<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7NJcwicaQOk" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Because the supply of COVID-19 vaccines is still limited, few know what being vaccinated is like, and many people have questions about the process. Emergency medicine physician, William Zirkin, MD, who was the first person at GBMC to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, participated in WBAL Radio’s Coronavirus Townhall to describe his experience. <br> <br> For the past 10 months, Dr. Zirkin’s life has looked very different than it did before the pandemic. Every day that he goes to work, he wears a mask and PPE and fully changes his clothes when he gets to his car. When he gets home, he immediately showers in order to protect his family. While the challenge of treating a new disease has been exciting for him, it is also stressful. “Compared to other diseases, this is really a unique problem because it’s so contagious and prevalent,” he explained. “You’re worried about both yourself and your patients, so it really is a completely different clinical experience for me.” <br> <br> When it was time to be vaccinated, Dr. Zirkin was the first in line. “I was thrilled to get it,” he said, “it’s been a long road, and in a few weeks when full immunity kicks in, I’ll feel really good about it.” Asked about the side effects he experienced, Dr. Zirkin described them as very minimal. “I received the Moderna vaccine. After the first dose, I had a minor headache, and after the second, I felt a little sore and tired.” He was able to go about his day without interruption. “It wasn’t a big deal at all,” he explained. <br> <br> Not everyone getting vaccinated will have the same experience. Studies have shown that it is possible to develop symptoms such as: </p> <ul> <li> Muscle aches </li> <li> Fatigue </li> <li> Headache </li> <li> Chills </li> <li> Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea </li> </ul> These symptoms should go away within 48 hours. Rarely, an allergic reaction to the vaccine can occur. There is a 15-minute observation period after every vaccination to ensure that patients stay well and receive additional care if needed. There have been no severe reactions to the vaccine at GBMC. <br> <br> Dr. Zirkin maintains an optimistic outlook. “We’re starting to see a plateau in cases and hospitalizations. I’m hopeful that as more and more people get vaccinated, we’ll be able to get back to some semblance of normal. I think we’re moving in the right direction.” To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and GBMC’s vaccination process, visit www.gbmc.org/covid-19-vaccine-faq.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XQKImkboG1M" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> There has been a lot of concern about the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations in the State of Maryland and across the country. To help answer some of the public’s questions, John B. Chessare, MD, MPH, President and CEO of GBMC, joined WBAL Radio’s Coronavirus Townhall to explain local vaccine distribution and how GBMC is responding to the ever-changing situation. <br> <br> “Our team has done a remarkable job,” he said, “there has been a lot in the news about the speed at which vaccines were being given, but I don’t think that’s the full story. We had to create systems that did not exist in order to immunize people.” The situation remains fluid. There is not a set schedule for when doses are delivered to hospitals or how many will come, making it challenging to plan. Each week, the State gets an allotment of vaccines from the federal government, which it then distributes to local hospitals and health departments. “We don’t actually know how many doses we are going to get from week to week,” Dr. Chessare explained, “that makes it very difficult to schedule.” <br> <br> GBMC HealthCare is following the State’s timeline for vaccinating patients and community members. Due to the limited supply of doses available, Marylanders ages 65 and over must be given priority for COVID-19 vaccine over all other groups in Phase 1B and 1C. “We are also working with school systems to vaccinate teachers and other educators,” he said. Dr. Chessare recognized the difficulty and frustration many are having making a vaccination appointment, but he urged people to be patient. <br> <br> He also assured those who have received their first dose at GBMC that there will be a second dose for them. Every morning, a team meets to go over the schedule and make sure that every single person vaccinated at GBMC will have access to their second dose. There is also a team watching throughout the day to account for last-minute cancellations and no-shows. “If they see it’s possible that a slot will go unfilled, they immediately contact someone else who can fill it. GBMC has wasted zero vaccines.” To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and GBMC’s vaccination process, visit www.gbmc.org/covid-19-vaccine-faq. