Services

Cardio-Pulmonary Services:
978-249-1317

The Cardio-Pulmonary Services Division of Athol Memorial Hospital assists in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support of patients with cardio-pulmonary and neurological system disorders, with an emphasis on prevention through education.

The Cardio-Pulmonary Department provides pulmonary, cardiac and neurological diagnostic testing as well as treatment for acute and chronic lung disorders. Services are provided by licensed professionals, 24 hours a day 7 days per week, for all age groups.

Respiratory Services:
Respiratory Therapists help manage patients with breathing disorders by providing assessments, monitoring and physician directed therapy as well as various diagnostic tests. Respiratory Therapists treat and assist with all age groups of patients ranging from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to geriatric patients with lung diseases. They also assist with the emergency care of patients, which includes victims of respiratory failure, asthma or COPD exacerbations, heart attack, drug overdose, drowning, anaphylactic shock and stroke.
 

Cardiology Services:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
o An EKG provides complex measurements of the heart's electrical activity. The results provide physicians with invaluable information about the heart's rate, rhythm and condition.
• 24 or 48 hour Holter Monitoring
o Our Holter monitors are small light weight portable digital recorders with electrodes that attach to the patient. It continuously monitors the heart rate and rhythm.
• 30-day Event Monitoring
o Two types of digital recorders are provided for long term cardiac monitoring. A loop monitor has two self-adhesive electrodes which attack to the skin and are taken off before bathing daily and replaced afterwards; it provides more continuous monitoring when symptoms are experienced. A pocket sized non-loop monitor is carried around and placed on the chest when experiencing symptoms. Both monitors transfer heart monitoring information from your home telephone and to a reading facility.
• Stress Testing
o Stress Testing is used to evaluate heart function, help detect coronary artery disease and evaluate medical therapy. Depending on the type of test ordered, the patient may be monitored while exercising on a treadmill or after administration of a pharmacological agent. Physicians may also order a stress test to include Cardiolite with Nuclear Imaging to view and evaluate coronary blood flow.
o The American Heart Committee recommends stress testing prior to the initiation of exercise programs in patients over 40 and in all patients with risk factors that increase the probability of CAD.
• Echocardiogram (ECHO)
o Echocardiograms use high-pitched sound waves that bounce off different parts of the heart to create a moving picture. Heart structures and the beating heart can be seen on a video screen. There is no radiation exposure and it is more detailed than an x-ray image.

Neurology Services:

• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
o An EEG records electrical activity of the brain. Highly sensitive monitoring equipment records the activity of neurons through electrodes placed at measured intervals on the scalp. EEGs help physicians to diagnose a variety of neurological conditions from common headaches and dizziness to seizure disorders, strokes and degenerative brain disease. It also may be used to look for organic causes of disabilities in children and psychiatric disorders.
• Electromyography: (EMG):
o EMGs measure the electrical activity of muscles at rest and while contracting. Nerve conduction studies measure the ability of nerves to send electrical signals. Nerve and muscle disorders cause muscles to react improperly to electrical signals. This test helps diagnose diseases that damage nerves, muscle tissue or neuromuscular junctions or the cause of weakness, paralysis and muscle twitching. Examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathies, herniated discs, muscle disease, Cerebral Palsy and conditions like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Guillian-Barre.

Case Management
978-249-1215

The case manager reviews all patients who are admitted to the hospital for appropriateness of care and coordination of care between disciplines within the hospital. Meetings are conducted with the patient and family members to assess the needs of the patient upon discharge. With the collaboration of the patient, family, physicians, nurses, and other appropriate clinical disciplines, a discharge plan is established to ensure the best possible outcome of care.

Food Services
978-249-1153

In addition to our clinical nutrition services, we also provide a full service cafeteria, open to both visitors and employees. We serve three meals a day: Monday - Friday 8:00 -10:15am ; 12:00 noon -1:15pm ; 5:00 - 6:15pm, except on holidays.

Food Services also oversees community gardens at the west end of the Medical Arts Building, where vegetables grown are utilized in the hospital's nutrition programs.

Emergency Department
978-249-1250

Life Flight, Med Flight, and Life Star capability
means Athol Memorial Hospital can transport
patients to Level One Trauma Centers when necessary. 

The Emergency Department is staffed 24 hours a day with qualified physicians and nurses and is supported by dedicated laboratory, radiology and respiratory technicians and therapists. Currently, more than 10,000 patients a year re treated in the Emergency Department. Ambulance and helicopter transport services are readily available when a patient’s condition warrants transfer to a tertiary care facility or other specialty health care institution.

