welcoming babies in a modernized family maternity center ... · family maternity center 10...

Spring 2019 1

SPRI NG 2019

Creating a blueprint for advancing our community’s health

SPECIAL MASTER FACILITY PLAN INITIATIVE ISSUE

Welcoming Babies in a Modernized Family Maternity Center Page 8

Preparing for Safety: Making EvergreenHealth Even More Earthquake-Ready Page 4

Caring for Our Most Critical Patients in a Brand New CCU Page 6

Upgrading Technology & Infrastructure to Support Future Growth 0

2 EvergreenHealth Monitor Spring 2019 3

For five decades, you, our community, have been an integral part of EvergreenHealth’s vision to

“create an inclusive community health system that is the most trusted source for health care solutions.”

In fact, the community’s support is what makes growth toward our vision possible. In 2004, residents here rallied around the belief that EvergreenHealth should continue to keep pace with our residents’ growing and changing health care needs. As a result, voters approved a $120 million construction bond to expand our health system with an entirely new emergency room and the addition of our 10-story Silver Tower, which now houses oncology, orthopedics, neurosurgery, cardiac telemetry units and more in a modern, healing environment.

Now, we are continuing our community’s vision to ensure EvergreenHealth remains a vibrant partner in your health, poised to provide the safest, most sophisticated care in our patients’ and families’ greatest times of need.

EverHealthy is our promise to care for the next generation. It is a blueprint for continuing the health system’s master plan by adding new and expanded clinical capacity and space to accommodate population growth, while addressing our aging infrastructure to help us sustain the safest care and service for which we are recognized.

Among the range of EverHealthy projects that you’ll read about in the following pages are critical initiatives that will expand and strengthen the health system—from facility safety and disaster readiness upgrades to make the buildings even more earthquake-ready; construction of a brand-new, relocated Critical Care Unit to support the best possible outcomes and patient experience; to significantly modernizing the Family Maternity Center to continue as the area’s most preferred hospital for childbirth; and several additional infrastructure projects, renovations and technology advancements—which together will help us provide the safest and best care as our community grows.

From the beginning, we’ve kept our promise to be responsible stewards of our community’s resources, and we’re grateful for your ongoing support.

In Every Issue

2 Message from the CEO

16 Health Classes

18 EvergreenHealth Foundation

20 EvergreenHealth News

Features

4 Preparing for Safety: Making EvergreenHealth Even More Earthquake-Ready

6 Caring for Our Most Critical Patients in a Brand New CCU

8 Welcoming Babies in a Modernized Family Maternity Center

10 Upgrading Technology and Infrastructure to Support Future Growth

11 What You Need to Know About EverHealthy

12 Introducing Biplane Imaging for Neurovascular Disorders

13 Surviving an Aneurysm with Extraordinary Neurosurgical Care

14 Serving More Patients with Comprehensive Heart and Vascular Care

15 Robotics-Assisted Knee Replacement Technology Offers Patients Personalized Results, Quicker Recovery

Message from the CEODear neighbors,

Welcome to the spring issue of Monitor. I hope this new season finds you and your family in good health.

When I joined EvergreenHealth as CEO last year, my family and I were warmly welcomed by the community. Each in their own ways, our new neighbors, colleagues and friends have genuinely helped us feel at home, giving us a sense of belonging even more quickly than I had imagined.

Just as our community so graciously embraced my family and me, this community has embraced EvergreenHealth in a similar way as its partner in health since our health system’s early beginnings.

When EvergreenHealth first opened its doors nearly 50 years ago, it did so with the community’s shared vision to serve this area with access to the highest quality health care and services. In turn, we made a promise to our community to grow with you, and that commitment is a big part of what sustains EvergreenHealth’s ongoing pursuit to lead with the promise of the safest, highest-quality care and service.

Growth has been a constant here—both for our region and our health system. And, our area is expected to expand even more. From our beginnings as a small 76-bed general hospital, we’ve grown to serve an area of now nearly 1 million residents. Experts say we can expect continued growth in the future as more and more families choose to call our region their home.

EverHealthy, our master facilities plan that you’ll read about in this issue, provides the blueprint for keeping pace with our area’s population growth by fulfilling our promise to our community: to evolve to remain your best health partner now, and for years to come. By strengthening and expanding our health system, EverHealthy will help us continue our legacy of delivering the highest quality outcomes and exceptional service in an environment of absolute safety.

You are an integral part of EverHealthy’s success. Our blueprint is a reflection of the community’s vision to sustain access to vital health care services on the Eastside, and our community will have the opportunity to participate in a vote next month on a bond for the funding of our EverHealthy plan.

On behalf of our more than 4,000 employees, 1,500 physicians and thousands of volunteers, we thank you for the continued opportunity to demonstrate our stewardship of your resources as we care for you and your family.

Sincerely,

Amy Beiter, MDEvergreenHealth Chief Executive Officer

We invite your feedback and questions. Contact us at [email protected]

Spring 2019 3

Blueprint for Advancing Our Community’s Health

Jeff Tomlin, MD, EvergreenHealth Senior Vice President,

Chief Medical & Quality Officer


EV E R H E A LT H Y: A B LU E P R I N T F O R A DVA N C I N G O U R CO M M U N I T Y ’ S H E A LT H EV E R H E A LT H Y: A B LU E P R I N T F O R A DVA N C I N G O U R CO M M U N I T Y ’ S H E A LT H

EVERHEALTHY’S DISASTER-READINESS SEISMIC UPGRADES

Retrofitting the oldest parts of the original hospital structure built in 1972, including the Red, Green and Purple areas, along with seismic upgrades to the Coral medical building and the Central Garage.

