1. family and parenting
2. children

Dear Friends,
On behalf of the Governing Board and Senior Leadership Team, we are pleased to share a glimpse of
our accomplishments from 2010 in this annual report, “We Are Driscoll.” Our founder, Clara Driscoll,
would be proud of the past year’s achievements and activities that have allowed us to carry on her
vision. Known as a beacon of hope and healing for children and an active community partner, Driscoll
Children’s Hospital, its employees, physicians, volunteers, leaders and board members truly embody
the spirit of Clara Driscoll by providing high-quality, compassionate care to thousands of South Texas
children.
Throughout the pages of our annual report you will find heart-felt statements from some of our
employees and volunteers, statements that make it clear what makes us Driscoll. From enhancements
to our quality services, to numerous awards and recognition, to the work of inspiring physicians and
enthusiastic staff, all of these things make us proud to say, “We Are Driscoll.”
Inside of our annual report you will find our 2010 Community Benefit information. During fiscal year
2010, Driscoll gave more than $40 million back to the communities we serve through a variety of
programs and services and we are proud
to share this information with you.
Driscoll Children’s Hospital
was a gift to South Texas from
Clara Driscoll and we are
honored to share that gift
with you through a
look back at 2010 in
“We Are Driscoll.”
Sincerely,
C. Ivan Wilson
Chairman of the Governing Board
Driscoll Children’s Hospital
Steve Woerner
President and Chief Executive Officer
Driscoll Children’s Hospital
Table of Contents
We Foster Growth
Voice Lab unveiled......................................................2
Quick Care enjoys growth........................................3
Trauma Services works toward designation.......4
Ground-breaking study unveiled ..........................5
First adult living donor
nephrectomy performed ................................6
Single Incision Laparoscopic
Surgery introduced.............................................7
PICC Team established..............................................7
Radiothon exceeds expectations........................ 19
CMN Telethon celebrates success..................... 20
Communities contribute to Cattlemen’s
RoundUp............................................................. 20
Auxiliary to Driscoll Children’s Hospital
gives back........................................................... 21
First Bariatrics Reunion celebrated..................... 22
Driscoll spotlights childhood cancer.................. 22
Plans announced for C. Ivan Wilson Patient
Support Center.................................................. 23
New physicians welcomed......................................8
Driscoll restores Valley patient’s smile.............. 24
We Strive for Quality
We Are Community
Driscoll earns Quality Texas
Foundation Award............................................ 10
Driscoll awarded Best Places to Work in the
Coastal Bend...................................................... 11
Teen Lounge unveiled............................................ 12
Transplant Symposium is successful................. 13
Driscoll hosts President of
American Academy of Pediatrics................ 13
Critical Care Course held....................................... 14
Pressure ulcers reduced......................................... 14
Driscoll recognized as Child Abuse
Center of Excellence....................................... 15
Residency Program provides South Texas with
physicians............................................................ 26
Injury Prevention Program reaches
communities .................................................... 27
N.I.C.U. Reunion cultivates relationships.......... 28
Teens learn many things from Volunteen
Program ............................................................. 29
Dr. Jim Duff Guest Rooms offer
convenience....................................................... 30
Summer Camps provide learning
experience.......................................................... 31
Community Benefit.......................................... 32, 33
100 percent compliance in Asthma Scores
reached................................................................ 15
Driscoll Children’s Health Plan
reaches goals..................................................... 16
We Are Child Advocates
Organ Donor Wall dedicated................................ 18
First organ donor flag ceremony held............... 18
Fiesta de los Niños benefits children .............. 19
Patient Statistics ................................................. 34
Governing Board Members............................ 35
Development Foundation
Board of Directors....................................... 36
Senior Leadership .............................................. 37
WE FOSTER GROWTH
Driscoll Children’s Hospital opened
its doors to the children of South
Texas in 1953 thanks to the
generosity and pioneering spirit of
founder, Clara Driscoll. In the last
57 years, we have grown from
a 25-bed hospital, serving five
South Texas counties, to a 189bed hospital serving children in 31
counties across South Texas.
In order to offer the high-quality care
Driscoll Children’s Hospital is known
for, we continue to grow through
innovation. In 2010, we introduced
ground-breaking procedures,
enhanced existing services and
offered the children of South Texas
new treatment options.
1.
New voice lab includes suite of
modern equipment
Christine Carter, speech language pathologist, demonstrates the use of new equipment
in the voice lab.
In June, Driscoll Children’s
endoscopic swallowing studies and
Rehabilitation Center unveiled its new
velopharyngeal incompetency (V.P.I)
voice lab, consisting of an endoscopy
studies can all be performed.
tower and a nasometer. The
Perhaps the most impressive feature
instruments allow speech language
pathologists to teach children to orally
communicate better.
“I work at the Brownsville,
McAllen and Harlingen Specialty
Centers and have seen the great
work of all our specialists. The
physicians travel from Corpus
Christi and you can tell they truly
care about our patients here in
the Valley.”
Norma Sanchez, L.V.N.
Outpatient Specialty Clinics
2.
of the endoscopy tower is the
stroboscopy function. The rigid strobe,
or small camera, is inserted deep into
The nasometer, which includes a
the mouth to view the vocal folds
headset, a microphone and a laptop
in motion. The vibrating folds are
computer, measures oral versus nasal
displayed on a monitor for the speech
airflow and gives visual feedback to
language pathologist to view and
monitor speaking volume. It is used
study. The endoscopy tower enables
in therapy to address voice and
speech language pathologists to
resonance problems. The endoscopy
obtain objective measures and copy
tower includes several instruments
the actual studies to a DVD that can
for measuring voice, speech and
be evaluated by the child’s referring
swallowing. Nasal endoscopy,
physician.
stroboscopy, voice analysis,
Quick Care enjoys growth
Driscoll Children’s Quick Care - McAllen experienced significant growth in patient and
physician numbers as well as services in 2010.
Simply stated, the patient pool at
Driscoll Children’s Quick Care –
McAllen is growing like gangbusters.
Compared to the first six months of
2009, the clinic has almost doubled
its patient numbers in 2010. Looking
at the trend, the clinic expected to
see about 1,000 patients per month
during the winter months.
uncomplicated fractures.
So what are the secrets to Quick
Care’s success? Dr. Shareef said there
are multiple reasons. First, Driscoll’s
name is associated with high-quality
care in the Rio Grande Valley.
Second, Quick Care, by being open
after normal business hours and on
weekends, complements a patient’s
The increase in patients has prompted
primary care pediatrician’s office. Third,
the need for more physicians; two
the clinic’s hours are very convenient
physicians now provide coverage from
for working parents. Lastly, Quick Care
Friday to Monday, as these days tend
is supported by radiology services
to be busier compared to others, said
(which include X-rays, C.T. scans and
Riaz Shareef, M.D., medical director of
ultrasounds) and a full-service lab
Quick Care.
which may not be available at other
“We added seven more doctors just in
after-hours clinics.
2010 and we expect to add two more
In-house lab services began being
physicians in January 2011,” he said.
offered at Quick Care on May 1.
