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Renown South Meadows Medical Center Earns Highest "A" Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group
Only hospital in northern Nevada to receive national recognition for patient safety and quality Renown South Meadows Medical Center in south Reno has earned an âAâ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit watchdog organization that serves as a voice for health care consumers and purchasers, using their collective influence to foster positive change in U.S. health care. Leapfrog is the nationâs premier advocate of transparency in health careâcollecting, analyzing, and disseminating data to inform value-based purchasing and improved decision-making. This national distinction recognizes Renown Healthâs national accomplishments in ensuring safe, high-quality hospital care for patients. The Leapfrog Group is an independent, nonprofit organization that upholds the standard of patient safety in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. 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. Leapfrog assigns an âA,â âB,â âC,â âDâ or âFâ grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries, and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. Leapfrog sets their standards using peer reviewed literature and expert opinion, peer comparisons, and alignment with existing national standards or performance targets. âWe are very proud to recognize physicians, nurses, clinicians and the entire team at Renown South Meadows Medical Center for achieving exceptional Leapfrog performance in Patient-Centered Care, Critical Care, Nursing and Bedside Care for Patients, Patient Safety, Medication Safety, and Care for Total Joint Replacement and Elective Outpatient Surgery Patients,â said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Renown Health. âAs the only locally governed not-for-profit academic healthcare network in the region, Renownâs success is shared with our patients and community. We celebrate and thank our physicians, nurses, and caregivers for their continued dedication to making a genuine difference in the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve.â âEveryone who works at Renown South Meadows Medical Center should be proud of this âAâ Hospital Safety Grade,â said Leah Binder, president, and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. âIt takes complete dedication at every level, and an ironclad commitment to putting patients first. I thank Renown South Meadows Medical Centerâs leadership, clinicians, staff, and volunteers for caring so deeply for patients and their safety.â âWe are proud of our affiliated physicians and teams who give their best every day, to ensure that every patientâs care and safety is their top priority,â said Sam Weller, MHPA, CEO, Renown South Meadows Medical Center. âWe recognize that when you choose a hospital, you could be making a life-or-death decision. Not every hospital is the same. Performance on things like infection rates, surgical errors, or patient injuries varies considerablyâand matters greatly. Itâs important for consumers to know and consider these things when choosing what physicians, hospital, or Emergency Room to select for their care. We are very excited to be recognized as the only hospital to achieve this designation in northern Nevada, and only one of two in the state (the other being in Las Vegas).â  To see Renown South Meadows Medical Centerâs full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) and via The Leapfrog Group newsletter.  The Hospital Safety Gradeâs methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public. Renown Regional Medical Center received a B score for Fall & Spring 2023. For more information on the Leapfrog Group and the Spring 2023 scores, please visit: hospitalsafetyscore.org. About Renown Health Renown Health is the regionâs largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,400 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a childrenâs hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. For more information, visit renown.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 and Leapfrog Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Survey collect and transparently report hospital and ASC 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. For more, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram and sign up for our newsletter.
