News and Publications

Methodist West Houston Hospital Hosts Event For Stroke Awareness

What: Stroke awareness screening and seminar
When: Thursday, May 23, 2013, 5 – 7p.m.
Where: Methodist West Houston Hospital, Mesquite conference room
18500 Katy Freeway (at Barker Cypress)
Houston, Texas 77094

Every year, about 800,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke, and more than 135,000 of these people do not survive. Yet most people cannot identify stroke warning signs or risk factors.

“Acute ischemic stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, but most of those strokes are preventable--some studies indicate that up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented,” said Dr. Mohammad Al Baeer, neurologist at Methodist West Houston Hospital.

Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, accounting for around 85 percent of cases. These are caused by blood clots blocking blood flow to the brain, resulting in tissue death and leading to disability or death.

“Brain cells begin to die within minutes after a stroke occurs,” Al Baeer said. “It is important that people are able to recognize the warning signs and seek immediate medical attention. If you suspect a stroke, it is an emergency. Call 911 immediately.”

Stroke symptoms usually appear suddenly and include dizziness or loss of coordination; weakness or numbness in the face, arms or legs; impaired vision in one or both eyes; and difficulty producing and understanding speech. Sudden severe headache may accompany hemorrhagic stroke.

Many stroke risk factors are treatable with lifestyle changes. High blood pressure is the most significant, followed by high cholesterol, diabetes, tobacco use, obesity, physical inactivity and heavy alcohol consumption.

Uncontrollable risk factors include heredity, advanced age, gender, ethnicity and previous stroke or heart attack. Men have a higher risk than women and African Americans have a higher risk than other ethnicities.

“Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the best way to minimize your risk of stroke,” Al Baeer said. “Limit cholesterol and saturated fat in your diet, quit smoking and exercise regularly.”

As a preventative measure, Al Baeer recommends regular check-ups for high cholesterol and blood pressure. If diagnosed, these conditions can be treated with medication.

Dr. Mohammad Al Baeer, a diplomat of the American College of Neurology and Methodist West Houston physician.

To learn more about the signs and symptoms of a stroke, join Methodist West Houston for a free stroke risk factor screening and seminar on May 23. Registration for your screening is required. Register Online at methodistwesthouston.com or call 832-522-5522.

Mending Hearts at Methodist West Houston Hospital

HOUSTON—(April 2, 2013)—March 19 marked the first full year of activity for Methodist West Houston Hospital’s Mended Hearts support program. Mended Hearts is a community based organization with 270 chapters nationwide that is dedicated to connecting heart patients with others who have undergone a heart procedure. At Methodist West Houston, it provides a forum for monthly support group meetings and a heart patient visitation program.

Patient support and cardiac rehabilitation are essential elements of Methodist West Houston’s cardiac surgery program and set it apart from other hospitals in the West Houston and Katy area. During the March meeting, the support group celebrated its newly bestowed satellite status, a membership-based milestone and the initiation of the visitation program.

In February 2012, Don Mitchell became a heart patient at Methodist West Houston. Today, he and his wife Linda are visiting other heart patients as the first couple of the hospital’s Mended Hearts patient visitation program.

“Every time I enter this hospital, I feel like I’m coming home,” Mitchell said. “To help others is a gift and a blessing to us.”

“Knowing there are others who have gone through the same experience is reassuring and being able to share our story with someone before their surgery helps them to better understand what’s ahead,” Linda said.

Responding to questions like those of a 40-year old heart attack patient who asked what he could expect next, the Mitchells spend up to 15 minutes with each patient and family, sharing their respective experiences as a patient and caregiver, and providing hope for return to a full life following surgery.

Mitchell also leads the monthly support group meetings that are open to all members of the community who have any type of heart disease or condition and would benefit from attending. Each meeting includes an educational presentation relevant to patients and their caregivers on topics as varied as diet and exercise, stress reduction, and review of different types of heart disease and available medical and surgical treatments.

