News from Mainline Health

Lankenau Researcher Presents Late Breaking Clinical Trial Results at American College of Cardiology

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Wynnewood, PA - - - - - Dr. Michael D. Ezekowitz, Vice President of the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR) and Vice President of Clinical Research for Main Line Hospitals, presented late breaking clinical trial results at the 59th Annual American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions in Atlanta, GA. His presentation entitled: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Three Doses of a Long-Acting Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibitor Betrixaban in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation, shared results of a Phase II trial that was evaluating the preliminary safety and best dosing of the drug, Betrixaban sponsored by Portola Pharmaceuticals & Merck.

Betrixaban is an oral, small molecule, anticoagulant that is being tested to prevent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The drug prevents blood clots by blocking a clotting substance called Factor Xa. While Vitamin K antagonists have been shown to be effective for stroke prevention, they are difficult to use in patients. However, Betrixaban has a rapid onset of action that requires only once daily dosing and unlike warfarin, does not require constant monitoring. Additionally, unlike other novel anticoagulants, it is not cleared significantly by the kidneys, so it may be safer to use in individuals who have severe renal disease.

This current Phase II study, EXPLORE-Xa, was a randomized, parallel group study of three-blinded doses of betrixaban (40 mg, 60 mg and 80mg) compared with open-label, dose-adjusted warfarin in patients with non-valvular AF and at least one risk factor for stroke. There were approximately 125 patients in each randomized group in 35 centers in the United States, Canada, and Germany.

The study showed that this new drug appears to act as an active anticoagulant for all the doses studied. “Moreover, stated Dr. Ezekowitz, it showed that betrixaban was well tolerated in a real life, diverse atrial fibrillation population.” Although it is too early to tell whether betrixaban could be used for stroke prevention in AF patients, it does provide helpful indicators that will help in the development of Phase III studies for this drug.

Betrixaban could potentially be further developed for other indications including, but not limited to, the treatment or prevention of life-threatening blood clots in patients undergoing high-risk orthopedic and general surgery, those with acute and chronic medical illness, and those with acute coronary syndrome.

About Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia, a problem with the rhythm or speed of the heartbeat. AF occurs when the atria or upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly. Individuals with this condition can experience shortness of breath, fatigue, heart palpitations, heart failure and stroke. There are an estimated 2.2 million Americans who suffer with AF and that number is expected to dramatically increase over the next 30 years.

About Dr. Michael D. Ezekowitz
Dr. Michael D. Ezekowitz is a practicing, non-invasive clinical cardiologist and attending physician with affiliations at Bryn Mawr, Lankenau, and Paoli Hospitals of Main Line Health. Dr. Ezekowitz focuses his research on atrial fibrillation and the development of new drugs to treat the heart malfunction. He is a world authority on atrial fibrillation, and an internationally renowned speaker and published author on the subject. Dr. Ezekowitz is a consultant with both Merck and Portola Pharmaceuticals. The Lankenau Institute for Medical Research has received funding from Portola to support this clinical trial.

He was previously the June F. Klinghoffer Professor of Medicine (Cardiovascular) and Chairman of the department of Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine, Tenured Professor of Medicine in Cardiology at the Yale University School of Medicine and the Director of the Medical School Clinical Trials Office. Dr. Ezekowitz attended medical school at the University of Cape Town Medical School in South Africa, interned at the Groote Schuur Hospital in South Africa and completed his fellowship at Johns Hopkins University Hospital.

About the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research
Founded in 1927, the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research center located in suburban Philadelphia on the campus of the Lankenau Hospital. Part of Main Line Health, LIMR is one of the few freestanding, hospital-associated medical research centers in the nation. The faculty and staff at the Institute are dedicated to advancing an understanding of the causes of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. They use this information to help improve diagnosis and treatment of these diseases as well as find ways to prevent them. They are also committed to extending the boundaries of human health and well-being through technology transfer and the training of the next generation of scientists and physicians. For more information, please visit www.limr.org.

Race for Recovery To Benefit Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

(Malvern, Pa.) — The second annual Race for Recovery to benefit the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania will be held at East Goshen Township Park, on Saturday, March 27, at 4 p.m. The 5K Run and 1 Mile walk/wheelchair roll will benefit programs aimed at educating the public to prevent traumatic brain injuries and to support rehabilitation programs for individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury

For the second consecutive year, the event was planned and organized by Curry Johnson, a physical therapist from Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital in Malvern. She said she organized the event “to raise awareness and promote safer choices in an effort to decrease the incidence and severity of traumatic brain injuries.” She explained that the Race for Recovery is held in March, which is designated Brain Injury Awareness month nationwide.