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Renown Health Further Expands Visitor Policy to Two Loved Ones
Always listening to the voice of the patient, Renown Health is pleased to welcome any two patient supporters to visit their loved ones during their Renown medical visit, surgery, birthing or hospital stay. Renown continues to have extra safety measures in place to protect the health of patients, visitors and healthcare employees, and as the situation changes with COVID-19, these guidelines are subject to change. Under this updated visitor policy, patients no longer need to identify their supporters ahead of their arrival. Patients may receive more than two visitors per day; however, to help ensure adequate physical distancing, only two guests are asked to visit at a time. All people entering Renown sites must continue bringing and wearing a face mask for their entire visit, including inside patient rooms. Renownâs visitor policy updates were inspired by family members, who requested that the policy be expanded to encourage two family members per day to be able to visit a loved one who was hospitalized at Renown. The request was approved by Dr. Debra Adornetto-Garcia, Chief Nursing Officer and Dr. Paul Sierzenski, Chief Medical Officer, both of Acute Services. With a high percentage of Renown hospital staff now vaccinated against COVID-19, declining hospitalizations of patients with COVID-19, and understanding that the best communication is in-person, as of April 28, 2021, Renown hospitals and medical practices now allow two visitors, instead of one, for all patients and have put extra safety measures in place to protect patients, visitors and healthcare employees. âWe are pleased to expand our visitor policy and welcome two healthy adult patient supporters to accompany every patient to their Renown medical visit or hospital stay,â said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO of Renown. âWe are always looking to our patientsâ lived experiences to help us address the health needs of our community. Just a few months ago, we were reminded by Darlene Randolph that the best care is âperson-centered careâ, which inspired us to be one of the first healthcare organizations in the nation to expand our visitor policy to all patients, including those with COVID-19. Today, we thank our patientsâ family members for voicing the importance of a larger, connected support system to help foster the best healing environment for all patients.â âAt Renown, the definition of âfamilyâ is defined by the patient,â said Debra Adornetto-Garcia, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, AOCN, Chief Nursing Officer, Acute Services. âOur patients may have anyone they choose as their patient supporters, and these individuals serve as an invaluable extension of our care teams. Patient supporters are asked to partner with the patientâs healthcare team to assist in communicating to other family members and friends, participating in training and education activities and assisting the patient with complying with care and medication instructions.â âVisiting the hospital can be an anxious experience,â said Paul Sierzenski, MD, MSHQS, CPE, FACEP, Chief Medical Officer, Acute Services. âItâs incredible how the company of loved ones can reduce anxiety and promote healing. What we can do together with families to support patient care and excellent outcomes is greater than what any of us can do alone. We are glad to welcome patient supporters to our hospitals to help our patients feel more at ease, so they can focus on their recovery, health and healing.â Two patient supporters per patient are now able to access Renown campuses as noted: Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For Intensive Care Units (ICU): 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors must be at least 12 years of age or older. Renown Childrenâs Hospital: Open access. For the Pediatric unit and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU): Visitors must be at least 12 years of age or older. For the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): Visitors must be at least 18 years of age or older. Renown Rehabilitation Hospital: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. One designated patient supporter is allowed to visit the patient inside their room throughout the duration of their stay. Other loved ones may visit from an exterior window, outside the patient's room. Our care team is also pleased to facilitate bedside virtual visits. In addition to in-person visits, there are many ways to brighten the day of a patient at Renown Hospitals. You can send a personalized message that will be hand-delivered to your loved one, call 775-982-4100 to speak with a patient, or our care team is pleased to facilitate virtual visits via computer or tablet from the bedside. Renown Health reserves the right to limit visitors in the best interests of patients, families, visitors or staff. Â About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevadaâs largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 6,500 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a childrenâs 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 ProjectÂŽ.
