On Friday, August 6th, Lakewood Hospital hosted its fifth annual Starry Night, a patron benefit presented by signature sponsor Regency Construction Services, Inc. More than 650 guests were in attendance and the event grossed nearly $120,000.

“Once again, Starry Night was a shining star in Lakewood,” said Janice Murphy, president of Lakewood and Fairview hospitals. “It was a perfect summer evening spent with friends and colleagues while raising money for two great causes. That’s a great combination and makes it even more memorable.” 

The Lakewood Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center is the primary beneficiary of the monies raised. The Center uses event proceeds to host an educational Diabetes Symposium and to support its Diabetes Assistance Initiative (DAI), a program to help the uninsured and underinsured by providing funds for prescription diabetes medications and supplies as well as scholarships for diabetes education. Event proceeds also benefit the Lakewood Arts Festival Scholarship Fund. 

On Friday evening, August 6th, Lakewood Hospital is proud to host its fifth annual Starry Night, a patron benefit presented by Signature Sponsor, Regency Construction Services, Inc. The event will be held under the starlit tents on Belle Avenue from 7 to 10:30 p.m. A VIP Reception will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. for those purchasing tickets at sponsorship levels and will include participative activities.

You feel a stab of pain in your chest, abdomen, or head that makes you wonder what just happened. Is it a sign that something is wrong? Is it serious? Should you ignore it, or go to the nearest ER? For many of us, deciding when to go the ER can be a difficult decision.

The specially trained staff at the Lakewood Hospital Emergency Room recommends that you error on the side of caution, especially if the person is elderly or a child. Oftentimes, when an older person becomes ill or falls, they can quickly take a turn for the worst. A child’s condition can also become more life threatening in a shorter amount of time than an adult.

We hope that you never have to visit Lakewood Hospital’s ER, but if you do, we want you to know that we’re here for you, 24/7.

Our ER treats more than 34,000 patients each year and is always staffed with highly trained ER doctors, registered nurses and paramedics who treat patients of all ages with medical issues ranging from broken bones to strokes and heart attack.

So, what symptoms should you not ignore? Here are some top symptoms you should not ignore:

Adults:

Each year up to 1 million people in the United States suffer from shingles, a viral infection that causes a painful, blistering rash. Anyone who has ever had chicken pox can develop shingles, although it is most commonly found in those over age 60.

The Ohio Society of Health-System Pharmacists (OSHP)  presented Jackie Hulec, certified pharmacy technician at Lakewood Hospital, the Pharmacy Technician of the Year Award at the organization’s 71st Annual Meeting on April 22-23, in Columbus, Ohio.

The award is given to one pharmacy technician in the state of Ohio who has demonstrated high integrity and has made significant contributions toward supporting the practice of pharmacy within the health system organization.

“This award confirms what Jackie’s co-workers already knew,” says Janice G. Murphy, RN, BSN, MSN, FACHE, president of Lakewood and Fairview Hospitals. “Her passion for accuracy and organization is unending; she inspires all of us to work smarter. We are very proud of her and her dedication to our hospital.”

A certified pharmacy technician for more than 20 years, Hulec’s current responsibilities are varied. “Jackie is an outstanding employee with incredible customer service skills,’” says Michael Carlin, R.Ph., director of Pharmacy at Lakewood Hospital. “Jackie was recently promoted to Pharmacy Purchasing Technician and this decision has proven to be invaluable to our department and the hospital as a whole. She is an excellent trainer and is always going above and beyond her assigned duties to ensure all staff is properly trained on medication inventory management.”

Ms. Hulec resides in Parma, with her husband and two children.

Lakewood Hospital recently installed three new generators to replace two older generators, which had served the hospital’s power needs for more than 30 years. The old generators were at maximum capacity and needed to be upgraded. Acquiring these state-of-the-art generators and associated switchgear was a $3.1 million investment, driven by the hospital’s multi-year strategic plan, Vision for Tomorrow.