Tere Jackson, manager of volunteer services, who manages the hospital’s contributions along with the clinical cardiac care staff, said she hopes to see Mended Hearts expand in the coming year to serve more patients within the community.

“First and foremost, our goal is to reach out to our patients and support them so that they feel safe,” she says. “After they leave the hospital, we want to continue to support them by providing access to information that will be useful to them as they adjust to their life following a procedure.“

The Mended Hearts support group at Methodist West Houston meets on the third Thursday of each month, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. For more information on the group or visitation program, contact Methodist West Houston’s volunteer services department at 832-522-3062 or visit methodistwesthouston.com.

Methodist West Houston Hospital inducts community leaders to board of trustees

HOUSTON—(April 1, 2013)—Methodist West Houston Hospital has inducted four Katy and West Houston community leaders to its board of trustees.
New members include Stu Levin, managing partner of Levin & Atwood Law Firm; Vidal Ramirez, president of the Allegiance Bank of Texas’ Katy office; the Reverend Dr. Charles B. Simmons, senior minister of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church; and Dr. Robert Vanzant, primary care physician and former Methodist West Houston medical staff president. Dr. George Mammen is serving as the hospital’s second medical staff president, and Dr. Hector Herrera is now vice president.
“Our new board members all vary in their backgrounds and bring perspective, guidance and wisdom to ensure that Methodist West Houston is holding true to our vision, acting in the best interest of our community,” said Wayne Voss, CEO of Methodist West Houston and secretary of the board.
New members are identified through and evaluated based upon their commitment, tenure and role in the West Houston and Katy communities. All four members who were newly elected have numerous civic, social, professional and religious foundations in West Houston and Katy.
Vanzant completed Methodist West Houston’s first medical staff president tenure, serving from early 2010, before the hospital was open, to present. Under Vanzant’s leadership, Methodist West Houston launched its presence in the community, establishing and expanding services in virtually every area of the hospital.
“I knew right away that Dr. Vanzant was the right choice to serve as our hospital’s first physician leader,” Voss said. “What he accomplished is amazing, and I’m grateful for his commitment, thoughtfulness and friendship throughout the last two years.”
Board members serve three-year terms at Methodist West Houston, with medical staff presidents and vice presidents serving two-year terms.
Methodist West Houston opened in December 2010, and has already seen nearly 40,000 emergency patients, performed more than 7,500 surgeries and delivered more than 2,000 babies. In 2012, the hospital completed several expansion projects, including a parking garage, additional beds and a second heart catheterization lab. Construction on a second medical office building and expansion on the ICU, inpatient beds and operating rooms are under way.

About the Board
Stu Levin’s law practice is concentrated in the areas of corporate transactional matters, including corporate organization and structure, merger and acquisition, and real estate. Levin and his wife regularly contribute their time to helping further guide and develop programs that support various activities in the Katy area.
Vidal H. Ramirez has 46 years of banking experience. He is a graduate of Texas Southmost College in Brownsville, and a graduate of Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU- Dallas. He has completed the management program at Rice University. Ramirez has served in numerous capacities for organizations in the Katy and Houston communities as a committee or board member. He and his wife are heavily involved in many civic and community initiatives in the West Houston and Katy communities.
The Reverend Dr. Charles B. Simmons preaches on Sundays at Memorial United Methodist Church, conducts weddings and funerals, leads staff, counsels members, serves on community boards, and performs various other community roles. Simmons has earned a national reputation as one of the most passionate pastors in Methodism. He is married with two sons, a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren.
Dr. Robert Vanzant is a native Houstonian who earned his education at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine. His clinical interests include preventive care for all ages and management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. He has several four-generation families in his practice. Vanzant has been married for 42 years and has two daughters and five grandchildren.
Dr. George Mammen is board certified in internal medicine and cardiology. He joined Memorial City Cardiology Associates in 1982, and obtained his certification in Interventional Cardiology in 2000. He is trained in all aspects of adult cardiology, with emphasis on coronary artery disease and heart failure. Mammen has particular interest in invasive procedures such as angioplasty, stent implantation and pacemakers. Mammen's personal interests include tennis and skiing. He likes to spend his spare time with his wife and three children.
Dr. Hector Herrera is the medical director of anesthesia services at Methodist West Houston.  As one of the initial physicians granted privileges at the new hospital, he served as an integral part of the team that developed the medical staff bylaws, rules and regulations, and policies and procedures. He is board certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology and by the American Board of Anesthesiology/Pain Management.  Herrera is married to Gloria Herrera, D.D.S., and is the father of three children. 

