Uncategorized – Here for Life

10 years later: 35W Bridge Collapse

August 1, 2017

Heroes come in all forms. While we remember the rescue efforts of the first responders and caregivers after the 35W Bridge went down, our thoughts are with those who didn’t make it — and the patients we cared for whose lives were changed forever.

As a Level I Trauma Center we routinely conduct exercises to prepare us for the worst. On August 1, 2007 we definitely experienced what this can look like. A bridge that safely carried millions across the mighty Mississippi lost its strength that day, but the event strengthened perseverance and resolve in its aftermath and brought us closer as a community.

We’re here for life.

(Photo: Emergency physicians John Hick, Joe Clinton, Doug Brunette and Bill Heegaard were on duty the night of August 1, 2007.)

Redesigning the patient experience

June 9, 2017

Preparing to move to the new Clinic and Specialty Center next April is much more than packing boxes and moving the equipment to a new location. In reality, it represents a tremendous opportunity to rethink clinic flow, standardize the process and determine what it will take to deliver the best experience for our patients and the most efficient model for providers.

That’s why our orthopedic team started participating as a Model Cell, and evaluating every aspect of their operation almost two years in advance of their anticipated move. They are piloting tests of change to enhance our services, and the improvements will be imbedded in every clinical area that is moving to the new building. (more…)

When you’re not ready for hospice: the IMPACT care model

May 15, 2017

IMPACT is a Medicare model utilized at Hospice of the Twin Cities that provides support and care coordination for terminally-ill patients who live at home, have Medicare Parts A & B eligibility, and who continue to treat their CHF, COPD, HIV or cancer diagnosis.

IMPACT patients are not yet ready for hospice and continue to get treatment for their illness. The model provides hospice-like support through telephonic case management along with social work, home health, and spiritual care services, adding to a patient’s plan of care and treatment. Oftentimes, stigma alone prevents patients from choosing hospice, and if such services are offered as patients treat their disease, their quality of life can improve significantly. Ultimately, they are likely to experience the benefits of hospice – seeing it as enhancing and not ending life – and will opt for hospice when ready. (more…)

Get your spots checked

April 21, 2017

Join us on May 1st for our annual Melanoma Monday event to receive free spot checks for unusual or suspicious spots or moles on your skin.

Melanoma, one of the least common forms of skin cancer, can be deadly. It can occur anywhere on the skin. Although the exact cause is not clear, the risk of developing it is increased with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning lamps and beds. Limiting exposure reduces the risk. Cases of melanoma have been increasing over the years, especially in younger women. (more…)