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	<title>Mercy Hospital</title>
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	<description>At the Heart of Healing</description>
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		<title>Maine Hospital Association and Maine Medical Association in Support of Protection of Peer Review Information</title>
		<link>http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/press-statement-from-maine-hospital-association-and-maine-medical-association-in-support-of-protection-of-peer-review-information-in-state-of-maine-v-ernest-weidul/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/press-statement-from-maine-hospital-association-and-maine-medical-association-in-support-of-protection-of-peer-review-information-in-state-of-maine-v-ernest-weidul/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2012 14:00:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>EljirariJ@mercyme.com</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/?p=4976</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[May 17, 2012 5:00pm The Maine Hospital Association and the Maine Medical Association today announced support for the position of Mercy Hospital in seeking to protect confidential peer review and sentinel event information being sought by the defense in the manslaughter trial of Ernest Weidul. Such records have been granted the protection of confidentiality under]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">May 17, 2012 5:00pm The Maine Hospital Association and the Maine Medical Association today announced support for the position of Mercy Hospital in seeking to protect confidential peer review and sentinel event information being sought by the defense in the manslaughter trial of Ernest Weidul. Such records have been granted the protection of confidentiality under the provisions of Maine&#8217;s Health Security Act, a section of state law that has been in place for more than thirty years. Lawyers for the defendant were seeking not only the medical records of the victim, which would not be subject to the protections of the Act, but also the peer review findings which to the knowledge of MHA and MMA had never been released in a criminal case in Maine. &#8220;The Legislature&#8217;s purpose in establishing confidentiality protections is to ensure that hospitals and their medical and professional staffs engage in critically important, thorough, honest, and frank reviews of the quality of the care they provide to patients without fear that any such quality review information would be disclosed outside of the peer review process,&#8221; stated Steven Michaud, President of the Maine Hospital Association which speaks on behalf of the 39 hospitals in the state. &#8220;Without clear assurances from the Legislature and the Courts that internal peer and quality review activities and sentinel event investigations will be protected as confidential, the possibility and fear of disclosure of such critically sensitive information will have a chilling effect on the integrity of the peer review process to the long-term detriment of patient care and safety,&#8221; he added. Gordon Smith, Executive Vice President of the Maine Medical Association and an attorney who worked with the legislature in drafting the Health Security Act and its amendments, noted that the compelling public policy issues in protecting peer review processes, decisions and documents have been recognized time and time again by state legislatures and courts across the country. &#8220;I am dismayed and very disappointed that after thirty years of experience with the Health Security Act one of its most vital sections could be disregarded despite the clear language in the law that such materials could not be released in any civil, judicial or administrative proceeding. If a criminal trial is not a judicial proceeding, I guess I don&#8217;t know what is.&#8221; Smith said. The Maine Medical Association represents the interests of more than 3500 physicians, residents and medical students in the state. Both organizations praised the efforts of the physicians and administrators at Mercy Hospital who risked being jailed in order to honor the statute and the public policy behind it. &#8220;These health administrators and physicians are heroes in my opinion,&#8221; said Smith. &#8220;They risked personal freedom and harm to their reputation and to that of Mercy </span>Hospital in order to do the right thing, as opposed to the most popular thing.&#8221;</p>
<p align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">Contact: Sandra Parker, Esq., Maine Hospital Association 712-9518 (cell) or Gordon Smith, Esq., Maine Medical Association 215-7461 (cell) </span></p>
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		<title>Best Shot for Youth Free Throw Tournament with the Maine Red Claws</title>
		<link>http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/best-shot-for-youth-free-throw-tournament-with-the-maine-red-claws-honors-a-winning-bunch/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/best-shot-for-youth-free-throw-tournament-with-the-maine-red-claws-honors-a-winning-bunch/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Apr 2012 20:06:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ToppiK@mercyme.com</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/?p=4622</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[PORTLAND, Maine (April 4, 2012) — On Sunday, April 1st, youth from Cumberland and York Counties gathered at the Portland Expo to compete in the Best Shot for Youth free throw tournament accompanied by members of the Maine Red Claws. Maine Red Claws players were on hand to help the participants warm up for the]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>PORTLAND, Maine (April 4, 2012) — On Sunday, April 1st, youth from Cumberland and York Counties gathered at the Portland Expo to compete in the Best Shot for Youth free throw tournament accompanied by members of the Maine Red Claws. Maine Red Claws players were on hand to help the participants warm up for the competition and coach them on technique. Each participant received a free t-shirt and tickets to a Maine Red Claws Game as well as a free sports physical at Mercy Primary Care in Portland or Standish. After three rounds of competition resulting in a final shootout, 16 year old Tim Garett, of Deering High School came out the winner. Tim received Quirk Chevorlet’s box tickets to the Sunday night game.</p>