Robotic thymectomy worth the ticket for a Methodist West Houston Hospital patient

HOUSTON—(Feb. 18, 2013)—A mother of four traveled to Houston from Cairo, Egypt, to undergo robotic removal of the thymus gland at Methodist West Houston Hospital on Thursday, February 7. She was released after a three-day stay and plans to return to Egypt following her final visit with her surgeon.

Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Miguel Gomez performed the thymectomy surgery removing Amani Kotb’s thymus gland with the assistance of two robotic arms inserted into the chest cavity through small intercostal (between the ribs) incisions. Kotb and her husband made the decision to undergo the robotic procedure offered at Methodist West Houston with the hope of reducing her daily dependence on medication to treat myasthenia gravis (MG), a neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness and pain in the voluntary muscles. For the past 10 years, Kotb had been medically treating her disease but as symptoms worsened, thymectomy surgery became a consideration.

“These past two years I have felt horrible, but I could not risk having my chest opened to take out this gland,” she said. “We have excellent physicians and surgeons at home, but we do not have a robot, so I came here.”

Complete removal of the thymus gland, thymectomy, is an established treatment for moderate to severe MG in patients younger than 60. Thymectomy is believed to improve long-term outcomes for MG patients, with the goal of complete elimination of all symptoms and medication.

“Robotic thymectomy is a safe surgical option with the advantages of less blood loss and reduced recovery time,” Gomez said. “The end result compares favorably with conventional open chest approaches and patients are now often referred to a surgeon soon after a MG diagnosis.”

The fist-sized thymus gland sits within the protected area of the chest, with finger-like extensions into the neck. With minimally invasive robot technology, surgeons can completely remove the gland without the trauma of opening the chest.

“Patient experiences have been extremely positive,” Gomez said. “Ms. Kotb is recovering well and is ready to make the trip home as planned.”

In the United States, it is estimated that one out of every 20,000 individuals has MG.

Methodist West Houston Hospital receives “Exemplary Five Star Award” for Birth Registry

Methodist West Houston Hospital has been awarded the Exemplary Five Star Service Award for birth registration by the Texas Department of State Health Services’ Vital Statistics Unit.  It is one of only 22 hospitals in Texas to achieve the exemplary rating.

Award criteria includes timely release of birth certificates and certificate accuracy in key statistical fields, receipt of the Office of Attorney General’s Award for Acknowledgement of Paternity, and completing registrar training through state sponsored conferences. Methodist West Houston’s birth registrar, Elizabeth “Liz” Garcia, who surpassed the goal of achieving recognition within the first two years of operation, will receive the award on the hospital’s behalf during the Texas Vital Statistics 58th annual conference in Austin on December 5 through 7.

“We are honored to receive the five star recognition and very proud of Liz and our health information team for setting this high bar of achievement so soon after our birthing center’s opening,” said Vicki Brownewell, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Methodist West Houston. “Their effort exemplifies the exceptional patient care our health care professionals provide to each patient and their family at Methodist West Houston.”

Methodist West Houston’s birthing center opened in February 2011 with the birth of twins. In less than two years –through the end of October, 1720 babies have been born and a major expansion completed. The center offers 26 birthing suites, three cesarean operating rooms and an eight-bed level II neonatal intensive care unit.

