We are ready to launch!!!

We are happy to announce our Hospitalist Program that will launch this week. With a hospitalist on staff, we will be able to provide a higher level of care to patients that might have previously been transferred to the metroplex. The hospitalist will work with your primary care provider to ensure you have the same personal experience that makes being a patient at GRMC special.

Now to introduce the Hospitalists.

Dr. Julia Hutchinson

We are excited to welcome Dr. Julia Hutchinson back to Glen Rose Medical Center.   Dr. Hutchinson was an Internal Medicine with our team from 2007-2016.  Since then, she has been in San Angelo, Texas working as a hospitalist and caring for patients in an inpatient and ICU setting.   She is excited about coming home and heading up our hospitalist program at Glen Rose Medical Center.

Dr. Hutchinson is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician.  She received her degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine.   Dr. Hutchinson is passionate about delivering exceptional and personal cae to all adult patients in the hospital setting, especially the elderly.  She brings a wealth of experience in acute illness and chronic disease management.

Dr. Hutchinson and her husband enjoy spending time at home with their four-legged children and traveling.

Dr. Paul Borgfeld

Please Welcome, Dr. Paul Borgfeld to our team at Glen Rose Medical Center.   Dr. Borgfeld is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine physician.  Dr. Borgfeld brings more than 38 years of experience, joining our team as a hospitalist alongside Dr. Julia Hutchinson.

Dr. Borgfeld received his degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas.   He is coming to us from San Angelo, Texas where he has been a hospitalist caring for patients in the Intensive Care Unit since 2008.  Dr. Borgfeld is skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide variety of illnesses and disorders in adult and adolescent patients.

Dr. Borgfeld and his wife, Beth have two sons and three grandchildren.   When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with family, photography, and traveling.

We are happy to announce Glen Rose Medical Center (GRMC) was awarded a grant under the Rural Hospitals, COVID -19 in Healthcare Relief Grant Program.  Glen Rose Medical Center searches for revenue streams other than traditional payer sources and tax payer dollars to enhance care to our patients by bringing cutting edge technology. GRMC is expanding and growing to better serve our community’s healthcare needs.

Michael Honea, CEO of Glen Rose Medical Center realized an opportunity to improve our radiology department by delineating a portion of the grant funds to upgrade our current CT Scanner  to a 64 Slice. A 64-Slice CT imaging scanner allows for the convenient and non – invasive diagnosis and screening of coronary disease (heart blockages). By utilizing a portion of the grant for the CT, we were able to allocate funds to upgrade our current 2D mammography machine to the most current technology 3D mammography machine. A 3D mammogram can detect up to 40 percent more cancers than a 2D mammography machine.

The remainder of the grant will focus on upgrading our inpatient nurse’s station to allow better work flow and visibility of the unit. This is the beginning phase of a “Step Down” care area that will allow a higher level of care for our patients. A “Step Down” unit is between an ICU and typical inpatient hospital stay.

Another exciting addition includes developing and employing a hospitalist program, this will allow for continuity of care during a hospital stay. The Hospitalist at GRMC will assist our physicians in caring for our patients allowing a more acute care patient stay in Glen Rose closer to family and friends. A Hospitalist can also admit patients from the Emergency Room, patients that typically have to be transferred to a healthcare facility in the Metroplex will be able to stay at GRMC.

We are thrilled to offer the new services to our community. We are a growing community and hope to add more services and upgrades in the future.

Please join us Thursday October 27th 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. in the lobby of Glen Rose Medical Center, to meet our team.

We would like to invite you to the team at GRMC. Come take a tour, test drive the DaVinci Surgical Robot, talk to our department team leaders and find out about all the services available at GRMC. We will have goodies, food and lots of friendly smiling faces to answer all questions related to Glen Rose Medical Center and our Physician Clinic Group.

We look forward to seeing you seeing you on October 27th.

PRESS RELEASE: COVID-19 UPDATE

January 26, 2022

Good evening!

My apologies for not giving an update sooner.  Thing have been quite busy over the last 3 weeks due to the surge of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant.  According to CDC and Texas data, almost 100% of current COVID cases are being caused by the Omicron variant.   The data shows that patients infected with this virus are, in general, less sick than with Delta, or other variants.  Obviously, it is still making some patients very sick, as hospitalizations continue to be elevated across all of Texas at this time.

