News from Weeks Medical Center

Spring 2012

2 Fernand Gregoire: An Orthopedic Testimonial

3 Understanding Incontinence

4 Comprehensive Cancer Care

5 Latest Digital Mammography System

Electronic Medical Records Implemented

6 Weeks Honors Dr. Leblanc

New Patient Portal Access

7 Memory Bears

8 Events

Primary Care Practices and Northwoods Home Health & Hospice

Community HealthLink is

published four times a year

by Weeks Medical Center.

For more information, visit

www.weeksmedical.org or

call 603-788-4911.

HealthLinkCommunity

HealthLinkCommunity

Orthopedic Care Center at Weeks Medical CenterRelieve Pain and Restore Quality of LifeAfter years of hip pain, Fernand Gregoire was diagnosed with severe hip arthritis and was

referred to the Orthopedic Care Center at Weeks Medical Center. After a full hip replacement

last summer, Fernand is now pain free and has returned to his favorite recreational activity…

dancing. Using the latest in surgical and rehabilitation techniques, the Orthopedic Care

Center is committed to saving and restoring a patient’s quality of life.

The Center offers a full spectrum of medical care devoted to the diagnosis, treatment,

rehabilitation and prevention of injuries or disease that affect the body’s musculoskeletal

system. Board-certi� ed orthopedic physician, Dr. Paul Kamins, is highly experienced in

performing state-of-the-art procedures and surgery.

Dr. Kamins is supported by an excellent

orthopedic team, including Anna Linglebach-

Lorenz, a Certi� ed Physician Assistant, skilled

nurses, and rehabilitation therapists. Whether a

patient needs enhanced rehabilitation, an injection,

custom bracing or a surgical procedure, the skilled

and compassionate orthopedic staff works as a team

to provide a full spectrum of services for children

through seniors.

One of the procedures commonly performed by

Orthopedic Care Center Offers State-of-the-Art Specialized Care:

• General orthopedic care• Shoulder, elbow, wrist

and hand treatment• Hip, knee, ankle and foot

treatment• Total joint replacement• Arthroscopic surgery• Sports medicine

Lorraine Henry, Dr. Paul Kamins, Fernand Gregoire, John Gilbert, and Anna Linglebach-Lorenz, PA-C

continued on page 2

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Dr. Kamins for osteoarthritis of the knee is a simple injection

called viscosupplement or steroids. It is an in-of� ce procedure

that only takes a few minutes with minimal discomfort. The

injection supplements the knee � uid to relieve the pain and

improve the knee joint’s natural shock absorbing abilities and

reduces in� ammation.

Dr. Kamins also performs arthroscopy of the knee, ankle

and shoulder. Arthroscopy involves the use of pencil-sized

surgical tools and a � ber optic camera that is inserted into

the joint through a very small incision, rather than the large

incision needed for traditional surgery. For most people,

arthroscopy means a speedier recovery, less scarring, and

fewer complications than open surgery.

For patients who are in constant hip or knee pain and

have a signi� cant decrease in mobility that affects quality

of life, Dr. Kamins routinely performs hip and knee joint

replacements. Total hip and knee replacements are usually a

result of progressive, severe arthritis in the joint. Using joint

replacement procedures and the latest pain management

methods, a damaged knee or hip can be removed and replaced

with an arti� cial implant.

For patients requiring surgery, the care is highly personalized

from pre-surgery through post-surgical rehabilitation. The

unique postsurgical unit at Weeks allows a patient to remain

at the hospital for both skilled nursing care and professional

in-house rehabilitation. The team of medical professionals

and therapists remain involved throughout the healing

process to ensure the fastest, healthiest and most complete

recovery possible. ■

For more information or to make an appointment, call your Weeks’ primary care physician or the Orthopedic |

Care Center at 603-788-5260.

Orthopedic Care Center (continued from page 1)

Two-Step CareWeeks Ortho and Rehab Team Don’t Miss a Beat

After years of farming his 30 acre

tree farm on Todd Hill in Canaan, VT,

Fernand Gregoire had serious issues with

one of his hips and knew it was time to

have a full hip replacement. About a

year ago, he turned to Dr. Paul Kamins

at Weeks Orthopedic Center for the

surgery. He spent approximately seven

days in the hospital after surgery where

he received extensive physical therapy.

“Dr. Kamins and the entire orthopedic

team were fantastic,” says Fernand.

