The Martin Memorial Emergency Center at St. Lucie West is ready to begin seeing patients on Sept. 1 at 8 a.m.
The Emergency Center at St. Lucie West is an off-site emergency department that will meet the critical medical services shortage currently facing western St. Lucie County by providing access to timely emergency care. The center is located at 1095 N.W. St. Lucie West Blvd. in Port St. Lucie.
The emergency center will be open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, but will not provide inpatient beds. It will be staffed and equipped to handle many of the same emergencies a hospital would, though patients with more severe injuries or ailments will be taken to appropriate facilities. Patients requiring inpatient admission will be transported by ambulance to a hospital.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Help on the Way in West St. Lucie: Martin Memorial to Open Emergency Center
Help will soon be on the way for residents of western St. Lucie County who need access to emergency care close to home.
The Martin Memorial Emergency Center at St. Lucie West, an off-site emergency department scheduled to open Sept. 1, will meet the critical medical services shortage currently facing that area by providing access to timely emergency care. The center will be located at the health system’s current facility at 1095 N.W. St. Lucie West Blvd.
The public is invited to attend a grand opening celebration on Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the facility. Free health screenings and refreshments, as well as a tour of the emergency center, will be available.
“We truly believe this emergency center will be an invaluable health care resource for residents of western St. Lucie County,” said Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer of Martin Memorial. “There is a demonstrated need for emergency services here and we are committed to providing access to that care. Having the emergency center in this centrally located area will allow us to provide immediate care to a sizable population that has not had the access it deserves.”
The emergency center will be open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, but will not provide inpatient beds. It will be staffed and equipped to handle many of the same emergencies a hospital would, though patients with more severe injuries or ailments will be taken to appropriate facilities. Patients requiring inpatient admission will be transported by ambulance to a hospital.
The 9,100-square foot emergency center will feature 12 beds and provide a wide range of care. Off-site emergency departments traditionally see patients with less serious illnesses or injuries, which generally allows them to treat patients more quickly, but the physicians and nurses on staff will be able to respond to acute injuries and illnesses as well. Martin Memorial’s St. Lucie West facility was renovated to meet state standards for emergency departments. The facility, which already featured ancillary services such as CT and MRI capability as well as other diagnostic technologies, made the transition more convenient.
The Martin Memorial Emergency Center at St. Lucie West, an off-site emergency department scheduled to open Sept. 1, will meet the critical medical services shortage currently facing that area by providing access to timely emergency care. The center will be located at the health system’s current facility at 1095 N.W. St. Lucie West Blvd.
The public is invited to attend a grand opening celebration on Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the facility. Free health screenings and refreshments, as well as a tour of the emergency center, will be available.
“We truly believe this emergency center will be an invaluable health care resource for residents of western St. Lucie County,” said Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer of Martin Memorial. “There is a demonstrated need for emergency services here and we are committed to providing access to that care. Having the emergency center in this centrally located area will allow us to provide immediate care to a sizable population that has not had the access it deserves.”
The emergency center will be open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, but will not provide inpatient beds. It will be staffed and equipped to handle many of the same emergencies a hospital would, though patients with more severe injuries or ailments will be taken to appropriate facilities. Patients requiring inpatient admission will be transported by ambulance to a hospital.
The 9,100-square foot emergency center will feature 12 beds and provide a wide range of care. Off-site emergency departments traditionally see patients with less serious illnesses or injuries, which generally allows them to treat patients more quickly, but the physicians and nurses on staff will be able to respond to acute injuries and illnesses as well. Martin Memorial’s St. Lucie West facility was renovated to meet state standards for emergency departments. The facility, which already featured ancillary services such as CT and MRI capability as well as other diagnostic technologies, made the transition more convenient.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Exercising, But Not Losing Weight? Don’t Celebrate Trip to the Gym With Bad Food
“I’m exercising but I’m not losing any weight ... I don’t understand!”
This is a common complaint I get and that many people are plagued with. As a dietitian, I see it time and time again, and during my personal training days this was an everyday issue that eventually translates into frustration and behavior resistance.
So what’s going on here? The most logical answer is that you’re not in calorie deficit. Often times patients will exercise but may not cut back enough on calories or they overcompensate for the exercise by overeating and drinking. This over-eating may be because the exercise has stimulated your hunger (yes, exercise does make you hungry) or because you are rewarding yourself for the behavior of exercise (I went to the gym so I deserve to have that piece of cake). Or maybe after that bout of exercise you stop at Starbucks for that Frappuccino (240 calories for original grande) that you oh-so-deserve, or to replenish your thirst you drank a 20-ounce Gatorade (125 calories per 20 fluid ounces).
