A relentless pursuit of excellence in cardiac care has once again earned the Oklahoma Heart Hospital (OHH) a national ranking as one of 50 top cardiovascular hospitals by IBM’s Watson Health study, previously known as the Truven Health Analytics study.
“Although this is the fifth time OHH has been ranked one of the top heart hospitals in the nation, it’s our patients who are the real winners,” said Peggy Tipton, RN, OHH’s chief operating officer. “We set the bar extremely high – aiming to lead the nation in all areas of cardiac care. Our physicians and co-workers work together as a team to provide the best heart care.”
The 50 hospitals in the Watson Health study scored higher than their peers on clinical outcomes for heart attack and heart failure treatments, as well as coronary bypass and angioplasty surgeries. The hospitals performed better on mortality and complications, as well as 30-day mortality and readmissions. On average, their procedures cost less and patients had shorter hospitals stays.
For results, Watson Health uses the most recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data from the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review files, CMS Hospital Compare and Medicare cost reports. With the data, the company produces the only study of its kind in identifying the best health systems in the nation. Health systems do not apply for consideration, and winners do not pay to market their award.
“While there are many published rankings of hospitals, the Watson Health survey is one of the most highly regarded by the health care industry,” said Dr. Brook Scott, OHH’s chief medical officer. “Being named one of the 50 top heart hospitals, and one of only 15 community-based hospitals, is a tremendous achievement.”
Oklahoma Heart Hospital, a physician-owned hospital, partners with Mercy and operates two hospitals with a combined 143 beds in Oklahoma City and many clinics throughout Oklahoma.
“Oklahoma Heart Hospital cares for Oklahomans across the state, and we are committed to providing the best care anywhere,” said Dr. John Harvey, OHH president and chief executive officer.

Date/ Day/ Location/ Time/ Registration #/ Instructor

Jan 4/ Thursday/ Okla. City/ 9 am – 3:30 pm/ 951-2277/ Varacchi
Integris 3rd Age Life Center – 5100 N. Brookline, Suite 100
Jan 8/ Monday/ Midwest City/ 9 am – 3:30 pm/ 473-9239/ Williams
First Christian Church – 11950 E. Reno Ave.
Jan 9/ Tuesday/ Yukon/ 9 am – 3:30 pm/ 350-7680/ Kruck
Dale Robertson Center – 1200 Lakeshore Dr.
Jan 9/ Tuesday/ Midwest City/ 9 am – 3:30 pm/ 691-4091/ Palinsky
Rose State Conventional Learning Center – 6191 Tinker Diagonal
Jan 10/ Wednesday/ Mustang/ 9 am – 3:30 pm/ 376-3411/ Kruck
Mustang Senior Center – 1201 N. Mustang Rd.
Jan 12/ Friday/ Okla. City/ 9 am – 3:30 pm/ 951-2277/ Edwards
S.W. Medical Center – 4200 S. Douglas, Suite B-10
Jan 23/ Tuesday/ Okla. City/ 9 am – 3:30 pm/ 773-6910/ Kruck
Healthy Living – 11501 N. Rockwell
Jan 24/ Wednesday/ Norman/ 9 am – 3:30 pm/ 515-8300/ Schaumburg Silver Elms Estate – 2100 36th Ave. N.W.
Jan 24/ Wednesday/ OKC/ 9 am – 3:30 pm/ 751-3600/ Palinsky Fountains of Cantebery (Town Center Rm – 1404 N.W. 122nd St.
Jan 29/ Monday/ Shawnee/ 9:30 am – 3:45 pm/ 818-2916/ Brase Shawnee Senior Center – 401 S. Bell St.
The prices for the classes are: $15 for AARP members and $20 for Non-AARP. Call John Palinsky, zone coordinator for the Oklahoma City area at 405-691-4091 or send mail to: johnpalinsky@sbcglobal.net

“3rd Annual Garden Boot Camp presented by Oklahoma Gardeners Association will be held Saturdays, January 27, February 3, and February 10, 2018, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm, at Will Rogers Exhibition Center, 3400 NW 36th Street, OKC. Three Saturdays filled with a wide range of gardening information presented by horticultural specialist from around our State. Great to give as a gift to family and friends. Gift Certificates available now. $45 for all 3 Saturdays. For more information or to register, visit our website, www.okgardeners.org or call 694-8456. Seating limited. Deadline for registration is January 12, 2018”.
Oklahoma Gardeners Association is a 501c3 organization. Thier mission is to educate the public using sound research-based horticultural information. We offer children’ programs, informational tables at fairs, garden shows and other events, and speakers who make presentations at various organizational meetings and garden shows in addition to the annual Garden Boot Camp in January and February each year to give gardeners information to start their gardening season right.

Make a Difference Volunteering for Resident’s in Long-Term Care

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program serves residents in nursing homes, assisted living centers and residential care homes. An Ombudsman helps to improve the quality of care and life for the residents living in long-term care communities. As a friendly visitor and advocate, the volunteer has many opportunities to be of service and enrich the lives of the residents. Many residents never have a visitor after moving to a long-term care facility.
If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of residents in Canadian, Cleveland, Logan or Oklahoma Counties, we have opportunities waiting for you. If you are willing to be that friendly face and advocacy helper, it only takes a desire to be the difference in someone’s life. Potential volunteers are required to complete a two-day training class, become designated to a facility, attend a once a month educational training meeting, and commit to a minimum of only 2 hours per week visiting with residents. Sound simple? It is! Such a small sacrifice to make a huge impact in the lives of so many. Our aging community deserves a happy life. Will you help deliver some happiness?
The next training will be January 24th & 25th, 2018 held at Areawide Aging Agency, located at 4101 Perimeter Center Drive, Suite 310, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. There is no cost involved and refreshments will be served, but lunch is on your own. Each day classes begin at 9:00 a.m. and will adjourn at 3:00 p.m. This is a FREE 2-day training. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, or just want to learn more about the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, please RSVP by January 17,2018. Please contact Ombudsman Supervisor Tonya VanScoyoc, (405)942-8500. Hurry!! There’s limited seating so register to attend in order to save your seat.