The predominant causes of visits to
“Our full-service lab has increased our
Quick Care, Dr. Shareef said, are high
ability to provide good, quality care in
fever, upper respiratory infections, ear
a timely manner to our patients,” Dr.
infections, gastrointestinal infections,
Shareef said. “Patients no longer have
asthma, urinary tract infections and
to go outside the facility to get the lab
injuries such as cuts, sprains and
work done.”
“Everyone at Driscoll has a
friendly face and it’s important to
greet families and patients with
a smile. In Food and Nutrition,
we work hard to feed the patients
based on their different health
requirements. We all work well
together .”
Larry Lopez,
Dietary Aide
Food and Nutrition Services
3.
Driscoll’s Trauma Services
pursuing new designation
Members of the Trauma Services Team, (left to right) Maricruz Cantu, injury prevention
coordinator; Janet Pointer, trauma nurse coordinator; Norma Medina, Trauma Services
registrar; and Haroon Patel, M.D., medical director of Trauma Services.
Driscoll Children’s Hospital is taking
Department, to the operating room, to
steps to be designated as a level III
inpatient units, to outpatient services.
trauma facility in the next year by the
The process also requires that Driscoll
Texas EMS, Trauma and Acute Care
work closely with emergency medical
Foundation.
services staff in the field and other
To obtain level III, Trauma Services
Medical Director Haroon Patel, M.D.,
a dedicated group of physicians and
other personnel have been meeting
“To some of our patients and
family members we may become
their prayer partners; to others,
a shoulder to cry on, and yet to
others, an anchor while they are
going through the storm. Many of
our patients come from far away
and we consider it an honor to
stand in the gap when their own
ministers cannot be with them.”
Ana Olivera-Hamm,
Chaplain
Pastoral Care Services
4.
monthly to oversee trauma care
and plan for the designation. This
includes general surgery, emergency
medicine, orthopedics, neurosurgery,
trauma facilities to further support
coordinated trauma care for children.
Another aspect of the designation
is a commitment to intense review
of the quality outcomes of trauma
care – reviewing cases and statistics
to understand how Driscoll’s trauma
services can be continually improved.
anesthesiology, laboratory, radiology,
The next steps in the designation
pediatric intensivist and nursing
process are the preparation and
services.
submission of a comprehensive
The designation process involves
assuring that the care of Driscoll’s
trauma patient is well coordinated
across the entire hospital – from
their care in the Emergency Services
application in early 2011. The hospital
will request a formal survey later in
2011 and hopes to achieve a level III
trauma designation in early 2012.
Ground-breaking study unveiled
at Driscoll Children’s Hospital
Helen Mintz-Hittner, M.D., F.A.C.S., worked closely with Miguel De Leon, M.D.,
medical director of the N.I.C.U., during her R.O.P. study, which included N.I.C.U.
patients at Driscoll.
Driscoll continues to stay at the
worldwide. Fifteen medical centers
forefront of new technology and
across the country were involved
medical treatment. On October 1,
in the clinical trial, including Driscoll
Driscoll physicians and residents
Children’s Hospital, where almost 20
packed the auditorium for a special
percent of the study’s babies were
Grand Rounds that featured
being cared for. Additionally, the
Helen Mintz-Hittner, M.D., F.A.C.S.,
study was the first to use a RetCam,
professor of pediatric ophthalmology
a machine that allows close-up
at the University of Texas Health
examination of the retina.
Science Center-Houston Medical
The presentation, “The Possibility
School. Dr. Mintz-Hittner gave a
presentation on her ground-breaking
study that identified Avastin as a
cure for Retinopathy of Prematurity
(R.O.P.), the most common single
cause of premature infant blindness
of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth
Factor (V.E.G.F.) for Retinopathy
of Prematurity (R.O.P.),” was the
culmination of 36 years of R.O.P. study
by Dr. Mintz-Hittner.
“I’ve worked for Driscoll for
almost three years and I’ve learned
so much. Even though I don’t have
direct contact with patients, I know
that they are the reason we are
here. We are here for the patients
and we try to make things as easy
as possible for them. Families are
often going through a lot when
they come here and we do our best
to simplify things, like billing, for
them.”
Alva Rodriguez,
Patient Financial Services Specialist
Patient Financial Services
5.
Driscoll performs its first adult
living donor nephrectomy
Nichole Robles (left) was happy to donate one of her kidneys and help end her son’s
dependence on dialysis.
While kidney transplants have been
children’s hospital in order to continue
performed at Driscoll Children’s
to provide this valuable service to its
Hospital for more than three years,
young patients.
all adult living donor operations
“It took 18 months of planning and
up to this point have been in
one of the area adult hospitals. In
2009, however, U.N.O.S. (United
Network for Organ Sharing), the
non-profit organization responsible
“Driscoll strives to provide the
best care possible for patients and
their families. You have to believe
in where you work and I believe in
Driscoll Children’s Hospital and
its mission to provide high quality
healthcare to the children of South
Texas.”
Billy Van Leeuwen,
Radiology Manager
Radiology
6.
for overseeing transplantation in the
United States, required that all living
donor operations be performed at
the transplant center. In other words,
Driscoll had to find a way to perform
adult living donor nephrectomies in a
30 to 40 people to prepare for this
one operation. We all had to step a
little out of our comfort zone to make
this happen,” said transplant surgeon
Stephen Almond, M.D. In this first for
Driscoll, Nichole Robles’ left kidney
was removed in one operating room
while in the adjoining operating room,
her son Steve, 11, was being prepared
to receive the kidney.
Innovative surgical procedure introduced
In 2010, Driscoll Children’s Hospital
began using a new surgical procedure
called the Single Incision Laparoscopic
Surgery (S.I.L.S.). The innovative, new
method of surgery allows procedures
to be performed through a single,
inch-long incision in the belly button;
standard laparoscopic surgery requires
three to four incisions. With fewer
cuts, pain and likelihood of infection
or hernia is decreased for the patient.
Mohammad Emran, M.D., pediatric
surgeon, has used the procedure
to remove gall bladders, and there
is potential that it can be used for
operations like lap band surgery and
stomach and intestinal operations.
With the S.I.L.S. device, tube-like
instruments, including a camera, forceps,
obturator and scissors, are inserted into
the single incision.
PICC Team established at Driscoll
Although peripherally inserted central
Team in May 2010, 200 PICC lines
catheter (PICC) lines have been
have been inserted. The PICC Team
around for years, in-house, bedside
has been successful in delivering
PICC teams in hospitals have just
better care to patients who need
recently become standard of care.
longer term IV’s and decreasing the
A PICC line is an alternative to an
blood stream infection rate. They have
internal jugular, subclavian or femoral
also created a program to effectively
line, and it can be easily inserted at
deal with extravasation injuries, where
the bedside with local anesthetic.
tissue is damaged due to leaking IV
Since the inception of Driscoll’s PICC
sites.
“Quality and Patient Safety
Services is so important at
Driscoll Children’s Hospital. I feel
privileged to have been a part of
the Quality Department for the
past 23 years. Our team is focused
on providing data and analyses to
drive improvement for our patients,
staff and families.”
Dolly Garcia,
Quality Management Specialist
Quality and Patient Safety Services
7.
