Page 8 - SFHN718pagesFinal.qxp_SFHN 0608 Friday 5.0
P. 8
Cover Story: Memorial Hospital
Pembroke: Healing Starts Here
The n ew taxx act brings sweeeping Continued from page 1
“We must treat these issues as medical
Ǥ Diplomate with the American Board of issues rather than character flaws such as
Psychiatry and Neurology. “Various assess-
ments are utilized including a thorough weakness.,” he explains. “Moreover, we
psychosocial and substance history screen- must realize that detoxification from most
The A CA individual manndate repeal and the new pass--through income
ing, thorough physical exam, and a substances needs to be done in a medically
Ƥ Ƥ
detailed laboratory workup.” supervised setting to prevent potentially
nationwide.
ơ
ǫ During a patient’s hospital stay, which life threatening complications such as
usually lasts from 5 to 7 days, the goal of seizures from alcohol and sedative with-
Ƥ the program is to reduce acute withdrawal drawals.”
ǯ
Ǥ symptoms during detox while keeping the According to Dr. Mendiratta, a major
patient safe. The Medical Detoxification factor that has contributed to this epidem-
program includes: ic—and that is still occurring—is the
• Stabilization of your medical condi- widespread prescribing of narcotic pain
tion and 24-hour monitoring medications and subsequent physiological
• Development of a personalized treat- dependence that develops.
ment plan “Subsequently, users can start to use
• Ongoing support from medical staff, other illicit opioids like heroin to prevent
who are trained and equipped to treat dangerous withdrawals,” he says. “Many
addiction and related mental and physical afflicted opioid dependent users are high
health conditions functioning people. Contrary to popular
• Access to the latest anti-addiction belief, many opioid dependent users find
medications to minimize cravings opioids help them be more productive and
• One-on-one counseling to manage the alert while dealing with their life responsi-
psychological effects of withdrawal bilities.”
• Private room with access to movies, Studies have shown 90% of addiction
the internet, books and more issues start in the teens, so open dialogues
One of the advantages of the program is with children is paramount along with
that it is hospital-based which means that being aware of symptoms of abuse such as
it can take care of more patients than free- pinpoint pupils, itching, and drowsiness.
standing facilities, notes Mark Doyle, “Studies have also shown that 75% of
Chief Executive Officer of Memorial opioid misuse begins when young people
Hospital Pembroke. get pills from friends or family members,”
C ontact Us “Hospitals across Florida, and the says Dr. Mendiratta. “Therefore, if pre-
K e vin N. Fine, MHA nation, continue to see patients daily in scribed these medications they should be
Ƥ ̻
Ǥ the emergency department who have over- safely stored away to prevent access from
dosed,” he says. “But most hospitals just others.” For those who do have family
Ǥ
treat them and release them back out onto members or friends who are addicted to
the street. Our program will actually iden- opioids, Doyle recommends not waiting
tify patients in the ER and we approach and getting help immediately.
them about our program to help and treat “If you know someone who has issues,
them.” there is always intervention,” he says. “But
“With Memorial’s involvement, you also call us. We can help you navigate through
have a trusted partner to help with this what the next steps should be and how to
opioid crisis and patient care in a safe envi- get that person in for an assessment. There
ronment,” adds Lidice Morales, director of is help available. No one has to suffer
operations for DetoxMD at Memorial alone.”
Hospital Pembroke. “Our program, which Morales agrees. “We’re passionate about
is voluntary, ensures that each patient our program and our main goal is the suc-
receives optimal services and attention for cess of a patient. We want them to go back
their detoxification.” to their normal routine and learn how to
Dr. Mendiratta says that the one thing cope with their addiction and other life
the community could be doing to help stressors that might come along.”
hospitals such as Memorial Pembroke
combat opioid abuse is to understand and For more information, visit
remove the stigma of mental health and https://www.mhs.net/services/detoxification.
addiction in society.
One Stop Shopping for HIPAA Compliance
Turn-Key SOLUTIONS to HIPAA Compliance,
Enhanced Security, and Systems Integration
Let us help you! We provide a solution that
encompasses all your IT needs from Hardware
and Data Security to VOIP and Firewalls. Our
solutions have been independently assessed
as some of the best in the area.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
561-626-4464 www.csucentral.com
8 July 2018 southfloridahospitalnews.com South Florida Hospital News
