Charlotte Hungerford’s Cancer Center Expands
New Linear Accelerator Coming Soon To Kennedy Drive
Adds New Lymphedema & Complementary Services

Construction recently broke ground on a 2,200 square foot addition to the current ground floor radiation oncology treatment area. The addition will house a vault for the Center’s new linear accelerator and several additional associated ancillary rooms including a control area, nursing area, patient waiting area and changing rooms, restrooms, and a mechanical room. The project also includes a new back entrance, an expansion of the center’s back parking area, and renovations to existing space to make patient flow and patient privacy more efficient.

The Center plans to take delivery and install a new Elekta Infinity linear accelerator in early spring 2011. Since our IGRT machine is being installed in a new area, patients undergoing current radiation treatments throughout the construction phase will have uninterrupted service. The entire Center will stay in continuous operation up until and including when the additional treatment modality is offered.

“We are so pleased to offer our patients local access to the best and most comprehensive therapy and treatment approaches available today.” said Elizabeth Whalen, MD, Radiation Oncologist, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.

IGRT (Image Guided Radiation Therapy) Linear Accelerator
Developments over the past few years have created a need for improved technology in the fight against cancer, and treatments have evolved so that conventional therapies are no longer the norm.

Because tumors can move, IGRT technology allows doctors to see and track the tumor at the time of treatment, and to make fine adjustments to the position so as to greatly increase the precision and accuracy of the radiation therapy treatment.

The result is unmatched clinical confidence, enabling more aggressive treatment of tumors while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. IGRT incorporates Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy, an innovative way to deliver radiation treatments that is a significant improvement over current approaches. This allows the cancer’s target area to be continuously irradiated while the source of the beam rotates around the patient.

IGRT Patient Benefits
• Faster Service – IGRT offers faster treatments and improved patient comfort by reducing the time spent on the treatment table. Due to its quick, efficient treatment delivery, patients are less likely to move which improves accuracy while limiting the whole-body dose of radiation they receive over time
• Enhanced Precision – IGRT uses sophisticated monitoring tools to further enhance precision by monitoring the patient’s treatment in real-time to ensure that the dose is delivered as precisely as the radiation oncologist prescribes it.
• Less Side Effects - IGRT allows for an increase in accuracy of external beam radiation therapy treatments for cancer patients. The increase makes higher doses possible while decreasing the radiation to normal tissue thus decreasing both short and long term side effects for patients.

New and expanded Cancer Support Services
The Center for Cancer Care also offers a variety of treatment options and support services for Cancer patients and has recently added a new Lymphedema Service to its line of complementary therapy services both at the Center and throughout northwest Connecticut.

Lymphedema Services
The Center for Cancer Care has added a new service for cancer patients affected with Lymphedema, a condition of chronic swelling and tissue inflammation as a result of some surgery and cancer treatments. The program will be offered on Fridays from 1 to 5 pm at The Center For Cancer Care, 200 Kennedy Drive, Torrington.

Symptoms of lymphedema include heaviness, swelling, tightening and hardening of a patient’s tissues, dry skin, and a decrease in active movement to the affected limbs. Lymphedema therapists provide relief by attempting to move fluids out of the affected area by using multi-layer compression bandaging, remedial exercise, and skin care.

Michelle Mojon Whitford, MS, OTR\L, MHA, CLT, Occupational Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist, will be performing the treatments. Michelle, a native of Litchfield, has been a Therapist for 13 years and attended the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. “Lymphedema impacts all facets of daily life such as cooking and dressing. We work to help our patients sustain a better level of mobility and independence.” said Michelle Mojon Whitford. Lymphedema treatments are covered by most insurance plans. Advance appointments and a physician referral is required. Call the Center For Cancer Care at 860-489-6718 for more information and scheduling.