<p>Mercy Hospital, the exclusive health care provider for the Maine Red Claws, hosts the annual Best Shot for Youth Initiative in partnership with the team to encourage children to stay active. Sponsorship dollars go to funding free sports physicals at Mercy Primary Care locations for students, grades 6-12 who do not have a primary care physician or who are currently patients of Mercy Primary Care. Over 125 physicals were provided over this past year.</p>
<p>This year’s sponsors of the Best Shot for Youth Initiative include: Coca-Cola, Fairchild Semiconductor, Maine Magazine, Quirk Chevrolet and Saint Joseph’s College.</p>
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		<title>Mercy Health System Awarded Gold Seal of Approval from Joint Commission</title>
		<link>http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/mercy-health-system-awarded-gold-seal-of-approval-from-joint-commission/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/mercy-health-system-awarded-gold-seal-of-approval-from-joint-commission/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Apr 2012 20:02:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ToppiK@mercyme.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/?p=4620</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Portland, Maine (April 5, 2012)-Mercy Health System has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ in disease specific certification for its hip and knee replacement program. This certification award means that patients are guaranteed the highest quality of service and care and recognizes Mercy’s dedication to continuous compliance with state of the art standards]]></description>
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<div>Portland, Maine (April 5, 2012)-Mercy Health System has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ in disease specific certification for its hip and knee replacement program. This certification award means that patients are guaranteed the highest quality of service and care and recognizes Mercy’s dedication to continuous compliance with state of the art standards of care. The Joint Commission is the nation&#8217;s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.</div>
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<p>Mercy Health System underwent a rigorous on-site survey on March 2, 2012. A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated the hospital for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients and families&#8211;including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.</p>
<p>“This was truly a team effort by nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, surgeons, anesthesiologists and support staff,” says Heather Skolfield, the Director of Mercy’s Orthopaedic Institute. ”I’m proud of our team effort and the fact that our program stands up against the best in the country. I’ve always believed that we are exceptional and we now have the certification to prove it.”</p>
<p>&#8220;In achieving Joint Commission certification, Mercy has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients undergoing hip and knee replacements,” says Jean Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q. executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, The Joint Commission. “Certification is a voluntary process and I commend Mercy Hospital for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.”</p>
<p>With Joint Commission certification, Mercy is making a significant investment in quality on a day-to-day basis from the top down. Patients and their families can rest assured that they are in the best of hands at the Orthopaedic Institute at Mercy.</p>
<p>“Certification by the Joint Commission is an automatic indicator that patients will receive the highest quality of care. It saves patients and their families the trials and tribulations of trying to assess a program on their own. The gold seal of approval says it all,” says Skolfield.</p>
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		<title>Record Attendance at 7th Annual Gourmet Gala for Gary’s House</title>
		<link>http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/record-attendance-at-7th-annual-gourmet-gala-for-garys-house/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/record-attendance-at-7th-annual-gourmet-gala-for-garys-house/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:59:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ToppiK@mercyme.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/?p=4617</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[PORTLAND, Maine (March 23, 2012) — Mercy’s 7th Annual Gourmet Gala for Gary’s House Food and Wine Extravaganza was a record success Wednesday night at the Holiday Inn by the Bay with over 300 guests in attendance. Local restaurants and vendors competed for bragging rights of best food display, appetizer, entrée, and dessert, as announced]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>PORTLAND, Maine (March 23, 2012) — Mercy’s 7th Annual Gourmet Gala for Gary’s House Food and Wine Extravaganza was a record success Wednesday night at the Holiday Inn by the Bay with over 300 guests in attendance. Local restaurants and vendors competed for bragging rights of best food display, appetizer, entrée, and dessert, as announced by Sam Hayward, James Beard Award winning chef at Fore Street.</p>
