We at Inspira Health can’t help but look back at all that took place in the world and in our own community. Within our walls, it tested resilience and strength; it spurred innovation and camaraderie; but it was also the year of painful loss.
In some cases, people were taken from us far too soon, victims of a pandemic that has caused death and suffering around the world. To lose these people is a reminder of the fragility of life, and a reminder to take care of one another.
But it’s also a reminder to celebrate the lives saved, and those that made it happen: the front-line health care workers, the first responders and other essential workers who have worked tirelessly day-in and day-out.
Amy B. Mansue
A Letter from Amy B. Mansue
Inspira Health President and CEO
Before 2020, very few of us ever included the term unprecedented in our day-to-day vocabulary. This year tested everything Inspira stands for as an organization: quality care, patient and staff safety, growth, innovation, and community support. There wasn’t a playbook for health care’s response to COVID-19. In spite of its challenges, this experience also brought all of us at Inspira together as we fought this virus with everything we had—at the bedside and in our community.
Foremost, I am so proud of our response. We quickly pursued every prospect to get the supplies we needed, to identify the advanced treatments and clinical trials to provide the best care to our patients, and to adapt practice and process to establish a safe environment at all of our 150+ access points. Our clinical team worked tirelessly to care for our patients—truly a heroic response. This focus was shared by all of the staff who expanded their roles to support the care given by our front-line workers.
From the very start of the pandemic, as we learned more about this virus and implemented our readiness plan, we shared that information with our community for how to stay safe and healthy. How gratifying it was to receive the outpouring of community support through donations of food, masks, and money to our COVID-19 Relief Fund. And, how heartening it was to read the hundreds of thank you messages shared on social media, to see blue hearts displayed on front doors and windows on homes in our neighborhoods, and to admire the drawings sent by local school children. It lifted our weary spirits.
Our commitment to growth and innovation persevered through 2020. The year began with the opening of our beautiful new leading-edge cancer center at Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill and closed with the establishment of a new Inspira Medical Group obstetrics/gynecology practice in Vineland. Throughout the year, we welcomed many new physicians to the Inspira team who brought new expertise to broaden the primary and specialty care we could offer to our community.
Inspira navigated the onset of this global health crisis under the steadfast leadership of John DiAngelo, our former president & CEO. His contributions throughout his tenure revitalized health care in South Jersey. I am so grateful for the opportunity to build upon his accomplishments to drive Inspira into our promising future.
How encouraging it was to end the year by starting the COVID-19 vaccine distribution to our staff even as we knew that the virus would surge again soon. With a solid plan for how to provide the vaccine’s added protection to members of our community as more supplies become available, Inspira stands ready to fulfill.
Amy B. Mansue | President and CEO
Leadership
Transition of Leadership
On August 31, Amy B. Mansue joined Inspira Health as our new president and CEO to guide us through our next chapter of growth and innovation, a successful legacy set by John DiAngelo, during his eight years at the helm.
“It’s rare to find an outstanding health care leader like John DiAngelo. His unwavering commitment to improving the health of the South Jersey community has positioned Inspira as a regional health care leader,” said Michael A. McLaughlin, immediate past chair of Inspira Health’s Board of Trustees. “It’s been my great pleasure to work with John for many years, and on behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank John for his extraordinary dedication and contribution to Inspira for two decades. He has truly led the way toward a stronger health care future for South Jersey.”
“This decision to hire Amy comes at a monumental time, yet our vision remains unchanged: transforming health care delivery in our community through our commitment to patient care, education, technology and innovation,” said Ron Rossi, chair of Inspira Health Board of Trustees. “The linchpin to making that vision a reality is leadership to guide our direction, and Amy will lead us into a new era for our patients.”
DiAngelo, who had announced his intention to retire in 2020 after 20 years with Inspira, echoed the board’s endorsement. “The board and I are confident that Amy is the right person to build on our momentum,” he said. “Inspira is lucky to have her as its next CEO.”
Prior to joining Inspira, Mansue served as Executive Vice President, Chief Experience Officer of RWJBarnabas health network. Her expertise, combined with her spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, will accelerate the driving force that has made Inspira Health an outstanding provider of patient care and innovation.
“I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Inspira Board of Trustees for this incredible opportunity,” said Mansue when she accepted the offer to join Inspira. “John DiAngelo and I have worked together at the New Jersey Hospital Association for many years, and I know how proud he is of what has been built during his tenure. I am honored to be joining the Inspira team.”
OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE
As a high reliability organization (HRO), our goal is to make sure what is supposed to happen, happens 100% of the time. In our response to COVID-19, it proved imperative that we practiced our HRO tools to bring clarity to every new situation, to keep everyone safe.
Ensuring that we were fully prepared and able to respond to our patients’ needs, our senior leaders dedicated their full-time attention to plan, prepare, and respond to the ever-changing challenges that every day presented.
If needed, how could Inspira double the number of beds in our medical centers to care for patients?
How much Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) could our Supply Chain team procure as they pursued global vendors around-the-clock?
Were we doing everything we could to support our front-line workers?
Who could be temporarily deployed to areas of need?
How could we re-open our outpatient services with optimal safety precautions in place?
Beyond measure, everyone worked together. Inspira met every challenge with resiliency and rigor.
Adding negative pressure capability to all of our patient care areas kept everyone safe. The air inside the room of a COVID-19 patient doesn’t have the chance to contaminate other spaces; it leaves through a special exhaust system.
The care teams of nurses, doctors, residents, pharmacists, and respiratory therapists hold rounds for patients in the ICU at Inspira Vineland.
The blue lights illuminating Inspira Health Center Bridgeton and at all of our major facilities served as a reminder for our community and staff of our Blue Hearts for Heroes campaign.
Cathy Vasquez, RN, BSN, research nurse, received the first vaccine dose administered at Inspira Vineland on December 18.
Before the end of March, Inspira’s COVID-19 testing capability expanded to a drive-through site in Williamstown. In the months ahead, additional sites were added in Woodbury and Millville.
When the national shortage of alcohol-based hand sanitizer occurred, Inspira pharmacy leaders responded by acquiring FDA’s temporary approval for compounding pharmacies to produce what Inspira needed. The team produced over 438 gallons, as well as the production of over 250 alcohol sanitizer wipe containers.
In the spring, local first responders showed up in force to host Heroes Parades at Inspira’s three medical centers and Inspira Health Center Bridgeton.
Our attention to provide safe environments for all Inspira staff and patients required installations of plexiglass, social distancing floor decals, and temperature scan stations.
Growth and Innovation
January
Posing the question “What would you like to see in our new cancer center?” to our patients resulted in an assembly of top-notch experts state-of-the-art therapeutic technology under one roof to make the cancer journey as easy and comfortable as possible for our patients and their families. At the leading-edge cancer center at Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill, we focus on clinical excellence and providing an outstanding patient experience.
March
Charles Shieh, M.D., Thoracic Surgeon and Medical Director of Lung Cancer at Inspira Health integrates his patient-care philosophy into both his practices and advocacy for preventive treatment.
Inspira Medical Group welcomes Keith Kreitz, MD, FACS as the Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill, to our family of expert providers.
July
In its 19,000 square feet, the new Inspira Health Center Sicklerville includes: physician offices for primary care and endocrinology, along with services for rehab, imaging, lab, sleep and balance.
Jenine Vecchio, M.D., Endocrinologist, takes pride in ensuring her patients actively participate in their health care and are educated on their medications and health issues.
November
The “Digital Front Door” for Inspira opens wide with a new app, new website and new online physician appointment feature—all aimed to provide a more positive patient experience from the first Inspira encounter.
Accelerated by our COVID-19 response, our advanced capabilities for telemedicine will continue to provide an option for how our patients can keep pace with their wellness and prevention needs.
