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Press Releases

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    • Wednesday, Feb 07, 2024

    American College of Surgeons Awards Level II Pediatric Trauma Designation to Renown Children's Hospital

    (Pictured Above: Dr. Frieda Hulka, Pediatric Trauma Program Medical Director at Renown Children’s Hospital, helps announce pediatric trauma verification on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024) Renown Health, a locally governed, not-for-profit academic healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California and the teaching hospital for the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, has been verified as the first level-2 pediatric trauma center in northern Nevada by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This recognition is a historic first for children’s healthcare in northern Nevada. Renown Regional Medical Center is the region’s only Level II Trauma Center (adult) and one of the largest hospitals in the United States, with 826 licensed beds, providing care to approximately one million patients across 17 counties, across 100,000 square miles between Sacramento and Salt Lake City. Serving urban, suburban, and rural communities, Renown Health is one of the region’s only providers of neonatal care with both a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and the largest newborn intensive care unit (NICU) in the area. RENOWN ONLY ONE OF TWO IN NV; ONE OF 153 IN THE US The pediatric trauma verification by the ACS recognizes that the Renown team offers immediate, around-the-clock, emergency treatment for pediatric trauma patients. Renown is one of only two health systems to receive the designation of a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in Nevada by the ACS; and the first in northern Nevada to earn this national distinction. To achieve verification, the hospital must meet rigorous standards for comprehensive care, staffing, facilities, research, and educational contributions. Nationwide, only 153 hospitals are pediatric trauma centers. The new status considers trauma treatment capabilities of Renown’s pediatric emergency department as well as the ability of Renown Children's Hospital to offer such services as pediatric surgery, pediatric intensive care unit stays and pediatric physical and occupational therapy to children recovering from traumatic injuries. EXTENSIVE ON-SITE REVIEW “This new achievement was granted after an extensive on-site review conducted by an expert team from the American College of Surgeons; a group dedicated to improving the care of surgical patients and safeguarding standards of care in a safe, optimal and ethical practice environment,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Renown Health. “We are proud that Renown Regional Medical Center has earned the designation of being the only ACS verified Level 2 Trauma Center for adults in the region since 1984. This verification process, renewed every three years, was completed in late December 2023 alongside the new verification for Renown Children’s Hospital. Now with UNR Med, we celebrate serving our community with a robust Level 2 Pediatric Trauma Center; and have grown to become a nationally recognized children’s hospital with a robust academic department of pediatrics.” “The team at Renown Children’s Hospital consistently provides outstanding pediatric trauma care, and we are thrilled that the American College of Surgeons has awarded us with this official distinction,” said Dr. Frieda Hulka, Pediatric Trauma Program Medical Director at Renown Children’s Hospital. “This is particularly significant for families in northern Nevada, where trauma remains the leading cause of death in infants and children. Some nationwide studies show that children treated at pediatric trauma centers have a lower mortality risk compared to children treated at other facilities.” This year marked the first time the emergency department's pediatric capabilities were evaluated separately. To be a designated Level II Trauma Center, a hospital must have 24-hour immediate coverage by general surgeons and multiple specialties, such as orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and emergency medicine. In addition, the hospital must provide trauma prevention and ongoing education for its teams and incorporate a comprehensive quality assessment program. The emergency department did not meet the minimum volume of 200 pediatric trauma patients per year to qualify for the level-1 pediatric designation, but the Renown team anticipates with growing community support, combined with UNR Med’s research and residency programs, that they will pass this threshold in the future. “More than 100,000 children between the ages of zero and 17 live in Washoe County, and that number continues to grow,” said Nicholas Mannering, Trauma Program Manager at Renown Health. “Caring for our community’s children is a responsibility we take extremely seriously, and we are so grateful to our patients and the families for trusting us with their care.” “Both the pediatric and adult trauma verification honor the many pioneering trauma physicians, surgeons and clinical and support teams who have built a stellar reputation over the last 160 years for Renown; and align with our strategic vision for providing comprehensive and best-in-class healthcare for the people of northern Nevada for the next 160 years,” said Chris Nicholas, CEO of Renown Regional Medical Center. “These designations celebrate our team’s commitment to maintaining and exceeding the highest standards of care for our patients.” GRATEFUL DONORS INVEST IN NORTHERN NEVADA’S CHILDREN In 2016, The William N. Pennington Foundation recognized the need for enhanced care and expertise for pediatrics and donated $7.5 million to Renown Children’s Hospital to establish the William N. Pennington Fund for Advanced Pediatric Care. “Through these gifts,” adds Kristina Deeter, MD, MBA, FAAP, Chair of Pediatrics (UNR Med) and Physician-in-Chief, Renown Children’s Hospital, “100,000 area children now have access to more than 30 pediatricians, including general pediatricians and specializing specialists in oncology, orthopedics, pulmonology, emergency medicine, urology and many other subspecialties previously lacking in the community, as well as a pediatric emergency room, pediatric ICU and a dedicated pediatric floor at Renown Children’s Hospital. Prior to 2016, a significant percentage of pediatric patients requiring critical and specialty care had to be transferred outside of our region to receive the specialty care they needed. Now, thanks to donor support, Renown estimates that 97% of all pediatric patients and their families can receive both general and specialty pediatric care locally. The next nearest children’s hospital in the state is 7 hours or 438 miles away in Las Vegas.” In 2022, the hospital treated 82,544 patients, performed 26,388 inpatient and same-day surgeries, gave care to 37,380 children through its pediatric providers, and delivered 3,792 babies. In June 2023, Renown Regional Medical Center expanded its pediatric critical care services to the region with a New Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with advanced technology and trained healthcare professionals to give special care for women and babies. Renown also has a Neonatal Transport Team which brings infants with serious illnesses, injuries, or complications from outlying communities to the comfort of Renown's NICU. In July 2023, The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and Renown Health welcomed members of the first resident class of the new UNR Med Pediatric Residency Program. Renown Health is a 501 c3 not for profit organization. Donations to the Children’s Hospital are needed and accepted here.   About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit academic healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. Renown Regional Medical Center is the teaching hospital for the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center for both adults and children, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health.

