Moving Forward
Advancing care. In the air.
The need for blood during an emergency can mean the difference between life and death. And now, patients transported on LIFE STAR can get the lifesaving transfusions they need on their way to the hospital. This critical new service was launched during a year in which LIFE STAR marked its 30th anniversary with a variety of celebrations, including a special exhibit at the New England Air Museum.
Prescription for convenience.
We’ve opened the Hartford HealthCare Community Pharmacy in the Medical Office Building at 85 Seymour Street to make it convenient for patients – as well as employees and the public – to fill their prescriptions while on campus. In addition to convenience, making it easy to obtain prescription medications may help increase medication compliance.
Where our heart is.
Home buying is part of the American dream. This year, Hartford Hospital helped 12 employees achieve their dreams of ownership through a $120,000 investment in our Housing Incentive Program.
Continuing advances in cancer care.
The Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at Hartford Hospital proudly celebrated the 25th anniversary this year of the Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center. The Gray’s vision and commitment to provide advanced compassionate care to patients in our community has helped countless people. Through Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute’s membership in the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance, the Gray Center offers access to leading cancer research programs. The Center is the region’s largest and most comprehensive cancer center, with over 150 cancer specialists, nurses, and patient navigators and has nine disease management teams to help ensure optimal patient care. A leader in reaching underserved populations with free breast, cervical, colorectal, lung and prostate cancer screening, with the only mobile mammography van in Northern Connecticut, the Center maintains one of the oldest cancer registries in the U.S. and was the first cancer center in the Northeast selected as an NCI Community Cancer Center.
A heartbeat ahead.
Advanced cardiac care is a hallmark of Hartford Hospital, and last year we had many “firsts”. We performed our first epicardial ablation procedure to treat complex arrhythmia. We were first in Connecticut to implant the new FDA approved Attain® Performa™ quadripolar left ventricular pacing lead and the Viva Quad XT cardiac resynchronization cardioverter defibrillator to keep hearts beating right. We were first in the Northeast to implant a new device which enables people with pacemakers to undergo an MRI, and first in New England to provide access to a new drug representing a new therapeutic target for cholesterol and lipid management through a cardiology clinical research trial evaluating PCSK9 inhibitors. And we opened a Heart Failure Bridge Clinic to help congestive heart failure patients manage their care effectively, while minimizing hospital admissions. In addition to these firsts, we’ve celebrated some major cardiac milestones. Our structural heart program completed its 200th transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), while our heart transplant program marked its 30th anniversary. The hospital has also been chosen as a research site for a new cardiac clip to determine its effectiveness in treating moderate-to-severe or severe functional mitral regurgitation in patients who are not strong candidates for surgery.
Making pain go away with MAKOplasty.®
Hartford Hospital recently became the first in the region to use a new technology for orthopedic surgery – MAKOplasty for partial knee resurfacing and total hip replacement. The minimally invasive procedure enables precise alignment and placement of implants through robotic-assisted surgery and can result in a quicker recovery time for patients.
Leading the way in weight loss procedures.
Hartford Hospital is one of the first in the country to offer a new weight loss procedure called Orbera™, in which a balloon is inserted into the stomach to create a feeling of fullness. We’re also now offering vBloc®, an implantable device which reduces hunger by blocking nerve signals that stimulate the appetite.
Neuroscience Center.
Hartford Hospital has established a Neuroscience Center to provide comprehensive and coordinated treatment of the central nervous system. The Center includes experts in neurology, neurosurgery, physical medicine, neuropsychology, rehabilitation and more. The Center is made up of numerous programs and centers that focus on research, diagnosis and treatment of a full range of neurological and neurosurgical conditions, including general neurology, neurosurgery, neuromuscular, stroke, neuro-oncology, hearing and balance, and epilepsy.Together, they provide the most advanced care for patients. Recent innovations are expanding the Neuroscience Center’s range of expertise in anticipation of creating a system-wide institute to increase access to care. These include a Headache Center, a Movement Disorders Center and an Epilepsy Surgery Program.
A night of Black & Red. And Blues.
The 24th annual Black & Red gala was a resounding success, netting more than $1 million to benefit the Trauma Center at Hartford Hospital. The Blues Brothers, starring Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi, entertained a sold-out crowd of 1,175 friends and supporters at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in January. Proceeds from the hospital’s signature fundraising event are supporting LIFE STAR, injury prevention and outreach, trauma room renovations, equipment, and trauma education.