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May 13
0
Valley Health System

Centennial Hills Hospital First in West for New Total Knee Replacement Procedure

By | Featured, News

Centennial Hills Hospital is the First Hospital in the Western United States to Perform a Total Knee Replacement Procedure with THINK Surgical’s Leading Robot System

Allows for Unique Customization to Each Patient

Our knees absorb a lot of shock on a daily basis, from walking and taking stairs to enjoying other forms of exercise. It is also one of the most complicated joints in the body, composed of the femur, patella and top section of the tibia, and held together by tendons and ligaments, along with cartilage to keep joint motion fluid and protect the bones against impact. Adversely affected by too much weight, diabetes, osteoarthritis, improper footwear, knees are prone to wear and tear over time.

Because knees are as unique to a person as fingerprints and eye retinas*, the evolution of customized knee replacement surgery offers unique solutions based on patients’ individual needs.

Introducing THINK Surgical’s TSolution One Robot
Centennial Hills Hospital was the site of the first total knee replacement procedure in the west using THINK Surgical’s robot system. It was performed by Ronald Hillock, MD, orthopedic surgeon, on March 14, 2022.

THINK Surgical developed the TSolution One robot, which creates a customized joint replacement plan for each patient prior to surgery through the TPLAN® 3D pre-surgical planning workstation and TCAT® an active robot.

“The pre-surgical plan enables the surgeon to design and prepare the customized plan in a virtual environment,” explained Sajit Pullarkat, CEO, Centennial Hills Hospital. “Then, the active robot assists the surgeon to execute this plan with precision cutting to remove diseased bone and cartilage.”

First Procedure Performed by Ronald Hillock, MD
“I am very excited to be offering what I consider the next-level, robotic technology to my patients. I’ve evaluated all the other systems on the market, and, in my opinion, none compares to the cutting accuracy of this system,” said Dr. Hillock.  “Accurate cuts are crucial to ensure proper fit of the implant and avoid loosening which commonly results from poor cuts.”

As part of THINK Surgical’s program, surgeons can also choose from a variety of knee implants developed by multiple manufacturers because the THINK system has an open implant library. This adds to the ability to customize the total knee replacement procedure.

Providing Customized Orthopedic Surgery Technology for Area Residents
Centennial Hills Hospital has continued to enhance its orthopedic service line to improve patients’ experiences. In July 2021, it was the first acute care hospital to offer the iovera° treatment as part of its pre-operative pain management treatment for primary and revision total knee replacement surgery. The iovera° treatment is a clinically proven, non-opioid [narcotic], pain management solution that uses the body’s natural response to cold to relieve pain.

Additionally, the orthopedics division added robotic-guided technology for spine surgery, allowing surgeons to create a customized surgery plan using customized CT-based three-dimensional models of patients’ spines prior to surgery. A 36-bed orthopedic surgical patient care unit with its own therapy gym opened in December 2020, and the hospital was recertified for The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval® for Core Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement.

* https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2748324/

About Centennial Hills Hospital Medical Center

Centennial Hills Hospital is a member of The Valley Health System, a system comprised of acute care and specialty hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, outpatient services and physician practices, cares for patients throughout Southern Nevada and surrounding communities. Located in northwest Las Vegas, the hospital offers a wide range of healthcare services including emergency care, surgical services, cardiovascular and advanced neurological care, women’s health, maternity and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, and specialty programs in stroke, chest pain, orthopedics, advanced wound care and hyperbaric medicine, and outpatient therapy, and a freestanding emergency facility, the ER at Valley Vista in North Las Vegas, NV.

About THINK Surgical, Inc.

THINK Surgical, Inc., a privately held U.S.-based medical device and technology company, develops, manufactures, and markets active robotics for orthopedic surgery. The TSolution One Total Knee Application includes the only commercially available, active robot for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) utilizing an open implant library, supporting a variety of implant options.

For additional product information, please visit www.thinksurgical.com.

