2016 A Year of Progress!

March 27, 2017

Fitzgibbon Chiropractic Now Open

      In August 2016, Fitzgibbon Hospital announced the addition of chiropractic services as part of the new Fitzgibbon Chiropractic practice inside Fitzgibbon Medical Clinic. Fitzgibbon Chiropractic is staffed by lifelong area resident, Kylie Heying, D.C. who provides care for men, women and children of all ages.

      One area in which Dr. Heying has made an impact is in the care provided to expectant mothers who are patients of Marshall Women's Care. Women frequently experience low back pain. Through chiropractic care, Dr. Heying has been able to provide some relief to these patients.

      "I am ‘Webster Certified.’ The Webster Technique is specific to pregnant women, and it focuses on balancing the pelvis to make labor easier and shorter. You can make moms more comfortable during their pregnancy and make it easier for their baby to be positioned properly in the pelvis," said Heying.

      As someone who has played sports and continues to be a sports fan, Heying also says she knows of the benefits of chiropractic care for those who are dealing with some sports-related injuries.

      "I love sports, so I've always worked with sports injuries. I had training in school that specifically addressed sports injuries. I like to see individuals who have had sports injuries to their extremities like their hip, knee, shoulder, wrist or foot. Sometimes a simple adjustment can alleviate the pain and help them heal," said Heying. "An injury in your joints or extremities decreases motion, which affects your nerve flow and causes pain. With chiropractic care, we work to put more motion into the joint which improves that nerve flow, lessens pain and restores range of motion to the joint."

      To make your appointment at Fitzgibbon Chiropractic, call (660) 831-3743.

New CT Equipment Part of Diagnostic Imaging Upgrade

      As part of its ongoing investment to ensure patients and physicians have access to the most up-to-date technology, Fitzgibbon Hospital in December 2016 implemented a significant upgrade to its diagnostic imaging capabilities via the installation of a new CT scanner. The upgrade is part of a multi-year investment in diagnostic imaging which included the implementation of a 3D mammography unit, installation of new ultrasound equipment and the replacement of endoscopy equipment which includes a high-definition camera.

      “This new CT scanner will allow us to provide CT scans with a lower radiation dose and will provide our radiologists with an improved image to help them forward the best feedback to the physicians providing treatment,” said Mike Ayers, Nuclear Medicine, CT and MRI Supervisor for Fitzgibbon Hospital.

      Unlike X-rays, which provide a one dimensional “flat” image, a CT scan (also referred to as a CAT scan), provides multiple layers of images linked together. This gives providers a cross-sectional view to better detect a variety of diseases and conditions. CT scans are often used in the detection of cancer, cardiovascular disease, internal bleeding from trauma as well as other musculoskeletal disorders.

      “This new equipment is a great compliment to the services we provide in our Community Cancer Center, as it integrates well with the planning that is required for radiation therapy. It also will greatly improve our diagnostic capabilities to identify problems within blood vessels. It also will help with detection of stroke and other vascular diseases, as we will be able to view the patient’s blood vessels in high definition,” said Ayers.

Endoscopy Equipment Upgraded

      The addition of a high-definition camera, high-definition monitors and a more patient-friendly method of inflating the colon all add up to a significant improvement in the quality of care for patients undergoing an endoscopy. Screening colonoscopies, which are recommended for everyone beginning at age 50, are among the procedures which utilize the newly upgraded equipment.

      “The new endoscopy equipment is a significant upgrade for our hospital in several key ways,” said Jason E. Gault, DO, General Surgeon with Marshall Surgical Associates. “The new equipment allows us to utilize carbon dioxide gasses instead of regular air to inflate the colon. Utilizing carbon dioxide allows the body to absorb the gasses more quickly, which leads to a better experience for the patient. Additionally, the new equipment provides a much higher resolution image with lower distortion. This means we surgeons have a better view of the lining of the colon. High definition monitors round out the upgrade.”

