DECH Sponsors the Roque Bluffs Community Center’s Fundraiser Event for the Machias Food Pantry

July 2022 Machias – Down East Community Hospital CEO, Steve Lail, presents fundraisers Arline Smith and Tammi Aiello with $1,500.00 for the Roque Bluffs Community Center’s August event to raise funds for the Machias Area Food Pantry.

The goal of the fundraiser is to raise enough money to buy a large refrigerator and a freezer for the Machias Food Pantry.  The fun packed event will take place at Roque Bluffs State Park on Saturday, August 13 from 10am to 4pm.  Lunch will be provided and there will be games, face painting and prizes. And, a Bagpiper will be playing at 1pm! The cost to attend is just $7.00 per person and all proceeds will go to the Machias Food Pantry.

CEO, Steve Lail, “The food pantries have always provided an invaluable service to the community.  The need is increasing so it is more important than ever to give so they can continue to help those who are food insecure.  We hope they have a huge turnout for the event and are very thankful for the individuals and groups out there like the Roque Bluffs Community Center who donate their time to help those in need.”

Newly Expanded Orthopedic Building Open for Patients

June 2022 Machias – Down East Community Hospital is pleased to announce that our newly expanded and renovated Orthopedic Building is complete and open for patients.

CEO, Steve Lail, on the expansion, “The original building could no longer accommodate the growth that was taking place in the practice. The providers and staff needed room to do their work and the close quarters made it difficult for patients to navigate.  Something had to change; we needed to expand. This new space is great for our providers and staff but most importantly, because of easier access to the building and exam rooms, it is great for our patients.”

The expansion project that broke ground in early spring more than doubled the space of the existing building.  There are now seven spacious exam rooms, an office for each provider, a large waiting room, three bathrooms, and a fully furnished breakroom for staff.

An open house will be held on June 29 from 4:30 to 6:00pm.  We hope you can stop by take a little tour, meet the staff, and enjoy some refreshments.

Calais Community Hospital Hosts One-Year Anniversary Celebration

June 2022 Calais – Calais Community Hospital is hosting a special celebration to commemorate its one-year anniversary as a member of the Down East Community Hospital organization.   A thank you BBQ is being held for staff and community members for the support received throughout the last year.

The event will take place on July 1, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the lower parking at the hospital.  It will celebrate a year of collaboration and commitment to serving the residents of Washington County and recognizing the hospital’s 100 plus year legacy in the community.

Calais Community Hospital CEO, Steve Lail, said, “Just a year ago the hospital was in the midst of bankruptcy and struggling with low volumes and low resources.   The acquisition by DECH brought a lot of hard work and some tough decisions, but CCH is now moving in a positive direction.  We truly have reason to celebrate.”

As a result, Calais Community Hospital has kept its doors open, ensuring ongoing access to vital care and services and providing benefits to both staff and patients.

Lail stated, “Among Calais Community Hospital’s first year achievements are the recruitment of new providers, including an orthopedic surgeon to bring back the orthopedic program to Calais and a full time general surgeon; upgrades to the radiology department; a new MRI machine, new testing equipment in the lab and provider offices to test for covid, flu and rsv onsite; and positive wage adjustments for staff across the organization to more accurately reflect appropriate market level.   Steadying the financial condition of the hospital has stabilized jobs for over 175 employees, which has a positive economic and employment ripple effect throughout the area.    Keeping the hospital thriving and viable is not just important to the physical health or our community members, but also to the economic health of our area.”

The celebration on July 1 will commemorate a year of new beginnings and celebrate a future of hope, healing, and shared commitment to serving the healthcare needs of the community.   “We are honored to continue the legacy of healthcare in Eastern Washington County through Calais Community Hospital as an essential community partner comprised of committed providers and staff dedicated to improving health,” said CEO Steve Lail.

Carole Cook Donovan Donates $10,000 to DECH’s Comfort Care Suite

January 2022 Machias – Stuart Donovan, from Englishman’s Bay in Jonesport, visited Down East Community Hospital at the end of December to deliver a check in the amount of $10,000 for the Comfort Care Suite in memory of his wife.  Stuart’s wife, Carole M. Donovan, who passed away on April 30, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer, told her husband she wanted to donate to the suite. “This is what my wife wanted, and this is what I’m doing”, stated Mr. Donovan when presenting the check.

