Houlton Regional Hospital’s Department of Case Management is pleased to announce another session of the program:  Healthy Living:  Chronic Disease Self Management.  This workshop runs 6 consecutive Wednesdays starting September 1 and ending October 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Ricker Plaza on Military Street in Houlton. Each week issues addressed will include chronic health conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, depression, emphysema and other long term health conditions.  There is no cost.  For more information or to register contact Helen Sherwood at 521-2507.

CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) combines a series of X-ray views taken from many different angles to produce cross-sectional images.  These images provide much more information than plain X-rays.  CT Scan is utilized for diagnosing bone disorders, locating tumors or infections and for detecting diseases such as cancer.

Although radiologic technologists are not required to be Board Certified to perform CT Scan, those that achieve the goal greatly enhance their knowledge and skills.

Both Casie Miller and Kurt Bauersfeld took the challenge of the two year commitment and many hours of independent study required to complete all modules.

Casie Miller became employed by Houlton Regional Hospital in 2003 as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist after graduating from Eastern Maine Community College. She successfully passed the Board Exams for CT Scan in December of 2009.

Kurt Bauersfeld joined Houlton Regional Hospital in 2004 as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist after graduating from Eastern Maine Community College.  Kurt successfully passed the Board Exam for CT Scan in May of 2010.   

Barbara Bossie, Director of Out-patient Services, extends “Congratulations to both Casie and Kurt.  They have both worked extremely hard and we appreciate their dedication and commitment to the provision of high quality care to the patients that we serve.”

Being prepared gives you confidence in your ability to give birth.  This series of five classes will provide you and your family with necessary information and skills about pregnancy, childbirth, labor support, newborn care, breastfeeding, and more!  Plus meet the staff of Houlton Regional Hospital’s Obstetrical Unit.

2010 Class Dates:

Course Dates:

Aug 9, 16, 23, 30, (not 9/6) Sept 13, 2010

October 4, (not 10/11), 18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 2010

Time:

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Cost:

$42.00**

Covered By Some Insurance Companies

Location:

The Center for Community Health Education

Houlton Regional Hospital

Instructors:

Alane Rush, RNC, CCE & Cheryl Peabody, RN, CCE

Should the cost of this course prove to be a hardship, scholarships are available through the hospital’s Education Department.  Contact 532-5969 for more information.

To Register or For More Information:

   Please Call 532-5969

Adam joined Houlton Regional Hospital (HRH) in October of 2005 and works at HRH’s outpatient facility, Positive Steps, in the Houlton Shopping Center on the North Road in Houlton.  Adam graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada.  He sat for the State of Maine Physical Therapy Boards and became licensed in August of 2005.  Upon starting his career, Adam would best describe himself as a “generalist” Physical Therapist.  During college you are introduced to all areas of physical therapy but not the opportunity to specialize.    

Orthopedics, however, has always been an area of interest for Adam and an area in which he wanted to pursue further education.  The nearest program he found was the Manual Therapy Institute (MTI) in Manchester, New Hampshire.  In researching this program he realized he would be making a three year commitment to pursue Board Certification.  This program entailed Adam driving to New Hampshire one weekend every other month and upon returning home spending many hours studying and practicing concepts he was learning.  While attending MTI he obtained specialized training in evaluation, testing and treatment procedures with an emphasis on manual therapy, including mobilizations and manipulations.

In September of 2007 Adam made the commitment to attend the MTI and in May 2010 Adam sat and wrote his boards.  In June of 2010 Adam was notified that he had successfully passed his exam, becoming Board Certified as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS).  This specialty is recognized by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.  Adam will be recognized at the Amercian Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting in New Orleans, LA in February of 2011, along with other new clinical specialists.  This specialty is recognized by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.  Adam will be recognized at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting in New Orleans, LA in February of 2011, along with other new clinical specialists.  

Barbara Bossie, Director of Outpatient Services, explains that because of Adam’s commitment and successful completion of the program, we are able to provide the most current and effective standard of treatment to patients with orthopedic problems.

