Archived Press Releases

    Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Goes Tobacco-Free - December 2007

    For Immediate Release

    Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Goes Tobacco-Free on January 1
    Wellness initiative designed to protect patients, staff and visitors

    Berkeley and Oakland, Calif. | December 28, 2007 – As New Year’s resolution lists begin, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Berkeley and Oakland has a big one on the top of its list. It will become a tobacco-free environment on January 1, 2008, in an effort to further promote its commitment to health and wellness.

    A tobacco-free environment means the smoking of any substance and the use of tobacco products in any form are not permitted by anyone on or within:

    • Alta Bates Summit owned or leased property under the Alta Bates Summit license
    • Alta Bates Summit owned or leased vehicles
    • Alta Bates Summit parking facilities and lots (including privately owned vehicles parked on Alta Bates Summit property)
    • 50 feet of any entrance, exit, doorway, window, walkway or air intake system (Berkeley)
    • 25 feet of any entrance, exit, doorway, window, walkway or air intake system (Oakland)

    Alta Bates Summit Medical Center includes the campuses of its facilities in Berkeley and Oakland, including its Herrick and Alta Bates Campuses in Berkeley and the Merritt, Providence and Peralta facilities in Oakland. This policy applies to staff, patients, visitors, volunteers, contractors and vendors.

    “Alta Bates Summit’s goal is to protect staff, patients and community members from exposure to second-hand smoke – a known toxin. In fact, tobacco use kills 440,000 people each year. That number equals approximately how many people live in just one of our communities,” said Michelle Donnell, Manager of Health and Wellness Programs at Alta Bates Summit. “Becoming a tobacco-free campus will reinforce our mission of health and well being and aligns itself with regulations in the cities of Berkeley and Oakland.”

    Alta Bates Summit is not requiring anyone to quit tobacco use, but to refrain from it while on Alta Bates Summit property. The medical center will continue to provide patients with nicotine replacement products during their admission when appropriate as well as bedside cessation counseling.. For information on how to quit smoking, please contact the California Smokers’ Hotline at 1-800-NO-BUTTS..

    Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, is an affiliate of Sutter Health, a not-for-profit, community based health system located throughout Northern California. For more information on Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, visit altabatessummit.org.

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    Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Help - November 15, 2007

    Open enrollment begins on November 15. Come get the details, on Medicare Part D, and find out if you are eligible for extra financial support for co-pays through the Social Security Administration.

    The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Alta Bates Summit’s Ethnic Health Institute are presenting free enrollment fairs. You can get your questions answered and get help filling out the forms in a friendly and safe environment. Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean language assistance will be available available. This free enrollment fair offers a special opportunity to receive help from Social Security and Medicare specialists.

    The US Department of Health and Human Services Medicare Part D mobile van will be on site.

    The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s Ethnic Health Institute

    Enrollment fair for Medicare Enrollment for parts A, B and Part D the Prescription Drug Benefits.
    Free assistance from Social Security and Medicare specialists.

    Participants are asked to bring ALL the medicines they currently take AND their insurance card.

    TWO LOCATIONS:
    Havenscourt Community Church
    1444 Havenscourt Blvd., Oakland

    Asian Cultural Center
    388 - Ninth Street, Room 209
    Oakland Chinatown

    WHEN: Sunday, November 4, 2007
    1:30 – 5 p.m. – Havenscourt location
    12:30p.m. – 5:30p.m. Chinatown Location

    COST: Free
    Light refreshments will be provided!

    INFO: For more information or to get directions, call (510) 869-8217.

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    Alta Bates Summit Medical Center to Provide Portable CT Scanner - August 2007

    Alta Bates Summit Medical NeuroLogica’s CereTom® Portable CT Scanner will assist in Diagnosing Player Head Injury:

    Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, The Oakland Raiders and NeuroLogica Corporation today announced a partnership that will allow more immediate diagnosis of possible player head injury during scheduled games. This unique diagnostic procedure will be done via NeuroLogica’s portable CereTom® CT scanner. The scanner and medical center staff will be on site during all home games at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland throughout the 2007 NFL season to provide immediate diagnostic scans to injured players.

    A CT scan is an advanced ‘x-ray’ image developed with computers to look inside any part of a patient’s body. In this case…the CT image would most likely be of the inside of the head of an injured player. A typical CT scanner is larger than a four-door sedan and weighs thousands of pounds. The CereTom CT scanner is less than the size of a VW bug with similar imaging capabilities – allowing for compact lightweight and portable equipment.

    Alta Bates Summit Medical Center is the first and only hospital in the country working cooperatively to provide rapid diagnosis of potential head injury to NFL players using the CereTom technology.

    This unique partnership gives Alta Bates Summit trial use of the portable CereTom in its Intensive Care Unit to provide immediate diagnosis to critically ill patients without the need of transporting them to the medical center’s larger CT scanner. Ranked in the top 5% of hospitals in the country as a Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence (HealthGrades® 2007), Alta Bates Summit will make use this portable scanner to decrease patient scanning time and increase accessibility to brain imaging.

    During Raider home games, doctors at Alta Bates Summit will make use of the CereTom scanner to diagnose possible head injuries sustained by players. The CereTom will transmit images from McAfee Coliseum directly to Alta Bates Summit’s digital radiology system for immediate physician-review for assessment and diagnosis.

