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Quynh Tran

Dallas researchers are investigating whether the summer heat can be especially dangerous to people with Multiple Sclerosis.

The study, funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, is being conducted by scientists at the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine (IEEM) at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. The researchers, led by Craig Crandall, PhD, director of the IEEM’s Thermal and Vascular Physiology Laboratory, are investigating whether hot weather and higher body temperatures might put people with MS at increased risk of falling.

“We know that people with MS experience increases in the frequency of their symptoms during heat exposure, but we want to learn more,” Crandall said. “It remains unknown whether heat exposure further compromises balance in MS patients and would put them at more risk for falling.”

Even without temperature changes, MS patients often have poor balance and are at an overall increased risk of falls due to the effects of the neurological disease, which causes communication misfires between nerves in the brain, spinal cord and eyes. Several factors caused by the breakdown of nerves contribute to the falls: muscle weakness, spasticity (stiffness and reduced ability to maintain smooth, controlled movements of limbs), loss of balance, dizziness, sensory problems and tremor.

In fact, studies have shown that about half of middle-aged and older people with MS fall at least once every six months. This can lead to bruises, broken bones, and head injuries.

Heat, though, tends to make these problems worse. Even a very slight increase in body temperature can temporarily worsen MS symptoms. An increase in temperature may result from illness-related fever, from exercise or from the kind of hot weather and high humidity that hits North Texas every summer.

“This question is important because if heat exposure impairs balance in MS patients, there might be ways to mitigate the problem,” Crandall said. “So part of our investigation will look at the other angle: whether skin cooling, by fanning, during heat exposure improves MS patients’ balance.”

During the research project, study subjects undergo a series of static stand tests in an environmental chamber – a 120 square foot room in which temperature and humidity are tightly controlled. A highly sensitive force platform quantifies foot forces and movements in three axes, measuring postural sway. As the temperature is slowly increased in the chamber, the subjects are asked to stand as still as possible in a series of balance tests, some with their eyes closed.

During the tests, researchers stand next to the subjects, and a padded floor mat is next to them to protect from possible falls. Core temperature, skin temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure are monitored throughout the tests.

The temperature in the heated chamber is raised to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips for a safe home environment, according to the National MS Society:

  • Check entryways, thresholds and doors to identify slippery or uneven surfaces.
  • Place reflective or contrasting, non-skid strips on stairs and steps.
  • Use rails on both sides of the stairs to provide good support as you enter; railings should extend beyond the first and last steps.
  • Install a ramp or threshold ramp to avoid falls on steps or on a doorway lip.
  • Ensure doorways are clear and wide enough for you to move through them without tripping or bumping into anything.
  • Install level door handle hardware that will allow you to open a door within minimal strength and dexterity, and with one hand.

 

About the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine

The Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine (IEEM) was founded as a joint program between Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas and UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Its mission is to promote basic and clinical research, education, and clinical practice in defining the limits to human functional capacity in health and disease, with the objective of improving the quality of life for human beings of all ages. The IEEM includes ten major laboratories tightly integrated and organized intellectually along the “oxygen cascade” — the path that oxygen must follow through the body from the external environment through the lungs, heart, and skeletal muscle to perform cognitive function and physical activity. The IEEM is among the only research centers in the world that fosters the fusion of basic science and clinical medicine in a program designed specifically to study human physiology.

Quynh Tran

DALLAS — Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas has achieved recognition as a ‘Baby Friendly’ designated birth facility by Baby Friendly USA, a global program sponsored by World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This five-year designation highlights the hospital’s commitment to providing an optimal level of care for breastfeeding moms and their babies.

After completing an onsite survey based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, Texas Health Dallas is now one of 12 facilities in the state to offer moms the most up to date information, skills and support to initiate and continue breastfeeding.

“We are so proud of our team and the years of hard work and dedication they undertook to receive this prestigious international recognition” said Suzanne Murphy, director of women’s and infants services at Texas Health Dallas. “This is a monumental step forward in providing quality, comprehensive care in women’s health.”

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial source of nutrition and provides the healthiest start for infants.

“I am delighted for Texas Health Dallas to join the ranks of this distinguished group of hospitals in setting the standard of excellent care for all of our mothers and babies,” said Nuala Murphy, supervisor for lactation services.

Texas Health Dallas is the eighth designated facility for Texas Health Resources.