Infection Control
978-249-1246

Infection control staff monitor hospital patients and staff for actual or potential infectious problems. The hospital staff is educated regarding infectious processes, prevention of the spread of infection between patients, from patients to staff, and from staff to patients. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of that education. 

Interpreter Services
978-249-1207

The Social Services Department coordinates the interpreter services at Athol Memorial Hospital. Social workers are available on weekdays to assess and assist with provision of interpreter services to all inpatients and outpatients. Signage for interpreter services is placed strategically throughout the hospital.

The Department of Public Health regulations specify that family members are not to serve as interpreters except in extraordinary circumstances. A list of approved medical interpreters is posted in the ER and in the second floor charting area.

Phone interpretation may be provided through the language line when no appropriate medical interpreter is available.

Laboratory/Blood Bank
978-249-1174

There are many different laboratory tests, such as blood, cultures, urine and stool. While some tests are routine part of annual physicals, others are designed to monitor a specific medication or condition. If you are instructed to fast or have your blood tested at a particular time, it is vital for the accuracy of the test that you follow these instructions. The function of the blood bank is to insure that blood and its components are available to patients 24 hours a day. Whenever possible, the blood given to patients should be replaced through the contribution of volunteer donors.

The hospital's phlebotomy room (located on the Ground level in the east wing) is open Monday - Friday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Saturday, 7:00 am to 2:30 pm. Fasting patients receive a Complimentary Continental Breakfast, 7:00 - 8:00 a.m..

The hospital also maintains a blood drawing station located at 1467 Main Street, Athol. It is open daily from 8:00a.m. to 11:45a.m. and from 12:30p.m. to 2:30p.m.  For more information call them directly at 978 248-9413.

Occupational Health
978-249-1399

AMH is able to provide local employers with both Pre-Employment and Post-Accident Drug Testing, including regular panel drug testing as well as DOT/NIDA drug testing. The department can set up laboratory, radiology, and pulmonary tests with the appropriate departments. Pre-Employment Physical Examinations are contracted with a local physician's office and can be booked through this office.

Oncology Clinic
978-249-1246

Welcome to the Athol Memorial Hospital Hematology-Oncology Clinic. We are pleased to be able to assist you during this trying time. We have many services available to you including medicine, nursing, social service, nutrition, and financial professionals.

In 1985 a physician from Worcester opened a clinic here in Athol. She felt that patients shouldn’t have to travel so far care during cancer treatment. The Athol Memorial Hospital has continued this clinic for more than 20 years. This allows the patients in our 9-town North Quabbin region to be close to home for essential medical care.

We offer treatment and follow-up care for patients with cancer and blood disorders. Our laboratory and radiology departments provide state of the art services to complement the outpatient Hematology-Oncology Department.

The Oncology Team is well versed to care for many different types of people. There is a Physician who is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Oncology. Hematology is the study of blood disorders and Oncology is the study of cancer. Our Nursing staff is certified in the administration of chemotherapy. They provide support to patients during and following treatment days. They also work in conjunction with the physician and pharmacy to deliver current therapies in the treatment of cancer and blood disorders. The nursing staff helps patients during treatment by solving their problems related to side effects of chemotherapy. The clerk is educated to assist patients by making follow-up appointments for office visits, further laboratory and radiology procedures and referrals to outside services. She is able to assist patients by taking messages accurately and proficiently. Our dietitian is available to provide nutritional services and counseling for patients in an ongoing manner. The volunteers keep the clinic flowing smoothly. They help patients and staff while maintaining a low profile. There is a dedicated Social Worker who is available to all of our Oncology Clinic patients. The Social Worker is able to work with patients and their families regarding a variety of problems and needs including but not limited to finances, insurance problems, and dealing with diagnosis of cancer and blood disorders. They help the patient and family to deal with current needs and plan for the future.

Community Transit Services provides rides free of charge to those patients 65 or older. It is available with 3 day's notice and will take patients to AMH and the Medical Office Building directly behind the hospital. Call 978-249-1362 to schedule a ride. A bus service passenger pickup stop is located at the front of the hospital and is made available through the FTRA and the Gardner transportation. A limited taxi service is available in the Gardner area only.

Radiology Department
978-249-1160

AMH’s Radiology Department provides a variety of diagnostic imaging services including filmless General X-ray examinations, Fluoroscopy, CT, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, MRI, Mammography and Bone Density.

All imaging examinations are performed by Technologists licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and nationally registered by the American Registration of Radiology Technologists. The interpretation of the imaging examinations are completed by one of the ten American College of Radiology, Board Certified Radiologists servicing Athol Memorial Hospital.