Time is limited, and so is money. You want healthy eating to be a priority, but how to achieve it? Eat Well Lakewood is a program designed to help you answer that question.

Lakewood Hospital recently invested in the most advanced 3-D vascular imaging technology to better diagnose and treat patients suffering from a wide-range of peripheral vascular diseases. Acquiring this state-of-the-art equipment and establishing a new Endovascular Suite is a $2 million investment that is driven by the hospital’s multi-year strategic plan, Vision for Tomorrow.

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a disorder of the circulatory system outside of the brain and heart, is a leading cause of disability among people 50 years and older and in those with diabetes. Advancements in medical technology used to diagnose and treat PVD is becoming more critical than ever before. In an effort to help physicians provide safer and more efficient care, patients are now able to benefit from life-saving procedures at Lakewood Hospital’s new state-of-the-art Endovascular Suite.

“PVD is a serious problem and we need to take necessary measures to ensure world class care is provided to our patients,” said Janice G. Murphy, FACHE, president of Lakewood and Fairview Hospitals. ”We are very excited to announce this $2 million Endovascular Suite renovation. This is another step towards our Vision for Tomorrow strategic plan, which includes enhancing the patient experience by providing access to the most advanced technology and care closer to home.” Lakewood Hospital’s expert staff of physicians, with the support of highly trained nurses and technologists, are now able to perform minimally invasive procedures to better diagnose and treat most patients with vascular disorders.

 

Lakewood Hospital has announced the appointment of Judith Johnson, RN, BSN, MS, a healthcare executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience, as its chief nursing officer.  Johnson has served as the hospital’s interim chief nursing officer for the past year. In her nursing leadership role, Johnson is responsible for the day-to-day operations of patient care and designated clinical areas, developing and implementing nursing strategies, and policies for the delivery of quality patient care. 

The objective of the Cleveland Clinic is to ensure the same level of nursing care is delivered at every Cleveland Clinic facility by more than 11,000 Cleveland Clinic nurses. Sarah Sinclair, RN, BSN, MBA, Cleveland Clinic Executive Chief Nursing Officer, said, “Judy will be instrumental in helping the Cleveland Clinic Nursing Institute to achieve its strategic goals, particularly in the areas of patient care, satisfaction and outcomes. She will bring the guidance and experience necessary to help the nurses at Lakewood Hospital to fulfill our vision to deliver the promise of world class care."
 

Almost half a million people annually in the U.S. undergo a procedure called Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to diagnose problems in their liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. As part of its Vision for Tomorrow strategic plan, Lakewood Hospital has invested in new, state-of-the-art direct visualization technology to enhance the ability to diagnose and treat conditions such as obstructions and stones within the biliary tract.

Lakewood Hospital, a Cleveland Clinic hospital, has received a $1 million donation from The Harold C. Schott Foundation to expand and improve neurological and geriatric services focused on brain health. “We are overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the generous gift from The Harold C. Schott Foundation,” said Jack Gustin, president of Lakewood Hospital. “Because of their unwavering commitment to the health and wellness in our community, we will now have additional opportunities to enhance the excellent care already provided through our neurological and geriatric services.” The expansion is part of Lakewood Hospital’s Vision for Tomorrow plan to meet the evolving needs of the community and to improve the patient experience. The plan places a particular focus on enhancing and integrating the hospital’s SeniorCare Services and Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute at Lakewood Hospital. The H. C. S. Foundation gift will allow the hospital to increase its capacity to serve seniors in the community and to provide specialized education and resources about brain health for patients and their families. The contribution ultimately will allow Lakewood Hospital to expand services focused on the health and well-being of caregivers, who often bear a tremendous emotional and psychological burden. “Lakewood Hospital has been offering care to the community for more than 100 years, and it is our hope that with this donation they will continue to provide excellent care to the community for many years to come,” said Betty Jane Mulcahy, trustee, H. C. S. Foundation. “The hospital’s Vision for Tomorrow is a great investment in the community, and we are very supportive of it.”