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Free Webinar Explains the Basics of Medicare
Senior Care Plus set to host a free webinar designed to help participants approaching age 65 make informed decisions about their health coverage.  Navigating the Medicare alphabet can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming, which is why the experts of locally-owned Senior Care Plus, a Medicare Advantage Plan, are hosting a free webinar on the ABCs of Medicare. There are four basic parts of Medicare: A, B, C and D. Each part helps patients pay for important healthcare services such as hospital visits, doctor visits and prescription drug coverage.  Set for Wednesday, August 5 and Wednesday, August 19 at 6 p.m., the free webinar will cover the basics of Medicare and answer frequently asked questions to help attendees get the most out of their health coverage. Both webinars will cover the same topics, however, two dates are offered as an added convenience to attendees. Visit SeniorCarePlus.com or call 775-982-3191 to register.  âWith unfamiliar words and ideas youâve likely never come across before, learning about Medicare may feel like learning a new language at first,â said David Hansen, CEO of Hometown Health. âAs you begin the process of becoming a Medicare recipient, Senior Care Plus is committed to helping you become fluent in Medicare and help you understand the basics so you can make the best decisions for your unique healthcare needs.â  From the convenience of a computer or mobile device, participants will learn about:  The parts of Medicare - A, B, C and D; Eligibility and enrollment options; How to personalize their Medicare options based on their healthcare needs  Serving as a partner in health to both northern and southern Nevadans, Senior Care Plus is the statewide leader in helping people take advantage of Medicare Advantage. Plus, with membership perks like virtual education events and exclusive discounts to state-of-the-art health and wellness resources, Senior Care Plus is determined to help its members stay healthy and active.             For more details about Senior Care Plus and your Medicare options, to attend an informational meeting, or to schedule a personal one-on-one consultation, visit seniorcareplus.com or call 775-982-3158.     About Hometown Health Established in 1988, Hometown Health is the insurance division of Renown Health and is Northern Nevadaâs largest locally-owned, not-for-profit health insurance company. Providing wide-ranging medical coverage and great service to members, Hometown Health represents a philosophy of health care that emphasizes active partnerships between members and physicians. For more information, call 775-982-3000 or visit hometownhealth.com.  About Renown Health Renown Health is the regionâs 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 childrenâs hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the regionâs largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renownâs 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 worldâs largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada ProjectÂŽ. For more information, visit renown.org.
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Sterling Silver Club Hosts Virtual Stretching Lecture for 55+
Renown Health Physical Therapist Dr. Kelly Winkel leads virtual event to connect adults through basic stretching exercises and helpful movement strategies to aid in healthy aging.  To help our 55+ community experience the many benefits of stretching, Renownâs Sterling Silver Club is hosting a free, virtual Rise & Shine Stretches lecture on Wednesday, July 15 from 10-11 a.m. During the live event, Kelly Winkel, doctor of physical therapy for Renown Physical Therapy, will teach attendees the basic principles of exercising as we age and provide a demonstration of gentle stretching and stabilizing exercises to help start the day. She will also share her expertise on some of the common ailments we develop as we age and offer tips for overcoming those ailments. This virtual event will be hosted via Microsoft Teams. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP online or call 775-982-7787. A dial-in option is available for individuals who donât have access to a computer.  âA good morning stretching routine puts the body in motion and has the power to set the tone of your entire day,â said Dr. Winkel. âPlus, stretching becomes even more important as we age and our range of movement lessens and we wake up with more aches and pains. Improved flexibility, balance, muscle control and a reduced risk of injury are just a few of the wellness benefits of routine stretching, all contributing to a healthier lifestyle. There is no better way to start your day than with a few tried-and-true stretches.â Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable workout attire and sturdy shoes so they can try the exercises out with the group. They are also invited to ask for clarification or a modification if needed. Anyone over the age of 55 is invited to join Renownâs free Sterling Silver Club, created to help people live healthy, happy lives every day. The Club is a program of the Renown Institute for Healthy Aging. Members enjoy exclusive benefits all designed with their interests in mind. From social events and lectures to entertainment, special discounts, and health insights and tips, this club is a place for community members to shine and embrace the joys of healthy aging. While the Sterling Silver Club is not currently hosting in-person events during this time, it is hosting educational talks like this one to help aging adults stay healthy through its online channels. âThe last few months have been difficult for many older adults as they stay indoors with little to no in-person contact with their loved ones,â said Tori DellaRocca, who oversees Renownâs Sterling Silver Club loyalty program. âThe need to stay connected is more important now than ever. It has been a joy giving our members something to look forward to- a chance to learn, ask questions and share their stories. Seeing everyone tune in from their homes has been a powerful reminder that we truly are all in this together.â     For more information on upcoming virtual events from Renownâs Sterling Silver Club and to sign up, please visit www.renown.org/SterlingSilver.   About Renown Health Renown Health is the regionâs 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 childrenâs hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the regionâs largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renownâs 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 worldâs largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada ProjectÂŽ. For more information, visit renown.org.