    Through the generosity of NeuroLogica and The Oakland Raiders, Alta Bates Summit will have use of this unique diagnostic equipment when it is not in use at McAfee Coliseum on ‘game days’ for Oakland Raider home games. “We’re extremely grateful that our patients will be able to benefit from this groundbreaking technology,” said Warren Kirk, CEO at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. “It is an excellent example of organizations working together to ensure quality health care in this community.”

    “Considering how large an issue concussion and head injury has become in the NFL, we are honored to be a part of this first partnership to actively take a stand against head injuries,” Kirk concluded.

    The Oakland Raiders are the first NFL team to incorporate this technology. The CereTom’s portability and small size allows it to be transported to the stadium for home games, where it will be located in the physicians’ exam room. Producing instant high-quality images of the neck and head, the CereTom can also be used to scan and diagnose injuries occurring in the extremities including hands, elbows, knees and ankles within minutes from when they occur - which is more effective, efficient and comprehensive than traditional X-ray scans.

    “We are thrilled that the Oakland Raiders and Alta Bates Summit Medical Center are coming together to implement this life-changing piece of technology,” said Eric M. Bailey, CEO of NeuroLogica Corporation. “We applaud their cutting edge approach to the diagnosis and treatment of head trauma, and proactive approach towards the safety of the players.”

    NeuroLogica recently received accolades from medical staff ringside at the Oscar De La Hoya - Floyd Mayweather fight on May 5, when the company provided the CereTom to scan boxers post-fight. The company scanned eight boxers following fights throughout the weekend, and potentially saved one athlete’s life by identifying a brain bleed that otherwise may have gone undiagnosed had he not been scanned. The CereTom was also present at the Indianapolis 500, where it scanned drivers in the middle of the infield.

    About NeuroLogica:
    Based in Danvers, Mass., NeuroLogica Corporation develops, manufactures and markets advanced medical imaging equipment. The company’s mission is to bring access to high quality medical imaging to all people regardless of where they live. Combining this imaging quality and access enables physicians to make more informed treatment decisions, especially in stroke emergencies, saving and improving patient lives.

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    Medication Recycling Program Comes to Alta Bates Summit - June 2007

    While they might swim in circles in the fishbowl…fish probably aren’t depressed and don’t really need antidepressants OR hormones…but that is exactly what many fish in the San Francisco Bay receive every day and you may not even be aware of it.

    The San Francisco Bay is being harmed by medications that have been flushed or washed down the drain every day. Wastewater treatment centers cannot remove all medicines, but Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s Pharmacists are working together with the public and other pharmacies to help protect the Bay.

    Thanks to the leadership of Alta Bates Summit Pharmacists Kathleen Fong, PharmD and Sharon Leaf, PharmD, the medical center’s Peralta Outpatient Pharmacy (3100 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland) is piloting a program to help educate the public about the proper disposal of all pharmaceutical products (whether prescription or over-the-counter).

    “Pharmacist Kathleen Fong arrived at this important solution after the medical center participated in an initial and very successful ‘take-back’ program with outside organizations over a year ago,” says Sharon Leaf, PharmD. “Kathleen realized it would be the appropriate move to initiate a ‘take-back’ program for expired and unused medications –- right here for the medical center’s community of patients.”

    The facts are disturbing:
    Recent studies show that 80 percent of US streams contain small amounts of human medicines. Sewage systems cannot remove these medicines from water that is released into our natural resources like lakes, rivers, bays and the ocean. Fish and other aquatic animals have shown adverse effects from medicines found in these waters.
    A 1996 report of how expired medications are being disposed of found that 1.4% of respondents returned their medications to a pharmacy, 54% disposed of medications in the garbage, 35.4% flushed medications down the toilet or sink, 7.2% did not dispose of medications and just 2% related they used all medications before expiration.

    More and more members of the community are becoming aware of the necessity of recycling on a daily basis. Recycled paper and backyard compost piles are more common than ever. But even the most environmentally enlightened of us may not realize that throwing away a partially used bottle of a common prescription drug for hormone replacement or antidepressant can have serious impacts on our water supply and marine life.

    Alta Bates Summit Pharmacists urge the general public to ask their own pharmacists if they have a ‘take-back program’ in place to accept old medicines, and encourage them to request that each pharmacy participate in such a recycling program.

    In May, the City of Emeryville conducted a “Clean Sweep.” Alta Bates Summit Pharmacists worked with EBMUD, Emeryville Police and EXP (a local drug disposal company) and collected nearly 300 pounds of drugs! And, in another example, a local Eagle Scout collected more than 150 pounds of expired drugs in his small city alone. “Efforts such as these help educate the public about the hazards of ‘flushing old medications’ and is hopefully changing that practice,” said Leaf.

    “You can safely dispose of unwanted medications by taking them to your local pharmacy or to the Peralta Outpatient Pharmacy at 3100 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland,” Leaf continued. “We ask that the public please try to bring medicines in the original containers, with personal information marked out, and no controlled substances, please.”
    Take an inventory today. Go to your medicine cabinet…carefully examine the bottles of medication you find.

    You may be quite surprised at what you discover. Most families have boxes and bottles of unused and expired prescription medications as well as over-the-counter medications. Not only can you intercept a potentially lethal problem of consuming expired medication (some expired medications can become toxic) – you will help the environment.

