Two members of the Methodist Hospital’s staff gave updates on happenings at the hospital. KC Tan, MD, a Board Certified Radiolgist, has been at the Hospital since March. Strokes are leading cause of death in the United States. Today advancements have been made and strokes are treatable. Dr. Tam explained a procedure he employs using a catheter to go through the groin to the brain to mechanically remove the blood clot, which is causing the stroke. Early detection is very important. Dr. Tan used the acronym FAST to help detect a stroke. F=Facial drooping, A=Arm weakness, S=Speech difficulties, and T=Time, If any of the symptoms are showing, time is of the essence. Get emergency help immediately. Dr. Tan explained some of the advancements that are being made in medical procedures and possibilities for the future. Dr. Tan’s capabilities are enhancing the stroke care at Methodist Hospital.
Dan Ausman, President and CEO, gave an update. The Hospital has been highly ranked by many groups and commissions and has been given many quality and safety awards. Last year there were 58,000 visits in the emergency department, 25,000 outpatient visits, more than 16,000 hospital admissions, 6000 surgeries and 1800 newborn deliveries. There are 600 physicians on the medical staff and 1500 fulltime employees. The hospital’s yearly revenue is $300,000,000 and it cost $680,000 each day to open the doors. In the last two years the Colorectal Institute and the GYN Oncology Institute have been opened. The Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit is being relocated to the Berger tower and is increasing in size from 30 beds to 40 beds.
Dan thanked the citizens of Arcadia, and the Rotary club specifically, for the support given to the hospital over the years. He is looking forward to a great future for Arcadia Methodist Hospital.