    Read More About American College of Surgeons Awards Level II Pediatric Trauma Designation to Renown Children's Hospital

    • Friday, Sep 29, 2023

    Renown Health Nationally Recognized for Commitment to Providing High-Quality Stroke Care With Three American Heart Association Recognitions

    The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines®- Stroke Gold Plus awards for proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care. Renown Health emergency, medical and surgical providers have received three American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® awards. These awards demonstrate commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatments according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines; reducing disabilities and increasing the number of lives saved. Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the main cause of adult disability. Studies show patients recover better when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research and evidence-based guidelines. “A stroke is an extremely serious condition that requires emergent medical treatment. The faster treatment is provided, the lower the risk of brain injury. We are proud of our thousands of physicians, nurses and clinicians who consistently practice exceptional patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Renown Health. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and consistent protocols to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help people live longer and better lives.” “As a participant in Get With The Guidelines programs, Renown qualified for the awards by demonstrating that physicians and clinicians across our integrated health system are committed to improving quality care for stroke patients,” said Bill Plauth, MD, MMM, CPE, Chief Medical Officer for Renown Health and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “If you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke, call 911, as you need skilled medical care immediately. Stroke care focuses on helping people recover as much function as possible and return to independent living. The Renown Neurovascular and Stroke Program and Renown Rehabilitation Hospital teams provide expert emergency stroke care and comprehensive neurovascular care and rehabilitation services.” “We are pleased to recognize Renown Health for its commitment to caring for those in their community who need cardiovascular care,” said John Warner, MD, FAHA, past president of the American Heart Association and CEO of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “Hospitals that follow the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols often see improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.” “Renown Regional Medical Center is the only designated Comprehensive Stroke Center in northern Nevada,” says Benjamin Pence, DO, Director, Institute for Neurosciences at Renown. “This means that we have the highest level of certification to receive and treat the most complex stroke cases. Our Institute for Neurosciences team is led by the area's top neurologists, and we conduct research studies involving new ways of preventing, diagnosing, and managing neurological disorders. We care for patients suffering from nerve and brain disorders due to stroke, headache, epilepsy, and other acute causes. We also monitor and develop treatment options for patients with memory and movement disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson's Disease or Multiple Sclerosis.” Renown Health also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital (within 60 minutes or less) and treatment for at least 85 percent of applicable patients. “It is an honor to be among the American Heart Association’s Stroke Honor Roll Elite award recipients,” said Bret Frey, MD, president of Northern Nevada Emergency Physicians Care teams at Renown Health. “We adhere to these rigorous guidelines daily and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to ensuring more people in northern Nevada receive leading emergency and trauma care and the gift of extended, healthier lives.” Renown Health also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll - Stroke award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke. This award is given to hospitals that qualify for the silver level or higher achievement award within the Get With The Guidelines – Stroke program and achieve an overall Diabetes Cardiovascular Initiative Composite Score of more than 80 percent. About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. To join the Renown team, visit renown.org/careers. About Get With The Guidelines Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 12 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

    Read More About Renown Health Nationally Recognized for Commitment to Providing High-Quality Stroke Care With Three American Heart Association Recognitions

    • Friday, Sep 22, 2023

    Reno Home to CNO to Know: Chief Nurse Executive Melodie Osborn, Named to Becker’s National List

