For years, Sylvia learned to work around chronic back pain.

The 67-year-old Fort Lupton resident said discomfort had been part of her life for decades, but it became significantly worse during the last 10 years.

"If I cleaned the bathroom or vacuumed the floor, I was in bed for the next day and a half," Sylvia said. “I was always in pain."

Like many people with ongoing back pain, Sylvia believed arthritis was largely to blame. She managed symptoms with medications for years until stomach issues forced her to stop one of the treatments she relied on. 

Seeking answers, she visited a pain management clinic, where imaging revealed a more complex issue and led to a referral to Frank Walch, MD, a spine surgeon at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette.

Dr. Walch reviewed her diagnosis and discussed several treatment options. After learning more about her condition and the likely progression without intervention, Sylvia decided to move forward with a new style of minimally invasive spinal fusion procedure at the L5-S1 level of her spine.

"I wanted to spend my retirement years being able to care for my great-grandchildren," she said. "I wanted to help my family and enjoy my life."

Before surgery, Sylvia focused on preparing physically by building core strength with chair exercises and following her care team's recommendations to stay active. She underwent surgery in July 2025, spent one night in the hospital, and returned home the following afternoon.

"I was shocked at how minimally invasive it was," Sylvia said. "It was less invasive than I even thought it would be."

Her recovery required patience and discipline. For six weeks, she avoided bending, twisting, and lifting before beginning physical therapy. She continued her exercises on her own after formal therapy ended and credits that commitment for helping her achieve a strong recovery.

One year later, Sylvia said the results have exceeded her expectations.

Today, she regularly walks a mile with her husband and their greyhounds, manages stairs without difficulty, and helps her daughter with household tasks. Most importantly, she can care for her three great-grandchildren, something she wasn't physically able to do before surgery.

"I can get up and down in the pickup truck. I go for walks with my husband. I can go up and down the stairs 10 times a day and I'm okay," she said. "I could not do that before."

Sylvia admits she initially had concerns about spine surgery. She had heard negative stories over the years but chose to focus on the information provided by her care team and advances in modern surgical techniques. 
"Medical care has come so far," she said. "A lot of the horror stories people hear are from years ago when procedures were much more invasive."

Looking back, Sylvia believes preparation, a positive attitude, and having a care team she could trust played an important role in her success.

"It has been life-changing," she said.

For Sylvia, success isn't measured by scans or medical appointments. It's measured in everyday moments, from walking the dogs to spending time with family.

"Now I can take care of my great-grandchildren, help my family and enjoy my retirement," she said. "That's what matters most." 
 

When 67-year-old Maureen Morgan considered scheduling a colon cancer screening last fall, she hesitated. She wasn’t eager to go through the preparation required for a colonoscopy, so she opted for an at home stool test instead.

That choice to be screened, she says, saved her life.

The test detected precancerous signs and led to a follow-up colonoscopy, where Intermountain Health doctors removed several small polyps. A larger one could not be removed in-office and required a larger procedure at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital. While surgeons were able to remove most of the mass, pathology later confirmed it was cancer.

“Obviously, when the big one turned out to be cancer, that was very scary,” Morgan said. “It was hard for me to tell my children. They are my support system.”

Morgan was soon referred to Dr. Adam Bulter, chief and medical director of surgery at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital. Imaging brought relief — the cancer had not spread, and surgery was scheduled.

Dr. Bulter performed the operation using a minimally invasive surgery using the latest robotic technology that allows surgeons to remove her appendix, 21 lymphnnodes, and three feet of her colon.

“Her story is a powerful reminder of why screening matters, especially during Colon Cancer Awareness Month,” Bulter said. “Finding cancer early gives us more options, including minimally invasive robotic surgery, which reduces trauma to the body and helps patients recover more quickly. Maureen truly benefited from that approach.”

Despite the extent of the operation, Morgan said the recovery was far easier than she imagined.

“I can’t really say it was horrible pain,” she said. “I only needed one oxycodone in the hospital. After that, it was just an over the counter pain reliever.”

A self-described workaholic, Morgan was back to working a few hours from home shortly after returning from the hospital and has since transitioned back to working in the office. She continues to regain stamina and takes regular walks with her daughter and their dogs.

Her family, she said, played a vital role in her healing.

“My older daughter camped out here for two weeks,” Morgan said. “She knows her mama will try to do things she shouldn’t do. They were amazing, making sure I took my medicine and was eating enough.”

Morgan says her care team also made a tremendous difference.

“Dr. Bulter was amazing. My caregivers in the hospital were great,” she said. “I feel very blessed. I thank my family and thank the Lord that I’m still here.”

As part of Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Morgan hopes her story encourages others not to delay screening. Current guidelines recommend beginning routine screening at age 45.

“Just get screened,” she said. “Do an at home test or go for the colonoscopy. That few hours of discomfort could be worth your life. Get tested early and act quickly. Don’t let it sit.”

Intermountain Health will host four Heart Health Fairs on Friday, Feb. 6 across Colorado to kick off National Heart Month, reminding the community that good heart health can be a team sport.