    Flyers being distributed by Alta Bates Summit quip “Don’t flush old meds! It’s safer for your family, and safer for the Bay. The San Francisco Bay and the fish in it will thank you!”

    If you have questions, or for further information please call the Alta Bates Summit, Peralta Outpatient Pharmacy at (510) 869-8835.

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    Book Publication To Benefit Alta Bates Summit’s Breast Health Center - May 2007

    The newest anthology from the Wednesday Writers of Oakland, entitled Something That Matters: Life, Love, and Unexpected Adventures in the Middle of the Journey will be released on Friday, June 1. Proceeds from the sale of this rich collection of personal essays will benefit Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s new Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center which will open in Oakland in about one year. The new Breast Center will be the first comprehensive center of its kind in the East Bay. Thousands of East Bay residents will benefit from the Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center’s specialized services and caring environment individualized to the needs of each patient.

    Elizabeth Fishel and Terri Hinte are the editors of this heartfelt and humorous collection about midlife’s second acts. They worked together previously on another collection of essays, The Wednesday Writers, published in 2003. Fishel is the local author of Sisters and Reunion: The Girls We Used to Be, the Women We Became, among others.

    The afternoon tea will feature members of the Wednesday Writers group as well as readings by the writers of the “Cancer in Other Words” writing workshops that take place at the Alta Bates Summit’s Markstein Cancer Education and Prevention Center.

    Autumn Stephens, facilitator of the Markstein Center writing workshops, describes the stories in the new anthology as, “…poignant, startling and uplifting.” “These slice of life essays make no bones about the imperfections of the writers’ lives,” she writes. “Yet they leave the reader with a lingering impression of hard-won wisdom, and a lovely self-confidence that only time and experience can endow.”

    The tea and reading will take place at the Peralta Pavilion of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, located at 450 - 30th Street in Oakland, in the “Living Room” on the second floor. Teas will be provided by Oakland’s L’Amyx Tea Bar. Light refreshments will be served. Space is limited so reserving a space is recommended. For more information or to make a reservation, call (510) 869-8735. A $10 donation is suggested.

    WHO: Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s Markstein Cancer Education and Prevention Center

    WHAT: An afternoon of reading and tea. Introduction of the new anthology: Something That Matters, a new book of personal essays by the Wednesday Writers of Oakland.

    WHERE: Peralta Pavilion of Alta Bates Summit
    450 – 30th Street in Oakland
    Second floor in the ‘Living Room’

    WHEN: Sunday, June 3, 2007
    3:00 to 5 pm

    Proceeds from the day will benefit Alta Bates Summit’s new Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center.

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    Alta Bates Summit’s Emergency Department Fully Renovated - April 2007

    Emergency Department Staff at Alta Bates Summit’s Berkeley Campus is about to celebrate the completion of its remodeled, modern and greatly improved Emergency Department. An official dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Picard Emergency Department will be held on Monday, April 16, at 5:30 p.m.

    In 1993, Alta Bates began the long process of seeking design, funding, permitting and construction of the critically needed new Emergency Department. In 2002, after years of working with the City of Berkeley and neighbors, Alta Bates Summit was granted a Master Use Permit that established a new process through which the medical center can make renovations to the Alta Bates Campus.

    The Berkeley hospital’s Emergency Department was built in 1968 to accommodate 12,000 patients a year. Populations and health care needs of the community soared in the ensuing years. Ultimately the same space saw the hard working physicians and staff caring for more than 44,000 people annually in just 8,850 square feet.

    In sharp contrast, the new 12,300 square foot Emergency Department (dedicated to the memory of Dr. William Picard and his wife Bobbie) cost over $17 million and offers 22 private exam rooms – each equipped with the latest technology in patient monitoring equipment. The old Emergency Department was not designed with private patient rooms and the needs of today’s patients in mind. Many exam areas in the old department were merely divided by ‘privacy curtains.’

    Another important improvement is the addition of a pedestrian entrance to the Emergency Department. “We went from a cramped and crowded space to one in which we can better serve those who turn to us for care,” says Stephen Schrager, MD, Medical Director, Alta Bates Emergency Services. “This included the addition of an entrance dedicated to emergency vehicles and first-responders and a separate entrance for family, visitors and other foot traffic.”

    “I am extremely proud of the skill and teamwork shown by the Emergency Department staff throughout this transformation,” says Warren Kirk, President and CEO of Alta Bates Summit. “Through the leadership of our Board of Trustees and the generosity of donors, I’m very happy we are finally able to open the doors to this exceptional new space. Our community has long needed and deserved an environment that meets the standards of our clinical staff.”

    According to Dolores Darling-Riordan, RN, Manager of the Alta Bates Emergency Department, “In comparison to when I started here as a staff nurse 20 years ago – the needs of our patients have changed dramatically. Today, Emergency Departments are highly specialized centers of care performing as an ED, a clinic, a physician’s office, and even a place for minor surgery.”

    Throughout the renovation process, the medical center remained committed to uninterrupted care. With an average of 850 patients a week, this may seem like an impossible goal. But through carefully orchestrated ‘phases of construction,’ the goal was met.

    In order to move forward, it was necessary to first reduce the adjacent Radiology Department as Phase One of the renovation. Advances in state-of-the-art equipment, digital technology and other improvements in the delivery of care resulted in less space required for this important hospital service. The Radiology Department consolidation was completed in 2004 and the subsequent ED remodeling was completed in 2005.

