HJNO Jul/Aug 2019

62 JUL / AUG 2019  I  Healthcare Journal of NEW ORLEANS   Hospital Rounds This marks the first time that Civica is announc- ing the production of generic drugs – and the ini- tial medications to be supplied – since the com- pany launched in late 2018. It has committed to partnering with suppliers to deliver 14 essential generic medications this year. Shortages of these anti-infective medications, like Vancomycin and Daptomycin, are impacting patient care in hospi- tals across the United States Ochsner and its patients have been affected by several of these situations, including shortages of some IV antibiotics used to treat severe infections, specific local anesthetics required for common surgical procedures, and non-opioid pain man- agement medications. The collaborative initia- tive will result in lower costs and more predictable supplies of many medicines, helping ensure that patients and their needs come first in the generic drug marketplace.                                                                Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, Xel- lia will help avoid drug shortages and enable the supply security Civica and its member health sys- tems, like Ochsner, are seeking. The company has a long-standing heritage of manufacturing with an emphasis on quality and security of sup- ply. They also produce their own active pharma- ceutical ingredients, as well as finished injectable drug products for serious and often life-threaten- ing bacterial and fungal infections. Xellia will make medications for Civica under Xellia’s Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) and Civica label- ing and New Drug Code (NDC). Civica Rx represents approximately 900 hospitals across the United States whose focus is to address national drug shortages and high prices of life-sav- ing medications. Civica Rx is partnering with FDA approved suppliers in the short-term and working towards becoming a Food and Drug Administra- tion (FDA)-approved manufacturer.  Tulane Lakeside Hospital Receives ‘A’ for Patient Safety Tulane Lakeside Hospital was awarded an “A” from The Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2019 Hospital Safety Grade. The designation recognizes Tulane Lakeside’s continued efforts in protecting patients from harm and meeting the highest safety stan- dards in the United States. “One of the most important tenets of medicine is ‘first, do no harm.’ Patients and families trust region, including cardiac ablations to treat irreg- ular heartbeat and a Hybrid Operating Room for non-surgical valve replacement and abdominal aortic aneurysm stenting. In addition, more than 40 cardiac research trials are available to qualify- ing patients of CIS. The hospital is designated as an Accredited Chest Pain Center by the Society of Cardiovascu- lar Patient Care (SCPC). TGMC was also named Top 10 percent in the Nation by CareChex for cardiology expertise and cardiac care in patient safety, an honor achieved through the team efforts by CIS and TGMC. Moving forward, TGMC and CIS have plans to expand to meet the growing needs of our com- munity by introducing a cardiac surgical suite to enhance the patient experience. This suite will include the most advanced medical imaging devices and the ability to performminimally-inva- sive procedures in one location. “TGMC has a reputation for providing world- class cardiovascular care in partnership with our dedicated CIS physicians and for our life-saving technology,” said Phyllis Peoples, president and CEO. “With the recommitment to our long stand- ing relationship, our highly skilled physicians and staff will be able to continue providing patients the most advanced treatment options available and the highest quality technology.” “We take pride that we have grown into one of the largest and most comprehensive cardiovascu- lar programs anywhere in the world,” said David Konur, CEO at CIS. “Our success would not be possible without our physicians, our team mem- bers, and our partners.” Civica Rx, Xellia Pharmaceuticals to Produce Essential Antibiotics to Reduce Chronic Drug Shortages Civica Rx (Civica, Inc.) and Xellia Pharmaceuticals announced a product supply agreement under which Xellia will manufacture essential antibiot- ics, including Vancomycin and Daptomycin, for Civica’s member health systems. Earlier this year, Ochsner Health System (Och- sner) announced that it was one of the found- ing members of Civica Rx, a new not-for-profit generic drug company established to address chronic shortages of generic drugs and related high prices.  Junot holds a Bachelor’s of Basic Sciences from LSU. He also holds an associate’s degree of science in nursing from Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge and is currently a candidate for Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) from Western Governor’s University. Tulane Health SystemOffers Free 24/7 Registered Nurse Health Advice Line Free health advice from registered nurses is now just a phone call away, thanks to Tulane Nurses On-Call, a new service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “We’ve all been in situations where you or a loved one has a health concern, and you aren’t sure if you should visit an emergency room – espe- cially if there is an incident after hours or on week- ends, and your doctor’s office isn’t open,” said Jana Stonestreet, Tulane Health System’s chief nursing officer. “And it’s hard to know what infor- mation to trust on the internet. That’s why we’re excited to offer our community instant access to experienced registered nurses who can help peo- ple make good, informed decisions about their health.” Tulane Nurses On-Call can also assist patients in finding primary care and specialist physicians and provide information about hospital services avail- able within Tulane Health System. Patients can receive information about and register for hospital classes and events by calling the help line, as well. To speak with a registered nurse, call Tulane Nurses On-Call at (504) 249-7675. TGMC and CIS Announce Continued Partnership Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) and Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) have renewed their agreement to jointly manage the cardiac service line at TGMC. TGMC and CIS have been partners for more than 35 years, providing cardiovascular diagno- sis and treatment to patients in the Bayou Region and beyond. The program has been internation- ally-recognized and accredited for its advance- ments in cardiovascular care. TGMC and CIS have pioneered techniques and technology to treat coronary and peripheral vascular disease, some of which are available only at TGMC in this