Watts received the Nurse Educator of the Year honor after being selected from hundreds of nominations that were submitted by colleagues, patients, friends and families in support of nurses throughout Indiana. Watts was recognized April 24 during The Indianapolis Star’s 11th annual Salute to Nurses luncheon, which honors and celebrates the commitment and compassion of nurses in communities across the state.
Watts’ accomplished career in nursing began at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. She then joined Indiana University Health in 1990, where she served as the Manager of Clinical Operations for Adult Critical Care at IU Health Methodist Hospital. Watts transitioned to IU Health North Hospital in 2006 as the Manager of Clinical Informatics and Education, and was promoted to her current role as the Director of Nursing Practice at IU Health North Hospital in 2010. In this position, Watts is responsible for the development, standardization and coordination of programs to advance the hospital’s nursing practice, quality and research.
Through Watts’ leadership, IU Health North Hospital has worked to promote nursing through implementation of a Nursing Career Advancement Program that supports the educational and career goals of its nurses. Watts also worked with staff nurses to choose and implement a nursing Professional Practice Model, and supported the selection and implementation of a new learning management system. Currently, Watts is very involved in the efforts to earn the Magnet designation for IU Health North Hospital and continues to lead clinical informatics, advanced nursing practice and clinical staff development.
“Janis has been a tremendous asset to IU Health North Hospital and its staff,” said Jonathan R. Goble, President and CEO of IU Health North Hospital. “We are proud of her achievements and grateful for the many contributions she has made as a nurse educator. This recognition is well deserved.”
More information about the Nurse Educator of the Year Award and other nursing honors will be available in The Indianapolis Star’s “Salute to Nurses” section that will run in the Sunday, May 5 issue.
]]>Following treatment with the LINX® System, the majority of patients substantially reduced or resolved their reflux symptoms, and eliminated use of their reflux medications. Severe regurgitation was eliminated in all patients, and nearly all patients reported a significant decrease in the need for medication. More than nine in 10 patients reported satisfaction with their overall condition after having the LINX® System.
A study published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) provides clinical evidence of the safety and effectiveness for Torax Medical’s LINX® Reflux Management System, a new, FDA-approved medical device. Numerous studies have shown that reflux symptoms persist in up to 40 percent of patients who receive acid suppression medications and that these symptoms have a negative impact on quality of life and healthcare utilization. The LINX® System allows surgeons to leave the stomach intact and support the weak sphincter with a small device placed around the sphincter. The device uses magnetic attraction to help prevent the sphincter from opening to reflux.
“We are very excited to offer innovative solutions for treatment of a very common disease,” stated Daniel McKenna, MD, Medical Director of the Esophageal & Gastric Surgery Center at IU Health North Hospital. “This is a much needed advancement for a disease that can be very debilitating. While medication can assist with alleviating symptoms of GERD, this medical device provides a solution to treat the underlying problem.”
For more information, you can visit iuhealth.org/gerdlinx.
To interview Dr. Daniel McKenna or to request animated video of the LINX System treatment, please contact Libby Springer at 317.688.2765.
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About IU Health North Hospital IU Health North Hospital, a part of Indiana University Health, has provided leading care to Carmel and Hamilton County residents since 2005. With dedicated pavilions for women, children and specialty surgery, and an attached medical office building, IU Health North Hospital brings together physician offices, inpatient beds and operating rooms. Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health North Hospital offers the peace of mind that comes with service and support from Riley Hospital for Children’s nationally recognized programs. All patient rooms are private, including neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, within the 700,000-square-foot, 189-patient bed facility. To learn more about IU Health North Hospital, visit iuhealth.org/north.
The LINX Reflux Management System The LINX System is a small implant comprised of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores. The magnetic attraction between the beads augments the existing esophageal sphincter’s barrier function to prevent reflux. The device is implanted with a standard minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure and is an alternative to the more anatomically disruptive fundoplication, commonly used in surgical anti-reflux procedures. The LINX® Reflux Management System is indicated for those patients diagnosed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) as defined by abnormal pH testing, and who continue to have chronic GERD symptoms despite maximum medical therapy for the treatment of reflux.