CEO, Steve Lail, on the donation, “We are very appreciative of this donation to the Comfort Care Suite. Because of Carole’s generosity, we will be able to upgrade the suite and add amenities that will make it even more comfortable.  For instance, we are in much need of a sleeper recliner for the patient room so a family member can stay comfortably by their loved one’s side.  We also need a new table and chairs for the eating nook in the family room.  All items purchased will benefit families for years to come and we have the Donovan family to thank for that.”

The Comfort Care Suite is dedicated to the comfort and caring of patients and their families DECH began fundraising for a Palliative Care Suite, now called the Comfort Care Suite, in 2011.  At the end of 2012, the suite was completed. Two existing hospital rooms were combined and renovated to make a comfortable, homelike suite: one room for the patient and one for their family members. A comfortable pull-out couch, recliner, kitchen, eating nook, and flat screen TV are some of the amenities that are provided for the family. This project was fully funded through the generosity of our community, staff, and physicians and donations have come in over the years dedicated to that suite.

Within our hospital, our aim is for Palliative Care services to provide comprehensive, compassionate, and coordinated care for inpatients and Emergency Department patients and their families. The Palliative Care team assists patients and their families to have a comfortable, positive, meaningful experience throughout the progression of the illness in an environment of openness, compassion, and caring.

Palliative Care is care that moves along a continuum from curative care to death. In the beginning of a chronic illness, we do everything we can to provide “curative” treatments. When the chronic illness progresses to a place where fewer and fewer treatments provide any measurable relief of symptoms, we move more towards “end of life care”.

Adam Simmons, DPM Joins Down East Community Hospital

January 2022 Machias – We are happy to announce that Adam Simmons, DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) will be practicing at our Orthopedics practice at Down East Community Hospital beginning the week of March 21, 2022.  Dr. Simmons is an established area provider and a skilled healthcare services professional.

Dr. Simmons has a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) degree and is licensed by the state. He diagnoses and treats foot diseases and deformities. He performs medical, surgical, and other operative procedures, prescribes corrective devices and physical therapy, and prescribes and administers drugs.

Services and procedures include:

  • At Risk foot care; neuropathic, diabetic, and other at-risk foot evaluations /managements
  • Clinical / surgical lower extremity wound care management
  • Clinical / surgical foot evaluations – generalized foot pain, Ingrown toenail removal, wart removal, skin lesion biopsy/ removal, arthritis, foot fractures, bunions, hammer toes, flat foot, and other foot deformities

Dr. Simmons received a B.A. in Biology from Utah Valley University and a DPM degree from Barry University in Florida. He went on to complete his FF/RRA Surgical Residency program, specializing in wound care and foot and ankle surgery.
A podiatrist is a person qualified by a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) degree. Podiatrists diagnose and treat foot diseases and deformities. They perform medical, surgical, and other operative procedures, prescribe corrective devices, and prescribe and administer drugs and physical therapy. Podiatrists are also referred as foot doctors and/or chiropodist.  Podiatrists can be the first to identify systemic diseases in patients, such as diabetes and vascular disease.

To make an appointment with Dr. Simmons, call 255-0404.

 

DECH Receives Two 2022 Awards from the Women’s Choice Award®

February Machias – Down East Community Hospital (DECH) has been named one of America’s Best Hospitals for Emergency Care and for Outpatient Experience by the Women’s Choice Award®, America’s trusted referral source for the best in healthcare.  These awards signify DECH is in the top 10% of 4,728 U.S. hospitals offering emergency care and outpatient services.  DECH is one of 477 award recipients representing the hospitals that have met the highest standards for emergency care in the U.S. by the Women’s Choice Award and one of 267 award recipients representing the hospitals that have met the highest standards for outpatient experience.

DECH CEO, Steve Lail, on the awards, “We have a great team at DECH who work and support each other to give our community the great care they deserve.  Every department has experienced extra stress and strain because of the pandemic which makes this recognition even more meaningful. These awards are a testament to the caring, experienced professionals in our Emergency Department, our OR/Ambulatory Surgery Department, and all those who support them, and we are very proud of our team for providing excellent care.”

Each year, there are more than 130 million emergency room visits in the U.S.  Emergency departments continue to be an essential part of the healthcare system as they provide fast, life-or-limb saving care to millions each year.   Unlike other hospital departments that interact with the same patient and families for an extended period, ES staffs typically have one patient encounter, often when anxiety and fear is at its peak.

