DCH News
Healthcare Professionals
Registration is underway for Camp Easy Breathers!
April 21, 2011
Archery is one of the many activities campers will enjoy at Camp Easy Breathers. This year's camp will also feature a carnival.
Ribbon-cutting, open house to be held for new Cancer & Blood Disorders Center
April 07, 2011
- WHAT: A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house will be held for Driscoll Children's Hospital's new, $2.7 million Cancer & Blood Disorders Center. Officials and physicians from Driscoll, as well as Councilman John Marez, will participate in the ceremony. The Center is 40 percent larger than the previous space and will allow Driscoll to serve the growing population of South Texas children who need specialized hematology and oncology services. More than 160 children are served at the Center annually, and more than 40 new cancer patients are diagnosed there each year.
- WHEN: 2 p.m. Friday, April 8
- WHERE: Driscoll Children's Hospital, 3533 S. Alameda St.
New Cancer & Blood Disorders Center is making life easier for patients and staff at Driscoll Children's Hospital
April 05, 2011
Driscoll President & CEO Steve Woerner visits with cancer patients Brooke Hester, 3, and Andrew Laury, 14, in the new, $2.7 million Cancer & Blood Disorders Center.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house to be held April 8
CORPUS CHRISTI - A cancerous brain tumor sidelined Andrew Laury from the football games he loved playing so much at Calallen High School last year. Now, six months after his tumor was removed at Driscoll Children's Hospital, the 14-year-old is anxious to finish his chemotherapy treatments and get back on the field. He still has remnants of cancer on the right side of his brain.
"The cancer really slowed me down," Andrew said, lying in his hospital bed at Driscoll. "It took me out of school, and I don't see my family in Amarillo as much because I can't go far from the hospital. It makes you appreciate the smaller things in life, like birthdays. I missed my little cousin's birthday party. You don't realize how great they are until you miss them."
On April 8, Andrew plans to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for the newly renovated and expanded Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Driscoll, which was designed for patients just like him. The Center is 40 percent larger than the previous space and will allow Driscoll to serve the growing population of South Texas children who need specialized hematology and oncology services. More than 160 children are served at the Center annually, and more than 40 new cancer patients are diagnosed there each year.
Enhancements to the Center include a more child-friendly theme, additional exam and treatment rooms, TVs, interactive games and computer connectivity for patients who often spend hours there for treatment. The $2.7 million Center was funded in large part by community support. Almost 70 percent, or $1.8 million, of the total cost of the project was raised through fundraisers such as the annual Fiesta de los Niños.
The lobby is especially striking with track lighting, wood laminate flooring and multi-colored fish and bubbles on the wall. One wall contains a mesmerizing bubble tank in which the water seemingly changes colors with a lighting effect.
Cris Johnson, M.D., medical director of the Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, believes the Center is defined by all the professionals who are dedicated to the treatment of children with cancer.
"We are very lucky in a town of 300,000 to have a children's hospital," Dr. Johnson said.
"We are also blessed with people who are dedicated to children and have the knowledge necessary to care for and treat children with cancer. It is our team approach to care and the availability of multiple specialties and a dedicated ancillary staff that make it possible to treat Andrew and patients like him."
Andrew, whose treatment at Driscoll began before the new Center was completed, said he appreciates the comfortable recliners in the teen area and the Xbox video games. He also likes that the children's area is separated from the teen area.
"It's just real nice all around, from the bathrooms to the lobby," he said. "It's bright, up-to-date and peaceful. It shows how much Driscoll cares about their patients."
Dr. Johnson said light and spaciousness were priorities in the Center's design.
"We strove to get as much natural light as possible to as much of the clinic as possible. The (electric) lighting is also fantastic, and makes it easier to work. There is enough room for the staff to work without tripping over each other."
For Andrew's current phase of treatment, he receives chemotherapy drugs intravenously in the Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. He'll have to return to Driscoll regularly through June for the treatment. One of the side effects he's experiencing from past radiation treatment is neuropathy in his legs and feet. The nerves tingle and burn, he said, causing his legs to give out. He uses a walker to get around and takes medication to ease the pain.