Driscoll welcomes new physicians
With a medical staff of more than 250 physicians, Driscoll Children’s Hospital is able
to provide high-quality, specialized care to the children of South Texas. In 2010, the
following physicians were welcomed to the Driscoll family:
Meera Gangadharan, M.D. - Anesthesiology
Maria Margarita Graterol, M.D. - Pediatrics
Jie Guo, M.D. - Perinatology/Neonatology
Alicia Hart, M.D. - Emergency Medicine
Carissa Klaas, M.D. - Ophthalmology
Anayda Landry, M.D. - General Pediatrics
Melissa Macias, M.D. - Neurological Surgery
Robert A. May, Jr., M.D. - Urology
Robert Alan Naismith, M.D. - Urology
Alan Nisbet, M.D. - Urology
Paul Nolan, M.D. - Pulmonology
Devereaux Nollie, M.D. - Psychiatry
Vallier Ojadi, M.D. - Perinatology/Neonatology
Clyde E. Rutherford, III, M.D. - Nephrology
Rose Schneier, M.D. - Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism
“Everyone who works at Driscoll is
so great, the standards are so high
and the care is unbeatable. I can’t
imagine working anywhere else. I’m
very proud to say I work at Driscoll
Children’s Hospital.”
Priscilla Alonzo,
Toddler II Lead Teacher
Children’s Learning Center
8.
Iliana Solano, M.D. - General Pediatrics
Herbert Stern, M.D. - Pediatric Cardiology
Jyothi Swarup, M.D. - Neonatology
Roozbeh Taeed, M.D. - Pediatric Cardiology
Fariba Zarinetchi, M.D. – Nephrology
WE STRIVE FOR QUALITY
As we continue to grow and
progress through innovation, it is
important to maintain the high
level of quality care we provide
our patients. Through awards and
recognitions, unique educational
opportunities and pioneering
initiatives, we strive for quality.
9.
Driscoll Children’s Hospital receives the
Texas Award for Performance Excellence
Donna Quinn, vice president of Operations and Quality, and Steve Woerner, president
and CEO, accept the Texas Award for Performance Excellence from members of the
Quality Texas Foundation, including president, Bill Denney.
On the heels of an award for high
received this recognition.
performance in 2009, Driscoll
Quality Texas focuses on an
Children’s Hospital received
2010 Quality Texas Progress
Level Recognition. The award
recognizes Driscoll for its sound,
balanced approach to organizational
“I love running into people when
I’m out in the community. Everyone
has a Driscoll story and it makes
you proud. I can be at the grocery
store and someone will say, ‘Oh
my daughter was at Driscoll! They
were great!’ and you just beam; you
get a warm, fuzzy feeling.”
Donald Hanna,
Courier
Materials Management
10.
management and performance
improvement by the Quality Texas
Foundation. Driscoll is the only
children’s hospital in Texas that has
assessment and feedback process,
education, training and recognition to
help businesses, schools, hospitals,
non-profits and government agencies
improve performance. The foundation
administers the Texas Award for
Performance Excellence program
(based on the Baldrige Criteria), the
state’s highest recognition for quality.
Driscoll named the Best Place
to Work in the Coastal Bend
(Left to right) Dale Obermueller, vice president of Physician Groups and Clinic
Operations; Kristin Millet, director of Human Resources and Organizational
Development; Eric Hamon, executive vice president and CFO; Alan Bagnall,
director of Pastoral Services; Martha St. Romain, vice president of Development;
Steve Woerner, president and CEO; Bill Larsen, vice president of Human Resources
and Education; and Donna Quinn, vice president of Operations and Quality, accept
Driscoll’s first place award of Best Place to Work in the Coastal Bend.
For the fourth consecutive year,
in areas of employment, attraction
Driscoll Children’s Hospital was
and retention. Unlike years past, the
recognized as one of the Best Places
award was not based on employee
to Work in the Coastal Bend, and for
feedback; instead, companies were
the third time in the last four years,
asked to answer questions about
the Corpus Christi Human Resources
turnover rates, growth percentages,
Management Association awarded
employee training dollars, promotion
Driscoll first place recognition. Winning
percentages, benefits and retirement
organizations were found to excel
plans.
“Interpretation Services makes Driscoll
a special place to work for the obvious
reason: No other hospital in Corpus
Christi offers this service to their
patients in-house. That says a lot about
the commitment that Driscoll has, by
providing unparalleled services to its
patients.”
Felipe Contreras,
Interpreter
Patient Relations and
Interpretation Services
11.
New Teen Lounge offers fun for
adolescent patients
Driscoll patient Jacquelyn Maldonado relaxes in the Teen Lounge.
For many years, hospital staff felt there
Corpus Christi Bay, the Teen Lounge
was a need for a place where older
makes downtime a fun time for
patients could entertain themselves
patients. A new, 42-inch TV allows
in between medical treatments. That
them to watch movies or play video
need was fulfilled December 3 with
games with a Wii or Xbox 360. They
the unveiling of the Stripes Child Life
can surf the Internet on a laptop
Teen Lounge.
computer or iPad. There’s a foosball
“The Teen Lounge provides a
“Before starting at Driscoll, I was an
emergency department travel nurse
who worked mainly with adults. At
first, I looked at pediatrics just for the
needed skill set, but Driscoll Children’s
Hospital completely changed my
outlook on pediatrics. I quickly found
out this is where I wanted to be, and
Driscoll allowed me to find my heart in
pediatrics.”
therapeutic space for adolescents
Janet Pointer, R.N.,
Located on the 6th floor of the
Trauma Nurse Coordinator
Trauma Services
12.
while they’re in the hospital,” said
Julie Eledge, child life specialist with
table, air hockey table, board games,
arts and crafts, books and comfortable
sofas. A mural of a surfer covers one
wall.
the Stripes Child Life Program at
The Stripes Child Life Teen Lounge
Driscoll Children’s Hospital. “This
cost about $30,000 and is made
new space creates a comfortable
possible by a $1 million donation
atmosphere for patients 11 years and
received from Stripes (of Stripes
older with more appropriate activities
convenience stores) in May 2009.
for their age group.”
Representatives from Stripes joined
hospital with a beautiful view of
Driscoll officials for the unveiling of the
Teen Lounge.
Renal transplant symposium a success
What began as an educational
and attracted about 100 healthcare
opportunity for healthcare providers at
providers from around the region.
Driscoll Children’s Hospital has grown
Many experts in the renal transplant
into an event that has gained regional
field, including Arthur Matas, M.D.,
and national attention. Moderated by
of the University of Minnesota, an
Driscoll Children’s Hospital’s
acclaimed physician in the field,
P. Stephen Almond, M.D., F.A.C.S., and
offered the latest information to
Samhar Al-Akash, M.D., F.A.A.P., the
medical professionals who care for
2010 South Texas Renal Transplant
patients with renal insufficiency and/or
Symposium was held in March
an organ transplant.