    One of the most critical aspects of the new Emergency Department was changes to the exterior. In December of 2005, the medical center finally received approval from the City of Berkeley Public Works to complete the exterior renovation, including upgrades in construction and landscaping on Colby Street. The entire project was completed in April of 2007.

    “It’s a tribute to their skills and compassion of the ED staff that they maintained the highest level of patient care in spite of cramped quarters and complicated construction,” Dr. Schrager continued. “Where the old space was crowded and inefficient, our modern new space provides great support for patient care.”

    Seed money for this important project was well into the millions, given by a host of generous donors in honor of Dr. William and Bobbie Picard. During his 40 years with Alta Bates Hospital, William H. Picard, MD, was Chief of the Department of Radiology, President of the Medical Staff, Board Trustee, and received recognition for Distinguished Service, Outstanding Service and Meritorious Service. He was known as a great leader during a time of great change.

    Barbara J. Picard was fondly referred to as ‘Bobbie’ by all who knew her. Bobbie’s deep love of her community and the arts has left indelible color and beauty on the walls of Alta Bates through the Community Art Gallery which she founded in 1978. Through her many years of involvement, she actively participated in the Alta Bates Associates, a fund raising arm of the medical center.

    The Picard Emergency Department is named in their honor, not only for their any years of service, but also because of the generosity of family and friends who wished to ensure their lasting legacy.

    “Caring for the needs of our patients is the only reason we come here every day,” said Riordan-Darling. “The entire staff has been very excited about the completion of the new ED. Not only will we be belt o better serve our patients…it’s a better working environment for our staff. We’re very grateful to the donors and those who led the charge on this effort so that our staff and our community now have the modern Emergency Department long needed and deserved.”

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    Free Blood Pressure Screenings on Hypertension Sunday - February 25, 2007

    Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Churches, and Health Organizations offer Free Blood Pressure Screenings on Hypertension Sunday!

    On Sunday, February 25, 2007, over 20 churches and East Bay community organizations will partner to provide free blood pressure screenings to members of their community. (Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Health Ministry Program, Ethnic Health Institute, Sinkler Miller Medical Association, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, Oakland Technical High School Health Academy, and Samuel Merritt College).

    High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects approximately one-quarter of the adult population of the United States, or roughly 50 million people. It can cause heart attacks, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and other serious problems – and is the nation’s No. 1 and No 3 leading cause of death. However, one-third of patients with high blood pressure are unaware that they have the disease because they lack warning signs and symptoms and have not been screened.

    “High blood pressure is highly treatable, and screening is critically important because it can detect the disease usually in an early stage when it is generally easier to control,” says Alta Bates Summit Cardiologist Rollington Ferguson, MD, of the Heart-Medicine & Chest Pain Clinic. “Untreated high blood pressure is a strong risk factor for stroke and cardiovascular disease, so getting it checked regularly and getting it under control is of great importance!”
    Know Your Numbers! “Knowing your blood pressure is an important first step in maintaining good heart health,” says Stephanie Davenport, Health Ministry Program Coordinator. “Understanding what you can do and working to reduce risks associated with high blood pressure and high cholesterol is essential to your overall health and well-being.”
    Current recommendations are to have your blood pressure checked every two years if it is normal (below 120/80 mm Hg) and every year if you are pre-hypertensive (between 120/80 and 140/90 mm Hg). The likelihood of your blood pressure worsening in these categories within one or two years is small. So, these guidelines are sufficient for early detection. However, you should check your blood pressure more frequently if you have kidney disease, diabetes, stroke or heart disease.

    If you already have high blood pressure (140/90 mm Hg or higher), have it checked according to your doctor’s recommendations.

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    Alta Bates Summit Recognized For High-Quality Care - November 2006

    “Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Designated as Center of Excellence”

    Alta Bates Summit Medical Center announced today that it has been named an American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. The ASBS Center of Excellence designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes in bariatric surgery.

    According to a study released in July 2005 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the number of U.S. bariatric surgeries more than quadrupled between 1998 and 2002 – from 13,386 to 71,733. Faced with clinical evidence that the most experienced and best-run bariatric surgery programs have by far the lowest rates of complications, the ASBS Centers of Excellence program was created to recognize bariatric surgery centers that perform well and to help surgeons and hospitals continue to improve the quality and safety of care provided.

    “Over the last decade, obesity has emerged as a major medical, social and economic problem in far too many communities. The mission of our highly qualified professionals is to work together to offer innovative surgical options as well as a proactive approach to support our patients dealing with the challenges of excessive weight,” said George Kazantsev, MD, Program Director of the Alta Bates Summit Bariatric Care Program. “We recognize the need to utilize a systematic approach to quality improvement and to share best practices with our colleagues. At Alta Bates Summit, we believe that the ASBS Centers of Excellence program will serve as catalyst to drive strong programs to get even better.”

    To earn a Center of Excellence designation, Alta Bates Summit underwent a series of site inspections during which all aspects of the program’s surgical processes were closely examined and data on health outcomes was collected. As a result of this information, Alta Bates Summit as well as other centers receiving the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence designation, have agreed to continue sharing information on clinical pathways, protocols and outcomes data.

    Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), an organization dedicated to pursuing surgical excellence, formulates and establishes the rigorous standards with which Alta Bates Summit and other Centers of Excellence must comply.