For more information, call 1-877-THR-WELL, or visit www.TexasHealth.org. 

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Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas has earned the Mission: Lifeline® Bronze Plus Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks.

Each year in the U.S., approximately 250,000 people have a STEMI, or ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, caused by blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires time-sensitive treatment. To prevent loss of life, it’s critical to immediately restore blood flow, either by surgically opening the blocked vessel or by giving clot-busting medication.

Texas Health Dallas earned the award by meeting rigorous criteria for one to three calendar quarters. The “Plus” designation is used to differentiate those facilities where at least 75 percent of STEMI patients were transferred to them for primary percutaneous intervention (PCI) in 120 minutes or less. When it can be performed in a timely fashion, Primary PCI is the American Heart Association’s recommended triage strategy for STEMI patients.

“I am truly proud of the dedication and hard work of our clinicians to achieve the goals set forth by the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program,” said Aurora Estevez, M.D., chief medical officer at Texas Health Dallas. “This recognition highlights their continued commitment to providing quality and timely care to our patients.”

The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program helps hospitals, emergency medical services and communities improve response times so people who suffer from a STEMI receive prompt, appropriate treatment. The program’s goal is to streamline systems of care to quickly get heart attack patients from the first 9-1-1 call to hospital treatment.

Along with Texas Health Dallas, Texas Health Resources hospitals in Arlington, Bedford and Fort Worth earned recognition.

The hospitals were recognized for meeting specific criteria and standards of performance for the quick and appropriate treatment of STEMI. Before patients are discharged, they are started on aggressive risk reduction therapies such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, aspirin, ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, and they receive smoking cessation counseling if needed.

“This recognition speaks to the quality care we deliver and represents our commitment to improving the well-being of our patients who suffer severe heart attacks,” said Barclay Berdan, FACHE, CEO of Texas Health Resources.

Texas Health Resources and the physicians on the medical staff, working through the system-wide Heart & Vascular Council, share a vision of making North Texas the vanguard of quality heart care for the state. Composed of cardiac specialists and Texas Health administrators, the Council works so that all patients in Texas Health’s 16-county service area will receive the same quality care, regardless of their location.

For more information, call 1-877-THR-WELL, or visit www.TexasHealth.org.

Quynh Tran

DALLAS, TEXAS -- Today the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF) awarded Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas the official designation as a Community Hospital Center of Excellence. The ALCF Centers of Excellence award recognizes community hospitals for their individualized care and treatment of lung cancer patients.          

“Right now 80 percent of all cancer patients are treated at community hospitals,” said Bonnie J. Addario, a stage 3B lung cancer survivor and ALCF founder. “Our multi-disciplinary, patient-centric Centers of Excellence Program raises the bar on the standard of care for lung cancer patients.”

As a Community Hospital Center of Excellence, Texas Health Dallas is implementing the standard of care required in the ALCF’s Centers of Excellence Program. The program’s hallmark standard ensures all patients receive genomic testing to monitor for specific disease states and to determine potential options for precision medicine and targeted treatment. Additional standards include an individualized approach to care, patient access to new diagnostic tools and therapeutic techniques, and an emphasis on early detection and patient follow-up.

The goal of the screening program is to identify individuals who might be at an increased risk for lung cancer. Participants must be:

  • Between 50-75 years old to meet criteria
  • Current smoker or former smoker
  • Has quit for less than 15 years
  • Has a 30 pack-year smoking history (calculated by physician)

“We offer each of our patients an individualized approach to their cancer treatment, with the goal of providing the right treatment for the right person at the right time,” said Dr. Pat Fulgham, medical director of Oncology at Texas Health Dallas. “We are honored to be recognized with this Center of Excellence designation and dedicated to advancing precision medicine and targeted treatment options for lung cancer patients and their families.”

Texas Health Dallas follows the ALCF’s successful pilot program at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, California. Preliminary metrics from the 2013 pilot program highlight that patient outcomes improved dramatically during the pilot stage’s first year.

  • 100 percent of pilot program patients received molecular testing
  • The time from diagnosis to treatment improved 77 percent, from a national average of 45 days down to 10 days
  • 62 percent of program patients underwent tumor board review
  • 100 percent patient satisfaction
  • 26 percent of treated patients were diagnosed at stage 2B or lower

While the understanding of lung cancer’s diagnosis and treatment has improved, additional work needs to be done. In 2015 alone, more than 221,200 new lung cancer cases will be identified in the U.S., and the American Cancer Society estimates more than 158,000 Americans will die of the disease.

