Commonwealth Health is a Cornerstone of Northeastern PA The skilled and compassionate hands of physicians, nurses and other team members of Commonwealth Health support the health and well-being of patients who turn to us for expert care. We are here, whenever needed. Beyond providing clinical care, Commonwealth Health is a cornerstone of our community and a major contributor to the economic health of Northeastern PA as a major employer and tax-payer and through our resources to expand and enhance the medical services available close to home. The overall impact is significant and totaled more than $482 million in 2022. Care was provided at more than 1 million patient encounters, including more than 81,500 emergency department visits, more than 19,600 inpatient admissions and more than 23,700 surgeries. Over 965,000 patients received care locally from our physician practices, walk-in locations and outpatient centers. Joy was delivered to local families with the birth of more than 2,000 babies at Moses Taylor Hospital and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. “We help people get well and live healthier by providing quality care for patients,” said Michael Curran, chief executive officer for Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital. “Our community is truly fortunate to have this dedicated team of clinicians who are making a real difference each and every day.” Commonwealth Health’s network provides a broad range of medical services, from highly specialized heart, lung and joint replacement surgery to more routine surgical needs and preventive care. Since 2022, more than 4,000 hearts beat stronger following cardiac catheterization at Commonwealth Health’s Heart & Vascular Institute located in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Eleven interventional cardiologists now offer this life-saving procedure and other treatments for heart health. Commonwealth Health and Rothman Orthopaedic Institute have announced a strategic alignment to transform the offering and delivery of orthopedic care and services in Northeastern PA. We expect to begin to serve patients through the affiliation in late summer 2023. Bringing moms and babies safely through childbirth is our priority. Our AI-based maternal-fetal early warning system monitors vital data throughout labor and delivery to help our maternity team recognize, prevent and respond to potential complications for an even safer birth. Simon Ratliff, chief executive officer for Wilkes-Barre General Hospital stated, “The vital care we provide is only one part of the broad impact we have. We are a cornerstone of this community and we are committed to doing all we can to provide excellent healthcare services and to making Northeastern PA a healthier, better community for all.” Commonwealth Health also gives back to Northeastern PA by providing over $49 million in charity and uncompensated care for the community’s most vulnerable. And the payment of $23 million in property and sales taxes helps support civic resources and services. The hospitals’ payroll of more than $361 million ripples across the local economy as employees buy goods and services. Last year the hospitals added enhanced benefits to help team members achieve their personal and professional goals, including assistance with student loan repayments, reimbursement of licensure and certification expenses, as well as tuition reimbursement. To train additional caring and skilled nurses, Jersey College and Commonwealth Health have collaborated to establish a School of Nursing on Moses Taylor Hospital’s campus, serving the greater region. We welcomed our first class of students in January 2023. To help the community live healthier, Commonwealth Health offers a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox. Sign up at commonwealthhealth.net.
Commonwealth Health Scranton Donates Peanut Butter To help address hunger in our community and in celebration of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2, Commonwealth Health Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton have donated more than 900 jars of peanut butter (and other nut butters) to CEO Weinberg Food Bank and Bread Basket of NEPA. All of that peanut butter was donated by Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital employees, medical staff members, volunteers and The Wright Center during the recent Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive. According to Feeding America, 12.7 percent of residents in the Lackawanna County struggle to put food on the table. The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive was launched to help support individuals who are facing food insecurity, which is a social determinant of health. “With the rising cost of basic life necessities such as food, more and more individuals and families are reaching out for help just to get by. Local food banks are struggling to keep up with this increasing demand.” Said Greg Drapek, Commonwealth Health Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton board member. “ The success of the Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive will not only provide a helping hand to so many in need, but is also indicative of the kindness and long standing support of our community that has been the hallmark of our employees.”Peanut butter is one of the most requested items for food banks because it is highly nutritious and has a long shelf life. Unfortunately, many food banks in America report it is also one of the least donated food items. Other foods needed by food banks include non-perishable items such as cereals, pasta, and canned foods such as soups, vegetables, beans or fruit.People can support CEO Weinberg Food Bank and Bread Basket of NEPA by volunteering their time, hosting a food drive, donating food and/or money.