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dhDVvYaqQW4" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Finding a new healthcare provider can be a daunting task. It’s difficult to know whether they’ll be a good fit for you from just a biography and a photo online. In the series, “What’s Up, Dr. Dovec?” GBMC bariatric surgeon, Elizabeth Dovec, MD, FACS, FASMB, interviews providers across the GBMC HealthCare System so you can get to know them on a personal level and learn more about their specialties. In this episode, Dr. Dovec interviews Director of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Diana Whitehead, MD. <br> <br> Gastroenterology is truly an all-encompassing field. Dr. Whitehead describes it to her patients by saying “we take care of anywhere from the mouth to the anus.” This can include the esophagus, the intestines, the colon, and even the liver. The discussion began with one of the most important parts of Dr. Whitehead’s job – screening. Recently, there has been a rise in colorectal cancer, which highlights the need for regular screenings. For many years, it was recommended that people of average risk begin getting colonoscopies at age 50, but in October 2020, the <a href="https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/american-cancer-society-updates-colorectal-cancer-screening-guideline.html" target="_blank">American Cancer Society lowered the age to 45</a>. <br> <br> Dr. Whitehead acknowledged that many patients are apprehensive about this procedure, but emphasized its importance for catching and preventing cancer. During a colonoscopy, clinicians are able to check for cancer and remove any polyps that might be found in the colon. Polyps are clumps of cells that form along the lining of the colon. While not all polyps are precancerous, many are. Removing those cells can prevent cancer from forming and potentially save that person’s life. <br> <br> Dr. Whitehead said that GBMC has almost cleared the backlog of appointments from the beginning of the pandemic, but recognized that some patients are still hesitant to come to the hospital. She assured viewers that GBMC follows significant safety precautions such as mask wearing, chairs spaced apart to maintain social distancing, protective barriers, and regular cleanings. Dr. Whitehead urged patients who are due for a colonoscopy to call and schedule one as soon as possible. <br> <br> The conversation then shifted to Dr. Whitehead’s background. She lived in the West African country of Ghana until she was 10 years old, and then moved to the United States. She spent the rest of her childhood in Germantown, MD, which she considers home. Her Ghanaian roots inspired her to go into medicine because she saw how challenging it was for some people to access healthcare there. <br> <br> After receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland, Dr. Whitehead travelled north for her medical training. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University, completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, and went on to a fellowship in Gastroenterology with a focus in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. After fulfilling all her training, Dr. Whitehead moved back to Maryland. “I learned a lot up north,” she said, “but it was time for me to come home.” <br> <br> While Dr. Whitehead enjoys general gastroenterology, she is truly passionate about treating patients with IBD and was thrilled when she had the opportunity to lead the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at GBMC. She explained that inflammatory bowel diseases, which are different from irritable bowel disease, cause structural damage to the bowel, creating symptoms that can significantly disrupt a person’s life. The Center offers IBD patients multidisciplinary care with access to gastroenterologists, nurse practitioners, general surgeons, radiologists, and more. “I feel like treating patients with IBD allows me to make a tangible difference in their quality of life,” she expressed. When asked why she chose GBMC, Dr. Whitehead simply stated: “Working here is like coming home to friends and family. I truly enjoy every minute of it.” To make an appointment with Dr. Whitehead or schedule a colonoscopy, please call the Gastroenterology office at 443-849-3400. