Initiatives

Following the greatest need for Methodist Hospital and the community, the Foundation funds large capital projects and new services called initiatives.  We desire to partner with ongoing and established programs where we can make a major impact on the greatest number of patients.

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 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 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 applying for the Methodist Hospital Nursing Scholarship, contact Diane Pirollo, Executive Director at dpirollo@methodisthospitalfdn.org

Brandon Brooks of KYW Newsradio monitored by Mary Lou O’Neill, RN, Cardiac Rehab

Outpatient Cardiac Rehab

The Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation program at Methodist Hospital has been critical to long-term wellness. Heading into its 33rd year, the program is the only monitored cardiovascular wellness program of its kind in the Philadelphia region—patients learn proper nutrition, smoking cessation techniques, better stress management and individualized exercise routines.

“The Foundation helped us grow the program for not only patients with heart disease, but community members who also want to facilitate positive behavioral changes,” the program’s Medical Director, David M. Shipon, MD, FACC, said.

Endoscopy Suite includes a two patient prep area, two procedure rooms, and a 6 bay recovery area

Endoscopy Suite

The Foundation responded when the Board was presented with the facts of an increase in colon cancer among the aging population in South Philadelphia. The Endoscopy Suite helps to save lives by the early detection of colon cancer.

With the most advanced technologies for colonoscopy, we can improve detection of polyps and reduce inconvenience for patients who need colon cancer screenings.

Learn The Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors

• Age 50 or older • African descent • Women who have had breast, ovary, or uterine cancer • Personal or family history of polyps • Irritable bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease • Diets high in animal protein and saturated fats and low in fiber • Sedentary lifestyle • Obesity • Diabetes • Heavy smoking and/or alcohol use • Lack of scheduling regular colonoscopies to screen for polyps

The boards “tell” nurses when it is time for hourly rounds through a color-coded system

Electronic Communication Boards – Surgical Unit

This state-of-the-art communication tool delivers a higher level of patient care.  A 50-plus-inch screen at the nurses’ station, a tablet hung by a patient’s door and a 42-inch screen in the patient’s room offer comprehensive, legible, language-specific overview of a patient daily schedule — that benefits patient and nurse alike.