<p>Mercy Food Service took home the title for best overall display, The Farmer’s Table won best appetizer with their pasty meat pies, CVC Catering was awarded best entrée for their scallop dish, and Cranberry Island Kitchen knocked the socks of the judges with delectable heart-shaped whoopie pies.</p>
<p>Hosted by comedian Joe Ricchio, the benefit featured live music by the Paper Street Jazz Band, as well as silent and live auctions. Attendees were pleasantly surprised by the success of the new beer tasting event, featuring an array of unique brews.</p>
<p>Restaurants and vendors in attendance included A Moveable Feast, Calendar Island&#8217;s Maine Lobster, Cranberry Island Kitchen, CVC Catering, DiMillo&#8217;s On The Water, Figa, Flour Designs, Frog &amp; Turtle Gastro Pub, Holiday Inn by the Bay, Mercy Food Service, Nosh, The Meat House, Pineland Farms, The Farmer&#8217;s Table, Bon Appetit, Lakonia Greek Products and Zapoteca.</p>
<p>Proceeds from the event benefit Gary’s House—a safe and affordable short-term home for those with a loved one receiving medical treatment in a Portland hospital. Named after Gary Pike who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 1991, Gary’s mother Trudy McNeal spent the seven years after her son’s death gathering the financial support of family and friends to establish a place where families could rest and refresh in quiet comfort when experiencing the ordeal of a critical illness of a loved one.</p>
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		<title>Mercy CEO named AHA 2012 Grassroots Champion</title>
		<link>http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/mercy-ceo-named-aha-2012-grassroots-champion/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/mercy-ceo-named-aha-2012-grassroots-champion/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:03:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ToppiK@mercyme.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/?p=4597</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Portland, Maine (March 29, 2012) – Mercy Hospital’s President &#38; CEO, Eileen Skinner, has been awarded the 2012 Grassroots Champion award by the American Hospital Association as nominated by the Maine Hospital Association. She will accept her award in Washington D.C. on May 8. This award recognizes the achievements of grassroots leaders who have worked]]></description>
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<div>Portland, Maine (March 29, 2012) – Mercy Hospital’s President &amp; CEO, Eileen Skinner, has been awarded the 2012 Grassroots Champion award by the American Hospital Association as nominated by the Maine Hospital Association. She will accept her award in Washington D.C. on May 8.</div>
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<p>This award recognizes the achievements of grassroots leaders who have worked over the previous year to effectively deliver their hospital’s message to elected officials, broaden the base of community support for hospitals, and tirelessly advocate on behalf of patients, hospitals, and communities.</p>
<p>Just one hospital leader from each state is recognized each year for their dedication to the hospital mission on both a local and national level. Skinner will receive her award at the 7th Annual Breakfast of Grassroots Champions on May 8, 2012, at the Washington Hilton Hotel during the AHA Annual Membership Meeting.</p>
<p>“I am honored to receive this prestigious award recognizing the work I do for the Maine hospital communities on a state and national level,” said Eileen Skinner, President &amp; CEO of Mercy Health System of Maine. “It has always been my goal as a leader to provide advocacy, education, information, and support for the communities we serve, our patients, and our staff.</p>
<p>Skinner has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Mercy Health System of Maine since 2002. Over the last decade, she has helped strategically reposition Mercy to meet the changing health care needs of the greater Portland community. Her accomplishments include an expansion of Mercy’s presence and reach throughout Southern Maine, construction of a third campus and state-of-the art hospital building, broadening the network of Mercy primary care facilities throughout Cumberland County, development of an expanded range of express care and specialty practices, and increasing the scope of home care programs.</p>
<p>Skinner has also led the organization to “Tier One” status with the State of Maine Employees Health Commission, an accolade awarded to Mercy as a low-cost, high-quality provider for five consecutive years.</p>
<p>She is a member of the Maine Chamber of Commerce, the Portland Community Chamber, and the City Manager’s Portland Business Advisory Council. She has also chaired a Crime Prevention Task Force for the Portland Chamber and is well-recognized throughout Maine as an advocate for the poor and disadvantaged. She is also active on a number of task forces and committees, including several strategic committees of Catholic Health East, the parent company of Mercy Health System of Maine.</p>
<p>Prior to assuming her leadership role at Mercy, Skinner was Executive Vice President of Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation and CEO of Ochsner Foundation Hospital, a 440-bed teaching hospital in New Orleans. She holds a BS degree in Medical Technology and Master’s Degree in Health Administration from Tulane University.</p>
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		<title>Best Shot for Youth Free Throw Tournament with the Maine Red Claws</title>