“Emergency departments can be very stressful environments, particularly for the elderly or a mother with a sick or injured child,” said Delia Passi, founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award.  “Women make or influence 94% of all healthcare decisions for themselves and others.  They want to be confident that they know which emergency departments in their communities will take care of their loved ones quickly and with the best possible care.  Knowing the Women’s Choice Award has already placed their seal of excellence on a hospital is immediate validation that they have made the right decision, easing their concern during a very stressful time.”

The methodology for America’s Best Hospitals for Emergency Care award is unique in that it combines Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey results with primary research about women’s healthcare preferences. The award recognizes excellence in emergency care based on several process of care measures focused on time patients spent in the emergency department, including:

  • Total Time Spent in the Emergency Department
  • Percent of Emergency Patients Who Left Without Being Seen

Criteria for selecting Down East Community Hospital as one of America’s Best also included the percentage of patients who came to the emergency department with stroke symptoms who received brain scan results within 45 minutes of arrival.  Also included this year were hospitals that performed well in responding to patients showing symptoms of severe sepsis, a very dangerous condition.  The  awarded hospitals represent those with emergency departments with average measure times in the highest 25th to 50th percentile in the country.  Hospitals received additional credit if they have an accredited trauma center.

The award is especially significant given that long waits and high crowding can negatively impact patient outcomes, including patients leaving without receiving medical treatment, longer overall length of hospital stay and an increase in mortality rates.

“Down East Community Hospital not only performed well clinically with regard to emergency care measures, but they also have a high recommendation rating, which is very important to women when it comes to health-related decisions” says Passi.

DECH has also been named one of America’s Best Hospitals for Outpatient Experience by the Women’s Choice Award. Hospitals aiming to provide the most appropriate and value-based care along with advances in technology such as minimally invasive techniques have shifted many patient cases to outpatient settings.  As a result, hospitals have made significant strides in providing increased customer service to improve the outpatient experience.

“Overnight stays in the hospital can be very stressful and costly. With the advancement of technology, hospitals are now able to offer more procedures on an outpatient basis which is much more convenient, more affordable and less stressful,” said Delia Passi, founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award. “Women have demanding lifestyles with over 70% of moms employed so making it easy for her to find hospitals that provide the best outpatient experience helps simplify her life.”

The methodology used to select DECH as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Outpatient Experience is exclusive in that it evaluates patient satisfaction measures with a hospital visit based on the criteria in the Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Survey (OAS-CAHPS).  The evaluation process is the only national list that focuses on the opinion of females. It is the only award recognizing excellence in outpatient satisfaction based on robust criteria that considers the patient experience and clinical excellence.  The categories in the OAS-CAHPS survey are assigned weights based on the feedback received from the Women’s Choice Award Survey.  Only hospitals that achieve rankings higher or equal to the national average in communication and care by hospital staff, pre and post-surgical coordination, facility ratings and patients’ recommendation are eligible for the outpatient experience award.

ABOUT THE WOMEN’S CHOICE AWARD®

The Women’s Choice Award for Best Hospitals™ is a trusted referral source and coveted credential that identifies the nation’s best hospitals based on robust criteria that includes relevant clinical performance, patient satisfaction and appropriate accreditations. The Best Hospitals demonstrate exceptional ratings, providing the highest level of care and commitment to their patients’ health and well-being.  The Women’s Choice Award is the only designation that takes into consideration the preferences of women when selecting a hospital. Visit http://www.womenschoiceaward.com/ to learn more.

Down East Community Hospital and Calais Community Hospital Partner with TeamHealth to for Emergency Medical Services

January 2022 Machias and Calais – DECH and CCH are now partnering with TeamHealth, a leading physician services organization, to provide emergency medicine services. Through this partnership, TeamHealth will become the employer of emergency department clinicians and will collaborate with the clinical teams of both hospitals to maximize operational efficiency. TeamHealth will also assume clinical oversight responsibilities of both emergency departments.

President and CEO, Steve Lail, on the partnership with TeamHealth, “Knowing that TeamHealth will provide us with specialized expertise, while handling the staffing and oversight of our Emergency Departments, allows us to concentrate on operational and strategic plans of both hospitals.  We look forward to working with them to provide excellent care to the people of Washington County”.