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/03pUT37Z3YY" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Having to find a new healthcare provider can be a daunting task. It’s difficult to know whether the provider will be a good fit for you from just a biography and a photo online. In the series, “What’s Up, Dr. Dovec?” GBMC bariatric surgeon, Elizabeth Dovec, MD, FACS, FASMB, interviews providers across the GBMC HealthCare System so you can get to know them on a personal level and learn more about their specialties. In this episode, Dr. Dovec interviews Jennifer Sullivan, MD, a thoracic surgeon at GBMC. They talked about lung cancer screening and treatment. <br> <br> “Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in both men and women, but because there are usually no symptoms during the early stages of the disease, most patients are diagnosed when receiving care for another problem,” said Dr. Sullivan. “I hear from patients so often, ‘I had no idea I had lung cancer. I was in an accident and broke my rib and they found the lung care by accident on the CT scan.’” <br> <br> While there are usually no symptoms in lung cancer’s earliest stages, if the tumor is located in certain parts of the lung, it can cause coughing up blood and recurrent pneumonia. If you experience these symptoms, you should see your primary care provider who can start the process of finding the cause of your symptoms. <br> <br> Unlike breast and colon cancer, there is no widespread lung cancer screening. Dr. Sullivan explained that’s because screening everyone not only exposes them to the radiation of the CT scan, it also often finds nodules that are not cancer. Those findings can lead to invasive testing to confirm that they’re not cancerous. <br> <br> In the last five years, however, screening for lung cancer for certain groups of people has gained momentum. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued guidelines about who should be screened — people between the ages of 55 and 80, with a 30-pack year smoking history (smoking a pack a day for 30 years, two packs a day for 15 years, or three packs a day for ten years), who are still smoking or who quit less than 15 years ago. Those guidelines are expected to be updated next year to a 20-pack year threshold. <br> <br> “Updating these guidelines will mean two million more people will be eligible for screening, which will allow us to catch about 3,000 more lung cancers in their early stages,” explained Dr. Sullivan. She also discussed how lung cancer is staged and advances in lung cancer surgery, including minimally invasive video-guided and robotic surgery. Asked why she chooses to practice at GBMC, Dr. Sullivan said, “During training, I experienced working at bigger hospitals. At GBMC, we provide the same excellent care, but we’re able to provide individualized attention to each patient.” </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddAK4odmLiQ" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> In the series, “What’s Up, Dr. Dovec?” GBMC bariatric surgeon, Elizabeth Dovec, MD, FACS, FASMB, interviews employees across the GBMC HealthCare System so you can get to know them on a personal level and learn more about their role. In this episode, Dr. Dovec interviews JoAnn Ioannou, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, Executive Vice President of Hospital Operations and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). <br> <br> While healthcare leadership is typically male-dominated, GBMC is proud to have an executive leadership team that is primarily female. Dr. Ioannou recently became the highest-ranking woman in the organization when she was promoted to Executive Vice President of Hospital Operations in addition to her role as CNO. Dr. Dovec asked how she started her journey in leadership. In response, Dr. Ioannou recalled a story from her early career. <br> <br> After one year of nursing, she was approached by her manager to apply for a leadership position that had opened up in her hospital. Dr. Ioannou said she was surprised and didn’t think she was ready, but her manager encouraged her to apply anyway. She emphasized that her leaders went out of their way to support and mentor her, which was invaluable to both her personal and professional growth. “Having people believe in you early on, even when you don’t see it yourself, is huge,” she said. Dr. Ioannou was promoted to the leadership position, and that began her path of leadership, both in and out of healthcare. <br> <br> Dr. Ioannou was fortunate to have supportive managers throughout her career. Prior to joining GBMC, she completed her training and took on various leadership roles at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She spoke about how the CNO regularly promoted professional growth, even if that meant moving on to another organization. This mindset gave Dr. Ioannou the confidence to apply for her position at GBMC. When Dr. Dovec asked why she decided to pursue GBMC, she pointed to a moment in her interview when Dr. Chessare, President and CEO, said that he was looking to hire a change agent. “As soon as I heard that, I lit up,” she remembered. “Change is inevitable – nothing is constant – and the mission of GBMC matched what I wanted.” <br> <br> Dr. Ioannou takes the mission – <em>to provide medical care and service of the highest quality to each patient and to educate the next generation of clinicians, leading to health, healing and hope for the community</em> – to heart and strives every day to ensure that GBMC embodies a culture of mentorship and learning. “Mentorship is my number one passion,” she expressed. “It’s my job to hire the right people and mentor