    SRC thoroughly inspects and evaluates each candidate for designation, and upon review recommends approval of designation for those physicians and facilities whose practices and outcomes meet the stringent demands of SRC for ASBS.

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    Breast Cancer Awareness Series - October 2006


    Alta Bates Summit Medical Center and its variety of women’s services, has planned a month of events in October to raise awareness and educate the community about breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and survival. “The activities this month are all part of helping women become fully informed about their healthcare and the options available to them so they can better participate in the decisions about their care,” said Lisa Bailey, MD, medical director of Alta Bates Summit’s Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center and a surgical oncologist.

    Monday, October 2 (First Monday of every month - 1:00-3:00 p.m.)
    Look Good… Feel Better – A collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the Markstein Cancer Education and Prevention Center. This monthly workshop helps women offset appearance-related changes from cancer treatment. Each two-hour, hands-on workshop includes a 12-step skin care/make-up application lesson, demonstration of options for dealing with hair loss, and nail care techniques. Meets at Alta Bates Summit’s Markstein Cancer Center, 450 – 30th St., 2nd Floor, Room 2810 in Oakland. Registration is required. No Charge. To register and for directions please phone (510) 869-8833.

    Wednesday, October 4 (6:15 – 7:30 p.m.)
    Updates in Radiation Oncology – Valery, Uhl, MD, Radiation Oncologist will speak on the latest in breast cancer radiation techniques. It will be held at Alta Bates Summit’s Markstein Cancer Center, 450 – 30th Street, 2nd Floor, Room 2810 in Oakland. No Charge, registration requested (510) 869-8833.

    Thursday, October 5 – first of a 4-week workshop (6:15 – 8:15 p.m.)
    Cancer In So Many Words – An opportunity to learn how to put unique life experiences into words with local author, Autumn Stephens. This is the first session of a 4-week workshop (held on the consecutive Thursday evenings – October 5, 12, 19 and 26) that will be a healing exploration and aid in stress reduction. It will be held at Alta Bates Summit’s Markstein Cancer Center, 450 – 30th St., 2nd Floor, Room 2810 in Oakland. Enrollment is limited – there is no fee but donations are accepted with gratitude. For reservations and information call (510) 869-8833.

    Saturday/Sunday, October 7 and 8 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
    Mile for Women with Cancer – Join Alta Bates Summit’s Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center and the Markstein Cancer Center and an estimated 500 men, women and children to swim for the Women’s Cancer Resource Center’s annual event to raise money for cancer support work in our community. Go to www.wcrc.org/swim/index.htm for details. Location: Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd. in Oakland.

    Wednesday, October 11 (6:30 – 8:30 p.m.)
    Dr. Susan Love – A Different Perspective on Cancer Care – One of the “Founding Mothers” of Breast Cancer Advocacy and noted author, Dr. Love will present a lecture and book signing at the Berkeley City Club, in Berkeley. Sponsored by the Alta Bates Summit Comprehensive Cancer Center, this lecture is offered free of charge, but because of space limitations, reservations are required by calling (510) 204-2955, or on line at www.abccc.com/contact

    Thursday, October 19 (6:15 – 8:15 p.m.)
    Breast Cancer Update – A unique opportunity to learn about the latest research in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Breast health specialists will use fictional case histories as a forum for discussion. Physicians include: Norman Cohen, MD, Medical Oncology; Lorraine Champion, MD, Radiation Oncology; John Grieff, MD, Surgical Oncology; Linda Gordon, MD, Radiology; and a pathologist. The panel will take place at Alta Bates Summit’s Markstein Cancer Center, 450 – 30th St., 2nd Floor, Room 2810, in Oakland. No Fee. For information and reservations, call (510) 869-8735.

    Thursday, October 21 (11 a.m. – noon)
    Breast Cancer in Our Community – Lisa Bailey, MD, Medical Director of the Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center, will discuss the issues that are apparent in our own community regarding breast cancer rates and current research. The forum will be held at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley. No Fee. To register call (510) 549-9200.

    Friday, October 22 (12 – 4 p.m.)
    Dia de los Muertos – Join the 13th annual community celebration for the Day of the Dead for hands-on craft activities, demonstrations, music, dance, food and a Mercado. Location: 10th and Oak Streets in Oakland. Representatives from Alta Bates Summit’s Ethnic Health Institute, Markstein Cancer Center, and the Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center will be on hand to present and distribute cancer-related information.

    Monday, October 23 - 4th Monday of each month (10 a.m. – noon)
    Look Good… Feel Better – A monthly workshop to help women offset appearance-related changes from cancer treatment. Each two-hour, hands-on workshop includes a 12-step skin care/make-up application lesson, demonstration of options for dealing with hair loss, and nail care techniques. Meets at the Alta Bates Summit Comprehensive Cancer Center, Breast Center Salon, 2001 Dwight Way in Berkeley. Registration is required. No Charge. To register and for directions please phone (510) 204-7817.

    Every year 7,000 women are screened for breast cancer at Alta Bates Summit, of that number, more than 500 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed. Remaining the hospital of choice, with outstanding physicians and specialists is the goal of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center.

    Breast health services are currently available at the medical center in a variety of locations both on an outpatient and inpatient basis. To complement these services, a new home for the Carol Ann Read Breast Center will soon be built at the Summit Campus to centralize services under one roof. It will be the first and only complete breast health center in the East Bay.

