Annual Report 2006
Our lifetime of experience has readied us for your experience of a lifetime.
Women's & Children's Services
Nicole Radcliffe, an emergency medical technician, knew she and her unborn baby were in serious danger the afternoon of February 13th. Although the baby was not due for another six weeks, her water had broken and there had been a gush of blood.
In excruciating pain, Nicole, the EMT, relied on her medical training to squelch the panic threatening to overtake her as the expectant mother. She sat outside the house with her father waiting for an ambulance and focused on what she had to do: stay calm and control her breathing in an effort to slow the contractions.
The ambulance swiftly pulled into the Emergency entrance at 4:50 pm. Nicole was taken immediately to the operating room, where she was met by her obstetrician, Dr. Fred Adibi. Assisting Dr. Adibi was his colleague, Dr. Elizabeth Hamilton. She noted, “Nicole’s surgery was performed in the operating room rather than in labor and delivery. Our teams worked to deliver the baby as quickly as possible. I’m always impressed at how the OR seems to make emergencies run so smoothly.”
Baby Logan was born at 5:18 pm, weighing just four pounds and six ounces. “Time was of the essence,” said Dr. Adibi. “Our priority was to get the baby to the Special Care Nursery.”
The baby boy was whisked off to the Special Care Nursery, where nurses and physicians stabilized his breathing and other bodily functions. Among the staff was a pediatric specialist from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The CHOP connection makes pediatricians available at Grand View 24 hours a day to meet the needs of young patients like Logan.
Back in the recovery room, the staff worked to relieve Nicole’s pain. The next morning, Dr. Adibi informed Nicole that her placenta had ruptured. He allowed her to walk to the nursery, where she finally got to see her new baby. “It was love at first sight,” she said. “All that mattered was that he was here and he was now in good hands.”
Logan’s father and all four of his grandparents soon had a chance to see the new addition to their family. They cheerfully snapped photos as the nurse held Logan up in the nursery-room window.
“I couldn’t have been happier with the women who were taking care of Logan,” Nicole said. “I definitely fell in love with nurse Louie DeCarme. She calmed any anxiety I had.”
As a 24-year-old, Nicole recovered quickly and, after three days, was well enough to return home. Although she hated leaving her baby, she noted, “I just needed to recover and sleep as much as I could. I was confident that Louie and the other nurses would care for Logan while I got my rest.”
Logan remained in the hospital about three weeks. On his first day, he received oxygen through a breathing machine and nutrients and medication through an intravenous (IV) tube for several days. His weight dropped to three pounds, 13 ounces because he had trouble eating. The staff inserted a feeding tube to help him gain weight. His weight bounced back to four pounds, six ounces, and he gained the strength to drink from a bottle.
A couple of weeks later, the tube was removed, and Logan was healthy enough to leave the hospital. Now, several months later, Logan is a bouncing baby boy, demanding all his mother’s time and energy. His weight and length are right on track for a baby born prematurely. Developmentally, he’s on par in many areas with children of his chronological age.
“My experience at Grand View was excellent,” Nicole said. “I can’t imagine life without this little guy.”
a lifetime of experience | Dr. Fred Adibi | Grand View Medical Practices – OB/GYN at Quakertown
“I love performing surgery, and I love new life. It’s a great feeling to help mothers welcome their newborns into the world. ” Ask Dr. Fred Adibi what he loves most about his field, and there’s your answer. Dr. Adibi, board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, has been in practice for over 30 years. After receiving his medical degree, he completed his internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Methodist Hospital of Brooklyn. He practiced for four years in Missouri before coming to Grand View Hospital, where he has spent the past 25 years. “Grand View performs fantastically when it comes to labor and delivery. It is well prepared to cope with emergencies such as Nicole’s,” he said. “Nicole and her baby were assured of excellent care when they came through the door.” When asked about whether he felt he made the right professional choice, Dr. Adibi responded, “If I had the chance, I would do it all over again.”
a lifetime of experience | Dr. Elizabeth Hamilton | Grand View Medical Practices – OB/GYN at Quakertown
Dr. Hamilton, a colleague of Dr. Adibi, assisted in Nicole’s emergency surgery. She is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology. She received her medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton. She completed her internship and residency at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem.
New Breast Care Center at the Grand View Hospital Outpatient Center at Sellersville Scheduled to Open in Spring 2007
The new Breast Care Center will bring together professionals and technology involved in the screening, diagnosis and treatment related to breast care. Services include digital mammography, breast ultrasound and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All-digital mammography will continue to be available at Grand View’s Harleysville and Pennsburg Outpatient Centers.
Our professionals include a radiologist experienced in evaluating mammography and ultrasound films and a surgeon to interpret results and discuss surgical options with patients. Our Breast Care Coordinator will be relocated to the new center. A registered nurse, our Breast Care Coordinator can:
- Expedite your diagnostic process
- Explain diagnostic tests your physician may order
- Provide information regarding your test results
- Provide support and education
- Link you with second-opinion services on request
For more information, call our Breast Care Coordinator, Suzanne Campbell, RN, at 215-453-4078.
Breast-Care Services at Grand View Hospital
- All digital mammography noted for superior clarity and the ability to offer better views of the breast. A significantly better screening method for some women, especially those under age 50.
- Breast ultrasound useful in identifying some breast changes that can be felt but not seen on a mammogram.
- Breast MRI used as a second step in diagnosis. Appropriate for women at high risk of developing cancer or who cannot be imaged by mammogram.
- Stereotactic biopsy to obtain tissue samples when the presence of a mass is identified. A less invasive option to traditional surgery.
- Stress-reduction services, including consultation and classes to help individuals cope with related sources of stress. Call the Health Promotion & Wellness nurse at 215-513-3910.
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