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Renown Patients Encouraged to Have One Supporter Accompany Them to Medical Visit or Hospital Stay
Embraces patient and family-centered care, enhanced safety measures and new visiting hours.  Today, Renown Health announced the Patient Supporter program, recognizing the important role that family and friends play in the healing, recovery and care of patients and serve as integral members of the health care team. With a continued decline in COVID-19 patients and the move to Phase 2 of Governor Sisolakâs Silver State Stabilization program, and in alignment with the Nevada Hospital Association, Renown hospitals and medical practices are now allowing limited visitors for non-COVID-19 patients and have put extra safety measures in place to protect patients, visitors and healthcare employees. One healthy adult Patient Supporter may now accompany a patient to their Renown medical visit or hospital stay. Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO of Renown said, âWe live by our values of caring, integrity, collaboration and excellence. We believe in âperson-centered care,â an approach that embraces the perspective of the patient and their loved ones, while promoting a healthy, encouraging environment for caregivers and addressing the health needs of our community.â At Renown, "family" is defined by the patient. The patient may designate anyone they choose as their Patient Supporter. The Patient Supporter may be asked to assist the health care team with communications to other family members and friends, participate in training and education activities and assist the patient with complying with care and medication instructions. Jen Richards, PhD, RN, Chief Nursing Officer for Acute Services explained, âThe partnership between patients, families and healthcare providers is based on the understanding that everyone's role is important. What we do together is greater than what any of us can do alone. Involving families in the patient's care supports the healing process and can improve the outcome. This belief shapes our work, our services and the care we provide.â Beginning today, each patient may be accompanied by one healthy adult Patient Supporter. Enhanced safety measures in place include across all Renown sites to safeguard health include: ⢠Wearing a mask at all times; ⢠Observing hand hygiene practices; ⢠Conducting health screenings upon each entry; ⢠Implementing strict social distancing protocols; ⢠Extra cleaning and disinfection of high-touch, public surface areas. In alignment with the state-wide guidelines, visitors will be limited to one Patient Supporter per patient and be able to access hospitals as noted: ⢠Renown Childrenâs Hospital: Open access. (Two parents and/or guardians may be designated as Patient Supporters, however, due to current space   constraints, we ask that you visit one at a time). ⢠Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center, 3 pm-8 pm ⢠Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, 9 am-4 pm partnerships; the importance of including trusted support people in your care; Nutrition; the nurturing aspect of food; https://www.renown.org/find/renown-regional-medical- center/shops-at-renown/ Spirituality; wellness resources and the Spiritual Center & Estelle J. Kelsey Interfaith Sanctuary https://www.renown.org/explore/spiritual-care/interfaith-spiritual-center/ Healing arts, including art, music, Fiannaâs Healing Garden and The John & Sue Dermody Childrenâs Healing Garden, serene environment designed to promote patient healing and environments conducive to health Physical, emotional safety, security and patient confidentiality. There are multiple ways to support patients at Renown Regional Medical Center, South Meadows Medical Center, Renown Childrenâs Hospital or Renown Rehabilitation Hospital. You can send a personalized message to a loved one and it will be hand-delivered to patients staying overnight. https://www.uat.renown.org/interact/contact-a-patient/. Staff are pleased to arrange video calls with loved ones. To speak with a patient, call 775-982-4100. Renown Care Providers Are Fighting the Good Fight For You. You may send a Thank You note or make a donation to support their efforts at https://www.renown.org/donations-covid-19/. For more detailed information on the Patient Supporter program visit https://www.renown.org/interact/ Please see b-roll to accompany this story here.   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 regionâs largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the areaâs most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the regionâs 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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Gratitude Takes Flight at Renown Health in Celebration of Nurses & Hospital Week
Renownâs general surgical unit debuts a set of angel wings crafted by staff and their families in Renownâs general surgical unit debuts a set of angel wings crafted by staff and their families in commemoration of Nurses & Hospital Week, May 4â10.   A special piece of artwork in Renown Healthâs general surgical unit is bringing color and joy to everyone who walks by. The unitâs new angel wings backdrop is made up of individually-decorated feathers â created by Renown nurses, certified nursing assistants, unit clerks, supervisors, staffâs family members and anyone else who wanted to contribute their creativity. Assembled in celebration of Renownâs Nurses & Hospital Week, observed May 4â10, this angelic backdrop sheds light on some of the things our nurses are most grateful for. âThis art project was a month in the making,â said nurse manager of Renownâs general surgical unit, Deanna Olson. âA 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.