As of 01/25/2022, Somervell County has experienced 1925 total known cases of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic.  Somervell County has recorded a total of 31 deaths attributable to COVID-19 infections and our current active case report is around 170-190 patients.  The case fatality rate in Somervell County is 1.61%.  Statewide case fatality is 1.38%.  Both of these numbers have started to drop due to the high volume of new cases, and relatively low number of fatalities due to Omicron.  Despite this, January 2022 is tied with August 2021 for the most fatalities in a single month for our county (5).  The majority of deaths in Texas are above age 50.

Most of the illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths in the state and locally, are occurring in unvaccinated individuals.  The data shows that 80% of hospitalizations, 90% of ICU/ventilator patients, and 98%+ of fatalities are occurring in unvaccinated patients.  Due to the increase contagiousness of the Omicron variant, more vaccinated individuals are experiencing breakthrough cases.  In general though, these patients are not getting very ill, although there is an exception to every rule.  Data confirms that the length of time since being vaccinated is likely to increase the risk of infection.  This is the rationale for booster shot recommendations, and, it appears that higher antibody levels are correlated strongly with less breakthrough infections.  New research has shown that a booster protects patients from Omicron for at least 4 months after the booster.

Booster shots are widely available.  Anyone age 12 and up, is eligible for a booster shot 5 months after receiving their second shot of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or their first shot of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.  Data is showing that changing vaccines can improve immunity, especially for patients who started out taking the J&J vaccine.

The most current numbers are found at: https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus then click on the button that says TEXAS CASE COUNTS.  This website will be the most consistent place to get information regarding local and statewide numbers.  Please note that the state is no longer providing a count of “active” cases.  The number above, is a calculation that I am performing locally.

Hospitalizations are stabilizing statewide.  ICU beds continue to be filled at a higher rate than hospital beds in general.  About 1 out of every 4 COVID patients in the hospital is in a ICU bed.  Over 2,700 hospital ICU beds are currently caring for patient ill with COVID-19.  There is a total of 13,291 COVID-19 patients currently admitted to Texas hospitals.  1,551 Texans are currently on ventilators due to the severity of their COVID-19 infection.

Patients continue to have a much higher risk of complications and/or death from the disease, compared to the risk of complications from the vaccines.  If you would like to get vaccinated, please start by calling your doctor’s office, or your pharmacy.  Vaccines are readily available at this time for anyone aged 5 and up.

Monoclonal antibody treatments are no longer available locally.  For very high risk patients, sotrovimab is available in the metroplex, and your doctor should be able to help get you on the list if you qualify.  Other treatments, such as Paxlovid, remdesivir, and molnupiravir are also hard to find.  They should be reserved for our highest risk patients, especially those high risk patients who are not vaccinated.

If you choose to not be vaccinated, and have not had the disease, avoiding crowds/social distancing, especially indoors, good hand hygiene, and masking up are still the best ways to avoid getting any version of the virus causing COVID-19.

Data continues to suggest that immunity from surviving the disease is more effective than vaccination in the short term.  Unfortunately, there is no effective way of proving how long that immunity will last.  Many patients have no detectable antibodies as soon as 4-5 months after infection.  At a year out from infection, as few as 15% of patients have detectable antibody levels.  Disease survivors can still get vaccinated, and in fact, it is recommended.  Patients who have had the disease, and subsequently get vaccinated, have the strongest immunity, according to the most current data that I have seen.

Some things haven’t changed….to help protect our community, if you are ill, please do not go to work/school/out to shop.  Parents, please do not send your children to school when they are sick.

Masks are not perfect, but if you are ill and must go out, wearing a mask will help decrease the chance that you could infect someone else in you community or household.  N-95 or KN95 masks are preferred, with disposable surgical masks next in line.  Cloth masks/gaiters are the least effective, but still are better than nothing.

The good news, is that the Omicron variant may have peaked already, both in Somervell County and in Texas.  Compared to this time last week, active cases seem to have dropped by about 22.5% in our county.  I hope that this trend will continue.

Stay safe, and thank you for taking the time to read this!

Steven J Vacek, M.D.

Glen Rose HealthCare Inc.

Somervell County Local Health Authority

In light of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, please keep in mind that our emergency rooms (ERs) and urgent care centers are for those needing higher levels of care. Thank you for your understanding and for helping us ensure our facilities are ready for those who need care most during this time.

If you are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms, please contact your primary care physician for available testing in a clinical setting.