    Becker’s annual list of Chief Nursing Officers to Know list for 2023 has been published, recognizing professional nurse healthcare leaders across the country. Melodie Osborn, MBA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC of Renown Health, Reno’s only not-for-profit, charitable health care organization, is one of the 153 professional nursing leaders nationally to be listed, and one of two from Nevada. “These leaders bring a unique blend of clinical and leadership experience to their roles. These nursing healthcare leaders have navigated their hospitals and health systems through the COVID-19 pandemic, and are now addressing staffing shortages, managing labor budgets, and creating professional pathways for the next generation of nurses,” Becker’s stated. In their announcement, Becker’s highlighted that Melodie Osborn, MBA, BSN, RN Chief Nurse Executive for Renown Health (Reno, Nev.), oversees nursing and seamless care across Nevada’s largest not-for-profit integrated delivery system. In 2023, she worked with donors and University of Nevada, Reno, to create an academic pipeline to address the nursing shortage via full-ride scholarship funding for up to 24 nursing students each year. Scholarship recipients may also complete a paid apprenticeship at Renown with a guaranteed hospital job following graduation and licensure. In 2020, Ms. Osborn volunteered to lead Renown’s COVID-19 vaccine effort and helped personally vaccinate over 50,000 community members. She is past president of Nevada Organization for Nurse Leaders. Under her leadership, Renown’s ICUs are three-time AACN Beacon Award winners for demonstrating excellence in patient care, healthy work environment and ongoing and evidence-based care.” “We are so pleased that Melodie has been nationally recognized for her stellar leadership, said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO for Renown Health. “Over the last twelve years, she has built high-performing teams and created a supportive environment that enhances patient-centered care. Melodie has an incredible work ethic, strong principles and has worked to achieve a consistently high standard of nursing practice across Renown Health. Melodie takes her responsibility as the executive nursing voice for more than 2,700 nurses very seriously. Her dedication to improving health and care has inspired teams to work together to achieve significant results that have benefited many. Melodie is the definition of a dedicated and committed leader and is well deserving of this recognition. We are very proud of her accomplishments and thank her for her exceptional leadership.” Melodie Osborn is a member of the executive leadership team at Renown Health. Renown Health earned Forbes' Best Healthcare Employer in Nevada for combatting burnout and ensuring well-being and safety of caregivers. Renown Health is hiring exceptional nurses and offers a culture of dignity and respect with opportunities for flexibility and growth. As a national health leader, Renown provides access to state-of-the-art technologies, advanced facilities, and integrated patient systems. For more information, visit renown.org/careers.

    Read More About Reno Home to CNO to Know: Chief Nurse Executive Melodie Osborn, Named to Becker’s National List

    • Wednesday, May 24, 2023

    Renown Health and Orvis School of Nursing Announce Academic Partnership Program & Academic Pipeline for Nursing Students

    The longstanding partnership between the University of Nevada, Reno and Renown Health reaches a new milestone with newly established scholarship program. Today, Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing announced a milestone in the longstanding partnership and a new fund to provide nursing students with full-ride scholarships, and in turn, assist in creating a sustainable nursing workforce in northern Nevada for years to come. The Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic-Practice Partnership established with Renown Health Foundation will provide funding for up to 24 students a year.  Recipients receive funding for tuition, books and nursing fees, along with a guaranteed career in nursing with Renown Health following graduation and license obtainment. The Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic Practice Partnership will additionally give recipients the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship at Renown. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be in good standing at the University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing; Nevada residents; and committed to working at Renown for at least three years post-graduation. The Practice Partnership has been established by the Gerald Smith family and initiated by Stephanie Kruse, Renown Health Foundation board chair. Kruse made a generous planned gift to Renown Health Foundation to the Renown Nursing Excellence Endowment Fund. This was the lead gift for the endowment, after a significant cash gift to the Nursing Education Fund last summer. The daughter of a nurse, and a retired nurse herself, she understands the importance of attracting and retaining nurses within our healthcare system, and so she decided to honor the memory of her mother and provide funding for others interested in nursing.  “We are incredibly grateful for the generous donors who have helped establish the Gerald ‘Jerry’ Smith Nursing Academic-Practice Partnership. These funds will not only impact the lives of the awarded nursing students, but positively influence the overall health of our community by ensuring that excellent healthcare professionals stay right here in northern Nevada. Jerry had a strong belief in community collaboration, and we are beyond proud to name this partnership in his honor,” said Greg Walaitis, Chief Development Officer for Renown Health Foundation.  According to a white paper published by the Nevada Health Workforce Research Center (the Center) in December 2022, analysis by the Center revealed persistent, widespread health professional shortages in Nevada. Despite steady growth in the number of new nursing graduates from Nevada nursing programs and registered nurses moving to Nevada from other states, the Center estimated that Nevada currently needs over four thousand additional registered nurses simply to meet the national population-to-RN average. The partnership allows the Orvis School of Nursing to expand its graduating classes by 8 additional students a year.  “At Renown, we take pride in placing an emphasis on education and career development. Partnering with the Orvis School of Nursing to create an academic pipeline is imperative for addressing the nursing shortage in Nevada,” said Melodie Osborn, Chief Nurse Executive at Renown Health. “Renown Health and the Orvis School of Nursing’s collaboration has been longstanding, and accomplishing this milestone affirms our partnership.” In addition to announcing the Practice Partnership, the Orvis School of Nursing announced its merging of the Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. This merger will grow the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program from 72 students to 96 students admitted twice per year. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program will now admit a total of 192 students in the program each year. “We are so excited to increase the number of nursing students who can enroll in the Orvis School of Nursing’s BSN program,” said Cameron G. Duncan, Interim Dean of the Orvis School of Nursing. “It’s integral for nursing students to get hands-on experience in an environment that places an emphasis on quality and excellence, which is why we’re proud to collaborate with Renown. We are so appreciative of the generous donors who will make education possible for students who might otherwise not be able to pursue a career in nursing.” Eligible University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing students, Nevada residents and those committed to working at Renown for at least three years post-graduation who are interested in applying for the scholarship can find the application in Canvas, University of Nevada’s learning management system.  About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 associates, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently hiring great physicians, nurses and associates for careers in service; apply at renown.org/careers and volunteers to assist patients and their families at renown.org/about/volunteers.  About University of Nevada, Reno The University of Nevada, Reno, is a public research university that is committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Nevada’s land-grant university founded in 1874, the University serves 21,000 students. The University is a comprehensive, doctoral university, classified as an R1 institution with very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Additionally, it has attained the prestigious “Carnegie Engaged” classification, reflecting its student and institutional impact on civic engagement and service, fostered by extensive community and statewide collaborations. More than $800 million in advanced labs, residence halls and facilities has been invested on campus since 2009. It is home to the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Wolf Pack Athletics, maintains a statewide outreach mission and presence through programs such as the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Small Business Development Center, Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Through a commitment to world-improving research, student success and outreach benefiting the communities and businesses of Nevada, the University has impact across the state and around the world. For more information, visit unr.edu.