  • Lung cancer takes more lives than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined. It accounts for 27 percent of all cancer deaths and is the second leading cause of death in the U.S.
  • Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in every ethnic group. Since1987, it has killed more women every year than breast cancer.
  • The five-year lung cancer survival rate has changed little in nearly 40 years – from 12 percent in 1970 to 17 percent today.
  • This staggering loss of life has gone unnoticed for too long.  The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation mission is to change that prognosis.

The ALCF funds clinical research that leads to life-saving discoveries and treatments and provides critical support services and educational programs to empower patients and create hope. 

“We are thrilled about this affiliation with a great foundation,” said Dr. Haskell Kirkpatrick, lung cancer specialist on the medical staff at Texas Health Dallas. “Our goals are the same, providing quality care for our patients with lung cancer through early detection, research and a comprehensive multi-disciplined approach to care.”

“The ALCF is focused on initiatives that empower patients to take a seat at the table wherever discussions are being made about their care,” added Addario. “We are committed to improving the standard of care and believe genomic testing and targeted therapy is the future of lung cancer treatment and the pathway to increasing the survival rate for all lung cancer patients.”

About Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas is an 898-bed acute care hospital and recognized clinical program leader, having provided compassionate care to the residents of Dallas and surrounding communities since 1966. US News and World Report has ranked Texas Health Dallas among the nation’s best hospitals in digestive disorders, orthopedics, and neurology and neurosurgery. An affiliate of the faith-based, nonprofit Texas Health Resources system, Texas Health Dallas has approximately 4,000 employees and an active medical staff of more than 1,000 physicians. For more information, call 1-877-THR-WELL, or visit www.TexasHealth.org.

About the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation

The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF) is one of the largest philanthropies (patient-founded, patient-focused, and patient-driven) devoted exclusively to eradicating Lung Cancer through research, early detection, education, and treatment. The Foundation's goal is to work with a diverse group of physicians, organizations, industry partners, individuals, patients, survivors, and their families to identify solutions and make timely and meaningful change and turn lung cancer into a chronically managed disease by 2023. The ALCF was established on March 1, 2006 as a 501c(3) non-profit organization and has raised more than $20 million for lung cancer research and related programs.

Quynh Tran

DALLAS, TEXAS – The annual list of the Metroplex’s best nurses is out, and seven nurses from Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas find themselves honored among the region’s Great 100 Nurses.

The honorees from Texas Health Dallas are:

  • Stella Apari, B.S.N., R.N.-BC, staff nurse for inpatient psychiatry
  • Marlon Encarguez Cortez, B.S.N., R.N., ONC, orthopedics staff nurse
  • Salomie Devassy, M.S.N., R.N.-BC, NEA-BC, nurse manager for inpatient psychiatry
  • Laura Helton, B.S.N., R.N.C-NIC, neonatal intensive care unit nurse
  • Jenna Hermann, B.S.N., R.N., medical intensive care unit nurse supervisor
  • Kelle McGough, M.S.N., R.N., nurse manager for orthopedics
  • Michelle Palmore, B.S.N., R.N., CNOR, nurse supervisor for orthopedics and perioperative services

“It is an honor and privilege to practice beside these amazing nurses who have contributed to the profession of nursing, their patients and their communities in an extraordinary way,” said Cole Edmonson, D.N.P., R.N., FACHE, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer at Texas Health Dallas. “These nurses represent the future of nursing as they advance their own education, research, leadership and mentor the next generation of nurses.”

The DFW Great 100 Nurses Inc. annually sponsors the “DFW Great 100 Nurses” to honor registered nurses in the area who exemplify excellence in the art and science of nursing. Nurses are nominated by their peers, and may only be named to the list once in their career.

 “The Great 100 Nurses are the best of the best, and we’re honored to have seven of these superstars at Texas Health Dallas,” said James A. Berg, FACHE, hospital president. “Our nurses set a high standard for each other, an example of excellence that is made up of hard work and dedication for every patient, every day. I am proud that their work was recognized among the best in our region.”

In all, Texas Health Resources system hospital nurses won 29 of the 100 spots on the coveted list, the most for any health system in North Texas. Click here to see the list of recognized nurses from Texas Health hospitals.