Opened in December 2010, Methodist West Houston Hospital is the newest community hospital in The Methodist Hospital System. With capacity for 193 beds, 28 emergency room beds and 15 operating rooms. Methodist West Houston’s specialty care includes cardiology and cardiovascular surgery; orthopedics; sports medicine and rehabilitation; comprehensive cancer care; neurology and neurosurgery; labor and delivery; neonatal intensive care; gynecology; state-of-the-art breast imaging; plastic and reconstructive surgery; urological and gastrointestinal surgery; otolaryngological surgery; and minimally invasive surgery, including robotics.

Methodist West Houston Newsletter Qtr Four


 

Methodist West Houston Hospital Offers Free Heart Health Screenings, Seminar

More than 100 Katy and West Houston community members visited Methodist West Houston Hospital on Nov. 8 to receive complimentary heart health screenings and learn about the latest treatments available for heart disease. Methodist West Houston’s cardiovascular specialists, Dr. Su Min Chang, Dr. Michael Mitschke, Dr. Nilesh Mathuria and Dr. Javier Lafuente, conducted a panel to discuss common heart problems and answer questions.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women, claiming about 600,000 lives every year. Early detection and regular screenings are essential for minimizing risk of disease. However, it is important that health care providers have the proper equipment and expertise to thoroughly evaluate cardiovascular health. “A person can still have coronary heart disease even if they pass a stress test,” Dr. Chang said.

Methodist West Houston offers noninvasive heart scans that enable patients to fully understand their health risks. A comprehensive scan can be completed in less than an hour. When treatment is necessary, timing can spell the difference between life and death. According to the federal government’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, outpatients with a possible heart attack receive an electrocardiogram in about 60 seconds at Methodist West Houston, seven minutes faster than the national average.

The central feature of Methodist West Houston’s multidisciplinary cardiovascular program is its hybrid operating room, a combination catheterization lab and operating room that maximizes efficiency and improves outcomes. “There are only about 150 hybrid ORs in the nation and we’re very lucky to have one here,” Dr. Lafuente said. This is one of many free events Methodist West Houston organizes to promote the health and well-being of the communities it serves. The next heart health screening and seminar will be held Feb. 21, 2013. The hospital also offers heart patients and their families support and encouragement in collaboration with Mended Hearts, a patient support organization. The support group meets on the third Thursday of every month from 5:30-7 p.m.

For more information about Mended Hearts, contact Methodist West Houston Volunteer Services at 832-522-3062 or visit mendedhearts.org.

Fall Open House: Methodist West Houston Hospital Medical Office Building I

On October 18 members of the West Houston and Katy communities attended a fall open house to learn about the newest medical resources available to them close to home. "We had a wonderful event and are thrilled so many in our community had the opportunity to meet the physicians and staff now located in our medical office building." said Wayne Voss, CEO of Methodist West Houston Hospital. "This was also an opportunity for folks to tour our Methodist Cancer Center and Methodist Center for Sports Medicine and Outpatient Rehabilitation and hear first-hand from our experts about the technologically advanced services offered."

Office tours, refreshments and free health screens including blood pressure and hearing screens and others were offered by the participating physician practices.  The Seven Lakes High School Sinfonia Orchestra played for those in attendence as part of their volunteer commitment to the community.

Methodist West Houston Hospital provides state-of-the-art technology and services through the Methodist Cancer Center, Methodist Center for Sports Medicine and Outpatient Rehabilitation, Methodist J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center, and Methodist Weight Management Center all conveniently located in the building. To learn about these centers and the more than 100 physicians practices, view the medical office building directory.

Methodist West Houston Hospital Hosts Sinus Disease Seminar

Methodist West Houston Hospital invited members of the West Houston and Katy communities to learn about sinus disease and treatments on Oct. 11. Dr. Joel Anthis, an otolaryngologist at Methodist West Houston, delivered an overview of what sinusitis is, how it is evaluated and its various medical and surgical treatments.

Sinusitis, the swelling and inflammation of cavities around the nasal passages, affects more than 37 million people in the United States annually. Common symptoms include difficulty breathing, headache and facial pain or pressure.