May 13
0

National Military Appreciation Month/Contractor Licensing Programs for Military, Veterans and Spouses

By | News

May is National Military Appreciation Month and the Nevada State Contractors Board wants to highlight specific programs it offers to assist members of the military, National Guard, military spouses, and veterans in becoming licensed contractors or maintaining licensure. If interested in interviews on this topic or for more information, please let us know and we will connect you with a media representative:

Active Duty 

Military or National Guard members who have a current/active contractor’s license in the state of Nevada, the Contractors Board will consider waiving the fees associated with the late renewal of their license if they are called to active duty at the time of license expiration.

Veterans  

The Contractors Board’s Veteran Assistance program is intended for military veterans returning to civilian life, which helps expedite applications for a contractor’s license and ensure that veterans can return to work as quickly as possible.

Military Spouses  

Spouses of active duty or veteran members of the military who are relocating their construction business to Nevada, the Veterans Assistance Program is available to help expedite the license application process.

To determine eligibility or for questions concerning Nevada State Contractors Board’s military and veterans’ assistance programs, contact the Board at 775-688-1141 (North) or 702-486-1100 (South), email veterans@nscb.state.nv.us or visit the website at www.nscb.nv.gov.

May 13
0

Nathan Adelson Hospice Holds Flair For Care Luncheon

By | News

On Friday, April 29, Nathan Adelson Hospice welcomed back its signature event, “A Flair for Care” Fashion Show & Luncheon, to an anticipated crowd of more than 420 guests at Wynn Las Vegas.  This year’s show featured hand-picked, non-traditional accessories from the luxury French fashion brand, Chloé.

Additionally, the event featured for the first time, an exclusive “A Taste of Wynn” menu inspired by a selection of Wynn’s dining favorites, including Delilah, Mizumi, and Casa Playa. Paired with signature cocktails and mocktails, each course showcased fan favorites from Wynn’s Executive Chef of Catering and Banquets Kelly Bianchi and resort mixologist Mariena Mercer Boarini.

This year, “A Flair for Care” raised more than $500,000 for Nathan Adelson Hospice. The event serves as a major fundraiser for the hospice’s uncompensated care program, which in the last year alone provided more than $1.6 million in uncompensated care, programs and services to individuals throughout southern Nevada.

May 13
0

Nathan Adelson Hospice Announces Staff Promotions

By | News

Nathan Adelson Hospice, the leader in hospice and palliative care in southern Nevada, has announced two internal promotions. Stephanie Forbes has been named Philanthropy Officer, and Cassondra Farris has been promoted to Development Manager.

Forbes joined the Nathan Adelson Hospice team in 2009 and has more than 25 years of professional fundraising experience. When she was hired on as Development Manager, Forbes managed all special events that served as fundraisers for the nonprofit hospice, including Nathan Adelson Hospice’s annual signature event, ‘A Flair for Care’ luncheon. In her new role as Philanthropy Officer, Forbes will focus primarily on building relationships with significant individual donors and prospective donors to secure major funding for the hospice’s programs.

Farris also started her career with Nathan Adelson Hospice in 2009 as a durable medical equipment clerk. Since then, she has continued to grow in the organization by taking on new roles, such as patient services representative and executive assistant. Prior to her promotion, Farris held the title of Development Associate with the Nathan Adelson Hospice Foundation, where she managed the monthly giving program, grateful family campaign, and donor relations. In her new role as Development Manager, her main responsibility will be fundraising for and managing the hospice’s signature special events. In addition, she will also manage the direct mail program and other selected aspects of fundraising efforts.

About Nathan Adelson Hospice
Nathan Adelson Hospice, the trusted partner in hospice care and palliative medicine, is the largest and longest-established hospice in southern Nevada. Founded in 1978, Nathan Adelson Hospice provides comprehensive end-of-life care to more than 400 patients and families every day. Recognized as a national model for superior care, the vision of Nathan Adelson Hospice is that no one should end the journey of life alone, afraid or in pain. For more information, visit www.nah.org.

May 12
1

WGU Announces Newly Updated BSN Curriculum

By | News

One of the key factors for a successful nursing career is staying up-to-date with the latest research, healthcare standards, and technology. That’s why WGU is proud to announce our redeveloped BSN program built for the next generation of nurses.

