Category Archives: Ascension

(Wausau) While there are many things unknown about COVID-19 one thing is certain, access to effective personal protective equipment (PPE) is vital for healthcare professionals on the front line.Times of uncertainty often provide opportunities for creativity and innovation and Ascension Wisconsin is benefiting from these traits on many levels during the current pandemic.Our team has been diligently working to sustain our supply of PPE and the investigation of products from non-traditional suppliers has helped us fill some key needs during the management of this pandemic, said Adam Trafton, Vice President and Chief Resource Officer for Ascension Wisconsin with The Resource Group, Ascensions resource and supply management organization.Often these opportunities stem from already established relationships and that was the case when Jim Kass, Senior Vice President of Product Development, Planning and Manufacturing for Port Washington based Allen Edmonds was connected to Trafton by leaders from Ascension Wisconsins Network of Hospital Foundations.Kass, with vast experience in product development wondered if there was something his company could do to help fill the gap in PPE supplies he had been hearing about. With normal production scaled back because of Wisconsins Safer at Home Order, Allen Edmonds had people and equipment, but needed materials.After consulting with Ascension leaders from infection prevention and other functions to review and provide input, we were able to come up with a mask design that would bolster our supply of PPE, said Trafton.The end result was the creation of what has been dubbed the Innovation Mask which is being distributed to Ascension Wisconsin facilities statewide. An agreement to provide as many as 25,000 masks a week was just the kind of inventory Trafton was looking for at a time when a change in policy brought universal masking to all facilities across the state.Meanwhile in Central Wisconsin, CREATE Portage County operates with a mission of accelerating creativity, connection and collaboration to advance vibrant and welcoming communities.Executive Director Greg Wright leads the charge for the organization which has an IDEA center equipped with 3D printers to allow residents of Stevens Point and beyond to invest in their creative ideas and expand entrepreneurship.We had done some research and found out there were people and organizations like ours supporting the healthcare industry using 3D printers and we knew we could do something similar, said Wright.CREATE connected with Jason Patterson, Associate Manager for Operations for the Resource Group at Ascension St. Michaels Hospital in Stevens Point who identified a need for face shields for frontline healthcare workers.After a similar product review to the innovation masks, CREATE mobilized its 3D army to create more than 3,000 face shields in short order.More than half of those went to facilities in Ascension Wisconsins north region including Ascension St. Michaels, Ascension St. Clares in Weston, Ascension Good Samaritan Hospital in Merrill, Ascension St. Marys Hospital in Rhinelander, Ascension Our Lady of Victory Hospital in Stanley and Howard Young Medical Center, part of Ascension in Woodruff.Wright says other shields went to poll workers, public health officials, first responders, dentists and assisted living facilities.The project has included grant funding, business support, educational support, and many volunteers, said Wright. From elastic pulled from sewing kits to make shields to people who printed their own frames using their personal 3D printers, every part of this process engaged the community.The Ascension St. Michaels Foundation was one of several community donors that helped offset the cost of the 3D project.While these are just two examples of the creative innovation benefiting Ascension Wisconsin as it cares for people at 24 hospital campuses and more than 100 related healthcare facilities across the state, generosity is another common theme.The support of our operations across the state has been humbling and we are grateful, said Trafton. We have benefited from countless donations from individuals and businesses that have enhanced our ability to protect our caregivers and the community.

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Ascension Wisconsin Benefits from Generosity and Innovation - Merrillfotonews

GENESEE COUNTY (WJRT) (5/5/2020) - An emergency room doctor says the fight against the coronavirus continues, but there are positive signs.

Despite the progress against stopping the spread of COVID-19, he said it's important that everyone take precautions to avoid getting the virus.

The doctor at Ascension Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc Township said fewer patients are coming to hospitals, but health officials will get a better feel for the progress in stopping the spread of coronavirus when businesses reopen.

"This is all new to us. I have to admit that, luckily we have never seen anything like this before," said Dr. Muhammad Aboudan, who is the medical director of intensive care units at Ascension Genesys Hospital.

He said the grip of the coronavirus is starting to loosen a bit.

"It's going much better. I honestly think we are now the number of patients decreasing, we are definitely beyond plateauing and flattening the curve," Aboudan said.

Genesee County ranks fifth in the state for the number of positive coronavirus cases and the fourth highest death toll of all the counties.