â 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. âIt takes an angel to be selfless enough to devote oneself to the care of others,â 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.â A few Renown nurses joined Vierra in expressing their gratitude:  âI am grateful that I have a job and for everything I have in my life.â â Elizabeth Rios, CNA âI am grateful for my family.â â Jena Smith, RN âI am grateful for my health.â â Mary Gutierrez, UC âI am grateful that I am not sick.â â Barby Workman, CNA âI am grateful for my life.â â Sierra Genz, RN âI am grateful for my health.â â Alyssa Daly, RN âI am grateful to be working.â â Skye Sauls, RN âI am grateful for my pets and my family.â â Colette Chapman, RN âI am grateful for the Bob Ross-esque landscapes.â â Tahni Murphy, RN âI am grateful for my family, my health and having a job that I love.â â Deanna Olson, RN During times of uncertainty, itâs these things, coupled with our amazing patients and teammates that keep us going,â added Olson. âIâm 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 â our community is in amazing hands.â ###  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 regionâs largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the areaâs most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the regionâs 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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Renown Using Technology to Help Keep Community From Superbugs
Renown Health adds an electrostatic cleaning system to its list of innovative technology used to sanitize hospital rooms and equipment. During a time when many people might worry about seeking emergency care in fear of coming into contact with COVID-19, Renown Health is committed to the health and safety of everyone who enters our doors. As an added layer of protection for patients and staff, Renown is using a new electrostatic cleaning system to clean its emergency room. The same technology is also being used to sanitize Renownâs deployable medical facility outside its emergency room, employee dressing rooms and break areas, X-ray machines and more. The system kills 19 organisms in just two minutes including cold and flu viruses, MRSA and norovirus. âAt Renown Health, we want our community to know that we are committed to providing a sanitary and safe environment,â said Renownâs manager of environmental services, Michael Yaranon. âOur electrostatic cleaning system is being used daily to help ensure our facilities are ready to safely care for our patients, as well as provide a clean environment for our caregivers who work in them. Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have continuously looked for new ways to expand our cleaning efforts, and the electrostatic cleaning system has served our facilities and hospital equipment well.â In use at Renown since March of this year, the cleaning system uses a disinfecting solution included on the EPAâs list of registered antimicrobial products for use against novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which is the cause of COVID-19. As an added safety precaution, the electrostatic technology helps the solution thoroughly clean and sanitize both hard and soft surfaces. This special cleaning technology is now being used in hospitals, commercial planes and hotels around the world to eliminate the spread of potentially dangerous pathogens. The handheld cleaning system is operated by a Renown employee. Once turned on, the machine uses an air compressor â with a force stronger than gravity â to dispel the disinfectant solution. Inside the device, an electrode introduces an attractive charge and atomizes the solution. Once the solution is propelled, the charged particles are instantly attracted to the surface being cleaned. The solution then reaches and wraps around the entire surface to uniformly coat and disinfect. âBetween our electrostatic cleaning system, germ-zapping robots, and diligent team of employees all operating around the clock to clean and disinfect, we truly are fighting the good fight against germs at Renown Health,â said Yaranon. âPlease do not put off coming to Renown for emergency care if you need it â our facilities and equipment are extremely safe and ready to serve you.â For an in-person or virtual demo of Renownâs electrostatic cleaning system, please send an email to news@renown.org to coordinate a time. For up-to-date information on Renownâs 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 regionâs largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the areaâs most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the regionâs 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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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. âWe are pleased to welcome such an experienced and talented leader like Dr. Debra Adornetto-Garcia to our organization and to northern Nevada,â said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, president and CEO, Renown Health. âAs 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, âDebra 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.â 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. âI am honored to be given the opportunity to serve the nursing community and patients of Renown Health in Nevada,â said Dr. Adornetto-Garcia. âHow 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.â 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 Childrenâs 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 regionâs 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 childrenâs hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the regionâs largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renownâs 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 worldâs largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada ProjectÂŽ. For more information, visit renown.org.