    Read More About Renown Health and Orvis School of Nursing Announce Academic Partnership Program & Academic Pipeline for Nursing Students

    • Wednesday, May 10, 2023

    Renown South Meadows Medical Center Earns 'A' for Patient Safety

    Hospital safety grade reflects top national performance on patient safety through COVID pandemic. Renown South Meadows Medical Center in South Reno has earned an “A” Spring 2023 Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group. This national distinction recognizes Renown Health’s achievements in prioritizing patient safety by protecting patients from preventable harm and errors. The Leapfrog Group is an independent, nonprofit, national watchdog organization that upholds the standard of patient safety in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. It assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country. Grades are based on more than 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, and systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm. The new grades primarily reflect performance during the height of the pandemic. “We all play a role in protecting the health and safety of our patients,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Renown Health. “As the only locally governed not-for-profit healthcare network in the region, Renown’s success is shared with our patients and community. We celebrate and thank our physicians, nurses, and caregivers for their continued focus on making a genuine difference in the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve.” “At Renown, safety is the number one priority for everyone that comes through our doors,” said Jen Walker, MSN, RN, Vice President, Quality for Acute Services. "The hard-working staff at each facility, who day in and day out provide the best patient-centered care, also demonstrate clinical expertise, service and compassion. This has helped us achieve well-deserved high ratings across the system.” “We work to ensure that the care that our physicians, nurses and caregivers provide is of the highest quality, and safe, effective, people-centered, timely, equitable and efficient,” said Ross Albright, MD, Medical Director of Quality & Patient Safety, and the South Meadows Medical Center Emergency Department. “High-quality health care helps prevent disease and improve the quality of life. That is truly important to everyone on our team, and we are pleased to be nationally recognized for our efforts.” “Every day, we make choices about where we shop, who we bank with, what cars we drive, and what doctors we see. Yet despite our consumer culture, some people aren't aware they can choose what hospital they go to,” said Bret Frey, MD, President of Northern Nevada Emergency Physicians, a 65-physician group at Renown Health. “Your choice of hospital could be a life-or-death decision. Hospitals vary greatly on things like infection rates, surgical errors or patient injuries—and choosing to receive treatment by Board-Certified physicians, ER wait times, patient satisfaction rates, and other measures are important for consumers to know and consider when choosing an ER and a hospital.” “The Leapfrog ratings reflect the staff and system’s commitment to providing the highest quality of care for patients,” said Susan Lee, DO, MBA, Chief Operations Officer, Renown South Meadows. “Earning ‘A’ ratings showcases the commitment both physicians and staff demonstrate every day. We are proud to continue to deliver the best care possible to every patient.” “I applaud the hospital leadership and workforce for their strong commitment to safety and transparency,” says Leah Binder, President and CEO, The Leapfrog Group. “An ‘A’ Safety Grade is a sign that hospitals are continuously evaluating their performance so that they can best protect patients. Your team should be extremely proud of their dedication and achievement.” Developed under the guidance of a national expert panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,700 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public. Renown South Meadows also received a Leapfrog A score in Fall 2021 and Spring 2020. Renown Regional Medical Center received a B score for Spring 2023. For more information on the Leapfrog Group and the Spring 2023 scores, please visit: hospitalsafetyscore.org. About The Leapfrog Group Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey reports hospital performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health