Founded in 1979, TeamHealth has a more than 40-year history of delivering high quality care across community-based stand-alone hospitals and regional health systems like ours.  They have strong state-wide and regional presence in both emergency medicine and hospital medicine with a metric-driven, data-based approach to operational and clinical excellence that ensures quality care and an outstanding patient experience. They have a national recruiting and clinician pipeline that ensures the long-term stability of our emergency department teams and the have programs and initiatives to ensure high clinician engagement and retention and reduce clinician burnout and improve clinician wellness and resiliency (the average TeamHealth emergency medicine medical director tenure is more than 12 years). Through its vast network of service offerings and best practices, TeamHealth offers extensive resources and unparalleled support for physicians and advanced practice clinicians.

Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Now Available in Washington County

January 2022 Machias – Down East Community Hospital is very pleased to announce that Rhonda Norton, DPT, has joined our Rehabilitation team.

Rhonda comes to us with over 20 years of experience in Physical Therapy, receiving a Master of Science from Husson College in 2000, and later completed her Doctorate degree, graduating in 2009.  Rhonda has completed advanced training in pelvic physical therapy, earning a Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Health from the American Physical Therapy Association in 2014.  She provides treatment for both males and females of all ages for conditions related to pelvic health including urinary and fecal incontinence, overactive bladder (urinary frequency/urgency), constipation, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, bedwetting and prenatal and postpartum pain. Treatment may consist of exercise programs, posture education, manual therapy, biofeedback, electrical stimulation, relaxation and breathing techniques.

Rhonda was the Rehabilitation Department Project Manager in Calais as they transitioned to Calais Community Hospital.  She played a pivotal role in restructuring the department, including implementation of an electronic medical record.

Rhonda grew up in Columbia Falls and attended Narraguagus High School.  She recently returned to the area after working at Rumford Hospital in Rumford, Maine.  Rhonda, her husband Leigh, and their two children, are happy to have relocated to Washington county to be close to family and enjoy all of the activities of Downeast Maine.  They enjoy spending time with family, being at camp, and participating in the family’s blueberry harvest.  Her husband, Leigh, grew up in Jonesboro, and is the operations manager for a local wind farm.  We are happy to welcome them back to Washington County!

Rhonda will begin taking appointments for pelvic rehabilitation therapy in February.  You can call Down East Community Rehabilitation at 255-0258 for more information.

Down East Community Hospital Receives $100,000 from the Estate of a Past Volunteer

January 2022 Machias – Down East Community Hospital received $100,000 from the estate of the late Steve Calhoun.  Steve, a long time volunteer at the hospital, lost his battle with cancer on October 29, 2020.  CEO, Steve Lail on the donation, “We are always humbled and appreciative when people in our community give to our hospital and were profoundly stunned when we received the donation.  We knew that Steve loved the hospital, his work here, and the community but for him to leave us such a generous gift was truly astounding.”

Many people here knew Steve and appreciated the countless hours he dedicated to the hospital.  He began volunteering at DECH in 2011 and continued on until 2018 when he became ill.  He donated thousands of hours to the hospital and would do anything to help. He was regularly seen supporting Materials Management breaking down and disposing of shipping materials, working in Dietary helping to keep the vending machines full, Public Relations by helping with events, and in the hospital sitting with patients in need.  He loved voulunteering and considered the people who worked here his friends and family.  Especially his fellow volunteer Tom McClure.  He thought the world of Tom and they worked great as a team.  Steve won several Presidential awards for his volunteer hours and he and Tom were recognized as volunteers of the year by the Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce in 2012.

We know that Steve’s family and friends in the community, who see this acknowledgement of his gift, will not be surprised by his extraordinary generosity.  They already know he always wanted to help wherever he could.  Thank you Steve.

DECH Welcomes New Year Baby 2022

January 2022 Machias – DECH welcomes its first baby of 2022!

Kristi Doten and Dan Jones’ daughter, Indira, was born at Down East Community Hospital on January 5 at 8:48am.  Indira weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces and was 19 ½” long.  DECH presented the family with a gift basket full of items for Indira.  The basket also contained several gift certificates for her parents.

Congratulations from the OB staff and everyone at DECH on the birth of your beautiful daughter!