With a grin of resilience, the former offensive and defensive tackle for the Calallen Wildcats is confident he'll tackle cancer.
"I'll be happy when the cancer's gone," Andrew said. "I can't wait to get back into life and school and sports."
- What: Ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for the Cancer & Blood Disorders Center
- When: 2 p.m. Friday, April 8
- Where: Driscoll Children's Hospital, 3533 S. Alameda St.
Driscoll's Laredo clinic relocating
March 11, 2011
LAREDO - In order to expand their space and serve a growing number of patients, Driscoll Children's Specialty Center - Laredo, 10710 McPherson Ave., Suite 100, is relocating to offices above their current location, to Suite 202. The relocation will be complete and patients will continue to be seen on Monday, March 14. For more information, call the clinic at 1-800-525-8687.
With healthcare reimbursement at risk in state budget, Driscoll team will go to Austin, seek support from legislators
March 01, 2011
CORPUS CHRISTI - For Driscoll Children's Hospital, certain proposed cuts and changes in the state's budget mean reduced services for the children of South Texas. In response, a contingent of physicians and volunteers from Driscoll will travel to Austin to voice their concerns to legislators about healthcare issues. The group will leave the hospital by bus the morning of March 2 for a one-day trip.
There are two main issues that Driscoll wishes to address. The first is a proposed $20 million cut in Medicaid provider payments. Driscoll Children's Hospital is the second-highest-ranking hospital in the state for percentage of Medicaid patient days. The proposed budget would cut the hospital's inpatient and outpatient reimbursement by 10 percent, or approximately $10 million, and cut Driscoll's Upper Payment Limits reimbursement by approximately $10 million. If this is approved, Driscoll's ability to provide specialty services such as cancer treatment, kidney transplants and heart surgery will be diminished.
The other issue concerns a Medicaid managed care expansion, for which Driscoll is requesting support from legislators. This not-for-profit health plan, proposed by the state's Health and Human Services Commission, will enable the hospital to continue its wide range of services without fear of non-Medicaid payment.
The Driscoll team plans to make their case with simple, straightforward facts. This includes:
Driscoll has saved the lives of thousands of South Texas children. In many cases, Driscoll is their only source for medical help.
Since 1953, Driscoll Children's Hospital's not-for-profit mission has been to care for the children of South Texas, regardless of their ability to pay.
There are two main issues that Driscoll wishes to address. The first is a proposed $20 million cut in Medicaid provider payments. Driscoll Children's Hospital is the second-highest-ranking hospital in the state for percentage of Medicaid patient days. The proposed budget would cut the hospital's inpatient and outpatient reimbursement by 10 percent, or approximately $10 million, and cut Driscoll's Upper Payment Limits reimbursement by approximately $10 million. If this is approved, Driscoll's ability to provide specialty services such as cancer treatment, kidney transplants and heart surgery will be diminished.
The other issue concerns a Medicaid managed care expansion, for which Driscoll is requesting support from legislators. This not-for-profit health plan, proposed by the state's Health and Human Services Commission, will enable the hospital to continue its wide range of services without fear of non-Medicaid payment.
The Driscoll team plans to make their case with simple, straightforward facts. This includes:
Driscoll has saved the lives of thousands of South Texas children. In many cases, Driscoll is their only source for medical help.
- Medicaid is the lifeblood of medical care for many South Texas children.
- Driscoll serves one of the poorest populations in the United States.
- Medicaid presently pays approximately 85 percent of Driscoll's costs to treat Medicaid patients.
- Driscoll is one of only five free-standing children's hospitals in the State of Texas, providing care from Victoria to Laredo and throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Since 1953, Driscoll Children's Hospital's not-for-profit mission has been to care for the children of South Texas, regardless of their ability to pay.
9th annual Radiothon set for March 4 at Driscoll
February 18, 2011
- What: 9th annual Radiothon
- When: Friday, March 4, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Where: Driscoll Children's Hospital main lobby, 3533 S. Alameda St.
CORPUS CHRISTI - On March 4, K-99 (KRYS 99.1) will team up with Driscoll Children's Hospital and McDonald's for the annual Radiothon. The one-day event will be broadcast from the Half Pint Library in the main lobby of Driscoll Children's Hospital.