IMAGING SERVICES

PACS (Picture Archive and Communications Systems)

In December 2006 Athol Hospital implemented the first phase of PACS (Digital Imaging) with CT, Ultrasound, MRI and Fluoroscopy, since then Nuclear Medicine, C-Arm Fluoroscopy, and DXA Scanning. Most recently General Diagnostic exams were added to PACS.

General X-ray Examinations

AMH performs all General Diagnostic Imaging examinations such as: chest, extremity, spine, GI Series. These examinations are all completed on the Department’s recently installed Digital Imaging System. The new Digital System has improved image quality, decreased examination time and has improved efficiency for the staff and ultimately improved patient care.

CT

CT Scanning has become one the most important diagnostic services in Health Care today. AMH’s CT scanner can perform all general diagnostic scans of the head, spine and abdomen, with emergency services provided 24 hours per. Recently AMH was granted the designation of a Stroke Center thus providing quick access to care when a patient has symptoms of an early stroke.

ULTRASOUND

Ultrasound utilizes high frequency sound to image areas in the Abdomen, Pelvis, Vasculature and Obstetrics. Athol's Ultrasound Department is Accredited by the American College of Radiology with qualified Technologists licensed the American Society of Medical Sonographers.

MRI

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) imaging is performed by using a Magnet resulting in high quality images of the Brain, Abdomen, Pelvis, Chest and Extremities. The MRI service is available onsite at Athol Memorial Hospital with all images read by the hospital's Board Certified Radiologists and is accredited by The American College of Radiology.

DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY

AMH'S Mammography Department is accredited by the American College of Radiology Mammography Program, Licensed by The Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Certified by the FDA under the Mammography Quality Standards Act. The Department performs both Screening and Diagnostic Mammograms with services provided Monday - Friday.

NUCLEAR MEDICINE

Nuclear Medicine is a diagnostic examination requiring the injection of a small amount of radioactive tracer to a target organ such as the Heart, Lung or Gallbladder. The hospital uses a state-of- art Dual Head Nuclear Camera. The department has in conjunction with the EKG Department a very productive Cardiac Imaging Service.

DXA

DXA (Dual Energy Absorptiometry) or more commonly known as Bone Density is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the bones for early changes due to Osteoporosis. DXA is very simple procedure and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete the examination. Once your physician obtains the results he or she can recommend medications or an exercise program to address early changes in the bony structures due to Osteoporosis.