    Through various partnerships, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center is dedicated to achieving its mission of enhancing the health and well being of the community. Together with hundreds of caring, dedicated medical professionals, Alta Bates Summit is helping create miracles each day and is pleased to present these community awareness forums.

    Space is limited for many events and reservations are requested.


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    Free Skin Cancer Screening Clinic - 7/29/05

    SKIN CANCER SCREENING CLINIC
    Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with over one million new cases diagnosed annually. The most serious type of cancer-melanoma- will kill 8,500 people this year. Fortunately most skin cancers, including melanoma, can be cured if found early. The Markstein Cancer Education and Prevention Center of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in partnership with local America Academy of Dermatology Physicians will offer three free community skin cancer screenings on Friday, July 29. These screening clinics are offered to those people who have difficulty accessing skin examinations due to limited or no health insurance. Appointments are required.
    For more information or to schedule an important call (510) 869-8833.

    WHO: Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s Markstein Cancer Education and Prevention CenterWHAT: Free Community Skin Cancer Screening Clinics

    WHERE: Markstein Cancer Education Center, Summit Campus (appointments required)

    WHEN: Friday, July 29, 2005WHY: Skin cancer screenings are offered to those people who, due to limited or no health insurance, would not be able to have a suspicious mole or other skin changes examined. Skin cancer, detected in its earliest most treatable stage, can be cured.

    INFO: APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED! For appointments or information, contact the Markstein Cancer Education and Prevention Center (510) 869-8833.

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    500th Bone Marrow Transplant Performed - 6/9/05

    Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
    Proudly Performs its 500th Bone Marrow Transplant

    On Thursday, June 9, 2005 the Oncology Program at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center will perform its 500th Bone Marrow Transplantation.

    The procedure will be a stem cell transplant on a 40-year old male from Oakland to treat myeloma.

    Physicians, staff and family will conduct a small celebration on the unit to mark this achievement. Alta Bates Summit is the only hospital in the East Bay and the only community hospital in the Bay Area to offer bone marrow transplantation – it is unique that such a successful program is available to offer this service in a community hospital.

    Alta Bates first Bone Marrow Transplant was performed on March 30, 1984. At that time only Allogeneic transplants (from a related donor, usually a sibling) were done. Program Director Jeffrey Wolf, MD, who began the program, will perform Thursday’s transplant.

    Alta Bates Summit began doing Autologous transplants in 1993 using the patient’s own bone marrow or stem cells. Now, most transplants use stem cells derived from the blood stream rather than bone marrow. Allogeneic transplants are still done for certain diseases, often using stem cells from related or even unrelated donors.

    John Werner, the hospital’s first transplant recipient, often returns to help the program celebrate its successes and is expected to also be there to celebrate this event.

    Alta Bates Summit is actively performing transplants for leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and assorted other malignancies and abnormalities of the blood.

    The success of transplant programs varies with the specific disease and the extent or resistance of the disease. Dr. Wolf said, "At Alta Bates Summit, our team is very proud of the fact that our program meets or exceeds all the national benchmarks for safety and success."

    After more than 20 years of experience, much about transplantation has been learned. "Transplantation is not only safer and more successful now than in 1983 but it is also easier on the patients," Wolf said. "New anti-nausea medications, treatments for mouth and esophageal pain, and growth factors to stimulate the new stem cells to grow have all contributed to decreased toxicities, a shorter length of stay in the hospital, and a quicker recovery for the immune system."

    The procedure involves administering very high doses of chemotherapy to kill the cancer cells in the patient’s body. Unfortunately, these doses also kill normal bone marrow cells that make red cells, white cells and platelets. The patient is then given his or her own marrow cells by transfusion and these cells grow up over 10 days to 2 weeks to produce normal cells again.

    "We are very excited to celebrate our 500th transplant and 21 years of caring for these patients on 4NE," said Suzanne Gooding, RN, Nurse Manager.


    Interviews with the patient, physician, staff and family are available upon request.
    Please contact Carolyn Kemp, (510) 869-8220.

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    Fall Prevention Lecture and Luncheon - 6/8/05

    Calendar Listing

    Who: Health Access of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center.

    What: Health Access "Healthy Hour," includes a light brunch and presentation of health information topic. June’s topic is Fall Prevention. Contrary to popular belief, falling is not an inevitable part of aging. There are ways to prevent falls, and if falls occur, to minimize injury. Colleen Campbell, coordinator of the Senior Injury Prevention Project of Alameda County, will lead an interactive presentation that will help you learn ways to minimize your risk of falling.

    Where : Summit Campus, Merritt Pavilion
    350 Hawthorne Avenue, Oakland
    Cafeteria Annexes B & C

    When: Wednesday, June 8, 2005
    10:30 to 11:30 am
    Discussion group following from 11:30 to 12:30

    Cost: Free for Health Access members, $5 for all others. For free membership application, call Ellen Carroll 869-6737.

    Contact: Ellen Carroll
    (510) 869-6737 for reservations or more information

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    Cazzy the Camel at Herrick - 6/3/05

    Camels? In Berkeley?

    What may have started with just one loving and well trained dog and her trainer…is turning into an extraordinary afternoon with … of all things … a camel!