President-elect of the American
Academy of Pediatrics visits
Driscoll Children’s Hospital
An unprecedented visit took place at
Driscoll Children’s Hospital on May 14
when O. Marion Burton, M.D., F.A.A.P.,
president-elect of the American
Academy of Pediatrics (A.A.P.),
presented a lecture, “The American
Academy of Pediatrics Agenda
for Children.” Because Dr. Burton
will be leading the A.A.P. through
the transition of what the national
healthcare system will become,
Driscoll’s physicians were keenly
interested in Dr. Burton’s future plans
for the A.A.P., which encompasses the
U.S., Canada and the majority of the
O. Marion Burton, M.D., F.A.A.P.,
speaks at Driscoll.
western hemisphere. His visit helped
to put Driscoll in the national spotlight.
“I am so blessed to work in the
nursing field. I, as one nurse, can
make a difference in a child’s life.”
Jamie Roberts, R.N.,
Hematology/Oncology
Driscoll Children’s Specialty
Center – Brownsville
13.
Critical Care Support course offered
Karl Serrao, M.D., teaches a skill station on advanced airway management.
In our effort to be at the forefront
physicians, nurses and transport
of children’s hospitals in the nation,
teams, among many others.
Driscoll Children’s Hospital offered
The course, which was filled with
the two-day, Pediatric Fundamental
Critical Care Support course in May.
The course is designed for healthcare
providers who care for unstable,
critically ill or injured pediatric patients,
including emergency medicine
registrants in just one week, puts
Driscoll on the leading edge of
education, with only two other
children’s hospitals in Texas offering
the course. Organizers plan to offer
two or three courses annually.
Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers reduced
“I’m proud to be here because of
the name that Driscoll holds in
our community. We’re really one
big, happy family. The people in
the department are my immediate
family and everyone else is my
extended family. We all work
together for the same purpose.”
Julie Kuykendall,
Medical Secretary
Laboratory
In 2009, Driscoll Children’s Hospital
Driscoll has trained 116 nurses and
joined Children’s Health Corporation
overviewed negative pressure wound
of America in a study of pediatric
therapy with 28 residents and three
patient pressure ulcers and as a
physicians. An eight-hour wound
result began a formalized program,
training education program was also
the Wound Care Collaborative. The
held at the hospital in October 2010
group’s Skin Assessment Pressure
with 92 attendees (63 from Driscoll).
Ulcer Prevention and Risk Assessment
policy became effective in April 2010
and they began education on the
patient care units. A resource manual
was developed to assist caregivers in
identifying and staging pressure ulcers.
14.
Through education, communication
and training, Driscoll Children’s
Hospital hopes to achieve zero
hospital-acquired pressure ulcers.
Driscoll designated child abuse
Center of Excellence
This year, Texas lawmakers recognized
Evaluation (C.A.R.E.) Team at Driscoll,
the epidemic of child abuse in the
which has long been valued in the
state and made recommendations to
region for diagnosing and treating
identify Centers of Excellence for the
children who are suffering from
care of victims of child abuse.
physical and sexual abuse as well as
Driscoll Children’s Hospital was
recognized as one of only eight
neglect, evaluates approximately 1,700
children each year.
centers in Texas to receive this
Nancy Harper, M.D., medical director
designation, and the only one south
of the CARE Team, is one of only
of San Antonio.
12 board certified child abuse
The Child Abuse Resource and
pediatricians in Texas.
Driscoll reaches 100 percent compliance
in Children’s Asthma Care scores
In 2010, Driscoll posted 100
best practice so that healthcare as a
percent compliance in all three
whole provides patients with better
Children’s Asthma Care criteria for
outcomes. With the help of MIDAS
Joint Commission core measure.
and Epic, Driscoll is able to check
By being part of this performance
charts concurrently and keep patients
measurement initiative, Driscoll
and families informed. Because of this,
becomes a part of the process the
Driscoll remained current in 2010 and
Joint Commission uses to identify
achieved 100 percent compliance.
the best approach to managing or
“Miracles happen here every day.
The difference that you make in
a child’s life is immeasurable.
We’re fortunate on 7 Tower that
most children get well and go
back to their normal lives. It’s very
satisfying to see them walk into
the elevator as they’re smiling and
waving goodbye.”
Kathy Mikolajczyk, R.N.
7 Tower
15.
Driscoll Children’s Health Plan
achieves goals
In 2010, Driscoll Children’s Health
Plan (DCHP) achieved continual
achieved an 18 percent reduction
market share growth, has improved
in dental surgical cases, reaching its
the quality of healthcare outcomes
goal to reduce dental caries and the
through educational programs
potential for general anesthesia/OR
and community initiatives and has
services.
provided families with tools for a
healthy lifestyle through a variety of
outreach activities.
Market share
Market share in both Children’s
Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
and Medicaid/State of Texas Access
Reform (STAR) increased in 2010.
• CHIP membership grew to 86
percent
• STAR membership grew to 67
percent, up 5 percent from 2009
Additionally, DCHP is number one in
the Nueces county service area for
quality outcomes.
Community initiatives
By pioneering educational programs
“The Social Work department is
knowledgeable in many community
resources to help families, and
we are available 24/7 to provide
emotional support. Because of
services like these, Driscoll is
well-known in our community. It’s
good to work for a place that’s
so respected, not only in Corpus
Christi, but all over South Texas.”
Leticia Castaneda,
Social Worker
Social Work
16.
• Healthy Smiles oral health initiative
and initiatives, DCHP has made
a positive impact in the health of
expectant mothers, new mothers and
their children.
• Cadena de Madres program reached
its goal of reducing the number
of premature deliveries in Nueces
and San Patricio counties. In 2010,
premature deliveries in these
counties were reduced by eight
percent.
• Well-Child Initiative resulted in a
25 percent increase in member
well-child visits and a 22 percent
increase in new member well-child
visits, achieving their goal.
Community outreach
Driscoll Children’s Health Plan
remains focused on the benefit of
community involvement through a
variety of outreach activities, providing
families with the tools to keep them
healthy.
In 2010, DCHP’s Outreach Team:
• joined the Corpus Christi
Independent School District to
provide asthma education in an
effort to reduce emergency room
visits and inpatient admissions.
• began the Healthy Families initiative
to utilize the broad-based, social
networking model of telehomecare
to improve health outcomes for
patients with type 2 diabetes.
• implemented Health Information
technology to develop a communitywide health information exchange.
WE ARE CHILD ADVOCATES
Clara Driscoll’s vision was to
provide the children of South
Texas with a hospital to treat
them exclusively. Since children
are not just little adults, we
treat them with the specialized,
compassionate care they need.
From our annual fundraisers that
are supported by our generous
friends in the community to the
support and care we provide
children and their families, at
Driscoll Children’s Hospital we
advocate for children.
17.
Organ Donor Wall dedicated
Karl Serrao, M.D., (center) and several families of children who donated organs
prepare to cut the ribbon at the Organ Donor Wall.
“I’m proud to be part of the
C.A.R.E. Team at Driscoll because
in addition to helping improve
the health of children, we are
advocating to help keep them safe
and to help them on their road
to recovery in order for them
to become emotionally healthy
adults.”
Lisa Porterfield,
Social Worker
Child Abuse Resource and
Evaluation (C.A.R.E.) Team
18.