"Luckily we have less people coming to the hospital positive with COVID which is just great. It's good to see the epidemic is getting under control to be honest with you," Aboudan said.

But just because the number of cases the hospital seeing is going down, he said social distancing, hand washing and staying at home when possible should continue.

Aboudan said COVID-19 is much more contagious than the flu.

"Everybody should take this disease serious. It is affecting young people, elderly, women, children and men, and everyone should be very careful," he said.

He believes the real test will come soon, as Michigan prepares to reopen parts of its economy in the coming days and weeks.

"People start going back to work, partially, this is something to keep an eye on and continue to monitor as people become a little more active," Aboudan said.

He said the development of a vaccine will be key in returning to some sense of normalcy.

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Ascension Genesys doctor: Coronavirus pandemic is starting to ease in Mid-Michigan - ABC 12 News

Michael Tortorich

WednesdayMay6,2020at12:01AM

Pegram Mire, a long-time supporter of Ascension Catholic School, has been named the 2020 honoree for the Mother Seton Award.

The honor is presented annually by each school in the Diocese of Baton Rouge to recognize an individual within the home and school community who exhibits the qualities and service of Mother Elizabeth Anne Seton.

Mother Seton was the founder of the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul and a pioneer of Catholic education. She established the first Catholic elementary school in the United States in 1808 in Baltimore.

Mire has volunteered on many committees for more than 20 years, and has served as president of the Ascension Catholic School Board. He supports the school on a variety of levels, often behind the scenes.

On game night, Mire organizes concession stands and stocks drinks.

He is a member of Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church and serves as a lector.

Mr. Pegram is the example of an ultimate servant, Ascension Catholic Principal Sandy Pizzolato said. He is always giving of his time, energy, and self, never wanting to be recognized and always staying in the background.

She said he exemplifies John 13:15: I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.

Ascension Catholic is truly grateful for all of the years Mr. Pegram has served our school family, Pizzolato added.

He is married to Karen Ourso Mire and is the father of four. They are: Vanessa, Falcon (Class of 2014), John (Class of 2019), and Samuel (Class of 2020).

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Mire honored as Ascension Catholics Mother Seton Award recipient - Beauregard Daily News

The fifth-grade students of St. Amant Primary explored the wonders of science thanks to Neese Industries grant through the Ascension Fund.

Students in Diann Morans classroom were given an opportunity to explore hands-on science activities where they develop questions and procedures to help them understand the wonders of the world, according to a news release. Students received a year-long subscription to National Geographic Explorer.

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The students focused on understanding the impact humans have on the world in orders to protect it for future generations.

The Ascension Fund is a non-profit organization established in 1991 by the Gonzales Rotary Club as an instrument for private sector leaders to invest directly in the work of individual teachers and schools through grants for innovative ideas and programs in Ascension Parish school. Teacher Grants of $500 or $1,000 and School Impact Grants of $2,500 are awarded on an annual competitive basis.

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St. Amant Primary teacher receives Ascension Fund Grant - The Advocate

Several businesses have shown their appreciation for first responders and medical staffs by donating food and other items during the coronavirus pandemic. The nurses and staff at Our Lady of the Lake Ascension, in Gonzales, dined on burgers, fries and shakes April 16 thanks to a donation from MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes.

"Times are tough right now, said Chad Calongne, franchise owner of the Gonzales MOOYAHs. "As a restaurant owner, my team and I are doing our best. Even though we are staring a disaster in the face, I'd rather we fight it sticking to our core values, one of which is loyalty. Loyalty to our community and those who have supported us over the years can't be discounted just because we are hurting. It feels good to give. It takes some of the stress away from the what if. We control what we can, and our faith will take care of the rest."

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Joining Calongne were James Houtman, area manager; Jared Ogoner, assistant manager and crew members Anthony Gardener and Jeffreyeli Williams.

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Nurses, medical staff dine on burgers, fries thanks to MOOYAH's donation - The Advocate

Former WWE producer Arn Anderson has spoken about Vince McMahon's treatment of The Ascension, claiming the WWE chairman tried burying the tag team after they were promoted to the main roster.

The former NXT Tag Team Champions won 11 consecutive matches after their Raw debut in late 2014, a streak which saw them beat the New Age Outlaws at the Royal Rumble in 2015.

Previously:Wrestlers React & Bid Farewell To Released WWE Superstars

The good times were short-lived, however, as they would be embarrassed by three legendary teams including nWo, Farooq & Bradshaw and Road Dogg & Billy Gunn during an episode of Raw that same year.