The events in Denver, Grand Junction, Lafayette and Wheat Ridge, will give community members education and tools to help them improve heart health.

Abbie Donaldson, RN, is the chest pain coordinator at Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital and spent several years working in the cardiac intensive care unit and cardiac cath lab. She said knowing that individuals can make a difference in heart health has inspired her work.   

“With risk factor modification and educating the community on heart attack care and CPR, we can come together, and we can take actionable measures to help people save lives,” she said.  

At the health fair, people can practice hands-only CPR. Donaldson said accurate, aggressive CPR started on someone who has suffered a cardiac event outside the hospital increases that person’s chance of survival by 85-90%. They also can see a demonstration of an automated external defibrillator (AED) that can be lifesaving when used with someone who has lethal heart arrythmia.   

“The best thing to do when someone suffers from a cardiac event is to start CPR, call for help and have someone go find an AED nearby,” Donaldson said.   

Other topics covered at the health fairs will include:  

• Smoking cessation
• Symptoms of heart attack or stroke
• Stroke education and prevention
• Heart-healthy exercise
• Mindfulness and stress reduction
• Blood pressure screening
• Hands-only CPR and AED demonstrations
• Nutrition and healthy snacks
• American Heart Association information and more. 

Health fairs will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6 at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital, 200 Exempla Circle, Lafayette; Lutheran Hospital, 12911 W. 40th Ave., Wheat Ridge; and Saint Joseph Hospital, 1375 E. 19th Ave., Denver. In Grand Junction at Intermountain Health St. Mary's Regional Hospital, 2635 N. 7th St., the event is 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 6.

Organizers encourage everyone to Wear Red for the day to celebrate the kickoff of National Heart Month.

Note: If members of the media want to attend, please contact Sara Quale, sara.quale@imail.org or call 970-310-3749, to coordinate.    

Desarom Teso MD, a vascular surgeon with Intermountain Health, knows that when patients come to see him, they may have life- or limb-saving decisions to make.

Dr. Teso is an expert in identifying and treating conditions affecting arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels—the network responsible for circulating blood and fluids throughout the body to keep it functioning.

When something impedes that movement, Dr. Teso understands the potential gravity of the situation. His philosophy in those moments is to provide the right education and guidance so together he and his patients can make the best decisions.

“I strive to treat each patient as a family member and to guide them throughout their journey to healing,” Dr. Teso said.

This month Dr. Teso and Intermountain Health opened the Intermountain Health Lafayette Vascular Surgery Clinic. The clinic is located at 340 Exempla Circle in Lafayette on the campus of Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital. Previously, he worked at Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction, and at Columbia Network Vascular Surgery in Vancouver, Wash. 

Dr. Teso delivers comprehensive, high-quality care for individuals with arterial and venous disorders, including arterial occlusive disease, aneurysmal disease, varicose veins, vascular trauma, dialysis access, deep vein thrombosis, and leg swelling. 

The practice ensures prompt appointments, utilizes advanced diagnostic tools, and provides a complete range of treatment options from minimally invasive techniques to complex surgical procedures.

Dr. Teso, a fellowship-trained vascular surgeon with over 15 years of experience, serves as the program's site lead surgeon. His expertise includes limb preservation and complex aneurysm repair. Dr. Teso is fluent in both Lao and English.

Tej Singh, MD, Intermountain Health’s regional medical director for Vascular Services and Cardiovascular Services in Western Colorado, supports the program. Dr. Singh is dual board-certified in vascular and general surgery and focuses on carotid, aortic, and venous diseases.

The vascular clinic is fully staffed with specialized and mid-level caregivers, a vascular laboratory, operating room and endovascular suite, and advanced vascular and wound care services.

“This team just achieved Vascular Verification status at Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction, making it the first community-based hospital in America to receive verification by the American College of Surgeons and the Society for Vascular Surgery,” said Dr. Singh. “We are excited to expand our expertise and bring that same level of quality, service, and the esteemed reputation for excellent patient care to vascular patients on the Front Range.”

For more information about the Intermountain Health Lafayette Vascular Surgery Clinic, please call 303-272-0500.

Intermountain Health has once again earned recognition as one of the nation’s safest health systems for patients, according to  the Leapfrog Group, a national healthcare safety and quality measurement organization that recently  unveiled its 2025 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades. 

This national recognition highlights Intermountain Health’s commitment to the safety of its patients and caregivers by prioritizing processes to prevent patient harm and medical errors.  

Of the 20 Intermountain hospitals evaluated by Leapfrog, 14 received an “A” while six Intermountain hospitals earned a “B” rating, underscoring Intermountain’s consistent safety performance across all communities and a commitment to continuous improvement. 

The Leapfrog survey considered anything that could bring possible harm to patients, such as infections, medical errors, accidents, or injuries. The Leapfrog survey also examines processes and tools that hospitals have in place to prevent harm in the first place. 

It then assigns an “A” through “F” grade, based on the hospital’s performance. 

