The Jefferson
Surgical Center, begun more than 10 years ago at Thomas Jefferson
University Hospital, has performed its 50,000th outpatient
procedure.
The 50,000th patient, Arlene Barag, 55, of Holland, Pa., came to the center to correct a nasal airway obstruction to improve her breathing. The procedure was performed by Herbert Kean, MD, Clinical Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Jefferson Medical College (JMC).
(Photo: 50,000th patient treated by the Jefferson Surgical Center, Arlene Barag, of Holland, Pa., with her doctor, Herbert Kean, MD, Clinical Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Jefferson Medical College (JMC), at left, and Jay J. Williams, MD, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, JMC, Center Medical Director. Robert Neroni Photography)
Coincidentally, Dr. Kean performed the first procedure at the surgical center when the facility opened in 1986.
Reflecting on the 50,000th patient milestone, Dr. Kean says: "From the very first procedure, I have always felt very confident and secure, working with a very professional, well-trained center staff. And patients appreciate spending no more than four hours here instead of overnight in the hospital."
The Jefferson Surgical Center opened in the new Medical Office Building (MOB) July 7, 1986, to provide patients with a full range of outpatient surgical procedures including orthopaedic, gynecological, urologic, facial, ophthalmologic and general surgical. The center is the only freestanding facility of its kind in Philadelphia.
A Jefferson First
In fact, Jefferson "might have been among the first to recognize the need for a surgicenter which so precisely fits patients and their needs to the right facility," says Francis E. Rosato, MD, The Samuel D. Gross Professor of Surgery and Chairman of the Department.
"Having the surgicenter enables us to better match our inpatient and outpatient resources and so direct patients to the facility that best meets their needs. For nearly 12 years, this has been a winning situation for everybody," Dr. Rosato says.
Medical Director for the center since its opening is Jay J. Williams, MD, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, JMC, who says: "We have found that patients enjoy using the services of the Surgical Center because of the quality of care, and the convenience and efficiency of the center's features."
Of the 50,000 procedures performed since its opening, there have been 21,035 general surgeries. In addition, there have been 12,401 gynecological procedures, 4,546 head and neck procedures and 3,733 hand surgeries.
Patient-Centered Focus
Donna J. Barbot, MD, Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery, JMC, has performed many of the surgical procedures at the center.
"The most recurring theme I hear from patients is how wonderfully they are treated at the surgicenter and how the staff makes them feel relaxed and comfortable no matter how much anxiety they may have," says Dr. Barbot.
"Providing family visitors with a pager so they can take a break away from the waiting room is a wonderful feature. I'm always amazed at how many people take advantage of this chance to go for a walk or window shop to help them relax at a stressful time," she adds.
Lisa L. Lang, Surgical Center Supervisor, says that patients also especially appreciate the personalized phone calls they receive from nursing staff both before and after surgery.
And Karen F. Oxler, RN, MSN, Vice President, Perioperative Services, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, observes that "At the center, often we now do as outpatient surgery what previously required from one to three days of inpatient hospital stays. But it's the staff at the surgicenter that provides the caring link that enables patients and their families to 'enjoy' their experience."