- Last Updated on Thursday, 29 October 2015 19:48
In 2008, Helen Guzensky never imagined that she would one day be standing before a group of more than 75 people acting as a cheerleader for her local hospital, but that’s just what she did at a luncheon at Monongahela Valley Hospital on September 24.
“Seven years ago, I never would have considered having surgery at a community hospital,” said the Monessen resident. “However, I needed hip replacement surgery and Dr. [Scott] Baron suggested that I have the surgery done at Monongahela Valley Hospital. I trusted Dr. Baron and had my surgery there. I am very happy that I went to Mon Valley.”
Monongahela Valley Hospital is the only hospital in the region that offers a true Orthopedic Institute. The comprehensive program, which is based on a proven national model for hip and knee replacements, is structured around the fundamental principle of wellness.
“We offer a patient-centered program,” said Thomas F. Brockmeyer, M.D. Ph.D., medical director of the Institute. “Most often, our patients are healthy, active individuals who have hip or knee pain and want to live a better, pain-free quality of life.”
Monongahela Valley Hospital has earned national awards and distinctions for its orthopedic care. Earlier this year, the hospital received the Women’s Choice Award as “One of America’s Best Hospitals for Orthopedics.” MVH earned “5 Stars in Orthopedics” from Healthgrades® which is a leading online resource that helps consumers search, evaluate, compare and connect with physicians and hospitals. Additional distinctions include The Joint Commission’s Disease Specific Certifications in the Management of Joint Replacement – Hip and Knee and being named a Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Blue Distinction Center for Hip and Knee Replacement.
Mrs. Guzensky related her experience to the attendees of an Orthopedic Institute reunion luncheon. The group was composed of people who had joint replacement surgery at the Orthopedic Institute and their coaches as well as the surgeons, anesthesiologist, operating room staff, nurses, nursing assistants and physical therapists who provided their care. The Orthopedic Institute hosts these quarterly reunion luncheons to give patients, their coaches and the hospital’s medical staff an opportunity to informally talk with each other in an effort to continually improve the program.
Mrs. Guzensky summed up her experience. “Monongahela Valley Hospital is wonderful. The staff was always attentive and caring. They always made sure that everything was OK with their patients. The physical therapists were fantastic. I would recommend Monongahela Valley Hospital to everyone.”