In a memorable ceremony on April
at Driscoll who have passed away
14, the Organ Donor Wall was
and donated organs. Their names are
unveiled on the second floor of
attached to seeds that appear to be
Driscoll Children’s Hospital. Driscoll
floating into the wind from a dandelion
physicians and staff, representatives
representing the “seeds of life.”
from Southwest Transplant Alliance
Karl Serrao, M.D., who spearheaded
and several family members of
the Organ Donor Wall effort, said it is
organ donors were on hand for the
important to spread the word about
ceremony. The wall, dedicated in
organ donation and recognize those
conjunction with Donate Life Month,
who have made life possible for
pays homage to some of the patients
others.
Organ Donation starts a tradition
at Driscoll Children’s Hospital
A solemn ceremony was held in June
ceremony was the first of its kind at
as Driscoll Children’s Hospital hoisted
Driscoll, and the hospital will make a
its first “Donate Life” flag in front of
tradition of hoisting the “Donate Life”
the hospital in honor of a child whose
flag every time a patient’s organs are
parents chose to donate her organs
donated in order that others may live.
after she passed away. The flag, flown
The donor’s name will also be added
specifically for the child for a day, was
to the Organ Donor Wall, which was
given to her parents afterward. The
dedicated in April 2010.
Fiesta de los Niños is all for children
Fiesta co-chairs Debbie Burkhalter (second from left) and Nora Dobson receive
flowers from master of ceremonies, “Big Frank” Edwards of K-99, (far left) and Steve
Woerner, Driscoll president and CEO.
The 18th annual Fiesta de los Niños
In addition, the 6th Annual Fiesta de
presented by Flint Hills Resources
los Niños in the Rio Grande Valley,
was a big success, netting more than
presented by Whataburger and
$572,000. All proceeds from the
benefiting Driscoll Children’s Medical
event went toward renovation and
Plaza - McAllen, netted more than
expansion of the Driscoll Children’s
$185,000, surpassing organizers’
Hospital Cancer and Blood Disorders
goals.
Center.
Support for Radiothon
exceeds expectations
On March 5, Driscoll Children’s
physicians went on-air to tell stories
Hospital and K-99 (99.1 FM) took to
of hope and healing. The goal of the
the airwaves, live from the hospital’s
13-hour event was $25,000, and the
lobby, for the 8th annual Radiothon.
community truly came together to
Throughout the day, patients, staff and
raise $71,000 for Driscoll.
“The Injury Prevention Program
has allowed me to help families
from my own community. I love to
help people, advocate for them and
educate them on how to keep their
children safe.”
Maricruz Cantu,
Injury Prevention Coordinator
Injury Prevention Program
19.
Giving hearts support
Children’s Miracle Network Celebration
Driscoll Children’s Hospital and
success in Corpus Christi and the Rio
Children’s Miracle Network began
Grande Valley – raising $2,411,555!
their partnership in 1984 and have
The celebration represents gifts
raised more than $26 million for the
donated by individuals, community
children of South Texas. This year’s
organizations, corporations and
annual celebration was a tremendous
foundations who support our mission.
Cattlemen’s RoundUps draw support
throughout South Texas
Sponsored by Lyssy & Eckel Feeds,
the annual South Texas Cattlemen’s
RoundUps are auctions held at local
cattle auction barns throughout
Driscoll’s service area. Local 4-H
clubs, Future Farmers of America
chapters, county extension agents
and businesses participate by
donating goods and services to
auction off for the hospital such as
“I’ve been at Driscoll for 31 years
and I’ve seen a lot of changes.
From a three-floor hospital to eight
towers, growth in the Rio Grande
Valley, new technologies. And just
as I’ve seen Driscoll grow, Driscoll
has also seen me grow and has
given me the opportunity to grow
and advance myself, whether it was
moving up in a department or going
back to school and completing my
education.”
Mary Jane Garcia,
Accounting Specialist
Accounting
20.
homemade baked goods, agricultural
products, arts and crafts and a slew
of other items. In 2010, Cattlemen’s
RoundUps were held in Hallettsville,
Beeville, Three Rivers, Alice, Cuero,
Rio Grande City and Edinburg.
Community support was strong:
$97,000 was raised for Driscoll.
Braxton Butler contributes to the
RoundUp in Beeville.
Auxiliary gives back to children, families
With more than 340 active volunteers
McAllen has continued to grow and
in Brownsville, Corpus Christi and
the volunteers in McAllen have been
McAllen, the Auxiliary to Driscoll
busy. They contributed to upgrades
Children’s Hospital contributed more
such as murals for the treatment
than 80,000 hours of service in 2010.
rooms, a television and playscapes for
In Corpus Christi, volunteers were
involved in a variety of projects that
benefitted the hospital, the patients
and their families. They contributed
to hospital departments and groups
such as Security, who received an
additional golf cart for patrolling and
transporting families around campus;
the Bereavement Committee, which
the waiting areas and a television for
the stress lab. Additionally, thanks to
the generosity of the community, who
donated toys, blankets and monetary
donations, volunteers are able to give
gifts to each patient who visited during
Valentine’s Day, Easter, Back-to-School,
Halloween, Christmas and other
occasions.
holds an annual memorial for all the
Driscoll Children’s Specialty Center
children who have passed away at
– Brownsville has seen an addition
the hospital; and Children’s Miracle
of clinic days, and the volunteers
Network during the annual CMN
in Brownsville have been thrilled
Telethon.
to spend more time with Driscoll
Additionally, raising money for the
Marcia K. Wilcox and Dr. James A. Duff
“Have a Heart” Memorial Scholarships
is a main focus each year, and
approximately $35,000 worth of
scholarships was awarded to patients
and teen volunteers.
With the addition of Driscoll Children’s
Quick Care - McAllen, the patient base
at Driscoll Children’s Medical Plaza –
patients. The support of the
community through various events
has benefitted Driscoll Children’s
Specialty Center – Brownsville and
supported Brownsville volunteers’
projects. For example, several new
murals in the clinic have been
completed, and during Christmas, the
volunteers in Brownsville were able to
provide toys and Christmas stockings
to the patients who visited.
“At WIC, when we work with moms,
we want them to feel like they’re at
home. We want our families to come
back and we get to know a lot of our
moms. I actually had a mom call the
other day and ask for me personally,
by name, and that felt good. She
trusted me enough to ask me for
advice.”
MaryLou Vasquez,
Community Service Assistant
WIC
21.
Young weight-loss patients celebrate,
share experiences one year later
In just one year, Driscoll Children’s
announced and beginning in January
Hospital’s bariatric program has
2011, patients and their families will
helped11 teenagers overcome obesity
meet every other month. The first half
by providing lap band surgery. To
of the meetings will involve the whole
celebrate the success of the program
group, who will learn about topics
and the positive changes brought to
such as diet and exercise. After the
patients’ lives, the first reunion was
lesson, the group will be split. With
held in October. Patients enjoyed fun
patients in one room and families
activities and meeting other patients.
in another, they will be able to talk
A much-awaited support group was
“Not everyone can say this, but I truly
love doing what I do. I look forward to
going to work and coming to a place
that helps contribute to the well-being
of children. We pride ourselves on
customer service and excellence. We
don’t want patients to feel like they’re
just a number. We give personalized,
individual care to each child.”
