Uncategorized – Here for Life

National EMS Week: Ready today. Preparing for tomorrow.

May 15, 20204

May 17-23 is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, which honors the dedication of emergency medical professionals who respond to and take care of our citizens throughout the community.

Hennepin Emergency Medical Services has been serving our community for more than 125 years. Though they may look a little different this year with the addition of personal protective equipment, their mission remains the same: to provide outstanding medical services in times of crisis to the residents and visitors of Hennepin County.

The theme of this year’s observance is “Ready today. Preparing for tomorrow.” and is particularly meaningful as EMS professionals support the health and well-being of our communities while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. (more…)

An Elbow Bump is Not a Hug

May 13, 20202

A poem from Steve Grove, a member of our Spiritual Care team.

An elbow bump is not a hug.

It was kind of fun at first I guess; a novel addition to social grace.

As new restrictions settled in; no handshakes now on elevators or in halls. (more…)

Cardiac rehab in an app

May 8, 2020

Did you know that only 20% – 30% of people who have been referred to cardiac rehabilitation actually make a first appointment? At Hennepin Healthcare it’s a little more, however those statistics are alarming and quite distressing.

Who gets referred to cardiac rehabilitation? Patients that have had a heart attack, heart surgery, heart failure, stents, angioplasty, among other procedures should attend cardiac rehabilitation. The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Hennepin Healthcare designs individualized programs for each patient’s needs. (more…)

Rituals and resilience

May 1, 20201

A ritual plays out in our pediatric clinics. A happy baby lays on an office table. They receive a vaccine, an undoubtedly stressful experience. They cry, but then loving adults comfort and calm them. Baby learns that even though scary things happen, good people help us through.

While we all socially distance from a frightening foe, pediatricians are seeing fewer well-baby checkups and ear infections. In the quiet moments between patients, we now check in with families to determine what ways we can help. Some families are struggling. Some are thriving. In fact, we all are at times struggling and thriving.

(more…)

Skin care during coronavirus days and PPE

April 27, 2020

Jenny Liu, MD, Chief of Dermatology at Hennepin Healthcare, recently shared some skin tips to our healthcare staff who are on the front lines fighting COVID -19. Since then, not only are all staff wearing masks, but essential workers such as our wonderful grocery store clerks and the general public are wearing masks. These can take a toll on your face.

Long periods of tight masks will increase dryness, irritate preexisting sensitive skin, and cause acne. (more…)

CEO update: 7,000 strong against COVID-19 related racism and discrimination

April 8, 2020

Dear Colleagues,

Hennepin Healthcare, along with Hennepin County and the State of Minnesota, stands strong against racism and xenophobia. At a time when we are facing the COIVD-19 pandemic, this seems especially important to reiterate and to stand strong alongside our Asian community. Our values of respect and compassion guide us to support our patients and colleagues in the face of virus-related racism and discrimination. We are 7,000 strong and a force of good against COVID-19 related racism and discrimination. (more…)

A message from our CEO

March 20, 20203

To all of our cherished patients, outstanding staff and valued members of the community:

As we navigate through the COVID-19 public health crisis together, your trust is very important to all of us here at Hennepin Healthcare. Your health is our greatest priority. As an organization, we are committed to keeping you informed and vow to do our absolute best to support you as things rapidly evolve. We are all experiencing varying levels of uneasiness and distress, which is why it is so important – now more than ever – to support one another in every way possible. (more…)

World Delirium Awareness Day is March 11, but what exactly is delirium?

March 10, 2020

Delirium is a rapid change in brain function which affects the ability to focus attention. Often confused with dementia, delirium can fluctuate over the course of a day with periods of clarity followed by increased confusion. It is caused by many issues that patients can experience while hospitalized. Those most at risk for developing delirium are:

Critically-ill patients (in the ICU)
Older adults greater than 70 years of age
Patients post-surgery
Those with previous cognitive impairment/dementia, multiple medical conditions, sensory impairment, or immobility while hospitalized

However, more than 60% of patients with delirium are not recognized by health care systems. Hypoactive delirium (appearing to be sedated) is difficult to diagnose, and more consistently care providers think a patient is just sleepy or depressed. Hyperactive delirium (appearing aggressive or restless) is more recognizable but can be misdiagnosed as dementia. But how can delirium be prevented? Read on to learn more about this often misunderstood condition as part of World Delirium Awareness Day. (more…)