SJMO IMPROVES WOMEN'S SERVICES

A message from William Jewell Jr,

tification Corporation Electronic Fetal Monitoring exam.

GYNECOLOGIC HEALTH SJMO offers a wide range of

MD, Chair, Department of Obstet-
rics and Gynecology

This has improved collaborative communication, use of

gynecological services, including minimally invasive surgery

standard terminology and understanding of interpretation

for hysterectomy, myomectomy and cancer surgery. Gy-

of fetal monitoring strips.

necologic cancer treatment also is available. We are privi-

In addition, SJMO voluntarily joined the Michigan Health

oncologists in Michigan on our medical staff.

Women's services at St. Joseph

Mercy Oakland (SJMO) are con-

WILLIAM
JEWELL JR., MD

leged to have one of only 13 board-certified gynecologic

stantly improving and expanding to

and Hospital Association Keystone Project, the goal of

ensure the safest and best-quality

which is to improve outcomes in the management of the

PATIENT SAFETY Many new patient safety initiatives have

care for our female patients.

more difficult areas of obstetrics.

been instituted at St. Joe over the past year. In recognition

of the success of these initiatives, SJMO was recognized

PREGNANCY AND DELIVERY The Birth Center at St. Joe

St. Joe also was one of nine Michigan hospitals selected

offers services such as maternal-fetal medicine (high-risk

to participate in a new initiative: a first-of-its-kind national

with a Trinity Excellence Award.

pregnancy care); a Level III neonatal intensive care unit

effort to significantly improve breastfeeding rates in states

Teamwork and communication have improved tremen-

(NICU); family-centered care; private, single-room care for

where rates are currently the lowest. It's an opportunity

dously, due in part to our multidisciplinary approach to

labor, delivery and recovery; and specially designed operating

for us to improve our mother/baby care services.

care and safety huddles that include doctors, nurses and

rooms for cesarean delivery, making your birthing experi-

ence safe, comfortable and memorable.

Our maternal-fetal medicine program has been highly

administrators.

BREAST CANCER SERVICES Our award-winning, per-

sonalized breast cancer services are bringing hope and

Finally, a national independent agency that provides phy-

help to women who have been touched by cancer. We

sician information and hospital quality outcomes named

successful in ensuring the survival rates and overall health

are privileged to be one of the first breast programs in the

SJMO among the top 5 percent of U.S. hospitals that ex-

of premature babies. It has helped many at-risk mothers

state to acquire a National Accreditation Program for Breast

celled in the treatment of women's health and awarded

carry their babies to term.

Centers (NAPBC) accreditation, demonstrating adherence

our hospital a five-star rating in women's health.

to national breast care standards. Our comprehensive

Other improvements for the safety of moms and babies

women's imaging center was among the first in Michigan

To learn more, visit the new and improved St. Joe website,

include:

to receive the prestigious American College of Radiology

stjoesoakland.org , which has a special Women and

• The percentage of early elective inductions performed

(ACR) Breast Imaging Center of Excellence designation.

at less than 39 weeks gestation is currently at 0 percent—

Children section. In addition to a virtual tour for obstetric

services, the website can provide you with information

far below the national average.

Most recently, we were awarded accreditation in breast

about your gynecological health, pregnancy, cancer care,

• NICU admissions greater than 37 weeks have remained

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by the ACR. Digital

breast health and services to care for your kids.

low, at less than 2 percent.

mammography, ultrasound, ultrasound-guided core biopsy,

• More than 108 nurses, resident physicians and attending
physicians have successfully completed the National Cer-

and stereotactic core biopsy and breast nurse navigators

So why come to SJMO to take care of your health?

are among the other services we offer.

Why not?

PREVENTING FALLS AMONG OLDER ADULTS

When an older adult falls, it can

According to Dr Revankar, there are factors in the home

mean serious'injury or even death.

that put an older adult at risk of falling:

But there are steps people over

• Throw rugs

age 65 can take to prevent falls.

• Clutter on the floor or stairs

• Carrying heavy or bulky items up/down stairs

VARSHA
REVANKAR, MD

BACKGROUND According

• Lack of stair railings

to St. Joseph Mercy Oakland

• Lack of grab bars in the bathroom

(SJMO) Internal Medicine Spe-

• Poor lighting

cialistVarsha Revankar, MD, "one-

third of the population over the

PREVENTION "Falls lead to loss of self-confidence to

age of 65 falls each year, and the risk of falls increases

ambulate (move about) and post-fall anxiety syndrome,"

with age. At age 80, more than half of older adults fall an-

says Dr. Revankar. To prevent falls, she recommends:

nually. Those who fall are two to three times more likely
to fall again."

• Removing tripping hazards

Older adults who fall may have fractures or lacerations or

• Avoiding wet floors

• Leaving plenty of room to move about
• Securing carpets to floors and stairs

may need to be hospitalized. Some injuries can cause bleed-

• Avoiding going out alone on ice and snow

ing in the head or brain and can be fatal. Hip fractures are

• Installing adequate lighting

a leading cause of injury and loss of independence among

• Keeping a flashlight by the bed

older adults. More than 40 percent of nursing home ad-

• Using corner protection guards on wall corners, door-

missions are due to falls.

frames, cupboards and stair edges

RISK FACTORS What causes an older adult to fall? Some

After the first fall, an older adult should see his or her

of the risk factors include:

physician to learn why he or she has fallen and to pre-

• Leg muscle weakness

vent future falls.The physician may change medications,

• Balance and gait problems

recommend the use of assistive devices or adjust the

• Significant drop in blood pressure after getting up

individual's footwear

• Slow reflexes

A physician can guide seniors on how to eliminate risk
factors for falls.

care provider can help you decide what changes to make."

• Foot problems and wearing unsafe footwear

"Getting rid of your fear of falling can help you to stay

• Vision and sensory problems, like numbness in the feet
• Medications

active, maintain your physical health and prevent future

To locate an internal medicine specialist near you, call

falls," says Dr. Revankar. "Your physician or other health

800-372-6094.

FALL 2012

2

MICHIGAN MEDICAL REPORT