2025 "A" Safety Grade hospitals include:

• Intermountain Health American Fork Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital (Lafayette, Colo.)
• Intermountain Medical Center (Murray, Utah)
• Intermountain Health LDS Hospital (Salt Lake City)
• Intermountain Health Logan Regional Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital (Wheat Ridge, Colo.)
• Intermountain Health McKay-Dee Hospital (Ogden, Utah)
• Intermountain Health Park City Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health Riverton Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health Spanish Fork Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital (Billings, Mont.)
• Intermountain Health Utah Valley Hospital (Provo, Utah)

 “These results speak to the dedication of every caregiver and leader at Intermountain, and to our shared commitment to being national leaders in clinical excellence,” said Cara Camiolo, MD, chief quality & safety officer for Intermountain Health. “Whether a hospital achieved an ‘A’ or made meaningful gains this cycle, each story points to the same aspiration: progress happens when every person, in every role, owns their part in advancing safety, reliability, and better outcomes for our patients.” 

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 22 national measures of patient safety from CMS, NHSN, and the Leapfrog Hospital Survey to assess how well hospitals protect patients from preventable harm and medical errors. The survey methodology has been peer reviewed and published in the Journal of Patient Safety. Intermountain Health caregivers are continually training for all aspects of patient safety in healthcare. 

There are also protocols in place that encourage caregivers to speak up and raise concerns if they see something which could put someone at risk, noted Dr. Camilio. 

To see the full Leapfrog list of hospitals and their grades, go to https://www.hospitalsafetygrade.org/. 

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Children coming to the hospital for emergency medical care may look and act like small humans, but their needs – especially in a medical emergency – greatly differ from adults. 

That’s the premise behind Colorado Pediatric Preparedness for the Emergency Room (COPPER). 

Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette is now recognized as a COPPER Pediatric Advanced designated hospital. Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction also carries the designation.   

The COPPER designation underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing exceptional medical care to children in emergency situations. The certification, awarded by the Emergency Medical Services for Children program, ensures the highest standards of safety and preparedness for those young patients.  

Intermountain Good Samaritan Hospital caregivers began the journey a year ago by updating policies, obtaining specialized equipment, and ensuring caregivers participated in ongoing education. The team had elements in place to address the unique needs of children in emergencies, and this recognition reinforces that commitment.   

“We are proud of the strides we have made in pediatric care and the positive impact it has on our communities,” said Jannice Juliano, regional service line director for emergency and trauma care for Intermountain Health. 

Juliano is the former emergency department director for Intermountain St. Mary’s Hospital and helped lead that team to achieve the designation.   

Pediatric patients comprise more than 5% of the overall annual volume of patients treated in the Good Samaritan Hospital emergency room, but those patients have unique needs. 

“It’s a lower volume, high risk population for us,” said Marian Dirks, emergency department director at Intermountain Good Samaritan Hospital. “We want to make sure that we are focused on the things we need to do for the pediatric population because they’re not just small adults.”  

Intermountain Health, which has 34 hospitals in six states, continues to support pediatric readiness efforts across the system including regular meetings with the pediatric emergency care coordinators.

Four certified nurse midwives have joined Intermountain Health in Colorado to enhance obstetrics and gynecology care in the Boulder County with their personalized approach to care and commitment to helping women with low-intervention, natural childbirth. 

Virginial Nagel, CNM, Meagann Little, CNM, Jacy Jeffrey-Howe, CNM, and Valorie Hauck-Sorensen, CNM, together bring more than 40 years of experience and a personalized approach in helping patients navigate the different stages of their health journeys. 

The four see patients at Lafayette Women’s Clinic-OB-GYN, 300 Exempla Circle, Suite 470, Lafayette; and Superior Clinic-OB-GYN, 3 Superior Drive, Suite 400, Superior. They will deliver babies at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital. 

Nagel said the openness, tools, and support from Good Samaritan caregivers toward low-intervention birth influenced her decision to move her practice to Intermountain Health.  

“Each room at Good Samaritan has birthing tubs where moms can labor,” she said. “They also have birthing balls, peanut balls and support bars for when mom gets tired during labor.” 

She added that if a laboring mother chooses to have medication for pain relief, the hospital has anesthesiology in house 24/7. 

“How well trained the staff members are to support natural birth surprised me,” Nagel said.  

If specialized care is needed for the baby after the delivery, Good Samaritan offers a neonatal intensive care unit, and the parents would be nearby. 

Virginia Nagel, CNM, came to Intermountain Health from another local health system and is dedicated to empowering women through education and compassionate care at every stage of life. Focused on providing comprehensive OB/GYN care, she takes a holistic approach to women’s health, supporting her patients through all phases of life—from adolescence and family planning to pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. 

Outside of her practice, Virginia is an empty nester who enjoys everything about the outdoors, including hiking, camping, and reading a good book on the beach. 

Meagann Little, CNM, joined Intermountain Health in April with more than 10 years of experience providing midwifery care in Boulder County. She supports women through all stages of their lives, from adolescence to menopause and beyond. 