“Acute sinusitis turns your sinuses from a clear Colorado stream into a Louisiana swamp,” Dr. Anthis said. Although minimally invasive surgical procedures such as balloon sinuplasty are available, Dr. Anthis recommends that his patients treat themselves with nasal decongestants and adequate hydration before considering surgery.

Dr. Anthis is a board-certified diplomate of the American Academy of Otolaryngology. The sinus disease seminar is one of many free events Methodist West Houston organizes to promote the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

With Hope, Cancer Survivors Renew Commitment to the Future

HOUSTON, TX—(June 8, 2012)—Cancer survivors in the West Houston and Katy community celebrated National Cancer Survivors Day on June 1, at an event hosted by the Methodist Cancer Center at West Houston.

 More than 40 cancer survivors and their love ones attended to acknowledge and share their commitment to the future.  Dr. Clive Shkedy, radiation oncologist and medical director of the Cancer Center, Tommy Thompson, executive vice president of CanCare and Janet Pickens, with the American Cancer Society, offered perspectives on services and resources available during and after active cancer treatment.  Melody Peeples, cancer survivor and director of laboratory and respiratory care at Methodist West Houston Hospital, shared her experience of undergoing treatment while opening a fundamental department at the hospital. Peeples underlined how essential the combined support from one’s family and caregiver team is for successful treatment and the importance of rest and humor in dealing with the challenges faced during the process.

 “We celebrate the courage of those with cancer alongside the work of our incredible employees, doctors, and CanCare and American Cancer Society volunteers to provide hope and healing to the community.”  said Kim Collins, director of the Cancer Center. “Together, we give our patients the support they need to fight cancer.”  Collins announced the opening of the Methodist West Houston Cancer Resource Center, conveniently offering patients and their families the latest information on cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment in one location.

 Methodist’s state-of-the-art equipment and therapies are part of the center’s comprehensive, individualized care.  Patient-physician interaction and informed decision making is central to every patient’s treatment. The center partners with CanCare, a volunteer organization to provide one-on-one support to those newly diagnosed with cancer as well as the American Cancer Society to offer the Look Good…Feel Better program which addresses appearance related concerns of patients in treatment.

Nonsurgical procedure prevents stroke

HOUSTON, TX—(April 30, 2012)—For the first time, a nonsurgical procedure to tie off a major source of stroke-causing blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) has been performed at Methodist West Houston Hospital.

About 20 percent of all stroke patients have atrial fibrillation, the most common abnormal heart rhythm. In fact, more than 2 million people in the United States have atrial fibrillation, which can result in fainting, chest pains or more seriously, congestive heart failure or stroke. In these patients, the left atrial appendage, a thumb-sized appendage attached to the left atrium of the heart, stops regularly contracting and blood within it can stagnate and clot.  The LAA is thought to be one, if not the major source of blood clots that cause stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.

"AFib patients have limited options for long-term protection against stroke," says cardiologist, Dr. Stuart Jacobson. "This is particularly true for patients who may not be able to tolerate or who have had complications taking the available blood-thinning drugs. We are fortunate to have the expertise to perform nonsurgical procedures and protect our patients here at Methodist West Houston.”

Using a device known as the LARIAT suture delivery device, cardiologist/electrophysiologist, Dr. Miguel Valderrabano, M.D., performed the procedure on a 65-year-old Katy resident in Methodist West Houston’s hybrid operating room, a combination imaging and surgical suit that seamlessly transforms to an “open surgical approach” if needed.   Through a needle-puncture in the skin, he accessed the patient’s LAA and successfully tied off the appendage.  

 “Nonsurgical options generally mean less discomfort, shorter recoveries and fewer complications, important considerations for AFib patients.” said Valderrabano.”It’s very good for the patient, especially if the alternative is taking a blood thinner for the remainder of one’s life.  This patient was considered high risk for stroke. He had developed life-threatening bleeding complications due to blood thinners, so the LARIAT procedure was the best way to eliminate one possible cause of stroke and protect him.”  

The patient recovered well and went home two days after surgery.

