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January 27, 2014

AHRA and Toshiba Select 2013 Putting Patients First Grant Recipients

Demonstrating Its Understanding of Healthcare Business Needs, Toshiba Funds Education to Improve Patient Care and Safety

TUSTIN, Calif., Jan. 27, 2014 – Helping facilities develop or improve existing education and patient care initiatives in diagnostic imaging, AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management and Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. announced the seven recipients of the sixth annual Putting Patients First grant program. Recipients were judged on their program plan and ability to share best practices for improving patient care and safety in CT, MR, Ultrasound, X-ray and Vascular imaging.

“Healthcare reform is putting greater pressure on hospitals to reduce costs while improving patient care and satisfaction,” said Ed Yoder, AHRA president, CRA, FAHRA. “These grants make it possible for healthcare facilities of any type or size to create or expand programs or training that address their specific challenges and meet this nationwide goal.”

Six grants of up to $7,500 were awarded to hospitals, three focused on pediatrics and three on overall imaging, and one grant of up to $20,000 was awarded to an Integrated Delivery Network (IDN)/hospital system.

IDN grant awarded to:

  • OhioHealth (Columbus, Ohio) – OhioHealth’s Lung Cancer Screening Program: will use a video developed and produced by OhioHealth Cancer Services to highlight the advantages of a comprehensive approach to lung cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment, as well as the importance of smoking cessation.

Three pediatric programs:

  • Medical City Dallas (Dallas, Texas) – City Scans for Kids: will create an interactive website that increases preparation and decreases stress and anxiety prior to radiology procedures.
  • Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center (Baton Rouge, La.) – Reducing Cervical Spine Imaging in Pediatric Trauma Patients less than Age 11: will use a research-supported pediatric cervical spine clearance protocol to reduce radiation exposure in children younger than 11 years who present to the pediatric trauma service.
  • The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Pa.) – Brave Kid Capes/Super Hero Support: will help minimize the anxiety that younger patients often sense when undergoing radiology imaging examinations.

Three general program winners:

  • San Joaquin General Hospital (French Camp, Calif.) – Agents of Shielding: will train medical and resident staffs regarding radiation protection when using radiation-producing imaging devices.
  • Riddle Hospital (Media, Pa.) – Reducing Radiation Exposure within the Interventional Cardiology Lab: will evaluate current protocols and implement new techniques involving the use of shielding, time of exposure and positioning during procedures.
  • Blue Mountain Hospital (John Day, Ore.) – Acquiring MRI Safe Wheelchair and Gurney: will improve patient comfort by eliminating the need for patients who are unable to walk easily to make the painful journey from the shielded area into the scan room.

“Toshiba puts customers first by developing solutions for healthcare facilities, helping them make the most of their resources while improving the delivery of care to their patients,” said Cathy Wolfe, senior director, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Toshiba. “These grants make educational programs attainable for healthcare facilities to truly improve patient care and satisfaction, while offering them the opportunity to be role models as they share best practices with other providers.”

In addition to receiving grants, all winning programs will be featured in an AHRA publication. The Putting Patients First program is funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. Since the program’s inception in 2008, more than $300,000 has been awarded.

About AHRA

AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management is the professional organization representing management at all levels of hospital imaging departments, freestanding imaging centers, and group practices. Founded in 1973, AHRA’s over 5000 members reach across the country and around the world. AHRA offers a complete slate of professional development programs including a comprehensive selection of educational conferences and seminars, networking opportunities, award winning publications, and the Certified Radiology Administrator (CRA) credential. More information about AHRA can be found at www.ahraonline.org.

About Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.

With headquarters in Tustin, Calif., Toshiba America Medical Systems (TAMS) markets, sells, distributes and services radiology and cardiovascular systems, including CT, MR, ultrasound, X-ray and cardiovascular equipment, and coordinates clinical diagnostic imaging research for all modalities in the United States. For more information, visit the TAMS website at www.medical.toshiba.com.

About Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation

Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation is a leading worldwide provider of medical diagnostic imaging systems and comprehensive medical solutions, such as CT, X-ray and vascular, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and MRI systems, as well as information systems for medical institutions. Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation has been providing medical products for over 80 years. Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba. Visit Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation’s website at www.toshibamedicalsystems.com.

About Toshiba

Toshiba is a world-leading diversified manufacturer, solutions provider and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products and systems. Toshiba Group brings innovation and imagination to a wide range of businesses: digital products, including LCD TVs, notebook PCs, retail solutions and MFPs; electronic devices, including semiconductors, storage products and materials; industrial and social infrastructure systems, including power generation systems, smart community solutions, medical systems and escalators & elevators; and home appliances.

Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 590 consolidated companies, with 206,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing 5.8 trillion yen (US$61 billion). Visit Toshiba’s web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm.