Stool cultures now include testing for "Shiga toxin" to aid in the diagnosis of enterohemorrhagic E.Coli. This test is a rapid method of detecting all Shiga toxin- producing E.coli with an improved sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional culture methods. Turnaround time is dependent on overnight growth in broth, likely 16-24 hours. Positive results on discharged patients will be called to the physician's office (if discharged from the hospital) or to the ED (if discharged from the ED). The cost to a self-pay patient is $78.

The Radiology Department would like to remind all members of the medical staff of the importance of physician-to-physician communication when requesting emergent MRIs, interventional procedures, etc. Specifically, MDs should personally call the radiologist to request a special imaging study - especially if the need is after- hours. That collegial communication may prevent the delay of an important diagnostic procedure.

This same message may serve as a reminder of the importance of physician-to-physician communication in all areas of patient care.

1. The Rady Children's Unit opened at SGH on May 10.
2. The physician lounge will be relocated to the area now housing the Foundation offices adjacent to the MD parking lot - completion is anticipated by late summer.
3. The Grossmont Medical Terrace (GMT) building is open and houses a 64-slice CT scanner, a very large radiology department and a lab drawing station. The parking structure is scheduled to open in July.
4. Construction on the build-out of the 2-4-5 floors in the critical care tower continues - anticipated completion is spring of 2009.
5. A second brand new room has been opened in diagnostic imaging.
6. The Governing Board approved the purchase of a 64-slice CT scanner to be housed in the old film library - preliminary plans are being developed.
7. The Women's Center raised $8000 for the March of Dimes campaign ($900 from duct-taping Dr. Galen Hansen to a wall for $5 donations)
8. The orthopaedic privilege form has been revised to include "hip resurfacing."
9. The emergency department has added 5 new MDs and 18 new RN grads in order to increase physician presence in Station D and to assist with throughput.

SCIP Program Update
Focus on DVT
Friday, May 30
Dale Bratzler, D.O., M.P.H.,
QIOSC Medical Director
Oklahoma Found. Medical Quality
Adjunct Associate Professor
Dept. Health Admin. & Policy
College of Public Health
Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center

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