Community Health Network Foundation, the philanthropic organization of Community Health Network, has received a $7,500 Putting Patients First grant from the Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHRA)  and Toshiba that will be used to create a pediatric safety and quality program designed by the medical imaging department at Community Hospital East.

Receiving one of six annual grants awarded to health care providers across the country, Community will use the grant to create the Pediatric CT Imaging Simulation Program, an Internet-based simulation that will be used to educate pediatric patients and their caregivers about the CT diagnostic imaging process. Community is the only health care provider in Indiana to receive the grant.

 “Community Health Network is continually looking for ways to improve our patients’ experiences by putting them first,” said Melisa Mattingly, program director for the School of Radiologic Technology at Community Health Network.  “The Putting Patients First Program supports the organization’s commitment to patient safety.” 

Programs funded by these grants are used to create best practice tools to share with other hospitals and institutions.  Community Hospital East’s winning proposal involves the development of an Internet-based computer learning management program for pediatric patients to use at home or at the hospital at any point before their scheduled imaging procedure.  Once developed, the program will be accessible to patients online and at computer kiosks in two Community Health Network facilities.  The hospital’s medical imaging department is hoping that this program will improve patient understanding of the procedure, therefore reducing the need for sedation and repeated imaging.  Work on the grant project has already begun and completion is expected by summer 2010.

Other recipients of the AHRA and Toshiba Putting Patients First grant include: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta of Egleston (Atlanta, Ga.); Memorial Hermann Outpatient Imaging Division (Houston, Texas); Highline Medical Center (Burien, Wash.); Shields Health Care (Quincy, Mass.); and St. Patrick Hospital  (Missoula, Mont.). Putting Patients First is funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.

About Community Hospital East
Community Hospital East is a comprehensive acute care facility located at 1500 N. Ritter Ave. With a vast array of surgical capabilities, emergency room services, cardiovascular care, comprehensive cancer care, total joint program, and an innovative wound healing center, Community Hospital East provides an exceptional patient and family experience.   Ranked among the top 10 integrated health care networks in the nation, Community Health Network has more than 90 sites of care throughout central Indiana. This includes Community Hospitals East, North and South in Indianapolis and Community Hospital Anderson; The Indiana Heart Hospital, a dedicated heart hospital; Indiana Surgery Centers; Community Physicians of Indiana; Community Home Health Services; MedCheck walk-in care centers and MEDPOINT express convenience clinics; employer health services; nursing homes; and other health care facilities. Community Health Network is committed to getting you well and back to your life. For more information about Community Health Network or to find a physician, call 800-777-7775 or visit eCommunity.com.