      Fitzgibbon Hospital has long performed screening and diagnostic colonoscopies for the detection and biopsy of colorectal cancer. Screening colonoscopies are used by surgeons to look at the lining of the colon to detect polyps, or small growths, which could be cancerous or precancerous. If no polyps are detected, then the colonoscopy is called a screening colonoscopy. If, however, polyps are found and removed, the colonoscopy is then considered to be a diagnostic colonoscopy.

      In addition to colonoscopy, the high-definition equipment installed at Fitzgibbon Hospital also can be utilized for upper gastrointestinal tract screenings for esophageal cancer as well as peptic and duodenal ulcers. For people who experience heartburn or indigestion one or more days a week, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can erode the lining of the esophagus and inflame the cells in the esophagus which can lead to esophageal cancer.

Schreckhise joins Grand River Medical Clinic in Brunswick

      Grand River Medical Clinic in Brunswick announced the arrival of Brooke Schreckhise, Family Nurse Practitioner in November 2016. Schreckhise works in conjunction with Sandi Moser, FNP, to deliver primary care to Chariton County residents. In addition to these advanced practice nurses at Grand River Medical Clinic, physician Lorenzo Romney, D.O., also treats patients at the Rural Health Clinic, which follows the Patient Centered Medical Home model of care.

      “Having a new family nurse practitioner to work alongside Sandi Moser is a big benefit for the residents in our community. Their work alongside Dr. Romney makes Grand River Medical Clinic a great place for receiving care for the whole family,” said Andrew Snyder, clinic director for Grand River Medical Clinic.

      Walk-ins are welcome at Grand River Medical Clinic, located at 815 East Broadway, directly across from Brunswick R-II School, at the corner of Missouri State Road Y and East Broadway Street. For questions about Grand River Medical Clinic or to schedule a time to see nurse Schreckhise, call (660) 548-3161.

New Service Connects Patients to Doctors and Lowers Hospital Readmissions

      A new program rolled out in August 2016 which includes an in-home visit from a Fitzgibbon Hospital advanced practice nurse will help calm some of the uncertainties following a hospital stay and, at the same time, reduce the chance of patients needing additional hospital care for the same or related condition, known in the health care industry as a hospital “readmission.” The new Transitional Care Management program works to provide patient education, follow-up with an advanced practice registered nurse, collaboration with the patient's primary care provider and assistance with additional community resources. A unique aspect of the program is that it includes an in-home visit that is separate from any Home Health services the patient may be prescribed when they are released from the hospital.

      "Transitional Care Management will be offered to any patient who has been admitted to the hospital, either as an inpatient or in observation, that is deemed at high risk for readmission, based on their medical diagnosis and screening of social risk factors ," said Alyssa Ferri, MSN, R.N., AGCNS-BC, Transitional Care coordinator at Fitzgibbon Hospital. A Board-Certified Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Ferri joined the staff at Fitzgibbon Hospital 16 years ago. She transitioned to her new role in May of 2016. As an advanced practice nurse, Ferri has the same licensure in Missouri as a nurse practitioner, who sees patients in collaboration with a physician in an office or other patient care setting.

Hand Specialist Clinton F. Pickett, D.O., Brings New Expertise to Fitzgibbon

Fitzgibbon Hospital announced the addition of Dr. Clinton Pickett, orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in hand surgery, who began seeing patients in January 2016, in the Marshall Orthopedics and Sports Medicine clinic on the second floor of Fitzgibbon Hospital.

Clinton Pickett, D.O., is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a special interest and training in caring for injuries and problems of the hand. Pickett works alongside Kelly Ross, D.O., Richard White, M.D., Miles Romney, P.A. and Carrie Lucas, FNP to deliver a full range of orthopedic services to people of all ages.

Jared Romney, D.O., joins the Medical Staff as a Hospitalist

      Jared Romney, D.O., joined the medical staff at Fitzgibbon Hospital in July 2016 as part of the team of doctors providing care to hospitalized patients. Dr. Romney is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. He joins other board-certified hospitalists Melanie Elfrink, M.D., and Lorenzo Romney, D.O., in caring for inpatients at Fitzgibbon.

