Anesthesiology

    Anesthesia services are provided for both inpatient and outpatient services. Anesthesia services are provided in the surgical suite and the intensive care unit, as well as radiology when invasive procedures/and/or high-risk procedures such as bronchoscopies, cardioversions, and ERCPs are performed. Anesthesia staff members also respond to codes and assist with tracheal intubation procedures, when needed. Other services include the assessment and treatment of patients referred for chronic pain management.

   Saint Catherine Medical Center has an all physician anesthesia staff, who are available to provide services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Cardiology

Diagnostic Imaging Center- see Radiology/Interventional Radiology

Emergency Room

   Our Level III ER provides services for all ill or injured individuals who come to the hospital for emergency evaluation or initial treatment. Patients are assessed by qualified medical staff and, as indicated, receive treatment, and may be referred to an appropriate organization for further care.

   The ER is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physicians in arrangement EMCARE® and registered nurses. 

The department provides evaluation and treatment to patients of various ages and various levels of illness from minor to critical. Emergency department patients are initially evaluated by the triage nurse who determines treatment urgency and placement within the emergency department. A complete assessment is performed by the assigned nurse and patient needs are identified and shared with the physician (and other health care practitioners as needed). The emergency department physician or attending physician evaluates the patient and determines diagnostic testing and treatment required based on patient needs. Emergency patients are evaluated for response to treatment and are admitted to the hospital, monitored in observation or discharged with follow-up instructions as appropriate. A more detailed scope of services is noted within the department’s documents.

The department is staffed with registered nurses who are current in basic cardiac life support BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). Registered nurses must demonstrate competency in the performance of specialized ED skills on an annual basis.

The emergency department is appropriately integrated with other units and department/services of the hospital. The relationship of the emergency department to other units and departments is outlined in the hospital’s organization plan and the provision of care is coordinated according to this plan including:  clinical laboratory, diagnostic radiology, surgical services, intensive care unit, and medical-surgical general floor.

The clinical laboratory possesses the capability of performing all routine studies and are readily available at all times. Laboratory services provided include, but are not limited to, arterial blood gas and Ph determination, coagulation studies, serum and urine osmolality studies, microbiologic studies, and, as required, toxicological studies. An adequate supply of blood is available at all times, either in-hospital or from an outside source approved by the medical staff. The hospital provides for blood typing and cross matching capability and for blood storage facilities that are readily available to the emergency department.  The services are timely and appropriate to the needs of the emergency patient.

Diagnostic radiology services are readily available either to provide routine studies using both fixed and mobile equipment. Angiography of all types, sonography, and nuclear scanning are available as needed. Operating suites are promptly accessible. They have the following capabilities:  Thermal control equipment for the patient and for blood, fracture table, appropriate endoscopic equipment, electrocardiography-oscilloscope-defibrillator, mechanical ventilator, and temperature-monitoring equipment. Roentgenographic equipment is readily available.

The hospital maintains accreditation from the Pennsylvania Department of Health as both a medical command facility and a continuing education sponsor for Emergency Medical Services.

The hospital has committed to responsibility in regional counter-terrorism response/planning with available equipment (decontamination shower, breathing apparatus, etc), training, drills, radio system (statewide DOH), and dedicated computer (FRED II system)

ENT (Otolaryngology)

Family & Internal Medicine

Geriatric Services

Industrial & Physical Medicine

Laboratory Services

Accreditation: 

Joint Commission On Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations

Pennsylvania Department of Health

Medical Technologists/Technicians are registered with American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) and/or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Saint Catherine Medical Center Fountain Springs’ Department of Laboratory medicine is a full service laboratory.  The laboratory is staffed with well-qualified, licensed, registered Medical Technologists, Medical Laboratory Technicians and Phlebotomists.  The laboratory participates in The College of American Pathologists Proficiency Testing Survey Program, an extensive testing program to ensure that the results reported are of the utmost quality.  The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Human Services accredit the laboratory, through extensive inspection of the laboratory department to ensure the quality of the testing procedures performed.  The laboratory is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art equipment.