Course content has been updated to align with the 2021 American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education standards. Courses have also been updated to include instruction in resiliency in nursing; diversity, equity, and inclusivity; and value-based healthcare.

The refresh includes your choice of professional development certificates—built right into the standard curriculum—that you will earn as you progress through your degree program. Certificate options include:

  • Think Cultural Health–Department of Health and Human Services
  • ELNEC–End of Life and Palliative Care: Core, Critical Care, Geriatric, or Pediatric
  • AMNH–Genetics and Genomics in Healthcare
  • IHI–Patient Safety and Quality
  • SOGI–Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Nursing
  • Caring Science, Mindful Practice

Additionally, students who hold an active RN license typically transfer an average of 80 credits into the program, allowing most to earn their BSN in two years or less.

Take the next step in your nursing career by earning a newly updated BSN from the online university favored by tens of thousands of nursing graduates. Get started today.

Learn More.

Download a PDF to get more, and shareable, information about the program.

May 10
1

Strategies from UnitedHealthcare to Help Strengthen Your CORE While Working Remotely

By | Featured, News

By Dr. Russell Amundson, National Medical Director, UnitedHealthcare

Even as we learn to live with the persistent spread of COVID-19 in Nevada and nationwide, the pandemic’s repercussions will likely be evident for years to come. One such outcome is the wider adoption of remote work, with approximately 45% of Americans now telecommuting either all or part of the time.

This means that for some people office furniture may have been replaced by makeshift desks and household chairs, or even a spot working from a sofa or bed. Such setups typically lack the same ergonomic design as a traditional office, and over time can contribute to an array of health issues, including back pain or other orthopedic problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis.

In fact, an estimated 50% of U.S. adults are affected by so-called musculoskeletal conditions, with associated treatments for these issues accounting for 10% of annual medical expenses.[1] When it comes to back issues, about 80% of people experience this condition at least once during their lifetime.

While sometimes back pain and other orthopedic problems can’t be avoided due to previous injuries or other factors, it’s important for people to focus on their CORE, which stands for correct posture, overweight (avoid it), relax, and exercise. To build on that concept, here are three strategies and evidence-based care methods to consider to help prevent or treat this common issue.

Focus on Posture. Whether you are now working at the kitchen table or on the couch, focusing on proper posture may help. Make sure you are sitting up straight with your knees at a 90-degree angle, with your shoulders in a straight line over your hips and your ears directly over your shoulders. If you’re working at a computer, adjust the screen height to eye level and consider elevating the keyboard to help keep your hands, wrists and forearms in line and parallel to the floor.

Stay Active. While some people with back pain or other muscular issues may be tempted to consider rest, staying active in many cases may be the best option. Low impact activities to consider include walking and swimming, while research indicates that strengthening leg muscles may also prove helpful. You might also try yoga and tai chi, as they’ve been shown to ease moderate to severe back pain. If time is a factor, a brief walk at lunch or going up and down the stairs a few times can help you stay active.

Examine Your Options. The American College of Physicians recommends exercise-based therapies first, including nonsurgical options such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. To make access even more convenient, new virtual physical therapy options have emerged, including some that provide users with on-demand, 24/7 exercise feedback powered by artificial intelligence. These noninvasive options, which in some cases may be included as part of your health benefit plan, may help 95% of people with low back pain recover after 12 weeks.

Even for people with chronic back pain, only a small percentage may need imaging or surgery. Taking these preventive steps – and selecting evidence-based care approaches when issues arise – may help reduce the risks and complications associated with back pain and other orthopedic issues.

[1] Healthcare Economics analysis of UnitedHealthcare claims, 2020

May 10
0

Two Valley Health System Hospitals Nationally Recognized with an ‘A’ Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

By | News

Desert Springs Hospital Earns Inaugural ‘A’ Grade & Henderson Hospital Celebrates 8th Consecutive ‘A’ Grade

(May 10, 2022 – Las Vegas, NV) –  Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center received its inaugural “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade and Henderson Hospital earned its eighth consecutive “A” grade for spring 2022. This national distinction recognizes both acute care hospitals’ achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error in the hospital.

