Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital

www.hazelhawkins.com

2011 Vol. 1

Looking back at 2010New ER Open for BusinessNew ER Volunteer Program4th Annual Dinner-Danceand Fundraiser

Building A Healthier FutureConstruyendo Un Mejor Futuro

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Facts and Figuresfor fiscal year ending 6/30/10

Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital Key Statistics

Amount

Licensed Acute Care Beds 49

Licensed Skilled Nursing Beds 127

Admissions - Hospital 2,510

Patient Days - Hospital 7,761

Patient Days - SNFs combined 37,442

Deliveries 398

Surgeries - combined 2,564

O/P Visits 92,962

ER Visits - combined 15,946

Hollister Rural Health Clinic Visits 18,235

San Juan Bautista Clinic Visits 4,454

Clinic at 4th St. / San Juan Rd. Visits 9,856

Home Health Visits 6,773

# of Employees 574

# of Physicians 122

# of Volunteers 361

Gross Patient Revenue

Amount

Medicare $83,806,255 39.39%

Medi-Cal 59,409,286 27.93%

Blue Cross 36,287,108 17.06%

Private Insurance 23,300,519 10.95%

Self Pay 9,938,463 4.67%

$212,741,631 100%

Net Revenue at $1

Salaries / Wages $33,077,713 42.72%

Benefits 16,091,540 20.78%

Supplies 8,493,908 10.97%

Purchased Services 7,103,764 9.17%

Professional Fees 5,913,955 7.64%

Depreciation/ 4,221,257 5.45%Amortization/Interest

Rental 733,528 0.95%

Other Operating Expenses 2,332,440 3.0%

Net Loss <523,732> <0.68%>

$77,434,373 100%

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As we strategically move to improve our services and

manage the challenges in 2011, we should also reflect

and be thankful for numerous accomplishments in 2010.

The grand opening of the remarkable Emergency

Services building in December 2010 represented the

most significant technological advancement at the current

hospital campus since it first opened in 1962. With three

trauma bays, eleven private treatment rooms, the latest

digital diagnostic imaging with a 128-slice CT scanner,

and four private fast track beds, our Emergency Services

staff are providing life-saving care in a new facility of the

highest quality.

Early in 2010, we completed our move to consolidate

all support services in a beautiful three-story facility.

We renewed our mutually-beneficial agreement with

Blue Cross, expanded Echocardiography Services, and

implemented the first phase of conversion to electronic

health records in all of our outpatient health care centers

and clinics. Providing care in eleven different specialty

areas, our three primary clinics exceed 3,000 visits a

month.

We are extremely proud to have added John Ceglia,

RPT, and his physical therapy and sports medicine team

(Focus Sports Therapy) on McCray Street, to the growing

Hazel Hawkins family. Our Medical Staff also benefited

from the recent privileging of Jiwu Sun, M.D., Hospitalist;

Neil Richman, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon; and Nadia

Sultan, M.D., Radiologist.

We successfully passed a rigorous State Department of

Health inspection of our Skilled Nursing facilities - our

best survey in over ten years. We also renewed our

hospital accreditation by successfully meeting State and

Federal standards during a survey by the National Joint

Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations

(JCAHO).

We are extremely excited about 2011 with the opening

of a new cardio-pulmonary multi-specialty clinic on

Sunnyslope Road, another primary health center and clinic

on First Street, and the start of construction of our new

Women’s Center.

My sincere thanks to our 574 employees, 122 physicians,

almost 400 volunteers, and Foundation Board for their

focused, community-driven commitment to making

HHMH the very best it could be in 2010.

Message from the CEOA Look Back at 2010

Ken Underwood, CEO, HHMH

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When the new ER officially opened, a corps of volunteers was working alongside the ER doctors, nurses and staff. Organized by former San Benito Health Care District President and former Director of Volunteers, Beth Ivey, the volunteers will be working in the ER in four hour shifts from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. They help with patient transport, stock supplies & linens, deliver food or water to patients, run paperwork and reports to and from the lab and radiology and help to keep patient’s families informed.

“I provide initial training, as do the nurses and staff in the ER. After that, the volunteers really learn as they go. It’s an extremely rewarding way to spend your time, says Ivey. It’s always exciting.”