Her clinical interests include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), where she works closely with patients to manage hormonal imbalances and symptoms related to menopause, providing personalized care to optimize health and quality of life. Additionally, Little is passionate about normal physiologic birth, advocating for women to experience childbirth in the most natural and empowering way possible while offering education, support, and guidance throughout the pregnancy and delivery process. 

Outside of her practice, Meagann enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and daughter, skiing, and cruising for vacation. 

Valorie Hauck-Sorensen, CNM, joined Intermountain Health on May 5. She is a certified nurse-midwife committed to providing comprehensive, personalized care for women throughout every stage of life. She offers the full scope of midwifery services, including prenatal care, labor and birth support, postpartum care, well-woman exams, family planning, and menopause management. 

When she's not in the clinic or attending a birth, Hauck-Sorensen enjoys going to the mountains, traveling, belly dancing, and scrapbooking. 

Jacy Jeffrey-Howe, CNM, also joined Intermountain Health on May 5. She is a certified nurse-midwife who provides compassionate, evidence-based care to women and families of all ages and stages.  She is passionate about partnering with patients to understand their bodies better and feel empowered in making decisions for themselves and their families.  

Jeffrey-Howe supports patients through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, and offers a full range of midwifery services including prenatal care, labor and delivery support, postpartum care, contraception counseling, and annual wellness exams.  

Ezra Cornell, fundador de Western Union y cofundador de la Universidad de Cornell, dijo: “La ociosidad es para la mente humana lo que el óxido es para el hierro”.

Con este pensamiento en mente, los cuidadores del Good Samaritan Hospital de Intermountain Health en Lafayette ayudan a los pacientes mayores a fortalecerse en una nueva unidad hospitalaria llamada Atención de Cuidados Intensivos para Personas Mayores (ACE, por sus siglas en inglés).

Según el Population Reference Bureau, se prevé que la cantidad de estadounidenses de 65 años o más aumente un 47 % para el 2050. El objetivo de los programas como ACE es ayudar a las personas a recuperar su salud durante y después de una estadía en el hospital.

En el Good Samaritan Hospital se atiende a una gran población de personas mayores. “Realmente sentimos que esta era una buena oportunidad para servir a esa población y a la comunidad que nos rodea”, afirmó Mary Cisneros, enfermera titulada y jefa de enfermería del nuevo programa. “Además, no es un servicio que se ofrezca en otros hospitales cercanos. Nos diferencia”.

En una visita a esta unidad, se encontrará con 30 habitaciones de pacientes al final de un piso del hospital, todas ellas acondicionadas para personas mayores de 70 años. Dos veces al día, podrá ver a los pacientes paseando, realizando actividades de manualidades y artísticas, tocando el piano o armando rompecabezas. La idea detrás de todo este movimiento es ayudarles a mantenerse activos e involucrados en lugar de quedarse sentados en silencio, solos y en sus habitaciones de pacientes.

El programa se basa en ciertos conceptos y funciones específicos.

Para aumentar la actividad, el hospital creó un puesto de técnico de movilidad. Se trata de un técnico de atención al paciente o un auxiliar de enfermería certificado que tiene una capacitación adicional para atender a pacientes mayores. Los técnicos de movilidad trabajan los siete días de la semana, y ayudan a los pacientes a caminar y a realizar otras actividades terapéuticas.

Otro elemento es el uso de rondas de visitas interdisciplinarias, que es una reunión diaria de diferentes cuidadores que pueden hablar sobre todos los aspectos del cuidado de la persona. “Implicamos a todas estas disciplinas para garantizar que cubrimos todas las necesidades del paciente en el momento oportuno”, afirma Cisneros.

Las personas que participan en las rondas de visitas diarias pertenecen a las áreas de farmacia, medicina física y rehabilitación, administración de casos, nutrición y enfermería. Cisneros y dos colegas están trabajando para obtener una certificación en un curso llamado “Mejora de la atención a las personas mayores en el sistema de salud”, y compartirán esa información con todas las personas que atienden a pacientes en esta unidad.

A través del programa de voluntarios de Good Samaritan, la unidad también tendrá actividades dos veces al día.

“Una vez más, esta es una oportunidad para involucrar a los pacientes de manera cognitiva y social y otra oportunidad para aumentar su movilidad”, informó Cisneros.

En esta unidad, las condiciones médicas de los pacientes siguen requiriendo atención hospitalaria para pacientes internados, y un médico los verá todos los días. El médico decidirá cuándo se encuentran médicamente preparados para irse del hospital.

Hasta ese momento, cuando los pacientes estén en condiciones, Cisneros espera mantenerlos ocupados y en movimiento.

“La prestación de todos estos servicios debería reducir la duración de la estadía en el hospital de los pacientes”, afirma. También debería aumentar la posibilidad de que los pacientes vuelvan a su hogar después de la estadía en el hospital, en lugar de ir a un centro de rehabilitación a largo plazo o un centro especializado de enfermería. También programas similares redujeron los costos de atención médica y la probabilidad de que un paciente vuelva a ingresar en el hospital.

