LLUMC ranked #1 in Inland Empire by U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report has ranked Loma Linda University Medical Center as the #1 hospital in the Inland Empire in their 2012–13 Best Hospitals rankings. This is the third year in a row that LLUMC has received this distinction.
Additionally, LLUMC was recognized for 11 “high performing” specialties, one more than last year, with Geriatrics also receiving recognition. Other high performing specialties recognized are: Cancer; Cardiology and Heart Surgery; Diabetes and Endocrinology; Ear, Nose, and Throat; Gastroenterology; Gynecology; Nephrology; Orthopedics; Pulmonology; and Urology.
LLUMC was also ranked No. 18 among hospitals in California, the first time that U.S. News has assigned rankings for hospitals within their state.
Medical Center receives certification to implant heart assist devices
Loma Linda University Medical Center has become the first medical facility in the Inland Empire to receive certification to implant a heart assist device as destination therapy for patients with heart failure, similar to the one implanted in former Vice-President Dick Cheney before his recent heart transplant. The Joint Commission Certification for Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) was granted to the hospital following a rigorous on-site survey recently. At present, the only approved such device is HeartMate II, and Loma Linda University Medical Center is among the few institutions in Southern California to offer the implant procedure.
LLU Heart & Surgical Hospital chapel dedicated
The late Julian A. “Jay” Moss III, well-known Riverside businessman and philanthropist, has been honored with the dedication of the chapel named in his memory at Loma Linda University Heart & Surgical Hospital.
Jay and his wife, Laura, were supporters of cardiac care programs at Loma Linda University Medical Center. They served on the Loma Linda University International Heart Institute Advisory Council (Jay until his death in 2004). To honor Jay’s memory, Laura invited family and friends to join her in providing philanthropic support for the International Heart Institute.
“Even after his passing, Jay continued the efforts of this worthy cause,” said Laura, who was joined recently by her husband, Robert Frusher, and Jay’s family and close friends in the lobby of Loma Linda University Heart & Surgical Hospital. They had gathered for a ceremony dedicating the hospital’s chapel in Jay’s memory. “It is our hope,” she said, “that those who enter this wonderful chapel, with their hopes and prayers, will feel some of Jay’s spirit, his love for the Lord and his understanding of God’s comfort and peace.”
“Chapels are an important place of refuge during times of physical and emotional challenge,” said Jim Greek, LLUMC head chaplain. Rachelle Bussell, vice-president for advancement at LLUMC, thanked the donors for their support. “Many people will receive inspiration within the walls of the Moss Chapel; this joins many other projects made possible by philanthropic support.”
International Heart Institute receives accreditation
In December of 2010, Loma Linda University International Heart Institute became the first institution in the Inland Empire to receive accreditation for cardiac rehabilitation. This followed an extensive, nine-month review of the Institute’s programs and services by the American Association for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).
The AACVPR certification process is the only peer reviewed accreditation process designed to review individual facilities for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by the organization.
The certification process is recognized by government entities, such as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The essential standards required in certification are being recognized by insurance companies, as part of performance measurements in patient care.
This distinction follows previous recognition by private insurance providers Blue Shield of California and Blue Cross Anthem naming Loma Linda University Medical Center as a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care for its exceptional heart care programs and services.
LLU International Heart Institute, a leader in cardiac care
One of every 100 babies is born with congenital heart disease (CHD), and approximately 1 million adults live with CHD in the United States. It is astonishing that 10 percent of those with CHD are diagnosed as adults; today more adults are living with CHD than children.
Loma Linda University International Heart Institute (LLUIHI) has opened a comprehensive cardiology interventional clinic offering cardiac imaging and diagnostics, treatment of structural heart disease, and complex percutaneous coronary interventional procedures, among others.
LLUIHI provides comprehensive cardiac diagnostics and treatment for all ages. It is one of only two designated heart attack centers for Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, providing rapid, lifesaving responses to those who are experiencing a heart attack. In addition, LLUIHI specializes in heart valve repairs─treating severe congenital heart defects in infants and children, and is the only hospital in the region performing heart transplants.
Children with heart problems benefit from foundation gala
Children who come to Loma Linda University Children’s hospital for specialized cardiac care are benefiting from the generosity of more than 850 individuals and businesses who helped to raise $675,000 through the 17th annual Children’s Hospital Foundation Gala earlier this year.
Honored for his pioneering work 25 years ago in infant heart transplantation was Leonard Bailey, MD, surgeon-in-chief, Children’s Hospital. Teresa Beauclair, mother of the infant known to the world as “Baby Fae,” was also recognized. Joining them on stage were 11 of the hundreds of children who would have died had they not received a heart transplant at Children’s Hospital.