Ted Hinkle is pictured, surrounded by his care team and fellow patients. In the back row, from left, are Laura McGaughey (Exercise Physiologist), Bernie Comstock, Maurice Waters, Al Shipman, Howard Visscher, Jane Pruyne and Clifton Cheeks. In the front row, from left, are Marjorie Evans, Donna Comstock, Ted Hinkle, Tom Yonkin and Jill Bernett (RN).
As National Heart Month draws to a close, a Guthrie cardiac patient has achieved a major milestone. Ted Hinkle of Sayre, Pa. recently attended his 1,000th Phase 3 maintenance cardiac rehabilitation appointment at the Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital cardiac rehabilitation program. The program was recently given its three-year recertification by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) and was recognized for its commitment to improving patients’ quality of life by enhancing standards of care.
Hinkle suffered a heart attack in 2003 while clearing snow, and was found by his neighbor, Tom Yonkin, who helped perform CPR until medical help arrived. Hinkle has been attending the program at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital for 12 years to help monitor and maintain his heart health. He stated, “I am very proud to have reached this point. I have been coming to the clinic for over a decade, and I have enjoyed not only excellent care, but also a real sense of companionship with the other patients who come in.”
He added, “Twice a week, every week, I come in for my appointment which helps me maintain my recovery from my heart attack. I enjoy the routine, and appreciate all the help and support I receive from the nurses and other staff in the unit. I am grateful to have had access to this rehab program – without it, I don’t think I would still be around.”
Staff and fellow patients helped Hinkle celebrate his achievement before he started his regular appointment. One patient who joined him was Bernie Comstock of Nichols, N.Y. who reached his Phase 3, 1,000th visit in July 2012. Recently, he achieved his 1,187th appointment.
Steve Felt, RN, stated, “Our goal is to improve the lives of our patients by providing top-notch, personalized cardiac rehabilitation care with a progressive team and an advanced approach. We are pleased with the progress Hinkle has made, and with his commitment to maintaining his heart health. He is a real inspiration, and shows others that with care and patience, you can not only survive a heart attack, but can go on to lead a long and healthy life afterwards.”
Guthrie’s nationally certified cardiac rehabilitation program is designed to help people who experience a cardiac event or heart disease to recover faster, return to more full and productive lives and reduce the risk and severity of future heart disease. Guthrie AACVPR-certified cardiac rehabilitation programs are offered in locations in Corning, N.Y., Sayre, Pa. and Troy, Pa.
Certified AACVPR programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available.
Guthrie is a non-profit integrated health system located in north central Pennsylvania and Upstate New York, serving patients from an 11-county service area. Guthrie is comprised of a research institute, home care/hospice, hospitals in Sayre, Pa., Corning, N.Y. and Troy, Pa., as well as a multi-specialty group practice of more than 290 physicians and 155 mid-level providers in a regional office network encompassing sub-specialty and primary care sites in 23 communities throughout Pennsylvania and New York. Guthrie offers a wide range of services and programs designed to enhance the health and wellbeing of those it serves.