December
To support patient safety and elevate the patient experience, Inspira Medical Center Vineland began its rolling implementation of Smart Room Technology. The digital signage outside of the patient room provides real-time identification of staff members who enter the room as well as vital alerts for the patient’s fall risk, infections, isolation needs, and more.
Yvette Thomas
COVID-19 Survivor
Yvette Thomas of Deptford spent 10 days in the hospital battling COVID-19 – she’s grateful it wasn’t longer. Her physician believes that Inspira’s robust home monitoring program, known as Health+, allowed Yvette to leave the hospital safely about 10 days sooner than would have been possible without it.
Inspira Health+ allows patient to bring a technology-assisted care management program right into their own homes. Each patient is given user-friendly medical devices, such as pulse oximeters and blood pressure cuffs, which automatically transmit results to the care team. The program also facilitates around-the-clock two-way communication with nurses who are monitoring these results in real time .
"I was grateful that I was able to recover at home; that there were tools out there that allowed me to do that. If there were figures [test results] that didn't add up, they [the nurses] were on the phone right away. They were up on everything."
–Yvette Thomas, Deptford
Bob Fanucci
Innovation Brings Healing
Bob Fanucci didn’t plan on being one of the first people to be randomly placed into the investigational arm of a national clinical trial. He just wanted to find a surgeon and a procedure that could stabilize his cervical spine with a single surgery. The numbness in his arms and shoulders had become intolerable.
Bob connected with orthopedic spine surgeon, Rahul Shah, M.D., one of the few surgeons in the country with extensive experience in the type of procedure being evaluated as part of the FUSE clinical trial. The study procedure involves the traditional front approach to spinal fusion, a tissue-sparing posterior (from the back) approach, and the insertion of the Posterior Cervical Stabilization System (a series of small titanium implants) into small joints on the back of the spine. The procedure aims to improve outcomes by promoting fusion in both the front and back of the spine.
Six weeks after his surgery at Inspira Medical Center Vineland, Bob and his surgeon are thrilled with the early results.
“My range of motion and healing are spot on. The x-rays look good. The doctor is very happy; I’m happy.”
- Robert Fanucci, Vineland
Donna Piatt
Hope
Donna Piatt’s cancer journey began on Christmas morning 2018 when she awoke with soreness and swelling in her right breast. When the swelling went down, she found a lump. Shocked and scared, she saw her primary care doctor who immediately referred her to Nandini Kulkarni, M.D., Inspira Health's medical director of Surgical Oncology.
Mammography and subsequent biopsies found small, early-stage cancer in both breasts.
For the next several months, Donna’s weeks were filled with appointments and treatments, which included surgery, chemo and radiation therapy. Yet one moment stands out among the rest for Donna. It was one brief sentence spoken by. Dr. Kulkarni during her first visit – "Over 90% of early stage breast cancer patients survive."
With those words, Dr. Kulkarni gave Donna a precious gift, the gift of hope.
"Nothing [else] mattered, except the words ringing in my ears, ‘Over 90% of early stage breast cancer patients survive.’ “She always gave me hope, always.””
–Donna Piatt, Vineland
Juan Duran
Hugs and Tears
It was a Father’s Day gift the Duran family will never forget. After nearly seven weeks in the hospital battling COVID-19, Juan Duran was discharged into the loving arms of his family.
Juan Duran of Vineland was discharged on Father’s Day into the arms of his loving family after a 48-day battle with COVID-19. The Inspira Medical Center Vineland staff was honored to be part of his recovery and thrilled to see him reunite with his family. The reunion with his loved ones brought tears to the eyes of many in attendance. Staff gathered at the entrance of the hospital to give Duran a joyous send off.
The staff who cared for him at Inspira Medical Center Vineland were honored to be part of his recovery and thrilled to see him return to his family. The reunion brought tears to many in attendance.
“I loved all the staff and they definitely made my stay so much easier and pleasant despite my medical concerns.”