Tune in to hear patients, parents, physicians and staff share inspirational stories of hope and healing. In 2010, the community donated $71,049 during the Radiothon to benefit patients at Driscoll Children's Hospital.
Anyone can help raise money for the Radiothon by creating an online giving page. To do so, go to www.helpmakemiracles.org/event/Driscoll.
Young heart patients to celebrate at the Heart Center at Driscoll Children's Medical Plaza - McAllen
February 09, 2011
WHAT: In observance of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week, the Heart Center at Driscoll Children's Medical Plaza - McAllen is hosting a celebration for its heart patients. Physicians will be on hand to visit with the patients, and the event will feature cake, punch, a painting activity and photographs for keepsake magnets. All patients of the Heart Center are being invited. Spanish speaking staff will be available for interviews.
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 10, 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Heart Center at Driscoll Children's Medical Plaza - McAllen, 2nd floor, 1120 E. Ridge Rd.
INFO: (361) 549-8724
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 10, 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Heart Center at Driscoll Children's Medical Plaza - McAllen, 2nd floor, 1120 E. Ridge Rd.
INFO: (361) 549-8724
Driscoll being recognized for its breastfeeding program
February 07, 2011
Laurie Beck, RN, MSN, IBCLC
Last month, the ILCA and the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners announced the launch of a brand new online resource, the "IBCLC Care Directory," which lists more than 200 hospitals and birthing facilities that have received the "IBCLC Care Award." This recognition, which includes Driscoll Children's Hospital, was given to facilities that have IBCLCs on staff, provide ongoing breastfeeding training for all care providers who see new mothers and babies, and which offer breastfeeding support programs for new families. The IBCLC Care Directory is available at www.ibclccare.org.
"Driscoll Children's Hospital was one of the first recipients of the award," Beck said. "I am proud to work at a hospital that is promoting and supporting breast milk for all the babies in South Texas."
In addition, the ILCA lists Beck in their "Find a Lactation Consultant Directory" online at www.ilca.org. The directory is offered to help mothers quickly and easily find an IBCLC in their community.
19th annual Fiesta de los Niños to be held as scheduled
February 04, 2011
CORPUS CHRISTI - Driscoll Children's Hospital's 19th Annual Fiesta de los Niños will take place tonight beginning at 6:30 p.m. as scheduled. To be held at the American Bank Center Exhibit Hall, the event is a major annual fundraiser for Driscoll Children's Hospital. This year's proceeds will go toward the expansion and redesign of the hospital's Emergency Services Department.
Event schedule:
6:30 p.m. - Doors open, reception, silent & bid-board auctions open, dancing to Still Crazy
7:00 p.m. - Western barbecue dinner served
8:30 p.m. - Live auction begins, silent auction closes (Bid-board remains open until 10:00 p.m.)
9:30 p.m. - Featured entertainer, John Conlee
For more information, contact the Driscoll Children's Hospital Development Department at (361) 694-6401.
Event schedule:
6:30 p.m. - Doors open, reception, silent & bid-board auctions open, dancing to Still Crazy
7:00 p.m. - Western barbecue dinner served
8:30 p.m. - Live auction begins, silent auction closes (Bid-board remains open until 10:00 p.m.)
9:30 p.m. - Featured entertainer, John Conlee
For more information, contact the Driscoll Children's Hospital Development Department at (361) 694-6401.
William Allen, M.D., named Chief of Staff at Driscoll
February 02, 2011
William Allen, M.D.
In December, Dr. Allen also accepted the position of assistant vice president for Quality and Patient Safety at Driscoll Children's Hospital. He has actively participated in overseeing the results of Driscoll's many efforts to provide quality patient care through his medical staff leadership, and he possesses a passion for constantly improving performance. Dr. Allen is a Certified Physician Executive, board certified in pediatrics and pediatric nephrology, and a professor of pediatrics in the Texas A&M University College of Medicine. Driscoll anticipates Dr. Allen will continue the strong clinical leadership he has demonstrated for the past 12 years at the hospital, along with his well-established ties to the hospital's physicians, bedside and supervisory hospital staff and executive leadership.