North Arundel scores 94 out of 100 points in panel's...

North Arundel scores 94 out of 100 points in panel's evaluation

North Arundel Hospital received 94 out of 100 points in an evaluation of patient care last month by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

Over three days, the commission visited departments within the hospital and toured facilities to evaluate patient assessment, education, organization performance, leadership, management of human resources, information and care environment, surveillance, and prevention and control of infection. The evaluators found no deficiencies that merited a recommendation for change.

The commission evaluates nearly 19,000 health care programs nationwide, each of which must be surveyed every three years to maintain its accreditation.

Medical center receives high-tech X-ray system

Anne Arundel Medical Center has acquired new Picture Archiving Computer System (PACS) X-ray technology, and an FDA-approved digital mammography device, the Senographe 2000D, hospital officials announced.

AAMC is one of the first hospitals in the region to use PACS, which allows X-rays to be electronically displayed on computer monitors throughout the hospital, and is the only nonmilitary hospital on the East Coast that has the Senographe 2000D, officials said.

The Senographe 2000D creates a three-dimensional mammogram image, provides quicker results and offers more accurate screenings.

Health department offers skin cancer kit for kids

The county heath department is offering free "Kids Health Kits" to educate children about protecting themselves against skin cancer.

The kit includes facts about the sun and skin cancer; information on protecting skin with sunscreen, clothing and hats; a laminated "Save Your Skin" bookmark; and a sample of sunscreen. Recipes for "Healthy Foods Your Kids Will Love" and information about eating enough fruits and vegetables are also featured.

To obtain a free kit: Learn to Live cancer prevention line, 410- 222-7979.

People

New director: North Arundel Hospital welcomes Janette Brown as director of nursing for the hospital's subacute unit. Brown, who formerly worked as director of nursing at Lorien Frankford Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Baltimore, will be responsible for managing the department's daily clinical operations, maintaining the unit's operating budget and recruitment of nurses, and ensuring that health care standards are met.

Calendar

Back to school: Anne Arundel County Department of Health is offering free back-to-school immunization clinics from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow at Odenton Health Center, 1370 Odenton Road. Information: 410-222-6660; 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 22 at Glen Burnie Health Center, 416 A St. Information: 410-222-6633; 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 22 at Annapolis Health Center, 3 Harry Truman Parkway. Information: 410-222-7247.

Hospital sale: Encore Thrift Shop, sponsored by the Laurel Regional Hospital Auxiliary, will hold a bag sale this month at the shop at 900 Montgomery St. For $5, visitors can fill a bag with men's, women's and children's clothing and shoes. Hours will be 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Proceeds go toward the purchase of hospital equipment. Information: 301-776-4656.

Foot screening: A free foot screening by podiatrist John Murphy will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. tomorrow at North Arundel's storefront at Arundel Mills, between mall entrance No. 4 and Jillian's. No appointments are necessary. Information: 443-755-8773.

Children's disorders: Pediatrician Trevor Valentine will present a lecture on developmental disorders, including attention deficit disorder and dyslexia, at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow in the Padussis Conference Center at North Arundel Hospital. Reservations: 410- 787-4367.

Diabetes: North Arundel Hospital will conduct a discussion on diabetes from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday at its Arundel Mills storefront. Certified diabetes educator Pat Meidenbauer will answer questions on the disease and offer educational material. Information: 443-755-8773.

Fibromyalgia: Chiropractor Edward Bartlinski will conduct a free workshop on fibromyalgia at 6:45 p.m. Thursday at 8131 Ritchie Highway, Suite G, Glen Burnie. Learn about the causes of fibromyalgia and drug-free treatments. Reservations: 410-647-2225.

Pain management: A free pain management presentation by members of the Anne Arundel Medical Center's Pain Management Team will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday on the second floor of the Sajak Pavilion at AAMC's Medical Park campus. Members will discuss types of pain and methods of treatment, and answer questions about pain management. Registration: 410-573- 5490 or 1-800-MD-NURSE.