blog

Free Program on Stroke Awareness To Be Offered

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:59:26 -0400

Holy Spirit Health System will host a free program for individuals interested in learning more about strokes.

Richard Paczynski, MD, a neurologist who specializes in inpatient care at Holy Spirit Hospital, will present “Stroke in 2020” at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 16. The lecture will be held in Holy Spirit Hospital’s auditorium.

Dr. Paczynski will talk about what puts you at risk for having a stroke and how to know if you or someone else is having a stroke. He will also explain why time is so vital in treating a stroke.

Free parking. Light refreshments will be served. There is no need to register for this seminar. For more information, call 763-2427.

Free Program on Living Wills and Advance Directives

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:10:44 -0400

The 6^th annual National Healthcare Decisions Day is Saturday, April 20. This day was designated to bring awareness to advance directives and living wills. These important documents represent what healthcare choices you’d like or not if you were unable to communicate due to an accident or illness. These documents also allow you to name a healthcare power of attorney or legal advocate to make these decisions for you if you are unable.

Holy Spirit Hospital is joining hospitals across Pennsylvania and the nation to help the public learn more about healthcare decisions and advance directives and how to share those decisions with family, friends and healthcare providers.

Maureen Asper, RN, MS, and Mary Ann Stetz, MSW, LSW, Holy Spirit Hospital, will present “Living Will and Advance Directives: Making Your Wishes Known” at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 20. The session will be held in Holy Spirit Hospital’s auditorium. Learn how to have a frank discussion with loved ones about your healthcare wishes and important things to consider when completing an advance directive. Free advance directives will be available to take home and complete.

Light refreshments will be served. There is no need to register for this session. For more information, please contact Maureen Asper at 982-3722.

Spring Festival and Nurses' Walk to be held in April

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:42:01 -0400

Holy Spirit Hospital Auxiliary will hold its 16^th annual Spring Festival on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Adams Ricci Community Park, East Penn Drive, Enola. The event will include a flower sale and chicken barbeque, auxiliary bake sale, craft vendors and children’s games and activities.

This will be a great family and community day with all proceeds benefiting Holy Spirit Hospital. For more information, or to pre-order flowers or chicken barbeque meals, please call the Holy Spirit Hospital Auxiliary office at 763-2796 or email Ann.Hubbard@hsh.org.

Admission and parking are free. The event will be held rain or shine.

Holy Spirit will hold its third annual Nurses’ Walk on Saturday, April 27, at Adams-Ricci Community Park. Registration and the warm-up session for the walk begin at 9 a.m. To register as a walker, visit Holy Spirit’s website at http://www.hsh.org/assets/pdf-downloads/Development-forms/Nurses-WalkRegistration-Form20131.pdf. The cost to participate in the walk is $25 ($10 for children 15 years and younger). All proceeds will benefit Teenline.

Holy Spirit Progress Center to Open March 27

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:55:11 -0400

Holy Spirit Health System will open its new Holy Spirit Progress Center at 20 Capital Drive, Harrisburg, on Wednesday, March 27. The center will offer outpatient services including imaging, laboratory collection and EKG services, as well as a four-bed sleep center. Capital Cardiovascular Associates also will relocate from 5 Capital Drive, Harrisburg, to this new center.

The Holy Spirit Colonial Park Center is now closed. All services at the former center on Crums Mill Road, Harrisburg, will move to the new Holy Spirit Progress Center. “Addressing the needs of the patients throughout Central Pennsylvania has always been the essence of our mission,” says Sister Romaine Niemeyer, SCC, President and CEO, Holy Spirit Health System. “This center will give us the opportunity to provide convenient, patient-centered healthcare services to people who live and work around this area of Harrisburg.”

Imaging services, including ultrasound, digital X-ray, CT, and digital mammography, will be offered Monday through Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A private women’s wing will house digital mammography, breast ultrasound, obstetrical ultrasound, bone densitometry services. To schedule an appointment for imaging services, please call 972-4900.

Patients who need to have an EKG, a simple painless test that records the heart’s electrical activity, done as part of their routine care can have them performed by appointment at the Holy Spirit Progress Center.

Comprehensive laboratory collection services will be offered at the Holy Spirit Progress Center Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For questions about laboratory services or to schedule an EKG, please call 763-2191.