Anderson, who was at WWE at the time, said the tag just wasn't going to have that great of a gimmick as announcers were instructed to bury them and compare them to The Road Warriors.

Why would you take any character that is on our show that the company professes to being the number one wrestling company, or the number one sports entertainment company in the entire world, and put them on our TV show with valuable TV time and bury them, have the announcers bury them? Anderson said on his ARN podcast recently (H/T Sportskeeda.com).

Asked specifically if McMahon would have been the one to make that decision, Anderson said the promotion's owner is always the one who has the final say when it comes to characters and their gimmicks.

Sure. Everything character-wise passes by the big chair," he said. "If its the last place they go, it goes by the big chair for approval. Make no mistake, characters, angles, you name it.

The tag team was eventually released by WWE, with their final match taking place last April. They were let go in December after eight months of inactivity.

They would join the independent circuit shortly after.

Next:Arn Anderson Claims Cesaro Isn't Liked By WWE Management, Company Banned His Most Impressive Moves

Source: ARN podcast (H/T Sportskeeda.com)

AEW Bound?: Former Star Hints Coming Out Of Retirement For Jericho's Last Match

Kavan is a freelance writer for TheSportster who also contributes to TheRichest and HotCars. A huge Chelsea and Miami Heat fan, Kavan also enjoys watching pro wrestling, boxing and MMA. When away from the keyboard, Kavan is very likely to be found in the gym or fiddling with a video game controller.

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Arn Anderson Says Vince McMahon Had Announcers Bury The Ascension - TheSportster

More than a hundred mourners sat in their vehicles April 28 in the parking lot at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center to honor the life of Eugene "Gene" Witek, who died April 22 from complications of the coronavirus.

Witek, 73, was a retired educator, firefighter, fire chief and mentor to many in the fire service.

Those attending the outdoor service turned into their radios to hear a eulogy presented by St. Amant Fire Chief and longtime friend James E. LeBlanc. Rows of fire service vehicles lined the parking lot.

LeBlanc, who was 13 when he first met Witek, said Witek was know around the station for his dedication to the fire service. Throughout his 40-year fire service career, Witek worked as the coordinator for the Ascension Parish Fire District 1 and served as president of the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association, president of the Ascension Parish Mutual Aid Association, Fire Chief of the 7th District Volunteer Fire Department, board member and officer of the St. Amant Volunteer Fire Department and president of the 5th Ward Volunteer Fire Department.

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Known to many as Coach, Chief or Scooter, he was born in Lublin, Wisconsin on June 10, 1946 and grew up on a dairy farm. He graduated from University of Wisconsin Lacrosse with a degree in education; after graduation he relocated to Louisiana to begin teaching in Darrow.

He was a stockholder of his beloved Green Bay Packers and enjoyed going to New Orleans Baby Cakes games. Witek was proud of his Polish heritage, loved listening to polka music and visited his hometown as often as possible.

"Chief Witek had a unique quality in that he could make anyone feel special in the community," LeBlanc said. "He brought life to everything and touched every heart that he met. His very outspoken leadership and influence, usually behind the scenes was phenomenal. He dedicated himself to helping others and never expected anything in return."

After his death, area firefighters escorted his body from Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center to Ascension Parish. A memorial display was set up in his honor at the Fire District 1 office in Gonzales. People are asked to plant trees in Witek's memory.

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Fire fighting community gathers to honor life of Gene Witek - The Advocate

(MURFREESBORO) Ascension Saint Thomas announced plans to begin a phased, measured and clinically led process to resume certain elective, non-urgent and medically necessary procedures at its sites of care across Middle Tennessee in accordance with Governor Lee's recent direction to ease social distancing restrictions.

Effective this Monday, May 4, the health system will gradually reintroduce the availability of certain elective surgeries and medically necessary procedures while continuing efforts to serve and support patients, associates and communities impacted by COVID-19. The timing of this development will proceed in stages with guidance from federal, state and local authorities and health officials and in accordance with Ascension's system-wide safety and infection control protocols.

"It's important we take careful and measured steps to ensure a safe and gradual return to providing full access to healthcare services while also continuing to serve and support individuals and communities impacted by COVID-19," said Dr. Greg James, chief clinical officer, Ascension Saint Thomas. "As these events unfold, patients can expect expanded access to healthcare services with enhanced safeguards to ensure our sites of care continue to serve as healing environments - where quality care is delivered with the highest levels of safety and compassion."