them to be the best they can be. It’s an absolute privilege to watch people grow.” Under her leadership, the nursing residency program grew from a few graduates per year into an award-winning program with up to 100 graduates at any given time. <br> <br> She also spearheaded the development of a Professional Excellence Model that creates multiple opportunities for nurses to advance. There are three tracks that nurses can choose from – educator, administrator, and performance improvement and quality – each of which involves different tasks and training opportunities. GBMC also offers tuition reimbursement and scholarships to all employees who want to further their education. <br> <br> Dr. Ioannou rounded out the interview by discussing the impact COVID-19 has had on employees and how she and the rest of the leadership team are working to support GBMC staff throughout the pandemic. To learn more about nursing at GBMC, visit www.gbmc.org/nursing. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k8sz7YNaOek" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Having to find a new healthcare provider can be a daunting task. It’s difficult to know whether the provider will be a good fit for you from just a biography and a photo online. In the series, “What’s Up, Dr. Dovec?” GBMC bariatric surgeon, Elizabeth Dovec, MD, FACS, FASMB, interviews providers across the GBMC HealthCare System so you can get to know them on a personal level and learn more about their specialties. <br> <br> In this episode, Dr. Dovec interviews Michael Asike, MD, a gastroenterologist with GBMC Health Partners. They talked about diagnosing acid reflux in people who’ve had bariatric surgery and how long-term acid reflux can lead to a more serious condition called Barrett’s esophagus. <br> <br> “I see bariatric surgery patients both before their surgery and after,” explained Dr. Asike. “I can help them determine which approach to bariatric surgery they want to pursue and can also work with them to manage conditions like acid reflux, which can sometimes occur after surgery for a period of time.” <br> <br> The first step is to check the esophagus and stomach for signs of inflammation and other issues by performing endoscopy. While the patient is under light sedation, a thin tube with a light and camera are inserted through the mouth down to the stomach. It’s a painless procedure that doesn’t require any preparation other than skipping breakfast. The procedure lets Dr. Asike see if the upper gastrointestinal tract is inflamed or if there are ulcers in the esophagus or stomach. <br> <br> For many patients, a few months of treatment with medications makes the acid reflux go away. For others, additional treatment, including surgery, may be needed. During the endoscopy, Dr. Asike also looks for signs of Barrett’s esophagus. The condition is caused by long term exposure of the esophagus to excess stomach acid via acid reflux disease. The damage causes permanent changes to the lining of the lower esophagus, which develops abnormal cells. Explained Dr. Asike, “We consider Barrett’s esophagus a pre-cancerous condition and it can increase your risk for esophageal cancer. To reduce that risk, we treat your acid reflux more aggressively or may need to do procedures to remove the abnormal tissue.” </p>
<p class="article-body"> On the morning of Sunday, December 6, 2020, GBMC HealthCare detected a cyber incident that impacted information technology systems. GBMC has begun restoring its electronic medical record system, after being taken offline as a precaution. Our telephone and email systems are again functional. While GBMC regrets the incident caused some procedures to be rescheduled, this step was the prudent thing to do. We are confident we are on the right path and our work to provide the COVID-19 vaccine is on course. <br> <br> We value the privacy and security of the information entrusted to us. There is no evidence at this time that any patient information has been misused. We are working with outside experts and law enforcement. Our investigation is in its early stages. We will provide more information as we can. <br> <br> Patient care is our number one priority, and we will continue to provide outstanding services to those that use our facilities. We regret any inconvenience to our patients, doctors and healthcare partners. </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_ThYQqz8epo" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> GBMC Health Partners is pleased to announce the opening of its newest location at the corner of York and Padonia Roads in Lutherville-Timonium! This brand-new, 14,000-square-foot space offers advanced primary care, gynecology, urogynecology, pelvic floor therapy, orthopaedics, and physical therapy services in a safe, comfortable, and patient-centered setting. This edition of ‘Greater Living Live,’ hosted by Mary Beth Marsden, gives a look into the practice through interviews with clinicians and video tours of the space. <br> <br> The