Adam resides with his wife Christina in New Brunswick and is an avid hockey fan playing in a men’s league in Woodstock.

Houlton Regional Hospital, at is recent annual Employee Recognition Banquet, honored Gloria Folsom, LPN, Claire Jipson, Medical Records and Jane Bartlett, Acounts Payable, for their 40 and 35 years respectively.

For many parents, children and students Gloria Folsom’s face and name are very recognizable.  Gloria has worked as an LPN since approximately 1996 in Houlton Pediatrics.  Gloria always knew she wanted to be a nurse.  She graduated from high school on a Friday and started a 2 week Nurses Aide training course with RN Polly Warman on the following Monday.  Gloria fondly credits Polly for encouraging her to continue with her training and success as an LPN.  That same fall Gloria attended the year long LPN course offered at Northern Maine Technical Institute, (now NMCC).  Gloria started her nursing career at Aroostook General Hospital working in all the various departments from OB, Medical/Surgical, Pediatrics and ICU.  She remembers starting in the Obstetrics Department when Houlton Regional Hospital opened its doors in 1976 and upon arriving for the first day had to ask where that ward was located!  Gloria continued to work in OB (floating to various other departments as needed) until going to work for Houlton Pediatrics.  As far as changes over the years, she recalls how much HRH has  changed with the locations of various departments physically moving within the hospital  and the various renovations.   She also has seen the change over from 8 hour shifts to 12 hour shifts.  Working as a nurse was a wonderful career choice for a working mother as shifts could be chosen to work that allowed mothers to be home days when children were younger.  Gloria also remembers the honor of receiving a nomination as Nurse of Year and attending a luncheon in Augusta with Governor McKernan.  Gloria resides in Hodgdon with her husband, Bill.  They have a daughter, Michelle, who works for St. Josephs Womens’ Health Center, and a son, James, who works for Apria Healthcare, 2 grandsons, and more grandchildren expected. 

Claire Jipson remembers the exact day she started working at the former Madigan Hospital in the housekeeping department; June 7, 1975.  In 1976 when Houlton Regional Hospital opened its new facilities she came right along and enjoyed her time in housekeeping.  However, in 1991 she transferred to the phone switchboard and then a few years later moved into Medical Records.  Claire said over the years there have been many changes and “all have been for the good of the patient”.  One of the most significant changes has been the privacy and confidentiality of the patient.  Claire also shared, “I love my job and wouldn’t change a thing”.  Claire resides in Hodgdon with her husband, Hollis, and their family dog.  They have 5 children, 12 grandchildren and 2 great- grandchildren.  

Jane Bartlett started working in the housekeeping department of both the Aroostook General and Madigan Hospitals while in high school, working holidays, weekends and summer vacations.  This was her first “real” job besides picking potatoes!  When she graduated from high school she started working full time and also moved to Houlton Regional Hospital when its new facilities opened.  Jane remained in housekeeping until the early 1980’s when she transferred to the Business Office in Accounts Payable, where she has remained for almost 30 years.  Jane has been happy in her position and never thought about going anywhere else.  She has seen many changes in her position with automization and computers; having past information at her fingertips rather than pouring through logs and old boxes.  Jane resides in Littleton with her husband, Bob.  You will see Jane and Bob in Houlton’s July 4 parade with their collection of Massey Harris Tractors.

What is a Hospitalist? A Hospitalist is a trained physician whose “office” is the hospital and
specializes in caring for patients admitted to the hospital for acute inpatient care. A hospitalist is well-versed in complicated and/or serious health conditions.
Hospitalists will talk to your primary care physician on a frequent basis. At the time of your admission to the hospital, your Primary Care Physician and Hospitalist communicate about your condition. Your Primary Care Physician will share your medical records with the Hospitalist to provide as much information as possible about your illness. The process is similar to what your physician does when he or she refers you to a specialist for another opinion or for additional tests and treatment. Your Primary Care Physician remains your Primary Care Physician.
At discharge your Hospitalist will communicate with your Primary Care Physician to discuss further treatment needs, help arrange follow-up, and prescribe the necessary medications. He or she will send your hospital records to your Primary Care Physician.
The Houlton Regional Hospitalist Team includes four physicians who provide around the clock care, 24 hours a day, seven days a week; Dr. Hassan Abouleish, Dr. Jon Older, Dr. Tom Ryan and Dr. Elizabeth Boogusch. 