“We currently have 20 ER volunteers, but need more; particularly those who can work in the evening between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. We are particularly in need of bi-lingual men and women. We look for maturity, reliability, and consistency in being able to cover the assigned shift”, she added.

The new ER volunteers provide an extra pair of hands for the ER staff as well as an added dimension of caring for ER patients and their families. If you are interested in becoming an ER Volunteer, call Beth Ivey at (831) 245-8281.

You must be over 18 years old to volunteer.

Beth Ivey, ER Volunteer Coordinator with ER Medical Director, Paulalan Genstler, MD

Zero HourOpening day for HHMH’s new ER

Monday, December 6th, 2010 was no ordinary Monday. At 5 a.m. the nurses’ station in the new ER was full of people receiving their “to do” lists. All the Engineers, along with Suzie and Warren from IT, Keith from the Pharmacy, Rod from Purchasing and numerous ER staff were there for “zero hour.” The time had come to close the old ER and open the new. Our CEO, CFO and CNO pitched in to help move gurneys, IV poles and tables, wall mount otoscopes, set up computers and Omnicells (computerized drug distribution stations) and numerous other tasks. At 6:45 a.m. the phones from the old ER were switched to the new ER. We were open for business!!! The zero-hour transition was a success.

At 8:30, a very critical patient walked in with a tension pneumo-thorax. The fact that he walked in was astounding. He was quickly taken to one of the new trauma rooms: Trauma 2, and the ER staff utilized trauma instruments to re-inflate his lung. Everything worked just like it was supposed to.

Over the course of the day, I spoke to numerous patients. Every single person was elated with the new facility. One patient told me she lived four blocks away and hadn’t been to HHMH in 15 years. Now, she was going to tell all her friends about the great new ER! Two more families expressed a similar reaction and were going to tell family and friends. I had anticipated this reaction but was still amazed to hear the comments.

As expected, there are still some touch ups and things to address to

make the ER function as smoothly as possible. The staff is dealing with all these issues. Mandy, Carolyn, Gloria, Patty, Chris, Shanell, and Krisiti spent numerous hours the weekend before the opening to get ready. Their contributions are much appreciated.

Dr. Genstler (Medical Director of the ER) and I anticipate that all the rooms will be utilized over the next few months. Once the word of HHH’s wonderful new ER spreads through the community, the beds will be full.

We are ready!Rebecca Jones, ED Director

Volunteer Opportunities in the New ER

ED Director, Rebecca Jones (far right) and staff attend to a patient.

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Hazel Hawkins has received approval from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development to begin construction of a new Women’s Center. Designed by HFP Architects, the three-story building will house childbirth services, medical diagnostics and inpatient medical/surgical beds.

Phase I includes the development of the 8,100 square foot first floor. Entering through a beautiful two-story atrium lobby, families will be admitted to one of 13 private, modern Labor, Delivery, Recovery, Postpartum rooms (LDRPs). These rooms are designed for families to enjoy the birth of a new child and remain in the same home-like environment for the duration of their stay. Each room has a private bathroom and furnishings designed for the family to remain with mom and baby.

The Center will be equipped with a full-service, 400 sq. ft. operating theater should cesarean section be necessary. A medical gas ceiling boom and state-of-the-art LED operating room lighting will meet the highest standard of care.

Two nurses stations will allow staff to be readily available and to monitor all activity on the unit. A newborn nursery is available if needed. This unit is designed to be the facility of choice for mother-baby care in the region.

The second floor will house the McCullough Resource Library, physician sleep rooms and shelled space for Phase II. Plans call for a Women’s Diagnostic Center with mammography, ultrasound and bone density testing. Also planned is space for physical therapy and a community conference center.

Phase III will span the 3rd floor with an inpatient medical/surgical unit encompassing 16 private care rooms with private bathrooms and stunning views of the surrounding area.

The construction budget for Phase I is $12 million. Anticipated completion would be 18 months from start of construction. This project is funded by Measure L.

