News Around the State

Pine Grove Physicians receive ASAM Certification

Pine Grove recently announced the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) certification of the following physicians: Carolyn Gerald, M.D; Diane Walker, M.D.; and Deborah Gross, M.D.

The ASAM certification is recognized throughout the world as signifying excellence in the practice of addiction medicine. It demonstrates that a doctor has met rigorous standards through intensive study, assessment and evaluation. Certification is designed to assure the public that a medical specialist has successfully completed an approved educational program and an evaluation, including a secure examination designed to assess the knowledge, experience, and skills required to provide the highest quality of patient care.

Dr. Carolyn Gerald practices family medicine. She serves as a medical consultant for Pine Grove. She is board certified and a member of South Mississippi Medical Society, Mississippi State Medical Association and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Diane Walker is a child and adolescent psychiatrist with Pine Grove and Medical Director of Child and Adolescent services at Pine Grove. She also works with young men at Next Step, a long-term alcohol and drug treatment program at Pine Grove. She is board certified, a published author, and a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Dr. Deborah Gross is the Director of Psychiatry for Pine Grove Women’s Center and has had individual training in the Masterson Approach, a specialized treatment method for personality disorders developed by the Masterson Institute in New York City. She is board certified, a published author, and a member of the American Psychiatric Association, the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and the National Association for the Advancement of the Study of Obesity. In the areas of Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol Abuse/Dependence, Dr. Gross serves as Topic Editor for FIRSTConsult, an online medical information service for physicians published by Elsevier of London.

Currently, Pine Grove has six ASAM certified physicians on staff including Chapman Sledge, M.D., Ellen Ovson, M.D., and Alexis Polles, M.D.

Forrest General’s Spirit in Action Award Winners

Pictured with Former First Lady Barbara at Forrest General’s Spirit of Women Symposium is Spirit in Action winners (left to right) Ora Lee Shaheed, Vice President of Clinical Operations at Forrest General Hospital; Lici Beveridge, Spirit of Women Advisory Council Co-Chair; and Dalee Kimble, Spirit Girl member.

Congratulations to the 2007 Spirit in Action Award Winners: Healthcare Worker: Ora Lee Shaheed, Vice President of Clinical Operations at Forrest General Hospital; Community Representative: Lici Beveridge, On-line Editor at Hattiesburg American and Spirit of Women Advisory Council Co-Chair; and Youth Representative: Dalee Kimble, Greene County High School and member of the Spirit Girl teen modeling board.

Healthcare Award recipient Ora Lee Shaheed has been with Forrest General since 1975. Her dedication to patients and the hospital is long-standing. She pioneered and served as the manager of the Coronary Care Unit. She also takes great pride in the fact that she became the third Advanced Cardiac Life Support certified nurse in the hospital. Her leadership and passion for serving others has impacted the hospital, but as a result, her influence has been felt by residents from all over South Mississippi who have received services at Forrest General.

Lici Beveridge was the ideal Community Representative winner, is known for her creative ideas and is truly “on fire” when it comes to finding innovative ways to inspire women to take action. Her passion for the community and for the mission behind Spirit of Women is evident in her commitment to not only provide new and creative ideas for the board to consider, but she also works tirelessly to see those ideas come to fruition.

The Spirit in Action Youth Award recipient Dalee Kimble submitted a written essay to support her nomination. The essay used “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – a theme from the national Spirit in Action awards – to showcase her experiences and dedication to the community. Kimble says “In the song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” when Dorothy saw bluebirds flying over the rainbow, she was asking the wrong question with “Why can’t I?” Instead, Kimble says, “Dorothy should have been asking “What does it take to make it happen?” Miss Kimble is truly a young spirit in action. She is a tenth grader at Greene County High where she is actively involved. She is inspired by helping the community. When her brother left for Iraq, she said, “I was always sending him gifts. He became the envy of his squad. So, I created the “My Little Solider” program through the Intellectually Gifted Program at my school,” said Kimble. Forrest General is proud to recognize Miss Kimble as this year’s Youth in Action winner.

Each year since 1998, the Spirit of Women Hospital Network has recognized women and men across the United States for outstanding service in their communities. Celebrating Spirit in Action, these awards honor the talent and dedication of people who act to make their communities healthier, safer, and more inspirational places to live.

Forrest General Hospital’s Spirit of Women program presented this special Spirit in Action Award to those who were chosen based on the contributions they have made to the issues women face in the areas of work, family and health; and on the impact they have had in their community and on the lives of others.