    Animal-assisted therapy has long been considered important at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s Rehabilitation Unit, Pulmonary Subacute Unit and often the Psychiatric Unit. Lucy, the beautiful and well trained golden retriever (with her own ID badge and uniform) helps offer important therapy and always draws a big smile when she places her head in the lap of a patient and looks up with her big brown eyes.

    Now – for one afternoon only – the therapists at Alta Bates Summit are joining forces with the owners of Sonoma’s Lyon Ranch to bring Kazzy the Camel to brighten the day of patients at the Herrick Campus of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. Beginning at 1:00 p.m., a two-hour ‘love fest’ will play itself out at the Haste Street entrance to the Herrick Campus of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Berkeley.

    Linde Spuhler, Program Coordinator of Inpatient Rehabilitation, and Ginny Kamp, Recreation Therapist – both from Herrick’s impressive rehabilitation department – worked with representatives from the Lyon Ranch to help bring this afternoon of fun to their patients. "As soon as we heard about this incredible opportunity we knew it would be an perfect fit with the variety of patients we see here every day at this campus," said Spuhler. "Visiting with animals can help people – especially patients, feel less lonely, and less depressed," Kamp said. "Visits can help provide a welcome change from routine, and open up brand new possibilities." Studies have proven the value of pet therapy…they’ve shown that people become more active and responsive both during and after visiting with animals. Petting an animal encourages use of hands and arms, stretching, and turning. Additionally, stroking a dog or a cat has proven to lower blood pressure – imagine the possibilities with a camel!

    Dogs like Herrick’s therapy dog Lucy, have long played an important roll in therapy activities at Alta Bates Summit. Helping through range of motion for patients (tossing a ball, brushing her fur, or simply petting Lucy) as well as giving them that extra boost of companionship, love and distraction have proven very effective in patient well-being. Interviews, ambient sound and photos available.

    Press Invitation: May 27, 2005
    What: Animal Assisted Therapy featuring Kazzy the Camel, a female Bactrian Camel (the two-hump variety) to visit patients at the Herrick Campus of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Berkeley. Patients from Rehabilitation, Pulmonary Subacute Unit, Behavioral Health and Cancer care will all have the opportunity to visit with Kazzy the Camel in a delightful, unusual, and therapeutic afternoon.

    WHERE: Herrick Campus (Haste Street Entrance)Alta Bates Summit Medical Center2001 Dwight Way in Berkeley

    WHEN: Friday, June 3, 20051 p.m. – 2 p.m. (patients) 2 – 3 p.m. (staff and their families)

    WHY: Animal assisted therapy – or pet therapy – is used to help bring a unique time of calming joy to patients in hospitals. Dogs, cats or birds are more commonly seen but today…beautiful Kazzy the Camel will offer an opportunity few people get: to pet, snuggle and maybe get a kiss from a real Bactrian Camel! For information on interviews, photographs and/or filming, please contact Carolyn Kemp (510) 869-8220.

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    2nd Annual Leap of Faith Gala - 6/2/05


    Second Annual Leap of Faith Event –
    Thursday, June 2, 2005

    Many in the Bay Area remember and were touched by the death of KTVU-TV reporter, Oakland resident and breast health advocate, Faith Fancher almost two years ago. Those who knew and loved her joined together last year for the first annual and hugely successful Leap of Faith Event to raise money for Alta Bates Summit’s Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center.

    Once again, the Friends of Faith, ACE-IT at Orindawoods Tennis Club, Scott’s Seafood Restaurant, and many others are joining Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, to sponsor the annual Leap of Faith dinner that will be held on Thursday, June 2, at Scott’s Seafood Restaurant, Jack London Square.

    The evening’s activities will be co-hosted by Renel Brooks Moon – host of her own popular radio show on 98.1 KISS F.M., and the public address announcer for the San Francisco Giants and Carolyn Tyler, co-anchor and reporter for KGO, Channel 7.

    A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the second annual “Leap of Faith” award, given in honor of Faith Fancher. This award is given annually to an individual whose dedication has made a difference in our community through promoting breast cancer awareness, advancing the field of breast cancer prevention, diagnosis and/or treatment or has provided assistance to breast cancer patients.

    Attendees will be entertained at dinner by Bay Area-based vocalist and songwriter Sakai. The winner of the 2004 Los Angeles Black Music Award for “Best Neo Soul Artist,” Sakai will be joined by some of the finest musicians in Northern California to provide the
    beat for post-dinner dancing. Sakai’s stirring ballad, “Leap Of Faith” from her “Dream Big” CD was adopted by Faith Fancher as the official theme song for the Friends of Faith.

    Over 300 people attended last year’s Leap of Faith Event. Through sponsorships, the generosity of Scott’s Seafood Restaurant, Oakland, ticket sales, a silent auction and donations, the first time event raised a whopping $100,000! All proceeds of the evening
    benefited the Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center. Those who knew and loved her as
    well as many who provided care for her, united to celebrate Faith Fancher’s life and honor her memory.

    Emmy-winning KTVU-TV reporter Faith Fancher, died of breast cancer in October of 2003. Faith spent much of the last six years of her life dedicated to public outreach, education and helping women better understand the significance of breast health education, the importance of screening, and supporting women diagnosed with breast cancer. Faith worked tirelessly to fight the breast cancer epidemic through the power of information. The recipient of The Leap of Faith award will represent Faith’s beliefs and dedication.