		<link>http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/best-shot-for-youth-free-throw-tournament-with-the-maine-red-claws/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/best-shot-for-youth-free-throw-tournament-with-the-maine-red-claws/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Mar 2012 19:41:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>EljirariJ@mercyme.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Community Events]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/?p=4535</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[PORTLAND, Maine (March 14, 2012) — Mercy Hospital, the official healthcare provider for the Maine Red Claws, kicks off its annual Best Shot for Youth Initiative with its popular free throw tournament April 1, at 12:30 p.m. at the Portland Expo. The tournament is open to all York and Cumberland County student grades 6-12 at]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/5775Best_Shot_for_Youth.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-4538 alignleft" style="margin: 6px 4px;" title="Best_Shot_for_Youth" src="http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/5775Best_Shot_for_Youth-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>PORTLAND, Maine (March 14, 2012) — Mercy Hospital, the official healthcare provider for the Maine Red Claws, kicks off its annual Best Shot for Youth Initiative with its popular free throw tournament April 1, at 12:30 p.m. at the Portland Expo. The tournament is open to all York and Cumberland County student grades 6-12 at no cost. Kids can try out their basketball skills, learn new tips, meet members of the Red Claws coaching staff and 50 students will have a chance to win two tickets each to the final Maine Red Claws games of the season.</p>
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<p>What: Best Shot for Youth Free Throw Tournament<br />
Who: All youth are eligible to participate<br />
Where: Portland Expo. 239 Park Ave in Portland<br />
When: April 1, 2012 at 12:30-2:00 pm.<br />
Highlights: Red Claws team members, coaches and Crusher on hand; prizes awarded including Red Claws tickets</p>
<p>For information on how to participate in the tournament, please contact redclaws@mercyme.com or 207-879-3144.</p>
<p>Now in its 4th year, the Best Shot for Youth Initiative raises funds through its sponsors to provide free sports physicals at Mercy Primary Care locations for students, grades 6-12 who do not have a primary care physician or who are currently patients of Mercy Primary Care. Over 125 physicals were provided over this past year.</p>
<p>Mercy Hospital and the Maine Red Claws joined together to establish the Best Shot for Youth Initiative, a special effort to give children a better shot at staying active, healthy, and safe in their communities. This year’s sponsors of the Best Shot for Youth Initiative include: Coca-Cola, Fairchild Semiconductor, Maine Magazine, Quirk Chevrolet and St. Joseph’s College.</p>
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		<title>Mercy Hospital Executive Recognized at Go Red for Women Luncheon</title>
		<link>http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/mercy-hospital-executive-recognized-at-go-red-for-women-luncheon/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/mercy-hospital-executive-recognized-at-go-red-for-women-luncheon/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:06:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>EljirariJ@mercyme.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Cardiology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/?p=4335</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[PORTLAND, Maine (March 7, 2012) — Eileen Skinner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Health System of Maine, was honored yesterday with the American Heart Association’s 2012 Crystal Heart Award for her continued support and promotion of the organization’s mission. The 7th annual Go Red For Women Luncheon and Educational Forum was hosted by]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Physician-Portal-Pic.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4362" title="Dr. Craig Brett, Eileen Skinner, Dr. Wayne Kruithoff " src="http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Physician-Portal-Pic.jpg" alt="" width="287" height="191" /></a><br />
PORTLAND, Maine (March 7, 2012) — Eileen Skinner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Health System of Maine, was honored yesterday with the American Heart Association’s 2012 Crystal Heart Award for her continued support and promotion of the organization’s mission.</p>
<p>The 7th annual Go Red For Women Luncheon and Educational Forum was hosted by the American Heart Association at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland. The goal of the luncheon was to educate the local community about women’s heart health and to raise $250,000 in support of awareness, research, and community programs to combat cardiovascular diseases among women.</p>
<p>Eileen Skinner’s involvement with the American Heart Association began in 2009 when she chaired the Southern Maine Heart Walk before chairing a Crime Prevention Task Force for the Portland Community Chamber. Today, Skinner serves on the City Manager’s Portland Business Advisory Council, the Community Policing Advisory Board, and several community boards including the Hanley Center for Health Leadership Board of Directors, Maine State Chamber, and Associated Health Resources, Inc. Board of Directors.</p>
<p>“I’m honored to receive the Crystal Heart Award,” said Eileen Skinner. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, and I strongly believe in the advocacy of preventive choices like a healthy diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking.”</p>