Aunque este nuevo enfoque de atención de los pacientes mayores supone una inversión de tiempo y recursos para el hospital, eso no significa que los pacientes vean un incremento en su factura por este motivo, afirma Cisneros. El hospital hizo la inversión en este programa porque es una buena decisión para obtener los mejores resultados para los pacientes.

Cisneros prevé tener aproximadamente entre 15 y 20 pacientes en el programa. Existen pautas que indican qué personas pueden admitirse en la unidad: cualquier persona mayor de 70 años y que tenga un diagnóstico que lo califique para ser hospitalizado en un nivel de atención de unidad médica. No serían elegibles los pacientes que necesiten cuidados intensivos u observación por motivo de una condición médica cardiaca.

Recientemente, Cisneros y otros cuidadores organizaron una jornada de puertas abiertas para compartir información sobre el programa y mostrar los cambios que se realizaron en las habitaciones. Aunque las habitaciones de los hospitales suelen ser “aptas para personas mayores”, Cisneros explica que compraron relojes digitales grandes y equiparon todas las habitaciones con elementos que los pacientes geriátricos suelen necesitar, como cinturones de marcha para caminar y dispositivos para sentarse y levantarse.

El equipo también recolectó artículos para manualidades, rompecabezas, material para tejer a dos agujas y ganchillo, libros para colorear y un teclado pequeño y portátil para compartir con los pacientes de la unidad.

Obtenga más información sobre el Good Samaritan Hospital de Intermountain Health.

Ezra Cornell, founder of Western Union and co-founder of Cornell University, said “Idleness is to the human mind like rust to iron.”  

With this thought in mind, caregivers at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette are strengthening elderly patients in a new hospital unit called Acute Care for the Elderly, or ACE.  

According to the Population Reference Bureau, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to increase by 47% by 2050. The aim for programs like ACE is to help people regain their health during and after a hospital stay. 

Good Samaritan Hospital cares for a large population of older adults. “We really felt like this was a good opportunity to serve that population and the community that surround us,” said Mary Cisneros, RN, nurse manager for the new program. “It’s also not something that is offered at surrounding hospitals. It sets us apart.”  

A visit to this unit will show 30 patient rooms at the end of one hospital floor all decked out for people over 70. Twice a day, you will see patients walking about, attending arts and crafts activities, playing the piano, or doing puzzles. The idea behind all the motion is to help them be active and engaged rather than sitting quietly, alone, in their patient rooms.  

The program is built on a few specific concepts and roles.  

For more activity, the hospital created a mobility tech position. This is a patient care tech or a certified nurse assistant who has additional training to care for elderly patients. Working seven days a week, mobility techs will help patients with walking and other therapeutic activities.  

Another element is the use of interdisciplinary rounds, which is a daily gathering of different caregivers who can talk about all aspects of the person’s care. “We are involving all these other disciplines to make sure that we are meeting all of the needs of the patient in a timely fashion,” Cisneros said. 

The people involved in the daily rounds come from pharmacy, physical medicine and rehabilitation, case management, dietary and nurses. Cisneros and two colleagues are becoming certified in a course called “Improving Care of Health System Elders,” and they will share that information with all who see patients in this unit.  

Through Good Samaritan’s volunteer program, the unit will also have activities twice each day. 

“Again, this is an opportunity to engage the patients cognitively and socially and another opportunity for increased mobility for them,” Cisneros said. 

In this unit, patients’ conditions are such that they still require inpatient hospital care, and they will be seen by a physician every day. The physician will decide when the patients are medically ready to leave the hospital.  

Until then, when patients are able, Cisneros hopes to keep them engaged and moving. 

“Providing all of these services should decrease the length of the hospital stay for patients,” she said. It also should increase the ability for patients to go home after their hospital stay rather than to a long-term rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility. Similar programs also have lowered healthcare costs and reduced the likelihood that a patient could be readmitted to the hospital later. 

While this new focus on care for elderly patients is an investment of time and resources for the hospital, that doesn’t mean patients will see a higher bill because of it, Cisneros said. The hospital invested in it because it is the right thing to do to get the best outcomes for patients. 

Cisneros anticipates having about 15 to 20 patients on average in the program. There are guidelines to follow that dictate who can be admitted to the unit: Anyone 70 years and older and has a diagnosis that qualifies them to be hospitalized in a medical unit level of care. Patients who need intensive care or monitoring for a heart condition would not be eligible. 

Cisneros and other caregivers recently hosted an open house to share information about the program and show off changes made to the rooms. While hospital rooms tend to be “elder friendly,” Cisneros said they purchased large digital clocks and stocked each room with necessary equipment geriatric patients often need like walking gate belts and sit-to-stand aids. 

The team also collected items including arts and crafts supplies, puzzles, knitting and crocheting materials, coloring books, and a small portable piano to share with patients in the unit.  

Learn more about Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital.

Intermountain Health has named Kevin Jenkins as the new president of Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette, CO. 

Jenkins will join the Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital team on March 3. 