Registration for the event is now open and can be completed online through the Brain Injury Association of PA at www.biapa.org. Registration also will be open on the day of the event beginning at 2:30 p.m. The 5K run and 1 mile walk/wheelchair roll will begin at 4 a.m., followed by awards.

The Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania, Inc., works to prevent brain injury and improve the quality of life for brain injury patients and their families. For more information about brain injuries and what can be done to prevent them, visit www.biapa.org.

Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, which is affiliated with Main Line Health, is a leader in the field of physical medicine and cognitive rehabilitation. Located in Malvern, the hospital offers a unique environment for recovery for individuals with brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury and other physical and cognitive disabilities. With 148 beds and an extensive Outpatient Network, the hospital is the largest and most comprehensive rehabilitation services organization in the region.

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Report Names Lankenau Hospital one of HealthGrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

Lankenau Hospital in the Top 1% of the Nation for Outstanding Clinical Quality

(WYNNEWOOD, Pa.) — Lankenau Hospital, part of Main Line Health, announced today that it has once again been recognized as an America’s 50 Best Hospital in a report issued by HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization.

The report, which analyzes objective patient outcomes at all 5,000 of the nation’s nonfederal hospitals, places Lankenau Hospital in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for sustained, outstanding clinical performance. This is the fourth consecutive year that Lankenau Hospital has been recognized as a HealthGrades America’s 50 Best Hospital.

According to the report, there is a wide variation in quality when comparing the Medicare patient outcomes of Lankenau Hospital and the rest of the HealthGrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals against all other hospitals. Patients admitted to America’s 50 Best Hospitals are, on average, 27% less likely to die and 8% less likely to suffer from a major complication when compared with patients admitted to other hospitals.

“Our recent designation as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals reflects Lankenau’s commitment to quality—consistently we are achieving our goals of delivering superior patient care to all those who walk through our doors,” said Lankenau Hospital’s President, Elaine Thompson, PhD. “Our world class clinicians and compassionate support staff all play a role in fostering a culture of caring and clinical excellence that is unsurpassed in the region.”

“The HealthGrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals have demonstrated clinical outcomes that are the best in the nation, and they have sustained that level of quality year in and year out,” said Rick May, MD, a HealthGrades vice president and one of the study’s authors. “That indicates that these hospitals have leadership, operational structures and clinical teams that are capable of producing excellence in a way that others cannot. These hospitals should be congratulated, and those in their community should feel proud of the quality of care being delivered.”

"Lankenau’s recognition by HealthGrades reflects the overall Main Line Health mission to provide the highest quality care across the board,” said Jack Lynch, President and CEO of Main Line Health. “This report reinforces Lankenau’s position among the best hospitals in the country. On behalf of everyone at Main Line Health, I extend my congratulations and pride to the entire Lankenau team.”

To determine HealthGrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals, HealthGrades analyzed more than 130 million Medicare hospitalization records from every non-federal hospital in the nation. Hospitals must meet minimum thresholds in terms of patient volumes, quality ratings, and the range of services provided. Specifically, hospitals were evaluated based on the risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates across 26 procedures and treatments, from hip replacement to bypass surgery. The full methodology can be found in the report posted at http://www.healthgrades.com.

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Contact
HealthGrades
Scott Shapiro
720-963-6584
sshapiro@healthgrades.com

Johnny's Night to Benefit Riddle Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Birthplace

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

Johnny’s Night is being held to help make the next preemie and their family’s stay at Riddle Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Birthplace a little easier. Donations will help provide new equipment and other comforts for these tiny newborns.

Saturday February 27th, 2010
6:30 p.m.
Penn Oaks Golf Club
150 Penn Oaks Drive, West Chester PA

Cost: $75.00 per person

The evening will include dinner, dancing, door prizes and a tombola table.

To attend or make donations, visit www.johnnysnight.com.

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Riddle Hospital Debuts $40 Million, 80,000 Square-Foot Health Center

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

Rothman Institute Orthopaedics Poised to Expand Within New Building

(Media, Pa.)—Main Line Health executives officially cut the ribbon today on Riddle Hospital’s new Health Center 4, ushering in a new era in convenient, specialty outpatient services in Southern Delaware County while making physical improvements to the Route 1 Corridor and modeling the latest in sustainable design.

