July 09, 2007 01:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time

^{Sleep HealthCenters® and Southcoast Hospitals Group Join Forces to Open New Sleep Medicine Center in North Dartmouth}

The two organizations completed an affiliation agreement to create a comprehensive sleep medicine program to diagnose and treat individuals with sleep disorders.

The new Sleep HealthCenter affiliated with Southcoast Hospitals Group, opened June 18 with a sleep diagnostic laboratory located at the Residence Inn, 181 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth, Mass. Each diagnostic bedroom includes a private bath and all the amenities of the hotel including a complimentary hot breakfast buffet.

Southcoast entered into the agreement with Sleep HealthCenters to move sleep services from their temporary location at Tobey Hospital in Wareham to the new location in North Dartmouth. The move allows for the expansion of primary care physician services at Tobey, which are in high demand in the greater Wareham area. Employees who previously worked at the Southcoast Sleep Lab remain employees of Southcoast and now work at the Sleep HealthCenter in North Dartmouth.

Sleep HealthCenters will also soon open a sleep medicine clinic in North Dartmouth, offering services for patients with all types of sleep disorders, including insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), narcolepsy, excessive daytime sleepiness, and restless legs syndrome. Services will include medical consultations, treatment options, including CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), education and follow-up care.

It is estimated that at least 40 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and others. Untreated sleep disorders can contribute to serious health problems such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Sleep disorders can also affect work performance and quality of life and can be a significant risk factor in accidents.

Arun B. Rajan, MD, will serve as Medical Director of the new center. Dr. Rajan had been the Director of Sleep Medicine Services at Southcoast Hospitals Group.

“Southcoast’s affiliation with Sleep HealthCenters helps us provide continued comprehensive services and the latest technology to our patients,” Dr. Rajan said. “Locating the clinic at the Residence Inn helps provide a more comfortable and convenient setting for patients throughout our region.”

Paul S. Valentine, Sleep HealthCenters’ CEO and President, commented, “Consumers and the medical community are recognizing the need for better sleep and the related connections to improved health. This exciting affiliation will bring a state-of-the-art, comprehensive sleep medicine program to the South Coast region. We look forward to working with the medical, technical and administrative staff at Southcoast Hospitals Group to provide high-quality patient care to those individuals who need our services.”

Peter Guresh, Vice President of Allied Health Services for Southcoast Hospitals Group, added,  “This partnership between Southcoast and Sleep HealthCenters will continue to ensure that all our patients get the highest level of sleep medicine services at a location that is convenient for more of our patients.”

To inquire about services at the Sleep HealthCenter affiliated with Southcoast Hospitals Group, call 877-SLEEPHC (877-753-3742). More information is available at Sleep HealthCenters’ website at www.sleephealth.com or Southcoast Hospitals’ website at www.southcoast.org/sleep/.

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Contacts

Sleep HealthCenters LLC
Jill Nash, 781-340-3336
jill_nash@sleephealth.com

Southcoast Hospitals Group

Patricia Giramma, 508-961-5272
girammap@southcoast.org

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