Next Big Project: Women’s Center

San Benito Healthcare District Board Member Re-AppointedMary McCullough’s generous devotion and contribution to the San Benito Health Care District, and the communities the District serves, is evident by her years of volunteer service. The communities in San Benito County have elected Mary to the San Benito Health Care District Board of Directors seven consecutive times (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006, for a total of 28 years). In Nov. 2010 she ran unopposed and was reappointed for another 4 years. She has served three terms as District Board President, and as Treasurer in 2010. She has also been a member of many District Board committees including the Finance and Measure L Committee. Mary has been active with the Hazel Hawkins Hospitals Foundation since it began in 1978, and most recently served as Chair of the HHH Foundation’s capital campaign for the new Emergency Department, successfully raising $500,000 for

equipment. Mary received a lifetime achievement award from Hazel Hawkins Hospitals Foundation in 2007, and she and her husband Gerald were honored as donors of the year that same year.

Mary McCullough

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2011 Class ScheduleDates listed are the first day of each session. All classes begin at 6:30 p.m. and are held in the Board Room at Hazel Hawkins Hospital.

Classes in English

n January 18n February 22n March 29n May 3n June 7n July 12n August 16n September 20n October 25n November 29

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Course DescriptionLearning about childbirth topics in a fun, comfortable and respectful class environment is the goal of the Childbirth Education Program at Hazel Hawkins Hospital.

As expectant parents you will be introduced to the basics of nutrition during pregnancy, signs of preterm labor, onset and states of true labor, pain theories and comfort measures. You will also learn breathing and relaxation techniques to assist you during the labor process. Possible medical interventions such as induction, pain medications, epidural and caesarean section will be presented.

Newborn appearance, standard newborn procedures following birth, cord blood banking and breastfeeding basics are part of this comprehensive course that will help you feel more confident as you approach THE special day when you bring your precious child into this world.

Detailsn Taught by RN’s.

n Each session is 4 consecutive weeks.

n Cost is $60 for the 4-week week session.

n Includes tour of Birthing Center.

n Register with your doctor during your 2nd trimester to start classes between your 28th and 32nd week of pregnancy.

n Bring check or cash payment to your first night of class. Credit Card payments can be processed at the front desk.

n Moms can bring a pillow if needed for sitting comfort.

n Wear comfortable pants that allow freedom of movement.

n Water and light snacks will be provided.

Registration FormName: Name of Partner:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: Cell:

Estimated Due Date: Preferred Class Start Date:

Please return this form to your OB/GYN’s office. For further information contact: Lisa Robinson at 245-7893 or lisamarierob@yahoo.com

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Message from the Foundation PresidentMary Damm

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Mary Damm, 2010 Foundation President

Message from the NEW Foundation PresidentEd Mauro

Ed Mauro, 2011 Foundation President

As I thought about my first message to the community, one theme kept coming

to mind. In my mind, there’s nothing more important than the residents of San

Benito County knowing that Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital is OWNED by the

community. HHMH is not a County hospital. It is NOT part of a for-profit health

care entity. Hazel Hawkins is your Hospital; run by local citizens elected to serve

on the *District Board of Trustees. If you pay property taxes in San Benito County,

you’ve made an investment in the future of this local facility. You have made the

new ER and soon the new Women’s Center possible. We keep getting bigger and

better because of your support.

The Hospital Foundation takes it one step further in raising charitable dollars to

help make our new and existing facilities the very best they can be. We have a lot

of new board members this year who will lend their enthusiasm for the Hospital

and ideas about fund and “friend” raising to our efforts. We look forward to letting

you know how you can get involved and participate in our year-round activities to

raise funds for YOUR Hospital: Hazel Hawkins Memorial.

*San Benito Health Care District

Despite the economy the Hospital Foundation had another successful year.

We met our goal of raising $500,000 for the new ER! I am truly grateful to our

generous donors and to all of the members of our Board of Directors over the past

three years who made this possible.

The highlight of our year was hosting the ER grand-opening event for those who

contributed $100+ to the Emergency Department. It was an honor to have the

opportunity to welcome our donors and to thank them for their participation.

Everyone who attended was awed by the new state-of-the-art facility.

