Highland Hospital Offers Nitrous Oxide as Pain Management Option for Maternity Patients

Highland Hospital is now the first hospital in the Rochester region to offer nitrous oxide as an additional pain relief option to mothers in labor. Nitrous oxide, a safe, odorless, and colorless gas, is administered to patients through a mask that covers the nose and mouth. The machines at Highland are set up to deliver 50 percent nitrous oxide and 50 percent oxygen, to provide some pain and anxiety relief. New technology allows for women to personalize their use. Patients will hold the mask to their own face so they will be able to control the amount of nitrous oxide they receive and will be monitored closely by medical personnel.

Highland's Weight Management & Lifestyle Center Opens

Highland's new Weight Management & Lifestyle Center is now open and accepting referrals. Led by Thomas M. Campbell, II, M.D., and Erin Campbell, M.D., M.P.H., the program offers non-surgical approaches to treating obesity and related conditions, and will also be conducting research on the link between nutrition and cancer.

Highland will receive a $1.5 million donation from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies for the new nutrition research program. Initial research done by the center will focus on nutrition and cancer. The pilot project will be a first-of-its-kind study that looks at the effects of plant-based nutrition in patients with advanced breast cancer, who are also receiving conventional therapy.

Enhancing the Highland Patient Experience: A Conversation with Sheila A. Marcoccia, RPA-C, Chief Physician Assistant

Highland Hospital is committed to excellence in patient family-centered care.  Highland Report will feature interviews with physicians and advanced practice providers to learn more about the ways they help enhance the patient experience. This issue features an interview with Sheila Marcoccia, RPA-C, Chief Physician Assistant

Highland Family Medicine to Begin Expansion Project

Highland Family Medicine has embarked upon a $3.2 million expansion project on South Clinton Avenue in Rochester.  The expansion will include an additional clinical suite.  Sections of the current clinical suites will be remodeled to improve team-based care and integration of care management and behavioral health services. There will also be a brand new educational space to promote interprofessional teaching and additional administrative space.

A portion of the expansion is supported by Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program (DSRIP) funds, and private funding through the Highland Hospital Foundation, including proceeds from the 2017 Highland Hospital Foundation Golf Tournament. According to Mindy Cirasuolo, Highland Family Medicine Operations Manager, the project is expected to be completed in July 2019.

Highland Hospital Introduces Customized App for Bariatric Patients

Highland Hospital is teaming up with “Baritastic,” a weight loss app, to offer a customized experience for patients in the Highland Bariatric Program. By connecting to Highland’s Bariatric Program through the “Baritastic” app, users will be able to more easily share information with their dietitians, access the program’s meal plans, and receive notifications of upcoming support events. Highland is the first hospital in Monroe County to offer this kind of tool for weight loss patients.