practice offers care from birth to end of life, explained primary care physician, Jonathon Hennessee, DO: “We truly feel like we can take care of the whole family.” Dr. Hennessee, who is passionate about sports medicine, talked about how staying active can improve overall health across all ages. While the COVID-19 pandemic has made that more challenging, he emphasized there are ways to remain active and stay safe. This is especially important for children because of their increased screen time from virtual learning. “Kids are spending all day at home in front of screens, but they need to move their bodies,” he stated. “It helps with emotional development, which is something that’s plaguing children right now – not being able to socialize in the ways they are intended to. It also helps with immune functioning, which can prevent infection in general.” <br> <br> Nurse practitioner, Kelsey Terrones, CRNP, then joined the conversation to talk about how primary care has changed during the pandemic. The sudden shift to telehealth was a challenge for many, but GBMC had been working to make telehealth services available to patients for a year prior, and was able to quickly mobilize that infrastructure. While there has been a move back to in-person visits in recent months, telehealth remains a critical part of patient care. GBMC Health Partners at Padonia offers dedicated hours for telehealth visits and has a built-in space for providers to talk to their patients virtually. The practice also has many safety precautions in place for patients who prefer to come in-person. These include plexiglass barriers, temperature checks, mask requirements, and regular extensive cleaning. <br> <br> Ms. Terrones also discussed the challenges of diagnosing COVID-19 due to its symptoms being similar to those of other diseases. “Patients will often have symptoms that could come from the flu, strep throat, COVID-19, or another respiratory illness,” she explained. “Testing is really key right now to know what is happening with the patient.” She encouraged patients to call their primary care provider if they feel ill for any reason to talk about their symptoms. “Going through everything the patient is experiencing will help the clinician know if testing is necessary and what testing is appropriate,” she said. <br> <br> In addition to primary care, GBMC Health Partners at Padonia gives patients access to experts in various specialties. One of these experts is Joan Blomquist, MD, Chief of the Division of Urogynecology at GBMC and an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University. “From a GYN perspective, we’re fortunate that we’re able to see a couple of different subspecialty types of patients here,” she said. “We offer primary GYN care, treatments for advanced gynecologic conditions such as chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, and fibroids, as well as urogynecology services.” Dr. Blomquist explained that pelvic floor disorders occur in at least one third of women at some point in their lives. She described the common types of urinary incontinence, the kinds of treatments available, and when to seek help from a healthcare provider. The conversation ended with her saying “This is a beautiful place, and I can tell you that patients absolutely love coming here.” To learn more about GBMC Health Partners at Padonia, visit <a href="/node/2500">www.gbmc.org/padonia</a>. If you’d like to make an appointment, please call the practice at 443-589-5252. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ihQPQzx9UY4" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected everyone’s lives, but for cancer patients who may already have weakened immune systems, this is a particularly worrisome time. To help answer your questions, Paul Celano, MD, FACP, FASCO, Herman and Walter Samuelson Medical Director at the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC, spoke with Mary Beth Marsden in an exclusive and interactive session. <br> <br> The conversation began with Dr. Celano explaining that he became interested in cancer at a young age when his aunt unfortunately passed away from ovarian cancer. After years of training, he has found that he is especially interested in treating gynecologic, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, and breast malignancies. He also leads the <a href="/node/2351" target="_blank">Clinical Trials Program at GBMC</a>. <br> <br> When asked what drew him to practice at GBMC, Dr. Celano quickly pointed to the community-based, personal care that patients receive. He also mentioned his appreciation for the multidisciplinary approach to care that is used at GBMC. “This is a truly comprehensive cancer program,” he said. “When patients are being cared for at GBMC, it’s not just one person providing treatment, it’s a whole team.” Every week, clinicians from all aspects of cancer care meet to discuss patient cases and work together to create treatment plans for each patient. <br> <br> Dr. Celano and Mary Beth