“Drummond is a national healthcare leader who will bring a broad range of expertise and experience to Lakeland Regional and this community,” said Elaine Thompson, President and CEO of Lakeland Regional Health Systems. “Her focus will be on helping us deliver nationally recognized patient care outcomes by ensuring that area residents have access to and coordination between the facilities, technology and services they need to maintain and improve their health for today and well into the future.”

Ms. Drummond holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University (St. Louis) and a Master of Science in Healthcare Technology Management from Marquette University and the Medical College of Wisconsin. In addition, she is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and holds a Lean and Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, designating her as an expert in statistical and mathematical tools, techniques and operating principles that represent best practices in quality and process improvement.

Most recently, Ms. Drummond spent nine years at Main Line Health System, a network of four hospitals and health centers located in the Philadelphia area. In her roles as Project Manager, Process Management and later as Vice President, Chief Operations executive, she provided administrative leadership for clinical, ancillary, outpatient, quality and facilities departments for a 330-bed academic medical center.

Previously, Ms. Drummond was an international systems designer and consultant for GE Healthcare. She led performance improvement projects in Emergency Department and Diagnostic Imaging settings, led global teams in the U.S., France, and India in the development and implementation of radiologic application product releases, and assisted performance improvement and patient safety initiatives with GE partner health systems including the Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Stanford University, Cardiff University (UK) and Osaka University (Japan).

During the event, attendees will hear from nationally renowned keynote speaker Mindy Greenstein, PhD who will share her experiences as a cancer psychologist and as a cancer survivor.

Also, the 2013 Nurse of Hope Awards, sponsored by the Oncology Nursing Society of Polk County, will be presented, and attendees will participate in a butterfly release in the Healing Gardens. On display, attendees will enjoy the Lilly Art Collection, which includes works of art by individuals who have been affected by cancer from the United States and Puerto Rico. Adding to the Hope Blooms theme, the Ridge Orchid Society will provide a beautiful orchid display.

Hope Blooms is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. Cancer survivors, their family and friends, oncology professionals and volunteers are especially encouraged to attend. To register, please call (863) 687-1400 no later than May 28.

Lakeland Regional Cancer Center is located at 3525 Lakeland Hills Boulevard. Parking is free.

- Been diagnosed with pre-menopausal breast cancer (or before the age of 50)
- Two or more ‘first degree’ relatives who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancers (i.e., mother and sister)
- Been diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer regardless of their ages
- Been diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer

If you think you are at-risk for these gene mutations and would like to learn more from Dr. Pendas, call (863) 603-6565 or toll-free at 1-866-823-4405.

When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, there is no cure. However, the good news is that through research we know of more ways than ever to prevent or slow its progress. For instance, you can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s by eating right, exercising, staying mentally and socially active, and keeping stress in check. 

According to the Alzheimer Research and Prevention Foundation, exercise reduces your risk by 50 percent. Researchers also believe that glial cells may help to remove toxins from the brain that may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. Eating a healthy diet may protect those cells from being damaged. Smoking and drinking are two of the most preventable factors for Alzheimer’s disease. It increases the odds of getting Alzheimer’s disease by 79 percent and reduces the age of onset by six to seven years.

Challenging your brain will help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Learn something new, practice memorization, and try strategy puzzles. Chronic stress leads to a shrinkage of a key memory area in the brain known as the hippocampus. It also interferes with nerve cell growth which, in turn, increases your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. So, get your stress levels in check by using deep breathing techniques, finding time to relax during the day, and nourishing inner peace.

For more information about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease please visit:

www.dementia.com and www.alz.org.

Jennifer has worked on the cardiac and medical observation units – in both areas she had daily interaction with patients and their families. Now, as the primary care nurse coordinator at Lakeland Regional’s new Family Health Center, she makes a direct impact on patients who are in need of a medical provider.

“I am able to work with our social workers to ensure these patients are established and have the best outcomes. I am an advocate for both our patients and staff,” said Jennifer.

In April, Jennifer said she was surprised when she was named Lakeland Regional’s employee of the month. But those who know her were not surprised in the least.