The laboratory offers the following services:

Blood Blank, Arterial Blood Gases

Chemistry – Complete Metabolic Profiles, Basic Metabolic Profiles, Lipid Profiles, Hepatic Panels, Drug Testing, 24 hour and random urine testing, etc.

Coagulation – Prothrombin Times, Activated Partial Thromboplastin Times, Fibrinogen, etc.

Cytopathology – Pap Smears, Thin Prep Pap Smears, etc

Hematology – CBC, Platelet Counts, Differential, Morphology, Sedimentation Rates, etc.

Histology – Frozen Sections, Surgical Pathology, Bone Marrow Aspirations, etc.

Microbiology – Blood Cultures, Specimen Cultures, Bacterial Identification, Antibiotic Sensitivities, Gram Stains, Acid Fast Stains, etc.

Serology

Urinalysis – Ph, Specific Gravity, Chemical Analysis, Microscopic Analysis, etc.

              The laboratory also is a part of the Industrial Medicine Program at SCMCFS.  The laboratory collects random drug testing for employers of local industry.  This service is performed at the Medical Center.

              The laboratory is staffed 24 hours a day/ seven days a week. 

The laboratory can be contacted at the following numbers:

General Laboratory: 570-875-5700

Laboratory Manager: 570-875-5988

Laboratory Fax: 570-875-6015

Long Term Care - Saint Catherine Healthcare Center

Click here to view our brochure

24-hour Skilled Nursing Care

Short Term/Extended Rehabilitation

Physician Service

Therapeutic Recreational Services

Social Services

Chaplain & Religious Services

Laundry Services

Beautician & Barber Services

Wound Care/Ostomy Care

Podiatry Care & Services

Physical Therapy

Occupational & Speech Therapy

Enteral Feeding

I.V. Therapy

Laboratory Services

Pharmacy Services

Saint Catherine Healthcare Center is located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Saint Catherine Medical Center Fountain Springs. 

Private and Semi-private with TV & Telephone in Every Room

Daily Planned Activities in Which Family & Friends Are Encouraged To Participate

A Beautiful Chapel For Individual Prayer & Religious Services

Overlooking The Beautiful & Breathtaking Broad Mountain

Licensures

The Pennsylvania Department of Health licenses SCMCFS-LTCC.  The facility also is certified by Medicare and Medicaid.

For additional information or to plan an onsite visit, please call us at 570-875-6935.

Nutritional & Dietary Counseling

Nutritional and therapeutic services are provided to patients and employees ranging from children, adolescents, adults and geriatric age group.

Food Services Include:

              •        Prescribed nutritional care through well-balanced, properly prepared and attractively         served meals.

              •        High quality services to our staff through the utilization of the cafeteria and special functions program.

              •        Floor Supply Schedule: The floors are supplied with adequate amounts of soda, crackers, peanut butter, juice, milk, and coffee. They are stocked by par levels established by nursing and dietary daily at lunch.

              •        Guest Meals: Guest meals are served when ordered by nursing and usually are served with patient trays.

Clinical Services Include:

              •        Monitoring and improving, patients’ nutritional status through the use of screening criteria developed by dietary and implemented by nursing, pharmacy, dietary, and data processing; improve the status while working with multidisciplinary teams.

              •        Provision of education to patients and/or their families in the purpose and practice of        both normal and therapeutic nutrition.

Management for the dietary department includesa manager and dietician. Other staff members provide appropriate levels of staffing seven days a week during hours of operation to meet patient care needs.

Dietary Services provide daily patient meal trays and nourishment along with a full spectrum of nutrition support, counseling, instruction, and consultation to patients and employees. These services are provided in cooperation with patients, families, physicians, pharmacists, social workers, nursing personnel, and other healthcare personnel. Screening criteria are used by patient care personnel and appropriate referrals are made to the dietitian. The dietary manager participates in multidisciplinary patient care conferences.

