The Northwest team with the distinguished PassyMuir award.
Giving a Voice to Ventilated Patients
Being able to talk during recovery can be game-changing for patients with a breathing tube (or “trach tube”). Northwest Texas Healthcare System is committed to advancing this objective and recently became the first trauma facility in the U.S. to be designated a PassyMuir® Center of Excellence for its work in this area.
The award recognizes outstanding teamwork, education and utilization of the PassyMuir Valve, a device that enables patients to speak and eat while they are on a ventilator. “This gives patients a sense of hope, empowerment and motivation,” says Buffy Buchanan, supervisor of speech pathology. A key to success involved forming a multidisciplinary trach team to care for patients and provide training on the valve. Subsequently, Northwest has seen a decrease in ventilator dependence, a decrease in the occurrence of aspiration pneumonia, and a 50 percent reduction in patients’ length of stay!
Recognized Diabetes Support Here for You!
Did you know that the Northwest Texas Healthcare System (NWTHS) diabetes self-management education program offers support to help you keep your health on track? This service was recently recognized by the American Diabetes Association® for the 23rd straight year for achieving national standards of care.
A free diabetes education class is held the second Thursday of each month for participants who complete a mandatory assessment. Also, other services are offered through the NWTHS Diabetes Center.
Steering Clear of the Jitters
Surgery can be scary. However, thanks to a generous donation of remote-control cars, young patients at Northwest Surgical Hospital can get their minds off their procedure and onto something more fun by driving themselves to the operating room. The miniature cars were donated by Chauncey’s Automotive and are equipped with safety belts and a horn, for use by children between the ages of 3 and 10 years old. “We are hopeful this is something children will look forward to,” says Keisha Bailey, BSN, CNOR, director of surgical services at Northwest.