Rehabilitation Services (978) 249-1201 The Rehabilitation Department at Athol Memorial Hospital includes four disciplines: Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Speech/Language Pathology Massage Therapy All departments work through a referral system……a physician must send a written referral for therapy begin. This is a requirement for insurance coverage. A referral is acceptable from any physician other than chiropractors and dentists. Patients are seen for an initial evaluation to determine areas of impairment, and a subsequent plan of care is then developed. This includes treatment interventions, frequency of treatments and duration of treatment for the episode of care. Education is a major aspect of care provided to all patients in the Rehab Department. Occupational Therapy – Provides services for individuals with varying disabilities. Some of the areas the therapist may help the individual regain function are self feeding, oral hygiene, upper body strengthening, dressing/bathing skills, visual/perceptual coordination, splinting and adaptive equipment. Skilled treatment is provided that helps people return to ordinary tasks around home and at work by maximizing physical potential through lifestyle adaptations and possible use of assistive devices. Physical Therapy - Provides services for individuals to regain functional abilities in walking, getting in/out of bed, strength, balance, gross motor skills, endurance and the improvement of safety skills. Therapy is aimed at recovery from weakness, loss of coordination, or limited endurance. Skilled treatment includes the use of exercises and physical activities to help condition muscles and restore strength and movement, as well as the use of physical agents to reduce muscle spasms, pain and edema in soft tissues. In addition to general treatments provided, specialty programs include Aquatics and Vestibular therapy. Speech/Language Pathology – Provides services to evaluate and treat communication disorders and swallowing problems, including evaluation in collaboration with the radiologist for Modified Barium studies. Skilled treatments are provided to children, teens and adults, related to neurological impairments, or muscular impairments in oral motor functioning. Cognitive training/retraining is also provided. Massage Therapy - Massage therapy is a practice that dates back thousands of years. There are many types of massage therapy available but all applications involve manipulation techniques to muscles and soft tissues. People utilize massage therapy as a complimentary and alternative to traditional treatment for a variety of health-related conditions.                                                          The benefits of massage therapy are varied, but generally it can be effective in relieving stress, improving joint and muscle mobility, improving circulation, and augmenting physical and occupational therapy treatments. These benefits can be translated into decreased anxiety, decreased pain, enhanced sleep quality, increased energy, improved concentration and reduced fatigue. There are generally no risks to massage therapy if it is used appropriately and is provided by a trained massage professional. At Athol Memorial Hospital, the types of massage therapy offered include Swedish Massage which involves long strokes, kneading and friction on the muscles and joints to aid flexibility. Pregnancy Massage can aid in reducing stress in tight muscles and to increase circulation to decrease swelling. Hot Stone Massage utilizes heated smooth stones to provide heat along with massage to gain relaxation of muscles and promote improved joint flexibility. Deep Tissue Massage uses patterns of strokes and deep pressure on parts of the body where the muscles are tight or knotted, focusing on the layers of muscles that are deeper under the skin. Appointments may be arranged by calling the Rehab Department at 978 249-1201. No referral by your physician is needed. The Sleep Center at Athol Memorial Hospital 978-249-1244 You will spend nearly one-third of your life sleeping. A sleep disorder can significantly affect both the quality of your sleep and your health. An estimated 40 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, yet fewer than 20 percent have ever initiated a discussion about the problem with their physician. Sleep disorders lead to sleep deprivation which can wreak havoc in your waking life. It can cause daytime fatigue, poor concentration, depression, and lapses in memory. Sleep disorders range from insomnia to apnea – a condition in which the sufferer stops breathing for limited periods during sleep. So, if you’re not sleeping as soundly as you would like, or for as long as you’d like, you may suffer from a sleep disorder. The Sleep Center at Athol Memorial Hospital provides painless testing for patients experiencing sleep difficulties. The Center’s comprehensive care team, made up of expert physicians and technologists in a variety of fields, is dedicated to discovering and resolving the causes of sleep disorders. The Sleep Center’s state-of-the-art facility includes comfortable, private patient testing rooms that are specially equipped to allow constant visual and sleep pattern monitoring throughout the night. Patients can undergo testing for conditions such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy simply by sleeping as they normally do. So, please give us a call if you would like more information, or to discuss any suspected sleep disorders you may think you have. Surgical Services 978-249-1236 The Surgical Services Department of Athol Memorial Hospital provides services for operative and other invasive procedures and immediate post-operative care on a 24-hour basis. The population served by this department consists of the pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients requiring or seeking surgical intervention to maintain or restore an optimum level of wellness. The department is staffed to operate 2 OR suites, 1 procedure room, post-anesthesia care unit, short stay unit and central sterilization unit Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 3:30 pm. On-call staff are available 3:30 pm -7:00 am Monday to Friday and on a 24-hour basis on Saturday, Sunday and holidays. The department provides a safe and comfortable environment for both patients and personnel in order to provide optimum assistance to the surgeons and anesthesiologist in meeting the emergency, preventive and restorative health needs of the patients. The surgical services staff provides quality, conscientious and competent care with respect to life and dignity. The department continues to receive the highest patient satisfaction survey scores. Operating Room Our operating rooms are staffed by extensively trained and board certified surgeons and anesthesiologists who provide high-quality and sophisticated surgical services right near your home. Our nursing staff is ACLS and PALS certified. We are equipped with state of the art anesthesia machines and monitors, a digital c-arm x-ray machine, laparoscopic equipment and the finest surgical instruments. Procedures performed include general and laparoscopic surgery, ENT, ophthalmic, urologic gynecologic pain management, endoscopies, vascular and thoracic, pacemaker insertion, orthopedic to include total joint replacements and other invasive procedures. Post Anesthesia Care Unit Our post anesthesia care unit is under the direct supervision of the anesthesiologist who maintains responsibility for the needs of the patients until the patient is appropriately discharged. Our nursing staff is compassionate and is trained in the use of different pain management techniques. Follow-up calls are made to all day-surgery patients. Short Stay Unit Our newly renovated 11-bed unit provides pre- and post-surgical care to all patients who need to have surgery and procedures that do not require an overnight stay. Our nursing staff is skilled, friendly and accommodating. In addition to surgical and endoscopic procedures, SSU procedures include hydration, blood and blood component transfusions, intravenous treatments, injections, dressing and catheter changes, port-a-cath draws, pre-operative teaching, paracentesis and thoracentesis. Central Sterilization Unit Our central sterilization unit receives, prepares, processes, stores, maintains and dispenses sterile items in sufficient quantities to all clinical areas. It is staffed by a trained CSR technician under the direction of the Manager of the Surgical Services Department.

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