Major infrastructure upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems, to enhance efficiency and ensure minimal disruptions after an earthquake.

Re-planning interior spaces to optimize capacity in the event of a disaster, to ensure we can care for the greatest number of patients in an emergency.

Preparing for Safety: Making EvergreenHealth Even More Earthquake-Ready

In the event of a large-scale earthquake, EvergreenHealth is prepared to provide critical emergency health care services to families in the surrounding region. The health system currently plays a leading role in statewide emergency preparedness planning, and is continuously looking for ways to become even safer.

All of EvergreenHealth’s facilities were built according to the codes in place at the time

of their construction. However, new information is constantly informing how

experts plan for disaster readiness, and

EvergreenHealth has an opportunity to advance toward becoming one of the community’s safest resources in an emergency.

Most critically, EverHealthy will ensure the oldest parts of EvergreenHealth’s physical structure—the Green, Red and Purple areas of the medical center, constructed in 1972—are retrofitted to today’s most advanced seismic standards. By doing so, in the event of a major disaster, we will go from being able to treat or triage and then transfer patients to another facility, to being able to treat and keep patients at our facility for care.

The EverHealthy initiative ensures that the medical center’s physical structures are upgraded to the latest seismic standards to not only be able to withstand a major earthquake predicted for our region, but also to remain an immediately viable resource for the entire community in a disaster’s aftermath.

How will EverHealthy help ensure even greater safety for the community?

EverHealthy will help us reach our goal of meeting the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Level of Immediate Occupancy, which will ensure that the hospital is immediately ready to activate our emergency preparedness plans following a major disaster. Some estimates predict that external resources could take several days to reach our region, and EverHealthy ensures our hospital can not only treat patients, but also admit them to our care during and after that critical time.

How is EvergreenHealth uniquely positioned to care for the community after a natural disaster?

Given our region’s geography, our hospital is in a good location, if not the best in King County, for withstanding structural damage from an earthquake. As we plan for a natural disaster of great magnitude—like the 9+ magnitude earthquake predicted for the Cascadia Subduction Zone—we are imagining a world where residents are unable to cross bridges or access many of our roads that connect the Eastside to Seattle and beyond. An earthquake of that magnitude is expected to

take out all major highways, potentially limiting access to clinical care for some residents due to major damage to other health care facilities located on or adjacent to the fault line, or in high-risk liquefaction zones.

Because of the community’s ongoing support for EvergreenHealth’s growth, we have a unique ability to expand the number of beds in our hospital to support a larger volume of patients and families in the event of a major disaster.

What emergency health care services will be the most critical after a disaster like an earthquake?

EvergreenHealth needs to be ready for an influx of patients seeking trauma care. That means having disaster-readiness plans in place to ensure we keep essential resources, like operating rooms, up and running with power from generators and access to water.

Establishing these systems is part of our advanced preparation, but to be able to put these plans into action, we must ensure that our hospital can seismically withstand a powerful, catastrophic earthquake.

In their own words:

“At Emerald Heights, we have a very comprehensive earthquake preparedness response plan that involves both staff and residents working together to ensure that we’re ready when an earthquake occurs. We’re lucky to have a resource like EvergreenHealth in our area that not only cares for us now, but that will also be here for us when we need emergency health care services the most. I think it’s important that we as a community continue to recognize the risks of a major disaster and do our part now to ensure that we can help each other stay safe in the future.”

Gordon Lindblom, Emerald Heights retirement community resident

in Redmond and EvergreenHealth volunteer

Dr. Brad Younggren, EvergreenHealth medical director of trauma and emergency preparedness, describes EverHealthy’s vision to ensure the health system can care for patients in this community and beyond

when the region needs EvergreenHealth the most.

Spring 2019 5



Caring for Our Most Critical Patients in a Brand New CCU

When patients and families are facing serious health conditions or injuries, they are often cared for in EvergreenHealth’s nationally recognized Critical Care Unit (CCU). The health system’s CCU, located in the oldest remaining portion of the original hospital, has been praised annually for its exceptional care, most recently by Healthgrades as one of America’s 100 Best Critical Care Units.

In recent years, support from the community has advanced EvergreenHealth’s strategic

vision to expand the health system. In 2017, in response to community growth, EvergreenHealth opened two new state-of-the-art patient care floors in the Silver Tower—floors that had been reserved as shelled space since the tower was constructed with the help of a bond levy a decade earlier.

Now, in a similar fashion, EverHealthy will expand and relocate the CCU to the Silver Tower, as well, to offer the best environment for the nurses, doctors and staff to provide family-inclusive care for patients in their greatest time of need.

By expanding and relocating EvergreenHealth’s Critical Care Unit to the health system’s Silver Tower, EverHealthy supports patients and families with access to the highest-quality care in the most advanced, healing environment.

Why is relocating the CCU an important part of the EverHealthy initiative?

Moving the CCU closer to other specialties in the Silver Tower will provide many benefits that will enhance how we care for our most critically ill. Among them, it will significantly increase our providers’ ability to collaborate efficiently. For example, when a patient with cancer is receiving care in the CCU and chemotherapy is needed, oncology unit nurses walk across the medical center to deliver care in our CCU’s current location. With EverHealthy, the CCU will be in the same tower, just an elevator ride away.

Relocating also puts the CCU closer to amenities like our café, parking garages and the entrance, which will ease the experience for our patients and families in their times of need.

What are some of the ways patients and families will experience the benefits of the new unit?

Our goal is to help families feel comfortable when they’re in our care. The new CCU will offer the same layout and design as other specialty

units, so if patients are transferred to a different level of care, they will already feel comfortable navigating their surroundings.