The physicians and physician assistants at Capital Cardiovascular Associates provide comprehensive heart and vascular care, including echocardiography, electrophysiology, vascular ultrasound, nuclear cardiology imaging, and treatment for atrial fibrillation. To schedule an appointment, please call 724-6450.

In May, the Holy Spirit Sleep Center will open within the Holy Spirit Progress Center. Sleep studies will be scheduled Friday through Sunday evenings. Daytime studies will be scheduled as needed. The Holy Spirit Sleep Center in Lemoyne will continue to perform sleep studies from Sunday through Friday. For more information, call the Sleep Center at 901-0317.

Girls' Night Out to be held in Carlisle

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:49:35 -0400

Holy Spirit Health System’s Spirit of Women program is hosting Spirit Girls’ Night Out on Friday, April 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. This free event will be held at the St. Patrick’s Parish Community Center, 87 Marsh Drive, Carlisle.

Spirit Girls’ Night Out is a free event open to women age 18 and older. Bring your mother, your sister, your daughter, and your girlfriends to this fun event where you can shop, learn, and be active while networking with other women and the Holy Spirit staff and volunteers.

Girls’ Night Out features a “Main Street” retail shopping area with vendors displaying the newest in fashion, jewelry, cosmetics, and body care, plus the latest in cookware, food products, and more. In our “Fitness Corner,” take part in the dance workouts, including Zumba® and belly dancing, offered throughout the evening. In our “Spa Zone,” we will offer free chair massages and make-up makeovers, both by appointment only. The event also features “Education Row” where several presentations led by Holy Spirit physicians will be featured, including how glands and hormones play a role in diabetes, Lap-Band® surgical weight loss options, and breast cancer awareness.

Our “Health Screening Pavilion” will house nurses, doctors and other healthcare providers from Holy Spirit who will perform free health screenings. The free screenings include: blood pressure, body mass index, glucose and cholesterol, as well as assessments for breast cancer risk and peripheral artery disease.

The numbers of appointment times for the chair massages, makeovers and health screenings are limited. Please call 763-2100 to pre-register. You will get a return call to schedule your appointment time. Appointments are limited to two per person.

Holy Spirit Hospital is affiliated with The Spirit of Women Hospital Network, a national coalition of hospitals and healthcare facilities in more than 80 U.S. cities joined together to advance the cause and business of women’s health.

Spring Festival to be held in April

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 07:54:51 -0400

Holy Spirit Hospital Auxiliary will hold its 16^th annual Spring Festival on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Adams Ricci Park in Enola. The event will include a flower sale and chicken barbeque, auxiliary bake sale, craft vendors and children’s games and activities.

Admission and parking are free. The event will be held rain or shine. This will be a great family and community day with all proceeds benefiting Holy Spirit Hospital. For more information, or to pre-order flowers or chicken barbeque meals, please call the Holy Spirit Hospital Auxiliary office at 763-2796 or email Ann.Hubbard@hsh.org.

Cardiac Patient Support Group Meeting to be held in March

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:39:10 -0400

Holy Spirit Hospital has teamed up with cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and health professionals to provide cardiac health education, as well as group support to patients, their families, and caregivers to promote lifelong heart healthy living.

Holy Spirit’s “Spirited Hearts” cardiac support group meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in Holy Spirit Hospital’s Auditorium C&D. Dan Marrow, MS, LMFT, Senior Therapist/Supervisor at Holy Spirit Hospital, will present “Habits: Making and Maintaining Change.” A question and answer session will follow the presentation. Seating is limited. Please call 972-4486 by Friday, March 22 to reserve your seat.

Atrial Fibrillation Support Group Offered

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:37:00 -0400

Holy Spirit Health System has created a support group for those who suffer from atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), a heart condition that affects more than three million Americans.

Join Safwat Gassis, MD, FACC, and Stacey Solomon, RN-BC, from Holy Spirit’s Atrial Fibrillation Center, on Monday, April 1, for a discussion on “Living and Coping with Atrial Fibrillation.” Two sessions will be offered: 2 to 3:30 p.m. and from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in Holy Spirit Hospital’s Auditorium C&D. Seating is limited. Please call 514-2931 to reserve your seat. Light refreshments will be provided.

Safwat Gassis, MD, FACC, is a cardiologist at Capital Cardiovascular Associates, and the medical director of Holy Spirit’s Atrial Fibrillation Center. Dr. Gassis offers the most advanced treatment options for heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation. Stacey Solomon is a board-certified registered nurse who works directly with patients at Capital Cardiovascular Associates and at Holy Spirit’s Atrial Fibrillation Center.