The medication aide program is an exciting opportunity for State Tested Nursing Assistants (STNAs) to advance their education and climb the health career ladder. Since the pilot program began in May of 2006, STNAs have expressed a growing interest in the medication aide position. STNAs who are on the waiting list for nursing school have found this program to be very beneficial to their education. 

After the pilot program ended on March 26, 2009, any long-term care facility or assisted living facility in the state of Ohio was able to employ certified medication aides, a group of employees who are making a huge impact on the nursing care of our residents. They are also having a positive impact on the nurses as well. At Lakewood Senior Health Campus, the nursing staff finds the medication aides to be a wonderful asset to the health care team. Nurses have long valued the team work that passes between the STNA and the charge nurse in long term care.  With the addition of the certified medication aides, the team is further enhanced and functions very well. Medication aides are an integral part of the health care team and have been employed by facilities in other parts of the country for many years. 

Lakewood Hospital, a Cleveland Clinic hospital, will open its new Orthopaedic Unit, which features private patient rooms, on Monday, November 16. The $3.2 million renovation project is part of the hospital’s multi-year strategic plan, Vision for Tomorrow. The Unit offers a modern, warm and healing atmosphere that will enhance the patient and family experience. Additionally, the Unit will become the blueprint for future renovations at the hospital. By offering state-of-the-art improvements and enhancements, Lakewood Hospital will continue its tradition of excellent inpatient and outpatient care well into the future. 

On Thursday, October 29, Lakewood Hospital’s Diabetes and Endocrine Center, in collaboration with the American Diabetes Association, will host a Diabetes Expo entitled "Helping People Help Themselves" at LaCentre Conference and Banquet Facility in Westlake. The cost of the event is $10 for the general public and $40 for healthcare providers ($25 for Cleveland Clinic employees). Pre-registration is required.

Mohun Sundar, Operations Analyst at Lakewood Hospital, Lakewood, Ohio, received the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Early Career Healthcare Executive Regent's Award at the ACHE Breakfast as part of the Annual Meeting of the Ohio Hospital Association in Columbus, Ohio. The award was bestowed on Mr. Sundar by Kevin J. Miller, FACHE, ACHE's Regent for northern Ohio and President of Ashtabula County Medical Center, Ashtabula, Ohio.

The Early Career Healthcare Executive Regent's Award recognizes ACHE affiliates who have significantly contributed toward the advancement of health care management excellence and the achievement of the goals of ACHE. Affiliates are evaluated on leadership ability, innovative and creative management, executive capability in developing their own organization and promoting its growth and stature in the community, participation in local, state, or provincial hospital and health association activities, participation in civic/community activities and projects, and participation in ACHE activities and interest in assisting ACHE in achieving its objectives.

“I am very appreciative of and deeply humbled by this great award. This accomplishment is a reflection of working with extraordinary healthcare leaders and individuals at all levels who continue to raise the bar on how to serve our local communities with compassion and purpose,” stated Mr. Sundar.

Mr. Sundar has served as operations analyst at Lakewood Hospital since 2007. Prior to this, he served as an Administrative Fellow for the Cleveland Clinic Western Market hospitals. Additionally, Mr. Sundar holds a member status in the American College of Healthcare Executives, demonstrating a commitment to professional excellence.  He is also a member of the Group of Aspiring Leaders (GOAL), a young professionals group for the Cleveland Clinic Health System and a board member of the Cleveland StateUniversity Health Care Alumni Association.

Mr. Sundar received his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from University of California, Santa Barbara, and his MBA in healthcare administration from Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio in 2006.

Doesn’t it seem that everyday there are errands to run and places to go? Whether it’s the grocery store, post office, school or work, we find ourselves behind the wheel more often than not.