The world class Rothman Institute Orthopaedics is among the specialty services poised for further expansion within the new $40 million, 80,000-square-foot medical facility, located on the Riddle campus at 1118 West Baltimore Pike. Rothman projects a doubling in the number of its patients within the next year at the Riddle Hospital location, partly due to a new surgical center that is set to be completed this summer on the building’s 4th floor.

Joining the Rothman Institute in the new quarters are excellent Riddle Hospital specialty services. Expanding from the main hospital building into Health Center 4 are Riddle Rehabilitation Institute, Riddle Speech and Hearing, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Riddle Outpatient Pediatric Therapy Services, Diabetes Education and the Riddle Fitness and Wellness Programs.

Riddle Hospital patients will benefit from the latest green technology, larger and more comfortable waiting areas, state-of-the art medical equipment and convenient, attached parking. “The expansion of our outpatient facilities and key service areas will mean that anyone in our area can get most of the heath care services they need right here at Riddle Hospital,” said Riddle president Gary Perecko.

Rothman Institute, for example, has been providing comprehensive surgical and treatment services at Riddle Hospital since 2006. But Riddle Hospital’s Health Center 4 bolster’s Rothman’s presence in Southern Delaware County and solidifies the relationship with community residents who no longer need to venture to other areas to see the top quality physicians that typify the Rothman brand.

New Building Spurs Improvements to Route 1 Corridor and Showcases Sustainable Design

The development of Riddle Hospital’s Health Center 4 has generated notable improvements to the Route 1 Corridor. The old Regency Hotel was razed to make room for the new structure and the hospital’s expansion enhanced the safety of the Route 1 corridor by making traffic flow improvements at the Route 1 intersection bordering the hospital.

Riddle has proven itself an environmental leader in integrating sustainable design and construction elements into this project. To meet environmental goals, approximately 20 percent of all the materials used in the building were manufactured in the region. The new building follows environmentally responsible or green design and construction principles to create a superior environment for patients, employees and visitors while preserving natural resources for future generations.

Jack J. Lynch, III, Chief Executive Officer for Main Line Health said, “Riddle Hospital is not only a leader in medicine, it is also at the vanguard of environmentalism. Riddle Hospital is an essential partner to its surrounding community and a valued member of the Main Line Health network of excellent acute care hospitals. The Health Center 4 expansion furthers the goals of Main Line Health to provide its patients with the best available healthcare in convenient settings in their own communities.

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Contact
Martha Grieco
Communications Coordinator
Riddle Hospital
610-891-6286

On the Day before Valentine’s Day, Women are Reminded to Love Themselves

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

Main Line Health, the American Heart Association and The Franklin Institute host heart healthy event for women of the Delaware Valley

WHO:

Women of all ages, the men that love them, and their families are invited to The Franklin Institute for the Delaware Valley’s one and only, “I Love Me” event. As more than 30 percent of women still don’t recognize that heart disease is their greatest health threat, and, as women are less likely then men to seek treatment for heart attack symptoms, “I Love Me” urges women to take charge of their heart health.

WHAT:

Main Line Health and the American Heart Association have partnered with The Franklin Institute to offer educational, entertaining and healthy activities to raise awareness about women’s heart health. Activities include:

Blood pressure screenings
Heart Healthy Snack Demonstration
“Go Red Diva”—participants can have a memento from I love me by posing for a photo with glamorous and glittery red heart paraphernalia
Make your own valentine and make your own stethoscope stations for children
Appearance by Miss Black Pennsylvania, 2010, Valerie Moore
Crowning of Main Line Health’s 2nd reigning Queen of Hearts: SVP of The Franklin Institute, Executive Director of American Heart Association and SVP of Main Line Health crown the heart healthiest woman of the Delaware Valley by the Giant Heart at 3 pm

WHEN:

February 13
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Queen of Hearts Crowning at 3p.m. by the Giant Heart

WHERE:

21st and The Ben Franklin Parkway
Franklin Institute
220 North 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA, 19103

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Main Line Health Crowns Second Ever “Queen of Hearts”

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

Photo from left to right: Laurie Robinson and Robyn Stephanou pose together after Robinson learned she won the 2010“Queen of Hearts” title.

