St. Vincent Charity Hospital Launches Unique Spine and Orthopedic Institute

Surgical Expertise, Latest Technologies, Hospitality Training and Fine Amenities – Combined to Create New Model in Spine and Orthopedic Care

CLEVELAND, OH – April 2008 – St. Vincent Charity Hospital has opened a unique, technologically advanced, inpatient unit for spine and orthopedic patients at its downtown Cleveland campus. This approach combines surgical expertise and advanced technologies and treatments with a retreat-like environment that resembles an upscale hotel room rather than a hospital. The inpatient unit is part of a complete medical, diagnostic and surgical program, with many amenities to enhance patient comfort and facilitate healing.

The unit was designed based on research that links recovery with the patient’s physical environment.

Studies show that a patient-centered, healing environment that incorporates patient-focused design principles can have a positive impact on the healing process and may serve as a critical link to the attainment of successful outcomes, including surgical outcomes, patient safety and increased effectiveness in delivering care.*

"The science and technology of healthcare is constantly changing. An individual recuperating from a procedure, such as a hip replacement, differs from a medical patient in the sense that they are not ill. As a result, they do not need or benefit from an intensive and sterile environment," said Louis Keppler, M.D., orthopedic surgeon and Co-Director, The Spine and Orthopedic Institute, ** at St. Vincent Charity Hospital. Our vision was to evolve the patient recovery experience by transforming the environment in which the patient recuperates."

Each of the 21 private suites features a private bath, wood and stone flooring, granite surfaces, in-room menu dining service, executive work stations with high speed, wireless Internet access, soft lighting and other high end finishing touches, all complemented by sweeping views of Cleveland’s downtown skyline.

"As an urban, Catholic hospital with a legacy of leadership in spine and orthopedic care, it is natural for us to create a program of this caliber. Care-giving space is sacred and strongly linked to our faith-based, healing mission," said Jeffrey S. Jeney, President and CEO, St. Vincent Charity Hospital. "Through this model, our patients will experience care that recognizes the value and dignity of all persons in an atmosphere of hospitality and compassion."

As part of the Institute’s mission to create a patient-centered environment, members of The Spine and Orthopedic Institute team, including doctors, nurses and physical therapists, as well as dietary and environmental services staff, received intensive hospitality training provided by The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Institute.

"Our patients and their outcomes are at the center of the care we provide," said John Collis, M.D., neurosurgeon and Co-Director, The Spine and Orthopedic Institute at St. Vincent Charity Hospital. "We are very excited to deliver this level of caring in a patient-centered, healing environment."

About The Institute

Dr. Keppler and Dr. Collis have cared for a combined total of more than 25,000 patients throughout Northeast Ohio. Together, the two surgeons assembled a team of physicians, surgeons and medical professionals to form The Spine and Orthopedic Institute at St. Vincent Charity Hospital. The scope of the Institute’s capabilities includes a comprehensive continuum of care, including diagnosis, treatment planning, surgery, rehabilitation and the patient’s return to work, home and activity.

"Our approach to patient care includes utilization of the latest treatment and technologies, including minimally invasive approaches in advanced laparoscopic surgical suites and a computerized surgical navigation system, which allows for the pre-planning of surgery, customized for each patient." Dr. Keppler said.

The "Institute" model of comprehensive, patient-centered care developed by Dr. Keppler and Dr. Collis has already proven effective, as evidenced through several national recognitions and clinical outcomes.

In 2008, The Spine and Orthopedic Institute at St. Vincent Charity Hospital was recognized by HealthGrades, a leading independent healthcare ratings organization, with two distinguished awards: the Orthopedic Clinical Excellence Award for superior outcomes in orthopedic surgery; and the Spine Surgery Excellence Award for low complication rates in back and neck surgery over a three-year period (2003-2005).

Additionally, the most recent "Clinical Outcomes Report: Product Line Mortality for the University Health System Consortium (UHC)" places St. Vincent Charity Hospital in the top fifth percentile in mortality rates for spinal surgery and orthopedics among all hospitals in the consortium. According to the report, program outcomes were “substantially better than the target range” in spine and orthopedic care.

About The Spine and Orthopedic Institute

The Spine and Orthopedic Institute at St. Vincent Charity Hospital provides complete medical, diagnostic and surgical care for injuries and chronic conditions of the back, neck, joints and bones, including:

Back and neck surgery;
Joint replacement and revision implant surgery;
Sports medicine and joint preservation surgery;
Minimally invasive surgical approaches
Arthritis and pain management;
Accident care and work injuries; and
Physical and occupational therapy.