Mission Hospital's State-of-the-Art Neuroscience & Spine Institute Offers World-Class, Integrated Care For Neurological And Spine Conditions

MISSION VIEJO, Calif., Sept. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to growing community needs for comprehensive and compassionate care for neurological and spine disorders, Mission Hospital has announced the completion of its state-of-the-art Neuroscience & Spine Institute (NSI) at its Mission Viejo campus.  The $185 million facility is one of the most advanced treatment centers in the western United States. Dedicated clinicians will now be fully-equipped to diagnose and treat people suffering from significant neurological and spine illnesses and conditions, including strokes, traumatic brain injuries, brain tumors, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease, and behavioral and mental health disorders. 

With the Center for Disease Control reporting nearly two million traumatic brain injuries and 795,000 strokes annually in the United States, the NSI will be the first facility of its kind in Orange County to comply with national standards for providing the best possible care for strokes, and innovative operating room connectivity software.  The facility will be composed of three new surgical suites, a Pre- and Post-Anesthesia Recovery Unit and a Sterile Processing Center, in order to support patients before, during and after the traumatic event.

The NSI features new and revolutionary technology and programs, such as a linear accelerator that delivers targeted doses of radiation while limiting adverse effects on healthy tissue. Through this linear accelerator, surgeons are now able to deliver intense radiotherapy treatments that are safer than ever. In addition, each of three new 1,000 square foot operating rooms contain a "wall of knowledge." This "wall of knowledge" features large wall and ceiling displays that showcase MRI and CT scans and are used to assist surgeons during complex procedures. The images obtained from the operating microscope can then be shared with clinicians anywhere in the world. Furthermore, the NSI also features the O-Arm, which is used to help doctors visualize the anatomy during complex spinal procedures, and the Stealth Surgical Navigation System, used as a GPS system in the brain or spine, leading to more precise neurosurgery and better clinical outcomes.

In keeping with St. Joseph Health's broader commitment to "population health management" – improving the health of overall communities, not just hospital patients – the NSI's mission will also be to proactively support the health and well-being of residents throughout Orange County. The Institute will continue its focus on prevention, research and education to help patients stay healthy even when they are not inside the hospital's walls. Outreach efforts will include educating people about the symptoms and prevention of stroke and helping parents understand the importance of treating concussions.

"When patients develop a major neurological disorder or illness, they are obviously anxious and scared and they want help quickly and seamlessly," said Farzad Massoudi, MD, FACS, a board-certified neurosurgeon and medical director of the NSI. "By bringing imaging and neurointerventional services, recovery rooms and rehabilitation areas into one tower, patients now can easily access all of the services under one roof, making it more manageable and less stressful. That tremendously augments the quality of care and gives the patients a sense of security that they are at the right place, and will help Mission Hospital continue to provide the compassionate and comprehensive care our communities deserve."

The completion of the surgical floor marks the culmination of the NSI.  The $22 million level features high-tech operating rooms, its own nursing staff and eight private pre/post-operation recovery rooms.

"Our success has attracted brilliant doctors, talented nurses and a community that has wrapped itself around us in support of the NSI," said Kenneth McFarland, president and chief executive officer of Mission Hospital. "Our patients and their families are our No. 1 priority and our aim is to improve patient outcomes by delivering the most advanced, comprehensive care and services to everyone in our community through the NSI."

"We are very excited to be working with the team at the NSI," said Dr. Stephen Samples, Vice Chairman for Regional Neurosciences in the Neurological Institute at Cleveland Clinic. "Modernizing health care is about streamlining communication, sharing research and learning from trusted partners. We're looking forward to working with Mission Hospital's NSI physicians and patients moving forward."

The NSI at Mission Hospital is located at 27700 Medical Center Road, Mission Viejo 92691.

About Mission Hospital
As a part of the St. Joseph Hoag Health network of care, Mission Hospital was founded in Mission Viejo in 1971 and has since grown to a two-campus facility with 552 beds and approximately 2,500 employees. Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo is an acute care, full-service facility providing advanced health care services and diagnostic care to south Orange County and is the only designated trauma center in south Orange County.

Mission Hospital Laguna Beach joined the Mission Hospital family and St. Joseph Health in 2009, providing south Orange County coastal communities with 24-hour emergency and intensive care as well as medical-surgical/telemetry services. Mission Hospital offers specialty care in behavioral & mental health, imaging, heart, neuroscience and spine, orthopedics and women's services. CHOC Children's at Mission Hospital is a 48-bed facility that is the area's only dedicated pediatric hospital for more than two decades. Fully accredited by The Joint Commission, Mission Hospital has received numerous awards and recognition for its high quality of care. For more information, visit www.mission4health.com.

SOURCE St. Joseph Health