“And because I had to learn how to walk

again, the rehabilitation therapists were

critical to my full recovery. Dr. Kamins

even came to visit me over the weekend

while I was in the hospital. It wasn’t long

before I returned to my favorite pastime...

dancing. Within three weeks of surgery,

we were slow dancing and withing three

months we were dancing the

two-step and polka at the

American Legion in Canaan.

I can’t give enough praise to

the Weeks Orthopedic Group

and have already referred several

of my friends to Dr. Kamins!” ■

months we were dancing the

American Legion in Canaan.

I can’t give enough praise to

the Weeks Orthopedic Group

and have already referred several

of my friends to Dr. Kamins!” ■

Within three months of the surgery, we were dancing the two-step and polka…Raymonde & Fernand Gregoire

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HealthLinkCommunity

Urinary incontinence is a common

yet often debilitating condition for more

than 12 million people in the United

States. Women experience incontinence

twice as often as men as a result of

pregnancy, childbirth, hysterectomy and

menopause. Though women may develop

incontinence during their lifetime, it is not

a normal condition associated with aging.

Fortunately, there are many treatment

options available to women of all ages.

What is incontinence?

Incontinence is the accidental release of

urine and can occur when you cough,

sneeze, laugh or exercise. Incontinence

can also occur when you have a sudden

urge to go to the bathroom but cannot

get there in time. The two most common

types of incontinence are stress and urge.

Stress incontinence is caused by

childbirth, weight gain or other conditions

in which the bladder is no longer properly

supported by the pelvic � oor muscles.

As a result, the bladder drops. The added

pressure when you cough, laugh or sneeze

causes urine to leak.

Urge incontinence is loss of urine that

follows the sensation of an urge to urinate

caused by bladder spasms. Some women

have no warning before they accidentally

leak urine. Overactive bladder is a type of

urge incontinence.

Dr. Lars Nielson, OB/GYN and

Gina Bedell, ARNP, offer non-surgical

evaluations and treatment options for

patients with urinary incontinence,

over active bladder, stress or urgency

incontinence, and mixed incontinence

at Weeks Medical Center. One of the

treatments offered is Pelvic Floor

Rehabilitation. The treatment consists

of eight visits where the patient has

biofeedback monitoring to evaluate

strength and endurance of the pelvic

muscles. Counseling is provided on

how to ensure patients are isolating the

pelvic muscles verses the abdominal

muscles.

Urodynamic is a diagnostic procedure

that is done for patients with lower

urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This

evaluation can provide information to

assist with a treatment plan and is most

often ordered when patients have signs

or symptoms that do not correlate. It is

also useful for patients with spinal cord

injuries because they can be at risk for

high pressures in the bladder which can

cause kidney damage.

Other conditions include:

• Urinary retention

• Indwelling catheters

• Pre-urological surgery

• Dysfunctional voiding

The Urgent PC Neuromodulation

System is a nerve stimulator that treats

overactive bladder and associated

symptoms of urinary urgency, urinary

frequency and urge incontinence. It

works by inserting a � ne needle in the

ankle near the tibial nerve. The needle

is then attached to a stimulator that

provides a small amount of current. This

stimulates the tibial nerve, which will

then stimulate nerves to the sacral nerve

plexus in the pelvis. By stimulating these

nerves through gentle electrical impulses,

bladder activity can be changed.

Both Dr. Neilson and Gina Bedell are

specially trained to evaluate women with

incontinence and guide them to effective

treatment to improve quality of life. ■

For more information or for a consultation

regarding a procedure or treatment, contact

your primary care provider or Gina Bedell,

ARNP by calling the Weeks appointment

desk at 603-788-5075 or the referral desk at

603-788-5233.

Understanding Incontinence and Treatment Options

Which type of incontinence do I have? Stress Incontinence

Do you sometimes leak urine during exercise or lifting? Yes No

Do you sometimes leak urine when you cough, laugh, or sneeze? Yes No

Do you usually leak a small to moderate amount of urine? Yes No

Urge Incontinence

Do you have frequent, strong, sudden urges to urinate? Yes No

Do you sometimes leak urine before you can get to the toilet? Yes No

Do you sometimes feel the urge to urinate when you hear water Yes No or put your hands in water?

Do you usually leak a moderate to large amount of urine Yes No (enough so that it runs down your legs)?

Tally your answers and discuss with your doctor.