Complementary Therapies Program
Complementary Therapies are supportive measures that can be used along with conventional medical treatment. The integrative approach combines modern science with the wisdom of ancient healing interventions for a whole-body approach to healing. Complementary therapies alone are not a replacement nor substitute for traditional medical care, but an additional focus on the body, mind, spirit focus can assist the patient reduce stress and anxiety, manage symptoms, reduce pain and boost immunity, calm the mind, improve quality of life, and provide a means of coping with illnesses. Therapies are provided by dedicated and experienced individuals who are specially trained to work with oncology patients.

Nutritional Consults
Knowing the right foods to eat can make a difference in your recovery. Choosing a healthy diet empowers you and aids in physical strength, weight management, endurance and mental outlook during your cancer treatment and beyond. Call 860-489-6718 to schedule your free consult with registered dietician Sharon Hollinden, M.S.

Creative Expression
Discover your own healing capacity through an artistic journey of self-discovery. Create a safe place to express and understand emotions. Enhance and strengthen your coping skills and regain a sense of control. Free workshops are led by Registered Art Therapist Cecily Mermann. Call 860-489-6718 for information and schedule.

Touch Therapy
Free hand and foot massages are offered to patients in the chemotherapy infusion area or while awaiting radiation treatments at the Center For Cancer Care. Call 860-489-2613 for information.

Therapeutic Massage
The manipulation of soft tissues of the body using a combination of long strokes, gentle kneading and pressure points. Reduced fee -30 min. and 1 hr. sessions are tailored to individual needs of the patient by Michael J. Carr, LMT. Call 860-489-2613 for information.

Reflexology
A practice that uses thumb and finger pressure on specific areas of feet and hands to relax the body, balance the flow of energy, and relieve a variety of symptoms. Reduced fee – 30 min. and 1 hr. sessions provided by Theresa Carr, A.R.C.B. Reflexologist. Call 860-489-2613 for information.

Support Groups
An informal gathering of breast and prostate cancer patients and caregivers where participants can comfortably express their thoughts and feelings about cancer and its challenges. Free service is led by trained nurses. Call 860-489-6718 for information.

Self-Hypnosis
A process of guided relaxation followed by redirection of attention to help you deal with pain, fatigue, stress, anxiety, fear, pre-surgery, quit smoking and other symptoms. Reduced fee. Call Roger Newbury, Certified Hypnotist at 860-489-1747.

Case Management
Provides an opportunity to explore eligibility for entitlements such as medical insurance, prescription programs, energy assistance and others. Sally Stanley, Case Manager. Call 860-489-6718 for information.

Thanks to generous support provided by the Center for Cancer Care Fund, Inc., Theresa A. Carr, an ARCB certified reflexologist, has been hired for a new part-time position of Complementary Program Coordinator. Theresa will help to develop and coordinate complementary programs, patient support and educational services at the Center for Cancer Care on Kennedy Drive in Torrington.

"I love working with the patients and staff at the Center and I'm excited to take on the opportunities of this new position. Patients and their families greatly appreciate and benefit from the programs and services offered by the Center For Cancer Care Fund. Studies suggest that use of complementary therapies can improve patient outcomes and improve their quality of life.“ said Theresa A. Carr, Complementary Program Coordinator.

The Center for Cancer Care Fund, Inc. was created to assist and support patients residing or receiving care in northwest Connecticut. The fund supports cancer patients with care, treatment, education, and prevention programs and offers financial assistance to patients with unexpected emergencies for which there are no immediate resources available including food, utility bills, rent or mortgage payments, medications not covered by insurance, and other emergent needs as determined by the case manager or clinical staff. The fund also supports programs for the well being of cancer patients and their families, such as cancer screenings, support groups, art therapy, massage therapy and reflexology, oncology nutrition, yoga classes, educational seminars, case management and the Annual Cancer survivor’s Day.