A new CCU will also allow us to quickly accommodate the latest technology as it evolves. We live in one of the nation’s top regions for technological advancements, and these renovations help us plan for the future by building in the flexibility to integrate new systems and equipment, without adding complexity to the patient’s bedside or requiring further renovations down the road.

How will the new CCU support EvergreenHealth’s philosophy of team-based care?

We believe patient care is a team effort – which includes our provider teams, and also our patients’ families. The new CCU’s design creates intentional spaces within patient rooms, and across the unit, that help families feel welcome and included in their loved one’s care.

In addition, the unit will have private consultation rooms for families to gather as a group, seek solitude or talk with their clinical team. With EverHealthy, families will always feel like part of the team.

EVERHEALTHY’S PLANS FOR A NEW CRITICAL CARE UNIT

Completely relocate and construct a brand new 20-bed CCU on the third floor of the Silver Tower on EvergreenHealth’s medical center campus in Kirkland.

Incorporate the latest advanced patient-care technology and innovative design concepts to mirror new inpatient floors constructed in 2017.

Create dedicated spaces to welcome and accommodate families and promote inclusiveness.

In their own words:

“From the moment we arrived at EvergreenHealth’s Critical Care Unit I could tell my sister was in good hands. Her team of physicians, nurses and other providers were clearly dedicated to providing the best possible care while she was critically ill, while also establishing trust and regular communication with me at every step. Their ability to not only care for my sister, but me as well, speaks volumes about each provider’s dedication to inclusive, family-centered care. After 51 days in the CCU, my sister is now well on the road to recovery, and we can’t imagine not having access to this incredible resource. The plans EvergreenHealth has to upgrade the unit will ensure that families like mine can continue to depend on the hospital well into the future.”

Spring 2019 7

Tamar Weitzel (left), Kirkland resident, sister of

EvergreenHealth CCU patient

Dr. Melissa Lee, medical director of EvergreenHealth’s Critical Care Unit, explains EverHealthy’s plans to construct a brand new CCU in the Silver Tower that will combine the highest standards of care with advanced

state-of-the-art technologies, to create a thoughtful environment that promotes well-being, service and safety for both patients and caregivers, now and well into the future.

8 EvergreenHealth Monitor Spring 2019 9Spring 2019 9


Welcoming Babies in a Modernized Family Maternity Center

Families across the region have continually embraced EvergreenHealth’s Family Maternity Center for its quality care and exceptional experience, helping it to earn a reputation as the area’s most preferred birthing center. Our family-centered approach is also part of what contributed to its designation as the nation’s first Baby-Friendly Hospital more than two decades ago.

Since then, thousands of babies have been welcomed by outstanding physicians,

midwives and labor and delivery nurses who meet and exceed the most rigorous

standards for medical care and service. But the center itself—its birthing suites and their ambiance, design finishes and some medical technology—are becoming dated, compared to the high standards the organization holds for itself and its patients.

Now, the EverHealthy initiative will modernize the Family Maternity Center, breathing new life into its look, feel and design, along with upgraded equipment and technology, which will ensure it continues its legacy of exceptional care and service well into the future.

Dr. Angela Chien, a physician with EvergreenHealth Obstetrics & Gynecology Care, explains why these significant upgrades are important to the community and how EverHealthy’s plans will enhance patient care and experience.

EverHealthy provides updates and renovations to the health system’s award-winning childbirth center that will enhance safety and families’ experiences as they welcome their new babies.

What will families notice about the upgrades to EvergreenHealth’s birthing suites?

Our redesigned birthing suites will bring more functionality so that we can continue delivering high-quality care with fewer disturbances to our patients and families. Our redesigned rooms will offer a warm and inviting feel where everything, from the lighting to the way patient charting is done at the bedside, makes families feel included and comfortable throughout their stay.

How will renovations be able to accommodate more families seeking to welcome their baby at EvergreenHealth?

Our region is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, and because of our reputation, patients see us as their first choice, which oftentimes puts our Family Maternity Center close to capacity. The renovations we have planned will allow us to preserve the labor delivery recovery postpartum (LDRP) model for more patients by reducing the need to shift some patients from our 2nd floor rooms after they deliver. To help us with this goal, we will reserve 4th floor rooms for pediatric patients and families whose babies are receiving

care in the NICU, and we will refresh and repurpose existing rooms on the 5th floor to accommodate antepartum mothers like those on bed rest and more postpartum patients, for example, those who have C-sections—which will allow us to welcome more families on the 2nd floor.

How will upgrades to the Family Maternity Center help advance safety and family-centered care?

One of the biggest changes EverHealthy will bring is enhanced efficiency in our center’s layout and design. During an average shift, our nurses put in nearly 20,000 steps. By optimizing our layout, we can reduce unnecessary trips and help our frontline providers focus their energy on delivering quality, patient-centered care. We’ll also have dedicated areas on each wing where our teams can gather, giving space for nurses, midwives, OBs and other providers to collaborate, promoting our team-based approach to delivering a safe and seamless experience for our families. EverHealthy will also update our OB emergency department to provide a more comfortable environment for patients in early labor, allowing us to observe patients longer and help those having obstetrical and non-obstetrical issues receive the appropriate care.

Ahmad and Stephanie Daher’s children, born at EvergreenHealth

EVERHEALTHY’S UPGRADES TO THE FAMILY MATERNITY CENTER

Renovated labor delivery recovery postpartum (LDRP) birthing suites.

A redesigned entrance and lobby, adjacent to the OB emergency department, to warmly welcome laboring mothers and families efficiently and comfortably, and to help us provide immediate care.

