Connection at (434) 654-7009.

Martha Jefferson Hospital Receives National Honor for Breast Cancer Treatment

Specialty Accreditation recognizes excellence in patient care and outcomes

September 3, 2012 

Charlottesville, VA.  The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) recently awarded Martha Jefferson Hospital a three-year specialty accreditation for its breast cancer treatment program. The NAPBC recognizes hospitals across the country that are committed to breast healthcare and improving the quality of care provided to patients.

“The whole purpose of the program is to identify and recognize programs that really have an emphasis on enhancing the quality of care, monitoring cancer patient outcomes after breast cancer treatment and improving outcomes for patients,” said Dr. Erika Struble, a medical oncologist at Martha Jefferson Hospital.

The certification process for the breast cancer treatment specialty accreditation focuses on six areas, including program leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education and quality improvement. Though all areas are important, the focus is discovering whether centers have physician specialists, the most sophisticated diagnostic and treatment resources as well as a passion and commitment to providing excellent care through every step of breast cancer treatment.

“This recognition shows our patients that we are dedicated to continual improvement of the care we deliver and that we are devoted to working as an interdisciplinary team through their breast cancer treatment,” said Dr. Struble.

Out of the nearly 400 centers across the country who have received this specialty accreditation, Martha Jefferson is the only facility in the Charlottesville area. 

Learn more about cancer care services provided at Martha Jefferson Hospital. 

Martha Jefferson Ranked a Top Hospital by US News and World Report

July 17, 2012 

Charlottesville, VA.  Martha Jefferson was honored by U.S. News & World Report in their annual survey of nearly 5,000 hospitals as one of the nation’s best. Surveyors interviewed approximately 10,000 specialists and looked at data from the 5,000 hospitals to rank the best in 16 specialties. Specialties received scores from 0-100 that encompassed data including death rates, patient safety, the balance of nurses and patients and reputation.

Martha Jefferson was recognized for high performance in the following four medical specialties, meaning it was in the top 25% of all hospitals in each area:

Not only was Martha Jefferson honored as a high performer in these four specialties, it also received regional recognition as one of the Best Hospitals in Central Virginia.

These rankings serve as a validation of our Caring Tradition and show that we continue to grow as a high-quality community hospital serving the greater Charlottesville area.

For more information on the U.S. News & World Report rankings, click here.

Martha Jefferson Named Most Beautiful Hospital in America

Healing Environment Coupled with Clinical Quality Ensures Best Possible Patient Experience 

July 2, 2012

Charlottesville, VA.  Martha Jefferson Hospital been recognized by Soliant Health as the 2012 Most Beautiful Hospital in America. Soliant Health is a leading specialty healthcare staffing provider and this is the fourth year they have put on the contest.

Earlier this year, nominations were taken from individuals for their hospital of choice. The competition was then narrowed down to 50  medical centers and put to a public vote.  There was a total of close to 170,000 votes throughout the contest and Martha Jefferson Hospital took first place with a total of 43,217 votes.

“From the very beginning of the design process, our aim has been to provide our patients, visitors and staff with a comfortable, pleasant environment. We believe that such an environment improves their overall experience and patient outcomes,” said Jim Haden, President of Martha Jefferson Hospital, a member of Sentara Healthcare. “Ultimately, we wanted the facility itself to reflect our vision to set the standard for clinical quality and personalized healthcare services.”

“More than a thousand different studies show that when a patient feels more comfortable and less stressed, the healing process is faster,” said David Alexander, president of Soliant Health. “Martha Jefferson Hospital combines state-of-the-art equipment, advanced technologies, and a nurturing, friendly environment to merge the science of medicine with the art of healing.”

The new Martha Jefferson Hospital opened in August of 2011 on Pantops Mountain.  The medical center features all private rooms, glass windows to allow for natural light, a pitched roof and gardens that promote a feeling of home and warm colors and works of art on the walls that create a sense of healing.

To read more about the winners of Soliant Health’s America’s 20 Most Beautiful Hospitals, please visit:  http://blog.soliant.com/most-beautiful-hospitals/2012/

Martha Jefferson Hospital Receives LEED Certification

Green building initiatives enable hospital to be more environmentally friendly

March 19 – Charlottesville, VA. Martha Jefferson Hospital is pleased to announce its replacement hospital has been awarded LEED® certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.  LEED is the nation’s top program for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.

“As we started work on the new hospital project it was important to us to be environmentally conscious and make decisions that would allow for us to participate in the LEED program,” said Ron Cottrell, the Martha Jefferson replacement hospital project administrator. “We understand the significance of sustainable practices and want to be sure we do our part for our community.”

Martha Jefferson received the LEED certification for a variety of reasons.  The following list details some of the “green” elements of the new Martha Jefferson Hospital:

Creation of Parks and Accessible Roof Gardens

  • Accommodations for Low-Emitting and Fuel Efficient Vehicles
  • Water Efficient Irrigation
  • Water Use Reduction Systems
  • Optimized Energy Performance
  • Low-emitting Adhesives, Sealants, Paints and Coatings and Carpet Systems
  • Recycling Program (Pre and Post Construction)
  • Green Cleaning Program
  • Building Designed for Flexibility

“We are excited about our LEED certification and are dedicated to maintaining green practices throughout our organization in the years to come,” said Barbara Elias, replacement hospital project director.  “We knew the construction of our new facility was just the beginning.”

Martha Jefferson began construction on its new facility in the summer of 2008.  Work was completed in the summer of 2011 and all patients were successfully moved to the new facility on Pantops Mountain on August 28, 2011.

 

Women’s Committee Makes Generous Donation to Martha Jefferson Hospital

All funds directly benefit women’s health initiatives for members of our community

Charlottesville, VA. The Women’s Committee of Martha Jefferson Hospital presented a $335,881.97 check to hospital representatives during their annual meeting at Farmington Wednesday morning.  The donation represents the funds raised during the annual events, Martha’s Market and the In The Pink Tennis Tournament.

“We are so fortunate to have this group of dedicated women out in the community working for the good of Martha Jefferson,” said Jim Haden, Martha Jefferson Hospital president. “Their efforts help us go above and beyond and truly make Martha Jefferson a better hospital.”

Since its inception, The Women’s Committee has raised more than $3 million for Martha Jefferson Hospital.

“It is a pleasure for us to be able to do this for the women in our community,” said Terri Bailey, 2011 Martha’s Market Chair.  “The funds we raise are put to good use by Martha Jefferson and touch so many different areas that it’s not hard for us to find a relative, friend or co-worker who has benefitted from the services and extra touches the money helps to provide.”

Mark your calendars for the 2012 events!  The In The Pink Tennis Tournament will be held September 29th and Martha’s Market will run from October 12th – 14th.

For more information on The Women’s Committee, please visit www.mjhfoundation.org.

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