Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health

Crocheted dolls crafted by Environmental Services technician Sonia Gonzalez are bringing comfort and joy to children spending the holidays on the Pediatrics Unit at Lancaster General Hospital. This is the third year Sonia has generously donated handmade gifts to our patients. “When I was a little girl I was in foster care, and kids didn’t get anything,” said Sonia, who has worked in housekeeping for 13 years. "It makes me happy to donate. I want to a put a smile on kids' faces." Depending on the size, it takes Sonia one to two weeks to make each doll. She’s already at work for next year's holiday season. ❤️

Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health CEO John J. Herman is listed in Central Penn Business Journal’s 2024 Power List for Health Care. Since taking on the leadership role, Herman is “proud of the resilience and determination shown by the talented staff throughout Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.” http://spr.ly/6048Qh9aQ

For the third time, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Women & Babies Hospital has achieved the international Baby-Friendly designation after a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA, the organization responsible for bestowing this certification in the United States. This honor shows that we adhere to the highest standards of care for the breastfeeding mothers and their babies we are privileged to serve. The standards are built on evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support in the precious first days of a newborn's life. Women & Babies Hospital was the first hospital in Pennsylvania to receive this designation. Today there are only 15 designated facilities in Pennsylvania. Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers provide an environment that supports breastfeeding while respecting every person's right to make the best decision for themselves and their family. Congratulations to our amazing team! http://spr.ly/6047QjLyl

Serving up some big-time holiday spirit at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital today!

We are excited to introduce Virtual First Primary Care – Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health’s new option for primary care. With video appointments and direct-to-provider text messaging, you can get ongoing, reliable care without making a trip to the doctor’s office. Virtual First Primary Care is a membership-based service, with monthly and annual payment options. Learn more about this convenient care for people of all ages: http://spr.ly/6045QnkeH

A special visitor brought joy to families in the NICU at our Women & Babies Hospital this holiday season. Each family received a photo and handprint ornament, along with festive treats provided by the NICU staff. Learn about our Level IIIB Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the most advanced care available in Lancaster County: http://spr.ly/6040QQF6O

Pia Fenimore, MD, vice-chair of Pediatrics at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, and Lindsay Pringle, manager of Community Health and Wellness, helped organize a new firearm safety initiative in Lancaster. The free educational classes offer instruction on proper firearm storage and give attendees a biometric gun safe, so families have the tools they need to help prevent injury or accident. http://spr.ly/6043QnP47

When a patient was transferred to the 4EW Spine and Surgical Trauma Unit at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital following a motor vehicle accident, she faced a variety of physical and psychosocial challenges. Her nurse, Tara Rancosky, RN, recognized changes in the patient's behavior, and made sure she got the help she needed. Rancosky even arranged for an intimate dinner for the patient and her family when she learned how much these family interactions were missed. The colleague who nominated Rancosky for The DAISY Foundation Award for extraordinary nursing noted that "Tara gives the utmost care to our patients, while fostering the next generation of nurses to demonstrate how extraordinary care is delivered on 4EW for our diverse patient population." Congratulations, Tara, and thank you for making a difference in your patients' and co-workers' lives.

Thank you, Rosenberger North America for your ongoing support of our Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute patients. Team members Jamie Frederick, Kathy Burton, and John Moslander (holding check) recently stopped by to present their latest donation of $1,046 for our Cancer Patient Support Fund. The fund helps provide a financial safety net for cancer patients and their families, allowing them to focus on healing. The gift represents employee contributions and proceeds from an October sale of breast cancer awareness t-shirts, designed by employees. Since 2018, Rosenberger has given more than $11,000 to support our patients. We are so grateful for their generosity.

The SPIRIT OF GIVING is overflowing this week as Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health employees dropped off gifts to be distributed to more than 100 co-workers and their families facing serious or emergent needs this holiday season. This is the 19th year for the anonymous giving program which relies entirely on the generosity and compassion of our employees. 🎁