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In the meantime, and until further notice, all Ascension facilities--hospitals, emergency rooms, clinics and offices--will continue to implement recommended infection control precautions with enhanced safeguards to minimize the exposure risks related to COVID-19 for patients and caregivers. Ascension facilities will maintain temporary visitor limitations and screening protocols for individuals entering hospitals, including temperature checks for 99.5 degrees or higher. The health system will also require every patient scheduled for an elective or non-emergency surgery to undergo screening and, when appropriate, testing for COVID-19. Following their screening and testing, patients will be asked to self-quarantine until their surgery.

Additional enhanced safeguards for in-person visits include:

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Ascension Saint Thomas began postponing and canceling elective surgeries and non-urgent medical procedures at its hospitals and sites of care as a special precaution to help prevent the spread of infection, conserve resources and increase capacity for its system-wide response to COVID-19. Simultaneously, social distancing efforts orchestrated by federal, state and local governments were put in place to help communities "flatten the curve" and control the spread of COVID-19. During that time, Ascension hospitals continued to provide emergency surgeries and services for patients with emergency needs while also providing patients with convenient 24/7 access to providers via virtual care options and telemedicine. Now, Ascension Saint Thomas hospitals are following the guidance and direction of federal and state authorities to gradually begin reintroducing certain elective surgeries, medically necessary procedures and other in-person services that should not be delayed.

"Although COVID-19 is still in our communities, we understand that individuals in our local communities have emergency and healthcare needs outside of COVID-19, many of which cannot be delayed or deferred without serious health risks," said Tim Adams, president & CEO, Ascension Saint Thomas. "Our 'return to surgery' approach is in full compliance with Governor Lee's recent direction and led by our clinicians, who are working with our providers on a strategic process to keep our patients, associates and physicians safe and informed throughout this time of transition."

With the reintroduction of certain elective procedures, hospital staff will begin the process of contacting patients to reschedule procedures that were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, using clinical judgment to prioritize scheduling for patients with the most urgent and immediate needs. Services will also be available for patients to take a proactive role in their health and schedule appointments and regular doctors' visits online or over the phone.

For individuals experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, respiratory distress, emergency mental health concerns, or other acute illness or injury, a hospital emergency room is still the safest, most appropriate place to get care. Click here to find Ascension ERs in your area.

All Ascension Saint Thomas hospitals will continue their COVID-19 readiness and response plans to both eliminate the spread of the virus and to immediately manage any possible surge of patients in need of care for the virus. COVID-19 testing will continue to be available at all Ascension Saint Thomas sites of care.

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Ascension St. Thomas Phasing-In Elective Surgery - Murfreesboro News and Radio - Wgnsradio

Safety measures will be put in place to minimize the spread of coronavirus as hospitals work to offer more services. (Courtesy Adobe Stock)

Officials with Ascension Saint Thomas, which has medical office locations in Davidson and Williamson counties, announced May 1 it will begin a phased process to resume procedures beginning May 4.

According to a release from Ascension Saint Thomas, facilities will continue to implement precautions to minimize the spread of coronavirus, such as checking temperatures and limiting visitors. All patients who are scheduled for procedures will be required to undergo screening for COVID-19 and may be tested if needed.

Its important we take careful and measured steps to ensure a safe and gradual return to providing full access to health care services while also continuing to serve and support individuals and communities impacted by COVID-19, said Dr. Greg James, chief clinical officer of Ascension Saint Thomas, in a release. As these events unfold, patients can expect expanded access to healthcare services with enhanced safeguards to ensure our sites of care continue to serve as healing environmentswhere quality care is delivered with the highest levels of safety and compassion.

In addition to patient screenings, facilities will be disinfected frequently, all visitors will be required to wear masks, and appointments will be staggered to limit the number of people in waiting rooms.

Individuals who may be experiencing symptoms of hearts attacks, strokes, mental health emergencies or other injuries are still urged to go to the emergency room for treatment, according to Ascension Saint Thomas officials.

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Ascension Saint Thomas works toward resuming elective health care procedures in Tennessee - Community Impact Newspaper

Ascension Seton is anticipating resuming surgical procedures and other vital healthcare services for patients at its sites of care in a phased and cautious approach with a focus on quality and safety, effective April 27. All efforts are in alignment with Governor Abbotts Executive Order dated April 17.

