St. John’s – Powerful Medicine

Welcome to the fall 2006 edition of St. John’s Healthy People magazine. The fall season is often a time of new beginnings, such as the start of a new school year and related activities.

This fall marks a new beginning for St. John’s as we launch a new patient-centered image and communication campaign called “St. John’s – Powerful Medicine.”

The campaign will include television, print, radio and billboard advertising and will feature “real” patients – survivors who are now back doing the things they love thanks to the care they received at St. John’s. Most of these patients consider themselves ordinary, but their stories couldn’t be more fascinating or inspiring. We would like to thank these patients who took time out of their busy lives to share their St. John’s stories with the community.

We’re proud to note St. John’s Hospital’s new top 10 status in the realm of patient satisfaction and service. St. John’s Hospital in Springfield began fiscal year 2006 at the 92nd percentile in patient satisfaction, as measured by Press Ganey, the leading independent vendor of health care satisfaction measurement and improvement services in the nation. Patient satisfaction is a major goal at St. John’s and we are extremely proud of our co-workers who helped make this ranking possible.

Also in this issue, you’ll learn about a brand-new, non-invasive way to diagnose suspected heart disease, through the 64-slice CT scanner. St. John’s installed and began using the new scanner last summer.

The device produces precise diagnostic pictures in seconds and its technology could dramatically alter the way we treat patients with suspected coronary artery disease and chest pain.

On page 20, we tell about another exciting new procedure for those with Parkinson’s disease and similar conditions. A procedure called deep brain stimulation can offer these patients relief from debilitating tremors and dystonia. On page 18, we address the very serious topic of post-traumatic stress disorder and readjustment issues among our men and women in the armed forces as they return home from service. St. John’s urges those who bravely serve our country to seek behavioral health services if they recognize the symptoms listed in the story. October marks the start of flu season, and prevention is the key. On page 17, read how to avoid the bug.

As of Sept. 1, all St. John’s facilities and grounds are now tobacco-free. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we provide a healthy environment for our patients, visitors and staff.
I hope your new beginnings this fall are good experiences for you and your family.

Enjoy this issue of St. John’s Healthy People, and please let us know if you have recommendations for topics in future issues of the magazine.

Sincerely,

Kim Day
St. John’s Health System President / CEO