NVH Newsletter November 2024

CT Machine:

The new CT is installed and looking much better than the picture we shared last month. The upgrade from our previous CT scanner at 32 slices to 64 slices significantly enhances diagnostic capabilities. With 64 slices, the scanner provides higher-resolution images, allowing for more detailed visualization of complex structures, such as blood vessels, organs, and soft tissues.

This upgrade reduces scan times, improving patient comfort and throughput, while also enabling better detection of small lesions, improved 3D reconstructions, and more accurate assessments of coronary arteries and other critical areas. Overall, the increased slice count improves diagnostic accuracy, leading to better patient outcomes.

Extended Care Surveyors:

Fresh off the State and Federal Survey for the Hospital Division, the Extended Care is undergoing its annual surprise survey. Nursing home surveyors are trained professionals who conduct regular inspections to ensure that long-term care facilities meet federal and state quality and patient safety regulations. They assess various factors, including staff qualifications, patient care practices, cleanliness, safety protocols, resident rights, and the overall physical environment.

Their goal is to ensure that residents receive high-quality care in a safe and supportive environment. The survey process is important because it helps identify areas for improvement, ensures compliance with standards, and protects vulnerable residents.

We collaborate with surveyors by providing requested documentation, answering questions, and addressing any concerns raised during the inspection. This collaboration enhances the facility's performance and maintains a high standard of care.

Next month, we will summarize any findings and our plans to correct them.

Dry Needling:

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique in which a trained physical therapist inserts small, sterile filament needles into the skin and muscle directly into a muscle trigger point, or concentration of knots within a muscle. 

This technique has proven successful in treating muscle pain and dysfunction, migraine, dental pain, and muscle dysfunction limiting range of motion or strength.  

We are proud to announce that four of our PTs have completed rigorous training and testing to be certified to offer this technique to our patients.  They are getting great results having now treated 55 patients since October. 

Diagnoses have included:  Pain, Bursitis, Muscle Strain, Migraine, Headache not classified as migraine, Nerve Impingement, Sciatica, Patella-Femoral Disorder, and Joint Capsulitis. 

We are happy to be able to offer this service to our community.

Announcements:

• Medicare Open Enrollment

  • Closes on Dec 7th

  • The Office of the Insurance Commissioners provides a free, impartial service called SHIBAs (Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisors). These volunteers can help you assess your coverage needs and eligibility and help you enroll. Call 1-888-452-0731 to make an appointment with a SHIBA.

• Nationwide IV Fluid Shortage

  • All Hospitals remain in conservation mode following hurricane-related supply disruptions.

  • At NVH our supply has started to improve and we hope to see continued shipments.

• Hospital Foundation Scholarship Awardees:

  • Charlee Buchert, Karlie Richey, and Kendra Castrejon each were awarded $1000 to continue their education in pursuit of a healthcare career. Congratulations!

• Board Meeting Date Changes

  • Due to holidays and the budget approval schedule the Board Meetings have changed for November and December. The new dates are:

    • November 14 7pm (today!)

    • December 19 7pm