Urology Practice Joins Mount Nittany Physician Group

Mount Nittany is proud to announce the addition of Charles Dalton, MD, and David Oselinsky, MD, to its physician group on October 1. Prior to joining the group, the physicians practiced independently as State College Urologic Associates.

“Joining Mount Nittany’s physician group is in the best interest of our patients,” said Dr. Dalton. “Our philosophy is and will remain to offer the very best in urologic care. We believe that this alignment will allow us to continue to provide quality care for our patients without the burdens of small business management. The landscape for medicine is shifting, and we are excited to move forward with Mount Nittany.”

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Mount Nittany Receives $5 Million Infrastructure Grant

Mount Nittany Medical Center recently received a $5 million Infrastructure and Facilities Improvement Program (IFIP) grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to help offset the bonds for the East Wing expansion. The grant, to be paid out in $250,000 increments over the next 20 years, is one of the largest of the seven grants issued under the program and one of the few for healthcare in recent history.

Since its relocation to State College in 1972, the Medical Center has invested more than $143 million in facilities and equipment, borrowing little to finance these projects. The $38 million project was funded mostly by the sale of bonds. The Medical Center received an "A-" bond rating by both Standard & Poor (S&P) and Fitch ratings. This resonated with investors, benefiting the Medical Center with a lower interest rate and lower issuance costs. It also translated into real savings over the 35-year life of the bond.

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New Support Group for Children with Loved Ones Affected by Cancer

The CLIMB program, which stands for Children's Lives Include Moments of Bravery, is a support program for children who have parents or loved ones recently diagnosed with cancer. This nationally recognized cancer support program is being offered starting by Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute at Mount Nittany Medical Center and TIDES, a local grief support group for children and adults. The program will be facilitated by Kristin Sides, Certified Patient Navigator at Mount Nittany Medical Center and TIDES outreach coordinator Holly Torbic. Both Kristin and Holly are certified facilitators of the CLIMB program through the national Children’s Treehouse Foundation.

The goal of the CLIMB program is to give children ages 6-to-12 years old, a safe place to ask questions about cancer, share their feelings and find emotional support. The program consists of six sessions, one per week, from 6–7:30 pm, to be held at a local facility. After dinner is served, the children and adults are separated so that each discussion can focus on topics of interest to their age group.

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Medical Center Awarded Accreditation from The Joint Commission

By demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission's national standards for health care quality and safety, Mount Nittany Medical Center has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™.

“We sought accreditation for our organization because we want to demonstrate our commitment to patients’ safety and quality care,” said Gail Miller, RN, MS, CPHQ. “Obtaining Joint Commission accreditation is another step toward achieving excellence.”

The Joint Commission conducted an unannounced, on-site evaluation of the Medical Center. The four-member survey team concluded its three-day survey on April 28, assessing more than 1,000 elements of performance.

“Above all, the national standards are intended to stimulate continuous, systematic and organization-wide improvement in an organization's performance and the outcomes of care," said Mark Pelletier, R.N., M.S., executive director, Hospital Programs, Accreditation and Certification Services, The Joint Commission. "The community should be proud that Mount Nittany is focusing on the most challenging goal—to continuously raise quality and safety to higher levels."

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Is Breast Reconstruction Right for Me?

Breast reconstruction surgery—and whether to have it done—is a very personal decision. Some women may consult with a plastic/reconstructive surgeon prior to a mastectomy or double mastectomy. Others may wait, or be advised to wait, by their oncologist. Either way, the goal of the surgery is to restore symmetry and a sense of normalcy.

Each patient is unique, but there are a few basic considerations for any woman considering breast reconstruction surgery.

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Walk to Save Lives: October 16

Join the employees of Mount Nittany Medical Center in the annual American Heart Walk on Saturday, October 16 at Medlar Field, Lubrano Park. The Medical Center’s employees are pledging to raise more than $10,000 to support the American Heart Association with more than 100 employees and their families coming out to celebrate healthy living. Each walker from Mount Nittany’s teams will receive a one-of-a-kind Mount Nittany t-shirt to wear the day of the walk. For more information, go to www.mountnittany.org.

2010 Pink Zone Donates Record $80,339 to Breast Cancer Charities

The 2010 WBCA Pink Zone at Penn State was a record-breaking event in the Penn State Lady Lions’ fight against breast cancer as the Penn State women’s basketball team donated $80,339.08 to four breast cancer charities. Led by honorary co-chairs and breast cancer survivors Mimi Barash Coppersmith and Dean Nan Crouter, the funds raised by the 2010 Pink Zone at Penn State were donated to charities on the local, state and national level and included Mount Nittany Medical Center, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC) and the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund. In four Pink Zone annual events, the Lady Lions have donated more than $165,000.

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November is Diabetes Awareness Month

One in four Americans has pre-diabetes or diabetes. Are you the one in four or is it one of your family members? Find out your number and how to stay healthy by attending the diabetes education events offered by Mount Nittany Medical Center and local organizations in November and throughout the year. Go to www.mountnittany.org for a complete listing of self-management classes, presentations by experts in the field, a healthy walk, tips and nutrition advice, support group, healthy cooking demos and more.

Certified diabetes educator Amy Leffard can also be reached at 231.7095. Diabetes can be prevented, and it can be managed. Find out how.

Grateful Patient Letter: "The entire staff was efficient and professional…"

“Yesterday I experienced an allergic reaction from a hornet sting. I am an ex-police officer and volunteer fireman and knew that I was going into a shock phase from the sting. My wife drove me to the emergency room and I was able to walk myself inside. As soon as I approached the reception desk and began to explain my situation, the receptionist, Bobbi Bird, immediately recognized my problem and without hesitation escorted me to the ER.

Several ER staff members took me to a room. I explained what had happened and within minutes, they were administering tests, oxygen and IV’s. One nurse, Marla, was particularly efficient and caring. Dr. Henry was there in minutes and a young Physicians Assistant came in and checked up and collected information. The entire staff was most efficient and professional, but very caring about their duties. I’m sorry that I can’t provide the names of all those involved, but I was most impressed. Your institution, and this community, is fortunate to have such a professional, dedicated and caring staff. Thank you to all of them.”

— A grateful patient in the emergency department