- News & Press Releases, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health is helping to remove barriers to access by bringing the COVID-19 vaccine directly to some of our most vulnerable, at-risk community members. The health system has launched a mobile vaccination clinic to reach those residing in subsidized senior residential communities in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties. On Friday, the mobile clinic made its first stop to Bowman Place, a senior living community in Annapolis, Md., by Homes for America. “Many of these residents have transportation and technology issues,” said Charlotte Wallace, community health nurse for Luminis Health. “With our mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinic, Luminis Health aims to eliminate these obstacles and provide a much-needed shot of hope to our neighbors. Seniors are the most vulnerable to this virus, and vaccinating them as quickly as possible brings us closer to ending this pandemic.” Thirty five seniors received their first dose of the vaccine during the mobile clinic. “These residents were incredibly brave,” added Wallace. “Many of them were scared of needles and vaccinations, but we provided on-the-spot education and talked them through the process to provide encouragement.” “Homes for America is grateful for our continued partnership with Luminis Health,” said Julie McCabe, vice president of service enhanced housing. “We are excited that residents of Bowman Place will have the ability to get vaccinated. Their health and safety has and continues to be our utmost priority. This is an historical moment that we are proud to be a part of, a win-win for the residents and for the community at large.” The mobile vaccination clinic is part of Luminis Health’s community vaccination plan to reach those who are unable to get to other vaccine clinics.
- News & Press Releases, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThis Heart Month, Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) is pleased to announce the launch of its cardiac surgery program. On Dec. 23, 2020, the first cardiac surgery case was performed. For years, cardiac surgery has been the missing link to a full spectrum of heart care services at LHAAMC. In 2015, the medical center filed a Certificate of Need (CON) application with the Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) to gain approval to develop a cardiac surgery program. The MHCC approved LHAAMC’s CON in 2017 and all opposition was dropped in 2019, paving the way for Anne Arundel County’s first cardiac surgery program. Dr. Adrian Park, chair of the Department of Surgery and Luminis Health’s Surgeon in Chief, added “This is a historic milestone for our community, allowing us to provide a seamless experience for patients and their families, with less disruption and the best possible outcomes.” LHAAMC is nationally recognized for its heart services and quality care. Most recently, the medical center was the recipient of the 2020 American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award — one of only 140 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor. LHAAMC has also been consistently awarded the Mission: Lifeline® Gold Plus Receiving Quality Achievement Award by the American Heart Association. LHAAMC is among just eight percent of U.S. hospitals to be designated a Magnet® hospital, the highest-level credential for quality patient care and nursing excellence. The medical center also holds an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade and a five-star overall rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Anne Arundel County outpaces the nation in the prevalence and mortality of heart disease. It is the second leading cause of death and accounted for 22% of all Anne Arundel County deaths in 2017. The LHAAMC Cardiac Surgery program aims to reduce health care costs, enhance the patient experience and improve the health status of the community.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health announces Tamiko Stanley as its vice president and chief diversity equity and inclusion officer. Stanley joined Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) in 2017 as director and head of diversity equity and inclusion. During her tenure, Stanley has been at the forefront of the design and execution of innovative strategies that have enhanced workforce diversity, cultural inclusion and increased outcomes in health equity for patients. Most recently, she was instrumental in the creation of the health system’s Health Equity and Anti-Racism Task (HEART) Force, consisting of members of the board of trustees, senior leaders, medical staff, community partners and stakeholders. Stanley’s work has directly contributed to LHAAMC receiving a score of 100 from the Healthcare Equality Index and being named a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality in 2020 by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, as well as earning the honor of the 2019 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award from the American Hospital Association — an award bestowed to only a few hospitals in the country. “Tamiko is a proven agent of change, a visionary diversity and inclusion strategist, and a transformational leader,” said Victoria Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “Her leadership has been the driving force behind our swift progress toward a more diverse and inclusive workplace, as well as culturally customized care making each patient, family, and community encounter better. We look forward to her leadership in this new role to expand these important efforts across our health system.” “If you look at the world’s most successful companies, you’ll find a successful diversity and inclusion strategy embedded in those organizations,” said Stanley. “I am proud that Luminis Health is among them that are committed to the continuous pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable culture. This commitment is evident in our values of respect, inclusion, service and excellence that are at the core of our Vision 2030 strategic plan to ensure that diversity and inclusion are integrated into what we do every day.” Stanley came to Luminis Health from Pittsburgh, Pa., where she worked in the diversity field for a number of large organizations, including FedEx Supply Chain, the City of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Pirates. She is a Juris Doctorate candidate and has a business degree from Duquesne University.