<p>The Go Red For Women Luncheon is presented nationally by Macy’s and Merck and locally by Maine Goes Red statewide partner Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. The Luncheon is presented locally by Bank of America.</p>
<p>Mercy Health System of Maine has a specialized Cardiology team known as Mercy Cardiology and is located on the 5th floor of the Mercy State Street campus. Featuring a hand-picked team of experienced, board-certified cardiologists, each with their own special expertise in the management of cardiac disease, Mercy Cardiology offers a full spectrum of cardiac care.</p>
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		<title>Breast Care Specialists of Maine Honored at Red Claws “Pink Night”</title>
		<link>http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/breast-care-specialists-of-maine-honored-at-red-claws-pink-night/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/breast-care-specialists-of-maine-honored-at-red-claws-pink-night/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:11:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>EljirariJ@mercyme.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Breast Care]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/?p=4205</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[PORTLAND, Maine (February 17, 2012) — Breast Care Specialists of Maine, a department of Mercy Health System, the exclusive health care provider for the Red Claws, was presented with the TD Bank Home Court Hero Award last night at the Maine Red Claws “Pink Night” for Breast Cancer Awareness. Sharon Leddy-Smart, a breast cancer survivor,]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p align="left">PORTLAND, Maine (February 17, 2012) — Breast Care Specialists of Maine, a department of Mercy Health System, the exclusive health care provider for the Red Claws, was presented with the TD Bank Home Court Hero Award last night at the Maine Red Claws “Pink Night” for Breast Cancer Awareness. Sharon Leddy-Smart, a breast cancer survivor, presented Doctors Suzanne Hoekstra and Melinda Molin with the award.</p>
<p align="left">This inaugural “Pink Night” was aimed at raising awareness for breast cancer and breast health. Red Claws players donned pink jerseys throughout the game; pink tee-shirts were tossed to spectators, and even “Crusher”, Maine’s favorite crustacean mascot got in the spirit wearing pink in celebration of breast cancer awareness.</p>
<p align="left">Nationally accredited and recognized as one of the highest performing breast centers in the country, Breast Care Specialists of Maine has built a track record of success in providing effective treatment around breast health issues for over fifteen years. Dr. Melinda Molin founded the program in 1996, which provides a complete spectrum of breast care services, from regular screenings and diagnostic testing, to help in preparing for surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. All of its many services are offered in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere designed with patient privacy and comfort in mind.</p>
<p align="left">Mercy takes great pride in their program’s dedication to women’s health. “Mercy’s breast health services are extensive,” says Eileen Skinner, President &amp; CEO of Mercy Health System of Maine. “Our main goal is simple— to do anything and everything to support individuals with breast health concerns and to make sure patients understand exactly what is going on with their bodies.”</p>
<p align="left">Breast Care Specialists of Maine received a full three-year accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) in 2011, which is administered by the American College of Surgeons. Only breast centers that provide the highest level of diagnosis and treatment nationally are eligible for this distinction.</p>
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		<title>Karin Cole, M.D. Surgical Oncologist, Joins Mercy’s Portland Surgical Associates</title>
		<link>http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/karin-cole-m-d-and-surgical-oncologist-joins-mercy%e2%80%99s-portland-surgical-associates/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/karin-cole-m-d-and-surgical-oncologist-joins-mercy%e2%80%99s-portland-surgical-associates/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:21:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Surgical Team]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/?p=1448</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Portland, Maine (October 11, 2011) – Dr. Karin Cole, a board certified General Surgeon with fellowship training in Surgical Oncology, recently joined Portland Surgical Associates, part of Mercy Health System and its growing community of health care providers. “The demand for well-trained and experienced surgical oncologists is high.  We are honored to have Dr. Cole return]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Portland, Maine (October 11, 2011) – Dr. Karin Cole, a board certified General Surgeon with fellowship training in Surgical Oncology, recently joined <a title="Portland Surgical Associates" href="http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/health-care-services/surgical-services/portland-surgical-associates/">Portland Surgical Associates,</a> part of Mercy Health System and its growing community of health care providers.<span id="more-1448"></span></p>
<p>“The demand for well-trained and experienced surgical oncologists is high.  We are honored to have Dr. Cole return to Maine and join our team as part of Portland Surgical Associates. She is a talented surgeon and compassionate provider who is sure to give our patients the clinical excellence they expect from Mercy and our cancer care practices,” said Eileen Skinner, President and CEO of Mercy Health System of Maine.</p>