– Juan Duran, Vineland
Karen McGowan
Felt Safe and Taken Care Of
After undergoing a lumpectomy, Karen McGowan of Swedesboro faced questions that thousands of women face every year. Will I need chemo? Radiation? Some other treatment? And because it was March 2020, another question was on her mind. Would she be comfortable going to a hospital for treatment just as COVID-19 was arriving in South Jersey?
And Karen wasn't contemplating just one visit; she was deciding whether to begin six weeks of daily radiation therapy. When she arrived at the Leading-Edge Cancer Center at Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill for her first treatment, she was immediately impressed, and reassured, by the safety measures that were in place.
The pleasantness of her visits also made a lasting impression. From the daily greeting she received from Celia Ross at the front desk, to the warm blankets and personalized music selections that were provided during her treatments by radiation therapists Sam Lyons and Colleen Keeney, McGowan "always felt safe and taken care of." Even before her treatments began, Chrissy Hassler, R.N., M.S.N., would call weekly to ask how she was feeling.
McGowan also found the convenience of a comprehensive one-stop cancer center to be of great benefit.
“I just feel like the residents of the Gloucester County area are so fortunate to have it. I have been telling everyone how lucky we are to have the new hospital and cancer center.”
Karen McGowan, Swedesboro
Renee Suriani
Strong Bonds
Renee Suriani was 29 weeks pregnant and working remotely from home when her childbirth plans took an unexpected turn. Within hours she would give birth to twins, including one who had turned breech. Next, she was separated from her boys, River and Hunter, who required a transfer to the Deborah F. Sager Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Inspira Medical Center Vineland.
Being apart from her boys was heartbreaking. It was the strong bonds that she formed with her doctor and nurses, first at Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill and then in the NICU that helped her regain her strength and transition from maternity patient to mother of two babies who required advanced care.
The nurses called Suriani a “superhero" for her strength during a difficult birthing experience, and the perseverance she displayed while caring for her two pre-term babies while navigating the challenges of the pandemic.
“We had a special bond. They even called their colleagues to check on me after their shifts,” said Suriani of the maternity nurses. “They [the NICU nurses] follow me on Facebook now to watch the boys grow up.”
– Renee Suriani, Swedesboro
Community Benefit
Inspira Health is committed to giving back to the residents of South Jersey through our Community Benefit programs.
In 2020, we identified high rates of food insecurity among Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem County residents. To provide community members with easier access to healthy food, we partnered with local organizations to provide both school-based pantries and local Food Farmacies. Our goal is to provide families and individuals who are food insecure with access to healthy food and nutrition counseling at a variety of convenient locations.
While the pandemic slowed down some of our Community Benefit programs, we’ve continued to provide funding and resources to as many people as we can.
Community Benefit at a Glance
COVID-19 Response: Food Insecurity
While the COVID-19 pandemic prevented us from opening up Food Farmacy locations at our health centers this year, we used those resources to distribute food to other members of the community. We distributed:
● 1,300 lbs. of shelf-stable food to over 80 older adult participants in the LIFE program
● 350 lbs. of shelf-stable food to 23 families in the Cumberland County Parent Linking Program
● Over 176,000 lbs. of food to families and individuals through school pantries in Woodbury, Vineland and Millville
● 3,000 lbs. of produce in Cumberland County in partnership with Farmers Against Hunger
● 800 reusable grocery bags to Cumberland County food distributors
2020 Census Outreach
Only occurring every 10 years, the census determines how much federal funding communities receive for roads, schools, housing and social programs. This year, we targeted hard-to-count communities in Cumberland County to make sure everyone’s voices were heard. We:
● Distributed 24,500 flyers and palm cards
● Reached 12,400 people via social media
M25 Initiative
A Cumberland County nonprofit dedicated to alleviating hunger, ending poverty, reducing crime, revitalizing the community and transforming lives. We contributed:
● $50,000 to the Housing Initiative
● $1,000 to the Sock Hop for the Homeless
● $1,000 to the Breakfast for the Homeless
Deterra Pouch Distribution
A method for safe at-home medication disposal, which can reduce environmental impacts and prevent drug addiction by deactivating unused prescription drugs. We distributed:
● 917 pouches
NARCAN Distribution
A lifesaving drug that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose, typically carried by first responders and now distributed widely throughout communities to use in emergency situations. To our local police departments, we distributed:
● 340 doses of naloxone
● 340 nasal atomizers
NJ Cancer Education and Early Detection Outreach
The New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection (NJCEED) program provides outreach, education and screening services for breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate cancers. Inspira Health helps to provide cancer grants for those in need. We served:
● Over 6,200 people in Cumberland, Salem and Gloucester counties
Revive South Jersey
An organization committed to community development through collaboration of local churches, businesses, nonprofits and other community organizations.