As everyone knows, the president is pushing for a comprehensive program to overhaul how health care is paid for and to make sure everyone is adequately covered. Unfortunately, the solutions being advocated are going to cause an increase in spending by upwards of $2 trillion. This is only going to fuel inflation, further hurt our weak economy, and, actually, make it harder for people to get the care they desire.

Recognized as one of the west side’s premier events of the summer, Lakewood Hospital’s fourth annual Starry Night benefit exceeded all expectations with nearly 650 people in attendance and more than $125,000 raised.  Net proceeds will benefit two great causes – the Lakewood Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center and the Lakewood Arts Festival Scholarship Fund.

Held on Friday, July 31 under two huge tents on Belle Avenue, the event brought Lakewood Hospital family, community friends and neighbors together to enjoy four gourmet food stations, a wine cork raffle, live and silent art auctions, an art activity, palm reading, and music by The Bottom Line band. Monica Robins, WKYC-TV3 News Anchor and Senior Health Correspondent, served as the evening’s mistress of ceremonies.

After several weeks of enlightenment, education, and exercise, the Live Well Lakewood Wellness Challenge has drawn to a close. The Challenge began on May 6th; at that session, participants were weighed, measured (height, waist & hip,) had their body mass index calculated, had blood drawn for glucose and cholesterol levels, and their blood pressure was taken.  They were evaluated for strength and flexibility.  They united in teams of four, often consisting of family members, to provide support and encouragement.  Then they set about making positive changes in their health. 

Each year thousands of children and adults end up in the dental office with injuries to their mouth and teeth.  Injuries ranging from small chips on the edge of a tooth to fractured, loose and missing teeth.  The sad fact of this is that most of these injuries could have been avoided or at least lessened if a simple precaution had been taken - wearing a mouthguard.  Hundreds of studies from all parts of the world have proven, without question, the effectiveness of mouthguards in protecting teeth and soft tissues of the mouth from injury.  The American Dental Association, Academy for Sports Dentistry, and National Federation of State High Schools have worked together to develop basic guidelines regarding mouthguards.  Most importantly, mouthguards need to be properly fitted, unaltered, and should not impede communication and breathing or create any hazards to airways or oral cavities.  This is best accomplished through a custom mouthguard made specifically for each child from a model of his or her mouth.  Although custom mouthguards are more expensive than the “boil-and-bite” guards available in most stores, the fit and protection is unequalled.  And, if you figure in the cost of repair to a damaged tooth with a possible root canal and crown or replacement of a tooth with an implant, the cost of a custom mouthguard  is a worthwhile investment.  Even with a mouthguard, damage to the mouth can still occur, so it is important to be educated and prepared for a dental injury.  The sooner treatment is sought the more treatment options are available.

Starry Night, one of the biggest and best street parties, raises funds for two worthwhile causes – the Lakewood Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center and the Lakewood Arts Festival Scholarship Fund.

Westside Yoga Studio offers a class and private instruction to those with limited physical mobility. Many individuals suffer from chronic or acute pain due to physical misalignments in the body or disease states such as arthritis, cancer, scolosis, etc. Yoga as a medium to open space in areas that are affected, such as the spine, joints, muscles and to restore correct posture and physical alignment. Re-alignment to the natural state restores range of motion and relieves pain.

Lakewood Hospital is pleased to announce the appointments of Ingrid Tuxhorn, MD, and Jennifer Ui, MD, to the Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute at Lakewood Hospital.  Both Dr. Tuxhorn and Dr. Ui are Cleveland Clinic physicians.  Dr. Tuxhorn, an expert Pediatric Epileptologist at the Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy Center, is board-certified in pediatrics and specializes in pediatric epilepsy.  Prior to joining the Cleveland Clinic in 2007, Dr. Tuxhorn headed a large and internationally recognized pediatric epilepsy unit at the Bethel Epilepsy Center in Germany.  