Expansion onto an additional floor to improve patient flow during high capacity times, reducing the need for postpartum mothers to transfer rooms.

In their own words:

“When our first child was born, we were like any new parents—excited, overwhelmed and nervous about what to expect during labor and delivery. As soon as we arrived at the Family Maternity Center, the team calmed our fears and ensured our experience was not only safe, but also incredibly special for our family. When we had our second baby, even though we’d moved further away from EvergreenHealth, we couldn’t see ourselves going anywhere else—we were happy to make the commute because we knew the experience would be exceptional. That’s why it’s so important that we as a community rally around this special resource, to ensure that EvergreenHealth can continue to grow and keep pace with evolving technology, so that more families have the opportunity to welcome their babies in the same safe and comforting environment that we’ve been lucky to have.”


What You Need to Know About

What is it?

EverHealthy is EvergreenHealth’s 10-year master facility plan and includes a $345 million, 20-year bond to fund enhancements to our medical center campus, helping us continue to meet the health care needs of our community.

Why is EverHealthy needed?

EverHealthy will enable us to deliver the exceptional care and service our community has grown to trust. Population growth in the area where our patients live is estimated at 9 percent growth by 2020. Adding clinical capacity and space to accommodate growth, and addressing aging infrastructure will help us continue delivering the safest care and service.

What’s included in EverHealthy?

• Facility Safety and Disaster Readiness: Perform seismic upgrades to core areas of the original hospital and parking structures to make EvergreenHealth even more earthquake-ready.

• Critical Care Unit: Construct a brand new, relocated Critical Care Unit designed to support the best possible outcomes and experience for patients and their families during their greatest times of need.

• Family Maternity Center: Significantly update and modernize the Family Maternity Center to continue our legacy as America’s first Baby-Friendly Hospital and the area’s most preferred hospital for babies to meet their new families.

• Several additional infrastructure projects and renovations, plus technology advancements, to help us provide the safest and best care as our community grows.

How is EverHealthy funded?

Residents of the district will vote on the measure by April 23, 2019. The proposed bond measure will cost homeowners $0.18 per $1,000 of assessed property value. A $700,000 home in EvergreenHealth’s district would pay $10.50 per month.

To learn more about the projects included in EverHealthy, visit www.evergreenhealth.com/everhealthy.

Remember to vote by mail by April 23!


Upgrading Technology and Infrastructure to Support Future Growth

One of the most rapidly advancing areas of health care delivery is undoubtedly within technology and innovation. Delivering on the health system’s commitment to provide the most advanced care often hinges on its ability to look ahead to developing technology trends, while also preserving the resources and bandwidth to react to the unexpected.

Most investments in health care technology are immediately evident—new medical equipment and diagnostic tools enable providers to expand a practice area or perform a new procedure. Others are less apparent—such as introducing new digital applications or ensuring seamless integration between systems. Whether visible or not, all are critical to keeping EvergreenHealth at the forefront of health care innovation.

Similarly, investing in upgrades to infrastructure—the systems and equipment designed to keep the health system running at optimal efficiency—is equally as important to EvergreenHealth’s long-term viability as other more patient-facing enhancements included in the EverHealthy initiative.

EverHealthy enables EvergreenHealth to invest in future technology, and provides for facility infrastructure upgrades to support critical growth.

Spring 2019 11

EVERHEALTHY’S UPGRADES TO CRITICAL FACILITY INFRASTRUCTURE AND TECHNOLOGY

Campus-wide infrastructure improvements to renew aging systems and replace them with more streamlined and energy-efficient solutions.

Strengthening the backup capabilities of critical systems in case of equipment breakdowns.

Investing in EvergreenHealth’s future ability to adopt innovative technology as it emerges.

“EverHealthy helps us prepare for our

future by ensuring that our physical

plant can continue to adapt to include

more best-in-class systems to support patient care

across our entire campus. Our behind-the-scenes

infrastructure, including equipment like air handlers,

cooling and water-delivery systems, generators and many

other components, are critical to providing safe, quality

care every day, but they have limited lifespans that are

quickly coming due. We want to upgrade these features

with the latest, most energy-efficient solutions that will

last us another 30 to 40 years, just as our existing systems

have served us well since our founding.”

“Investing in our technology today will help us capitalize on adopting innovative practices in the

future. EverHealthy will give us the ability to be opportunistic as we evaluate the latest technology

trends, ultimately providing our community with access to the newest advances as they emerge,

without sacrificing support for other areas of care across the health system.”

Jeff Tomlin, MD, EvergreenHealth Senior Vice President,

Chief Medical & Quality Officer

Tom Martin, EvergreenHealth Senior Vice President, Strategy & Information Technology Officer


When Sultan resident Marianne Koester suddenly experienced strange stroke-like symptoms—slurred speech, a headache, nausea, and even a fainting episode—the 64-year-old quickly went home to rest. Fearing for the worst, her daughter immediately drove her to the emergency department at EvergreenHealth Monroe.

A CT scan showed signs not of a stroke, but of a brain aneurysm, which can occur when blood vessels become enlarged like a balloon, posing serious health risks, especially if they rupture.

The team in Monroe referred Koester to EvergreenHealth neurosurgeon Dr. Emun Abdu to evaluate the severity of the aneurysm and recommend immediate treatment. A diagnostic angiogram revealed a far more serious prognosis:

not one, but four aneurysms in Koester’s brain.

