Impact Report 2008

Rita Bria, RN, BSN

Cancer Care

Breast Cancer — St. Mary received funding this year to aid in the treatment of breast cancer. Donations supported the purchase of specialized breast boards for the use of breast cancer patients in positioning for treatment. Additional funding provided for a blanket warmer for patients as they undergo chemo or radiation therapy.

Oncology Unit — St. Mary opened its newly renovated inpatient oncology unit. With $1.3 million in donor support, the 16-bed unit was transformed into a comfortable, gleaming efficient environment for patients and families. Family members can nap on new loveseats or recliners. Overlooking the new rooftop Healing Garden, the Tea Room is equipped with shower facilities and a microwave and refrigerator for the convenience of patients and families.

Breast Cancer Detection and Treatment Management — St. Mary was fortunate to receive funding for the new Mammotome System. With this specialized equipment, a breast biopsy can be performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. A doctor can make a precise analysis with minimal pain, scarring and recovery time. The procedure takes less than an hour and patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately. While the thought of having a breast biopsy can be frightening, the results can provide reassuring peace of mind. The vast majority of breast biopsies do not turn out to be cancer. And a biopsy is currently the only way to achieve an accurate breast cancer diagnosis.

Healing Ministries — In addition to quality medical care, holistic services are a wonderful support when facing the challenges of a serious diagnosis and addressing the symptoms and stress of a chronic health condition. Holistic services are infused with a spiritual foundation that encourages peacefulness and deep relaxation. As a Catholic health care institution, we believe in and promote a level of care that respects the mind, supports the body, and honors the spirit, holding dear to our Catholic values. Through community support, over 130 sessions were provided to cancer, stroke and other patients who might not otherwise receive this care.

George Hollerbach, RN and Anne Taylor, CT, (R,CV) in the CathLab

Cardiac Care

Cardiac illness remains the #1 health issue in our community. St. Mary continues to address Cardiac Care and the thoracic surgery program is in the top 12% of the programs throughout the country.

The Foundation provided over $2 million through the generosity of donors for the construction of 4 new state of the art Cath Labs in our Heart and Vascular Center. At the onset of a heart attack, time is crucial in preventing permanent heart muscle damage. St. Mary is able to respond quickly to cardiac patients — it can be determined if a cath team needs to be assembled before the patient arrives in the Emergency Room by receiving diagnostics straight from the paramedics in the field.

This new state of the art cath lab technology provides 3D vascular capability. This allows the physician to accurately measure and see the heart from different views. The technology also provides interventional radiology capabilities. This allows veins and arteries in the arms, legs and neck to be addressed as well as being used in obstetrics, and organs such as the liver and kidneys.

As the growth of the 45 years+ and 65 years+ age groups continues to increase faster than the national average, it becomes increasingly important for St. Mary to maintain excellence in our cardiovascular program. Philanthropy has played and will continue to be important in this effort. Your gifts are making a difference!

The ceremonial ribbon cutting to celebrate the St. Mary Community Ministries expansion

Community Ministries

The St. Mary Community Ministries provide care for the poor through a store-front location in Bensalem, one of the poorest areas of southeast Pennsylvania. St. Mary provides health and social welfare programs for those who are most in need in our community. The Foundation funded over $300,000 to support these activities in 2008.

Generous gifts from corporations, foundations, and individuals allowed St. Mary to expand its Community Ministries site in Bensalem to better meet the growing demand for service.

The 3,000 square foot expansion features a new Wellness Center that offers exercise, dance, music and other movement activities to both youth and adults and emphasizes exercise, nutrition, and social skills to promote positive lifestyle choices.

Another new addition is the Family Learning Center for preschool programs geared toward 4-5 year olds with little or no preschool experience. The Family Resource Center's newly renovated kitchen provides space for nutrition education and preparation of healthy meals and snacks. The Mother Bachmann Maternity Center and Children's Health Center also gained much-needed space as a result of the expansion, which not only enabled each center to increase its breadth of services, but also to provide dedicated clinic space to the Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership (BCHIP) Adult Health Clinic.

St. Mary Medical Center received funding to:

  • Allow us to transfer the existing paper records of the Mother Bachmann Maternity Center and Children's Health Center to an electronic system
  • Offer nutrition education and counseling to mothers-to-be at the Mother Bachmann Maternity Center, helping to ensure a healthy pregnancy for mom and a healthy start for baby.
  • Launch LIFE St. Mary, a program of all-inclusive care for low-income frail elderly.
  • Purchase car seats for families in Bucks County who cannot afford to buy them.
  • Provide social support services to homeless families who live in the apartments St. Mary provides through the Family Resource Center.
  • Reach out to the community to educate women about breast cancer screening and detection.

Teresa Ropers, RN

Emergency Services

Expanded just three years ago and funded in part through the Foundation's Access to Excellence campaign, the Emergency Department continues to meet an increasing demand for services. In 2008 the Emergency Department provided over 62,000 visits, approximately 40% higher than anticipated.

In the spring of 2008 the Pediatric Care unit or "Peds Pod" expanded to provide 24/7 service to children up to the age of 18. Funded in part through the efforts of the Foundation, the "Peds Pod" allows for specialized care of our youngest patients in a child-friendly environment, separate from the often frightening adult emergency department.

St. Mary participates in the Hospital Preparedness Program, a federal program that enhances the ability of hospitals to prepare for and respond to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. As the recipient of a grant from the Commonwealth, the Foundation provided funds for an Emergency Operations Center, supported training and planning for regional emergencies, and improved the medical center's ability to respond to a sudden increased demand for care.