Laurie Robinson recognized as part of Women’s Heart Initiative

(Bryn Mawr, Pa.) — This February, Main Line Health crowned its second ever “Queen of Hearts” on February 13 during the I Love ME event at the Franklin Institute. Laurie Robinson of Havertown, PA is the second woman to receive this distinction from Main Line Health’s Women’s Heart Initiative. Robinson won the title of queen for her proactive commitment to a healthy heart lifestyle.

As a part of the Women’s Heart Initiative, Main Line Health has created the “Queen of Hearts” program to encourage and educate women on the importance of standing up to their number one killer — heart disease. The “Queen of Hearts” recognizes a woman in the community that has made heart health an integral part of her life, serving as a positive role model for others.

Over a hundred applicants were entered for this year's “Queen of Hearts” contest. The three finalists, Lisa Gilbert, Michelle Getty and Laurie Robinson all serve as heart-healthy role models. Laurie Robinson won this year's crown for adopting a new way of life after learning she had congestive heart failure. Laurie had a defibrillator implanted and was able to lose 115 pounds in a year through diet and exercise. She is a successor to former queen Robyn Stephanou, who wowed judges last year with her determination to beat her family history of heart disease and became Main Line Health’s first ever “Queen of Hearts.”

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Bryn Mawr Rehab Outpatient Network Offers Free Adolescent Strength Screening Sat., Mar. 13

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

(Malvern, Pa.) — The Bryn Mawr Rehab Outpatient Network Exton Center will offer FREE adolescent and pediatric flexibility and functional strength screenings on Saturday, March 13. All screenings will be held at the outpatient center located at 495 Thomas Jones Way, Suite 100, in Exton. Registration is required for the 20 minute assessment. During the screening, athletes will do basic movements, including walking and squatting, and physical therapists will guide the athletes through strength and flexibility tests. Athletes should dress in comfortable clothing and wear sneakers.

To schedule a free screening, please call 1-866-CALL-MLH.

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For February, American Heart Month, Main Line Health Hosts “I Love Me” Events for Women’s Heart Health

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

Heart disease is the leading killer of American women. More women are particularly at risk of dying from a heart attack as a result of heart disease simply because they ignore or don’t recognize the warning signs, which can be different from those of men, and delay potentially life-saving medical intervention. In addition, experts say that most women are so busy taking care of those around them that they fail to take care of themselves.

Main Line Health is urging women to do all they can to minimize their risks of heart disease through a series of “I Love Me” events during February, American Heart Month.

Feb. 5: National Wear Red Day. Unite in the fight against heart disease by wearing red.
Feb. 12: I Love ME at Lankenau, Bryn Mawr, Paoli, and Riddle. At each hospital, come to the cafeteria from 11 am to 1 pm or 3 to 5 pm for education, giveaways, dark chocolate and a "diva booth" for fun photos. Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital will provide snacks, information online and a raffle from 11 am to 1 pm and 3 to 4 pm in the cafeteria.
Feb. 13: I Love ME at The Franklin Institute (Philadelphia) from 11 am to 3 pm. Join the Women's Heart Initiative (WHI) for heart screenings and workshops as well as the crowning of the Queen of Hearts. Fee: $20/$15 for Women’s Health Source (WHS) and WHI members. Register by calling 1-888-876-8764.
Feb. 27: I Love ME at the Exton Square Mall from 11 am to 3 pm. Sponsored by Paoli Hospital, the day will feature heart health info and screenings, a cooking demo, the Go Red Divas, Valentine's Day kids cards, mini makeovers, and drawing for prizes.
Feb. 28: I Love ME at Suburban Square (Ardmore) from noon to 3 pm. The day will feature heart health info and screenings, a cooking demo, the Go Red Divas, Valentine's Day kids’ cards, mini makeovers and drawing for prizes.

Complete event listings are available at www.mainlinehealth.org/GoRed.

In addition, anyone may submit their six-word heart story to the Women's Heart Initiative online at www.mainlinehealth.org/WomenandHeart.

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Main Line Health Hosts “Heart Healthy” Events Throughout February

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

February is Heart Health Month. Heart disease is the nation’s leading cause of death in both men and women. Join Main Line Health (MLH) at one of the many free events throughout the month to learn what you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease or better manage an existing heart condition and improve your heart health.