“This is a wonderful accomplishment for our hospitals,” said Karla Perez, Regional Vice President, Acute Care Division, Universal Health Services, which is the parent company of The Valley Health System. “Desert Springs Hospital leaders and employees have worked tirelessly to achieve their first ‘A,’ while the Henderson Hospital team has sustained their ‘A’ through eight consecutive cycles. We are continually measuring and evaluating our safety processes and protocols, ensuring we’re incorporating best practices. Choosing to work in a hospital means a commitment to constantly educating oneself, embracing quality improvement and always putting patient safety at the forefront of everything we do.”

“I’m incredibly proud of our Desert Springs Hospital team,” said Chris Loftus, CEO of Desert Springs Hospital. “Our mission is to provide great health care, and keeping our patients safe from harm is the foundation of the care we provide. We use every available tool to help us continually improve our patients’ experience, whether it’s the Leapfrog criteria or earning accreditations for specialties in cardiac care. It takes incredible commitment and teamwork to achieve these hard-earned grades and accreditations, and knowing we continually improved over the past three years to earn this award despite the pandemic is a testament to our employees, medical staff and leadership.”

Henderson Hospital earned its eighth consecutive ‘A’ grade since opening in late 2016. “Despite extraordinary circumstances over the past several years, we’ve maintained our top priority – to keep our patients safe from harm while diagnosing and treating their medical conditions,” said Sam Kaufman, CEO of Henderson Hospital. “This is a massive team effort, and the credit goes to our employees, medical staff and leaders.”

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over thirty national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harms to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

“As our health care system continues to feel the strain of the pandemic, I thank the workforce and leadership of these hospitals for sustained commitment to patient safety, day in and day out,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “An ‘A’ Safety Grade is an outstanding achievement, and one that is not possible without a 24/7 effort by the entire health care workforce to protect patients from harm. This community should be proud.”

To see the hospitals’ full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter, Facebook, and via its newsletter.

About The Valley Health System
The Valley Health System is comprised of acute care and specialty hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, outpatient services and physician practices, caring for patients throughout Southern Nevada and surrounding communities. The Valley Health System offers a wide range of healthcare services including emergency care, surgical services, advanced cardiovascular and advanced neurological care, women’s health, maternity and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, and specialty programs in stroke, chest pain, orthopedics, pediatrics, weight loss surgery, acute rehabilitation, psychiatric services, wound care, and outpatient therapy.

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 forward for patient safety. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey and new 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 and Facebook, and sign up for our newsletter.

May 10
0

Health District Encourages Parents to Bring Children In For Back-to-School Shots

By | News

Don’t Wait to Vaccinate! Health District Encourages Parents to Get School Shots

The school year begins on Monday, August 8 and parents and guardians can ensure their children are appropriately immunized at a Southern Nevada Health District immunization clinic. The Health District encourages parents and guardians to bring their kindergartners, 7th and 12th graders to its immunization clinics for their mandatory school vaccines before the first day of school. The Health District’s immunization clinics are open Monday through Friday. Walk-in immunization services are available at the 280 S. Decatur Blvd. public health center. Appointments for services at other neighborhood public health centers can be made by calling (702) 759-0850 or (702) 759-1682 for appointments at the Mesquite Public Health Center.

Starting July 1, students enrolled in the 12th grade in Nevada public, private, or charter schools must receive the meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the start of the 2022-2023 school year. MenACWY is also required for students entering 7th grade and for students entering the 8th through 12th grades who are new to Nevada schools, including private or charter schools, and the Clark County School District. In addition, 7th graders must receive their tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccine.

Back to school vaccinations are available at the following Health District locations:

  • Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas 89107

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  (closed 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.)

Walk-ins are accepted at this location. Clients must arrive by 4 p.m.

  • East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 2950 E. Bonanza Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89101

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Services available by appointment only. Call (702) 759-0850. Walk-ins are not accepted at this location.

  • Henderson Public Health Center, 220 E. Horizon Dr., Ste. A, Henderson, NV 89015

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Services available by appointment only. Call (702) 759-0850. Walk-ins are not accepted at this location

  • Mesquite Public Health Center, 150 N. Yucca St., Mesquite, NV 89027

Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (closed 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. for lunch)

Call (702) 759-1682 for an appointment. Walk-ins are not accepted at this location.

