SENIOR CONNECTIONS OUTPATIENT PROGRAM OPENS

Randolph Medical Center, through its Senior Connections division, has begun a structured outpatient service. This service is an integral part of the recently opened geriatric psychiatric inpatient program. The structured outpatient program offers group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy for senior patients. These sessions are tailored specifically to the patient and include such things as Grief and Loss, Journal Writing, Relapse Prevention, and Psychotherapy.

“Sometimes you can’t ‘just get over it’,” says Laura Byard, LPC, Outpatient Therapist at Randolph Medical Center. “Depression, worrying, grief, and confusion can all contribute to a change in mood or anxiety level,” adds Byard. “With assistance, all of these areas can be improved no matter what the age,” says Byard.

“Inpatient services began in January. We are very excited to now offer Outpatient treatment to provide a continuum of care to patients who seek and need our services,” remarked Amy Rollins, Intake Coordinator for Senior Connections. The structured outpatient program will run from 9am – 1pm. Senior Connections will provide transportation as needed to those who live in close proximity to the hospital.

A family member, a friend or a health care professional can arrange for a confidential evaluation. Structured outpatient program assessments, consultations and evaluations are provided free. Licensed and professional staffs are available Monday through Friday to provide this service. All patients are under the care of a physician while in the program. For further information or to make an appointment please call (334) 863-4111 Ext. 1521


RMC AWARDED ACCREDITATION IN MAMMOGRAPHY

RMC has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in mammography as the result of a recent survey by the American College of Radiology.

The ACR, headquartered in Reston, VA., awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation of the practice. Evaluations are conducted by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. They assess the qualifications of the personnel and the adquacy of facility equipment. The surveyors report their findings to the ACR's Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report.

The ACR is a national organization serving more than 32,000 diagnostic-interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, and nuclear medicine and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care service.

"I've been providing mamograms to patients for the past 4 years and I love it," states Monica Gosdin, Mammography Tech at RMC. "It's such an important part of women's health. Research has shown that if all women age 50 and older would have a mammogram every year, it would reduce breast cancer deaths by 30%. I encourage every woman to come see me."

After receiving ACR accreditation, Dr. Bayo stated "Monica Gosdin, our Mammography Technologist, has done an excellent job in preparing and maintaining the department for ACR and State inspections. We congratulate her and the Department on a job well done." Fernando Bayo III, M.D. heads the radiology group, Chattahoochee Valley Imaging, that has provided Board Certified radiologists for Randolph Medical Center since 1999.

HOSPITAL FORMS RAPID RESPONSE TEAM

RMC has recently implemented a Rapid Response Team (RRT). RRT is a nationwide effort designed to decrease mortality rates; it is a part of the 100,000 lives campaign.
RRT may be summoned at any time by anyone in the hospital to assist in the care of a patient who appears acutely ill. The goal is to intervene before the patient experiences cardiopulmonary arrest.
The criteria for calling the RRT Team may include an acute change in vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate), an acute drop in blood oxygen level, decreased urine output, altered mental function, or any staff member's concern about a patient.
Along with the RRT, Randolph Medical Center is implementing the SBAR communication model. SBAR stands for situation, background, assessment, and recommendation. The SBAR communication model originated in the United States Navy Nuclear Division. This model provides solid communication between healthcare providers.
"It is an exciting time at RMC. Our services are growing, and we have an awesome opportunity to implement this life-saving program. I think that our patients and staff will benefit from the supportive environment that this model provides," said Amy Bassett, Director of Nursing at RMC.
Randolph Medical Center's Rapid Response Team will consist of a highly skilled RN with ACLS certification, a cardiopulmonary therapist, and a hospitalist.

NEIGHBORS CARING FOR NEIGHBORS

‘Neighbors Caring for Neighbors’ is a new slogan for Randolph Medical Center but an old obligation. It is a core value that has been around since the hospital was built 54 years ago. Interestingly it’s also a slogan that cuts both ways.

From its earliest beginnings Randolph Medical Center and Roanoke have been intertwined. Handley Mills factory workers donated a day’s pay to help build the hospital in 1952. Since then countless civic groups, companies, and individuals have donated time, expertise and money to beautify, enhance and expand RMC. Without question RMC has been there for the people of Roanoke but just as importantly the people of Roanoke have always generously and graciously been there for RMC.

RMC is now entering a new phase. Late last year the hospital was leased by the city of Roanoke. This has been an exciting development that has marked a rebirth for the institution. New owners, new Board of Directors and new management are working in concert to fulfill the old promise made half a century ago.

To that end the Board of Directors have embarked on a campaign to renovate patient rooms. The idea is to revisit a job that was started several years ago but never finished. All seventeen rooms in the patient wing of the hospital need a face lift. These rooms are occupied daily by our patients and your friends, family and neighbors. Ask any nurse and they’ll tell you that the environment of care plays a vital role in the outcome of care.

Randolph Medical Center employees have started the job, donating the funds to completely renovate room 219. But now we need your help to complete the project. We have embarked on a Neighbors Caring for Neighbors campaign. This effort is aimed at raising the necessary funds to make our inpatient rooms something we can all take pride in.