    Read More About Renown South Meadows Medical Center Earns 'A' for Patient Safety

    • Thursday, Nov 17, 2022

    Renown Health Honored with 2022 Digital Health Most Wired Award

    Most Wired Hospitals Use Technology to Deliver Better Patient Care & Experience. The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) has released their coveted Digital Health Most Wired Survey results for 2022, recognizing Renown Health with Most Wired status. Among the more than 38,000 organizations surveyed by CHIME, Renown Health ranked above peers in categories like analytics and data management, population health, infrastructure and patient engagement. The survey assessed the adoption, integration and impact of technologies in healthcare organizations at all stages of development, from early development to industry leading. Renown Health earned a Most Wired level 7 (of 10) achievement for use of technology for better patient care and patient experience in both CHIME’s acute and ambulatory surveys. This is Renown’s sixth consecutive year on CHIME’s Most Wired list, and Renown is the only healthcare organization in Nevada recognized with this prestigious award. “New and emerging technologies have transformed healthcare in recent years,” says Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Renown Health. “We are proud that our physicians, nurses, clinicians, and employees continue to be nationally recognized for their efforts to implement clinical systems and digital health tools to improve care for patients. Improving care through advances in technology and IT systems allows us to realize meaningful outcomes including increasing patient access to healthcare services, improving patient experience, and reducing costs across the entire system.” “To care for all those we serve, Renown’s IT team has open discussions and collaboration with care providers to think creatively and strategically about how to deploy advanced technologies that enable the best clinical outcomes for our patients,” says Chuck Podesta, Chief Information Officer, Renown Health. “Renown’s proactive approach to technology supports our mission– and is one of the many elements that set our organization apart. We are honored by CHIME’s recognition of our teams and processes to better care for patients.” “When clinicians have instant access to the information that they need to make care decisions; patients benefit,” says Sarah Kramer, MD, Chief Medical Information Officer, Renown Health. “Our technology investments include a single, unified electronic medical record system that spans all major hospital areas including inpatient, outpatient, emergency, intensive care, and surgical units. Having a single digital electronic medical record for our patients makes it possible for an entire team of clinicians across the continuum of care able to review a patient’s chart without needing to request that a physical chart be transported to them, which can take time and resources and sometimes delay care decisions. Our automated medical record system allows the right information to flow to our clinicians when and where they need it, ensuring safe and effective care. Patients also have ready access to all their medical information through the MyChart ® smartphone app, and are able to self-schedule for mammograms and lab appointments, message their primary care providers and refill medications as needed.” “The medical record is not the only area that benefits from an infusion of health IT,” says Melanie Morris, MSN, RN, Director of the Renown Transfer and Operations Center (RTOC). “Renown is pleased to serve as a model of coordinated patient care for the nation. Similar to how air traffic controllers manage traffic in and out of airports, the Renown Transfer and Operations Center (RTOC) team sees a birds-eye view of what’s happening with patients across our entire integrated delivery system. Having access to real-time information is critical because every action we take is tied to improving the health and well-being of our patients. Time and accuracy are always of the essence, and this Center drastically improves the efficiency of the entire Renown Health system.” Success in digital health increasingly determines the quality of patient care, and the scope of the CHIME Digital Health Most Wired survey reflects the progress of leading healthcare providers as they reinvent healthcare for a new century. The survey and recognition program serves as a comprehensive digital health checkup for healthcare organizations worldwide. “We are proud to honor your team’s exceptional dedication to excellence in digital health,” said Russell P. Branzell President and CEO, CHIME. “Your pioneering performance in the industry inspires other organizations by example. Patients in communities around the world receive better care when you drive change through digital transformation, as you have proven through your success in this rigorous program.” About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada's largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children's hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in a community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®.  About CHIME The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is an executive organization dedicated to serving chief information officers (CIOs), chief medical information officers (CMIOs), chief nursing information officers (CNIOs), chief innovation officers (CIOs), chief digital officers (CDOs) and other senior healthcare IT leaders. With more than 5,000 members in 58 countries plus two U.S. territories and over 190 healthcare IT business partners and professional services firms, CHIME and its three associations provide a highly interactive, trusted environment enabling senior professional and industry leaders to collaborate, exchange best practices, address professional development needs, and advocate the effective use of information management to improve the health and care in the communities they serve. For more information, please visit chimecentral.org.

    Read More About Renown Health Honored with 2022 Digital Health Most Wired Award

    • Thursday, May 26, 2022

    Helmsley Charitable Trust Grants $3.1 Million to Renown Health

    Pictured left to right: Erin VanKirk, MSN, RN, Renown Health Director of Nursing Education; Mitch Krebs, Program Director at Helmsley Charitable Trust; Dr. Graf, Renown Health CEO; Greg Walaitis Renown Health Chief Development Officer. Renown Health will use the grant to build the Helmsley Simulation and Innovation Center to improve the health system’s training abilities The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has granted $3.1 million to Renown Health for construction of a new simulation and innovation center that will greatly expand the health system’s ability to train healthcare providers throughout northern Nevada. The new center will be named the Helmsley Simulation and Innovation Center. Expected to open in April 2023, the center will feature three simulated patient rooms, classroom space, computer labs and a conference center, allowing trainers to run current and future healthcare professionals through real-life acute, outpatient, telemedicine and specialty care scenarios. The new center will let Renown Health train substantially more nurses, physicians, community clinical partners, medical students and rural providers while improving medical and nursing expertise to support staff throughout northern Nevada. “The Helmsley Charitable Trust is excited to fund this new simulation center, which will provide healthcare professionals across rural Nevada with state-of-the-art training in a variety of situations they’ll encounter,” said Walter Panzirer, a trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “The project fits with our goal to level the playing field by giving rural residents access to top-notch healthcare, regardless of their ZIP code.” “Simulation education has become standard practice for many of our healthcare personnel,” said Erin Van Kirk MSN, RN, Director of Nursing Education. “This lab will provide expanded opportunities in a controlled setting where physicians, nurses, and students can gain valuable experience in providing the best care possible.” Renown Health has outgrown its current simulation lab, which opened in 2016 in Renown Regional Medical Center. The new, larger, state-of-the-art simulation and innovation center will increase Renown Health’s training capacity from 1,500 to 2,500 each year. The new facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art simulation mannequins and other equipment that includes a telemetry monitor, IV and epidural equipment, a code cart, a defibrillator, a balloon pump, ventilators and a cooling machine. The center will also support Renown Health’s recently established partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, expanding training modules focused on rural health and virtual care through telemedicine. “The facility will help Renown Health respond to our region’s growing population by allowing us to support the training and competency necessary for our care providers to make a genuine difference in the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve,” said Melodie Osborn, RN, MBA, Chief Nursing Executive at Renown Health. “This generous grant for the new simulation and innovation center from the Helmsley Charitable Trust is truly an investment in the bright future we envision for Renown, our care teams and the community.” About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org. About the Helmsley Charitable Trust The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional efforts in the U.S. and around the world in health and select place-based initiatives. Since beginning active grantmaking in 2008, Helmsley has committed more than $3 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes. Helmsley’s Rural Healthcare Program funds innovative projects that use information technologies to connect rural patients to emergency medical care, bring the latest medical therapies to patients in remote areas, and provide state-of-the-art training for rural hospitals and EMS personnel. To date, this program has awarded more than $500 million to organizations and initiatives in the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Minnesota, Iowa, Montana, and Nevada. For more information, visit helmsleytrust.org.