Cardiac Patient Support Group to be held in February

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 15:44:31 -0500

Holy Spirit’s “Spirited Hearts” cardiac support group meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in Holy Spirit Hospital’s Auditorium C&D. This session will be devoted to learning from former and current heart patients. Our facilitator, Patty Novak, MSN, RN-BC, Clinical Performance Improvement Coordinator, will be asking attendees to share thoughts on the care provided at The Ortenzio Heart Center. This feedback will be used to help caregivers further improve the quality of care.

Seating is limited. Please call 972-4486 by Friday, February 22 to reserve your seat.

Educational Seminar on How to Live Healthy with Heart Disease

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:41:40 -0500

Holy Spirit Health System will host a free educational seminar on heart disease in February. Christopher Spizzieri, DO, FACC, FASE, a cardiologist with Capital Cardiovascular Associates, will present “Healthy Living with Heart Disease” on Thursday, February 21, at 6 p.m. The lecture will be held in Holy Spirit Hospital’s Auditorium.

This seminar is intended to provide attendees with information with information about the importance and effects of diet, exercise and medications on those living with heart disease.

There is no need to register. Plenty of free parking is available. Light refreshments will be served. If you have questions, please call 763-2427.

Holy Spirit's Spirit of Women Program to Offer “Steps to a Woman’s Healthy Heart” Seminar

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:33:52 -0500

A special health education session titled “Steps to a Woman’s Health Heart” will be presented as part of Holy Spirit Health System’s Day of Dance for Health event on Saturday, February 23. The hour-long session will be held at the Radisson Hotel, Camp Hill, at 11:30 a.m. It is free to attend, but open to Holy Spirit’s Spirit of Women members who pre-register by calling (717) 763-2100. Registration is limited to 150 attendees. A light lunch will be provided at no cost to attendees.

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in American women. However, with just a few changes in lifestyle, women can improve their health and reduce their risk of developing heart disease.

At this session, Lenke Erki, MD, Capital Cardiovascular Associates, will explain how women can partner with their doctor to help lower their risk of heart disease. “As the community leader in women’s cardiovascular care, Holy Spirit recognizes that women’s hearts are different than men, and is committed in being her partner in care for her health and her heart” says Dr. Erki. “Women don’t always recognize the signs of heart disease which can be different and often milder than in men. Their busy lifestyles don’t always make it easy to pay attention to their bodies. If a woman does not realize heart disease is a health threat, she may not make heart healthy changes or recognize symptoms as they occur.”

Following the seminar and lunch on Saturday, February 23, “Day of Dance for Health” will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. The day will include dancing demonstrations and instruction and more. Registration is required to attend Day of Dance for Health. Please register by calling (717) 763-2100. Day of Dance is open to anyone.

For more information on the day’s schedule, go to www.hsh.org/spirit-of-women.

Day of Dance for Health Schedule Announced

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:15:45 -0500

Holy Spirit Health System is hosting its sixth annual Spirit of Women dance event in February. “Day of Dance for Your Health” will be held on Saturday, February 23, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Radisson Hotel in Camp Hill. The day will include dancing demonstrations and instruction, learning how to keep your heart healthy and more! Registration is required to attend this free event. Please register by calling 717-763-2100.

Bring your friends and family to dance, enjoy the performances, and learn simple ways to stay healthy. “Day of Dance for Health” was designed to inspire women and their families to better heart health. Proving that exercise can be both fun and beneficial to the heart, the program combines the fun of dancing to different forms of music and education on heart disease and other health issues.

Valerie Pritchett from abc27 and Pat Gadsden, an entrepreneur and trainer/consultant and television show co-host, will be the event emcees.

Just prior to “Day of Dance,” Spirit of Women will host a free special educational event for Spirit of Women members. Lenke Erki, MD, a cardiologist with Capital Cardiovascular Associates, will present “Steps to a Woman’s Healthy Heart” from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A complimentary lunch will be served to all attendees. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required by calling 763-2100.

Holy Spirit Hospital is affiliated with The Spirit of Women Hospital Network, a national coalition of hospitals and healthcare facilities joined together to advance the cause and business of women’s health. Day of Dance events will take place in more than 80 cities across the nation, presented by affiliate hospitals of the Spirit of Women Hospital Network.