Feb. 9: Heart Health Seminar at Bryn Mawr Family Practice, Main Line Health Center, Lawrence Park, from 6:30 to 8 pm. The program focuses on how to keep your cardiovascular system healthy by controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Feb. 11: Cardiac and Stroke Seminar at Maris Grove, Cardinal Clubhouse, Glen Mills, from 11 am to noon. Ann Koblarz, RN, cardiac rehab, will discuss the signs and symptoms, treatment, and prevention for heart disease and stroke. Call 610-387-4700 to register.
Feb. 17: Blood Pressure Screening at Paoli Hospital, lower lobby, from 9 to 11 am. No registration necessary.
Feb. 18: Stress and the Breaking Heart at Maris Grove, Cardinal Clubhouse, Glen Mills, from 4 to 5 pm. Robert Bulgarelli, DO, discusses how emotional stress can cause severe but reversible heart damage.
Feb. 18: Cardiac and Stroke Seminar at Bellingham Retirement Center, West Chester, from 11 am to noon. Joyce Kish, RN, cardiac care, will discuss the signs and symptoms, treatment, and prevention for heart disease and stroke. Call 610-429-2229 to register.
Feb. 19: Go Red with MLH, the American Heart Association, and the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wachovia Center from 6 to 9 pm. The event features heart health information and screenings, the Go Red Divas, MLH’s Queen of Hearts, prize drawings, and more. (Note: For this event, game tickets must be purchased.)
Feb. 20: Blood Pressure Screening at Matt’s Barber Shop, 5 S. Valley Road, Paoli, from 9 to 11 am. No registration necessary.
Feb. 24: HeartSmart 2010 Celebration at Riddle Memorial Hospital Outpatient Pavilion from 10 am to 2 pm. The event features heart health info and screenings, a cooking demo, and lots of tasty treats.
Feb. 24: Cardiac and Stroke Seminar at St Martha Manor, 490 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, from 3:15 to 4:15 pm. Ann Koblarz, RN, will discuss the signs and symptoms, treatment, and prevention for heart disease and stroke. Call 610-873-5300 to register.
Feb. 24: Cooking Demo and Cardiac and Stroke Seminar at Wegmans, 600 Commerce Drive, Collegeville, from 6 to 8 pm. Nirav Mehta, MD, cardiologist, will discuss the signs and symptoms, treatment, and prevention for heart disease and stroke.

Complete event listings are available at www.mainlinehealth.org/GoRed.

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Riddle Hospital Welcomes New Vice President of Medical Affairs — Helen Kuroki, M.D.

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

(Media, Pa.) — Riddle Hospital recently welcomed its new Vice President of Medical Affairs, Helen Kuroki, MD. Dr. Kuroki has over 16 years of clinical experience and in her 10 years at Riddle Hospital she has served as the director of continuing medical education for the department of obstetrics and gynecology and was instrumental in creating a obstetric rapid response team, which has reduced the time it takes to respond to obstetrical emergencies.

As Vice President of Medical Affairs, Dr. Kuroki will work to further support the partnership between the Riddle Hospital administration and the hospital medical staff to ensure overall clinical excellence and mutual commitment to the success of clinical quality initiatives. As a physician member of Riddle’s administrative team, Dr.Kuroki will communicate and collaborate regularly with the Main Line Health Chief Medical Officer, all Main Line Health hospitals’ department chairmen, Riddle Hospital’s president, the Riddle Hospital medical staff president, and all of the Riddle department chiefs on clinical and operational matters.

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Lankenau Hospital Ranked Top Five Percent in Nation According to Quality Study

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

Recognized for Outstanding Clinical Performance by HealthGrades, the Leading Independent Healthcare Ratings Organization, for Eight Consecutive Years

(WYNNEWOOD, Pa.) — Lankenau Hospital, part of Main Line Health, today announced that a new study ranks its clinical quality among the top five percent in the nation. The study by HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization, analyzed patient outcomes at each of the nation’s 5,000 nonfederal hospitals over the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 and named hospitals in the top five percent as HealthGrades Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence™.

Lankenau Hospital is one of only 269 hospitals nationally and one of thirteen in Pennsylvania to receive this distinction from HealthGrades. This marks the eighth consecutive year that Lankenau Hospital has received the Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence™. In addition, Lankenau Hospital has earned 5-Star ratings for the quality of its cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and general surgery care from HealthGrades.

“Lankenau Hospital is dedicated to fostering a culture of quality and safety as well as to delivering a superior patient experience to every individual who walks through our doors,” said President, Elaine Thompson, PhD. “To receive this distinction for eight years in a row reflects the expertise of our physicians, nurses and staff and our commitment to clinical excellence. This recognition underscores Lankenau’s mission to ensure our patients and their families receive quality healthcare that is among the best in the nation.”