Darren Williams,
C.T. Scan Technologist
Driscoll Children’s Quick Care - McAllen
Mayor Joe Adame (far right) reads a proclamation declaring September 14 Childhood
Cancer Awareness Day at City Hall. Steve Woerner, Driscoll president and CEO,
stands next to Mayor Adame. Cris Johnson, M.D. (center), and Mara Ellis, child life
specialist with the Stripes Child Life Program at Driscoll Children’s Hospital (far
left), stand with several Driscoll cancer patients and their family members.
Driscoll spotlights Childhood Cancer
In conjunction with Childhood Cancer
proclaimed September 14 Childhood
Awareness Month in September,
Cancer Awareness Day in Corpus
Driscoll Children’s Hospital aimed
Christi. Later that day, for the first
to focus the community’s attention
time, Driscoll held a hair donation and
on the young people who are
blood drive event. The community
experiencing the life-changing disease.
showed its support and 175 ponytails
With Driscoll Children’s Cancer and
were collected to be made into wigs
Blood Disorders Center patients and
for young cancer patients.
staff in attendance, Mayor Joe Adame
22.
openly and ask questions.
Building named in honor of C. Ivan Wilson
Pictured is a rendering of the C. Ivan Wilson Patient Support Center.
On June 4, it was announced that the
the Robert Driscoll and Julia Driscoll
former synagogue building located
and Robert Driscoll Jr. Foundation
on Fort Worth Street and owned
in 1982, has long been a champion
by Driscoll Children’s Hospital will
of making high quality healthcare
be renovated, re-landscaped and
available to the children of South
dedicated in honor of C. Ivan Wilson,
Texas, and his dedication to Driscoll
chairman of the Driscoll Children’s
continues to inspire all who interact
Hospital governing board. The building
with him. The announcement was
will be named the C. Ivan Wilson
made in the auditorium during a
Patient Support Center.
celebration for the annual Children’s
Wilson, who first became a trustee of
Miracle Network telethon.
“Everyone, including
Engineering, works to provide
services that patients and families
need. Doctors and nurses provide
a service to heal and we provide
cooling, heating, and more
to make a patient’s stay more
comfortable.”
Rick Longoria,
Maintenance Supervisor
Engineering
23.
Alamo girl’s smile restored
with a metal device
Plaza – McAllen, saving her family the
time and cost of traveling to Corpus
Christi. When the doctor isn’t traveling
to McAllen, he checks up on Arianna
through a telemedicine appointment,
which involves a live video feed from
his office at Driscoll Children’s Hospital
in Corpus Christi to the patient at the
Medical Plaza in McAllen.
Arianna first had a distractor attached
to her face by a Driscoll physician in
2006. Its purpose is to stretch the jaw
bone so that it aligns perfectly with
the jaw bone on the other side of the
face. After it’s attached, the child’s
parents must turn screws on a daily
basis to increase tension.
“I am a volunteer not only when
I’m at the clinic, but everywhere
I go. I represent an organization
that started with a very ambitious
woman, Clara Driscoll. We are
keeping her dream alive throughout
South Texas to serve the needs
of children with challenging
illnesses.”
Ellen Carruthers,
Volunteer
Driscoll Children’s
Medical Plaza - McAllen
24.
Arianna Solis’ distractor has given her
something to smile about.
Dr. Hopkins has seen many children
Arianna Solis was excited to start
which is often characterized by an
third grade this year, but she had to
underdeveloped jaw and ear.
miss several weeks so her beautiful
“It happens in about one in 5,000 live
smile could be restored by a Driscoll
births,” Dr. Hopkins said. “I see about
surgeon. Born with hemifacial
six to 10 patients a year with the
microsomia, a disorder in which one
disorder.”
side of the child’s face doesn’t grow
properly, Arianna had to wear a metal
device called a distractor on her face
to correct her malformed jaw. She had
been fitted with the device in August
by Driscoll Children’s Hospital’s Kevin
Hopkins, M.D., a specialist in child
plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Because she lives in Alamo, Arianna’s
appointments with Dr. Hopkins take
place at Driscoll Children’s Medical
with hemifacial microsomia,
Lisa Solis, a medical office specialist
at Driscoll Children’s Medical Plaza
– McAllen, said Driscoll’s treatment
makes her optimistic about her
daughter’s future.
“I really appreciate the acceptance,
the explanations and the open arms
that they’ve given to my daughter.
Everyone has been very generous.
I feel like my daughter is in good
hands.”
WE ARE COMMUNITY
Community Benefit Recap
Driscoll Children’s Hospital serves
numerous communities across
33,000 square miles of South
Texas. As a not-for-profit hospital,
we are blessed to have the support
of these communities and are
honored to be a trusted friend. In
the following pages, we highlight a
few programs and services offered
in 2010 that allowed us to give
more than $40 million back to the
communities we serve.
25.
Driscoll’s residency program: An
unmatched resource for the community
Driscoll Children’s Hospital’s residency
practice the expertise they gained at
program provides South Texas with
Driscoll.
some of the finest pediatric physicians
One such physician is Gonzalo Ibarra,
available.
“We are unquestionably a top tier
who plans on staying in Corpus Christi
program,” said William Dirksen,
as a general pediatrician.
M.D., director of medical education
“South Texas presents many
at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. “Our
residents score very high in in-service
training examinations, certifying
board exams and the like, and
they are able to get into the best
fellowship programs when they seek
subspecialty training.
26.
such as the high obesity and teen
pregnancy rates, just to name a few,”
Dr. Ibarra said. “I’m confident that
the training I’m receiving at Driscoll
Children’s Hospital will prepare me to
respects. We have excellent pathology,
and their families in South Texas.”
superb teaching and an extremely
Dr. Dirksen said Driscoll Children’s
Hospital’s residency program is well-
Driscoll’s residency program began in
poised to help fill the need for more
1956, three years after the hospital
pediatric physicians as the population
was opened. The hospital hosts 42
of South Texas grows.
residents each year and two chief
“By having a residency program here
applicants each year.
Respiratory Therapy Manager
Respiratory Therapy
caregivers can positively impact,
better serve the pediatric population
residents. There are more than 1,200
Roxanne Narvaez,
challenges that we as primary
“Our program is also unusual in many
collegial environment.”
“As a respiratory therapist, there
are no set hours. This is my job. The
job isn’t done until I know that I’ve
done everything I can to ensure that
my patients are taken care of.”
M.D., a third-year pediatrics resident
at Driscoll, we assure the community
of an ongoing supply of highly
The community is the biggest
educated and dedicated pediatricians
beneficiary of Driscoll’s residency
who have a strong loyalty to the
program. Many graduating residents
hospital and the community.”
choose to stay in the community to
Injury Prevention Program
aims to make life safer for kids
Driscoll’s Injury Prevention Program
Program, along with the Texas Parent
benefits the community in many
Teachers Association and Nationwide
ways. For example, in the summer of
Insurance, gave about 50 free booster
2010, representatives from the Injury
seats to low income families.
Prevention Program were invited to
As a member of the Coastal Bend
talk to children at recreation centers
run by the City of Corpus Christi.
The Driscoll staff embraced the
opportunity and, for an hour a day
over five days, educated children of all
ages on bicycle safety. They also gave
away bicycle safety helmets to the
kids – 142 in all.