The winners received their awards at the 2nd Annual Spirit of Women Symposium, March 22. The recipients will also be candidates for the National Spirit of Women Awards. If chosen, they will represent Forrest General Hospital at the 9th Annual Spirit in Action Awards Celebration at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, California.

Spirit of Women is a national movement - not just a media campaign or a series of events, but a movement led by hospitals across the United States and supported by corporate partners and national media with the mission to move women to take action for better health…mind, body and spirit.

With more than 5,000 members, Forrest General is the exclusive Spirit of Women hospital for South Mississippi.

For more information about Spirit of Women, call FGH OnCall at 1-800-844-4445, then press 1.

DRMC secures financing, breaks ground on expansion and renovation

The formal closing on a $35,725,000 Revenue Bond Issue for Delta Regional Medical Center in Greenville took place March 22, 2007, in Jackson, MS. The Revenue Bond Issue, which is insured by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will be used to refinance the 2005 purchase of The King’s Daughters Hospital ($21 million) and to further expand Delta Regional Medical Center facilities and services ($10.6 million). Delta Regional Medical Center celebrated the official beginning of construction on the project with a ceremonial groundbreaking event on March 26, 2007.

According to L. Ray Humphreys, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer with Delta Regional Medical Center, this is an important milestone for the future of health care in the tri-state Delta region of Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana.

“With this financing package, we can move forward immediately with our plans to make significant expansions and improvements to our facilities,” says Humphreys. “We will have four major projects underway at the same time on the main campus, a 5,920 square foot expansion of the emergency department and 3,445 square feet of renovations to the existing space, the conversion of the former burn center to a state-of-the-art heart and vascular center, a 3,980 square foot expansion of the Maternal Child Center including the addition of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and an advanced 64-slice CT scanner to be added to the center’s imaging capabilities. Additionally, the refinancing of the original loan acquired for the purchase of The King’s Daughters Hospital, with the excellent interest rate offered by HUD, will mean huge savings in interest payments going forward.”

HUD officials estimate the federal mortgage insurance could save Delta Regional Medical Center approximately $6.1 million dollars in interest payments over the life of the 25 year loan. In addition to providing improved medical services, the construction projects at the medical center are expected to add from 60 – 80 additional construction jobs, positively impacting the local economy.

“The renovations and expansion plans for the Emergency Room, Maternal Child Center, Heart & Vascular Center and imaging department, directly address some of the most pressing health care needs of the people of the Delta,” comments Humphreys. “With the Delta leading the entire nation in heart disease and heart related deaths, expanding our heart program and providing the most up-to-date technology and services for treating heart disease, including an expanded open-heart program, is crucial to our improving the care that Deltans so desperately need.”

The Emergency Department expansion also is critical to the hospital’s ability to serve the growing need for emergency services and trauma care. As the region’s only Level II Trauma Center, Delta Regional Medical Center’s emergency department logged over 45,000 patient visits in 2006.

The renovations and expansion to the Maternal Child Center (obstetric unit and nursery), especially the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, will allow at-risk mothers and their infants to be treated at Delta Regional Medical Center rather than having to be sent to University Medical Center for highly specialized care. Additionally the unit’s labor/delivery suites will be expanded and renovated for greater comfort and convenience of mothers and their families.

The new Toshiba 64-slice CT scanner, one of the most advanced on the market today, will take Delta Regional Medical Center strides ahead in the early diagnosis of heart disease and cancer.

According to Humphreys, the event marked the beginning of a new era in advanced, accessible, health care for the Delta region, which traditionally has lagged behind the rest of the nation in the provision of quality medical care and services.

The contractor for the work is Malouf Construction based in the Delta community of Greenwood, MS. Because the construction will be occurring while the hospital departments are still in operation serving patients, the work will be phased to minimize disruption of service and inconvenience to patients, visitors and hospital staff.

Triplets leave Wesley Medical Center

Spencer, Ethan and Ramsey Ruff (L to R), sons of Cindy and Paul Ruff, model the caps and blankets made for them while they stayed at Wesley Medical Center's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The triplets were born January 30, 2007, and went home together with their parents on March 6, 2007. Mrs. Loretta Picken of Taylorsville, MS, a Wesley volunteer, made the caps and blankets for the boys.

Rob Ainsworth Named Controller of Rankin Medical Center

Rankin Medical Center is pleased to welcome Robert “Rob” C. Ainsworth to their team as Controller. Ainsworth has over nine years experience in health care accounting and has been employed by Health Management Associates, Inc. since August 2006 before joining Rankin Medical Center.

Ainsworth’s professional experience includes employment at Lefoldt & Co. as a staff accountant and the Renal Care Group as a business analyst. He attended Hinds Community College and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting at Mississippi College.