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    • Thursday, Oct 29, 2020

    Renown Health Welcomes New Chief Nursing Officer

    Debra Adornetto-Garcia, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, AOCN, joins as chief nursing officer, acute services to serve future generations and improve the health and well-being of Nevadans. Renown Health is excited to announce Debra Adornetto-Garcia, DNP, RN, is joining Renown Health as its chief nursing officer (CNO) for acute hospital services. In her role as CNO, acute services, Dr. Adornetto-Garcia will lead acute care hospital nursing and collaborate with leadership in designing patient care and services that ensure excellent care for patients and families.  “We are pleased to welcome such an experienced and talented leader like Dr. Debra Adornetto-Garcia to our organization and to northern Nevada,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, president and CEO, Renown Health. “As chief nursing officer for acute services, Debra will continue to foster a culture of caring and excellence, while ensuring the highest level of nursing practice and experience for our registered nurses and hospital patients.  Says Dawn D. Ahner, DSc, FACHE, chief operating officer, acute services, “Debra is a dynamic, collaborative, innovative senior executive with academic, community, ambulatory and acute hospital experience. Dr. Adornetto-Garcia has been an influential change agent in leading teams to create innovative delivery models and elevate nursing practice through shared accountability.”  Debra comes to Renown from CHRISTUS Health in Corpus Christi, Texas where she has served as their CNO. She has also held senior nursing roles with Banner Health & Banner MD Anderson in Ariz., The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver. She began her career as an oncology nurse with experience in radiation, chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation. “I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve the nursing community and patients of Renown Health in Nevada,” said Dr. Adornetto-Garcia. “How exciting to be able to deliver the high-quality, compassionate patient care Renown is known for, and to help serve and lead in the hospital nursing profession.” Debra has a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, a Master of Adult Health Nursing (Clinical Nurse Specialist/Oncology specialty) and a BSN from Northern Illinois University.  Former chief nursing officer for acute hospital services, Dr. Jennifer Richards, retired from Renown after 21 years of nursing service. Renown Health hospitals include Renown Regional Medical Center, Renown South Meadows Medical Center, Renown Children’s Hospital and Renown Rehabilitation Hospital. In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown South Meadows Medical Center was listed #1 in the State of Nevada (tied with Carson Tahoe Medical Center). Renown Regional Medical Center was named #2 Best Hospital in Nevada.  Renown has also earned the highest award from American Association of Critical Care Nurses, the Beacon Award for Excellence for its Intensive Care Units (ICUs) based on performance and patient outcomes that exceed national benchmarks. Renown has the only intensive care units awarded this distinction in Nevada. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Heath, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org.

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    • Wednesday, Jul 01, 2020