Youth Alcohol Awareness Coalition, the
Injury Prevention Program participates
in alcohol awareness events such
as the Shattered Dreams Program.
The two-day event, held at area high
schools, involves students performing
a mock car crash and funeral for a
fellow student and learning lessons
That’s one example of the community
about drinking and driving. The Injury
benefit activities undertaken by the
Prevention Program participated in
Injury Prevention Program, whose
two Shattered Dreams events in fiscal
mission is to reduce unintentional
year 2010.
injuries among children and to
Maricruz Cantu, injury prevention
serve as a resource for parents,
professionals and groups needing
injury prevention information.
coordinator at Driscoll Children’s
Hospital, said with their multi-faceted
approach to educating families
The Injury Prevention Program
on preventable injuries, the Injury
frequently conducts car seat safety
Prevention Program hopes to help
inspections by appointment at
reduce death and injuries among
Driscoll Children’s Hospital and at
children in our community.
inspection events at sites such as
“The Injury Prevention Program is
Kohl’s Department Stores. In fiscal
year 2010, about 250 car seats were
inspected.
In September, the Injury Prevention
dedicated and committed to educating
parents and keeping kids safe from
unintentional injuries,” said Cantu.
“I’ve worked in other departments
of the hospital where I didn’t have
patient contact. I love being a
Patient Relations Representative;
it’s the most rewarding position
I’ve held at Driscoll. My goal is to
make sure our patients and families
are comfortable here. When our
patients and families are happy, our
employees are happy. We all make a
difference here, like pieces of a big
puzzle.”
Gracie Brundidge,
Patient Relations Representative
Patient Relations
27.
NICU Reunion brings back hundreds
of patients and families
It’s not unusual for physicians and
In 2010, about 350 NICU graduates
nurses to develop a special bond
and their families came to reunite
with premature infants in Driscoll’s
with NICU physicians and staff. Smiles
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
and laughs were plentiful as they
and their families. The care and
hugged and talked in the fall sunshine.
nurturing that they provide to the
Many children wore their Halloween
fragile babies can create almost
costumes. Games, moonwalks,
family-like relationships.
pumpkin decorating, face painting and
“There are few things that bond
people together like sharing the birth
“We have so much fun visiting with
has special needs, the bonds are even
our patients and families,” Carr said.
tighter,” said NICU Director Patricia
“It’s a very special time for the staff.
Carr.
They enjoy seeing how their patients
Belinda Rosales, whose premature
experiences and supporting one
son, Isaiah Quintero, was recently
another. That community is treated
cared for in the NICU, said she and
every year to the annual NICU
her family plan to attend future NICU
Reunion, a free event that started
Reunions to see her son’s caregivers
32 years ago to bring patients and
and let them see his progress.
caregivers back together for a day at
“They know how to talk to you, make
are hung, advertisements are placed
in newspapers and invitations are
System Analyst II
Information Systems
28.
have progressed.”
knit community of their own, sharing
Driscoll. Every year in October, flyers
Pablo Sarabia,
Reunion.
of a child, and if that child is sick or
The NICU families become a tight-
“I trust Driscoll Children’s
Hospital’s judgment in patient
care and safety. I know when I
bring my children here they’ll be
taken care of.”
free t-shirts are staples of the NICU
mailed to NICU families throughout
South Texas. Attendees come from
Victoria, Laredo, Corpus Christi and
the Rio Grande Valley.
you understand and help you,” she
said of the NICU staff. “They really
put their all into the baby. They fight
for them and get attached to them.
All the nurses and doctors are good
people here. I would call this a miracle
place.”
Summer Volunteen Program provides
rich experience for 100 participants
Every year, nearly 100 teens are
“There’s a lot of competition out there,
chosen to take part in the summer
and the Volunteen Program is a great
Volunteen Program at Driscoll
opportunity not only for volunteering,
Children’s Hospital. The program,
but for education and enrichment,”
designed for teens ages 14 – 17,
Callaway said. “Volunteering opens the
allows mature, responsible young
minds of young people; it lets them
people to volunteer in areas of the
know they can do more for their own
hospital. For two months, teens
communities.”
volunteer one day a week for four
hours.
Callaway describes the teens that
apply as the cream of the crop. Many
The program evolved from the “Candy
want to begin building a resume or
Striper” program of the 1960s. In the
need volunteer hours for various
1990s, approximately 40 teens each
honor societies. Others, like Gini
summer participated in the Volunteen
Salinas, want to pursue a career in
Program. Since then, the program
medicine and want exposure to a
has grown into what it is today,
hospital setting.
including the addition of a Volunteen
Program at Driscoll Children’s Medical
Plaza – McAllen, where seven teens
volunteered during the summer of
2010.
In 2010, out of the 140 teens that
were interviewed, 100 were chosen
for the program in Corpus Christi. “We
usually aim for about 80 Volunteens,”
said Dorothy Callaway, volunteer
coordinator, “but we had such a great
pool of applicants, we decided to go
with 100.”
Each teen must undergo an
application and interview process
before being invited to join the
program. They come from all parts of
the Coastal Bend, some from even as
far as Robstown and Port Aransas.
“Not only do I want to work in
healthcare,” Salinas, 16, said, “but I
want to be a pediatric occupational
therapist. I plan to work here in the
future, God-willing, of course!”
Salinas is one of 11 summer
Volunteens who was asked to become
a year-round Volunteen at the end
of the summer because of her
enthusiasm and quality of work. As a
year-round Volunteen, Salinas hopes
to learn as much as she can about the
hospital and make connections with
physicians and nurses.
“I know college will help me, but
nothing compares to the experience
that I get by volunteering at the
hospital,” she said.
“I love my job! You have to have the
heart to do your job. For example,
if you’re a teacher, you don’t do it
because of the schedule; you do
it because you like teaching kids.
That’s the same thing with me. I
love my job and the kids. It comes
from my heart.”
Imelda Villagomez,
Medical Assistant
Driscoll Children’s
Quick Care - McAllen
29.
Dr. Jim Duff Guest Rooms offer
convenience to out-of-town families
Driscoll Children’s Hospital serves
the children of South Texas, covering
31 counties and more than 33,000
square miles. Oftentimes, patients
and their families must travel from
other communities in order to receive
inpatient treatment at the hospital.
television, a microwave, refrigerator
and free local telephone service.
Families who stay also have access
snack machines and toiletries.
undergoing special treatments such as
chemotherapy or dialysis.
30.
full bathroom. Amenities include cable
to coin-operated washers and dryers,
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit or are
Child Life Specialist
Stripes Child Life Program
at Driscoll Children’s Hospital
with two twin or queen beds and a
available to out-of-town families
the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and
Julie Eledge,
The 21 guest rooms are equipped
The Dr. Jim Duff Guest Rooms are
whose children are hospitalized in
“I’m proud to be part of a place
that changes lives on a daily basis.
Driscoll is more than just medical;
we respond to the social and
emotional needs of a child as well. As
a child life specialist, I build trusting
relationships with my patients and
am able to communicate with them
on their level.”
shower when I needed to.”