    Through the generosity of Scott’s Seafood Restaurant, Jack London Square, the June 2 fundraiser will be a celebration of Faith’s life and her many contributions, and a fundraiser that will help further her goals.

    This year alone, nearly 500 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed at Alta Bates Summit, each one touching off a stressful, frightening time for patients as they try to understand their diagnosis and make choices about treatment. The new Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center at Alta Bates Summit will incorporate patient-focused care to make this process easier for women and their families. The new breast center will offer diagnostic tests in one location, speed the delivery of any needed additional testing and/or test results for any abnormalities, and provide state-of-the-art breast health and cancer services.

    “Our breast center will be truly unique in the East Bay,” said Lisa Bailey, MD, Breast Surgeon and Medical Director of the Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center. “We will offer patients the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic methods available, caring for each patient in a compassionate, sensitive and comprehensive manner.”

    In addition to “A Faith Place,” a specific healing area named in honor of Faith Fancher, the event will fund additional important Breast Center programs. These include a High Risk Assessment Program, a service that develops an assessment of a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer and provide ways to help lessen the identified risk. Last year's successful Leap of Faith Event helped ensure that a patient navigator position was funded. Last year's successful Leap of Faith Event helped ensure that a patient navigator position is funded.

    Tickets for this evening of inspiration, fun and music are still available for $175 per person.

    For more information about attending or sponsoring, please contact Alta Bates Summit Foundation, (510) 204-1667, or visit their web site at: www.absfdn.org.


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    Skin Chat Seminar - 5/4/05


    April 28, 2005

    Calendar Listing
    Good Immediately, through
    May 3, 2005

    Skin Chat Seminar

    Join Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s Markstein Cancer Education and Prevention Center on Wednesday, May 4, at the Health Education Center, located at 400 Hawthorne Avenue, Oakland, for a Skin Chat Seminar. This seminar is open to CNA’s, Rehabilitation Therapists, Massage Therapists, Aestheticians, Barbers, Hairdressers or anyone concerned about skin cancer. Come learn how you can help lower the incidence of skin cancer and help your clients too! Space is limited, so reserve your spot today by calling toll free (800) 870-8705.

    A board certified dermatologist will teach you about identifying abnormal skin changes that should be examined by a doctor. Learn how to talk to your clients about the skin abnormalities you observe. Learn to counsel clients about the dangers of ultra violet rays. Hear about skin protection: sunscreen, sun block, protective clothing and receive rational suggestions for sun protection. Receive a Certificate of Completion

    WHO: Presented by Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s Markstein Cancer Education and Prevention Center with a grant form the Cancer League

    WHAT: Skin Chat Seminar

    WHEN: Wednesday, May 4, 2005
    12:45 pm to 3:00 pm

    WHERE: Health Education Center
    400 Hawthorne Avenue, Oakland

    INFO/
    CHARGE: There is no charge for this event, but RSVP is requested.
    Reserve your spot to attend this free interactive workshop by calling, toll free, (800) 870-8705.

    * Can’t make the May seminar?
    Leave your name and address to be notified of a summer seminar.



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    Advanced Directives Forum - 4/28/05


    Advance Directives:
    What Are They? How Can They Help You And Your Loved Ones?

    Free Community Forum, Panel Discussion at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center

    “To love someone is to learn the song in his heart and to sing it when he has forgotten it or can no longer sing it himself.” - Author Unknown

    Recent focus on the Florida case involving the removal of a hospice patient’s feeding tube has brought this emotional and difficult issue into the homes of millions of Americans. What are Advance Directives? What is a Living Will? Should I have them? How do I make sure my wishes about end-of-life decisions are followed?

    In an effort to help members of the community answer these and other questions, the Ethnic Health Institute, Health Access, and the Ethics Committee of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center are offering a free panel discussion and question and answer forum on Thursday, April 28, 2005, from 6:30 – 8 p.m.

    The troubling circumstances surrounding the Terri Schiavo case – a young woman incapacitated at an early age – serves to remind us that it’s never too early to begin talking about how we would want to spend our final days. Many individuals are asking themselves, “If I were in that position, what would I want? And most importantly… would anyone around me know what I would want?”

    This difficult topic requires us to begin asking questions and talking out loud, in conversations between husbands and wives, adult children and their elderly parents, friends and those we care about.

    In this community forum, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a variety of community leaders – including an ethicist, physician, lawyer and chaplain. Attendees will then have the opportunity to ask questions, receive Advance Directive Forms and end-of-life planning materials.

    Panelists to date include:

    Susan Rubin, PhD, Ethics Consultant
    Lorraine Bonner, MD, Alta Bates Summit Hospitalist
    Peter Yuichi Clark, Alta Bates Summit Chaplain
    Frank Staggers, Sr., MD, Moderator, Chair of the Ethnic Health Institute.

    Life is a journey framed by the mysteries of birth and death. As medical science has advanced, it has succeeded in modifying events at both ends of that journey, but death remains inevitable. Despite clinical interventions -- and sometimes because of them -- society and health care professionals sometimes face a tangle of dilemmas at the end of life. Most families spend more time planning a vacation than they do planning for possible health emergencies.

    Join us for this informative and important forum.

    There is no charge for this event, but reservations are recommended. For further information and reservations, please phone (510) 869-8276.


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