Methodist Hospital - Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
 
Fall 2007

Methodist Update

Jim RobinsonReflecting on the rich historical roots of Methodist Hospital this year was an important and worthwhile experience. As we marked 115 years of service to the Philadelphia region, it was fascinating to take a look back at how medicine has evolved, and to see how our physicians and nurses have contributed to the history of our city and nation.

There are many things we can learn from the commitment and drive our founders had in 1892. Our founding physicians and nurses understood and took seriously their commitment to providing quality care and service to all in need, and they made many personal sacrifices to do so. When you view the historical photographs of these men and women, it is heartwarming to see the look of satisfaction on their faces as they cared for others under conditions that are much different then they are today.

The interesting thing is that with all the changes in medicine and technology over 115 years, the core of medicine has not really changed at all. Great healthcare services would not be possible without the commitment and caring nature of our hardworking physicians, nurses and staff. At Methodist we are proud to have the very best.

As we conclude our 115th Anniversary Year, we thank our dedicated physicians, nurses and staff for their enduring commitment to quality, compassionate care. And we thank the people of South Philadelphia who have trusted us to be their healthcare partner for generations. We look forward to serving your needs well into the future.

Sincerely,
Jim Robinson
Senior Vice President and
Chief Administrative Officer
Methodist Hospital

Tired of Feeling Tired? The Problem May Be Sleep Apnea

About four years ago, South Philadelphia’s Gennaro Scarlata knew that something was wrong. He was getting tired all the time, no matter how early he went to bed.

“I couldn’t drive long distances anymore,” he says. “In the middle of the day, I would fall asleep. Most of the time, I felt like I was walking around like a zombie.”

At first he didn’t seek medical treatment, but as time wore on,his symptoms started getting worse.

First, there was loud snoring.

“That made my wife crazy. I was always getting an elbow in the back because of the snorning,” Mr. Scarlata says.

Then, he started waking up at night, gasping for air.

“I would jump out of my sleep,” he recalls. “It was scary, real scary.” Mr. Scarlata suspected that he had sleep apnea, a condition from which his uncle had suffered. To confirm his suspicions, he underwent a sleep study at the Jefferson Sleep Disorders Center. The results of the sleep study shocked him.

“The test showed that I stopped breathing 56 times in one hour,” says Mr. Scarlata. “I was getting sleep, but it was not restful sleep.”

The sleep study confirmed that Mr. Scarlata is among the 12 million Americans who have sleep apnea syndrome. Though sleep apnea syndrome can strike anyone at any age, it is more common in men, people who are over 40 years old, and people who are overweight. If left untreated, sleep apnea syndrome can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, memory problems, weight gain and headaches.

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, sleep apnea occurs when breathing is interrupted during sleep. This can happen if a person’s airway becomes blocked from soft tissue in the back of the throat collapsing during sleep. It can also happen if the brain fails to send signals to the muscles to breathe. A combination of these two events is also possible.

In Mr. Scarlata’s case, his airway was blocked from soft tissue collapse. Karl Doghramji, MD, Medical Director of the Jefferson Sleep Disorders Center, suggested that Mr. Scarlata keep his airway open with assistance from CPAP, a mask worn during sleep.

CPAP is the most common treatment for sleep apnea syndrome. When CPAP is used, continuous positive airway pressure prevents the airway in the throat from closing. Each person’s CPAP is adjusted to allow just enough air pressure to keep the airway open. This helps makes the device more comfortable. The availability of many mask types, sizes and shapes also helps customize the treatment to each individual’s needs.

“As soon as I started using the CPAP, I started feeling better,” Mr. Scarlata says. “It took a long time to get used to it, but it was worth it. Now, I get restful sleep. I don’t feel so tired during the day.”

Many other treatments are also offered at Jefferson Sleep Disorders Center, including dental devices and surgery.

Dr. Doghramji says that some people with mild sleep apneam benefit from lifestyle changes such as the avoidance of alcohol and medicines that make you sleepy, and smoking. These habits make it harder for your throat to stay open during sleep. Other suggestions include losing weight if you are overweight.

Mr. Scarlata says that even though wearing a CPAP mask was a big adjustment, it was well worth it. He feels better now that he gets restful sleep, and happy that he is decreasing his risk for more serious health problems.