With a physician in the hospital at all hours of the day and night, it is easier for you and your family to communicate about your illness.   

Invitation to Parents of Babies Born

May 25, 2009 to May 23, 2010

Join 3000 Maine Babies who have already signed up for their

$500 Harold Alfond College Grant

 Houlton Regional Hospital and FAME are hosting another sign up session for your baby to receive their $500 college grant.  Representatives will be present to assist with the completion of the paperwork and answer any questions you may have.  We would like to emphasize there is no cost or future obligation to receive this $500 College Grant.

Where:             Houlton Regional Hospital’s Center for Community Health Education

When:              Monday, May 24

Time:               6:00pm – 6:30pm        Light Refreshments and time to visit with other new parents

                        6:30pm – 7:30pm        Formal presentation on completing forms

Who:               Parents and babies born at Houlton Regional Hospital from May 24, 2009  to May 23, 2010

Parents, come and bring your babies or enjoy a night out planning for your baby’s future!

RSVP helpful, but not required.  Please contact Janene Moran at Houlton Regional Hospital at 521-2560 for further information or RSVP.

Babies must be registered for this grant prior to their first birthday.  

If you are unable to attend but would still like assistance with your NextGen Application, call Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) at 800-22-83734 or visit www.500forbaby.org.

Houlton Regional Hospital’s Labor & Delivery Unit was recently visited in Honor of Harold Alfond on what would have been his 96^th birthday.  Birthday treats were presented to the staff as a thank you for their commitment in educating parents about the $500 Harold Alfond College Challenge Grant.  Pictured below is Mila Tapan, FAME Representative with the Harold Alfond College Program, Sylvia Forte, RN Manager of LDRP.

Houlton Regional Hospital’s Patients  to use New Emergency Department Entrance and Waiting Area

Now in effect.

The construction and renovation changes have been completed at Houlton Regional Hospital’s new Emergency Department Entrance and Waiting Area.  These recent upgrades and renovations have been made to better accommodate the Emergency Room Services and make a safer environment for our patients, visitors and staff.

 Effective Monday, February 22, all Emergency Department Patients are requested to please enter the hospital through the newly created Emergency Department entrance located on the North Side of the Hospital. 

 Due to this change, the main entrance to the hospital lobby will close nightly from 9:00 p.m. through 7:00 a.m. effective February 22.  All patients, family member and visitors will be required to use the ER entrance from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 

 Additional parking and enhanced lighting have been added to the North Side of the Hospital to accommodate this change in service.  Signs have also been placed to assist in directing patients to the new entrance and parking lot.

Houlton Regional Hospital and Houlton Pediatrics is pleased to announce that Dr. Ray Byers,  

Pediatrician has joined the healthcare providers of Houlton Pediatrics.  

Through a collaborative effort with Katahdin Valley Health Center Dr. Byers will be joining Houlton  

Pediatrics one day a week in our outpatient clinic.  Dr. Byers received his medical training through the Hahnemann University Medical School in Philidelphia, PA, and completed his residency program at Hahnemann Hospital. 

Please welcome Dr. Byers to our team of Dr. Maraya, Dr. Walsh and Larry Tonzi, FNP.  

For an appointment please call the Houlton Pediatrics office at 532-2234.  

Free H1N1 Public Clinic
at Houlton Regional Hospital 

Thursday, January 21, 2010 from 3pm to 6pm
   and
Friday,  January 22, 2010 from 3pm to 6pm

Located both evenings in the Outpatient Specialty Clinic, near the HRH Lobby.