If a member of your household, friend or loved one has tested positive for Covid and you have had direct contact with them and are experiencing Covid-like symptoms assume you are also positive for Covid.  Please follow CDC guidelines for quarantine.  Please seek medical attention if you become seriously ill, have difficulty breathing or condition has worsened.

We urge the community to help us and each other by getting vaccinated, getting boosted, distancing and wearing a mask.

January 3, 2022

For Immediate Release:

Concord Medical Group is extremely excited to begin its partnership with Glen Rose Medical Center (GRMC) to provide Emergency Department care for their facility in Glen Rose, TX. The partnership with Concord, which began on December 1, 2021, ensures 24-hour Emergency Department coverage for patients in Somervell County and the surrounding areas.

Concord’s ED partnership with GRMC brings new, highly qualified, emergency physicians to Glen Rose to continue Concord’s proven track record of exceptional patient care. The emergency providers have been thoroughly vetted and understand the needs of the community around Glen Rose. These physicians also place the highest degree of importance on the courteous and professional treatment of patients.

In addition to the highest level of patient service, patients will have a better billing experience as Concord honors balance billing laws and the No Surprises Act to ensure patients will not receive requests for high out of pocket payments beyond allowable amounts as determined by any applicable deductibles and co-pays.  Patients who have questions about their bill or service will have a direct line to a Concord representative and are encouraged to reach out to ensure that their experience at GRMC is exceptional.

Customer Service Driven Medical Care is at the heart of Concord’s foundation as a practice group. We believe that thorough, clear, accurate, and kind communication is essential.  Concord brings the feel of hospitality to healthcare without sacrificing efficiency. From the beginning, our collaborative success starts simply by treating people right.

Concord Medical Group is a physician-owned and operated organization. Since its inception in 2001, Concord continues to be a leader in quality emergency department provider management.

Quote:

“We’re extremely excited to partner with Glen Rose Medical Center. Concord has always strived to provide the highest quality of care possible to the communities that we serve. Glen Rose Medical Center’s commitment to increasing patient satisfaction fits perfectly with our mission and vision for the community in and around Glen Rose.” 

  – Kyle Sheets, MD, Founder and CEO

PRESS RELEASE: COVID-19 UPDATE

December 27, 2021

For Immediate release.

There is now ample evidence that the only monoclonal antibody infusion with activity against the Omicron variant is sotrovimab.  At Glen Rose Medical Center, we do not have this infusion available.  The federal and state governments have asked for a pause on the usage of the Regen-Cov2 monoclonal antibody infusion, as well as the bamlanivimad/etesivimab monoclonal antibody infusion.

When sotrovimab is available locally, we will announce it, but there is a very limited supply nationally.  I am not optimistic that we will get any in the near future.  It is being given in the metroplex, but they are inundated with requests, and have now paused that infusion as well.  It appears demand is far out pacing supply.

We will try to keep you informed as information is changing rapidly.

Thank you for your time,

Dr. Steven J. Vacek MD

PRESS RELEASE: COVID-19 UPDATE

December 22, 2021

Merry Christmas!

Time for an update.

We are very rapidly moving into a wintertime COVID-19 surge fueled by the emergence of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.  Last week, the percentage of new cases in the US attributed to Omicron jumped from 12% to 73% in just a week, after being just 3% the previous week.  This is incredibly rapid growth, but fits with the pattern seen in South Africa, where this variant was first discovered.  Here in Texas, Omicron has been seen in the Houston metro area, and I am certain it is elsewhere in the state by now.  The first fatality attributed to Omicron in the country occurred in the Houston area this week.  It is too early to know for sure, but the experience with this version of COVID-19 suggests it is less likely to cause hospitalization or death than previous variants.

As of 12/22/2021, Somervell County has experienced 1547 total cases of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic.  Somervell County has recorded a total of 26 deaths attributable to COVID-19 infections and our current active case report is up to 31 patients.  The case fatality rate in Somervell County is 1.68%.  Statewide case fatality is 1.67%.  The majority of deaths in Texas are above age 50.  In Texas, 117 children have died from COVID-19 infections, 14 under age 1 year old, 23 between ages 1-9, and 80 between ages 10-19.  In Somervell County, our current active case load is 29.  We have been on a gradual increase during the last 2 weeks, but not as aggressive of an increase as the state is currently experiencing.

Most of the illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths in the state and locally, are occurring in unvaccinated individuals.  Due to the increase contagiousness of the Omicron variant, more vaccinated individuals are experiencing breakthrough cases.  Data suggests that the length of time since being vaccinated is likely to increase the risk of infection.  This is the rationale for booster shot recommendations, and.  It appears that higher antibody levels are correlated strongly with less breakthrough infections.