What happens here is that the calories you burned from exercising were lost when you consumed those extra calories, putting you in calorie balance. So how do you overcome this?
Keep a food journal. Become accountable for what, when, why and how much you are eating. Gain awareness of your eating behaviors and take control of what you choose to eat. Plan your meals. If you exercise at the gym in the evening, don’t ruin it by going out for a high-calorie restaurant meal afterwards.
Focus on moving more. Just because you exercised, you shouldn’t take that as an excuse to lie on the couch for the rest of the day. The more you move, the more calories you burn. Just parking your car farther away and taking the stairs all add up to make a difference of more calories burned.
In short, it’s what you put in your mouth and the amount of calories that you burn that will equal weight loss. Exercise by itself is not going to get you there.
--Beth St.Louis, MS, RD, LDN
Program Dietitian
Martin Memorial Center for Health and Healing
This is a common complaint I get and that many people are plagued with. As a dietitian, I see it time and time again, and during my personal training days this was an everyday issue that eventually translates into frustration and behavior resistance.
So what’s going on here? The most logical answer is that you’re not in calorie deficit. Often times patients will exercise but may not cut back enough on calories or they overcompensate for the exercise by overeating and drinking. This over-eating may be because the exercise has stimulated your hunger (yes, exercise does make you hungry) or because you are rewarding yourself for the behavior of exercise (I went to the gym so I deserve to have that piece of cake). Or maybe after that bout of exercise you stop at Starbucks for that Frappuccino (240 calories for original grande) that you oh-so-deserve, or to replenish your thirst you drank a 20-ounce Gatorade (125 calories per 20 fluid ounces).
What happens here is that the calories you burned from exercising were lost when you consumed those extra calories, putting you in calorie balance. So how do you overcome this?
Keep a food journal. Become accountable for what, when, why and how much you are eating. Gain awareness of your eating behaviors and take control of what you choose to eat. Plan your meals. If you exercise at the gym in the evening, don’t ruin it by going out for a high-calorie restaurant meal afterwards.
Focus on moving more. Just because you exercised, you shouldn’t take that as an excuse to lie on the couch for the rest of the day. The more you move, the more calories you burn. Just parking your car farther away and taking the stairs all add up to make a difference of more calories burned.
In short, it’s what you put in your mouth and the amount of calories that you burn that will equal weight loss. Exercise by itself is not going to get you there.
--Beth St.Louis, MS, RD, LDN
Program Dietitian
Martin Memorial Center for Health and Healing
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Martin Memorial Receives $1 Million Gift From Wayne Huizenga
When the Martin Memorial Emergency Center at St. Lucie West opens its doors on Aug. 31, there will be a familiar name gracing the lobby.
Wayne Huizenga, the South Florida entrepreneur and former owner of the Miami Dolphins and Florida Marlins, recently provided a $1 million gift to the Martin Memorial Foundation. In appreciation for his contribution, Martin Memorial will name the emergency center lobby in honor of Huizenga and his wife, Marti.
“As residents of the Treasure Coast, Wayne and Marti Huizenga recognize the importance of having access to high-quality health care close to home,” said Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer of Martin Memorial. “This gift will assist us in providing that care. We are deeply appreciative of their generosity and for their commitment to health care in this community.”
Because funds from the Huizenga gift are unrestricted, they will be utilized throughout the health system based on need. That can include everything from purchasing new technologies and equipment, to funding continuing education for nursing staff.
Funds could also benefit the Martin Memorial Emergency Center at St. Lucie West, an off-site emergency department located at 1095 N.W. St. Lucie West Blvd. in Port St. Lucie. The emergency center will be open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, but will not provide inpatient beds. It will be staffed and equipped to handle many of the same emergencies a hospital would, though patients with more severe injuries or ailments will be taken to appropriate facilities.
Wayne Huizenga, the South Florida entrepreneur and former owner of the Miami Dolphins and Florida Marlins, recently provided a $1 million gift to the Martin Memorial Foundation. In appreciation for his contribution, Martin Memorial will name the emergency center lobby in honor of Huizenga and his wife, Marti.
“As residents of the Treasure Coast, Wayne and Marti Huizenga recognize the importance of having access to high-quality health care close to home,” said Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer of Martin Memorial. “This gift will assist us in providing that care. We are deeply appreciative of their generosity and for their commitment to health care in this community.”