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weeksmedical.org

Being diagnosed with cancer can be a frightening and

overwhelming experience. For many people it can often mean

traveling for hours for treatment. But for cancer patients in

Coos County, Weeks Medical Center offers patients access to

experienced and respected physicians, radiologists, oncologists,

surgeons, a skilled and caring nursing staff, and the most current

protocols for cancer diagnosis, treatment and care. Patients at

Weeks have access to a full range of diagnostic and treatment

services, including the latest imaging,

surgery, radiation, chemotherapy,

laboratory testing and support

services. The medical professionals

at Weeks understand the importance

of having local access to physical,

psychological and emotional care for

cancer patients and their families.

Early Detection Can

Make a Difference

Early detection of cancer greatly

increases the chances for successful

treatment. Early detection of cancer

starts with your Weeks’ primary

care provider who is trained to

recognize possible warning signs of

cancer, like lumps, sores that fail to

heal, abnormal bleeding, persistent

indigestion and chronic coughs or

hoarseness. If a provider suspects a

patient may have cancer, they will

take prompt action that can lead to

an early diagnosis which can lead to a higher rate of healing and

survival. Early diagnosis is particularly relevant for cancers of the

breast, cervix, mouth, larynx, colon and rectum, and skin. They

will recommend diagnostic tests that may include laboratory work

and diagnostic imaging.

Expert Diagnostic Imaging

One of the technical strengths of Weeks’ cancer program is

the availability of on-site PET/CT Scanning. The mobile PET/

CT scanner provides images that pinpoint the location of

abnormal metabolic activity within the body by looking at

tissue at the cellular level. The procedure is performed to:

• Detect cancer

• Determine whether the cancer has spread

• Assess the effectiveness of a cancer treatment plan

• Identify re-staging of existing cancer

Another important diagnostic tool is the recent addition

of the most advanced mammographic imaging technology

available today. Weeks is the � rst hospital in the U.S. to install

the Aspire HD Full Field Digital

Mammography system. This new

system offers image clarity that

enables extraordinary detail of

potential abnormalities, such as

microcalci� cations and tumors,

for a more accurate and reliable

diagnosis. You can read more

information about this system on

page � ve of this newsletter.

Norris Cotton Cancer Center

For many years, Weeks has

enjoyed a strong partnership with

Dartmouth-Hitchcock’s Norris

Cotton Cancer Center, one of

the leading cancer research and

treatment centers in the country.

Weeks is fortunate to have three

Oncologists from Dartmouth-

Hitchcock who offer regular clinics

for the diagnosis and treatment of

cancer as well as blood disorders.

The Oncology Department, which is open � ve days a week,

is staffed by three highly-trained oncology nurses. The nurses

are Oncology Certi� ed and offer patients a comprehensive

care management approach.

They have been specially trained

at Dartmouth-Hitchcock to

administer chemotherapy,

biotherapy, and hormone

therapy.

Comprehensive Cancer Care Close to Home

A Full Team Approach to Diagnosing and Treating Cancer

continued on page 7

Gregory Ripple, MD, Ronald Kubica, MD and John L. Peterson, MD

Left to right: Robin Grubby, RN, Nancy Davidowicz, RN, Misty Gagne, RN

For more information

regarding cancer care at

Weeks Medical Center,

call Robin Grubby at

(603) 788-5045.

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HealthLinkCommunity

First in the U.S. to Install the Latest Digital Mammography SystemIn its mission to provide the most comprehensive diagnostic

imaging technology, Weeks Medical Center has recently added

the most advanced mammographic imaging technology

available today for the early detection of breast cancer. Weeks

is the � rst hospital in the United States to install the Aspire HD

Full Field Digital Mammography (FFDM) system from Fuji� lm

Medical Systems U.S.A.

This new FDA approved system offers image clarity that

enables extraordinary detail of potential abnormalities, such as

microcalci� cations and tumors, for a more accurate and reliable

diagnosis. These high quality images enhance visualization of

breast tissue and allow for better differentiation between normal

and abnormal.

The new technology eliminates the use of Thin Film Transistors

which are currently used in typical digital mammography systems.

By eliminating the transistors, this new technology creates a direct

image transfer that results in a higher ef� ciency image capture.

This process also produces images with less noise and the potential

to reduce the dose, while delivering high performance and reliable

digital mammography.