According to the eighth annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality and Clinical Excellence study, Lankenau Hospital and the other hospitals in the top 5% demonstrated patient outcomes that far exceeded those of other hospitals. Patients admitted to these hospitals had risk-adjusted mortality rates that were, on average, 29% lower than all other hospitals. Risk-adjusted complication rates were, on average, 9% lower than all other hospitals.

“Our data show that only a select few hospitals achieve high-quality patient outcomes not just in a few categories of care, but across the board and over time,” said Rick May, MD, a vice president with HealthGrades and an author of the study. “Patients in communities with a Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence should feel proud of the hospital’s accomplishments, and confident that the level of care there is among the very best in the nation.”

The study states: “Patients who choose to receive their care at a Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence certainly will have a lower risk for an adverse clinical outcome relative to all other hospitals.”

As a group, Lankenau Hospital and those identified as being in the top 5% in the nation improved their mortality rates at a faster pace than all other hospitals. Over the years 2006, 2007 and 2008, the HealthGrades study found that Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence lowered their risk-adjusted mortality rates over the three years by an average of 14%, compared with a 10% average improvement of all other hospitals.

Methodology
This is the eighth year that HealthGrades has independently analyzed the clinical quality performance of all non-federal hospitals across the country in 26 procedures and diagnoses. In the study, the company reviewed approximately 40 million hospitalization records from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over the years 2006, 2007 and 2008. All hospitals that participate in the Medicare program were part of the independent study. Hospitals that receive the HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence are those hospitals that rank in the top 5% when all 26 individual scores are aggregated into an overall score.

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Editor’s note: A full copy of the study is available at http://www.healthgrades.com or by contacting Scott Shapiro at sshapiro@healthgrades.com.

Contact
Scott Shapiro
720-963-6584
sshapiro@healthgrades.com

NEWS ALERT: Bryn Mawr Hospital Resumes Breastfeeding Mothers Groups on Feb. 4

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

Bryn Mawr Hospital will resume the following breastfeeding mothers groups:

Thursday Breastfeeding Mothers Group resumes Thursday, February 4
Time/Location: Every thursday from 2 p.m. to 3 pm in Conf Room F
Saturday Breastfeeding Working Mothers Group resumes Saturday, February 13
Time/Location: Every other saturday in from 1:30 p.m. to 2: 30 p.m. in the Clothier Living Room

If you have any questions or concerns, call 1-866-CALL-MLH.

"Go Red Heart Health Event" Raises Awareness for Heart Disease Through Sophisticated, Educational Girls-Day-Out at Exton Square Mall

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

The free event is sponsored by the American Heart Association, Main Line Health’s Paoli Hospital and Macy’s

Saturday, February 6, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

(Exton Square, Pa.) — February is American Hearth Month, which means red is the new black at Exton Square Mall. In an effort with the American Heart Association, Main Line Health’s Paoli Hospital, and Macy’s, the mall is helping to raise awareness of heart disease among its female shoppers through the Go Red Heart Health Event on Saturday, February 6 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm in the North Court and Macy’s. From health screenings and cooking demos to Diva Photos and mini makeovers, the sophisticated social event features a variety of educational programs and activities.

“Exton Square Mall has long been a popular shopping destination for women in Chester County,” says Mary Kay Owen, marketing director at Exton Square Mall. “The Go Red Heart Health Event is a great opportunity for us to offer a large demographic of women a free, fun, relaxing way to learn more about cardiovascular disease. With experts on site from the American Heart Association and Paoli Hospital, recipient of the Premier Award for Quality, attendees will learn steps they can take to keep their hearts healthy.”

The following will take place in the North Court:

Go Red Diva Photos
Blood pressure screenings
“Eat This, Not That” with a Main Line Health Nutritionist
Valentine’s Day Kids’ Craft Card Corner with local Girl Scouts
Free Heart Health prizes, resources, and tools

The following will take place at Macy’s:

Heart-Healthy Cooking Demo from 11 am – 1 pm with free recipe cards
Share Your Story Segment with Video Casting Call from 11 am – 1 pm
Mini makeovers
Chances to win exciting prize packages

Exton Square Mall’s participation in the Go Red Heart Health Event is part of Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust’s (PREIT) PREIT Cares program, the company's springboard for charitable giving and programming which focuses on healthcare, education, arts, social responsibility and sustainability initiatives.