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Senior Care Plus to Provide Affordable, High-Quality Healthcare
New collaboration in Clark County grants aging adults access to a premier health plan with a nationally-recognized care model. Senior Care Plus, the Medicare Advantage plan from Hometown Health, and nationally-recognized CareMore Health, have joined forces to serve Clark County seniors with two exclusive Medicare Advantage plans, designed to improve health outcomes for aging adults and those with complex health needs. As more than half a million Medicare recipients in Nevada make decisions about their healthcare during the annual Medicare open enrollment period beginning Thursday, Oct. 15, Clark County residents will have the option to receive personalized care to address their unique health needs through two new Senior Care Plus health plans, with access to CareMore Health providers and services. Competitive plan benefits include $0 premiums, preventive and comprehensive dental coverage, no to low co-pays for commonly used services, low out-of-pocket maximums, and targeted programs and benefits to help every member optimize their health. âCareMoreâs mission and its successful value-based model aligns perfectly with our commitment to offer those with Medicare insurance, the highest-quality care,â said David Hansen, CEO of Hometown Health, the non-profit health plan offered through Renown Health, the stateâs most trusted health care system. âWeâre proud to announce our new partnership and exclusive Medicare Advantage plans available to Clark County residents to improve their health and healthcare experience.â For over 25 years, CareMoreâs patient-centered model has delivered highly-coordinated, integrated care to help every member achieve optimal health outcomes, including those with chronic conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes and congestive heart failure (CHF). The model continues to evolve, adding new programs to address important issues like food inequity, mental health and senior isolation. CareMoreâs care delivery system has served the Clark County community for 10 years. The CareMore model includes an integrated team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, behavioral health and other specialists who work collaboratively to address patientsâ medical, physical, and overall health and help address barriers to accessing needed care. As part of the Senior Care Plus and CareMore Health collaboration, patients will receive care where and when they need it, including care delivered in their home, virtually, in CareMoreâs three Care Centers, and if needed, in the hospital. In response to COVID-19, the care delivery system has ramped up its telehealth capabilities, in addition to safety measures put in place, to ensure everyoneâs safety. âThis new partnership will deliver a premier healthcare solution and proven care delivery model for Medicare recipients in Clark County, said Peter Emigh, General Manager of CareMore Health, Nevada. âThe CareMore delivery system has served the Clark County community for 10 years, and we look forward to working with Hometown Health to help area residents reach their health goals, thereby improving the health and welfare of the community.â Senior Care Plus has proudly served residents of Clark County since 2019, offering competitive benefit options, exceptional customer service and experienced care management. The partnership with CareMore Health is the latest example of Senior Care Plusâ commitment to Nevadaâs Medicare beneficiaries. Medicareâs annual open enrollment period runs between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, 2020. Virtual enrollment meetings, as well as online and phone enrollment options are now available. Visit SeniorCarePlus.com for more information about Senior Care Plus coverage options.  About Senior Care Plus & Hometown Health Senior Care Plus is the largest Medicare Advantage plan in northern Nevada serving more than 17,000 members. Senior Care Plus is offered by Reno-based Hometown Health, Nevadaâs largest not-for-profit health insurance company and the insurance arm of Renown Health. Originally named Hospital Health Plan, Hometown Health was founded in 1988 and has grown to more than 160,000 members. The Hometown Health name reflects the organizationâs commitment to the communities in which it operates and its involvement in what matters most, the people it serves. To learn more about Senior Care Plus visit SeniorCarePlus.com and to learn more about Hometown Health, please visit HometownHealth.com. About CareMore Health CareMore Health is a physician-founded, physician-led integrated care delivery system that harnesses the power of teamwork to treat the whole person. Through a focus on prevention and highly coordinated care, its clinical model and designed-for-purpose approach to managing chronic disease proactively addresses the medical, social and personal health needs of its patients, resulting in clinical outcomes above the national average and ultimately, healthier people and communities. Over the past nine years, CareMore has expanded from one state to ten. And today, the CareMore delivery system provides care for enrollees in Medicare Advantage and Medicaid health plans in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Nevada, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, DC. CareMore also is participating in a dual demonstration project in parts of Los Angeles County in conjunction with state and federal regulators to coordinate care for people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. To learn more about CareMore, go to www.caremore.com and follow us on Twitter and Facebook @caremorehealth. CareMore Health Media Contact: Charla Hawkins M: 562-480-2130 E: charla.hawkins@caremore.com
