YNHH is a certified destination therapy center
for artificial heart devices
Yale-New Haven Hospital has received certification from The Joint Commission — the nation's predominant standards-setting and accrediting body in health care — to implant left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) into patients with end-stage heart failure as a permanent or destination therapy, not just as a temporary bridge to transplant. The LVAD, which performs the pumping for the heart, is implanted into the abdomen, allowing patients to pursue their regular daily activities. Destination therapy is an alternative to transplantation for patients with end-stage heart failure who do not qualify or are ineligible for heart transplant. By implanting a long-term LVAD, patients who are not candidates for a heart transplant have the opportunity to live more independently with a longer and higher-quality life.
9th Annual Women's Health Conference on March 6
Guilford's Women & Family Life Center, in partnership with State Comptroller Nancy Wyman, a leading advocate for women's health, will host its 9th Annual Women's Health Conference at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale on Sunday, March 6 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. This year's theme "Exploring the Art of Living" — made possible through executive sponsorship by Yale-New Haven Hospital and Yale New Haven Health — excites women's curiosities to embrace new ideas, learn about cutting-edge health information, and challenge notions of wellness and being. Keynote speakers include renowned nutritionist David Katz, MD, NPRs Faith Middleton and author Paul Bloom, PhD. Register online, or for more information, call 203.458.6699.
Give blood on March 8
Yale-New Haven Hospital will sponsor an American Red Cross blood drive from 7 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, in the East Pavilion Cafeteria Special Events Area. To donate, make an appointment by email or call 203.688.7436. Walk-ins are always welcome, too!
Magnet credentialing center seeks comments by March 19
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has scheduled a site visit at Yale-New Haven Hospital from Tuesday, March 29 through Friday, April 1. The site visit is a crucial part of the process of being designated a Magnet hospital. In advance of their survey, the group is seeking comments from the public and staff by Saturday, March 19. Those interested in commenting may call the ANCC at 866.588.3301 (toll-free) or fax comments to 301.628.5217. Comments may be made anonymously. You may also email the organization or write to: American Nurses Credentialing Center, Magnet Recognition Program, 8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3492. For more information on submitting comments, go to the hospital Web site.
Pediatric He@lthLINK: Study finds antibiotics may not be the best treatment for childhood ear infections
Childhood ear infections are among the most common childhood illnesses in the United States. In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers observed that the use of antibiotics to treat newly diagnosed acute ear infections in children is only slightly more effective than doing nothing at all. Read the latest issue of Pediatric He@lthLINK to learn what David Karas, MD, a pediatric otolaryngologist at Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital, has to say about the decision to treat the illness and the risks of antibiotic use.
Wellness lectures at Shoreline Medical Center
Yale-New Haven Shoreline Medical Center in Guilford is offering several free health lectures this spring for adults, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Register online or call 203.688.2000 or toll-free, 888.700.6543 and press option "2."
Bone marrow drive April 13
Thousands of patients hope for a bone marrow donor who can make their life-saving transplant possible. Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven and the Rhode Island Blood Center's Be The Match donor program will host a bone marrow donor drive on Wednesday, April 13 from 10 a.m. -6 p.m. in the hospital's East Pavilion Cafeteria Special Events Area. For more information on how to help, contact Nicole Pineault, 401.248.5720. Those who cannot attend may also register online.
Neurosciences He@lthLINK: New guidelines for managing sports concussions
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, as many as 3.8 million sports- and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States. Concussions are traumatic head injuries that occur from both mild and severe blows to the head. In November 2010, the American Academy of Neurology issued a position statement on amateur sports leagues to heighten safety standards for injured athletes and new guidelines for managing sports concussions. Read the latest issue of Neurosciences He@lthLINK to learn what Michael DiLuna, MD, a pediatric neurosurgeon at Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital, says schools, coaches, parents and physicians should look for in recognizing the signs and symptoms of sports-related concussions.
Health talks in Hamden
Yale-New Haven Hospital is offering free wellness lectures this spring for the general public at the Hamden Professional Building at 2560 Dixwell Avenue, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Register online or call 203.688.2000 or toll-free, 888.700.6543 and press option "2."
- Thursday, April 7 — Summertime Legs: Varicose and Spider Veins presented by Jeffrey Indes, MD
- Thursday, April 14 — Staying Independent in Later Years presented by Thomas Gill, MD
Billing questions?
Yale-New Haven Hospital offers financial counseling to patients and families. Spanish-speaking counselors are available. Additionally, evening sessions are scheduled once a month — the next two are Monday, March 21 and Monday, April 18 from 5 - 7 p.m. To make an appointment with a financial counselor, call 203.688.2046.