As I hand the gavel over to Ed Mauro, our new President for 2011, I know he’s

in good hands. The Hospital will break ground for the new Women’s Center

soon. With this new addition to the Hospital campus there will be another

huge opportunity for the Foundation and our supporters to make a difference in

guaranteeing the future of great healthcare services in San Benito County.

The Hazel Hawkins Hospitals Foundation

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Jeri Hernandez

Jack Murphy

Ted Davis

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JerriAnne (Jeri) Hernandez joined the Foundation Board in June 2010. Hollister Downtown Association’s “Volunteer of the Year” in 1990 and Hollister Elks Lodge 2009-2010 “Citizen of the Year,” volunteerism is a way of life for Jeri.

As owner of Serene Home, Chamber of Commerce “Business of the Year” for 2009, and former owner of a local delicatessen and catering business, she brings an expansive knowledge of business, marketing and special events to the board. She will serve as Chair of the 5th Annual Dinner-Dance and Fundraiser in 2011.

Year In ReviewAnnual Report

Jack Murphy joined the HHMH Board in October 2010. A native of San Francisco and the greater Bay Area, Jack and his wife Jeannette have lived in Hollister since 1996. Recently retired, Jack is looking forward to serving the local community. Jack brings considerable knowledge and skill in sales and marketing to the Board.

Ted Davis, President and CEO of Teknova, Inc., located in Hollister and Half Moon Bay, joined the Foundation Board in March 2010. A resident of Hollister since 1996, Ted is a member of the Hollister Rotary Club, Homeless Coalition of San Benito County and serves on the Board of the San Benito County Arts Council. Ted has an appreciation for the importance of the availability of good healthcare services for area businesses and their employees. Teknova has been a sponsor of the Foundation’s dinner-dance for 4-years running.

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The Hazel Hawkins Hospitals Foundation

Year In ReviewAnnual Report

4th Annual Dinner-Dance and Fundraiser

On Friday, November 5th, 2010, The Hospital Foundation honored its own and raised $11,260 for the new ER and $36,929 for the general fund.

Donor of the Year, Tom Slatten was honored for his commitment to the Foundation as a member of its Board of Directors. Over the years, Tom has served on the Finance and Scholarship Committees. He was also honored for his generosity toward the Foundation’s many fundraising campaigns. Most recently he honored his late wife Jan, who was Assistant Director of Nursing at Kaiser Santa Teresa, by naming the ER staff lounge in her honor.

The Hollister Rotary Club was honored as “Organization of the Year” for its commitment to the community, international health issues and support of Hazel Hawkins Hospital. Over the years the club has contributed $25K to the Foundation and helped build the original helipad by supplying the engineering expertise and labor.

Including 25 physicians and their guests or spouses, 143 guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner, a drawing for one of three framed photographs---and dancing the night away to the DigBeats.

Rochelle Callis, Hollister Rotary Club President, accepts 2010 Organization of the Year award from Will Sutton, President, San Benito Bank

Lori Kraus, Jim Medeiros, Tisi Stewart and Loretta Martin get ready to dance the night away to the “Digbeats”.

Jack Markle, HHH Foundation President 2005, presents 2010 Donor of the Year award to Tom Slatten.

Sponsors Mark and Linda Robinson enjoy the evening with guests Denise Barton and husband George.

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The Foundation’s Board of Directors wishes to thank all of this year’s sponsors, donors and those who purchased tickets. We hope to see you all next year!

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Memorial and Honorary GiftsMarch - November 2010

* Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital Employee

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTGenerosa L. Acosta Wilson & Cora Acosta-Invencion* Anthony & Carolyn Yacovone*Joe Conconi Dr. and Mrs. Martin BressElmo W. Davis Mrs. Jean E. DavisRenee Flores, RN Mrs. Patricia M. Young*Lorraine Freitas Mrs. Joyce Presser-Johnson*Alice Hawkins Ms. Juli VieiraUldarico Denina Cortero & Joseph Canales Lemus In-Focus Medical Imaging, Inc.Frank Klauer K & S Properties & Realty Lily KlauerMartina Losado Mrs. Dolores KingLisa Montella Anthony & Carolyn Yacovone*Lydia Ryan Ms. Pauline Lepera PriceAnne Winn Ms. Juli Vieira CAMPAIGN FOR THE NEW ER Jason Arballo Frankie Arballo* Mr. and Mrs. Gerald McCullough Annette Saunders*Betty Breen Mr. and Mrs. Gerald McCullough Annette Saunders*Robert Cruz Julian and Alice FloresYsidro Gallardo, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald McCulloughUldarico Denina Cortero & Joseph Canales Lemus In-Focus Medical Imaging, Inc.Harriet Ludwig Annette Saunders*Robert McKibbin Sam & Fran McKibbin Joan Rogers*Ruth Parker Mr. and Mrs. Gerald McCulloughTino Rodriques Mrs. Dolores KingFrank Solano, Pearl Ruiz, Agustin Ruiz Gloria M.Torres, RN*IN HONOR OF Tom Nichols Elizabeth Nichols GENERAL FUND Generosa L. Acosta AnonymousPeter Alosi Joe and Lil Casillas Roger & Toni Grimsley Mr. and Mrs. Gerald McCulloughJason Arballo Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ament Mrs. Lanetta Bishop John & Donna Sander Bill and Mary Damm David E. Grimes Company David & Gaea Dennis* Mr. and Mrs. William DeRosa Joseph & Brenda Gatcomb-Lucas James & Caroline Hastings Babette Martin Mr. and Mrs. Mac Mota Quincy Engineering Inc. The Panoche Inn Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Y. Wang Gary Welch Anthony & Carolyn Yacovone*Ruth Ann Beelaard Alice HymanEdith Gagliardi Bertucelli Mr. and Mrs. John FiliceBarbara Bisceglia Joe and Lil CasillasGertrude Boyd Mr. and Mrs. Gerald McCulloughJess Bravo Ray & Nancy BravoEvelyn Fernandez Bill and Mary DammGino Fortino Mr. and Mrs. Gerald McCulloughKelly Alvernaz Freitas John & Donna SanderYsidro Gallardo, Sr. Joseph & Brenda Gatcomb-Lucas Hazel Hawkins Hospital ER Staff* Don and Danette Perrien* Don & Dolly Pidd Anthony & Carolyn Yacovone*Alice Hawkins Mr. & Mrs. Mitt French Hawkins Cattle Company - Gerald & Carol Hawkins Mrs. Betty Jeanne Holt Mr. and Mrs. John Hubbell Mr. and Mrs. James Lanning Mr. and Mrs. Gerald McCullough Ms. Linda Morrissey George & Georgia SakaiIN HONOR OF Frankie Arballo Leah B. Dowty *

GENERAL FUNDAlice Hawkins Leland & Bernice SeimasBarbara Hawksworth Carol and Richard Killer Mrs. Betty Jeanne HoltDorothy Koch Mr. Louie Falconi Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell W. WrightBill Ladd Mr. and Mrs. Gerald McCulloughBernice Lanini Mr. and Mrs. Al Bonturi Mr. Willis DoolingBill Lavagnino, Sr. Mrs. Betty Jeanne HoltShirley Ann Lomanto Mr. and Mrs. Ed ValdezPatricia O’Donnell Julian and Alice FloresJack O’Donnell John & Donna Sander Peter Pagano Mr. and Mrs. Ed ValdezAnnie Paura Mr. and Mrs. Ed ValdezErnie Prewett Mr. and Mrs. John MillerR.C. Rodgers Mr. and Mrs. Ed ValdezDoug Rudd Ms. Virginia ShawAnnette Smith Gary & Patti Brown Mr. and Mrs. William Burgstrom Emila Derpich Mr. and Mrs. Jim Galassi Marilyn Hyde Ms. Ruth Johnson Ms. Frances Kempton Curtis & Annette Lineberger Mr. and Mrs. Gerald McCullough Tom and Virginia Rosewall Dr. and Mrs. Harlow Standage Mr. and Mrs. Ken VilhauerAnnette G. and Dr. LloydSmith, Jr. Jack & Elaine OruchDr. Lloyd Smith, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald McCullough Gary & Janice Vilhauer Mr. and Mrs. Ken Vilhauer Jim West Bruce WoolpertBruno M. Tesolini Mr. and Mrs. Emilio Casillas Barbara Matulich Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell W. WrightMary Watson Mrs. Betty Jeanne HoltAnne Winn John & Donna Sander Julian and Alice Flores Mr. and Mrs. Gerald McCullough SAN BENITO HOME HEALTH Barbara Bisceglia Mr. and Mrs. Paul Carbone Clarice Felice Lori Fisher and Mario Ghiorzi Walter & Frances Griggs Mr. and Mrs. Jim Hawkins Mr. Ed Kutz Ms. Helen Matulich Kathleen Rianda Mr. and Mrs. Mel Silveira Joe and Rosemary Vallejo Mr. Gary YoungIda Rae Bonacich Mr. and Mrs. Al BonturiGino Fortino Mr. and Mrs. Mel SilveiraKelly Alvernaz Freitas Mr. and Mrs. Paul CarboneAlice Hawkins Ms. Frances Palmtag Mrs. Janis L. RoseJeanne Petersen Mr. and Mrs. Paul Carbone Mike & Dixie Cracolice Mr. and Mrs. Mel SilveiraEd Russell Mr. and Mrs. Mel SilveiraBruno Tesolini Mr. and Mrs. Paul Carbone Mr. and Mrs. Mel Silveira INFUSION CENTER Martha Busch Mrs. Regina PeraEugene (Gino) Fortino Mr. and Mrs. Fernando Oliveira WILLIAM & INEZ MABIE SKILLED NURSING FACILITY Billie Bettencourt George and Ruth HustonBarbara Bisceglia Mr. and Mrs. William DeRosa Mr. and Mrs. Jim Hawkins Janet B. Lomanto