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CARMEL, IN.—Indiana University Health North Hospital and Indiana University Health Saxony Hospital will host a “Listen to Your Heart” Women’s Heart Health event on Friday, February 1 (at IU Health North) and Friday, February 8 (at IU Health Saxony) in celebration of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women month. The heart health event is designed for women to talk with IU Health’s expert physicians and specialists about women’s heart health topics and concerns. The event is free and open to the public. More information can be found by visiting iuhealth.org/north and iuhealth.org/saxony.
In addition to the physician presentations, there will be free health screenings and a healthy cooking demonstration, with lunch served immediately following the presentation. Attendees should register for the cooking demonstration by calling 688.2828 (IU Health North) or 688.2829 (IU Health Saxony). Attendees will also enjoy giveaways, prizes and a vendor fair.
WHAT: “Listen to Your Heart” Women’s Heart Health Event
WHEN: Friday, February 1, 9 am – 2 pm
Friday, February 8, 10 am – 1 pm
WHERE: IU Health North Hospital (February 1)
11700 N. Meridian St.
Carmel, IN 46032
IU Health Saxony Hospital (February 8)
13000 East 136th Street
Fishers, IN 46037
In addition to this free public event, the hospitals will be offering additional heart screenings throughout the month of February.
For more information about the event, visit iuhealth.org/north and iuhealth.org/saxony. To arrange an interview with a participating physician, please contact Libby Springer.
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The winners were selected from the extensive database of National Research hospital customers for their performance over the last four quarters. IU Health North Hospital was selected for its 1st place ranking (out of 139 hospitals) in the Overall Rating category of 100-300 bed hospitals.
National Research selects Path to Excellence award recipients based on their achievement within categories that patients have identified as being most important to the quality of their care. The award is only bestowed upon those organizations that are ranked by patients as being a top performer in one of the following categories: Rate Hospital; Specialty Hospital–Rank Hospital; Children’s Hospital–Overall Rating; Adult–Would Recommend Doctor’s Office; Pediatric–Would Recommend Doctor’s Office; Catalyst Improvement Planner Champion; and Most Improved Client.
"National Research congratulates IU Health North Hospital for their outstanding achievements in patient-centered care," said Susan Henricks, president and COO of National Research. "We are proud to have IU Health North Hospital as a high achieving organization—they do what's right and that is putting patients and families first."
As a 2012 award recipient, IU Health North Hospital is among a select group of healthcare innovators leading the way on the path to patient-centered care.
“By partnering with National Research and utilizing its measurement and quality improvement solutions, we have been able to make immediate adjustments to our care processes to delight patients, satisfy their needs and gain their trust,” said Jonathan Goble, president and CEO of IU Health North Hospital. “This rapid improvement has a multiplying effect, as it creates a strong referral network and puts Indiana University Health top of mind the next time these satisfied patients seek medical treatment.”
“Earning the Path to Excellence award indicates a strong and ongoing commitment to the practice of patient-centered care,” said Henricks.
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About Indiana University Health North Hospital IU Health North Hospital, a part of Indiana University Health, has provided leading care to Carmel and Hamilton County residents since 2005. With dedicated pavilions for women, children and specialty surgery, and an attached medical office building, IU Health North Hospital brings together physician offices, inpatient beds and operating rooms. Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health North Hospital offers the peace of mind that comes with the service and support from Riley Hospital for Children’s nationally recognized programs. All patient rooms are private, including neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, within the 700,000-square-foot, 189-patient bed facility. To learn more about IU Health North Hospital, visit iuhealth.org/north.
About National Research Corporation Currently recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the largest patient satisfaction firms in the U.S., National Research is dedicated to representing the true voice of patients and other healthcare stakeholders. This integration of cross-continuum metrics and analytics uncovers insights for effective performance improvement, quality measurement, care transitions, and many other factors that impact population health management. For more information, call 800-388-4264, write to info@nationalresearch.com, or visit www.nationalresearch.com.
]]>A 42-bed specialty hospital focused on cardiovascular, orthopedics and emergency services, IU Health Saxony Hospital saw nearly 5,500 patients in its Emergency Department and performed more than 500 surgeries in its first year of operation.
