Bayhealth Medical Center Launches New User-Friendly and Interactive Website

As part of its ongoing commitment to empower consumers with important health information, Bayhealth Medical Center has launched a new website (www.bayhealth.org) that provides valuable and timely information in a user-friendly and interactive format.

"We believe very strongly in empowering the consumers of health care.  The new Bayhealth website provides consumers with the tools they need to help them better understand important health issues, answers their health-related questions, and helps them explore information about specific diseases and conditions," said Bayhealth Assistant Vice President of Marketing Communications Pam Marecki.

Consumers gain valuable insight from a comprehensive online library, covering health issues ranging from "asthma" to "Zenker's diverticulum".  The online library lets readers engage in Interactive Tools including fun health quizzes and risk assessments, animations and procedure videos, and health-risk calculators.  The information is written by physicians in clear everyday language!  

Readers may find a doctor by name or specialty in the interactive portion of the website.  Physician video biographies are available for some physicians and more videos will be added. The website's online maps and directions help visitors find Bayhealth facilities and departments quickly and easily. 

Consumers may also stay updated on the latest Bayhealth news by viewing the Bayhealth Media Center.  By signing up for an e-newsletter, they may receive newsletter updates. They may also join the Bayhealth Facebook group, become a member of the Bayhealth network on Linked In, follow Bayhealth on Twitter, and watch Bayhealth videos on You Tube.  A streaming video link called "A Bit of Advice" features Bayhealth physicians offering valuable insight on health and medical topics.

Finally, the new website provides comprehensive Quality Core Measures and Patient Satisfaction data about Bayhealth services.  By measuring the care it provides, Bayhealth is able to identify opportunities for improvement.  The data is collected by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers System (HCAHPS) and can be viewed by clicking on the "Quality Information" tab.

"The new Bayhealth website gives consumers information that can help them make informed health care decisions.  We encourage consumers to explore the new website, educate themselves by trying the Health Library interactive links, and engage by signing up for the e-newsletter or viewing the online videos," said Marecki.

Bayhealth Medical Center's mission is to improve the health status of all members of the Bayhealth community.  Central and Southern Delaware's largest healthcare system, Bayhealth is comprised of Kent General and Milford Memorial Hospitals, Middletown Medical Center and numerous satellite facilities.  Bayhealth was ranked Best in Delaware for Cardiac Surgery by HealthGrades 2009 and was recognized by J.D. Power and Associates for the third year for providing an "Outstanding Inpatient Experience."  Bayhealth is a technologically advanced not-for-profit healthcare system employing over 2,900 with a medical staff of 458 physicians.  Bayhealth is a member of the Penn Cancer Network and is an affiliate of Penn Cardiac Care.  In the 2009 fiscal year, Bayhealth recorded 75,916 emergency department visits, 17,168 patients admitted to beds and 2,211 births.  Last year, as part of its mission, Bayhealth provided more than $33.6 million in unreimbursed care to patients.  For more information, please visit www.bayhealth.org.