WILLIAM & INEZ MABIE SKILLED NURSING FACILITYBarbara Bisceglia Madeline and Marchel Nelson Sherly & Brad Nelson Michael & Tracy Nino Connie and Ernie Perreira Don & Danette Perrien* Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Silva Alma Terribilini Doug and Janeane Williams Fern WilliamsJoe Conconi Mr. and Mrs. Bob OrlandoBob Cruz Pete & Maxine GomezNieves Daniels Pete & Maxine GomezRose Falconi Ms. Virginia Bradt Mr. and Mrs. Bob OrlandoMary Fernandez Rosalie CampisiEvelyn Fernandez Mr. and Mrs. Frank Borelli Clarice Felice Jean Fong Ms. Vaynora Porteur Amos RubioFrances Frusetta Joe and Lil CasillasAlice Hawkins Rosalie CampisiBarbara Hawksworth Don and Jackie ShearerEsther F. Miller Mr. and Mrs. Bob OrlandoJohn (Jack) L. O’Donnell Mr. and Mrs. Emilio CasillasGordon Rondy Mr. and Mrs. Paul Carbone Eileen CompagnoIN HONOR OF Southside Nursing Facility Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Rondy MABIE-NORTHSIDE SKILLED NURSING FACILITY John Fortino Mr. and Mrs. Frank Borelli Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ferreira Mr. and Mrs. M.C. Hagins Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Hill Mr. Fulton J. Picetti Cecil and Enes VallejoFrances B. Frusetta Vern & Debbie SimmonsYsidro Gallardo, Sr. Sharon ScagliottiDorothy Koch Mr. and Mrs. Bob OrlandoJeanne M. Petersen Fred & Renee Calosso Marian Cruz Mr. and Mrs. David Ketchum Joe and JoAnna McMahon Mr. Fulton J. PicettiJack Tyler Mr. and Mrs. Emilio Casillas PALLIATIVE CARE FUND Trinity Adams Steven and Sue Carey*Tina Berglund Stevan & Rita Mueller Reva PedersenGino Fortino Ms. Juli VieiraEdna Harper Brian and Liz SmithDr. Lloyd Smith, Jr. The Thirup FamilyIN HONOR OF Petra Marquez Mrs. Sylvia M. Marquez* SCHOLARSHIP FUND Renee Flores, RN Maria A. Jean-Pierre* Michelle Thomas*Ysidro Gallardo, Sr. Leah B. Dowty*Alice Hawkins Mr. and Mrs. Ronald RodriguesBarbara Hawksworth Irene G. MagginiBruce Leegard Larry & Karen SmithRita Mello Irene G. MagginiJoe Milazzo Larry & Karen SmithRuth Parker Irene G. MagginiJanet Roberts California Mutual Insurance Co.Faustino ‘Tino’ Rodriguez Edna MartinAnnette Smith Tony & Patty KulichDr. Lloyd Smith, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Galassi Tony & Patty Kulich AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTER Pete Alosi Don & Danette Perrien*Rita Mello Mr. and Mrs. Sam MarcusMary Helen Moulton Don and Danette Perrien*Annie Paura Mr. and Mrs. Sam MarcusErnie Prewett Mr. and Mrs. Sam Marcus