“Texas Health nurses like those recognized in this year’s Great 100 have created a distinctive reputation for compassion and excellence among patients and physicians,” said Barclay Berdan, FACHE, CEO of Texas Health. “It’s a privilege to see so many of our star caregivers recognized for excellence in their vital field.”

The “Great 100 Nurses” will be honored at the 25th annual gala on April 28 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas.

Quynh Tran

Editorial Contact: Candace White | candacewhite@texashealth.org

Whether it’s dusty stacks of old pay stubs, mortgage or credit card statements, tax forms or utility bills, the threat of identity theft these days makes letting go tough.

That’s why Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, in honor of Earth Day 2015, is hosting a free “Shred-a-thon” event on Saturday, April 18. Personal paperwork will be safely shredded on-site beyond the leering eyes of identity thieves — and all the paper shreddings are recycled. More than 2,219 pounds of paper were shredded at last year’s event at Texas Health Dallas, contributing to a total of almost 80,000 pounds at Texas Health facilities.

The on-site shredding services will be provided by Iron Mountain Incorporated. Individuals are allowed up to six boxes of paperwork — but cardboard, among other items, cannot be shredded. People will need to take their cardboard/totes back with them.

The Shred-a-thon day will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, April 18, at the west side of the Support Services building on the Texas Health Dallas campus.

Items that can be shredded include:

  • All paper
  • Fasteners such as paper clips and staples
  • Notebooks and spirals
  • Business cards, brochures, banners, pamphlets and fliers

Items that are NOT to be shredded at this event include:

  • Cardboard      
  • Food or liquids of any type
  • Glass, plastic, aluminum
  • Batteries
  • Wrappers
  • Cans or bottles
  • Metal objects
  • CDs
  • DVDs
  • USB drives
  • Hard drives
  • Audio and video tape

Shred-a-Thon events are being held at seven hospitals across the Texas Health Resources system as well as at Texas Health headquarters in Arlington. For more information, visit TexasHealth.org. 

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Editorial contact: Candace White | candacewhite@texashealth.org

DALLAS, TEXAS –Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas has named Jim Berg, FACHE, as president effective April 7. Berg joined the organization in 2007 as senior vice president and chief operating officer, and since August 2014 has served as interim president.         

James A. Berg, president of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas

In his role as president, Berg has primary oversight of day-to-day activities and responsibility for the annual operating plan. 

He shares hospital leadership responsibilities with Chief Nursing Officer Cole Edmonson, D.N.P., R.N., FACHE, NEA-BC, and Chief Medical Officer Aurora Estevez, M.D., M.B.A., FACOG.

Prior to joining Texas Health Resources, Berg led hospitals and health care systems in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Utah and Missouri.“We are very blessed to have Jim as our president and fellow leadership triad member,” said Edmonson. “He brings an uncompromising focus on our mission, vision, values and pursuit of excellence.” 

“Jim’s extensive experience in hospital leadership, in a career that spans over 40 years, makes him an appropriate fit to lead Texas Health Dallas,” said Barclay Berdan, FACHE, chief executive officer, Texas Health Resources. “I look forward to him continuing this role as an integral member of the Texas Health Dallas leadership team and a major contributor to the success of Texas Health Resources.”

Berg served more than 20 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He received numerous military awards and decorations, including the Air Force Reserve award for Outstanding Hospital Administrator, three Meritorious Service Medals and a Commendation Medal.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and on the boards of the Texas Hospital Association HealthSHARE and the American Hospital Association (AHA) Services, Inc. Each of these organizations is committed to finding innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges facing hospitals.

Berg holds a master's degree in hospital and health care administration from Saint Louis University, where he also received a bachelor’s degree in management sciences, magna cum laude.

About Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas is an 898-bed acute care hospital and recognized clinical program leader, having provided compassionate care to the residents of Dallas and surrounding communities since 1966. US News and World Report has ranked Texas Health Dallas among the nation’s best hospitals in digestive disorders, orthopedics, and neurology and neurosurgery. An affiliate of the faith-based, nonprofit Texas Health Resources system, Texas Health Dallas has approximately 4,000 employees and an active medical staff of more than 1,000 physicians. For more information, call 1-877-THR-WELL, or visit www.TexasHealth.org.