CHH Reaches $1 Million Milestone In Campaign to Fund Patient Care Support Network

The hospital appreciates all gifts received with special thanks to the following major donors who were instrumental in getting the capital campaign off to its successful start. Torrington Savings Bank, Anne MacDonald, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital Auxiliary, Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut, Litchfield Insurance Group, O & G Industries, Northwest Community Bank, Litchfield Bancorp, Heather Manuel, M.D., Jeff and Susan Borghesi, Northwest Connecticut Emergency Medicine, AKC Fund, Inc., Connecticut Oncology & Hematology, LLP, and the Maximillian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation.

“The generous gifts received from donations, pledges and grants from area individuals and businesses, staff members, physicians, members of its Board of Governors, foundations, and the public represent a commitment to community healthcare, and we are especially pleased and grateful for their continued and dedicated support of our mission.” said John Lavieri, Chairman of the Hospital’s Board of Governors.

The Patient Care Support Network project requires an estimated $8 million investment over the next several years. The hospital plans to continue the campaign to raise another $1 million from future donations.

The hospital has successfully installed and is utilizing approximately 70 percent of the new Patient Care Support Network, an information technology system that will help our doctors, nurses and hospital staffs make the best possible medical care decisions. It also helps them carry out patient care plans and is being digitally interfaced to the majority of the hospital’s diagnostic and treatment equipment systems. This allows critical important clinical information to arrive instantaneously and accurately. It also insures that vital data will be available to the right professionals at the right time resulting in better outcomes.

For more information about the Hospital’s Information Technology Project or to make a donation, contact Ellen Ebbs, Director of Development at 860-496-6719.

The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is a 109 bed, general acute care hospital located in Torrington, Connecticut, serving a twelve-town primary service area comprised of approximately 100,000 persons. The Hospital also serves as a regional health care resource for the residents of Litchfield County, situated in Northwestern Connecticut. Visit www.charlottehungerford.org

CHH Announces New Latino Outreach Educator

The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital (CHH) is proud to announce an important resource for area Hispanic women living in northwest Connecticut. Patricia Pepen is the new Outreach Educator for the hospital’s Early Detection Program (EDP) and is working to spread the word about the free screening services provided through this program.

Pepen’s position is funded by a grant from The Connecticut Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen For The Cure®. This $50,000 grant was recently awarded to Charlotte Hungerford Hospital to increase outreach efforts and breast cancer screenings for women in Northwest Connecticut. CHH also receives a grant from the CT Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. This provides funding to assist medically underserved, uninsured and underinsured women to receive free breast and cervical cancer early detection screening services.

As Outreach Educator, Pepen works to connect with the area’s Latina population and offers education on the importance of early detection of breast and cervical cancer. She visits with the community through door to door visits, at schools, churches and through social service organizations.

“Many women hesitate to get annual mammograms and pap tests due to language barriers, lack of insurance and anxiety about seeing a doctor. Patricia instantly removes these obstacles by helping clients set up appointments and accompanying them to act as an interpreter at screening appointments” comments Leslie Handelman, RN, the Hospital’s EDP Case Manager and Breast Health Nurse Navigator.

Patricia moved to the United States 15 years ago from the Dominican Republic, where she studied medicine. Her outgoing personality makes her a perfect match for the Outreach Educator position. “I love to meet people and talk with them to see how I can help them. Everywhere I go, I talk about the EDP program and how important it is that they receive these free screening services” says Pepen. Pepen recently completed a CNA degree from Northwestern Connecticut Community College. She is also a dance instructor at the Warner Theatre’s Center for Arts Education.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, and the Connecticut Affiliate is one of 125 Affiliates on the front lines dedicated to ending breast cancer in their communities. Komen Affiliates fund innovative programs that help women and men overcome the cultural, social, educational and financial barriers to breast cancer screening and treatment.

Since 1996 Charlotte Hungerford’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program has provided free screenings to over 2,500 women. Many of these women would have foregone mammography if they had to pay out of pocket. The Hospital’s Breast Health Center brings together the best professionals, technology and programs of The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and its healthcare providers into a comprehensive network of breast health care and services for the women of Northwest Connecticut. For more information, call 860-496-6819.

