HJNO Mar/Apr 2019

Healthcare Journal of NEW ORLEANS I  MAR / APR 2019 59 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalNO.com heart pump to be used to improve severe heart disease, but the pump can only be placed in the heart muscle in the operating room with major intervention. The device is intended to pass through the blood vessel of the arm through the patient’s healthy ascending aorta, then through the patient’s healthy aortic valve and into the fail- ing left ventricle. In Edmondson’s case, the vessels, aorta and valves were failing and needed repair before the heart pump could be put in place. Breaux and his team performed a two-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting, followed by a Maze atrial fibrilla- tion ablation procedure, an aortic valve replace- ment, an ascending aorta replacement, and finally, the placement of the heart pump. “This is an extremely unique case and the first time a complex surgery like this has been done in the United States,” said Daniel H. Raess, vice pres- ident and senior medical director for Abiomed, makers of the heart pump used in Edmondson. “Dr. Breaux’s foresight to devise this plan and the expertise needed to succeed with such an oper- ation was phenomenal.” Edmondson’s heart recovered and rapidly regained strength. The heart pump was removed five days following the initial surgery, and Edmondson was discharged in good condition four days later. St. Tammany Parish Hospital Increases Entry Pay Rate St. Tammany Parish Hospital Board of Commis- sioners approved a new entry level wage of $12 per hour, which was effective January 20. “We felt this was the right thing to do for our staff, the smart strategy to take for our business, and a powerful impact to have on our local econ- omy,” said Board Chairman John Evans. “In rec- ognition of the increasingly complex demands of working in healthcare, we want to stay competi- tive so that we continue to attract and retain the very best healthcare staff in our region.” The increase from $9.50 per hour to $12 per hour represents a 26 percent increase for the 232-bed service district hospital for western St. Tammany and surrounding areas. “At St. Tammany, we put our patients first, every day, every time, and we celebrate the crucial role truly dedicated colleagues play in that success,” said Joan M. Coffman, STPH president/CEO. “We also recognize the impact our hospital, each of our colleagues, and their families have on the Northshore economy.” With 2,300 employees, St. Tammany Parish Hos- pital is the city of Covington’s largest employer and the parish’s second-largest employer. Health- care is the second largest private employment sector in St. Tammany Parish, according to data from St. Tammany Corp., an economic develop- ment organization. “We recognize that healthcare is a significant industry sector in St. Tammany that creates jobs and increases the quality of life for residents of the parish,” said Chris Masingill, St. Tammany Corp. CEO. “St. Tammany Parish Hospital continuously engages in our educational and workforce initia- tives and is a strong partner in our mission to pro- mote a robust economy and enhance our vibrant communities.” The board decision comes as a result of anal- ysis of local workforce data and compensation rates, and a recognition that colleagues at every level have direct impact on hospital quality, safety, and patient experience. STPH was honored for world class performance in all three measures in 2018 by national organizations including US News & World Report, Care Chex, Leapfrog, Health- grades, and Women’s Choice. Slidell Memorial Hospital Announces Increase to Entry Level Pay Rate Slidell Memorial Hospital announced that it increased its entry level pay rate to $12 per hour, effective January 27. All full-time and part- time employees who earned less than this rate received a rate increase to $12 per hour. “We are committed to recruiting and retaining a competent, compassionate, and professional workforce that is dedicated to our mission—to improve the quality of life in our community,” said SMH Chief Executive Officer Kerry Tirman. “We view our team as integral parts of both our orga- nization and the community we serve.” A minimum of 115 employees saw this increase on their paychecks issued February 15. SMH senior leaders, with full support of the SMH Board of Commissioners, have dedicated resources for the design of a new compensation structure to be implemented during the first quarter of 2019. “We are taking this step as an investment in our team. Future leaders are found in every level of our workforce, and we believe investing in them ensures they are more likely to stay with SMH rather than leaving for other industries,” said Tirman. Ochsner Congenital Heart Surgery ProgramAnnounces 100 Percent Survival Rates in Neonate, Child Patients Ochsner Health System (Ochsner) and Ochsner Hospital for Children have released 2018 survival rates for congenital heart surgery patients, which included 100 percent survival for all neonatal sur- gery, including the Norwood procedure. Ochsner’s Pediatric and Adult Congenital Car- diac Surgery Program is led by Dr. Benjamin B. Peeler, who joined Ochsner’s team in 2016. Peeler is a board-certified congenital cardiac surgeon.  Two-year data (2017–2018) also showed signifi- cant success rates over national averages at Och- sner. These included 100 percent survival from the Norwood procedure and an overall mortality rate of 1.8 percent, significantly below the national average of 2.9 percent. “Our survival rates are the result of the com- bined efforts of our growing team of dedicated professionals who have made our mission to pro- vide elite level outcomes and an excellent family experience at Ochsner Hospital for Children,” said Peeler. “We think all patients and families in Loui- siana should have access to the best level of care available in our state, which is not easy to accom- plish and has not been historically available close to home. The Ochsner Congenital Heart center is Benjamin B. Peeler