In addition, students enrolled in the 7th and 12th grades can get their required school vaccinations at one of four Health District COVID-19 vaccine clinics at the following high schools and they can receive their COVID-19 vaccine at the same time:

  • Sierra Vista High School, 8100 W. Robindale Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89113

Monday, May 23, and Monday, June 13, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

  • Centennial High School, 10200 W. Centennial Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89149

Monday, May 16 and Monday, June 6, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

  • Desert Pines High School, 3800 E. Harris Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89110

Friday, May 13, Friday, June 3 and 17, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

  • Cheyenne High School, 3200 W. Alexander Rd., North Las Vegas, NV 89032

Friday, May 20 and Friday, June 10, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

The Clark County School District requires the following vaccinations for students enrolling in school: chickenpox (varicella), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (DTaP and Tdap), quadrivalent meningitis, and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR). Parents who recently moved to Nevada should note hepatitis A vaccination is required in the state. Immunizations that were up-to-date in other states that do not require hepatitis A vaccination might not be current in Nevada. For a list of immunization requirements for school, visit Immunize Nevada’s School Vaccinations page.

Parents vaccinating a child at a Health District clinic should bring immunization records. Parents who cannot locate immunization records should contact their health care provider. If their children were immunized in Nevada, parents can also visit Nevada WebIZ, a statewide immunization registry, at https://izrecord.nv.gov/public/Application/PublicPortal or call Nevada WebIZ at 1 (877) 689-3249. Non-custodial adults may accompany a child; however, written consent must be provided to the Health District from the parent or guardian at the time of service. Administrative fees and cost of vaccines may be applied depending upon insurance status.

The Health District accepts most insurance plans. Not all immunizations are covered by insurance. Contact the Health District’s immunization clinic for information and current fee schedule at (702) 759-0850 or visit the Health District’s Back-to-School Vaccine Clinics webpage.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

May 10
0

Southern Nevada Health District Celebrating 60 Healthy Years on June 8th

By | News
Join the Southern Nevada Health District for its 60th Anniversary Celebration and State of the Health District.
Wednesday, June 8 at 11 a.m.
Southern Nevada Health District Main Public Health Center
280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107
Red Rock Conference RoomRSVP at www.snhd.info/60
or join the WebEx event:
Attend on WebEx
To call into the meeting, dial (415) 655-0001 and enter Access Code: 2551 620 8632
For video conferencing, the Video Address is: 25516208632@snhd.webex.com

May 09
1

Henderson, Las Vegas Aces and Coreprime Addressing Students During Mental Health Awareness Month

By | News

Student-Centric Mental Health Program, Hope Squad, Announces Planned Expansion into CCSD Middle Schools

Henderson Mayor Debra March, Las Vegas Aces President Nikki Fargas, and Business Sponsor Coreprime Join Together to Address Students at Greenspun Middle School During Mental Health Awareness Month

WHO: Henderson Mayor Debra March; Las Vegas Aces President Nikki Fargas; Hope Squad executives; Greenspun Middle School staff and students; Hope Squad business sponsor Coreprime

WHAT: Marking Mental Health Awareness Month in May and to announce a call to action for more local businesses to support the mental wellness of CCSD students, the Hope Squad has teamed up with local supporters to announce its plans to expand the program into additional middle schools. Mayor March and others will be addressing students about the importance of this effort and the Hope Squad overall, especially as national and local numbers of mental health issues continue to rise.

One of the first schools to adopt the Hope Squad program, Greenspun Middle School, understands the importance of reaching middle school-age youths to help with the program’s goals. At the middle and high school level, the Hope Squad offers peer-to-peer suicide intervention teams and provides students at all levels with information and resources to boost their mental health. The goal is to have selected students be trained to help others on their campuses so they can open up and get ahead of any difficulties they might be facing.

WHEN: 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 13, 2022

WHERE: Greenspun Junior High School, 140 N. Valle Verde Dr., Henderson, NV 89074 (in the library)