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Community Recognizes 2020 Northern Nevada Nurses of Achievement Winners
Renown Health nurses are being celebrated for going above and beyond for their patients and care team colleagues. Every year, the Northern Nevada Nurses of Achievement Committee recognizes registered nurses (RNs) from across the community to celebrate their accomplishments and further the nursing profession. The committee just announced the 2020 award winners, including seven high-performing nurses from Renown Health. Nurses are at the forefront of the care teams working through the COVID-19 pandemic and 2020 has been fittingly declared the âInternational Year of the Nurse and Midwifeâ by the World Health Organization. Celebrating our nurses is more important this year than ever, and Renown is proud to be home to seven of the 2020 Northern Nevada Nurses of Achievement winners in the following categories: Clinical Leadership: Jenny Garcia, RN, BSN, supervisor of nursing in the orthopedics unit at Renown Regional Medical Center; Critical Care: Olivia Cartwright, RN, BSN, bedside nurse in the intensive care unit at Renown Regional Medical Center; Lifetime Achievement: Cheryl Jameson, RN, bedside nurse in the general surgical unit at Renown South Meadows Medical Center; Office & Outpatient: Kathleen Neilan, RN, BCN, OCN, cancer nurse navigator at Renown Institute for Cancer; Oncology and Infusion Services: Paola Espinoza, RN, BSN, supervisor of nursing in the cancer nursing unit at Renown Regional Medical Center; Rookie of the Year: Tamara Slater, RN, BSN, bedside nurse in the general surgical unit at Renown Regional Medical Center;Renown Facility Winner: Chelsea Zielinski, RN, MSN, clinical nurse educator in the neonatal intensive care unit at Renown Regional Medical Center. From a pool of over 400 publicly-nominated nurses who provide care across northern Nevadaâs care facilities and hospitals, the Committee announced a total of 14 award winners during a virtual awards celebration on Friday, Aug. 28. Anthony D. Slonim, RN, MD, DrPH, FACHE; President and CEO of Renown, who worked as a registered nurse in an Emergency Department earlier in his career says, âWe appreciate the work that every nurse does every day, not only for the patient in the hospital, but in all of the other settings where people come to learn how to live healthier lives. Nurses have direct influence on the outcomes of every patient, and I congratulate all 14 nurses for their exceptional achievements.â He adds, âThe real winners are those patients, families, colleagues and community members who are cared for by these exceptional nursing professionals.â âWeâre proud to celebrate our communityâs nurses and all they do to care for patients and their loved ones,â said Jana Elliott, Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Acute Care Services. âNursing is a true calling to serve others and there are so many incredible ways nurses go beyond their duty to provide the best care despite the intense nature of the pandemic.â âNurses are at the core of our care teams; they provide compassionate care and advocate for patients and their loved ones in a time of need,â said Melodie Osborn, Chief Nursing Officer, Health Services. âThe Northern Nevada Nurses of Achievement awards are a longstanding way of honoring our communityâs most compassionate nurses.â Interview Opportunities A 2020 Nurses of Achievement winner and a representative from Renownâs nursing leadership are happy to speak on this prestigious honor, as well as what it means to be a nurse during these unprecedented times. Please email news@renown.org or call 775-691-7308 to schedule an interview. Â About Renown Health Renown Health is the regionâs 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 childrenâs hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the regionâs largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renownâs 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 worldâs largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada ProjectÂŽ. For more information, visit renown.org. About Northern Nevada Nurses of Achievement Shining a spotlight on the nursing profession since 1999, the Northern Nevada Nurses of Achievement Committee works to honor their colleagues and to increase awareness of nursing as a profession. The committee also supports the growth of the profession in awarding scholarships for nursing students.