Most recently, Jenkins served as the market chief executive officer of Holy Cross Hospitals with CommonSpirit in Utah. Prior to that he was the chief executive officer of St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood. Additionally, Jenkins has held chief executive officer, chief operating officer, and administrative roles at St. Anthony North Campus in Westminster.  

“My career has been dedicated to focusing on strategic growth and expansion, emphasizing caregiver and provider engagement and retention,” Jenkins said. “I can’t wait to be a part of the amazing Good Samaritan team.” 

Scott Peek, Front Range market president of Intermountain Health, said Jenkins is well-prepared to lead the team at Good Samaritan Hospital. 

“Kevin is a dynamic leader passionate about fostering a culture that empowers caregivers to perform at their best, creating an environment of trust, collaboration, and partnership,” Peek said. 

Jenkins earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Brigham Young University and Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Washington. He is an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.  

Outside of work, Jenkins enjoys spending time with his wife and five children, who range in age from 6 to 15. He loves coaching competitive sports, spending time on just about any lake, exploring the outdoors of Colorado, and volunteering in the community. 

Jenkins replaces former Good Samaritan Hospital President Dawn Anuszkiewicz who departed in February to take the role of president of MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital and market leader in Puyallup, Wash. 

For critically injured patients struggling to survive after a car crash or a fall from a high ladder or fast-moving bicycle, the difference between life and death can often be the care they receive at their local hospital trauma center.  

After a vigorous review, the American College of Surgeons has provided an additional level of reassurance to patients who receive care at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette.  

The ACS reviews compliance with specific standards and has reverified Intermountain Good Samaritan as a Level II Trauma Center.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which oversees trauma programs in the state, has designated the hospital as a Level II Trauma Center. 

A Level II Trauma Center is one of the highest levels for trauma care. It means the hospital can provide comprehensive care for nearly all major traumatic injuries and has 24/7 coverage by surgeons, specialists, and other members of the highly trained trauma team.  

“Level I and II Trauma Centers have the resources and can take care of the most critically injured patients,” said Edward Pyun, MD, trauma medical director for the Intermountain Good Samaritan Trauma Program.  

He noted that not every hospital has the community or resources to support a higher-level trauma center which makes it important for programs like Good Samaritan’s to work with smaller hospitals, share best practices and coordinate to cover all the needs of trauma patients. 

Dr. Pyun said the key to the program is a team approach. 

“Our emergency department, anesthesiology team, radiology department, surgical team, ICU, and operating room work together to provide the streamlined and efficient care that trauma patients need,” Dr. Pyun said. “It is a great team of which the trauma surgery team is just one part. We could not do what we do without them.” 

Located in south Lafayette near the intersection of U.S. 287, Northwest Parkway and Dillon Road, Intermountain Good Samaritan saw more than 35,000 emergency department visits in 2024 and admitted more than 1,100 trauma patients.  

The most common reasons for a patient visit involving a traumatic injury were falls, car crashes and motorcycle crashes.  

Trauma programs must reverify every three years to maintain their verification from the ACS. Intermountain Good Samaritan was first designated by the state as a trauma center in 2006, verified as a Level II Trauma Center in 2013 and has completed a thorough evaluation every three years to be reverified.  

“Being ACS verified means that Intermountain Good Samaritan has the training, personnel and equipment to take care of severely injured patients,” said Stephanie Vega, director of trauma services at the hospital. 

Requirements for a Level II Trauma Center also include:  

• 24/7 available surgical expertise in areas such as general surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and interventional radiology 
• 24/7 availability of services including anesthesiology, medical imaging, emergency medicine and critical care 
• A team of experts dedicated to leading the care of complex trauma patients 
• A program for quality improvement to track cases and review outcomes 
• Community outreach programs to provide education on trauma-related issues.  

The Intermountain Good Samaritan Hospital Trauma Program also provides injury prevention education related to trauma awareness with class topics that teach about fall prevention, safe driving, Stop the Bleed, and Wilderness First Aid.   

For more information visit Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital.

To help members of the community who enjoy spending time outdoors in remote areas, Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital is offering a Wilderness First Aid Class. The class includes the opportunity to become certified in Wilderness First Aid.  

Help may be far away when you are injured or become ill while hiking or recreating in remote areas. As part of its community outreach and education efforts through the program as a Level 2 Trauma Center, Good Samaritan is working with Backcountry Pulse to provide 16 hours of Wilderness First Aid training over a two-day class Nov. 2-3. The course will teach participants how to anticipate risk and hazards, identify medical, traumatic, and environmental problems; recognize life-threatening issues; initiate basic care, and deliver a cohesive report to emergency medical personnel.  

 Dan Cheek is an emergency medicine physician at Good Samaritan and began his career after joining an outdoor leadership program in college followed by a career in ski patrol and teaching for Outward Bound.  

 “I was an avid outdoors person. I took the two-day course, and it completely blew my mind. I’d been venturing into the wilderness not knowing any of this information for years,” he said.  