Dr. Tuxhorn earned her medical degree from the University of Cape Town Faculty of Medicine in Cape Town, South Africa.  She acquired extensive advanced training in pediatrics, neurology and pediatric neurology, epilepsy and clinical neurophysiology in leading academic centers in the United States and Europe. Her medical interests and areas of expertise include managing a first seizure, diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy syndromes across various age groups as well as epilepsy surgery and cognitive outcomes. 

Dr. Ui is board-certified in Neurology and specializes in neuromuscular medicine and Electromyography (EMG). EMG involves testing the electrical activity of muscles and measures the conducting function of nerves, such as with patients who have suffered a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, among others. Dr. Ui earned her medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine & Surgery, Manila, Philippines. Prior to completing her Neuromuscular Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Ui gained advanced neurology experience at Wayne State University – Detroit Medical Center and Sinai Grace Hospital, Detroit. “Lakewood Hospital has achieved a reputable status in providing state-of-the-art neurological care. 

The addition of these two impressive physicians will greatly enhance our scope of services and continue to position Lakewood Hospital at the forefront of providing advanced neurological care close to home,” says Jack Gustin, President of Lakewood Hospital. 

Both Dr. Tuxhorn and Dr. Ui are accepting referrals at Lakewood Hospital. To schedule an appointment, please call 216.529.7110.

About Neurological Institute The multidisciplinary Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute combines all physicians and other healthcare providers in neurology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology, the behavioral sciences and nursing who treat adult and pediatric patients with neurological disorders. The Neurological Institute offers a disease-specific, patient-focused approach to care. Our unique, fully integrated model is beneficial to our current standard of care, allows us to measure quality and outcomes on a continual basis, and we believe will enhance our ability to conduct research to benefit patients in the future. Lakewood Hospital, a Cleveland Clinic hospital, is a 400-bed acute care hospital that has served the diverse health care needs of the City of Lakewood and Cleveland’s Westshore communities since 1907. Offering a wide range of health services and education programs for women, men and children, each year Lakewood Hospital provides high quality and innovative patient care for more than 130,000 patients.

Diabetes doesn’t discriminate.  It doesn’t care if you’re black or white, rich or poor, young or old.  Diabetes needs attention, everyone’s attention.  Nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes and approximately 5.7 million of these people have not been diagnosed.  In addition, another 57 million people have pre-diabetes.  Closer to home, more than 300,000 people in Northeast Ohio live with diabetes.   

Diabetes is a disease in which the body doesn’t make insulin (insulin deficiency) or properly use insulin (insulin resistance).  When you eat, certain foods (carbohydrates) are broken down into glucose (sugar).  Insulin is a hormone, produced by the pancreas, which moves glucose from the blood into the cells where it is used for energy.   When the body doesn’t make insulin and/or properly use insulin, blood sugars rise and diabetes is diagnosed. 

Westside Yoga Studio is conductiing two Yoga Therapy Workshops on Saturday May 2nd & June 6th from 1-3:30 PM, taught by Rowan Silverberg LMT 500 HR RYT. These workshops are recommended for students and yoga instructors who want to gain more knowledge in healing acute or chronic physical injury and associated pain. The workshops will be divided into two 2.5 hour sessions, one for the upper body and one for the lower body.

The studio also offers classes and private instruction to those with limited physical mobility. Many individuals suffer from chronic or acute pain due to physical misalignment in the body or disease states such as arthritis, cancer, scoliosis, etc. Yoga is used as a therapeutic practice to open space in areas that are injured and compressed, such as the spine and joints and to relieve tight strained, stressed and sore muscles. It accomplishes this by restoring the body to it's natural anatomically correct posture and physical alignment.

Re-alignment to the natural state that restores range of motion and relieves pain. The student is an active participant in this process and is taught the principles of body alignment to use in everyday life, at work, at home and in exercising the body. In some cases the individual may undergo some manual manipulation of the affected area; in all cases the individual is taught how to continue to do this work on their own at home beginning slowly and according to the severity and degree of pain and/or physical injury.