    Reno Home to Marketing Person of the Year

    Suzanne Hendery, MA, APR of Renown Health selected as 2020 Medigy HITMC Award Winner. Every year, the Healthcare and IT Marketing Community (HITMC) honors the individuals and organizations who distinguished themselves over the past year. Nominations for the Awards are reviewed by a selection committee made up of industry veterans and only three are chosen as Honorees in each category. A panel of judges then evaluates the Honorees and a winner is chosen. Suzanne Hendery, Chief Marketing, Public Affairs & Community Impact Officer for Renown Health has been selected as the 2020 ‘Marketing Person of the Year.” “Suzanne Hendery of Renown Health is a deserving winner of a 2020 Medigy HITMC Award” said John Lynn, Chief Editor and Founder at Healthcare Scene, the company behind HITMC. “Together, the 2020 Award Winners are a shining example of the best in healthcare marketing. It is truly inspiring to see what happens when bright, passionate people work together.” The 2020 Medigy HITMC Awards are a celebration of outstanding achievement in marketing, PR and communications for healthcare and Health IT. It is a chance for the Healthcare and IT Marketing Community (HITMC) to come together and acknowledge the hard work and efforts of individuals, Health IT companies, healthcare providers and agencies. “We at Renown Health are so proud of Suzanne and the entire Marketing & Communications team. They tell the stories of our health care heroes, engage with our community, and use communications to encourage people to improve their health and well-being,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, president and CEO of Renown Health. Ms. Hendery says, “Being able to distill the essence of our organization down to 2 words- ‘hope’ and ‘determination’-is something that brings me such pride. I feel honored – and humbled – that Jim DeVolld and Rob Winkel of the Renown Board of Trustees; Dr. Tony Slonim, our CEO; and our lead physicians, nurses, team members and partners, all came together with our community to build the “Fight the Good Fight” campaign. This work gives us all the inspirational message of hope and determination during such an important time in our history.” Suzanne Hendery is the Chief Marketing, Communications & Community Impact Officer for Renown Health in Reno. Ms. Hendery earned her MA from the University of Connecticut, is a lecturer at Harvard University, a member of the American Marketing Association Health Care Executive Board, a member of the Public Relations Society of America, and serves on the Board of the Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development.     About The HITMC Awards HITMC is a community – bound together by a passion for and a love of PR, communications and marketing in healthcare and Health IT. The central idea behind HITMC is to bring together all the smart, innovative and hard- working healthcare professionals so that we can learn from each other. We enable this by creating a culture where sharing, mutual respect and lifting each other up is the norm. The annual HITMC Awards are an embodiment of this ethos. They are meant to celebrate the best individuals and organizations who have elevated healthcare marketing, PR and communications in the past year. For more information, visit www.hitmc.com/awards   About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees,  Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer,   Heart and Vascular Heath, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org.

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    • Tuesday, May 19, 2020

    Receive Care From the Comfort of Your Couch: Renown Health Offering Virtual Visits

    Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Renown providers remain committed to safely caring for community members, both in person and virtually. Renown Health is proud to offer same-day virtual visits to help community members maintain their health and address medical concerns amid the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. Virtual Visits are easily-accessible video conferencing visits with a health provider. They are used for primary care, specialty care and urgent care to enable patients to consult a care provider from the ease and comfort of their homes. “If there’s a bright spot in the midst of this pandemic, it’s that COVID-19 is pushing us to rapidly adopt new ways of thinking about and delivering healthcare–through new technologies,” said Dr. Tony Slonim, president and CEO of Renown. “Our team has worked diligently to make virtual visits available to our community as an added convenience for those who would prefer to stay in their homes. As we work to keep all of our patients safe and healthy, we want our community to know we’re here to serve any ongoing healthcare needs they have by expanding our care options.” Virtual Visits for Urgent Care For urgent care needs, individuals can log in to MyChart and request to “Talk to a Doctor” to receive care from a Renown provider. After filling in some information and confirming their healthcare concerns, Renown’s healthcare team will notify them by text or email when a provider is ready to talk to them virtually. Providers will help patients determine whether their health needs can be met from their home or if they need to seek in-person care. Virtual urgent care visits can address the following symptoms: Common cold and cough symptoms Muscular, tendon or joint pains not caused by injury Allergy or sinus symptoms Pink eye Urinary discomfort Diarrhea without vomiting Rashes or skin sores Backache Nail problems Screening examination for sexually transmitted illness (without symptoms) Medication refills (not controlled substances) Renown’s urgent care virtual visits are available 8:30 a.m. through 10:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Virtual Visits for Primary Care and Specialty Care Many primary and specialty care appointments for adults and children are now available virtually through Renown Medical Group. Individuals with an existing Renown Medical Group provider are encouraged to call 775-982-5000 if they would prefer to see a provider from  home. Home Medical Visits Last week, Renown announced its partnership with DispatchHealth, which is now making house calls to individuals who prefer to be seen from their home by a licensed medical professional. This high-quality medical care option is available to all Reno/Sparks residents, both insured and uninsured. If a patient is uninsured, there is a flat fee of $275, which includes all medications administered and lab tests on site. “Whether a patient prefers to be treated at home or in one of our traditional office settings, we are prepared to provide the right level of care, at the right place, at the right time,” said Dr. Slonim. “From routine exams and checkups to illnesses and other conditions that may arise, it’s critical to continue seeing to your unique healthcare needs.” All virtual visits require a free MyChart account. Those who do not have a MyChart account can sign up online. Most insurance companies apply the same co-pay fees as charged for in- person visits. For more information on virtual visits, please visit https://www.renown.org/explore/virtual-visits/.     About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