“Jennifer exhibits the new caring model at Lakeland Regional and she inspires each and every one of us to do our very best,” said Yvonne Acevedo, RN, 6 E/W shift supervisor. “She is a team player and the staff look up to her. She nurtures, educates and guides with integrity.”

Jennifer is currently enrolled at the University of South Florida to obtain her bachelor’s and master’s in nursing. She is a Certified Medical Surgical Registered Nurse, and she is also certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

Jennifer says her family is the most important aspect of her life, and when she is not working you may find her doing anything outdoors – whether it’s camping, fishing, or boating.

At Lakeland Regional, we are proud to have team members like Jennifer. Congratulations, Jennifer, for being named Lakeland Regional’s employee of the month!

Ed DeLang

In 2012, more than 66,000 volunteer hours were spent making a difference in every corner of our hospital – from administrative support, food service, central supply, transport, escort/errand service, surgical waiting, patient admission, the gift shop and more.  Lakeland Regional’s volunteers range from college students to retirees – all who say they volunteer for reasons that are personal to them.

When Elaine Ogilvie retired from her nursing career, she decided to give back to her profession through volunteer work at Lakeland Regional.  Now, two decades later, she finds added fulfillment through helping patients and their families in the surgical intensive care unit waiting room.

With a personality for retail, Diane Lassiter began volunteering in the Lakeland Regional gift shop in 2011.  Since that time, she says the customers and other hospital team members are an essential part of her day.  “It’s just so much fun, and helping others makes me forget about any problems I may be facing.”

Casey LaMorte is a senior at Southeastern University who chose to volunteer at Lakeland Regional to gain valuable healthcare experience before she entered nursing school.  What she received in return was more than what she anticipated.  “I love interacting with the patients and seeing how much the teams care for the families we serve,” said Casey. 

When visiting Lakeland Regional, you may find Ed DeLang at the B entrance helping at the information desk.  He is knowledgeable and makes visitors feel at ease as they visit their loved ones on the various hospital units.  Ed began volunteering in September 2012 to help him stay busy after his wife passed away.  He is grateful for each interaction and enjoys meeting new people every day.

Thank you to every volunteer at Lakeland Regional for your contributions of time, care and expertise.  For more information on how to become a volunteer at LRMC, click here.

To learn more about how your medications interact, join us for an educational pharmacy event on Thursday, April 25 in the Lakeland Regional auditorium (located at 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd., A entrance). While the event takes place from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., during your advanced registration, you will be given a designated time to arrive for one-on-one time with expert pharmacists. Bring your completed medication list, and the pharmacists will make sure there are no duplicates and answer any questions you may have.  The event will also feature a health fair with representatives from throughout the hospital, and light refreshments will be served.

 Seating is limited. Registration is required by calling 863-687-1400 by April 22.

With the increased availability of both prescribed and over-the-counter medications, your chance of experiencing a drug interaction also increases.  Understanding your medications and making your doctor aware of all the medications you take will help you avoid the problems caused by these drug interactions.  Drug interactions, usually broken into three categories (drug-drug interactions, drug-food interactions, and drug-condition interactions) can reduce or increase the effectiveness of the drug, cause unexpected and unpleasant side effects or may cause harm to you.  Some of the most common drug interactions include:

• Taking sleep medication along with pain medication and/or alcohol can make you drowsy and feel more tired.
• Taking birth control pills along with antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of the birth control pills.  You should always use an alternative method of birth control when taking antibiotics.
• Taking nasal decongestants if you have high blood pressure can have a negative impact on your blood pressure and be potentially harmful.
• Taking your medication with or without food can increase or decrease the drug’s effectiveness or cause side effects such as an upset stomach.

Before starting a new medication, talk to your doctor and pharmacist and ask questions about what to expect while taking this medication.  Also ask:

• How do I take this medication?
• Are there any drugs or foods I should avoid while taking this medication?
• How should I take this medication with regard to food?
• Is this medication safe to take with my conditions?

Asking these simple questions, reading the information given to you with your prescription or the information included on the packaging of over-the-counter drugs, and in some cases using a little common sense will help you avoid drug interactions and the unwanted effects associated with them.

