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Cathy Barr Named CEO of Bethesda HospitalSt. Paul, MN (February 4, 2008) - Cathy Barr, formerly HealthEast Vice President for Community Based Services and HealthEast Home Care Senior Director, has been named CEO of Bethesda Hospital. Bethesda Hospital, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) that treats more than 1,200 people each year who require intensive rehabilitation following severe injury or illness. Its mission is to help patients managing complex medical conditions reinvent their lives as rich and meaningful and to empower them to overcome barriers and make the most of their abilities and talents. Barr, a nine-year veteran of HealthEast executive leadership, previously provided strategic guidance in growing a variety of services that address the region’s (and the country’s) changing demographics, including a need for more responsive community based resources. Barr’s new position at Bethesda, which attracts patients from care facilities across the country, will be responsible for a wide array of integrated programs that treat the physical, emotional, spiritual and social aspects of each individual. The hospital offers a full spectrum of programs under one roof including respiratory care, geriatric behavioral services, and rehabilitation care for patients recovering from stroke, major multiple trauma, spinal cord injury, amputation, or neurological diseases. It also offers services for individuals suffering from traumatic brain injury, dementia, concussions, and Parkinson’s disease. Barr’s experiences in creating programs that help patients manage chronic diseases and her track record in helping local health care professional organizations develop legislative priorities that positively impact patient quality outcomes made her a natural choice for the position, according to Ann Schrader, HealthEast COO. “Cathy is an innovator; she not only knows how to deliver health care in a manner that makes patient care the number one priority, but she also knows how to establish a workplace that is vibrant and respectful.” A former nurse who understands the difference that compassionate care can make to a patient’s recovery, Barr is committed to continuing the “legacy of excellence” she said was forged by former CEO, Frank Indihar. “Bethesda has both a local and national reputation as the place to send patients following a life-altering event. It’s an honor to take the reins of such an outstanding organization. As we approach our 125th anniversary, I see our focus remaining on patient satisfaction, quality patient outcomes, and employee engagement.” Among her top priorities, Barr is working on legislative reform to help LTACHs establish new facility and medical requirements. She has also opened discussions on how a facility such as Bethesda can help veterans returning from Iraq suffering from traumatic brain injuries when military and VA hospitals are full. Barr holds an MBA from the University of St. Thomas as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Niagara University in New York. --------------------------------------------------------Bethesda Hospital Named Healthy WorkplaceProgram Rewards Employers for Creating Workplaces That Foster Employee Health and Well-beingSt. Paul, MN (May 17, 2007) - Bethesda Hospital, a member of HealthEast Care System, is pleased to receive the 2007 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award by the Minnesota Psychological Association. "Receiving this award is a great honor for the hospital and a tribute to all of our employees and managers who are dedicated in 'reinventing the lives' of our patients and engaged in improving the quality of Bethesda Hospital," said Frank Indihar, MD, CEO Bethesda Hospital. The award program was created by the Minnesota Psychological Association to recognize organizations that understand the link between employee health and well-being and organizational performance and have implemented a variety of workplace practices in an active effort to create a positive work environment. Each applicant was judged on criteria including:
Bethesda Hospital was recognized for its comprehensive employee recognition program and high level of employee involvement. "In this time of high job stress and increasing demands on employees, these exemplary workplaces have made it a priority to create environments that are sensitive to the health and well-being of their workers," says Mark Miller, Psy.D., President of the Minnesota Psychological Association. "By rewarding these organizations for their efforts, we hope others will take notice and implement similar programs in their workplaces." For more information about the Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award, which is supported by the American Psychological Association, please contact Jack O'Regan, Minnesota Psychological Association at 651-686-7011 or joregan@argosyu.edu. --------------------------------------------------------New Treatment for Teens who Suffer ConcussionsST. PAUL, Minn. (Feb. 6, 2007) - Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota is launching the first-of-its-kind clinic in the Midwest to treat young people, especially athletes, who are injured with a concussion. Concussions can occur from a sports injury, car accident, fall or any blow to the head. Bethesda Hospital is considered the Midwest expert in Traumatic and Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation with its inpatient programs. The new convenient, one-day clinic, will offer treatment by experts who work with brain injury everyday, including physicians, neuro-psychologists and therapists. "We very excited to be able to offer this new Bethesda Concussion Clinic to the young people in our community, who are at risk for brain injuries," said Frank Indihar, MD, CEO Bethesda Hospital. "If an athlete returns to action too quickly and receives another blow the results can result in headaches, inability to concentrate in school, memory loss and mood change." The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota estimates that 94,000 Minnesotans are living with a disability because of a brain injury. One of the groups at highest risk for a Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI is teens ages 15-19 years old. Males are about 1.5 times as likely as females to sustain a TBI. The American College of Sports Medicine estimates that roughly 85 percent of concussions suffered go undiagnosed. Medical experts say it takes children longer than adults to recover from a concussion. Sports where concussions and brain injuries frequently occur include football, soccer, boxing, skiing, snowboarding, baseball, skateboarding and horseback riding. In any given football season, ten percent of all college players and 20% of all high school players sustain brain injuries. Concussions are mild brain injuries with symptoms that can include memory loss, trouble paying attention, impaired judgment, headaches, seizures, anxiety, depression and impulsive behavior. To schedule an appointment at the Concussion Clinic call 651-326-4323. --------------------------------------------------------Bethesda Hospital to Consolidate Operations, Close Minneapolis LocationST. PAUL, Minn. (August 9, 2006) - Bethesda Hospital, a member of HealthEast Care System, will be consolidating its operations and closing its satellite facility located on the Riverside Campus of the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview. Patients and employees from the Minneapolis location will be transferred to Bethesda Hospital - St. Paul beginning in mid-September. The Minneapolis location, which opened in November 2003, has included 30 beds in long-term acute Respiratory Care and Complex Medical Care. CEO Frank Indihar attributed the decision to several factors. "As a Long Term Acute Care Hospital, we are committed to having 24/7 physician coverage for our patients. Because of a metro-wide shortage of physicians available to serve as overnight house officers, coverage can best be assured by having patients at a single site," he explained. In addition, Medicare regulatory changes since 2003 have limited the number of patients that the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview was able to transfer to the Bethesda location. Specifically, regulations state that only 25 percent of patients in a satellite LTACH unit can come from the host campus, limiting the number of patients that Bethesda - Minneapolis has been able to admit from the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview. During the past few years, Bethesda - St. Paul has completed a number of renovations and space enhancements. Bethesda is now able to expand capacity and accommodate the patients that have been cared for at the Minneapolis location. Bethesda - Minneapolis has employed approximately 65 HealthEast employees who will be offered comparable positions at Bethesda - St. Paul. --------------------------------------------------------
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