Quynh Tran

DALLAS — Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas became one of only six hospitals nationwide to earn the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award for a fourth consecutive survey. This honor is designated by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons.

To be considered, Texas Health Dallas met 34 quality care standards, successfully completed a three-year survey with commendation and continually met the quality level of comprehensive patient-centered care. The CoC also recognized program efforts in five key areas including cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, cancer conferences, clinical management and quality improvement.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our entire team,” said Mary Wylie, director of Oncology at Texas Health Dallas. “It’s truly an honor to be one of the few cancer programs in the country to receive this recognition once again.”

Because Texas Health Dallas is part of the accreditation program, patients have the opportunity to receive a full spectrum of cancer care through programs focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, cancer staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, life-long follow up for recurrent disease and end-of-life care.

“We offer each of our patients an individualized approach to their cancer treatment,” said Dr. Pat Fulgham, medical director of Oncology at Texas Health Dallas. “Our program and facility were designed to give patients and their families a place for hope and healing as well as all services they’ll need throughout their journey.”

In January, Texas Health Dallas opened a new 70,000-square-foot comprehensive cancer center. The center houses medical and radiation oncology, patient navigation, infusion services, survivorship services, advanced imaging, and cancer risk and prevention services. Advanced imaging services include GE’s first high-definition, low-dose CT scanner. In addition, the space houses Cancer Support Community North Texas, offering expanded social and emotional support services, a children’s program, educational seminars and lectures, activities such as yoga, Thai Chi and art therapy, and social events for anyone impacted by cancer — all free of charge.

To learn more about the cancer program at Texas Health Dallas, visit TexasHealth.org/Dallas-Cancer.

About Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas is an 898-bed acute care hospital and recognized clinical program leader, having provided compassionate care to the residents of Dallas and surrounding communities since 1966. US News and World Report has ranked Texas Health Dallas among the nation’s best hospitals in digestive disorders, orthopedics, and neurology and neurosurgery. An affiliate of the faith-based, nonprofit Texas Health Resources system, Texas Health Dallas has approximately 4,000 employees and an active medical staff of more than 1,000 physicians. For more information, call 1-877-THR-WELL, or visit www.TexasHealth.org.

Quynh Tran

Dallas, TX, March 27, 2015 – Dallas resident Melinda Cato Cross was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer two years ago. For patients like Cross, surviving cancer is only half the battle. The other is overcoming the side-effects and after-effects of cancer treatments used to save her life.

“The people in the hospital have all been fabulous,” said the 55-year-old Cross, who lives in Dallas with her husband.  “I have a ‘duo rehab team’ as I like to call them, because these therapists work so hard to make me feel comfortable despite the toll chemotherapy has had on my body. They would work with me for 45 minutes to an hour during each visit and every visit has been so positive and pleasant.” 

A new program at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas now integrates best practices for survivorship rehabilitation, focusing on managing treatment-related conditions for survivors with the goal of improving quality of life and the ability to function. The hospital has received STAR Program® Certification, the top certification from Oncology Rehab Partners, through implementation of an evidence-based education and training program for administrative and clinical staff.

“Cancer rehabilitation is similar to other forms of rehab after a serious illness or injury,” Michaelle Comer, PT, MHA, manager of outpatient rehabilitation services and co-coordinator of the Survivorship Training and Rehab (STAR) Program at Texas Health Dallas, said.  “The program is designed to identify cancer patient needs throughout their continuum of care and brings together specialized clinicians such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, dietitians, oncology nurses and other specialties with a goal to help them achieve the highest quality of life possible.”

In addition to the STAR program, Texas Health Dallas offers other outpatient rehabilitation programs for cancer survivors, including lymphedema. The programs are customized to help minimize symptoms which may be associated with cancer and its treatment. Certified professionals offer physical, occupational and speech-language therapies to help survivors regain control of their lives and remain as independent and productive as possible.

Hannah Thai, oncology program manager and co-coordinator of the STAR Program at Texas Health Dallas, explained, “This program is unique in that there is no other certification for cancer rehabilitation, and we’re thrilled to offer this higher level of rehabilitation therapy regimen to our patients. The STAR program really complements the full spectrum of cancer care and supportive services that we provide at Texas Health Dallas.”

The program is open to anyone facing the challenges of survivorship no matter the prognosis, cancer stage or phase of recovery. These services are covered by most major health insurers, including Medicare.

