HJBR Mar-Apr 2019

64 MAR / APR 2019  I  Healthcare Journal of Baton Rouge   Hospital Rounds of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, most women, especially those with normal in-hospital opi- oid use, are prescribed opioids in excess of the amount needed. As part of ERAS, non-opioid medication is used not only to reduce the risk of long-term opi- oid abuse, but also to reduce post-surgery side effects. This approach reduces the risk of breath- ing difficulties, helps a patient maintain normal gastrointestinal function, and requires a shorter period of time before ambulation. Earlier mobili- zation after surgery enhances circulation, reducing the risk of clotting and promoting proper wound healing. “Woman’s is committed to following evidence- based practices that improve quality and safety for our patients,” said Cheri Johnson, vice presi- dent of perinatal services. “Early results of imple- menting the ERAS process show decreased nar- cotic use after C-section, which will reduce side effects as well as the risk of chronic dependence.” The enhanced recovery process begins in the obstetrician’s office with education about proper fluid intake and discussions on pain manage- ment. The mother’s nurse initiates the ERAS pro- cess when she arrives at the hospital. Patients receive long-acting pain medication during sur- gery, which lasts for up to 24 hours. Ibuprofen and Tylenol are given in the recovery room along with fluids and a small amount of food. The rou- tine non-opioid medications continue in conjunc- tion with ERAS guidelines, which also include ear- lier removal of the urinary catheter, ambulation as early as 12 hours after surgery, and a bowel med- ication regimen. The ERAS process is also used with vaginal deliveries to ensure the same quality of care and safety. Baton Rouge General Begins Construction of Neighborhood Hospital in Ascension Parish Baton Rouge General (BRG) has begun construc- tion on its neighborhood hospital in Prairieville. Hospital and Ascension Parish leaders were on hand to break ground for the 42,500-square-foot facility that will include a 10-bed inpatient hospi- tal, a lab, a 14-bed emergency room, primary care and outpatient rehab, as well as physician prac- tices and office space. The opening is planned for December of 2019 or early 2020.   as senior vice president and market manager of JP Morgan’s Private Wealth Management for both the Baton Rouge and Lafayette markets. Outgoing chair Joseph E. Juban, counsel with the Long Law Firm, will continue as a board mem- ber. He has been on the board since 2012 and also served on the BRG Foundation Board for nine years. BRG also announced three new members, who will each service a three-year term. They include Dr. Jacques de la Bretonne, Gwen Hamilton, and Scott Kirkpatrick. De la Bretonne, retired radiologist, was a part- ner in Baton Rouge Radiology Group from 1979 until his retirement in 2014, serving as president of the group from 1993–2007. He was a member of the BRG medical staff, as well as that of other area hospitals. He was an instructor at the BRG School of Radiology Technology and Earl K. Long. De la Bretonne also served on the board of Hospice of Baton Rouge from 1995–1998. Gwen Hamilton has served as an ex-offi- cio member of the board in her role as chair of the BRG Foundation Board. She is the director of community affairs for new schools for Baton Rouge. She worked as assistant chief adminis- trative officer for the Mayor-President of Baton Rouge; senior vice president of education reform for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber; senior direc- tor for the Baton Rouge Area Foundation/Plan Baton Rouge; secretary of the Louisiana Depart- ment of Social Services; and executive director of the Children’s Cabinet in the Office of the Gover- nor for the State of Louisiana. Scott Kirkpatrick is an attorney at Roedel Par- son’s Baton Rouge office, where he is a lobbyist on state issues. He will serve as an ex-officio mem- ber in his role as the incoming chair of the foun- dation board. Among other clients, Kirkpatrick represents the Association of Levee Boards of Louisiana, American Traffic Solutions, and Loui- siana Notary Association. Kirkpatrick received a B.A. in Government and Religious Studies from the University of Virginia and a J.D. from Louisi- ana State University. Other members of the BRG Board of Trustees are: • Charles D’Agostino, Vice Chair • Venkat Banda, MD • Margaret Hart • Brian A. Jackson • Roy G. Kadair, MD • Louis Minsky, MD, ex-officio member • Isabelina Nahmens, PhD • Andrew Olinde, MD • Edgar S. Starns • Edgardo Tenreiro, ex-officio member • Rev. Ronnie L. Williams Woman’s Hospital Implements NewRecovery Process for C-Section Patients In an effort to reduce the risk of long-term opi- oid abuse and side effects after a cesarean sec- tion, Woman’s Hospital has implemented a new process called Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, or ERAS. A C-section is a major surgery that involves a longer recovery than typically experienced with a vaginal delivery. This extended recovery often requires use of narcotic pain medication. Accord- ing to a study published by The American College Scott Kirkpatrick Phyllis McLaurin