“I feel like I got my life back,” Mr. Scarlata concludes. “I can do anything and go anywhere now because I’m not tired all the time.”

To find out more about the Jefferson Sleep Disorders Center or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-JEFF-NOW.

Methodist Makes More Improvements

Methodist Hospital is nearing completion of three renovation and expansion projects that will increase patient and family comfort, and improve laboratory efficiency.
On the first floor of the hospital, a new waiting room will open for families of patients undergoing surgery. Located across from the hospital gift shop, the new waiting room will feature four seating areas with hardwood floors and soft lighting. Two of the areas will be outfitted with televisions. Additional features include a small hospitality area with free coffee and small snacks, a private bathroom, and a private consultation room where family members can speak to the surgeon the waiting area is expected to be completed by November.

On the second floor, major renovations in the diagnostic imaging area will also create a more welcoming environment. Improvements will include a new reception area for increased privacy, and separate waiting rooms for men and women. A separate holding area for hospital patients is also planned. The redesigned area will feature new flooring, ceiling tiles, wallpaper and indirect lighting, giving the area a more relaxing appearance. Renovations to the diagnostic imaging area are expected to be completed by January 2008.

Finally, Methodist Hospital’s first-floor clinical laboratory will be fully operational in November. The newly renovated and expanded lab will feature a new blood bank and state-of-the-art equipment for examining blood and tissue samples. The new laboratory will make it more convenient and efficient to process lab work for hospital patients.

The new lab will also feature an outpatient drawing station for patients who need blood samples taken. The area will include private reception and waiting areas, and two private areas for drawing blood.

To schedule an appointment for diagnostic imaging or outpatient laboratory services, call 215-952-1234.


Methodist Hospital Celebrates 115 Years of Service

115 yearsIt was the first year that electric streetcars ran in Philadelphia. There was no Mummers Parade back then, and the William Penn statue over City Hall had not yet been installed. In 1892, Philadelphia was quite a different city than it is today. But 115 years later, one thing remains the same. The same Methodist Hospital that opened its doors in 1892 continues to provide excellent quality care and comfort to the South Philadelphia community.

Just imagine the challenge of providing healthcare services in a time before penicillin was discovered. The brave men and women who provided healthcare services during Methodist Hospital’s earliest years were truly a special breed. They made many sacrifices to care for and comfort others during grave illness, and helped others celebrate the joys of new life, but not without risk. For example, during the Great Influenza Pandemic of 1928, 40 nurses became gravely ill. Three nurses died.

What makes Methodist Hospital so special today? It not only has unique historical roots, but also has earned the respect of the community through its quality of care and service. Methodist Hospital has achieved awardwinning patient satisfaction through the hard work and dedication of its physicians, nurses and staff, some of whom have provided service at Methodist for more than 40 years.

As we celebrate 115 years of service, Methodist Hospital’s physicians and nurses continue the tradition of quality, compassionate care to all who are in need. We continue to provide leadership in healthcare by offering innovative programs and services, continuously updating our technology, and providing support to community-based healthcare programs through the Methodist Hospital Foundation.

We thank you, our South Philadelphia neighbors, for continuing to support Methodist Hospital. We are proud to be your healthcare provider.

Digital Breast Cancer Technology Now at Methodist

Smile LadyThere’s new technology to diagnose breast cancer, and it’s all at Methodist Hospital.
Our Women’s Diagnostic Center is now using digital technology for all mammograms. Digital technology provides images with unrivaled clarity. Combined with our computer-aided detection technology, Breast MRI, Breast Ultrasound, and the first BSGI (Breast Specific Gamma Imaging) technology in Philadelphia, our technology for diagnosing breast cancer diagnosis is among the best in the region.

The Women’s Diagnostic Center at Methodist Hospital offers convenient day and evening appointments. We encourage patients to maximize their time by scheduling multiple exams for the same visit, including mammograms, ultrasounds and Dexascans for osteoporosis.

From our Medical Director, Lillian Stern, MD, who is nationally recognized for her pioneering work in mammography, to our experienced and respected radiologists, the Women’s Diagnostic Center offers medical expertise supported by advanced technology that you can trust. Call 215-952-1234 for an appointment.