Dr. John Craddock explains how balloon sinuplasty works and how it may be helpful to people with Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic Sinusitis: Minimally Invasive Treatment Alternatives

During this enlightening seminar held May 2^nd, Dr. John Craddock, otolaryngologist, walked attendees through an overview of the sinuses, explained the symptoms of chronic sinusitis, and shared treatment options.

The latest in chronic sinusitis treatment is a revolutionary technique called Balloon Sinuplasty. This minimally invasive procedure opens up the nasal passage to restore normal sinus drainage and reduce the chance of infection.  Dr. Craddock is a known expert in this procedure and offered a step-by-step account of Balloon Sinuplasty and its benefits.

When a sinus infection is diagnosed, Dr. Craddock and his colleagues focus on treating the underlying cause of the infection whenever possible. "Immunotherapy is a huge part of any ENT practice," said Craddock.  "But when that infection hangs around for three months or more, and does not respond to medication, this is an indication of chronic sinusitis."

When surgery is called for, Craddock said his goal is "the least amount of pain and the least amount of downtime." In this case, Balloon Sinuplasty is just what the doctor ordered, as many patients have reported returning to their normal activities within days of having this procedure.  Balloon Sinuplasty preserves the normal anatomy of the sinuses and mucosal tissue, and does not require the removal of bone or tissue.

Dr. Robert Vanzant, Medical Staff president at Methodist West Houston Hospital, interviewed on Fox 26

Join Medical Staff president Dr. Robert Vanzant and Fox 26 Houston for a video tour of Methodist West Houston Hospital. After the tour, Dr. Vanzant talks about how a healing environment can help patients.

Watch the video (Link will take you to Fox 26 Houston website)

Methodist West Houston Hospital and area physicians seamlessly coordinate care for residents

Managers and office staff representatives from physician practices affiliated with Methodist West Houston Hospital recently convened to hear about the hospital’s latest efforts in coordinating care for the community.

Since opening in December 2010, the hospital has credentialed more than 430 physicians and oriented their office staff. Peyton Elliott, director of service lines and facility development, organizes the quarterly sessions designed to update physician practices on key accomplishments, service milestones and process improvements. The meetings are an opportunity for physician office managers and staff from all specialty groups to interact and share experiences with their peers.

 Methodist is dedicated to providing the most technologically advanced, highest quality medicine possible. Seamless communication between physician offices and the hospital is an integral and essential component to providing that care. The hospital utilizes a system-wide physician portal and office staff medical record and imaging system that integrates physician access to patient records in the office, or from any location within The Methodist Hospital System. Katy resident Lorraine Smith has been a Methodist employee for 14 years. She recently made the transition to Methodist West Houston to be closer to home and in her role as a physician support coordinator is customizing the medical record interface for physicians and their office staff. “Physicians and their staff find the system easy to install and intuitive to use. It takes the hassle out of medical record documentation and procedure scheduling — office staff really seem to love it,” she says.

Methodist West Houston’s Breast Center offers comprehensive services from diagnosis through the most advanced cancer treatments, including all-digital mammography for both diagnostic and interventional procedures. Dr. Correna Terrell, lead interpreting radiologist for the Center, presented an overview of the Center’s imaging and interventional procedures, as well as processes for facilitating referral scheduling to those in attendance.

First Endovascular Aneurysm Repair at Methodist West Houston Hospital

The first Endovascular Aneurysm Repair was performed by Dr. Miguel Gomez, cardiovascular thoracic surgeon on patient, Larry Landis, June 7. The surgery was conducted in the hybrid operating room with Methodist West Houston’s being the only one outside the Texas Medical Center^®. The new procedure allows the patient to have two small incisions down the leg verses the older technique with a large incision on the stomach.

Mr. Landis had an excellent recovery and was able to go home the next day, June 8. The benefit of the hybrid operating room is that it contains all the imaging advantages of a cath lab but within an operating room.