Meditation is also taught as an ingredient to manage the emotional effects of pain and physical limitations. Individuals must commit to being active participants in this program in order to obtain the full affects of the therapy. We offer individualized therapy for those with more difficult and extensive needs. We also offer a weekly class on Thurs evenings from 6-7 PM for students that can participate in a class setting. This class is appropriate for those with physical limitations that are interested in improving flexibility, stability, stamina, strength and balance. Props such as chairs, blocks, bolsters and straps are used for support and to facilitate individual’s ability to participate in class and gain physical benefits. Therapeutic yoga provides the tools that many individuals need to manage pain due to acute musculoskeletal injury or chronic disease states such as arthritis or cancer. Breath work and meditation are used along with postures to enhance therapeutic benefits. For additional information on yoga therapy, classes, workshops or private sessions please go to www.westsideyogastudio.com. or contact Evin Bodell RN CYI, Owner/Instructor at 440 773-1605.

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in America. More than 41 million women are living with one or more types of cardiovascular diseases. With one out of three women dying from heart disease, Lakewood Hospital believes there is a vital need to promote heart health to women, therefore have opened a Women’s Preventive Heart Clinic.

Lakewood Hospital is pleased to announce the appointment of Sharon Johnson, MS, CNM, to Lakewood Hospital Midwifery Associates. Ms. Johnson has extensive experience in providing comprehensive nurse midwifery services as well as obstetrical nursing.

Westside Yoga is conducting a Reiki One Training Certification with Rowan Silverberg LMT, RYT 500 Reiki & Karuna Reiki Trainer on Saturday March 21st from 12-5 PM. The fee is $150.00. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen life force energy flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's life force energy is low, than we are more likely to become ill or feel stresed, if it is high we are more attuned to feeling happy and healthy.

The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words- Rei which means "Gods Wisdom of the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy" so Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy". A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance flowing through and around you. Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It is widely used by healthcare professionals today such as nurses and therapists who are in regular contact with patients. Reiki is an amazingly simple technique to learn; the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense but is transferred to the student during a class. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki trainer and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of life force energy to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life.

The children from Lakewood Hospital Child Care Center’s Kindergarten class came together recently to create handmade blankets for the patients on Lakewood Hospital’s Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF).  Chris McMaster, afternoon Kindergarten teacher at Lakewood Hospital Child Care Center, and her sister Wendy Slowey, RN, a nurse on the Skilled Nursing unit, wanted to help brighten the day of the patients. The sisters agreed that the patients on unit would welcome a visit from the children along with a special gift -- a soft, cuddly fleece blanket, made with love, for their beds.  McMaster and the children created 31 blankets.   

Lakewood Hospital is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Rae-Grant, M.D., to the staff of Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute at Lakewood Hospital. Dr. Rae-Grant is board-certified in neurology and specializes in the care of patients with multiple sclerosis.  

Lakewood Hospital has organized and stocked an Employee Food Pantry to assist its employees facing an immediate, unforeseen need. Any Lakewood Hospital employee or volunteer who has a need is able to take advantage of the non-perishable items in the food pantry.   The Food Pantry, which opened on Monday, December 22, began from a suggestion of a few employees. Jack Gustin, president of Lakewood Hospital, gave his full support, as this was an easy way to help employees who need some assistance in providing food for their families during these difficult times. “Oftentimes an employee’s personal circumstances can change in an instant, says Gustin. “I thought this was a simple we could come together to provide a resource to help those employees in need.”  

Carolyn Seelbach, member of Lakewood Hospital’s Children’s Board, presented Gustin with a $1,000 check from the Board to help stock the shelves with food items. “We love what you are doing and when we do things like this, that help each other, there’s truly nothing more important,” said Seelbach during the presentation. Additional support to stock the pantry shelves has come from employees donating their Giant Eagle gift cards, which were a gift from the hospital administration, and also the coins collected from the hospital fountains.

