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News Releases - 2013

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Welcome Dr. Donald George,
new Board Certified Surgeon with
Port Townsend Surgical Assoc.

Expanding Sleep Medicine Center Providers

Kitsap Cardiology - Second Office Location at Jefferson Healthcare

Hospice Offers 6-Week Grief Support Group (registration required)

Jefferson Healthcare Heroes

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Class

Breathe Free - Your Way Tobacco Cessation Support Group - new meeting time

Jefferson Healthcare Employees surpass UGN goal of $40,000

Jefferson Healthcare and Jefferson YMCA offer second Exercise and Thrive session

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News & Announcements

It's Official - Jefferson Healthcare Receives Baby Friendly Designation for Family Birth Center

Jefferson Healthcare is the fifth hospital in the State of Washington to achieve the World Health Organization’s designation as a Baby Friendly Hospital. The process to attain the Baby Friendly designation strengthens Jefferson Healthcare Family Birth Center by enhancing the leadership skills, staff competencies and improving overall patient satisfaction. Jefferson Healthcare will provide a unique and critical link between the breast feeding support for mothers provided prior to and after delivery. In 2012, Jefferson Healthcare became the only hospital in the United States that requires all Obstetric Nurses to achieve recognition from the Coalition for the Improvement of Maternity Services as Mother Friendly Nurses. The combination of these two medical best practices and the highly prestigious award aligns with Jefferson Healthcare’s long term strategic goals to provide excellent patient care experience; meet the highest quality standards in patient satisfaction and ensure the best practices in patient safety.

The Baby Friendly initiative was launched by UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1991. The initiative recognizes hospitals around the world that implement best practices in breast feeding support for new mothers and allowing moms and infants to remain together at all times during their stay in the hospital. According to the WHO, there is an abundance of scientific evidence that points to lower risks for certain diseases and improved health outcomes for both mothers and babies who breastfeed. Additionally, adherence to the Baby Friendly Ten Steps decreases racial, ethnic, and socio-cultural disparities in breastfeeding rates in U.S. hospitals. Currently, there are 158 hospitals in the United States that have achieved the Baby Friendly award. Mother-Friendly nurses adhere to a strict set of ten evidence based best practice guidelines to provide optimal obstetrical care.

A celebration and tours are planned for Jefferson Healthcare’s Family Birth Center on May 17^th, 2013. Invitations will be sent to current mothers-to-be and mothers that have given birth at Jefferson Healthcare.

WASHINGTON Hospitals Designated as Baby Friendly
Jefferson Healthcare, Port Townsend, WA (04/13)
University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA (9/09)

Tacoma General Hospital, Tacoma, WA (03/04)
Three Rivers Hospital, Brewster, WA (04/04)
Evergreen Hospital Medical Center, Kirkland, WA (09/96)

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