To learn more about how your medications interact, join us for an educational pharmacy event on Thursday, April 25 in the Lakeland Regional auditorium (located at 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd., A entrance). While the event takes place from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., during your advanced registration, you will be given a designated time to arrive for one-on-one time with expert pharmacists. Bring your completed medication list, and the pharmacists will make sure there are no duplicates and answer any questions you may have.  The event will also feature a health fair, with representatives from throughout the hospital.

 Seating is limited. Registration is required by calling 863-687-1400 by April 22.

“Through this expansion, Lakeland Regional will have more space for the latest technology, a new women’s and children’s center, larger operating rooms, and a greater number of private patient rooms, just to name a few,” said Elaine Thompson, President and CEO of Lakeland Regional Health Systems.  “By investing in this state-of-the-art facility, we are able to ensure the highest quality of care for our patients by providing our physician partners and healthcare teams the opportunity to deliver the best possible outcomes.”

The new medical tower will be located across the street from Lakeland Regional’s existing Emergency Department on Parkview Place and will physically join with the north side of the hospital through interior over-the-street connectors.  It will include:

• A new Surgical Suite with the capacity for 17 hybrid-sized operating rooms designed to accommodate the latest technology and equipment
• A new expanded Emergency Department
• A new patient- and family-centered Women’s and Children’s Center
• New private patient rooms with the flexibility to serve as ICU (Intensive Care Unit) or Medical/Surgical Rooms
• A new helipad

In addition, Lakeland Regional plans to construct a new clinical academic building on the south side of the campus.  One of the core competencies for Graduate Medical Education accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Medical Education (ACGME) is providing and maintaining the institutional infrastructure for personnel, equipment, facilities and resources necessary to support an appropriate learning environment.  The Clinical Academic Building will provide clinical, teaching, and auditorium space, as well as, a library/resource center and classrooms for the 200 to 250 residents who will participate each year in the LRMC GME Program.

“Lakeland Regional is proud to remain committed to providing our community and beyond with the best healthcare has to offer,” continued Thompson.  “This expansion is another vehicle through which we will take our already exceptional healthcare model and make it even better for our patients and their families, as well as, our healthcare providers.”

 According to a new study, it seems as though things are looking up, but not by much. 

 This week, the 2013 rankings by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and University of Wisconsin regarding county health outcomes were revealed.  While Polk County improved slightly from last year’s rankings, we are still ranked 30^th (out of 67 counties in Florida) in health outcomes and 43 in health factors.  The health outcomes represent how healthy a county is, while the health factors represent what influences the health of the county.

One health factor which the survey indicates has a direct impact on the health of the community is access to healthcare.  Today, Polk County has only 1 primary care physician for every 2,086 residents, compared to 1,439 in Florida.  Consequently, Polk’s health outcomes are proving to be lower in nearly all health outcome measures, including diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and stroke. 

 Lakeland Regional is taking a leadership position in combatting this epidemic.  In 2012, we opened the Lakeland Regional Family Health Center to bring greater access to primary care.  The Family Health Center (FHC) is a seven-day-a-week medical home that offers high quality, low cost primary care to the uninsured and underinsured members of the community. 

As of January 2013, more than 2,500 patients initially treated in the LRMC ER have been transitioned to and are now cared for in their new medical home at the Family Health Center. Also, since opening the FHC, more than 1,500 patients who initially presented at the LRMC ER with non-emergency conditions have been established as patients at the FHC. Combined, these patients have benefitted from more than 8,000 clinic visits at the FHC. These visits include, not only initial treatment, but also critical follow-up treatment and education that impacts quality of life and overall health.  The goal at the FHC is not just to treat illnesses, but to also provide preventive care, health screenings and management of chronic conditions.

“We have made great strides. However, there is still much work to be done. That is why Lakeland Regional is steadfastly working to bring a graduate medical education program to our community with the goal of having more than 200 clinical residents by 2020 – most of which will be centered on primary care,” said Elaine Thompson, PhD, CEO and president of Lakeland Regional Health Systems.  “We believe providing every member of our community access to the highest quality and lowest possible cost of care is fundamental to our founding mission.”