The 6th annual “Hats Off!” to a Tradition of Nursing Excellence at Lakewood Hospital was held on Saturday, November 8 at Wagner’s Country Inn, Westlake. This year’s event was a great success and helped raise money for the hospital’s Nursing Advancement Fund. The fund was developed to enable nurses at Lakewood Hospital to further enhance their continued education.

Some 300 attendees enjoyed a relaxed evening of camaraderie, dining and dancing. Under the leadership of co-chairs Lee Girman, RN, Birthing Center, and Andrea Schiavoni, RN, nurse manager Medical/Surgical Unit, the nursing units created and donated elaborate baskets with hobby themes such as cooking, camping, reading, travel, golfing, sports, gardening and scrap booking.

The opening of the newly renovated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Lakewood Hospital marks the completion of a three-year critical care construction project, which includes the Coronary Care Unit, Neuro Integrated Care Unit and now, the Intensive Care Unit.

The entire $7 million critical care investment, totaling approximately 25,000 square feet, promotes a comfortable, healing environment for patients who require the specialized care that the critical care areas provide.

The new 11-bed ICU, which serves the needs of the most critically ill patients, received numerous improvements, including technological and comfort upgrades offering a more state-of-the-art setting. The extensive renovations allow the hospital staff to care for patients in a more efficient manner...

The Lakewood Hospital medical staff has named its 2008 Physician of the Year. This year’s honor was shared among the four outstanding house surgeons, Romeo B. Bruno M.D., Arturo H. Diaz M.D., Hippocrates P. Tabora M.D., and Reynaldo T. Zabala M.D.

Based on exceptional criteria, members of the Lakewood Hospital medical staff nominated their peers for this award. The honor is awarded to a physician who has exhibited high professional standards; is a physician role model who is respected by both peers and colleagues; who believes that the welfare of patients is of the utmost importance; and who has dedicated his practice to the Lakewood Hospital community.

Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute at Lakewood Hospital opened its new doors to patients on October 30. The Institute, located on the first floor of the hospital, is home to some of the world’s most advanced treatments for neurological conditions.

The Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute first announced its expansion to Lakewood Hospital in August 2007. This new facility will allow the Institute to provide more comprehensive services on Cleveland’s West side...

The Ohio Department of Insurance is conducting a series of Medicare Check-Up Days in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. They will be held starting in the fall and run until December 31. The Lakewood Public Library, 15425 Detroit Ave. at Arthur Ave., Lakewood, OH will be hosting an event on December 15th, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm...

Lakewood Hospital Midwifery Associates opened its doors in September. Seven certified nurse midwives (CNMs), who have a long history at Lakewood Hospital, are now in one convenient location at the Lakewood Hospital Community Health Center, 1450 Belle Ave, Lakewood. The midwives collectively bring more than 70 years of experience to the practice. Lakewood Hospital has had CNMs on staff since 1991, when the hospital first re-opened its Birthing Center...

Lakewood and Marymount Hospitals are pleased to announce they each have been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Caremark Rx L.L.C. Discretionary Settlement Fund. The fund will be used to establish the Diabetes Assistance Initiative. This Initiative will provide financial assistance for prescription medication and scholarships for self-management education programs, two core components of diabetes care. With one in 14 individuals in Northeast Ohio living with diabetes, these programs are needed now more than ever...

Join Hanson Services, Inc. for a free program offering education and support for caregivers. Eileen McShea, the new spokesperson for Hanson Services, will host an evening filled with useful information and powerful coping skills...

Lakewood Hospital established an Employee Care Fund (ECF) in late 2004 to assist its employees facing an urgent, unforeseen financial emergency. Lakewood Hospital employees, physicians and volunteers have raised money for the ECF primarily through the annual Hospital Employees Reaching Out (H.E.R.O.) Campaign. Included in the total raised was a gift of $10,000 from Lakewood Hospital's Medical Staff. An estimated $70,000 has been given to 81 Lakewood Hospital employees to prevent them from being evicted from their home, having their utilities shut-off, and for basic items such as food...