HJNO Mar/Apr 2019

62 MAR / APR 2019  I  Healthcare Journal of NEW ORLEANS   Hospital Rounds harness the power of technology to improve the health of all Americans,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. A pioneer in healthcare innovation and digi- tal health, Ochsner briefed Chairman Pai on sev- eral of its programs that leverage technology to improve health outcomes and provide increased, more convenient access to quality care, including Ochsner Digital Medicine, Hypertension Digital Medicine, Diabetes Digital Medicine, Connected MOM (maternity online monitoring), Ochsner TeleStork Program, Ochsner TeleStroke Program, and Ochsner Anywhere Care and Virtual Visits. Chairman Pai concluded his visit with a tour of Ochsner’s O Bar, a service that enables patients to test out the latest in health technology in a sup- portive, interactive environment, and promotes patient engagement in health. “Patient care extends beyond the walls of the hospital and our team is utilizing technology, data, and new ways of thinking to improve health out- comes, reduce the cost of care, enhance the expe- rience of healthcare and, ultimately, build healthier communities,” said Dr. Richard Milani, Ochsner’s chief clinical transformation officer and medical director of iO. “Our digital programs are improv- ing outcomes and are getting our patients more engaged with their health.” Thibodaux Regional Medical Center Recognized by LOPA Thibodaux Regional Medical Center announced that it was among a select group of hospitals nationwide recognized for promoting enroll- ment in state organ donor registries in a national campaign sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Thibodaux Regional was awarded Bronze Rec- ognition from the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) for its efforts and participation in the Workplace Partnership for Life (WPFL) Initia- tive. This campaign is a special effort of HRSA’s Workplace Partnership for Life to mobilize the nation’s hospitals to increase the number of peo- ple in the country who are registered organ, eye, and tissue donors and ultimately, the number of organs available for transplant. The campaign unites donation advocates at hospitals with rep- resentatives from their local organ procurement organizations. With LOPA and the full support of Thibodaux Regional’s Administration and staff, the hospital conducted awareness and registry campaigns to educate staff, patients, visitors, and community members about the critical need for organ, eye, and tissue donors, and by doing so, increased the number of potential donors on LOPA’s donor registry. St. Tammany Hospital Foundation Gurney GamesKicked Off Carnival Season St. Tammany Hospital Foundation kicked off the 2019 carnival season with Gurney Games, presented by fl+WB Architects at the Covington Trailhead. “The foundation is excited to kick off Mardi Gras season in downtown Covington with this unique fundraiser,” said Melanie Rudolph, foun- dation specialist. “Proceeds from the 2019 event will benefit the STPH expansion initiative, funding innovative and lifesaving technology in our new four-story, private patient room addition.” Gurney Games is a fundraising event benefit- ing St. Tammany Hospital Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. This event features teams of costumed racers navigating hospital gurneys through a fun and challenging obstacle course. In addition to the race, teams also parade down the street and are judged for costuming, gurney décor, and fan favorite. Slidell Memorial Hospital Board Approves Bond Refunding Issue Slidell Memorial Hospital Chairman of the Board Daniel Ferrari announced that the Slidell Memo- rial Hospital Board of Commissioners approved moving forward with a bond refunding issue for its general obligation bonds issued in 2009. This refi- nancing of the 2009 bonds is the latest in a series of refundings in recent years resulting in savings to taxpayers of more than $2,302,000. SMH closed on the bond refunding issue on January 29. The result of this lower rate will be a savings of $582,755.66 over the remaining life Thibodaux Regional was awarded Bronze Recognition from the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) for its efforts and participation in the Workplace Partnership for Life (WPFL) Initiative. Pictured accepting the award from LOPA Donation Services Coordinator, Lisa Lirette- West, is Greg Stock, Thibodaux Regional CEO, Cindy Poiencot, RN, Renee Kincy, RN, Denise Knight, RN, Lisa Richard, RN, and Toni Martinez, Marketing.