The special ergonomic design reduces discomfort for

women during the examination. The chest wall pads reduce

the pressure of contact on the chest wall which improves

position stability. It is also faster and shortens the procedure

by ten minutes.

“Weeks is committed to providing our patients with the

highest quality digital mammography,” says Scott Baxter,

Director of Radiology. “We are proud to be the � rst hospital in

the country to install this state-of-the-art system and it gives us

the latest tools for the early detection of breast cancer.” ■

Electronic Medical RecordsImplemented

In November 2011 Weeks Medical

Center instituted an electronic medical

records system. This major initiative was

coordinated over eight months through

a number of hospital departments and

personnel. The move to an electronic

medical records system provides

signi� cant bene� ts for both Weeks

patients and the hospital.

All patient records are now in an

electronic format that makes it easier and

faster to access important information.

Patient data is more complete and easier

to share across hospital departments

and remote medical facilities. Electronic

information sharing will improve patient

care and will also improve hospital

productivity and accuracy through faster

and easier access to patient information.

“We are so excited to have this new

system in place,” states Rona Glines,

Project Manager of the initiative. “This

was a real team effort by a dedicated

group of Weeks employees.” ■

Left to right, front row: Rona Glines, Ann Bergeron, Carrie Ingerson; Middle row: Sara Cookson, Dawn Cantin, Helen Holmes; Back row: Robert Decker, Steven Boudle, Darrell Bodnar, Scott Baxter, David Richter

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weeksmedical.org

Weeks Honors Dr. Mederic LeBlancDr. Mederic LeBlanc has recently received a Weeks Medical Center coveted recognition. Dr. LeBlanc, a Weeks Medical Center emergency physician, received more positive written feedback from patients than any medical professional at Weeks during 2011. Weeks Medical Center encourages patient feedback on their experiences at the hospital and Dr. LeBlanc was consistently mentioned for outstanding patient care.

“We are so pleased to honor Dr. LeBlanc,” said Dr. John Ford, President of the Weeks Medical Staff. “He exempli� es our commitment to excellent patient care and communication. All of us at Weeks work hard every day to earn the trust of all our patients and Dr. LeBlanc has truly excelled.”

Dr. LeBlanc is Board Certi� ed in Family Medicine and has been an Emergency Department Physician since 2000. He and his family reside in St. Johnsbury, VT.

Four full-time and four part-time physicians, complemented by an excellent medical support team, currently staff the Weeks Medical Center Emergency Department, offering outstanding emergency care for North

Country communities. ■

Weeks Medical Center recently introduced a new Patient Portal that provides secure online

access for Weeks patients to view important records such as lab results, personal medical records

and upcoming appointments. Once a patient has signed-up, it takes approximately seven days

for processing. They will receive an email with a temporary password and a letter from the

Patient Portal Team.

In order to sign-up for online access, go to the Weeks Medical Center website, weeksmedical.org,

and print-out the Patient Portal Authorization Form. After it is � lled-out, the form can be

dropped off at any physician of� ce location or can be mailed to Weeks Medical Center, Attention

Medical Records, 170 Middle Street, Lancaster, NH 03584. Forms are also available at any Weeks

physician of� ce. ■

For more information about the Patient Portal at Weeks, please call 603-788-2521 | to talk with a Portal Team member.

New Portal Offers Online Patient Access to Records

In an effort to help minimize appointment

wait times, Weeks has a new program to make appointments an even better and more

timely experience!

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New Portal Offers Online Patient Access to Records

There’s nothing more

traumatic in life than

the loss of a loved one and the

decision about what to

do with clothing can

be very emotional. The

Hospice volunteers at

Weeks Medical Center

have been creating Memory Bears from loved ones

clothing since 2008. Bears can be made out of a favorite pair of

jeans or shirt, dress, bathrobe, nightgown or any special piece

of clothing that is personal and holds emotional

sentiment. These beautiful heirloom custom-made

bears are meant to recall the closeness of a loved

one; bring a smile to someone in distress; or offer

a sense of security to a child who feels alone after

the loss of a grandparent, parent or sibling.

“When we started the program, it was a very

unique idea for the North Country,” says Gail

Tattan-Giampaolo, Director of Northwoods

Home Health & Hospice. “It has been very

popular and has provided some long lasting

memories and comfort for many Northwoods

hospice families.”

Hospice families receive one to two

complimentary bears and since starting the

program, close to 700 memory bears have been

made by compassionate Hospice volunteers.