Luke and his mother even stayed
in the guest rooms after he was
discharged from hospital care due to
additional appointments at Driscoll
Children’s Kidney Center. “After
Luke Loftus, from San Antonio, Texas,
Luke’s transplant, he had to go to the
received a kidney transplant at Driscoll
Kidney Center four times a week for
and for almost a month, he and his
plasmapheresis. Being able to stay
mother stayed in the Dr. Jim Duff
in the guest rooms helped because
Guest Rooms.
it was quiet; he could rest and
“Having a room was convenient. I
recuperate and we still had hospital
would often have to go back and
support,” she said.
forth to the intensive care unit where
In 2010, Driscoll provided lodging to
Luke was after his transplant,” said
1,175 families, totaling 5,939 nights
Linda Loftus, Luke’s mother. “ The
in the Dr. Jim Duff Guest Rooms.
guest rooms gave me a place to
Furthermore, 1,819 of those nights
recharge. I had a place to leave my
were provided at a donation rate.
things and I could take a quick
Camps give patients
opportunities to learn, grow
Summer camp is a favorite getaway
a four-day camp that gave more
for children. Those with chronic
than 20 teenagers the opportunity to
illnesses, like many children at Driscoll
connect with other cancer patients
Children’s Hospital, aren’t always able
and enjoy summer camp activities.
to go to summer camp because of
their illnesses. So Driscoll offers the
camp experience through several
camps that occur throughout the
summer months.
Dominique High, from Edinburg, is
one patient who was able to enjoy
camp with her peers. “Dominique
really wanted to go to camp and she
was able to go with her brother,”
Children from throughout the
Dominique’s mom, Maria High, said.
31-county service area with asthma,
Siblings are encouraged to attend
heart disease, end stage renal
camp because cancer is a disease that
disease, diabetes, cancer and those
affects the entire family. Oftentimes,
who struggle with the loss of a loved
siblings feel neglected due to the
one are given the opportunity to fish,
family focus and support on the
hike and swim and also learn more
sick child, so siblings are included
about their disease. Driscoll staff and
to let them know how much they
physicians also get involved in order
are valued and that they are a very
to reinforce a positive relationship
important part of the family.
between caregiver and patient.
Furthermore, camps help create a
In 2010, Driscoll organized
support network among patients, says
approximately seven camps; about
Wenzler. “The children are able to
180 patients were sent to camp
get to know other children who are
free of charge, and there’s more
going through the same thing they
room to grow. “We would love for
are, who are experiencing the same
every family to be able to participate.
treatments.”
Camp is beneficial. Our patients get
the camp experience they wouldn’t
otherwise be able to have and they
learn how to manage their disease,”
said Don Wenzler, vice president and
chief patient care officer of Driscoll
Children’s Hospital.
One of Driscoll’s camps, Camp TLC
When Dominique returned from
camp, her mom noticed a change in
her disposition. “Dominique was very
happy when she came back,” she
said. “She was able to paint, go fishing
and meet new friends. She wants to
go back next year so she can see her
friends again.”
“At Driscoll, we personify the way
that Clara Driscoll lived her life.
We try to carry that on in what we
do. From housekeeping to nursing
– the whole spectrum – we’re
compassionate people. We know
and do our jobs well.”
Rick Quiroz,
Shift Supervisor
Security
-- or “Teens Living with Cancer”-- is
31.
As the first free-standing children’s hospital in
South Texas, Driscoll has enjoyed an abundance of
community support, and it is from our heart that we
give back to the communities we serve.
Community outreach: Costs associated with the organization’s activities
that help to educate, protect and/or improve the community’s health
and/or safety.
Indirect patient care costs: The costs associated with the operational
expenses of hospital departments that support clinical areas and services.
Patient financial assistance: Information about government
programs, discount policies and other assistance is provided to help
patients with the cost of care in addition to the hospital’s charity care
program.
Medicaid shortfall: The costs of treating Medicaid patients that are not
reimbursed by the Medicaid program.
“We all work as a cooperative
team to get the best outcomes
for our patients so that they will
be successful at home and in the
community. We not only establish
relationships with our patients,
but with their families as well.
Working at Driscoll allows me to
use my skills that I’ve acquired to
help make a difference in children’s
lives.”
Ericka Villagomez,
Speech Language Pathologist
Rehabilitation Services
32.
Physician sub-specialties support: The hospital subsidizes the
expenses of physician groups in order to help the communities it serves
have access to pediatric specialists who otherwise would not practice in
the region.
33.
Patient Statistics
34.
Driscoll Children’s Hospital
Governing Board
2009-2010
C. Ivan Wilson
Chairman
William Allen, M.D.
Steve Woerner
Vice-Chairman
Bruna Callegari-Puente, M.D.
Murray Bass, Jr.
Jim Devlin
Martha Hinojosa
Pat Horne
Lenora Keas
Reba Cardenas McNair
Loyd Neal
Manette Scanio
Karl Serrao, M.D.
Bill Sterett
35.
Driscoll Children’s Hospital
Development Foundation
Board of Directors
2009-2010
Officers
Pat Horne
President
Manette Scanio
Vice President
Mary Clark
Treasurer
Derwood Anderson
Secretary
Gary Wilson
Past President
Members
Stephanie Bottom
Julie Buckley
Elsa Cardenas-Hagan, Ph.D.
Bob Cuvelier
Gerald Eckel
Sister Guerra
Willard Hammonds, II
Nancy Hawn
Wes Hoskins
Lenora Keas
Debbie Layton
Laura Smith Noe
Sherry Rumley
Roger Timperlake, M.D.
Sondra Tredaway
Rich Tuttle
Chad Wilfong
Bernard Paulson
Trustee Emeritus
Martha St. Romain
Executive Director
36.
Senior Leadership
Steve Woerner, President and Chief Executive Officer
Eric Hamon, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Bill Larsen, Vice President Human Resources
Dale Obermueller, Vice President Clinic and Physician Practices
Donna Quinn, Vice President Operations and Quality
Eddie Read, Vice President Finance
Martha St. Romain, Vice President Development
Don Wenzler, Vice President, Chief Patient Care Officer
Mary Dale Peterson, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer Driscoll Children’s Health Plan
Jeanene Anthony, Assistant Vice President Systems Administration
William Allen, M.D., Assistant Vice President Quality and Patient Safety
Richard Foster, Assistant Vice President Support Services
Eduardo Gomez, Administrator of Data Integration, Decision Support and Analytics
Karen Long, Assistant Vice President Patient Care Services
Jane Murphy, Assistant Vice President Patient Care Services
Tammy Weaver, Assistant Vice President Marketing and Community Relations
Jennifer Henderson, General Counsel
Janice Kottke, Clinic Administrator
Annette Shook, Executive Director Physician Relations and Recruitment
37.
Produced by
Driscoll Children’s Hospital Marketing Department:
Tammy Weaver, Assistant Vice President Marketing and Community Relations
James Simmons, Graphic Production Manager, design
Samantha Joaquin, Marketing Coordinator, copy coordinator
Michael Bratten, Media Communications Manager, copy
Sam Simpson, Website/Graphics Specialist
Kerry Burnette, Marketing and Community Relations Assistant
38.
3533 S. Alameda Street
Corpus Christi, Texas 78411
(361) 694-5000
www.driscollchildrens.org