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The Power of a Phone Call; Renown Health Connects With Community Members 55 and Over
Renown employees volunteered to reach out to over 2,500 older adults participating in the non-profitsâ free Sterling Silver Club. While people of all ages are coping with the challenges of social isolation, there is one group of individuals who may feel especially lonely during these uncertain timesâour aging adults. To offer some friendly conversation and answer any questions older adults may have about Renownâs commitment to keeping them safe during the COVID-19 crisis, Renown Health employees are making phone calls to its Sterling Silver Club members. To date, employees have made nearly 1,000 phone calls. Renown is also hosting several virtual events to reach older audiences. âThe human element of connecting with these members is really special,â said Tori DellaRocca, who oversees this loyalty program at Renown. âMany of the people we call live alone and some have no one to check in on them. It has been a pleasure talking to our members; learning more about them and what theyâre doing to pass the time, offering ideas to help them stay busy, and assuring them Renown is here to keep them safe. Since launching this campaign back in March, making these phone calls has been a highlight of my day, and I know Iâm not alone in feeling this way.â Anyone over the age of 55 is invited to join Renownâs free Sterling Silver Club, created to help people live healthy, happy lives every day. Members enjoy exclusive benefits all designed with their interests in mind. From social events and lectures to entertainment (virtual for now), special discounts, and health insights and tips, this club is a place for community members to shine and embrace the joys of healthy aging. âI enjoy the lectures,â said Sterling Silver Club member Liz Barnes. âThey appeal to my desire to know more and invariably provide an âinformedâ call to action.â âAfter the [lecture] on diabetes prevention, I enrolled in the one-year long, Renown-sponsored diabetes prevention program,â said Lizâs husband, Barry. âAfter the sleep seminar, I changed my bedtime habits.â While the Sterling Silver Club is not currently hosting events in-person, it is hosting educational talks and ways to help aging adults stay healthy through its online channels. The âHello Projectâ is a virtual gathering place for adults 65 and older to focus on health, wellbeing and offer positive social support, made possible by a partnership with Renown Health, Truckee Meadows Healthy Communities and the Washoe County Health District. These virtual gatherings are hosted every Tuesday and Thursday at noon. Community members can learn more here. In addition, the Sterling Silver Club is hosting a Facebook Live event, Is Age Related to Anxiety?, coming up on Tuesday, April 28 from 11 a.m. â noon. During this live event, Renown psychologist Dr. Buddy Coard will discuss the impact of anxiety as we age and what we can do to prevent it from getting in the way of enjoying life. Those interested in attending can RSVP here. âOur members have enjoyed the opportunity to learn from experts in the field of healthy aging as well as connect with their fellow community members,â said DellaRocca. âWeâre all in this together, and these virtual events, combined with our phone call efforts, show our older population they truly are not alone.â For more information on upcoming virtual events from Renownâs Sterling Silver Club and to sign up, please visit www.renown.org/SterlingSilver.   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 regionâs largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the areaâs most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the regionâs 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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