Orthopedics

Pain Management

Chronic Pain is long-term persistent pain that may be mild, moderate or severe while acute pain is associated with actual or possible tissue Damage.  Chronic pain usually lasts longer than three months and an actual physical cause (such as tissue damage or injury) may or may not be present.  Chronic pain syndrome is usually influenced by a variety of factors.  Treatment for chronic pain is most effective when all contributing factors are considered and treated at the same time.  This will be done in our chronic pain management clinic.  Our pain specialist will coordinate the many different types of treatment.  Treatment usually includes short-term pain relief, steps to improve physical function and movement (physical therapy), improving mood and mental well being (relaxation therapy), and reducing stress (counseling).

THE EVALUATION

Chronic pain is usually evaluated in stages.  The initial assessment may involve the following: A Detailed Medical History; A Physical Exam; A Neurological Exam; A Thorough Psychological Evaluation; Diagnostic Tests.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

The purpose of treatment for chronic pain is to decrease pain and suffering and to improve a person’s quality of life.  Treatment for chronic pain may include:

Contact the Pain Management Center for an appointment:

Call: 875-5961 (before 2PM)

        875-5689 (after 2 PM)

Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy

Physical Therapy is a branch of rehabilitative health that uses a specially designed therapeutic program aimed to improve a person’s physical ability.  Instructional support and treatment of physical disabilities provided by a trained physical therapist under a doctor’s prescription will help a person improve the use of bones, muscles, joints, and nerves. 

Services can include:

Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic exercise

Stretching/Range of Motion

Gait Training

Pain Modalities

Heat/Cold Therapy

Whirlpool

Paraffin

Electrical Stimulation

TENS

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Contact the Physical Therapy Department

Monday through Friday 8:00 to 4:30

570-875-6078

Occupational Therapy helps to achieve the highest level of function and independence possible, following a disability, illness, or injury.  Our highly trained therapists will help to improve strength, endurance, coordination, and functional abilities.  Occupational Therapy specializes in:

 Activities of Daily Living Training

Adaptive Equipment Training

Energy Conservation and Joint Protection

Therapeutic Modalities

UE function (including Strength and Range of Motion)

Contact the Occupational Therapy Department

Monday through Friday 8:00 to 4:30

570-875-6078

Speech Therapy is used to improve communication skills and to assess swallowing capabilities. 

Services include:

Modified Barium Swallow Test (in conjunction with the staff Radiologist)

Dysphasia Treatment

Aphasia treatment

Contact the Speech Therapy Department 570-875-6078

Monday through Friday 8:00 to 4:30

Pulmonary/Respiratory Services

Respiratory Therapy provided assessment and treatments of patients with respiratory disorders such as Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, CHF, Pneumonia, etc.  Services provided may include:

Oxygen administration

Aerosol instruction

Pulmonary function Testing

Home oxygen evaluation

Pulmonary Function Test

PFTs measure how well the lungs take in and exhale air and how efficiently they transfer oxygen into the blood.  Spirometry measures how well the lungs exhale.  The information gathered during this test is useful in diagnosing certain types of lung disorders, but is most useful when assessing for obstructive lung disease (especially asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD).  Lung volume measurement detects restrictive lung diseases.  Restrictive lung diseases may be caused by inflammation or scarring of the lung tissue or by abnormalities of the muscles or skeleton of the chest wall.

Why the test is performed?

The test is performed to diagnose certain types of lung disease to determine the cause of shortness of breath, or to measure whether occupational exposure to contaminants affects lung function.  It can also be used after the administration of medications to assess their effect, and to measure progress of disease treatment

How to prepare for the test

Do not eat a heavy meal before the test.  Do not smoke for 4 to 6 hours prior to the test.  Specific instructions will be given if bronchodialators or inhaler medications should be withheld.  Sometimes, medication may be inhaled prior to the test.

Contact the Respiratory Therapy Department 570-875-6802

24 hours a day/ 7 days a week

ELECTROCARDIOGRAM

An electrocardiogram is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.  ECG is used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats as well as the size and position of the chambers, the presence of any damage to the heart, and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate the heart (such as a pacemaker)

Why is the test performed?

An ECG is very useful in determining whether a person has heart disease.  If a person has chest pain or palpitations, and ECG is helpful in determining if the heart is beating normally.  If a person is on medication that may affect the heart or if the patient is on a pacemaker, an ECG can readily determine the immediate effects of changes in activity or medication levels.  An ECG may be included as part of a routine examination in patients over 40 years old.