The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is a 109-bed, general acute care hospital located in Torrington, Connecticut, that serves as a regional health care resource for 100,000 residents of Litchfield County and Northwest Connecticut. Visit www.charlottehungerford.org.

NWCT Medical Walk-In Center Gets New Digital X-Ray
Technology improves image access and shortens exposure time for patients

The Charlotte Hungerford’s Northwest Medical Walk-In Center has purchased and installed a new digital X-ray imaging system thanks to the proceeds of The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital’s 9th Annual Golf Classic held this past June. The new FUJI System FCR XC-2 adds digital technology and capabilities to the center’s existing X-Ray machine and has many advantages over traditional X-ray that benefit both healthcare providers with their diagnoses and more convenient and timely access for patients.

“This new digital x-ray machine provides us with enhanced electronic images and will allow our physicians, radiologists and specialists to have faster and better access to patient x-rays resulting in improved patient care.” said Roberta Meltzer, MD, Medical Director of the Walk-In Center.

The new machine permits a wide range of routine, specialized and custom X-ray examinations and can process up to 94 high resolution images an hour. It offers staff higher resolution images and the ability to better magnify and enhance the contrast of images for evaluation. The system also gives staff access multiple menus and images simultaneously, features touch screen monitors and barcode readers to improve accuracy, and improves visability of a patient’s dense and peripheral tissue.

The new digital process is more energy efficient and environmentally friendly because the X-rays are no longer taken on traditional film so there is no need for the time, materials, and chemicals associated with film processing. It also virtually eliminates the needs for retakes so it saves valuable time and resources.

Patients will benefit because the digital process enables greater efficiency resulting in shorter exposure time and minimize doses for patients. In addition, during standard operating hours, physicians at the Walk-In now have the capability to consult in real-time with Radiologists and specialty physicians like Orthopedists, allowing for a timelier diagnosis while the patient is still at the office. Patients can also be given their official X-Ray reports immediately

Physicians and caregivers are able to review a new x-ray image in as few as 12 seconds and can interface the images directly to the hospital’s Picture Archive Communication System (PACS), a network of computers that store, share, and display digital images taken in diagnostic imaging. Digitalization has realized high efficiency and space saving in clinics and hospitals. It has also brought about high-quality images and stable X-ray imaging and has eliminated the need for dark room processing. The imaging process is clean and diagnosis can be made efficiently.

The Northwest CT Medical Walk-In Center provides convenient, professional treatment seven days a week for a full range of non-urgent illnesses and injuries by a comprehensive staff that includes Board Certified physicians. The Center features advanced digital X-ray, EKG and laboratory services to assist in the evaluation and treatment of common illnesses and minor injuries such as lacerations, bruises, fever, rashes, ear infections, swollen glands, or bronchitis.

No appointments are necessary. The Medical Walk In accepts most major insurance plans and bills insurance company directly as well as alternate payment options. It is located at 1598 East Main Street, Torrington. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Sundays 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information about The Walk-In Center, please call (860) 489-8444.

The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is a 109-bed, general acute care hospital located in Torrington, Connecticut, that serves as a regional health care resource for 100,000 residents of Litchfield County and Northwest Connecticut.

Charlotte Hungerford Hospital To Celebrate Earth Day with Activities and Special Sales

The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital will be commemorating the historic 40th Anniversary of Global Earth Day with activities and special sales on Thursday, April 22, in the hospital cafeteria. This public is invited to stop and enjoy the festivities with hospital staff from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and learn ways everyone can adopt a green lifestyle.

The event is sponsored by the hospital’s “Green Team”, a group of staff members that share a desire and commitment to making CHH a leader in protecting and conserving natural resources while remaining fiscally responsible and committed to patient safety and comfort.