Because funds from the Huizenga gift are unrestricted, they will be utilized throughout the health system based on need. That can include everything from purchasing new technologies and equipment, to funding continuing education for nursing staff.
Funds could also benefit the Martin Memorial Emergency Center at St. Lucie West, an off-site emergency department located at 1095 N.W. St. Lucie West Blvd. in Port St. Lucie. The emergency center will be open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, but will not provide inpatient beds. It will be staffed and equipped to handle many of the same emergencies a hospital would, though patients with more severe injuries or ailments will be taken to appropriate facilities.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Feeling Off Balance? Free Balance Screening Could Pinpoint Problems
Do you feel unstable when walking, encounter loss of balance when changing directions or when in a dark room, or have a recent history of falls?
If so, attend Martin Memorial’s free balance screening at Raub Rehabilitation Center, located in the Smithfield Plaza at 2189 S.E. Ocean Blvd. in Stuart. Participants will take a 20- to 25-minute computerized “sensory organization” balance test, which identifies deficits in the somatosensory, vestibular and visual systems used for balance.
Call (772) 223-4936 to schedule an appointment for the next balance screening. Appointments are available on Aug. 27, Sept. 24 and Oct. 29, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
If so, attend Martin Memorial’s free balance screening at Raub Rehabilitation Center, located in the Smithfield Plaza at 2189 S.E. Ocean Blvd. in Stuart. Participants will take a 20- to 25-minute computerized “sensory organization” balance test, which identifies deficits in the somatosensory, vestibular and visual systems used for balance.
Call (772) 223-4936 to schedule an appointment for the next balance screening. Appointments are available on Aug. 27, Sept. 24 and Oct. 29, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Back to School Means Getting Back to Fitness for Parents and Their Families
Have you seen the commercial with the dad who cannot contain his excitement while shopping for school supplies? I laugh out loud every time I see it. The expression on the kid’s faces are priceless too. They know the time has arrived.
Oh yes, it’s back to school. It is also the time when families get back to routines, sensible eating, early bedtimes and most important (at least I think it is) back to exercise routines.
If you have slipped from your exercise routine this summer, this is a perfect opportunity to recharge and recommit! Structure, schedules and chaos are all part of the juggling act when the new school year begins. Back to school can be a bit overwhelming for families so it’s important to make exercise a priority.
Planning and preparation are the keys to success. I hope these tips help to motivate and energize you.
Plan Ahead: If you are going to the gym before the kids are up, (most gyms open 5:30am), set your sneakers and workout clothes out the night before.
Shorter Workouts: Squeezing in three 10-minute workouts throughout the day is just as effective as one continuous workout. Try increasing the intensity during the shorter work outs. Push yourself even harder since the time spent is less.
Consider a personal trainer: A trainer will motivate you and you’ll have the added accountability factor. As a personal trainer, I have many early morning clients. They sometimes come in reluctantly and tired but they always leave feeling energized and ready to face the day.
Get Creative: Don’t sit on the sidelines during soccer practice. Walk the perimeter of the field. You will still be able to watch your children and cheer them on.
Play like a child again: What better way to stay in shape and set a great example for your children? Break out the bikes and the roller blades and play with your children after school or after dinner.
Whatever you choose to do, do not wait until later to get back to your exercise routine. Remember, it’s never too late!
--Jane Reynolds
Health and Fitness Technician
Hospital South Health and Fitness
Oh yes, it’s back to school. It is also the time when families get back to routines, sensible eating, early bedtimes and most important (at least I think it is) back to exercise routines.
If you have slipped from your exercise routine this summer, this is a perfect opportunity to recharge and recommit! Structure, schedules and chaos are all part of the juggling act when the new school year begins. Back to school can be a bit overwhelming for families so it’s important to make exercise a priority.
Planning and preparation are the keys to success. I hope these tips help to motivate and energize you.
Plan Ahead: If you are going to the gym before the kids are up, (most gyms open 5:30am), set your sneakers and workout clothes out the night before.
Shorter Workouts: Squeezing in three 10-minute workouts throughout the day is just as effective as one continuous workout. Try increasing the intensity during the shorter work outs. Push yourself even harder since the time spent is less.
Consider a personal trainer: A trainer will motivate you and you’ll have the added accountability factor. As a personal trainer, I have many early morning clients. They sometimes come in reluctantly and tired but they always leave feeling energized and ready to face the day.
Get Creative: Don’t sit on the sidelines during soccer practice. Walk the perimeter of the field. You will still be able to watch your children and cheer them on.