To help raise funding for Hospice, the price for non-Hospice

Memory Bears are $50/each for one to � ve bears and $45/each

for over six bears.

Joanne Hennessy, Hospice Volunteer and Mary Bates,

Hospice Volunteer Coordinator and Patient Care Coordinator

have pulled together the “best of the best” sewers and stuffers.

The Memory Bear sewers gather each Tuesday morning at

Northwoods Home Health & Hospice of� ce in Lancaster. ■

Hospice Memory Bears Help Keep Loved One’s Memory Alive

Northwoods Home Health

Comes to You

Cancer patients who need in-home

health care after leaving the hospital

can rely on Northwoods Home Health

& Hospice. Northwoods is dedicated to

providing a wide variety of clinical, social

and supportive services to people of all

ages. They provide both medical and non-

medical assisted living services and hospice

support, including

• Nurses

• Physical, Occupational and

Speech Therapists

• Patient Care Coordinators/

Social Workers

• Home Health Aids

• Homemakers

• Volunteers

Because of Weeks Medical Center’s

team approach to diagnosing and

treating cancer, patients can see

the full spectrum of medical staff,

rehabilitation specialists, and caregivers

without having to travel long distances.

One of Weeks primary missions is to

offer cancer patients in Coos County

professional and compassionate care in a

warm and healing environment. ■

For more information, contact

Northwoods Home Health at | (603) 788-5045.

Comprehensive Cancer Care (continued from page 4)

sentiment. These beautiful heirloom custom-made

one; bring a smile to someone in distress; or offer

a sense of security to a child who feels alone after

(continued from page 4)

Back row, left to right: Lucille Couture, Barbara Wheelock, Mary Bates,

Laurie Morgan, Terri Clang, Cindy Winget, Marjorie Goodson.Seated, left to right: Alice Wilkinson, Nancy Rapoport, Joanne Hennessey,

Jean Bergin, Dianne Mumley

For more information, , contact Mary Bates at | (603) 788-5020, ext. 3140.

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Events

Weeks Medical Center’s Primary Care Of� cesLancaster170 Middle StreetLancaster, NH 03584603-788-2521Toll Free 1-888-779-3539

Groveton47 Church StreetGroveton, NH 03582603-636-1101Toll Free 1-888-880-6371

White� eld8 Clover LaneWhite� eld, NH 03598603-837-9005Toll Free 1-888-905-6933

Northwoods Home Health & Hospice Of� ces Lancaster278 Main StreetLancaster, NH 03584Toll Free 1-800-750-2366

Colebrook120 Main Street Colebrook, NH 03576Toll Free 1-800-750-2366

Tuesday, April 3rd

Northwoods Hospice 2012 Hospice Volunteer Training Begins6:30 – 9 p.m.White� eld Physician Of� ce Conference Room8 Clover LaneWhite� eld, NHThe hospice training is free and open to community members who are interested in becoming a hospice volunteer or who would like to learn more about the philosophy of Hospice care. For more information, contact Mary Bates at 1-800-750-2366.

Thursday, April 12th

Weeks Annual Meeting 5 – 7 p.m.Weeks Medical CenterMain HospitalLancaster, NHTake a hospital tour and enjoy wonderful food provided by the Weeks Food Service during this fun and informative evening. For more information, call (603) 788-4911.

Thursday, April 19th &

Friday, April 20th

Weeks Book FairApril 19th 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.April 20th 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.Weeks Medical Center cafeteriaLancaster, NHThe public is welcome.

Thursday, April 19th

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Col. Town Community House 10 High Street Lancaster

Wednesday, April 25th

A Taste of HealthcareAll day Weeks Medical CenterMain HospitalLancaster, NH Local students from White Mountain Regional and Groveton High Schools come to Weeks Medical Center to learn about potential careers in healthcare.

Saturday, June 2nd

Weeks Annual Golf TournamentRegistration: 7:30 a.m.Shotgun start: 8 a.m.Waumbek Country ClubJefferson, NHThis years proceeds from the golf tournament will go toward purchasing a Cardiopulmonary Spirometer Unit for the White� eld Of� ce. Spirometry is a diagnostic tool used to diagnose asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder) and other respiratory diseases. For more information, contact (603) 788-5023.

Wednesday, June 6th

Uniform Fair7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Weeks Medical CenterMain HospitalLancaster, NHThe public is invited.