“Marianne’s tests revealed that

she had several aneurysms,

including one that was quite large

and irregularly shaped, putting her

at significant risk for rupture. Brain

aneurysms can be life-threatening

if they rupture, and that risk is

correlated to the size, shape and

location of the aneurysm. The bigger

the artery gets, the thinner its wall

becomes and the greater chance it

has of bursting,” Dr. Abdu described.

“Marianne’s aneurysms were deemed

high-risk: if they ruptured it could

lead to bleeding in or around the

brain, which in turn could cause other

complications, such as delayed stroke.”


“The neurosurgeons and the biplane are changing how patients

are recovering from neurovascular conditions. Many strokes

that just a few years ago would have resulted in permanent

damage can now be treated and disability minimized. It’s truly

incredible to see.”

“At EvergreenHealth, we have

neurosurgeons who are dually

trained to perform traditional open

brain surgery and more minimally

invasive procedures. This provides the

most comprehensive range of treatment options for our patients

whose care is discussed in weekly multidisciplinary cerebral

vascular conferences, where treatment plans are collaboratively

formed by physicians across multiple disciplines including

neurology, neuroradiology and neurosurgery. The biplane

gives us a greater ability to perform minimally invasive

procedures, offering patients immediate care

when it’s most critical and a more comfortable experience.”

David Likosky, MD, Executive Medical Director, EvergreenHealth

Neuroscience Institute and Hospitalists

Emun Abdu, MD, Director, EvergreenHealth Cerebral Vascular Surgery

Emun Abdu, MD, Director, EvergreenHealth Cerebral Vascular Surgery

Surviving an Aneurysm with Extraordinary Neurosurgical Care

Dr. Abdu is one of few specialists in the nation dually trained in both minimally invasive and open cerebral vascular surgery. She counseled Koester through the benefits and risks of the surgical options available to her.

“I was scared when I heard the news,”

Koester recalled. “But at the same time,

I was so grateful that I had found Dr.

Abdu. She was very upfront with

me, sharing all the details of each

treatment option. I felt extremely

well taken-care of.”

The pair talked extensively about open brain surgery and minimally invasive endovascular treatment options, of which there are several. Together, they decided on a minimally invasive procedure, performed on a biplane unit, to implant a pipeline embolization device (PED) inside the affected arteries, as it could use a single device to treat all four aneurysms. A PED is a wire mesh stent that reroutes the blood to flow past the aneurysm, rather than into it. Over time, the aneurysm is deprived of blood supply and shrinks, ultimately disappearing.

“Because of

EvergreenHealth

and its expert neurosurgeons,

what could have been an awful thing turned into

a really positive experience,” Koester said.

EvergreenHealth Spine & Neurosurgical Care offers life-saving treatments from neurosurgeons using the latest advances in treating neurovascular disorders.

Introducing Biplane Imaging for Neurovascular Disorders New interventional imaging technology helps treat a spectrum of neurovascular conditions.

The biplane is part of an entirely new neurovascular treatment suite which, in addition to a procedure room, features five preparation and recovery rooms for patients.

When someone has a possible broken bone, a provider will order an X-ray to precisely identify the point of fracture. If a patient comes to the ER with suspected appendicitis, he or she will likely be sent for a CT scan to determine the pain’s root cause.

But what happens when a patient shows signs of a stroke, aneurysm or other type of vascular blockage? How can providers quickly identify what’s causing a patient’s potentially life-threatening symptoms and treat them quickly and effectively?

The solution is the most advanced interventional medical imaging technology available, which is now offered at EvergreenHealth, thanks to the addition of the health system’s biplane, funded in part by EvergreenHealth Foundation donors.

The biplane’s simultaneous front and side views give physicians a 3-D roadmap of the precise location within the blood vessels that requires treatment. Providers can then use those real-time images to guide minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures, like stent and catheter placement.

Marianne Koester, EvergreenHealth Spine &

Neurosurgical Care patient

EvergreenHealth Monitor12

Priscilla Hoang, MD, EvergreenHealth Heart and Vascular Care physician

“With the addition of the biplane, and

an upcoming third cath lab suite, we are

expanding our capacity to treat a higher number of patients

with the full spectrum of coordinated care from our Kirkland location.

We’re so grateful to be able to serve our community with this state-of-

the art resource.”



Robotics-Assisted Knee Replacement Technology Offers Patients Personalized Results, Quicker Recovery

Serving More Patients with Comprehensive Heart and Vascular Care

EvergreenHealth Heart Care recently expanded its team, which will help the practice provide patients across the region increased access to advanced cardiac care and services.

As part of EvergreenHealth’s plans to continue increasing access to quality heart and vascular care, the organization is currently renovating its existing catheterization lab suites and constructing a third suite which is slated to open this summer.

Healthy joints, bones, and ligaments make it possible to live an active lifestyle, whether that entails walking up a flight of stairs or training for a marathon. But with nearly half of American adults developing osteoarthritis in at least one knee during their lifetime, the ability to move around the way we’d like can decline with age and activity.

For many, a viable solution to addressing knee problems, once non-surgical options have been explored, is partial or total knee replacement surgery. Now, EvergreenHealth is the only hospital in the Puget Sound region to offer patients one of the most advanced technologies available in knee-replacement surgery: the NAVIO system, a robotics-assisted surgical platform that helps orthopedic surgeons deliver highly customized results to every patient—in some cases, without requiring them to operate on the anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments, commonly referred to as the ACL and PCL.

Did You Know?The NAVIO platform works by producing real-time 3-D images of the knee’s cartilage and bones through a process called direct surface mapping, which sends precise information about the patient’s anatomy to a handheld device. The surgeon then uses NAVIO’s handheld robotic tool to guide the position and placement of the replacement knee, offering enhanced accuracy for better patient outcomes. The NAVIO system eliminates the need for a pre-operative CT scan, so patients benefit from a more simplified, efficient and cost-effective care plan.