“Feeling well and maintaining day-to-day activities are essential to enjoying a good quality of life,” said Dr. Lalan Wilfong, M.D., an oncologist on the medical staff and co-coordinator of the STAR Program at Texas Health Dallas., “Rehabilitation can be a valuable tool for cancer patients. The evidence-based treatment available and continuous research into survivorship shows that there is hope.” 

Today, Cross is making great strides much of which she credits the care team at Texas Health Dallas. She recalls at one point, she couldn’t even perform simple daily tasks like walking or buttoning up her shirt.

Cross adds, “Now, I have more energy and regained my strength to do day-to-day activities. I’m taking it day by day but I’m very pleased with how much progress I’ve made.”

For more information on the STAR Program ® at Texas Health Dallas, please visit www.TexasHealth.org/Dallas-Rehab orcall 214-345-7680.

 

About Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas is an 898-bed acute care hospital and recognized clinical program leader, having provided compassionate care to the residents of Dallas and surrounding communities since 1966. US News and World Report has ranked Texas Health Dallas among the nation’s best hospitals in digestive disorders, orthopedics, and neurology and neurosurgery. An affiliate of the faith-based, nonprofit Texas Health Resources system, Texas Health Dallas has approximately 4,000 employees and an active medical staff of more than 1,000 physicians. For more information, call 1-877-THR-WELL, or visit www.TexasHealth.org.

 

Quynh Tran

Cancer Center will be first in Texas to integrate psychological/social support organization,

Cancer Support Community

                                                                                                    Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas opens its new 70,000 square foot comprehensive Cancer Center     

 

DALLAS, TEXAS – Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas has officially opened the doors of its new 70,000 square foot comprehensive Cancer Center. This center is the first in Texas to fully integrate psychological/social support by including a Cancer Support Community clubhouse onsite.

                Designed as a place of hope and healing for cancer patients and their families, the center houses medical and radiation oncology, patient navigation, infusion services, survivorship services, advanced imaging, cancer risk and prevention services and patient navigation services. Advanced imaging services include GE’s first high-definition, low-dose CT scanner.

Additionally, patients will have a resource center affiliated with the American Cancer Society, psychosocial support services including a customized survivorship program in collaboration with Cancer Support Community North Texas, a chapel, community room with a demonstration kitchen and the Women’s Health Boutique.

With the patient in mind, all providers are located under one roof with a connection to the hospital for easy access to additional services.

 “Our promise is to provide personalized care and education to each individual throughout all stages of their fight against cancer,” said Mary Wylie, service line director of Neurology, Orthopedics and Oncology services at Texas Health Dallas. “We hope to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for our patients whether they’re seeking services for early detection, ongoing treatment, survivorship or even support for the whole family.”  

            Through an alliance with Cancer Support Community North Texas, Texas Health Dallas is also the first in Texas to fully integrate this psychological and social support organization within a cancer center. Recent studies have shown that psycho-social and emotional support lead to improved quality of life and reduced cost/health care utilization. In fact, it reduced the risk of cancer recurrence and dying by nearly 50 percent (Andersen, et al. (2010), “Psychological Intervention Improves Survival for Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.”)

“Texas Health Resources recognized that integrating psycho-social and emotional support into the cancer care process is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have,” said Mirchelle Louis, CEO of Cancer Support Community North Texas.

     The cancer program is accredited by the American College of Surgeons, and is one of a few programs in the United States to have won the Outstanding Achievement Award three consecutive times.

                

About Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas is an 898-bed acute care hospital and recognized clinical program leader, having provided compassionate care to the residents of Dallas and surrounding communities since 1966. US News and World Report has ranked Texas Health Dallas among the nation’s best hospitals in digestive disorders, orthopedics, and neurology and neurosurgery. An affiliate of the faith-based, nonprofit Texas Health Resources system, Texas Health Dallas has approximately 4,000 employees and an active medical staff of more than 1,000 physicians. For more information, call 1-877-THR-WELL, or visit www.TexasHealth.org.

 

About Cancer Support Community North Texas

Cancer Support Community exists to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. Completely free of charge and nonprofit, Cancer Support Community is a place where people with cancer and their families and friends are learning to live with cancer, and hopefully beyond it.  The community is their lifeline to strength, hope, support and guidance.  The effects are often life-changing. For more information, go to www.cancersupporttexas.org