We sponsored the Greater Bridgeton Area PAL Soccer League and Tournament including:
• T-shirts for participants
• Produce distribution to families in partnership with Farmers Against Hunger
• Facilitation of a healthy eating and cooking demonstration
Foundation
In honor of retired President & CEO John A. DiAngelo’s commitment to drive innovation and technology to better serve the health of our community and lead our hospital into the future, DiAngelo Innovation Fund was established.
It provides resources to invest in innovative technology, assisting with research projects, recruiting and retaining the physicians of tomorrow, and finding new ways to empower and engage patients. More than 270 donors contributed $284,236 to the DiAngelo Innovation Fund.
Inspira Health Foundation and its Board of Trustees contributed $1 million to the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.
This fund helped Inspira increase capacity for vaccinating, testing, and care, purchase necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical equipment, fund medical care for patients who are not covered by insurance, complete infrastructure projects to accommodate the surge of patients, and more.
Still, community members wanted to do more— the Foundation managed our community’s donations of more than 16,600 meals for staff, 1.5 million pieces of PPE and 2,700 homemade masks. To date, there have been more than 700 gifts to the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, resulting in more than $258,000 in cash raised and nearly $700,000 in-kind gifts of meals and donations to help Inspira respond to and recover from the pandemic.
The 2020 Employee Giving “ALL in!” campaign provides valuable resources behind ideas and programs that change the way Inspira approaches care. Thanks to more than 400 employee donors, this year’s campaign raised more than $91,000 to support employee-identified projects and impact our network’s greatest need.
The annual Golf Tournament at Seaview Hotel & Golf Club and the Golf Classic at Tavistock Country Club, both presented by Archer Law, served as much-needed opportunities for our most loyal supporters to enjoy a day of golf and friendly competition. With health and safety protocols in place, the Seaview event exceeded expectations by raising over $200,000 and the Tavistock event also surpassed goal by raising over $157,000.
Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill now welcomes its patients and visitors with an impressive, one-of-a-kind, hand-blown glass sculpture donated and created by Jane and Peter Galetto, Jr.
“Carnivale Grande,” named and inspired by the colors of the Italian festivals, took 550 hours to create, with each one of the 200 individual glass pieces taking more than an hour to make. Created during the pandemic, the Galettos dedicated the sculpture to the Inspira staff for their tireless efforts caring for those afflicted with the COVID-19 virus in our community.
Awards
2020
Inspira Medical Center Elmer was named on Newsweek's Best Maternity Care Hospitals of 2020
Inspira Medical Center Vineland and Mullica Hill Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation through the ACEP Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation Program (GEDA)
Inspira Health Center Woodbury received Press Ganey's Guardian of Excellence Award
Inspira Medical Center Elmer and Vineland Received an "A" Hospital Safety Grade from Leapfrog
Inspira Health received the 2020 CHIME Digital Health Most Wired designation
Inspira Outpatient Therapy received Press Ganey's Pinnacle of Excellence Award
Inspira Health received Press Ganey's Success Story Award
Inspira Medical Center Elmer Receives Two Women's Choice Awards for Obstetrics and Orthopedics
Finance
Follow us on our journey through 2021 by visiting InspiraHealthNetwork.org