Dr. Ali Sharifian brings expertise in cardiac imaging, supporting his treatment of valvular heart disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and coronary artery disease. Prior to becoming a cardiologist, Dr. Sharifian served as a firefighter and EMT in Snohomish County, which inspired him to pursue a career in medicine to further care for the community. He is board-certified in cardiovascular disease, echocardiology, cardiovascular CT, nuclear cardiology and internal medicine, and he is fluent in English, French and Farsi.

New platform enables surgeons to precisely position a tailored replacement knee without operating on cruciate ligaments.

EvergreenHealth Heart Care offers clinically advanced, comprehensive cardiology care.

“We understand the need for

improved access to comprehensive

cardiac care in our region, which is

why EvergreenHealth has invested

in growing our team of specialists and

increasing our capacity. We want our patients to receive the most

advanced care in the best setting, and the improvements we’ve made

will truly enable us to provide an excellent patient experience to

more people across our community.”

Karlyn Huddy, MD, FACC, Executive Medical Director of EvergreenHealth

Heart and Vascular Care

Ali Sharifian, MD, FACC, EvergreenHealth Heart Care

Meet EvergreenHealth’s Newest Heart Care Provider

“Robotics-assisted surgery helps us to

position the new knee with even more

precision and tailor it to each patient’s

individual anatomy. The technology

can also help allow for shorter recovery

times, since one of the advantages of the system is its ability

to help us preserve the cruciate ligaments—the ACL and PCL.

Preserving the healthy ligaments helps patients return to their

normal activities more quickly and comfortably.”

Christopher Boone, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, EvergreenHealth and Bellevue Bone and Joint Clinic

Jane Allen, Auburn resident and EvergreenHealth patient

“As a teacher, I spend a lot of time on

my feet and knew that would play a

big role in my recovery from knee

replacement surgery. Just four weeks

after the procedure, I had regained

nearly the full range of motion in my

knee. At six weeks after surgery, I

returned to work, and I can say that

my recovery has been remarkable—

the procedure was well worth it.

Rehabilitation takes real dedication

and plenty of hard work, but I believe Dr.

Boone’s approach and the tools he and

his team used for my surgery helped to

significantly upgrade

my quality of life.” In addition to Dr. Boone, other physicians trained to utilize the NAVIO system for orthopedic surgery at EvergreenHealth include Dr. Camille Clinton, ProOrtho; Dr. Ronald Gregush, ProOrtho; Dr. Bruce Rolfe, EvergreenHealth Orthopedic & Sports Care, and Dr. Jeff Stickney, ProOrtho.

EvergreenHealth Heart Care is Five-Star Rated by Healthgrades for its treatment of heart attack and heart failure.

It has also been recognized as one of only 17 hospitals nationwide for outstanding heart attack survival rates, recognizing everything from swift diagnosis and treatment to the follow-up care needed to get patients on the road to recovery.

Nationally Recognized Heart Care


Health ClassesRegister for classes online or by phone.For your convenience, you may register and pay for classes 24/7 online at www.evergreenhealth.com/classes. You may also call the EvergreenHealth Nurse Navigator & Healthline at 425.899.3000, Mon. – Fri., 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Preregistration is required for all classes. Checks, VISA and MasterCard are accepted. Refunds and rescheduling will only be given for cancellations two business days prior to the class. Let us know if you need special accommodations to participate.

FREE SEMINARS

• Weight-loss Surgery: Is It Right for You?

Advance Care Planning If you suddenly become ill or are in an accident and unable to make health care decisions for yourself, who would make these decisions for you? This free workshop will help you answer these questions and begin the process of creating your very own advance directive.

WELLNESS & HEALTHY LIVING

Healthy Meals Made Easy!

• The Mind Diet for Better Brain Aging• How to Use Farm Produce to Improve Your Health• Plant-Based Diet, from Vegan to Meatless Mondays• Treating Your Mood with Food

Healthy “Alternatives”Explore various alternative therapies that benefit people of all physical conditions and promote flexibility, balance and relaxation.

• Environmental Detox• Vitamins & Supplements: What’s Right for Me?• Food Intolerances• Little Known Martial Art Training Techniques to Remain Calm & Reduce Stress• Why am I Hurting? A Healthy Talk on Natural Pain Prevention• How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety with MindfulnessEMERGENCY &

CHILDBIRTH PREPARATION

For class dates and times or to register for classes, go to www.evergreenhealth.com/childbirth or call the EvergreenHealth Nurse Navigator & Healthline at 425.899.3000. Register early during your pregnancy, as classes fill quickly.

• Pondering Parenthood• Family Maternity Center Tour• Tour Para Personas De

Habla Hispana• Meet a Midwife• Warm Welcomes

Delivery Day —Birth and Beyond Learn about the labor and birth process, and labor coping skills such as patterned breathing and positioning. This class provides information about pain medication options including epidural anesthesia, procedures such as induction and cesarean birth, and tips for a smooth postpartum recovery including breastfeeding your newborn. Course includes a tour of the Family Maternity Center.

BABY CARE, SAFETY & PARENTING CONTINUED

• Breastfeeding Basics and Beyond• Pumping Class• Bringing Baby Home Workshop• Parent-Baby Groups

Back to Work Parent-Baby Group An extension of our popular Parent-Baby Groups, our 3-12 month Back to Work group is designed specifically for parents who have returned to work. Topics include feeding, sleep, relationships, balancing work with family life and more.