Booster shots are widely available.  Anyone older than 16 years old is eligible for a booster shot 6 months after receiving their second shot of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or their first shot of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.  Data is showing that changing vaccines can improve immunity, especially for patients who started out taking the J&J vaccine.  Currently there is no recommendation for booster shots under the age of 16.

The most current numbers are found at: https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus then click on the button that says TEXAS CASE COUNTS.  This website will be the most consistent place to get information regarding local and statewide numbers.

Hospitalizations are very slowly increasing statewide.  ICU beds continue to be filled at a higher rate than hospital beds in general.  About 1 out of every 3 COVID patients in the hospital is in a ICU bed.  Over 1,000 hospital ICU beds are currently caring for patient ill with COVID-19.

CDC recommendations for vaccinated individuals are that they should wear masks indoors.  If you are a person with significant risk factor for serious COVID-19 disease, this is still prudent advice.  However, based upon risk, it might be more important for vaccinated individuals to mask up in high-risk indoor settings, such as a poorly ventilated room, and/or a large crowd relative to room size.  Outdoors, masking is not recommended.  For unvaccinated individuals, masks are recommended in all indoor settings.

Patients continue to have a much higher risk of complications and/or death from the disease, compared to the risk of complications from the vaccines.  If you would like to get vaccinated, please start by calling your doctor’s office, or your pharmacy.  Vaccines are readily available at this time for anyone aged 5 and up.

Monoclonal antibody treatments continue to be widely available.  Data specific to the Omicron variant is not yet available, but early data suggest that the Mab treatments will continue to be helpful in decreasing hospitalization or death rates for high-risk individuals.

At Glen Rose Medical Center, there is a steady supply of monoclonal antibody infusions being administered.  If you contract COVID-19, and are interested in this treatment option, please contact your doctor’s office.  People who meet the CDC definition of high risk (65+, obese, diabetes, hypertension, etc), can use monoclonal antibody treatment for prevention of infection.  These patients need to bring proof of infection for the person that they were exposed to (with that person’s permission of course).

If you choose to not be vaccinated, and have not had the disease, avoiding crowds/social distancing, especially indoors, good hand hygiene, and masking up are the best bet to avoid getting any version of the virus causing COVID-19.

GRISD currently is off for Christmas break.  Prior to semester break starting there were a handful of cases noted.

Texas DSHS recommendations include exclusion from school or work while ill with COVID-19.  Really, this is prudent behavior for anyone with a respiratory illness.  Exclusion shall continue until the readmission criteria for the conditions are met. The readmission criteria for COVID-19 is as follows:

If symptomatic, exclude until at least 10 days have passed since symptom onset, and fever free*, and other symptoms have improved. Children who test positive for COVID-19 but do not have any symptoms must stay home until at least 10 days after the day they were tested.

*Fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever suppressing medications. Fever is a temperature of 100° Fahrenheit (37.8° Celsius) or higher.

Texas DSHS recommendations for close contacts of known COVID-19 cases are as follows:

Stay home for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19

Watch for fever (100.4◦F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19

And if possible, stay away from people you live with, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19

There are alternative recommendations that might be less optimal with a more transmissible or more severe strain of COVID-19, especially during high levels of community transmission.  This could include return to school or work on day 7 or 8, if asymptomatic, and a negative PCR or NAAT test performed after post exposure day 5.

Please do not send your children to school if they are sick.  This is sound advice for many infections, not just COVID-19.

Generally, I am an optimistic person.  Good data is still hard to get.  I am optimistic that we might be getting closer to herd immunity, as the combination of vaccinated individuals, and survivors of the disease, continues to grow as a percentage of the population.  Unfortunately, only time will tell for sure.

Data continues to suggest that immunity from surviving the disease is more effective than vaccination in the short term.  Unfortunately, there is no effective way of proving how long that immunity will last.  Many patients have no detectable antibodies as soon as 4-5 months after infection.  At a year out from infection, as few as 15% of patients have detectable antibody levels.  Disease survivors can still get vaccinated, and in fact, it is recommended.  Patients who have had the disease, and subsequently get vaccinated, have the strongest immunity, according to the most current data that I have seen.

Stay safe and thank you for taking the time to read this!

Steven J Vacek, M.D.

Glen Rose HealthCare Inc.

Somervell County Local Health Authority