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Letter from the Editor

Dear Readers,

I don’t live in Hollister, but because I work fulltime at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital I spend more time in this community than I do at home in Aptos!

I’ve been thinking about writing this editorial for quite some time. Not to call attention to myself or even to the work I do on behalf of HHMH, but because there’s really no better way to try and make people realize the importance of something, than to talk about a real personal experience.

On May 5th, 2010 I was sitting out on the cafeteria patio at the Hospital enjoying the sunshine and a flat of local strawberries someone had brought to share. Suddenly I felt a horrible stabbing pain in my back. “I think I’m having a heart attack,” I said to my group of friends who included Lori Kraus, a P.A. (Physician’s Assistant) and Bob Trembly a FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner), who both work in the main Hazel Hawkins Clinic and in our ER.

Lucky for me, Lori and Bob knew exactly what was happening to me and exactly what to do. You see, I wasn’t having a heart attack. That would have been much simpler and less complicated. I was experiencing an Aortic Dissection. The main artery in my heart had torn open and I was “bleeding out.” This is the same thing that recently killed special envoy Richard Holbrook and actor John Ritter a few years back. It’s 90% fatal.

Yet I sit here at my desk today, some eight months later, writing of my ordeal.

I simply wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital and its highly-trained and dedicated staff and physicians. After I collapsed, I was taken immediately to the ER at HHMH. There, Dr. Corby stabilized me and got me ready for transport to Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. My HHMH friends stuck by me as I endured nearly five hours of open-heart surgery, two weeks of unconsciousness and several months of recovery.

Needless to say, life has changed since that fateful day in May. I’ve lost 40 lbs; although I don’t recommend this as a diet plan! And I have an acute appreciation for the people who dedicate their lives to serving others. Especially those in healthcare.

I sometimes hear negative comments about Hazel Hawkins. No doubt any institution that serves thousands of people who are in distress, away from home, uncomfortable, worried and in pain, will come under fire from time to time. Trust me, I’ve been in three hospitals and seen countless doctors in the past eight months. HHMH is not perfect, but we’re comparable to any regional healthcare facility. The fact is: Hazel Hawkins is a great asset to the community. The staff and physicians who work here save lives.

They saved mine.

Leah Dowty, Director Hazel Hawkins Hospitals Foundation Editor, Healthline Newsletter

Healthline is published by the San Benito Health Care District in partnership with the Hazel Hawkins Hospitals Foundation.

Editor: Leah Dowty, Foundation Director Photography: Annette Saunders, Foundation Associate

Contributing Editor: Frankie Arballo, PR and Marketing Director, HHMH

Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital 911 Sunset Drive, Hollister, CA 95023

(831) 636-2653 • www.hazelhawkins.com

Healthline is also available at www.hazelhawkins.com

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Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital 911 Sunset Dr. Hollister, CA 95023 (831) 637-5711 http://www.hazelhawkins.com

Make A Gift or Pledge Today!

• Use the postage-paid envelope enclosed to mail in your check or make a pledge.

• Log on to www.hazelhawkins.com/foundation to donate via PayPal using a credit card, or download a donation form to mail in with your check or credit card information.

• Contact Hazel Hawkins Hospitals Foundation Director, Leah Dowty by calling (831) 636-2653 or email ldowty@hazelhawkins.com with questions or to discuss your gift options.

IntroducingHazel’s Treasures340 Hawkins Street, Hollister, CA

Featuring High End ItemsAntiques, collectables, jewelry, crystal, China, linens,

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9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

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