How to prepare for the test?

There are no restrictions for food or fluids.  However, ingestion of cold water immediately before an ECG may produce changes in one of the waveforms recorded.  Exercise immediately before an ECG may significantly increase your heart rate.

To schedule an ECG Contact Respiratory Therapy 570-875-6802

To locate reports Contact Respiratory Department Manager

Monday through Friday 8:00 to 4:30

ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM

An Electroencephalogram is a brain wave test to detect abnormalities in the electrical activity of the brain.

Why is the test performed?

EEG is used to help diagnose the presence and type of seizure disorders, to look for causes of confusion, and to evaluate head injuries, tumors, infections, degenerative diseases, and metabolic disturbances that affect the brain.  It is also used to evaluate sleep disorders and to investigate periods of unconsciousness. 

How is the test performed?

Brain cells communicate by producing tiny electrical impulses.  In an EEG, electrodes are placed on the scalp over multiple areas of the brain to detect and record patterns of electrical activity and check for abnormalities.

An EEG technician performs the test.  You will be asked to lie on your back on a table or in a reclining chair. 

The technician will apply between 16 and 25 flat metal discs (electrodes) in different position on your scalp.  The discs are held in place with a sticky paste.  The electrodes are connected by wires to an amplifier and a recording machine.

The recording machine converts the electrical signals into a series of wavy lines that are drawn onto a moving piece of graph paper.  You will need to lie still with your eyes closed because any movement can alter the results.

You may be asked to do certain things during the recording, such as breathe deeply and rapidly for several minutes or look at a bright flickering light.

How to prepare for the test?

Avoid all foods containing caffeine for 8 hours before the test.  Sometimes it is necessary to sleep during the test, so you may be asked to reduce your sleep time the night before.

To schedule an EEG 570-875-6802

Monday through Friday 8:00 to 4:30

EXERCISE STRESS TEST

An exercise stress test is a general screening tool to test the effect of exercise on your heart.  The test gives a general sense of how healthy your heart is.  During the test, the electrical activity of the heart is measured while you walk on a treadmill.  This measures the heart’s reaction to your body’s increased demand for oxygen. 

Why is the test performed?

A stress test is performed to determine caused of chest pain, to determine the exercise capacity of the heart, to determine appropriate exercise levels in those initiating an exercise program, and to identify rhythm disturbances during exercise.  There may be additional reasons for your health care provider to request this test.

How to prepare for an exercise stress test?

Do not eat, smoke, or drink beverages containing caffeine or alcohol for 3 hours before the test.  Continue all medications unless instructed otherwise.  Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing to permit exercise

What are the other types of Stress Tests?

Your physician may request either a Thallium or Persantine Stress Test.  These studies are done in correlation with a Nuclear Technician. 

To schedule an appointment or request additional information, contact:

Cardiopulmonary Department570-875-5885

Monday through Friday 8:00 to 4:30

Sleep Study

A polysomnograph is a test of sleep cycles and stages through the use of continuous recordings of brain waves, electrical activity of muscles, eye movement, breathing rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, and heart rhythm and direct observation of the person during sleep

The test is performed to evaluate possible sleep disorders, such as insomnia, hypersomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, breathing difficulties during sleep, behavior disturbances during sleep, or other sleep disorders.

How to prepare for the test?

Do not take any sleeping medication and do not drink alcohol or caffeine-containing beverages before the test.

To schedule an appointment, place referrals to Respiratory Therapy Manager

Monday through Friday 8:00 to 4:30

570-875-6802

Radiology / Interventional Radiology

Located on the 1st and 3rd floors

Normal Hours of Operation

CT Scan – Monday through Friday 8:00 – 4:30 / CT coverage for emergencies on evenings

              and weekends

DEXA Scans – Monday through Friday 7:00 – 4:30 by appointment

Diagnostic Imaging – X-rays available 24 hrs/day 7 days per week Walk in patients 

              welcome

Fluoroscopic Studies (Upper GI, Small Bowel, Barium Enema, IVP) –Monday thru Friday by

              appointment

Mammography – Monday through Friday 8:00 -4:30 by appointment

MRI –Open Unit Fridays, Closed unit Saturday – By Appointment Call 570-875-5836 to schedule an appointment