      The Romney name is familiar to area residents, as medicine is truly a “family business.” Lorenzo Romney, D.O., is Dr. Jared Romney's father and is part of the hospitalist program at Fitzgibbon Hospital. He also sees patients at both Marshall Family Practice and Grand River Medical Clinic in Brunswick. L. Miles Romney, P.A., is Dr. Jared Romney's brother and is a Physician Assistant collaborating with Kelly Ross, D.O., at Marshall Orthopedic and Sports Medicine

Jason Gault, D.O., joins Marshall Surgical Associates

            Jason E. Gault, D.O., M.B.A., is a board-certified general surgeon who joined Fitzgibbon Hospital in early 2016. Gault joined the staff after having served as the chair of the Department of Surgery at Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe from January 2011 until September 2015.

            "We are very pleased to have Dr. Jason Gault join the staff of Marshall Surgical Associates and Fitzgibbon Hospital. Having Dr. Gault on our staff will allow us to expand our surgical services and surgical coverage. Dr. Gault has proven himself as a capable surgeon with a loyal base of patients who speak highly of his work," said Darin Haug, D.O., President and CEO of Fitzgibbon Hospital

      The addition of Dr. Gault to the surgical team means Fitzgibbon Hospital has 24-hour surgical coverage in the case of emergencies and/or trauma and ensures greater access to this type of care for members of the community.

Vasectomy Services Now Offered at Fitzgibbon

      Men from the area can now undergo a vasectomy procedure without having to leave the community, thanks to general surgeon Jason E. Gault, D.O., MBA, at Marshall Surgical Associates inside the Fitzgibbon Medical Clinic. Vasectomy is a less invasive form of sterilization for men than tubal ligation, which is a sterilization surgery performed on women.

      "Vasectomy is a surgical procedure that makes a man sterile so that he can no longer have children. We remove a portion of the vas deferens duct, which blocks the sperm from leaving the testicles. The procedure takes about an hour to do. If the procedure is done only under local anesthesia, they can drive themselves to the hospital and back home. If they choose to have sedation during the procedure they will need to have a ride home. If they choose to have pain medication administered to ‘take the edge off’ afterwards, they will need to have a ride home as well. It is the patient's choice whether to use sedation or not," said Gault.

     

“Fitz” the ICare Bear - a Special Gift for Pediatric Patients

      Young patients at Fitzgibbon Hospital now have a new friend. This friend isn't a doctor, advanced practice nurse or other staff member. He is considerably softer than that and is sure to bring a smile to the faces of children who are encountering a medical injury or procedure. The bear giveaway began in September 2016.

      "The idea for ‘Fitz the I Care Bear’ came out of our Pediatric Task Force that began meeting earlier this year. Being in the hospital can be scary for kids, and we wanted to give our staff something they could use to help make their pediatric patients more comfortable," said Katina Laxson, BSN-RN, CNML, director of Outpatient Services for Fitzgibbon Hospital.

      Jenny Mills, whose daughter was apprehensive about riding the school bus following a recent accident, said the Fitz I-Care bears are offering comfort for her kids well beyond their time at Fitzgibbon.

      “The day after the accident, both of my kids took their comfort animals that they got at Fitzgibbon with them on the bus,” said Mills. “I saw them putting them in their backpacks again the day after that.”

Fitzgibbon Designated a “Most Wired” Hospital in Missouri

      Fitzgibbon Hospital is one of only a dozen Missouri hospitals recently recognized as HealthCare's "Most Wired" Hospitals for 2016. The recognition was announced in July 2016 Chicago at the American Hospital Association's Health Forum. Fitzgibbon Hospital staff have implemented more than 100 projects over the course of four years to earn the designation.

      These projects have included migration from paper to an electronic health record, implementation of a patient portal which patients can access online, upgrades to software and services, network security, bedside medication reconciliation, compliance with patient privacy standards and installation of a hospital-wide wireless network for patients and visitors.

      Fitzgibbon Hospital is one of only 12 hospitals in the state to earn the "Most Wired" recognition. Other hospitals included the University of Missouri Healthcare system in Columbia, Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Truman Medical Center in Kansas City, Mosaic Life Care in Saint Joseph and CoxHealth in Springfield.