Ascension Seton hospitals at most locations will begin scheduled surgeries and procedures, prioritizing those that are more urgent, while simultaneously ensuring continued capability and safety to provide care for COVID-19 patients. Ascension Seton will continue with many safety measures already in place, including visitor restrictions and temperature checks for any individual entering each hospital, and will also require a negative COVID-19 test for any patient scheduled for surgery. Additionally, patients within the Ascension Seton healthcare system who test positive for COVID-19 will be cohorted at Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas and Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin.

We understand that individuals in our local communities have emergency and essential healthcare needs outside of COVID-19, many of which cannot be delayed or deferred without serious health risks, said Andy Davis, President and CEO of Ascension Texas. Our return to surgery approach is clinically-led, working with our physicians and our partners at Dell Medical School to implement a strategy that will keep our patients, associates and physicians safe, and is fully in compliance with Governor Abbotts executive order.

As the only dedicated freestanding pediatric facility in the region, Dell Childrens Medical Center has been crucial to ensuring the health and safety of pediatric patients during the pandemic. Dell Childrens continues to follow the quality, safety and infection prevention protocols implemented across Ascension Seton sites of care to provide uninterrupted care at both the hospital and Dell Childrens clinics.

A number of visits remain critical to a childs care during the pandemic, particularly for children with chronic health conditions, said Christopher M. Born, President of Dell Childrens. We want to encourage you to bring your child in for essential appointments, as recommended by your pediatrician. At Dell Children's, we are working diligently to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect our patients, families and staff, while providing uninterrupted care for all essential visits, including therapy appointments and emergency healthcare needs.

Returning to surgery

Since March 22, in response to the pandemic, Ascension Seton has provided surgical and procedural care only when it was medically emergent. Ascension Seton will now begin scheduling additional surgeries, prioritizing urgent procedures which have no non-procedural alternatives that meet community medical standards and are not emergent, but cannot be further delayed due to adverse healthcare risks. All patients with a scheduled surgery must test for COVID-19 at least 48 hours prior to their planned surgery date and receive a negative test result. Following the test, patients will be asked to self quarantine until their surgery date.

Additionally, Ascension Seton will continue a number of safety measures already in place, including advanced telehealth capabilities for virtual care, universal masking, hospital visitor restrictions, social distancing and screening of all persons upon entry, including temperature check for 99.5 degrees. Associates or patients who are symptomatic will be referred for testing. Ascension Seton will also conduct terminal cleaning at each hospital prior to resuming surgeries, and each hospital will have a dedicated, separate entrance for all surgical patients.

Our recovery phase focuses on providing continued COVID-19 care and surge readiness while supporting our efforts to safely return to serving the communitys broader medically necessary healthcare needs, said Dr. Samson Jesudass, Chief Clinical Officer of Ascension Texas. We know this is a fluid situation, and we are prepared to be flexible and responsive to rapidly evolving conditions in our community and our sites of care.

Cohorting COVID-19 patients

All Ascension Texas hospitals will continue their COVID-19 readiness and response plans to both eliminate the spread of the virus and to immediately manage any possible surge. COVID-19 testing will continue to be available at all Ascension Texas sites of care.

If a COVID-19 positive patient requires admission, they will be transferred to Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin or Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas. Cohorting patients follows an evidence-based approach that allows Ascension Seton to more safely care for COVID-19 patients and more efficiently utilize our resources, including PPE and staff.

As the only Level I Trauma Center for adults serving Central Texas and beyond, Dell Seton Medical Center has implemented guidelines and protocols to ensure non-COVID patients can still receive the care they may need. Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin serves as the center of excellence for advanced cardiopulmonary care and offers the only adult ECMO program in the region.

Additionally, Ascension Seton remains committed to COVID-19 planning and support through expanded COVID-19 testing at six Central Texas drive-thru testing centers and comprehensive supply monitoring, including personal protective equipment (PPE), hospital beds, laboratory testing kits, ventilators and medication. Ascension Seton will continue to participate in ongoing community surveillance in collaboration with community leaders and local health authorities.

Our collective efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are working, but the pandemic is not yet over, said Davis. As we look ahead, we ask not only our staff but our community to remain vigilant in masking, practicing social distancing and continuing to follow local orders to stop the spread of the virus.

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Ascension Seton to return to surgeries, other services - Elgin Courier