What's Happening at Cary Hospital Summer 2024

Check out the latest updates from WakeMed Cary Hospital, including everything you need to know about our 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, Medical Park of Cary service additions, including 210 Theranostics, Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, the nearby Fuquay Varina Medical Park Opening, the CPR Anytime event at the neighboring Apex Chamber of Commerce and so much more — all right here in the Cary and Southwestern Wake County area.

5-Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS)  

Each year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) publishes star ratings for over 4,000 Medicare-certified hospitals in the country. The ratings reflect quality of care and patient experience intended to help consumers make informed choices about where to obtain health care.

In late July 2024, Cary Hospital received an overall rating of five stars — the highest number available! The overall star rating is based on how well a hospital performs across different areas of quality, such as treating heart attacks and pneumonia, readmission rates and safety of care.

Tom Hughes, the senior vice president & administrator for WakeMed Cary Hospital, is incredibly proud of Cary Hospital's staff and care teams. "I am so proud to be part of this team and an organization that has such an intense focus on quality, safety, community health, and patient and family experience.  Each team member plays a vital role, whether through direct patient care or behind-the-scenes support, and their collective efforts have contributed significantly to our ongoing quest for excellence in the greater southwestern Wake County.”

CMS also gives stars based on patient survey ratings, and WakeMed Cary Hospital and Raleigh Campus received four stars this year. 

"Our commitment to quality in patient care cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts patient outcomes, safety and overall satisfaction," explains Doug Trocinski, MD, the chief medical officer for Cary Hospital. "Adhering to best practices, evidence-based protocols and a patient-centered approach, our Cary Hospital teams promote effective communication and ensure timely interventions, which are critical components of successful treatment plans. We also encourage open dialogue between providers and patients regarding symptoms, preferences and treatment options to promote an atmosphere where patients feel valued and understood for improved adherence to treatment regimens and better health outcomes."

The patient survey rating measures patients' experiences of their hospital care, including nurse and doctor communication, responsiveness of hospital staff and the cleanliness and quietness of the hospital environment.

Sabrina Tyndall, executive director of nursing at Cary Hospital shares, "Our staff and nursing teams really dug into the weeds to achieve this amazing accomplishment. In addition to clinical competencies, effective communication among staff members is vital for seamless care transitions and minimal errors. They took part in regular team meetings, quality improvement initiatives, key performance monitoring, multidisciplinary collaboration and ongoing feedback to nurture this environment where everyone is aligned with the goal of achieving the best care and five-star quality."

Cary Hospital Recognized for Excellence in Bariatric Surgery

WakeMed Cary Hospital was named to Money Magazine’s 2024 list of Best Hospitals for Bariatric Surgery. Cary Hospital was ranked sixth out of the 75 hospitals nationwide named to the list.

The 2024 list reflects hospitals that excel in offering safe, effective weight-loss procedures led by skilled bariatric surgeons and specialists. The publication also graded facility on price transparency by comparing its publicly listed prices with the revenue it receives from patients.

Money partnered with Denniston Data and Definitive Healthcare in creating a methodological approach that favors facilities that have received strong quality care and patient ratings from the federal Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as well as accreditation in metabolic and bariatric care from the American College of Surgeons.

See the full list.

Cary Hospital Medical District  — Services New and on the Move

Relocations for Pulmonary Function Testing and Outpatient Specialty Rehab

At WakeMed, we prioritize state-of-the-art patient care. That's why we are moving a couple of our specialties. Pulmonary Function Testing and Outpatient Specialty Rehab are now in Building 200 in the Medical Park of Cary, adjacent to the Cary Hospital campus. This will provide us more space to deliver world-class services as well as better patient accessibility.

Crystal O’Neal MHA, BSRT, RCP, RRT-ACCS, the director of Respiratory Care Services shares, "Pulmonary function testing involves different kinds of breathing tests. They are ordered by a provider to determine how well a patient is able to breathe and how effective the patient's lungs send oxygen to the rest of the body. Moving Pulmonary Function Testing to the Medical Park of Cary will open additional testing capabilities to better accommodate our growing patient population. "

Cathy Smith, PT, MHA, executive director of Rehab Services explains, "WakeMed Outpatient Specialty Rehab is opening a dedicated center for pelvic health and lymphedema. This center will provide evidence-based, specialized treatment by licensed physical and occupational therapists with specialty certifications. Our rehab therapy team will also provide pre- and post-partum care to enhance clinical outcomes before, during and after childbirth. This new location expands specialty rehab services for increased community access in the Cary area."

210 Theranostics

It's never easy to hear, "You have cancer," but at WakeMed, we put our patients at ease by offering the highest quality, most advanced care. That's why we're excited to share that a new field within molecular imaging — known as theranostics  — allows radiologists to treat certain cancers using radioactive particles that will attach to tracers and ablate tumors. 

At 210 Theranostics in the Medical Park of Cary, referred patients can now access this service for detecting and treating cancers. Learn more about 210 Theranostics.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month — Show Support by Wearing White Socks

September is PAD Awareness Month, and in honor, our providers are joining the White Socks Campaign to educate people about this common, yet serious condition that can result in heart attack, stroke, amputation and early death if left untreated. 

Join WakeMed Wound Care by wearing your white socks this September to help spread the word about peripheral artery disease. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of PAD.

Fuquay Varina Medical Park Opening

Officials from WakeMed, Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce, Wake County and Town of Holly Springs celebrated the opening of the Fuquay-Varina Medical Park with a ribbon-cutting and open house event on June 20. Over 100 people attended the event. 

The facility is home to a variety of specialty practices and other services, all in one convenient location, and the staff is ready to see new patients.

Business Leaders Learn CPR, Heart Health Basics

In June, WakeMed Apex Healthplex proudly hosted a CPR Anytime class for the Apex Chamber of Commerce. More than 30 chamber members stopped by to learn CPR and to talk about heart health with the staff from the Apex Healthplex Emergency Department and Jenny Buchkovich, PA-C, from the WakeMed Heart & Vascular – Cardiology Apex office. 

 

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About WakeMed Cary Hospital

WakeMed Cary Hospital — the only full-service hospital in Cary, NC — brings advanced medical care and innovative technology to one of the top-rated places to live in the nation. Conveniently located for residents of western Wake County, it serves as a regional epicenter for specialized medical services and comprehensive care. The hospital is accredited by the esteemed Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals and has won numerous awards for superior service and compassionate care.

Cary Hospital at a Glance

• 208 Licensed Acute Care Beds
• 1,300+ Employees
• 900+ Physicians & Advanced Practice Providers
• 600+ Volunteers

About Medical Park of Cary

Medical Park of Cary is located off Ashville Avenue just around the corner from the WakeMed Cary Hospital. This five-story building houses many WakeMed Physician Practices’ specialty practices offices and outpatient services. Medical Park of Cary offers patients the latest in medical technology with staff and health care teams committed to care and caring.