DAY OF DANCE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23

PRE-EVENT SEMINAR

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

“Steps to a Woman’s Healthy Heart,” Lenke Erki, MD, Capital Cardiovascular Associates

For Spirit of Women members only. Limited seating. Registration is required by calling 763-2100.

DAY OF DANCE SCHEDULE

1 – 1:05 p.m.

Opening Remarks – Valerie Pritchett, ABC 27

1:05 – 1:15 p.m.

Sole Training® Sequence, Inspire Female Athletic Training

1:15 – 1:25 p.m.

Belly Dancing Performance, In the Pink Dancers

1:25 – 1:45 p.m.

Ritmo Latin Club Workout Instruction, Always Time for Dancing Studio

1:45 – 2:00 p.m.

Ethnic Dance Performance, Asian Indian Americans of Central Pennsylvania

2 – 2:05 p.m.

Welcome – Sister Romaine Niemeyer, SCC, President & CEO, Holy Spirit Health System

2:05 – 2:25 p.m.

Irish Dance Performance, McGinley School of Irish Dance

2:25 – 2:45 p.m.

Belly Dancing Instruction, Egyptian Moon Dance

2:45 – 2:50 p.m.

Program Notes, Pat Gadsden, Spirit of Women Steering Committee

2:50 – 3 p.m.

CPR Hands-Only Disco Dance Instruction, Holy Spirit’s Community Education Team

3:00 – 3:10 p.m.

Gangnam-Style Line Dancing Instruction, Always Time for Dancing Studio

3:10 – 3:30 pm

Community Sole Line Dancing Instruction, Delta Sigma These Sorority, Inc., Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter

3:30 – 3:50 p.m.

Zumba® Instruction, YMCA of the Harrisburg Area

3:50 – 4 p.m.

Closing Remarks / Door Prizes / Adjourn

Public Notice Magnet Recognition Program® Site Visit

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 07:37:24 -0500

Holy Spirit Hospital has applied to the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for the prestigious designation of Magnet. The Magnet designation recognizes excellence in nursing services.
Patients, family members, staff, and interested parties who would like to provide comments are encouraged to do so. Anyone may send comments via e-mail, fax, and direct mail. All phone comments to the Magnet Program Office must be followed up in writing.
YOUR COMMENTS ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND NEVER SHARED WITH THE FACILITY. IF YOU CHOOSE, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE ANONYMOUS, BUT MUST BE IN WRITING.
YOUR COMMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY February 24, 2013.

Address:

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Magnet Recognition Program Office
8515 Georgia Ave., Suite 400
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3492

Fax: 301-628-5217

E-Mail: magnet@ana.org

Phone: 866-588-3301 (toll free)

Holy Spirit Pharmacy Receives CPS “Best Practices” Award

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:59:15 -0500

Comprehensive Pharmacy Services (CPS) presented top honors to employees recently during the company’s Annual Meeting held in conjunction with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) mid-year professional conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 2012 Best Practices Award for the Northeast and Southeast was given to the Holy Spirit Hospital Department of Pharmacy. The award was presented to the Director of Pharmacy of the site with a score of 95% or better on CPS’ annual Operational Audit. Chuck Arrison, a CPS employee and director of Holy Spirit’s Pharmacy, accepted the award on behalf of the department. The Operations Audit examines more than 300 elements that include operational, clinical, regulatory, financial, customer service and purchasing measures.

CPS serves all hospital segments, including acute care, behavioral health, LTAC and other specialty facilities. The company’s services include every combination of pharmacy operations, from consulting to complete pharmacy management options.

About Comprehensive Pharmacy Services: CPS is the nation’s leading pharmacy services provider, partnering with greater than 300 hospitals and health care facilities in 46 states (including D.C., Puerto Rico and the USVI) and employing over 1,600 pharmacy professionals. For more information, visit www.cpspharm.com

Free CPR Classes Offered

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:25:08 -0500

Holy Spirit Health System is offering free CPR classes on Saturday, February 9. American Heart Association-trained instructors will be teaching these classes in Holy Spirit Hospital’s auditorium. These courses will teach participants the skills needed to successfully resuscitate the victim of cardiopulmonary arrest and to relieve a foreign body airway obstruction. Participants will learn the risk factors and signs of a stroke, heart attack, cardiopulmonary arrest, and airway obstruction, and how to correctly use an automated external defibrillator (AED) for adults and children.

“BLS for Healthcare Providers” will be offered from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. This course is designed for healthcare providers.

The “Heartsaver AED” class will be offered to community members. This course is intended to teach the lay rescuer. Participants may elect to learn adult and child CPR and/or infant CPR. This class begins at 9 a.m.

After successfully completing the course, each participant will receive a course completion card. To register for these free classes, please call (717) 972-4262. Please register early as space is limited.

Creighton Model FertilityCare Practitioner Education Program Offered

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 13:21:07 -0500

Holy Spirit Health System will host its fourth annual Creighton Model FertilityCare Practitioner Education Program for those interested in teaching others how to use this model. Applications are currently being accepted for the 13-month Practitioner Program which consists of two education phases, two supervised practica and an on-site visit. Students are taught basic and advanced aspects of the Creighton Model FertilityCare System.

Education Phase I will be held at the Cardinal Keeler Center at the Diocese of Harrisburg from Saturday, April 27 through Saturday, May 4, 2013. Education Phase II will be held from Saturday, November 2, through Thursday, November 7, 2013. All other educational components are provided through an innovative system of long distance supervision and on-site visitation.

All students enrolled in the Practitioner Program are required to take a criterion referenced, professionally administered final certificate examination, following successful completion of the two education phases and two supervised practica.

For more information or an application, please call contact Dorice Millar, RN, CFCE, at (717) 514-6136 or via email at Dorice.Millar@hsh.org.

Educational Lecture on Weight Loss with the Lap-Band® to be Offered

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 12:48:57 -0500

Holy Spirit Health System will host a free educational seminar on for those who want to learn more about weight loss with the Lap-Band®. J. Bret DeLone, MD, Kunkel Surgical Group, will present “How can we help you reach your weight loss goals” on Thursday, January 17, at 6 p.m. in the Holy Spirit Hospital auditorium.

Dr. DeLone will discuss diets, physical activity, behavior modification, and weight loss surgery in the severely obese. He will talk about current surgical options for weight loss and the advantages and disadvantages. He will describe who qualifies for the Lap-Band surgery and the requirements for prospective patients prior to surgery.

Light refreshments will be served. There is no need to register. If you have questions, please call 763-2427.

Holy Spirit Hospital Now Performs TransOral Robotic Surgery

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 12:37:23 -0500

James P. Malone, MD, board-certified otolaryngologist with Associated Otolaryngologists of Pennsylvania, has begun performing TransOral Robotic Surgery at Holy Spirit Hospital. Last week, this minimally invasive robot-assisted surgery was used to successfully remove a cancerous tumor on the base of a patient’s tongue. Holy Spirit Hospital is one of the first hospitals in the greater Harrisburg region to offer this type of surgery.

“TransOral Robotic Surgery, or TORS, provides surgeons with a minimal access approach through the patient’s mouth. It provides unparalleled visualization for removal of tumors in the difficult to reach areas of the tonsil, base of the tongue and the voice box,” says Dr. Malone. “Traditional surgical approaches to these anatomical areas often require an opening into the throat through an incision in the neck or by splitting the jaw bone for access to the tumor. In addition to achieving excellent cancer control, the patient benefits from TORS are tremendous: shorter surgery, faster recovery, and preservation of swallowing function.”

Minimally invasive robotic surgery offers fewer complications, less pain, faster recovery and a better outcome for the patient. The da Vinci® Si Surgical Systems at Holy Spirit Hospital are also being used by physicians for heart, general, gynecological and urological surgeries. Dr. Malone and his colleagues will be able to use the da Vinci® Si Surgical System for otolaryngologic surgical procedures of the mouth, voice box, tonsils, base of tongue and other parts of the throat.

While using the daVinci Si, the surgeon can manipulate the tissues better, providing for a more precise surgery. The system also affords the surgeon with enhanced visualization of the surgical area. For example, the physician will be able to see in three dimensions and can zoom in for a closer look. In addition, the daVinci Si system’s range of motion is far superior to human hands or laparoscopy procedures and is easier for staff and physicians to use.

“We will continue to invest in technologies that will assist our physicians and will benefit the patients we serve,” says Joseph Torchia, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Holy Spirit Hospital.