 After that, he was intrigued about how to care for someone in that environment, limited to the resources you had in your backpack.  

Dr. Cheek said his first experience needing to know wilderness first aid came during that college program in a remote cabin while making dinner. A person spilled boiling water into their boot and suffered second degree burns. They had to hike six miles the next day, and Dr. Cheek said he was prepared to manage the situation well.  

He recommends the wilderness class for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. 

This type of training equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to handle medical emergencies when professional help is not immediately available. Here are some key reasons why wilderness first aid training is important: 

1. Immediate Response: In the wilderness, medical help can be hours or even days away. Wilderness first aid training enables individuals to provide immediate care, which can be critical in preventing further injury or complications.  

2. Life-Saving Skills: The training covers essential life-saving techniques such as CPR, wound care, and managing fractures. These skills can make a significant difference in survival rates during emergencies.  

3. Preparedness: Being trained in wilderness first aid means being prepared for a wide range of scenarios, from minor injuries to severe medical conditions. This preparedness can reduce panic and improve decision-making in stressful situations.  

4. Self-Reliance: Wilderness first aid training fosters a sense of self-reliance and confidence. Knowing how to handle medical emergencies independently can enhance the overall outdoor experience and encourage more people to explore nature.  

5. Team Safety: For groups or teams venturing into the wilderness, having members trained in first aid ensures that everyone’s safety is prioritized. It also promotes a culture of care and responsibility within the group.  

6. Environmental Awareness: The training often includes education on environmental hazards and how to avoid them. This awareness can prevent accidents and injuries, making outdoor activities safer for everyone involved. 

The cost of the class is $195. The class is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday Nov. 2-3. To register, visit intermountainhealthcare.org/classes-and-events/list/wilderness-first aid. Additional classes will be offered in 2025. 

For more information, email grace.greathouse@imail.org. 

As part of Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital commitment to helping people live the healthiest lives possible, the hospital have provided “Doing Good" grants totaling $65,000 to local nonprofit organizations that serve the community.

A committee from Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital,  including members of the leadership team and hospital caregiver,  reviewed applications.  2024 recipients of the Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital “Doing Good" grants are:  

• A Precious Child, Broomfield  
• Broomfield FISH, Broomfield 
• Coal Creek Meals on Wheels, Lafayette  
• Mental Health Partners, Lafayette 
• Rise Against Suicide, Boulder County 
• St. Louis Parish and School, Louisville 
• Sister Carmen Community Center, Lafayette 
• Via Mobility, Boulder County.  

“We join with local health officials and community members to identify the greatest needs of our neighbors,” said Dawn Anuszkiewicz of Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital . 

This year,  Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital awarded eight not-profit organization and agencies that support families in one or more of these areas: food, education, healthcare, safe environments and economic stability.

Anuszkiewicz said that Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital is grateful for these committed organizations' efforts to address the physical, mental and social needs of the communities we serve with valuable resources and hands-on support

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Five Intermountain Health hospitals in Colorado received recognition in the latest US News & World Report rankings including Saint Joseph Hospital, which was named the No. 2 hospital in Colorado and the Denver Metro Area.  

In addition to the No. 2 ranking, Saint Joseph Hospital was listed as High Performing in pulmonology, lung surgery, and geriatrics, and High Performing in 13 procedures: leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma; colon cancer surgery; lung cancer surgery; abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, heart attack, aortic valve surgery, heart bypass surgery, heart failure, TAVR, maternity care, hip replacement, knee replacement, and pneumonia. 

Other hospitals that were recognized were: 

• Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette. High Performing in five procedures and conditions: colon cancer surgery, prostate cancer surgery, heart attack, stroke, and maternity care 
• Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge. High Performing in three procedures and conditions: heart attack, stroke, maternity care 
• Platte Valley Hospital in Brighton. High Performing in maternity care 
• St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction. High Performing in five procedures and conditions: prostate cancer surgery, heart attack, stroke, maternity care, and hip replacement 

“We are proud of the excellent, high quality medical care our caregivers deliver every day.  While we don’t chase recognition, we appreciate it when national publications recognize the incredible care our professionals deliver on a daily basis,” said Intermountain Health Region President Jim Sheets.   

You can learn more about the rankings at US News & World Report.  

Community members can pick up a free firearm lockbox from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, July 25 at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital. The event is sponsored by several community health, law enforcement, civic, and nonprofit groups. 

With 430 lockboxes available, they will be distributed first come, first served. The items are limited to one lock per person and two per household.  

Colorado law requires firearms to be securely stored when they are not in use to prevent unauthorized access. These lockboxes are 10-by-7-by-2 inches and provide secure storage for handguns at home, on a nightstand or in the car. They come with a heavy duty 1500-pound-rated steel cable that secures to any stationary object including a vehicle seat or piece of furniture.  

This drop-by event also is a chance for people to gather information about the safe storage of firearms and free locking devices for firearms from partner organizations.  

Firearms are the leading method of suicide in the Mountain West, said Grace Greathouse, Intermountain Health injury prevention and outreach coordinator. When used in a suicide attempt, firearm injuries usually result in death. 