• Parenting Your Toddler Classes• This is Not What I Expected• Starting Solids• Breastfeeding Your Older Baby• Screen Savvy Parenting• Making the Magic Last: Relationship Refresher for Couples

OTHER SUPPORT GROUPS

Crohn’s Support Group Crohn’s and colitis support group meetings are gatherings where patients and their loved ones can share their stories, seek emotional support, find answers to their questions, and connect with a community who share their challenges. For more information, please contact Lynn Shomber at [email protected].

SUPPORT GROUPS CONTINUED

Clothing, nursing bras and supplies for pregnancy, breastfeeding and your newborn. Visit www.evergreenhealth.com/boutique.

CANCER CARE CLASSES

Classes and support groups at Halvorson Cancer Center.

EvergreenHealth offers cancer care support and education for patients and families in partnership with Cancer Lifeline. To register, call 206.297.2500 or 1.800.255.5505, or visit online at www.cancerlifeline.org.

ARTISTIC EXPRESSION

• Ikebana Flower Arranging

COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS

• Anti-Inflammatory Foods• Nourishing Salads• Healthy Mediterranean

EXERCISE AND MOVEMENT

• Gentle Yoga• Healthy Steps—Gentle Exercises for Managing Lymphedema• Qigong

PRESENTATIONS

• Chair Yoga• Beneficial Sounds with Gongs• Benefits of Laughter• Comparing Prostate Cancer Treatments• Medical Marijuana• Anti-Cancer Lifestyle• Healthy Skin Care• Relationships as Medicine

SUPPORT GROUPS

• Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Networking Group• Breast Friends Breast Cancer Support Group• GI Cancer Support Group• Living with Cancer Support Group• Living with Metastatic Cancer Support Group

• Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Support Group• Prostate Cancer Networking Group

SPECIAL EVENTS

Climb Free workshops to support children (age 6-12), whose parents or grandparents have cancer. Contact Cancer Support Services at EvergreenHealth for dates and information at 425.899.2265.

Nibbles and Noshes Join us on April 10 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. for this free educational and social event for patients, survivors and caregivers living with oral head and neck cancers. Call the EvergreenHealth Healthline at 425.899.3000 to register.

Cancer Survivor Day: Halvorson Cancer Center Open House The Halvorson Cancer Center is hosting a free celebration on June 2 from 1 - 4 p.m. for those who have survived, an inspiration for those recently diagnosed, and a gathering for those who provide support. Contact Tara James at [email protected] for more information.

Metastatic Cancer Overnight Retreat Join us at the Rainbow Lodge on July 6 - 7, 2019 for this free supportive event for patients and caregivers. Register online at www.cancerlifeline.org or call 206.297.2500 or 1.800.255.5505.

BABY & FAMILY BOUTIQUESAFETY EDUCATION

• Stop the Bleed

Are You Ready for an Emergency?Don’t be caught unprepared if an emergency happens. Learn what essential items you should have and where they should be stored.

• Babysitting Basics• Infant and Child CPR• Community CPR• Community First Aid• CPR for Health Care Providers

SENIOR HEALTH CLASSES

In addition to the classes offered at EvergreenHealth Medical Center, we offer classes and health screenings at other convenient community locations. Visit www.evergreenhealth.com/classes for class schedules and locations.

• AARP Smart Driver Program• Manage Your Blood Pressure Through Nutrition• Meditation Made Easy• Cholesterol and Diabetes Screening• Healthy Meals from the Farmers Market

Improve Your HearingExplore techniques for improving communication skills and maximizing your hearing. Discover new hearing aid techniques and learn how to enhance hearing in noisy environments.

• Laughter Yoga• Tackle Your Fears & Phobias

NEUROLOGICAL & MOVEMENT DISORDERS

EvergreenHealth Neurological Care offers classes and support groups to aid patients living with a variety of neurological diseases and movement disorders.

Food for the Brain 2019: 6th Annual MS & Nutrition WorkshopSpecial guest speaker Lynne Shinto, ND, MPH, will lead a lively discussion on ways to revitalize nutritional health; the latest scientific findings on MS and nutrition; practical advice regarding healthy eating, and strategies for maintaining a healthy diet in the context of challenging MS symptoms.

• Living Mindfully with Chronic Illness• Parkinson’s Carepartner Support Group• Neuro-Nutrition Class• From-the-Ground-Up Strength and Flexibility• Living Well After Stroke

Evergreen Men’s GroupSupport group for those affected by neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and stroke.

• Eastside MS Self-Help Group• Kirkland MS Self-Help Group

Women Living with Parkinson’sA professionally led support group for women living with Parkinson’s. Contact Pam Salas, BSN, RN, at [email protected] for more information.

CHILDBIRTH PREPARATION CONTINUED

• Delivery Day for Teens and Young Adults• Delivery Day for Multiples• Labor Coping Skills Review• Prepare the Nest: Childbirth, Breastfeeding & Newborn Care

HypnoBirthing®—The Mongan Method In five evening sessions, learn many breathing tools, visualizations, and deep relaxation methods that support your mind and body in having a more comfortable childbirth experience.

• Siblings Class• Conscious Fathering

Fit4Baby Program This six-week series offers a total body interval workout adjusted to the various pregnancy phases of the attendees. Instruction includes cardio, strength training and flexibility exercises.

• Yoga for Pregnancy• Pelvic Health Class

BABY CARE, SAFETY & PARENTING

• Car Seat Safety• Car Seat Checkup• Infant Safety and Injury Prevention: Just for Parents• Infant Safety and Injury Prevention: Just for Grandparents

Day About Baby Couples will learn about topics ranging from diapering and bathing to soothing crying infants using hands-on learning. Also covered in this class are types of baby carriers, introduction to breastfeeding, and other newborn necessities.