The day’s festivities will include:
• White Lily bulb and Jasmine indoor plant sale sponsored by White Flower Farm to benefit the Charlotte Hungerford Hospital Auxiliary.
• Veridian Responsible Energy/Flowerpower representative offering alternative energy options. Bring your electric bill for a free savings analysis.
• CHH Gift Shop special sale featuring earth friendly items and gifts for sale.
• Dsplays and information on the hospital’s conservation efforts and ways everyone help.
• Secial Earth Day menu items available for purchase at the CHH Café.
• All attendees are eligible to win a special door prize - movie four-pack to Disney’s new upcoming motion picture “Oceans”.

The green revolution is alive and well at CHH thanks to many dedicated employees, environmentally conscious team members represent areas of the hospital and off-site facilities including purchasing, nursing, behavioral health and community relations. Team members meet monthly to assess, plan and implement eco-friendly practices to help improve resource consumption and eliminate waste. They also ensure CHH is compliant with stage recycling mandates, work with vendors and educate employees on important green-related issues. The team was created after an employee perception survey indicated many staff members wished to adopt more centralized recycling and conservation methods.

“We are taking baby steps that are adding up to become important contributions to sustaining the environment in our area while providing us valuable cost savings,” said Green Team Chair Debra Olson, R.N., B.S.N, M.S.

Morrison Healthcare Food Services, the hospital’s food provider, is equally committed to the cause and has adopted many environmentally sound practices. In the CHH cafeteria, no trans fats, enhanced beef or milk are used. Morrison uses local and state produce, sustainable seafood, cage-free eggs and free-range chicken. Recently, new “GreenWare” cups and bowls made from biodegradable, compostable materials have replaced Styrofoam where possible. The use of permanent ware and china also is being encouraged as a first option when eating in the cafeteria.

The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is a 109-bed, general acute care non-profit organization located in Torrington, CT, serving 13 towns and 100,000 persons in northwest Connecticut.

CHH Surgical Services Conducts Walk-A-Thon
Staff And Physicians Raise $1,550 For Local Cancer Center

Over 35 participants at The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital took a hypothetical walking trip south to New Orleans this past winter raising $1,550 to benefit Torrington’s Center For Cancer Care. Physicians and Surgical Services Department staff members formed teams of seven people each with a goal of walking or running 1,426 miles for each team, the amount of miles it is from Torrington to New Orleans, Louisiana.

Team members included nurses, administrators, physicians, and technicians who pledged ten cents per mile to participate and complete their journey. The teams had special T-shirts made, and tracked their progress on a large map of the United States. They competed for top honors and received donated prizes that were awarded at a “Marti Gras” themed completion celebration on April 8th.

OR Nurse Tammy Arel conceived of the idea and proposed it to her co-workers as a way to challenge themselves, get some exercise, and support a local community resource. “This competition was a way for all of us within our department to come together and stay active during the winter months. It was also an opportunity to raise money for a great cause.” she added.

The donation will benefit The Center For Cancer Care Fund, Inc., a local non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to people battling cancer, and gives assistance for unexpected emergencies for cancer patients for which there are no immediate resources. For example, funds may be allocated for food, transportation, utility bills and medications that are not covered by insurance.

Ellen Ebbs, Executive Director at The Center For Cancer Care Fund, Inc., in Torrington accepted the donation with thanks and praise for all the team members. “We truly appreciate everyone who participated and made donations to this unique event. It was clear to see they had fun and got some good exercise too!” She added.

The Center for Cancer Care is an affiliation of The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and Connecticut Oncology and Hematology Associates. The Center offers comprehensive cancer care services including radiation therapy, medical oncology, chemotherapy and other complimentary therapies.

The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is a 109 bed, general acute care hospital located in Torrington, Connecticut, serving a twelve-town primary service area comprised of approximately 100,000 persons. The Hospital also serves as a regional health care resource for the residents of Litchfield County, situated in Northwestern Connecticut. Visit www.charlottehungerford.org