Nuclear Medicine – Monday through Friday 7:00 – 3pm

Ultrasound – Monday through Friday 7:00 – 3pm / Evening hours by appointment.  Limited

              call coverage for emergencies

X-ray (Diagnostic Imaging) – Available 7 days a week Night Coverage (11pm-7am) on call

              emergencies only

Pennsylvania Department of Health

FDA (Mammography)

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Nuclear Medicine)

Radiology Technologists are registered with the ARRT

To schedule an appointment: (570) 875-5836

To speak to the manager: (570) 875-5719

To request films: Phone: (570) 875-5836

                               Fax: (570) 875-6083

NOTE: A signed patient consent is required for release of patient films

Social Services

The Case Management Department conducts utilization review activities, coordinates development and implementation of clinical pathways, and provides discharge planning and social services to patients.

The Case Management Department supports the development and implementation of clinical resource management through data analysis, research, physician collaboration participation in multi-disciplinary teams, and staff education. Clinical pathways are developed based upon input from multi-disciplinary teams and current clinical practice standards. Specific indicators and outcomes for each pathway, as chosen by the path teams, are monitored by the Case Management and Performance Improvement. Data is aggregated and reported to appropriate medical, nursing and ancillary departments.

Case Management reviews all in-patient cases for in-patient needs, discharge planning or social services and collaborates with ancillary services at interdisciplinary conferences and in consultation with the physician.

The primary areas of direct services which are available to patients, their families, and the hospital are the following:

                                 • continuity of care planning

                                 • referral to appropriate community resources

                                 • referral to appropriate resources for financial assistance

                                 • fulfill request for assessments/social histories

                                 • assessment for counseling needs

                                 • assistance with third party insurer data collection

All services are provided Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. All ages of patients are served. When the Patient and Family Services staff is not in the hospital, telephone contact information is available through the switchboard operator, and emergency referrals are taken from the home with the nursing supervisor offering assistance whenever possible.

Daily multi-disciplinary team meetings on each patient are conducted with facilitation of the case manager.  Representatives from the nursing, health information management, dietary, long term care, case management, social service, rehabilitation and the business office participate in the inter-disciplinary team.

In addition to the department chairs, medical staff leaders support the efforts of the case management team.  These include the performance improvement chair, the clinical resource management physician advisor and the chief of the medical staff.

The Case Management Department consists of a case manager and social.

Urology

Women's Health Services

PREVENTIVE CARE

              Most medical experts recommend that every woman have a yearly physical exam with their gynecologist.  In addition, it’s recommended that women have a Pap smear once a year if they’re over 30, or if they are sexually active.  Women over 40 need to have a mammography exam every 1-2 years.

GYNECOLOGICAL SURGERY

              A gynecologist is specifically trained to perform many types of surgery, including hysterectomy, urinary incontinence procedures, ovarian cyst surgery, infertility procedures and pelvic surgery.  Many gynecologists use minimally invasive procedures that are performed through a small incision in the abdomen or naval.  These surgeries are done on an outpatient basis and allow the patient to return home almost immediately.

OTHER SERVICES

              A gynecologist is also trained to help women in many areas: treating high cholesterol, hypertension, and even mild cases of diabetes and depression.  Other women’s health issues include contraception counseling, female incontinence and hormonal replacement for women going through menopause.  A gynecologist also can provide assistance for women who wish to lose weight or stop smoking and can make referrals to a medical specialist if required.

Birth Control                                             Menopausal Wellness

Breast cancer                                           Nutrition

Breast Feeding                                          Osteoporosis

Cervical Cancer                                         Ovarian CancerContraception                                  Ovarian Cysts

Depression                                                Premenstrual Syndrome     

Eating Disorders                                         Sexual Dysfunction

Endometriosis                                            Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Family Planning                                          Urinary Tract Infections

Infertility                                                  Uterine Bleeding

Hormone Therapy                                       Uterine Cancer

Hysterectomy                                            Yeast Infections

Incontinence