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTelehealth visits (also referred to as virtual visits, virtual consultations or telemedicine) are a great way to stay connected with your doctors from just about anywhere via a screen — like a computer, tablet or cell phone — instead of trekking to a medical office. Many chronic conditions and minor illnesses can be handled through a telehealth visit, including: Chronic disease guidance Dermatology care Medication management Mental health counseling Nutrition counseling Prescription refills Urgent care (sinusitis, back pain, urinary tract infections, common rashes, etc.) Wellness and general health information With the coronavirus pandemic in full swing, millions of people have found virtual visits to be a very convenient and effective way to stay in touch with their healthcare providers. Planning a telehealth visit? Download this handy checklist to help you prepare. A little prep goes a long way Know what you’ll need for your conversation with the doctor Taking the time to gather a few important items before your visit will help your virtual visit run smoothly and will allow you make the most of your time with your physician: Medication bottles: Those medication names can be real tongue-twisters. So, it’s best to let your doctor see the bottles and labels for each medication you take. That will ensure there are no mix-ups and clarify all medication names and dosage. Paperwork: Just like any medical visit, your insurance, medical history and other forms must be completed. Your doctor’s office can tell you if any forms on file need updating. Pen and paper: You’ll want to take notes while you talk to your doctor. Also, jot down your questions beforehand; it’s only natural to forget a question or two. Test results: If you’ve had any screening tests recently, make sure your doctor has the results prior to your visit. If you’ve done any home monitoring tests (like glucometer or blood pressure readings), it’s important to have those numbers on hand. Set up and test your equipment ahead of time If you’re new to virtual meetings, it’s essential to make time to get your device set up and ready to go. You might try a test with a friend, a quick check to make sure your doctor will get a clear picture and hear you well. Here are a few important reminders: Charge your device: Making sure your device is fully charged will help ensure your time with the doctor isn’t interrupted. Check your internet connection: If you’re using Wi-Fi, get the best signal you can. You may need to position yourself close to your internet router and/or close down other devices to improve your connection. Check your laptop, phone or tablet: Make sure video/camera and audio access has been enabled — and check the volume. Consider your lighting: Is your space private, quiet and well-lit? If you’re in front of a window, the bright light might shadow your face. Make sure your face is centered and your webcam is at eye level. Log on a few minutes early: This can help check for (and fix) any technological problems beforehand so you don’t delay your appointment. Why patients (and doctors) like telehealth visits During the pandemic, virtual visits went from being an item on our lists of things to try someday to becoming a necessity. And the benefits became clear, quickly: These visits helped us reduce exposure to COVID-19 while still getting the ongoing medical care we need. Even after we have coronavirus well under control, it’s likely doctors and patients alike will continue to enjoy the benefits of telehealth. After all, we’re much more comfortable with it now. Telehealth allows you to: Access medical specialists easily Address health issues without leaving home Save time off of work See your doctor quickly, possibly the same day We’re here, whenever and wherever you need us Telehealth visits are intended to help you get the medical attention you need without driving to see your doctor, risking exposure to contagious illnesses or spending time in a waiting room — especially if you aren’t feeling well. If you’re not sure about using your computer or cell phone for a telehealth visit, feel free to reach out to your provider’s office. They’ll be happy to walk you through the process, step by step, over the phone. Just remember: You aren’t the first to ask questions about telehealth visits. Our experts can explain it to you clearly, so you’ll feel comfortable. Authors Andrew McGlone, MD, is a physician with Anne Arundel Medical Group Annapolis Primary Care. You can reach him at 443-481-1150. Sufia Syed, MD, is an internal medicine physician at Doctors Community Practices at Laurel.
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNothing can keep Rosa and Wayne Elliott separated – not even the COVID-19 pandemic. The Edgewater couple was treated for the virus at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center this month. Rosa, 90, was admitted on Jan. 11. Wayne, 89, was admitted four days later. But that didn’t stop date night for the Elliotts, who have been married for 71 years. They were on the same unit, so LHAAMC staff brought them together for each meal so they could still spend time together, hand in hand. “Although bringing someone down the hall for meals seems simple, the impact it made for not just the patients, but the staff who care for them was uplifting,” says Justin Bowser, clinical nursing director of LHAAMC’s medical surgical unit, neurological care unit and inpatient wound/ostomy department. Together, the Elliotts have lived an exciting life. Wayne served in the U.S. Navy, where he lost an eye. But that hasn’t kept him from winning several awards for competitive shooting. The retired employee of the state prison system is a master carpenter and lover of woodworking, and he fixes up and shoots muzzleloaders in his spare time. Rosa was the one who asked Wayne out for their first date all those years ago. A retired bank employee, she traveled all over the world with her husband when they were younger. “We have seen a great deal of sadness, grief, loss during this pandemic. What we try to remember most are the positive memories, the memories where we make an impact on someone’s life,” Justin says. “This love story is a prime example of a positive memory we can cherish.” The Elliotts were discharged from LHAAMC last week and are now recovering at home.
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