Commonwealth Health Donation to Local Organizations In recognition of National Doctors’ Day on March 30th, Commonwealth Health hospitals Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton are honoring their physicians by donating twenty-five hundred dollars to the St. Joseph’s Center and United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA in Scranton.This day is designated to thank doctors for their heroic compassion in our time of need. This is an opportunity to pause and recognize their tireless efforts and commitment to your health and the health of your loved ones.This year, Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital physicians elected to support the community by donating to nonprofit organizations in lieu of gifts that the hospitals would provide to them in honor of Doctors’ Day.“On Doctors’ Day, and every day, we are thankful to work with skilled and compassionate providers.” said Michael Curran, CEO of Commonwealth Health Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton. “We are grateful for their contributions, sacrifices, and unwavering care provided to the patients our hospitals and clinics treat each year throughout the community.”Earlier this month, the physicians voted to determine what organizations would receive the donations and they elected to help the St. Joseph’s Center and United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA in Scranton. United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA’s purpose is to meet the needs of local low-income families, seniors, youth, and new immigrants, while also empowering them to attain self-sufficiency. Rooted in the core values of care, concern, compassion and commitment, the Saint Joseph’s Center humbly serves people who are diagnosed with intellectual disability and those who seek pregnancy support, adoption assistance, outpatient therapy or medical day care services.
Commonwealth Health to Launch Care at Home Program for Chronic Conditions Commonwealth Health today announced a new remote monitoring and virtual care support program for Commonwealth Health Physician Network patients managing certain chronic health conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 60% of Americans have at least one chronic condition, and 40% have two or more chronic conditions. Chronic conditions are among the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S. and a leading driver of healthcare costs. Care Management at Home will initially serve patients managing hypertension, heart failure, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with the goals of helping patients stay well between physician visits and reducing avoidable hospitalizations. “We are committed to delivering more ways to help people in our community get well and live healthier,” says Michael Curran, Chief Executive Officer of Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital. “Remote patient monitoring is an innovative and convenient way for patients to monitor changes to their health and can provide peace of mind for patients who have serious health concerns Through a partnership with Cadence, a leader in remote patient monitoring, qualified patients will be given cellular-enabled devices, such as blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters, weight scales, or glucometers to capture daily vital information from the comfort of home. Daily readings are then transferred to Cadence clinicians who can help monitor for change in a patient’s condition and provide virtual care support when needed. Other benefits of remote patient monitoring can include fewer preventable hospitalizations and a reduction in the cost of care for specific patient populations. Many patients who participate in remote monitoring programs report stronger engagement in managing their own health as well as higher satisfaction with the overall healthcare experience.
Get Healthier with Commonwealth Health’s Challenge This year, Commonwealth Health is taking the entire month of February to help people in the community learn ways to reduce their risks with the 28-Day Healthy Heart Challenge. Participants will receive a daily email with short, informative articles, quick tips, and a daily challenge to promote heart health. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of more than 650,000 people each year. Here are some other facts everyone should know about heart disease: In the U.S., one person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease.Every year, about 800,000 Americans suffer a heart attack.Nearly half of American adults (47%) suffer from high blood pressure, or hypertension, which increases the risk of a heart attack and stroke. However, only about 1 in 4 people with high blood pressure have their condition under control. Another important fact is that most people can take steps right now to reduce the risks related to heart disease. In most cases, heart disease is preventable. Adil Sattar, MD, FACC, RPVI, an interventional cardiologist tells us, “Prevention is better than cure. The cardiovascular system regulates the health and integrity of pretty much all the rest of our body organs. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, including not smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol and treating high blood pressure, we are all able to reduce our risk for heart disease.” Since 1964, February has been recognized as American Heart Month – a time of year dedicated to increasing awareness about heart health and highlighting steps we can take to create a heart healthy lifestyle. The 28-Day Healthy Heart Challenge includes 28 challenges that can help participants eat healthier, get up from a sedentary lifestyle, relieve stress and lower blood pressure. To sign-up for the 28-Day Healthy Heart Challenge, visit: CommonwealthHealth.net/Heart-Challenge To find a physician, call 570-871-6330 or visit https://www.cwhphysiciannetwork.net/ to be connected with one of Commonwealth Health Physician Network’s qualified primary care physicians or cardiologists. Dr. Sattar is an interventional cardiologist with Commonwealth Health Physician Network in Wilkes-Barre and the Medical Director of the Structural Heart Program at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. His office is located at 545 North River Street, Suite 220. To schedule an appointment, call 570-819-2825.
Commonwealth Health: State Approves Hospital Merge Under One License The Pennsylvania Department of Health has approved the merger of Regional Hospital of Scranton with Moses Taylor Hospital and their respective satellite facilities to operate under one license. The transition is effective on Sunday, November 13, 2022. Delivering quality care for the community for a combined 233 years, Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton now formally coordinate operations across their two campuses. “Our boards, physicians and employees are united in a vision for serving our patients and Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Michael Curran, CEO of Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital. “Operating under a single license brings efficiencies that strengthen the delivery of care and position us well for the future. I extend sincere thanks to all of our leaders, providers and employees for their collaboration in planning for this transition.”