About Paoli Hospital
Paoli Hospital, a member of Main Line Health, is a non-profit acute care hospital with a 226-bed licensed capacity. In July 2009, the hospital opened a new patient pavilion featuring evidence-based design concepts that have been shown to create a healing and safe environment that positively impacts the patient experience. Paoli is the first hospital in the state to open as a Pebble Project, a joint research effort with The Center for Health Design in which Evidenced-Based Design (EBD) “best practices” in healthcare facility design are discovered and shared. Paoli Hospital offers a wide range of radiology and cardiovascular services as well as a Family Centered Maternity Unit with neonatal intensive care and a Total Joint Replacement Program. The hospital’s outpatient facilities in Exton and Collegeville offer patients access to Paoli’s physicians and services close to home.

About Women’s Heart Initiative
The Main Line Health Women’s Heart Initiative, a division of the Main Line Health Heart Center, focuses on the unique risks that women face relating to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in women. It is the only team of physicians and support staff designed specifically to promote and improve women’s cardiovascular health in southeast Pennsylvania. The Women’s Heart Initiative is a collaborative partnership between the hospitals of Main Line Health — Lankenau, Bryn Mawr, Paoli, Riddle Memorial and Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospitals — dedicated to reducing the impact of heart disease in women and improving the quality of life of women in the community.

About Go Red For Women
Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s solution to save women’s lives. With one out of three women still dying from heart disease, we are committed to fighting this No. 1 killer that is largely preventable. GoRedForWomen.org, a premiere source of information and education, connects millions of women of all ages and gives them tangible resources to turn personal choices into life-saving actions. We encourage women and the men who love them to embrace the cause. For more information please visit GoRedForWomen.org or call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278). The movement is nationally sponsored by Macy’s and Merck & Co., Inc.

About the American Heart Association
Founded in 1924, we’re the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases — America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers — we fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.

About Exton Square Mall
Exton Square Mall, located at the intersections of Routes 30 and 100 in the heart of Chester County, is owned and managed by Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT). PREIT, founded in 1960 and one of the first equity REITs in the U.S., has a primary investment focus on retail shopping malls and community centers. Currently, PREIT’s retail portfolio consists of 54 retail properties including 38 shopping malls, 13 community centers, and three properties under development. PREIT’s properties are located the eastern half of the United States, primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region. PREIT is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Company’s website can be found at www.preit.com. PREIT is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol PEI.

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Lankenau Hospital’s Kidney Transplant Program Receives National Certification

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

(Wynnewood, Pa.) — As a mark of quality, experience, and excellence in delivery of care, Lankenau Hospital is now officially certified as a Kidney Transplant Program by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which oversees transplantation programs nationwide. This certification will greatly expand access to life-saving kidney transplants for many patients in the community who are Medicare beneficiaries and suffering from end-stage kidney (renal) failure.

“The certification demonstrates that when put to the test, Lankenau’s program successfully meets the expectations and high standards of CMS and that Medicare will cover applicable expenses for those individuals who qualify,” said James Lim, MD, program director kidney transplant, Lankenau Hospital. “This is truly a testament to the expertise of our transplant team that works closely with patients and their families to provide the best available care.”

To earn certification, Lankenau Hospital underwent an onsite evaluation and an in-depth review of the program’s clinical experience, patient selection, management, volumes and outcomes, and adherence to the highest standards of safety.

“Lankenau’s kidney transplant program is a huge resource for our community and offers a very personal level of care that makes a real difference in the lives of our patients,” said Robert Benz, MD, vice president, medical affairs, Lankenau Hospital, and chief of nephrology, Main Line Health System.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, 26 million American adults have chronic kidney disease and more than 485,000 people are being treated for kidney failure. Of these, more than 341,000 are on dialysis while more than 140,000 have a functioning kidney transplant. Over the last five years, the number of new patients with kidney failure has averaged more than 90,000 annually. Almost half of the patients with end-stage renal disease only have Medicare coverage.

Because of a shortage of donor kidneys, each year only a small percentage of people who need a transplant actually receive a kidney.

“The wait for a donor kidney can take years,” stated Dr. Lim. “However, with a living donor the wait can diminish to a matter of months.”

Lankenau’s Kidney Transplant Program is also accredited by the Department of Health and the Joint Commission.

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