Play like a child again: What better way to stay in shape and set a great example for your children? Break out the bikes and the roller blades and play with your children after school or after dinner.
Whatever you choose to do, do not wait until later to get back to your exercise routine. Remember, it’s never too late!
--Jane Reynolds
Health and Fitness Technician
Hospital South Health and Fitness
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
$2 Million Gift to Benefit Children’s Services at Martin Memorial
On his 82nd birthday, David Smythe decided to give a gift rather than receive one.
So on Aug. 10, Smythe made a cash gift of $2 million to Martin Memorial, benefiting children’s services at the health system. In gratitude for his generosity, a portion of Martin Memorial Medical Center that houses the maternal-child department will be named in his honor.
It is the second large gift from Smythe, who made a $500,000 gift to Martin Memorial in June 2008 after being impressed with the care he received at the health system’s wound medicine center. In November 2008, the David L. Smythe Wound Center officially opened its doors after moving from its previous location to a new office at 314 Hospital Ave. in Stuart.
“Getting a gift is not as rewarding as giving a gift. That’s why I wanted to do this on my birthday, because you receive a tremendous benefit from the act of giving,” Smythe said. “I wanted to be able to help children and their families and this is one way I can accomplish that.”
Funds will be used to support Martin Memorial’s maternal-child, pediatric rehabilitation and pediatric programs in Martin and St. Lucie counties. In addition, an endowment established by the gift will also provide annual funding for those programs as well as other programs within the health system.
Smythe, who splits his time between Stuart and Summit, N.J., has had a long history of community involvement, thanks in part to his business success. In 1959 he purchased an American Motor Corp. franchise in Summit and a few years later opened Smythe Volvo there. Today, the Smythe Volvo Organization is celebrating 50 years in the automobile sales industry and is one of the largest Volvo dealerships in the United States.
“David has created a legacy of generosity that will benefit Treasure Coast residents for many years to come,” said Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer of Martin Memorial. “He truly understands the critical role philanthropy plays in providing exceptional health care to the community. Without it, we could not offer many life-saving programs such as those at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center or the Frances Langford Heart Center.”
So on Aug. 10, Smythe made a cash gift of $2 million to Martin Memorial, benefiting children’s services at the health system. In gratitude for his generosity, a portion of Martin Memorial Medical Center that houses the maternal-child department will be named in his honor.
It is the second large gift from Smythe, who made a $500,000 gift to Martin Memorial in June 2008 after being impressed with the care he received at the health system’s wound medicine center. In November 2008, the David L. Smythe Wound Center officially opened its doors after moving from its previous location to a new office at 314 Hospital Ave. in Stuart.
“Getting a gift is not as rewarding as giving a gift. That’s why I wanted to do this on my birthday, because you receive a tremendous benefit from the act of giving,” Smythe said. “I wanted to be able to help children and their families and this is one way I can accomplish that.”
Funds will be used to support Martin Memorial’s maternal-child, pediatric rehabilitation and pediatric programs in Martin and St. Lucie counties. In addition, an endowment established by the gift will also provide annual funding for those programs as well as other programs within the health system.
Smythe, who splits his time between Stuart and Summit, N.J., has had a long history of community involvement, thanks in part to his business success. In 1959 he purchased an American Motor Corp. franchise in Summit and a few years later opened Smythe Volvo there. Today, the Smythe Volvo Organization is celebrating 50 years in the automobile sales industry and is one of the largest Volvo dealerships in the United States.
“David has created a legacy of generosity that will benefit Treasure Coast residents for many years to come,” said Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer of Martin Memorial. “He truly understands the critical role philanthropy plays in providing exceptional health care to the community. Without it, we could not offer many life-saving programs such as those at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center or the Frances Langford Heart Center.”
Monday, August 3, 2009
Judge Rules in Martin Memorial’s Favor to Build a New Hospital at Tradition
Martin Memorial has received permission to build an 80-bed hospital in the Tradition development to serve the residents of western St. Lucie County. The decision denies an appeal that sought to prevent the health system from building the hospital.
Martin Memorial received approval from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration in June 2007 to build the hospital on 20 acres in Tradition. That decision was appealed in July 2007 by Lawnwood Regional and St. Lucie medical centers, the two HCA Inc.-owned hospitals in St. Lucie County.
On July 31, Judge J.D. Parrish, an administrative law judge with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings, upheld the state’s 2007 decision.