For more scheduling information: Visit www.evergreenhealth.com/classes for a full listing of classes, descriptions, dates and times.

STRENGTH. DIGNITY. HOPE.


Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cancer Care

Wound Care

To explore meaningful ways to show your gratitude, please contact the Foundation at 425.899.1900 or [email protected].

EvergreenHealth Monroe Foundation Cancer Center Donation Supports Purchase of Infusion Chairs and PumpsFran Wockner, on behalf of the William E. Wockner Foundation, generously gifted $50,000 to the EvergreenHealth Monroe Foundation to support the new EvergreenHealth Monroe Cancer Center. The donation supported the purchase of six new infusion chairs, as well as six accompanying infusion pumps.

“Having comfortable chairs can mean all the

difference for patients who often have to sit

from one to six hours to receive life-saving

treatments,” said June Ulrich, RN, OCN, clinic

coordinator and oncology nurse navigator for

the EvergreenHealth Monroe Cancer Center.

The state-of-the-art infusion pumps allow for concurrent chemotherapy infusions, meaning patients can spend less time receiving treatment and more time comfortably recovering. The new pumps also have additional features to enhance patient safety, such as precision medication delivery.

Evergreen Gala Makes Life-Saving Technology a Reality Last spring, the Kentucky Derby-themed Evergreen Gala raised $1.42 million for EvergreenHealth Stroke and Neuroscience Programs. Those funds were used to support the purchase of a biplane imaging machine for EvergreenHealth’s newest catheterization lab, which officially opened for patient procedures earlier this year.

The state-of-the-art imaging technology produces 3-D images of blood vessels, soft tissue and blood flow in real time, further enabling providers to identify and treat vessel blockages or malformations. For patients experiencing a stroke or aneurysm—conditions where every second counts—having this advanced technology onsite can significantly improve their chances of making a full recovery.

A Swanky Black-Tie Vegas Evening to Support EvergreenHealth

Saturday, April 27, 2019 Get ready to roll the dice with Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack at this year’s Evergreen Gala! Guests will enjoy cocktails, a delicious dinner, silent and live auctions, as well as entertainment and dancing throughout the evening—all within our signature tent at King County’s Marymoor Park in Redmond.

This year’s Gala benefits EvergreenHealth’s Neurological Surgery Program. As our community’s need for neurosurgical care grows, the health system is committed to expanding its programs and services to meet those growing needs. Gala proceeds will support EvergreenHealth’s purchase of cranial navigation systems, which will offer state-of-the-art visualization for providers to perform life-saving neurological procedures.

EvergreenHealth Foundation

Endocrinology & Diabetes Care

Musculoskeletal Care

Family Maternity Center

Cardiology Care

Acute Rehabilitation

Appreciation In ActionGrateful Patients Expressing Gratitude Through PhilanthropyYour contributions help us fulfill our mission to provide the people of our community with compassionate, safe and exceptional care.

Hospice Care

June Ulrich, RN, OCN EvergreenHealth Monroe Cancer Center

20 2016 EvergreenHealth Community Annual Report

12040 NE 128th StreetKirkland, WA 98034www.evergreenhealth.com

For more information Contact EvergreenHealth by email at [email protected], or call the 24/7 Nurse Navigator & Healthline at 425.899.3000.

EVERGREENHEALTH BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

AL DEYOUNG, CHAIR Bothell/Duvall/Woodinville

MINERVA BUTLER, SECRETARY At Large

TODD BANKS At Large

REBECCA HIRT Kirkland/Kenmore

TIM MCLAUGHLIN Redmond/Sammamish

CHUCK PILCHER, MD At Large

VIRGIL SNYDER At Large

You may contact the Commissioners by email at [email protected].

EDITOREvergreenHealth Marketing and Public Relations Group and Firmani + Associates Inc.

PHOTOGRAPHY Keith Brofsky

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY It’s Sunny in Seattle Photography

DESIGN Lot22

PRODUCTION Arscentia

EvergreenHealth Monitor is published as a community service by EvergreenHealth. Its contents are not intended to replace professional health care. See your health care professional for information relevant to your medical history.

EvergreenHealth is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.

For career opportunities at EvergreenHealth, visit our website at https://jobs.evergreenhealth.com.

EvergreenHealth complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Español (Spanish) EvergreenHealth cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. (Chinese) 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 425-899-1000（TTY：425-899-1000）。

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Receive our free, monthly healthy lifestyle e-newsletter with tips and news to help you be your healthiest best! Sign up today at: evergreenhealth.com/newsletter

EvergreenHealth Appoints Todd Banks to Board of Commissioners In December 2018, EvergreenHealth’s Board of Commissioners approved the appointment of Todd Banks to the health system’s seven-member governing board.

Banks was named to the position previously filled by Jeanette Greenfield, who retired in 2018. As president of Kenmore Air, he brings a wealth of professional expertise and community involvement experience.

One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals™ for Third Consecutive Year For the third year in a row, Healthgrades has named EvergreenHealth as one of the nation’s top hospitals. The health system is recognized for its consistently high clinical performance and patient outcomes, placing it among the top 2 percent of hospitals in the country.

Vote in the Special Election by April 23This spring, the community will vote on a $345 million bond levy to fund enhancements to the EvergreenHealth medical center campus, helping the health system continue to meet the health care needs of its growing community.

To register to vote, contact the Washington Secretary of State by visiting www.sos.wa.gov/elections.

Deadline to register is March 25, 2019. Vote by mail by April 23, 2019.

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