<p>Dr. Cole, originally from Rockport, Maine, attended college at Tulane University in New Orleans and medical school at Tufts University in Boston. She completed residency in general surgery at Abington Memorial Hospital in Abington, PA, serving as administrative chief resident during her fifth year.  Most recently, Dr. Cole finished a two-year clinical fellowship in surgical oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where she worked with leaders in surgery of the pancreas and the liver, as well as regional chemotherapy and minimally invasive cancer surgery.</p>
<p>“When you take care of cancer patients,” says Dr. Cole, “you take a journey with each of them.  Going through the ups and downs is very challenging but it’s also what makes my job so rewarding.”</p>
<p>Dr. Cole says she is happy to be part of an organization devoted to the community it serves.</p>
<p>“At Mercy, there really is a personalized approach to each patient, from the nurses to the operating room staff, everyone is so caring. The people here take the mission of Mercy seriously.  It’s not just an empty sentiment.”</p>
<p>Dr. Cole has published clinical papers in the areas of breast cancer, cystic lesions of the pancreas, surgical education, diverticulitis, and trauma surgery. Her particular areas of expertise include tumors of the pancreas, metastatic tumors of the liver, peritoneal carcinomatosis, tumors of the endocrine organs, and surgical care of the geriatric patient.</p>
<p>Portland Surgical Associates, which includes some of the area’s most accomplished surgeons, is located at Mercy’s Fore River campus.</p>
<p><strong>About Mercy Health System of Maine </strong></p>
<p>Mercy Health System of Maine is a growing community of healthcare providers who provide clinically-excellent, compassionate care.  A recognized leader in quality, safety, innovation and patient experience, Mercy operates campuses throughout southern Maine, offering a broad range of medical and surgical services, as well as primary and specialty care.  The story of Mercy includes Mercy Hospital, Gary’s House, McAuley Residence, Mercy Recovery Center, and VNA Home Health &amp; Hospice. For more information, please call (207) 879-3486.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Mercy Cardiology expands quality care capabilities</title>
		<link>http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/mercy-cardiology-expands-quality-care-capabilities/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/mercy-cardiology-expands-quality-care-capabilities/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:56:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Cardiology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/?p=1439</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Portland, Maine (July 5, 2011) — To better serve the health care needs of the Greater Portland area and around the state, Mercy Health System of Maine, a comprehensive provider of health care services, announces the opening of Mercy Cardiology, a premier practice located at Mercy Hospital, 144 State Street, 5th Floor in Portland. Leading]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Portland, Maine (July 5, 2011) — To better serve the health care needs of the Greater Portland area and around the state, Mercy Health System of Maine, a comprehensive provider of health care services, announces the opening of Mercy Cardiology, a premier practice located at Mercy Hospital, 144 State Street, 5th Floor in Portland.<span id="more-1439"></span></p>
<p>Leading this new practice is well-known Portland cardiologist, Dr Craig Brett and his hand-picked team of cardiologists who bring to the practice their own special expertise in the management of cardiac disease. Drs. Fred Poulin and Wayne Kruithoff, also of Portland, and Dr. Jon Eddinger from Portsmouth, NH will all join Mercy Cardiology as an elite team of specialists providing a wide spectrum of cardiology services for both the hospital and outpatient settings.</p>
<p>The physicians of Mercy Cardiology are all experienced, board certified cardiologists whose expertise runs the gamut of cardiac care, including nuclear cardiology, echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, coronary CT scanning, and advanced lipidology.</p>
<p>Dr. Brett stated why patients would choose Mercy Cardiology; “With the advent of this practice, Mercy Hospital can provide high quality, personalized, cardiac care utilizing the latest technology in diagnostic testing and therapies.” Brett continued, “Mercy Hospital has made a significant investment in acquiring the right physicians, staff, office space and equipment to create a top cardiology practice and our patients will benefit greatly from this.”</p>
<p>By establishing an in-house practice at Mercy, patients will have more choice in the community on where to seek cardiology services. The well-known Mercy Hospital Emergency Department and Express Care practices throughout the Greater Portland and Southern Maine area will also benefit from having the 24/7 coverage by the new Mercy Cardiology practice.</p>
<p>“With heart disease being the leading cause of death nationally for both men and women, according to the CDC, adding this practice is essential in order for Mercy to effectively serve patients across the continuum of care,” said Eileen Skinner, President and CEO of Mercy. “Mercy Cardiology will enhance our ability to continue to provide an integrated approach to care and delivery, which is in line with our mission to deliver clinically excellent and compassionate care for all stages of a person’s life.”</p>
<p>To learn more about Mercy Cardiology, call 879-3770 or email.</p>
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