“IU Health Saxony Hospital was specifically designed to provide a new level of care for our patients. We invested in the very best in design, technology and care delivery systems to meet that goal," said Daniel F. Evans, Jr., president and CEO, Indiana University Health. "I commend the staff and physicians for their dedication and expertise in bringing a new, innovative care facility to life.”
“We put together an aggressive plan for IU Health Saxony Hospital in a highly competitive market, and we are content with the success we have experienced in our first year,” said Jonathan R. Goble, president and CEO of IU Health Saxony Hospital and IU Health North Hospital. “IU Health Saxony Hospital is proud to be part of this community, and we look forward to providing exceptional care for many more years.”
IU Health Saxony Hospital employees and physicians will celebrate the hospital’s first anniversary throughout the first week of December. In addition, IU Health North Hospital in Carmel will celebrate its seventh anniversary on December 1, 2012.
To interview IU Health Saxony Hospital’s CEO, chief medical officer or other employees, please contact Joy Davis or Debbie Bush.
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Carmel, Ind. - Looking for a fun family activity this fall? Carve out some time for this year's Pumpkin Patch Festival on Saturday, October 13. Attendees will receive free pumpkins, food, drinks, games and prizes. Costumes are encouraged.
Highlights include a bicycle safety course, bounce house, police and fire emergency vehicles, petting zoo, face painting, caricatures, crafts, train rides, clowns, valuable health information, blood pressure screenings and more!
A 5K run/walk presented by the Carmel Lions Club will serve as a kickoff to the Festival. The 5K begins at 9 am on the south side of the hospital. Registration opens at 8 am. There is a fee to participate in the run/walk and it is open to adults and children. Those interested in participating are encouraged to visit the organization's website at carmellions.org to learn more. Registration information and event details are also available at iuhealth.org/north.
WHAT:
- 5K Run/Walk presented by the Carmel Lions Club
- FREE Pumpkin Patch Festival presented by IU Health North Hospital and RE/MAX Legends Group
WHEN:
Saturday, October 13
- 5K: Registration opens at 8 am; 5K begins at 9 am
- Festival: noon-3 pm
WHERE:
IU Health North Hospital
116th and North Meridian St.
Carmel, IN 46032
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The program is an initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), the nation’s largest health care philanthropy and is staffed by experts at The George Washington University.
Since October 2010, IU Health North Hospital has made cutting-edge and lasting changes to further improve the quality of care provided to its cardiac patients, with the specific goal of reducing readmission within 30 days for heart failure patients.
Throughout the program, staff have piloted and tested quality improvement strategies, while collecting data that have been examined by patient race, ethnicity and language to determine if disparities exist.
“We have a culture of constant improvement, and this program has helped us fuel that culture and provide even better care to our patients,” said Toni Beymer, RN, MSN, NE-BC, Director, Cardiovascular and Critical Care Services at IU Health North Hospital.
Aligning Forces for Quality(www.forces4quality.org) is the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s signature effort to lift the overall quality of health care in targeted communities, reduce racial and ethnic disparities, and provide models for national reform.
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Carmel, Ind.- Indiana University Health North Hospital will host its third annual women's wellness event next Saturday, October 6. "You: Head to Toe" is an event designed for women to talk with IU Health North Hospital's expert physicians and highly-skilled specialists about various women's health topics and concerns. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is available at the door or online.
Three physician-led breakout sessions will address topics from breast health to heart health, sleep disorders to facial cosmetic surgery, nutrition and gluten-free diets, knee and hip arthritis and more. Attendees will also enjoy continental breakfast, giveaways and raffle prizes, and a health fair with valuable health information. Free health screenings, including blood pressure, glucose and BMI, will be offered.
WHAT: You: Head to Toe, A Women's Wellness Event
WHEN: October 6 / 8:30 a.m. - noon
WHERE: IU Health North Hospital
11700 N. Meridian St.
Carmel, IN 46032
For more information about the event, visit iuhealth.org/north/womens-wellness. To arrange an interview with a participating physician, please contact Joy Davis.
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