“Given the frequency and fatality with which guns are used in suicides, injury prevention experts advise that no person in suicidal crisis should have access to a gun,” Greathouse said. Because suicidal crises usually arise in just minutes, putting space and time between a person who is struggling, and a firearm lock box, can save a life by allowing the crisis period to subside and the person to get help. 

Safe firearm storage is one of the simplest and most effective things we can do to prevent suicide, she said.  

The event will take place on the far west side of the Good Samaritan Hospital campus in the back of the Emergency Department parking lot, 200 Exempla Circle in Lafayette. Organizers request that no firearms be brought to the event.  

Partner organizations helping to distribute lockboxes and provide education include the City and County of Broomfield, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Boulder County District Attorney’s office (Twentieth Judicial District), Adams and Broomfield County District Attorney’s office (Seventeenth Judicial District), Broomfield Police, Erie Police Department, Lafayette Police, Louisville Police, United Church of Christ of Longmont, and Intermountain Health.   

 To learn more about Firearm Safety, visit https://cdphe.colorado.gov/office-of-gun-violence-prevention.  

Nine Intermountain Health hospitals have been named to Newsweek’s 2024 rankings of the World's Best Hospitals. 

The prestigious list aims to highlight the best facilities each year by using a mix of methodology that evaluates quality and safety measures meant to provide a guide for patients and families in choosing healthcare services in their communities. 

Newsweek looked at data from 2,400 hospitals across 30 countries to compile their list. The final scores were based on surveys from medical experts, patient/doctor ratios, and patient satisfaction surveys, among other metrics. 

“Intermountain is honored to be included among this premier list of hospitals,” said Rob Allen, president and CEO of Intermountain Health. “It represents the tireless work of our caregivers and their focus on exceptional and compassionate patient care.” 

Intermountain Health has put a major focus on providing affordable care while increasing access to services for patients. Thanks to the expansion of telehealth, patients can now get the specialized care they need closer to home, regardless of their location. 

The Intermountain hospitals ranked by Newsweek for the United States are: 

• Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital, Lafayette CO 
• Intermountain LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT 
• Intermountain Logan Regional Hospital, Logan, UT 
• Intermountain Lutheran Medical Center, Wheat Ridge, CO 
• Intermountain Medical Center, Murray, UT 
• Intermountain Saint Joseph Hospital, Denver, CO 
• Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital, St. George, UT 
• Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital, Billings, MT 
• Intermountain Utah Valley Hospital, Provo UT 

To see Newsweek’s full lists of World’s Best Hospitals, click here.

Intermountain Health has announced that Elizabeth Withers, MD, was named Chief Medical Officer at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette effective Feb. 5. 

“Dr. Withers is a clinician leader with a long-standing passion for operational improvement and high-quality care,” said Dawn J. Anuszkiewicz, President at Good Samaritan. 

In this new role, Dr. Withers will support the medical staff at Good Samaritan as they continue to advance the quality of safe care and commitment to our patients and the community. 

Dr. Withers earned her medical degree from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and began her medical career as an emergency medicine physician in Albuquerque, N.M. In 2009 she joined legacy SCL Health as an emergency medicine physician and has held leadership roles at Saint Joseph Hospital including serving as chief of staff. 

Dr. Withers is a Colorado native and grew up on the Western Slope. She and her partner live in the foothills of Boulder and enjoy hiking, biking, adventurous travel, and live music. 

 

Intermountain Health caregivers Peggy Jarrett, community health program manager, and Avery Mullican, registered nurse, volunteer to fill food bags at Broomfield FISH.  

Good Samaritan Hospital presented $66,000 through its “Doing Good” community benefit grant program to local nonprofit groups whose work address factors in a person’s ability to live a healthy life.  

One-year grants up to $15,000 were made available to organizations in the hospital’s service area that have a focus of economic stability; housing, transportation, safety, parks and playgrounds; education; food insecurity; social engagement; and healthcare.  

"As a community anchor organization with a mission to help people live their healthiest lives, we are pleased to be able to support various organizations that contribute to areas of greatest importance locally. This year we are pleased to support organizations that improve access to primary and mental health care services, strengthen economic stability, and address food insecurity,” said Dawn J. Anuszkiewicz, president of Good Samaritan Hospital. 

A committee including members of the leadership team and key hospital caregivers reviewed the applications.  Recipients are: 

• A Precious Child, Broomfield - $7,000 
• Broomfield FISH, - $7,500 
• Coal Creek Meals on Wheels, Lafayette - $6,000 
• Imagine!, Lafayette - $5,000 
• Mental Health Partners, Lafayette - $7,000 
• Rise Against Suicide, Boulder County - $6,500 
• Sister Carmen Community Center, Lafayette - $15,000 
• The Refuge, Broomfield - $2,000 
• Via Mobility, Boulder County - $10,000.  

 In addition, Good Samaritan awarded $45,852 to Benefits in Action as part of the hospital’s community benefit commitment.