then shifted the conversation to the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has specifically affected cancer patients. Cancer patients – from their disease, treatments, or both – are immunosuppressed and therefore at a higher risk of infection. Because of this, infection prevention was a major focus in cancer care long before the pandemic hit. “While additional safety measures may change the patient’s experience in the office,” Dr. Celano explained, “what hasn’t changed is our ability to provide critical cancer treatments in a safe manner.” <br> <br> Clinical trials have also continued at GBMC. These allow patients to have access to the most leading-edge treatment options available. Through clinical trials, patients have the opportunity to explore treatment options not yet approved by the FDA and contribute to medical advancements that may benefit generations to come. “At any given time, GBMC is participating in anywhere from 55 to 60 clinical trials in the Cancer Institute alone,” he described. GBMC is currently participating in a trial that examines cancer patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 to better understand how their clinical outcomes may be different than those who have not been infected. <br> <br> Dr. Celano recognized that some cancer patients may be unsure about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, but assured viewers that there is no evidence showing that cancer patients are at a higher risk of negative side effects from the vaccine. He also noted that adjusted visitor policies can cause additional stress for cancer patients receiving treatment. Dr. Celano suggests communicating with your care team and taking advantage of the support resources available to cancer patients. Through <a href="/node/2491" target="_blank">Oncology Support Services at GBMC</a>, patients are provided with free counseling, education, and connections to organizations that help them and their families shoulder the burden of a cancer diagnosis. To learn more about cancer care at GBMC, visit <a href="/node/2190">www.gbmc.org/cancer</a>. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lrTJn4l7h08" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Maryland Governor Larry Hogan takes time out of his busy schedule to send a message of congratulations to the GBMC HealthCare family. <br> <br> Learn more about our https://www.gbmc.org/baldrige Journey! <br> <br> GBMC HealthCare has become the first healthcare system in Maryland to receive the Malcolm https://www.gbmc.org/baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest presidential honor for performance excellence. The https://www.gbmc.org/baldrige criteria are accepted around the world across all industries as the gold standard of quality. GBMC HealthCare was one of only five organizations nationwide to receive the award in 2020 and one of only 29 health care recipients in two decades of the award’s history. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/flP5Oqryb7I" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Groundbreaking medical research happens every day at Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC). Each year, GBMC’s physicians in The Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute enroll their patients in more than 50 clinical trials designed to identify medical interventions that provide the greatest advantages for patients. GBMC’s dedicated and experienced staff is committed to conducting research that impacts patients’ lives while contributing to the development of new therapies for future cancer patients. Please consider making a donation to GBMC’s #GivingTuesday campaign to support medical advances for current and future cancer patients. <a target="_blank" href="https://wwww.gbmc.org/givingtuesday">www.gbmc.org/givingtuesday</a> </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lTlnlo9subo" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Learn how you can make a difference for the healthcare workers fighting for you and your loved ones: gbmc.org/https://www.gbmc.org/donations. Have a safe and happy holiday! </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gjIcYHGM5mM" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> The hospital can be a scary place for children and the adults who love them. At GBMC, Child Life Specialists like Jennifer Seiler, MED, CCLS, are there to help ease anxiety and answer any questions that children and parents have while they’re in the emergency department (ED) or the hospital. Jennifer and Mary Beth Marsden talked about how Child Life Specialists help families and what parents can do to be effective advocates for their children. <br> <br> “You are your child’s best advocate,” Jennifer said. “Don’t be afraid to ask the doctors and nurses questions or ask them to explain what’s happening with your child. And remember, you know your child best. Share what works and what doesn’t with your child in terms of getting them to cooperate and helping them feel