Holy Spirit Hospital First Area Hospital to Use Innovative Disinfection System

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 12:34:48 -0500

Holy Spirit is the first hospital in the area, and the second in the state of Pennsylvania, to use Xenex Healthcare Services' room disinfection system. Xenex's three-foot high portable device uses a xenon lamp to create an intense pulsating ultraviolet (UV) light that kills or prevents the replication of bacteria, spores, viruses, fungi, mycobacteria, C. diff spores, MRSA, VRE, pseudomonas, norovirus, and hundreds of other microorganisms which can cause healthcare associated infections (HAIs). This chemical-free disinfection system enhances traditional room cleaning. Studies have shown significant reductions of these superbugs with the use of this equipment.

“Our goal is zero infections. If we can prevent just one infection using these units, it more than pays for them,” says Joseph Torchia, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Holy Spirit Health System. “We are always focused on ways to enhance our processes and patient care. We will continue to focus on evidence-based protocols of care – proven ways of preventing infection – to further reduce our already low rate of hospital-acquired infections.”

The Xenex device will be used by the hospital's Environmental Services staff following traditional cleaning in patient rooms and in the operating rooms. The UVC light cannot penetrate through glass, plastic, clothing or the top layer of skin. While very safe, this technology will be used in unoccupied areas. Requiring just 5 to10 minutes per room, the Xenex system is capable of disinfecting dozens of rooms each day. Holy Spirit Hospital has two units.

For more information about the Xenex robot, visit www.xenex.com or email customer service at support@xenex.com.

Holy Spirit Cardiovascular Institute and Penn State Hershey Heart and Vascular Institute Sign Collaborative Surgery Agreement

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 11:38:47 -0500

Holy Spirit Cardiovascular Institute and Penn State Hershey Heart and Vascular Institute have signed a collaborative agreement for cardiac and thoracic surgery, to have physicians from Penn State Hershey Heart and Vascular Institute provide world-class cardiothoracic surgery at The Ortenzio Heart Center at Holy Spirit.

The agreement will optimize the use of existing, state-of-the art facilities in Camp Hill and Hershey, allowing physicians to be able to better meet the needs of the region’s residents, and expand the types of heart surgeries offered at The Ortenzio Heart Center at Holy Spirit.

“Holy Spirit has always been innovative and collaborative in meeting community healthcare needs and adapting to and changing in a challenging environment,” says Rick Schaffner, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Holy Spirit Health System. “We’re always looking for ways to work more effectively, without compromising quality, access, service and value. When that means collaborating with other healthcare providers, we do that. We will continue to evaluate opportunities and partnerships if they bring value to the communities we serve.”

Drs. Vincent Park and John Pennock from the Holy Spirit Cardiovascular Institute will be joined by Drs. David Campbell, Michael Lazar, Walter Pae, Michael Reed, Behzad Soleimani, and Edward Stephenson from the Penn State Hershey Heart and Vascular Institute to provide a full spectrum of cardiac and thoracic procedures at The Ortenzio Heart Center at Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit patients also will be able to take advantage of a robust, heart and vascular clinical research study program at Penn State Hershey.

“As an academic health center, we are eager to partner with a strong community hospital and health system like Holy Spirit that is nationally recognized for the quality of its cardiac program,” said Robin Wittenstein, chief operating officer, Penn State Hershey Health System. “This collaboration will enable our two systems to optimize our facilities and expertise to ensure that no one from central Pennsylvania needs to leave the region to access cutting-edge care and research related to heart and thoracic surgery.”

Holy Spirit provides the highest quality of comprehensive heart and vascular services, including state-of-the-art cardiac robotic surgery, advanced catheterization, electrophysiology and endovascular procedures. Holy Spirit Hospital is designated as a Blue Distinctionâ Center for Cardiac Care and holds the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for health care quality for its heart attack care.

Penn State Hershey Heart and Vascular Institute is located on the campus of Penn State Hershey Medical Center. With a team of more than 50 physicians and surgeons, the Heart and Vascular Institute treats common to complex heart and vascular conditions and has received Joint Commission accreditation for its heart failure program and for its program to implant left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) as destination therapy in patients with end stage heart failure. Building on a history of pioneering research in the area of heart pumps and artificial heart development, faculty and staff work to develop new medical and surgical interventions designed to save lives. The institute has a robust portfolio of clinical trials supported by approximately $10 million in research funding this year and a strong non-clinical research program investigating the causes of heart and vascular disease, which is designed to discover tomorrow’s treatment and cures.