“This is a fantastic technology that will allow our patients to get cutting edge interventions” said Dr. Miguel Gomez, cardiovascular thoracic surgeon.

Cancer survivors celebrate hope at Methodist West Houston Hospital

Cancer survivors in the West Houston and Katy communities celebrated National Cancer Survivors Day^® on June 3, at an event hosted by the Methodist West Houston Hospital Cancer Center.

More than 40 cancer survivors and families attended the two-hour tribute. For many, it was an opportunity to acknowledge and share their triumph over the disease and hear about resources available during active treatment and thereafter. A balloon release symbolizing the importance of never giving up hope concluded the program.

First cardiovascular surgeries performed at Methodist West Houston

The Methodist Hospital is world-renowned for excellence in treating patients with heart disease; now, residents of West Houston and Katy can access that same care in their own backyard. Methodist West Houston is the only area center with a hybrid operating room – combining diagnosis and surgical treatment – which can save valuable time during a cardiac incident. Heart patients also are benefiting from a new catheterization lab at Methodist West. More than 40 patients have been treated since the lab opened February 15.

Methodist West Houston celebrated its first baby delivery

Methodist West Houston celebrated its first baby delivery on Feb. 14, in a special way on a very special day. Renee and Christopher Brackin welcomed twins - baby boy Brackin was born at 10:24 a.m. weighing 6 lb. 4 oz. and baby girl Brackin at 10:26 a.m. weighing 6 lb. 7 oz. Obstetrician/Gynecologist Dr. Byron Holt said "It was so exciting and such an honor to take part in the symbolic ´laying of the cornerstone´ for the Birthing Center at Methodist West Houston Hospital." Also pictured are Lyndsay Majewski, R.N. (left) a nd Lacey Helmke, R.N.C.

Methodist West Houston Hospital has 100th surgical patient

On a day when most of the city was frozen, Methodist West Houston Hospital celebrated a milestone - its 100th surgical case since the hospital´s opening in December. Methodist West Houston Hospital staff celebrating the 100th surgery milestone include (from left): Dennis Robinson, OR Supply Chain Coordinator; Wayne Voss, CEO; Dr. Wesley Ekeruo–Urologist; Rachel Miller–OR Charge RN; Dr. Hector Herrera–chief anesthesiologist, Dr. Thu Ngo– chief pathologist, and Alfonso Chicas, Director of Perioperative Services.

Methodist West Houston Cancer Center´s first patient

The Methodist West Houston Cancer Center treated its first patient on January 13. Gloria Potscavage underwent a simulation procedure to help develop a radiation therapy treatment plan for lung cancer. Methodist West Houston Hospital, located at I-10 and Barker Cypress, opened its doors to patients December 17, providing nearly 200 beds to the community.

Melanie Green Methodist West Houston´s first patient

Methodist West Houston Hospital (I–10 & Barker Cypress) admitted its first surgery patient on Monday, Dec. 20. Melanie Green of Houston had a tonsillectomy and an adenoidectomy. After her surgery, she was visited by (from left) Wayne Voss, CEO of Methodist West Houston, Alfonso Chicas, R.N., director of Perioperative Services, and Dr. Hector Herrera, anesthesiology. Dr. John Craddock, otolaryngology, performed Melanie´s surgery; she was able to go home later in the day.

Opening in Fall of 2010

Methodist West Houston Hospital´s construction, design, architecture and hospital leadership teams celebrated the project´s "topping out" in July. More than 300 people attended the traditional event, where all those involved in the project sign one of the last beams of the infrastructure and watch as it is hoisted onto the building. Hundreds of people work every day toward the completion of Methodist West Houston Hospital, expected to open in fall 2010.

 

Dr. Robert Vanzant, Medical Staff president at Methodist West Houston Hospital, interviewed on Fox 26

Join Medical Staff president Dr. Robert Vanzant and Fox 26 Houston for a video tour of Methodist West Houston Hospital. After the tour, Dr. Vanzant talks about how a healing environment can help patients.

Watch the video (Link will take you to Fox 26 Houston website)