safe.” <br> <br> She also suggested that when you bring your child to the ED, if possible, bring his or her comfort item, whether that’s a blanket, stuffed animal, or tablet, so that your child has something familiar and calming with them during this stressful experience. <br> <br> Jennifer and GBMC’s other Child Life Specialists are available at no cost to any child receiving care in the ED or as an inpatient. They help children and families know what to expect in the hospital and can explain treatments and demonstrate certain procedures to help prepare your child. <br> <br> “What I always say is there are no surprises,” she said. “If your child needs an IV, we’ll explain how it works so that they’re as prepared as possible. The goal is to reduce the child and parents’ anxiety and give a sense of control back to them. We ensure that the voices of our patients and their parents are heard and that they’re part of the decision-making process.” Child Life Specialists are also there to support parents and caregivers. “Your main job is to support your child, but we know you’re also worried and stressed,” Jennifer added. “We’re here to support you and answer your questions. Children look to their parents for how to react, so our goal is to help you be as calm as possible so both you and your child are less anxious.” </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R_libVAhTAE" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> GBMC has made some changes to the Emergency Department (ED) to help keep patients safe during the pandemic and, even more importantly, to help get patients the care they need as quickly, safely, and efficiently as possible. Mary Beth Marsden talked with ED nurse Ariel Leone, RN2, about what’s new and what people can expect if they need emergency care. <br> <br> “Our new ED design allows us to triage patients as quickly as possible and get their care and any testing they need started more quickly so, whenever possible, they can spend less time in the hospital,” Ariel explained. “The end goal is to create a better experience for our patients.” <br> <br> While patients still cannot have a visitor or family member with them in the ED, the nurses keep family and loved ones updated about the patient’s condition and test results via phone and video chat. There are exceptions to that rule, however, for patients with developmental disabilities and children. “We don’t allow visitors in the ED to limit their possible exposure to COVID and other illnesses,” said Ariel. “It’s for their protection and the protection of our patients.” Since Ariel now has a wealth of experience wearing a mask and personal protective equipment all day, Mary Beth asked for any tips she has to help the rest of us stay safe and comfortable in our masks. “My best tip is to breathe through your nose,” she answered. “It makes wearing a mask much more comfortable.” </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3FNYXl5r_08" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Few things are as stressful as having a very sick or injured child, and a trip to the emergency department (ED) can make an already tough experience even more nerve wracking. That’s why GBMC has a separate pediatric emergency department where children and their parents get the care they need as quickly as possible in a calm, comforting atmosphere. The pediatric ED was recently redesigned and renovated to make the experience even better for families. Lauren Rogers, RN2, a pediatric ED nurse, talked with Mary Beth Marsden about what’s new and what families can expect in the ED during the COVID-19 pandemic. <br> <br> “One of the questions we get frequently is whether parents can stay with their child with the COVID-19 restrictions,” said Lauren. “Each child can have two parents or guardians with him or her throughout the process. If the child needs to stay in the hospital overnight, there is a pullout couch and chair that fully reclines as well as blankets so the parents can spend the night with their child. Both parents and children need to wear a mask while they’re in the hospital and other children in the family need to stay at home to protect them from potential exposure to the virus.” <br> <br> The newly renovated pediatric ED is designed so that even before a child is taken back into the ED, nurses can gather information about symptoms and order the necessary tests. Then, when the physician sees the child, he or she is ready to be assessed. “The new design allows us to provide hands-on care to our patients more quickly, streamlining the process,” Lauren explained. <br> <br> If you’re not sure whether your child needs to go to the ED, she recommends that, when possible, you call your pediatrician first, which may save you a trip to the hospital. If your child is having trouble breathing, is unusually pale, sweating, has a new fever of 100.4 degrees for 24 hours, or is not acting like him or herself, Lauren says you should bring your child to the ED without delay. </p>
