Lisa Cammisa, RT (R) (M), checking a breast scan in the Women's Diagnostic Center

Women's Diagnostic Center
In response to the increased need for comprehensive women's services in South Philadelphia, the Foundation funded the Women's Diagnostic Center.

A mammogram is the first line of defense in identifying irregularities within the breast. With a waiting list of 6, or even 10 months at area hospitals, timely access to a mammogram was a critical need for South Philadelphia women.

The Foundation funding of a new Women's Diagnostic Center allows women to schedule an appointment within weeks of their initial call. Mammogram services were expanded to accommodate more than 12,000 women each year, a 40 percent increase.

The Center also provided a full range of Diagnostic Imaging, all in one place, all at one time, and offers digital mammography, breast biopsies, computer aided detection, BSGI, Ultrasound, MRI and Dexascan bone density testing.

Herminio Lopez, technician Eladio Vasquer and Mignelina Clark, RN in the state-of-the-art Acute Kidney Dialysis Unit

Acute Dialysis Unit
With an aging population and rising rates of hypertension and diabetes in our community, South Philadelphia experienced higher demand from patients for kidney dialysis during their hospital stay.

The Foundation met that challenge and funded a state-of-the-art Acute Kidney Dialysis Unit. Dialysis is an artificial process for removing waste products and excess fluids from the body, a process that is imperative when the kidneys are not functioning properly. The incidence of chronic kidney disease grew to 13 percent of the adult U.S. population in 2004.

The Unit has state-of-the-art treatment stations with comfortable reclining chairs in a restful environment. Patients are cared for by attentive, compassionate staff members who are specialists in the field of renal dialysis.

Nursing Scholarship recipient Phan Trinh, RN

Community Nursing
Quality nursing is a constant need in our community. But many times the financial burden makes it impossible for qualified and committed students to afford nursing school.

To ensure that these students, with so much to give can pursue their dream, the Foundation funds nursing scholarships. This ongoing commitment strengthens our ability to staff Methodist Hospital with professional nurses and fulfill our mission to serve the healthcare needs of our neighbors. The Scholarships provide tuition assistance at an accredited nursing program of the applicant’s choice. A commitment to work at Methodist Hospital for an agreed upon length of service is required.

To inquire about the Methodist Hospital Nursing Scholarship program, contact Diane Pirollo, Vice President Foundation Development at dpirollo@methodisthospitalfdn.org