“We are pleased by the decision and look forward to providing access to critical medical care for residents of western St. Lucie County,” said Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer of Martin Memorial. “We will wait to see if there are further appeals, review all of our options and begin planning for the next stages of this process.”
The rapid population growth that took place in St. Lucie County – particularly west Port St. Lucie – over the past five years, as well as demonstrated access challenges in the region reveal a vital need for the hospital. Once the appeals process is completed, the design and construction phase of building a new hospital would take several years.
Support for the hospital has come from many areas of the community, including state legislators, local government officials, Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Mann Research Center, doctors and nurses, and more than 10,000 area residents. Many individuals submitted personal testimonials sharing their concern about the lack of convenient access to a hospital – particularly in times of emergency. Once opened, the hospital will create more than 400 jobs and the capital investment will exceed $100 million, which will have a profoundly positive impact on the local economy.
Martin Memorial received approval from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration in June 2007 to build the hospital on 20 acres in Tradition. That decision was appealed in July 2007 by Lawnwood Regional and St. Lucie medical centers, the two HCA Inc.-owned hospitals in St. Lucie County.
On July 31, Judge J.D. Parrish, an administrative law judge with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings, upheld the state’s 2007 decision.
“We are pleased by the decision and look forward to providing access to critical medical care for residents of western St. Lucie County,” said Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer of Martin Memorial. “We will wait to see if there are further appeals, review all of our options and begin planning for the next stages of this process.”
The rapid population growth that took place in St. Lucie County – particularly west Port St. Lucie – over the past five years, as well as demonstrated access challenges in the region reveal a vital need for the hospital. Once the appeals process is completed, the design and construction phase of building a new hospital would take several years.
Support for the hospital has come from many areas of the community, including state legislators, local government officials, Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Mann Research Center, doctors and nurses, and more than 10,000 area residents. Many individuals submitted personal testimonials sharing their concern about the lack of convenient access to a hospital – particularly in times of emergency. Once opened, the hospital will create more than 400 jobs and the capital investment will exceed $100 million, which will have a profoundly positive impact on the local economy.
Martin Memorial Begins Implementation of New Safety and Security Procedures
Many hospitals across the country are seeing an increase in workplace violence and theft of medical supplies and equipment. In 2008, the Florida Department of Health funded a hospital vulnerability assessment at Martin Memorial that highlighted opportunities for security improvements that would prevent acts of theft and violence.
As a result of that study, on Aug. 3 Martin Memorial will implement new security measures designed to enhance safety for patients, visitors and staff at both of the health system’s two hospitals. They include:
· Patients and visitors must enter Martin Memorial Medical Center and Martin Memorial Hospital South through the main lobbies and register with security at the front desk. Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and strictly enforced. Specialty units may have different visitation policies and hours.
· Maternal-child (OB) patients must enter through the main lobby of the Medical Center 24 hours a day.
· From 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., maternal-child (OB) patients must enter through the main lobby of the Medical Center by using the intercom system that is monitored by security.
· All medical emergencies are accepted through the emergency department 24 hours a day.
A new visitor and vendor identification management system also will be implemented in the weeks ahead at the main lobbies of both hospitals for all visitors and vendors, which will supplement this enhanced policy.
“Hospitals throughout the country are engaging similar safety and security measures,” said Carmelo Maldonado, operations manager of corporate safety and security. “Martin Memorial is committed to providing a safe environment for everyone who comes through our doors, and we believe these new policies and procedures will help us achieve that mission.”
As a result of that study, on Aug. 3 Martin Memorial will implement new security measures designed to enhance safety for patients, visitors and staff at both of the health system’s two hospitals. They include:
· Patients and visitors must enter Martin Memorial Medical Center and Martin Memorial Hospital South through the main lobbies and register with security at the front desk. Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and strictly enforced. Specialty units may have different visitation policies and hours.
· Maternal-child (OB) patients must enter through the main lobby of the Medical Center 24 hours a day.
· From 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., maternal-child (OB) patients must enter through the main lobby of the Medical Center by using the intercom system that is monitored by security.
· All medical emergencies are accepted through the emergency department 24 hours a day.
A new visitor and vendor identification management system also will be implemented in the weeks ahead at the main lobbies of both hospitals for all visitors and vendors, which will supplement this enhanced policy.
“Hospitals throughout the country are engaging similar safety and security measures,” said Carmelo Maldonado, operations manager of corporate safety and security. “Martin Memorial is committed to providing a safe environment for everyone who comes through our doors, and we believe these new policies and procedures will help us achieve that mission.”
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