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    • Monday, May 04, 2020

    Gratitude Takes Flight at Renown Health in Celebration of Nurses & Hospital Week

    Renown’s general surgical unit debuts a set of angel wings crafted by staff and their families in Renown’s general surgical unit debuts a set of angel wings crafted by staff and their families in commemoration of Nurses & Hospital Week, May 4–10.     A special piece of artwork in Renown Health’s general surgical unit is bringing color and joy to everyone who walks by. The unit’s new angel wings backdrop is made up of individually-decorated feathers – created by Renown nurses, certified nursing assistants, unit clerks, supervisors, staff’s family members and anyone else who wanted to contribute their creativity. Assembled in celebration of Renown’s Nurses & Hospital Week, observed May 4–10, this angelic backdrop sheds light on some of the things our nurses are most grateful for. “This art project was a month in the making,” said nurse manager of Renown’s general surgical unit, Deanna Olson. “A true collaborative effort, our staff, and even some of their children, would use their breaks and downtime to cut out and decorate feathers. Some focused on using bright, vibrant colors, while others wrote about what they are grateful for and the things that make them happy.” Doodles of pets, names of family members and inspirational quotes are just a few of the things featured on the feathers. The names of the 110 employees working in the unit can also be found throughout the angel wings. The idea behind the backdrop theme was inspired by nurse Melissa Vierra, who spent her last night as part of the general surgical unit working with a few team members to build the angel wings. Vierra now serves as a nursing administrative manager for Renown. “It takes an angel to be selfless enough to devote oneself to the care of others,” said Vierra. All our angels are as unique as the feathers in the wings, but together, we are united as a team to provide the best care possible for our patients. I am extremely grateful for my nursing family and all the lives they touch, including mine, every day.” A few Renown nurses joined Vierra in expressing their gratitude:   “I am grateful that I have a job and for everything I have in my life.” – Elizabeth Rios, CNA “I am grateful for my family.” – Jena Smith, RN “I am grateful for my health.” – Mary Gutierrez, UC “I am grateful that I am not sick.” – Barby Workman, CNA “I am grateful for my life.” – Sierra Genz, RN “I am grateful for my health.” – Alyssa Daly, RN “I am grateful to be working.” – Skye Sauls, RN “I am grateful for my pets and my family.” – Colette Chapman, RN “I am grateful for the Bob Ross-esque landscapes.” – Tahni Murphy, RN “I am grateful for my family, my health and having a job that I love.” – Deanna Olson, RN During times of uncertainty, it’s these things, coupled with our amazing patients and teammates that keep us going,” added Olson. “I’m lucky to have the angel wings right outside my office. Seeing our angels from all departments take photos in front of the wings and hearing the love and happiness in their voices gives me hope to look towards the future – our community is in amazing hands.” ###   About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of there region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org. Media Contact: Public Relations M: 775-691-7308 E: news@renown.org

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    • Monday, Mar 16, 2020

    Update on Elective Surgical Procedures and Medical Services

    Today, in accordance with recommendations from the U.S. Surgeon General and the American College of Surgeons, the Renown Health Joint Medical Executive Committee decided that effective Tuesday, March 17, surgical cases scheduled at both Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center, considered to be ELECTIVE-OPTIONAL will be postponed to a later date.  Patients with scheduled ELECTIVE-OPTIONAL surgeries will be called by Renown Health representatives over the next week. Surgeon’s offices will also be reaching out to assist patients with rescheduling their surgeries for a future date.  Elective surgeries that are REQUIRED and not optional will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis daily with the surgeon, patient and a medical leadership review committee at Renown. Your surgeon’s office will be in contact with you with more information about these REQUIRED surgeries This temporary measure will allow Renown’s physicians and staff to enact the emergency preparedness plans they have been developing for weeks to create additional capacity for inpatients and to continue to deliver high quality care during the anticipated surge in COVID-19 cases in northern Nevada. The new guidelines do NOT apply to EMERGENCY surgeries performed in Renown hospitals. There are different types of surgery, this decision impacts Elective-Optional surgeries only. Elective – Optional surgery – Elective surgeries are not usually necessary for the individual to stay in good health. They are non-emergency and planned in advance. A wide range of surgeries can be elective. Most cosmetic surgeries are elective. Other surgeries such as organ donation, scoliosis surgery, tonsillectomies and other minor surgeries can also be considered elective. Required surgery – Surgery which needs to be done in order to retain quality of life. As opposed to urgent or emergency surgery, required surgeries do not need to be performed immediately. Examples of required surgery are kidney stone or tumor removal. Urgent or emergency surgery – When a patient’s condition is life threatening, surgery is considered emergent. Emergency surgeries must be performed immediately, even when the patient is unconscious and cannot give consent. Examples include trauma and appendicitis. Life-threatening conditions can occur during labor and delivery which may require emergency surgery. Other services making changes include: Pulmonary Services and Procedures Renown Health today will begin rescheduling patients scheduled for Pulmonary Function Testing, Outpatient bronchoscopy and patients at Thomas S. Dolan Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Patients who are affected by this change are being called by Renown to reschedule their appointments for Monday, April20, 2020 or later. Starbucks at Renown and Renown Dining Options As with many of the Starbucks around the U.S., the Starbucks at Renown Regional Medical Center will shift to a “to-go” model, with no seating available. The cafeterias at Renown Regional Medical Center and South Meadows Medical Center remain open, will temporarily eliminate self-service options and will add more ‘grab and go’ options. Other Renown Services Remain Open Renown Medical Group offices remain open. Planned imaging procedures such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), mammograms and non-invasive cardiology testing will continue at Renown hospitals and office locations and will NOT be postponed at this time. Patients confirmed for imaging appointments will be contacted prior to their scheduled visits to identify those who may be at higher risk of COVID-19 infection. Renown has expanded access to Teladoc virtual visits, available to all Hometown Health and Senior Care Plus subscribers. For up-to-date information on Renown’s approach to keeping our community safe, visit our website at https://www.renown.org/covid-19/.     About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

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