Rob and his wife Kim reside in Brandon.

Alton Lee Named Chief Financial Officer at Rankin Medical Center

Rankin Medical Center welcomes Chief Financial Officer Alton Lee. Lee recently returned to Brandon and has over 25 years of experience in health care accounting and financial administration. He transferred to Rankin Medical Center from a sister Health Management Associates hospital in Florida. His professional experience includes working at a sister hospital in the Metro area as chief financial officer and at Rankin Medical Center in 2002 as controller.

Lee earned his bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Southern Mississippi and his master’s degree in Business Administration at Mississippi College. He is also a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

Lee and his wife, Sharon, have two children, Brian and Brittany, and have one grandchild.

Rankin Medical Center Honors Staff for Years of Service

Rankin Medical Center honored the following staff and physicians for their years of service and commitment to the hospital at the hospital’s annual Service Awards banquet.

Five Years of Service – Back row, from left, Frana Burnham, 2 South Peds; Milton Applewhite, Materials Management; Linda Sullivan, Imaging Services; Dave Herbert, The Welless Center and Wound Healing Center; Makesha Dixon, 2 South Peds and Lourie Bobbitt, Senior Care and front row, Jonathan Thomas, Rehab Services; Kelly Love, Ambulatory Care; Barbara Norwood, Imaging Services; Mary Ramsey, Imaging Services; Beverly Baldwin, Central Scheduling and Lannie Lipscomp, 2 North. Not pictured include Jimmie Brett, Emergency Services; Sandra Burt, 2 North; Janice Butler, 2 South Peds; Georgeann Case, Business Office; Wendi Festervan, Imaging Services; Chad Fisher, Laboratory; Dorothea Green, 2 North; Roy Green, Plant Operations; Arnel Hortelano, Laboratory; Allison Howerton, Imaging Services; Carlton Hughes, Environmental Services; Bill Lawrence, Plant Operations; Tammy Lichte, Home Health Care of Mississippi; Dr. James Lock, internist; Amy Lott, Ambulatory Care; Betty Majors, Ambulatory Care; Dr. Wilson Parry, nephrologist; Dr. Selike Sweet, family medicine; Martha Swilley, 2 East; Steve Therrell, Imaging Services; Sandra Thornton, 2 South Peds; Susie Tucker, Senior Care; Dr. James Underwood, gastroenterologist and Dr. Douglas Wolfe, cardiologist.

10 Years of Service – Back row, from left, Missy Lathem, ICU; James Lambert, Imaging Services; Lee Patrick, Ambulatory Care; Peter Curcio Jr, Imaging Services and Heather Mays, Imaging Services; front row, Peggy Steinwinder, Pharmacy; Martha Griffin, Quality Management; Christy Henderson, Emergency Services; Sherry Harris, Food Services; and Betty Adams, Environmental Services. Not pictured are Dr. William Frazier, pulmonologist; Kenneth Limbaugh, Surgery; Deanna Ratcliffe, 2 North; Lillie Reynolds, 2 East; Dr. Chris Waterer, cardiologist and Maria Vaughn, Surgery.

15 Years of Service – Back row, Nell Wilson, 2 South Peds; Barbara Harris, Central Scheduling and Johnny Thompson, Environmental Services and Glenda Pennington, Imaging Services; front row, Teresa McDaniel, Emergency Services, DeeDee Roberson, Laboratory; and Ann Smith, Surgery. Not pictured are Nan Carlson, Home Health Care of Mississippi; Linda Davis, Home Health Care of Mississippi; Dr. Merrill Hardy, anesthesiologist; and Cindy Price, Home Health Care of Mississippi.

20 Years of Service – Jeanette Mize, Case Management, Diane Scoggins, Surgery and not pictured, Lee Fink, Respiratory Care; Dr. Nusrat Khansur, internist; Dr. Richard Randolph, family medicine and Dr. Dennis Rowlen, pediatrician.

25 Years of Service – Sally Larson, Administration, Cheryl Jordan, Ambulatory Care and not pictured, Dr. Tommy James, orthopedist; Dr. Heddy Dale Matthias, anesthesiologist; Rebecca Robertson, 2 South Peds; Dr. George Schimmel, cardiologist and Dr. Billy Walker, dermatopathologist.

30 Years of Service – Paulette Trimble, Emergency Services; Dale Purvis, Imaging Services and Gail Stringer, Imaging Services.

35 Years of Service – Ruby Jean Harvey, ICU.

Spirit Girls Live Mannequin Models at Turtle Creek Mall

Pictured left to right: Spirit Girls Victoria King, Dalee Kimble, and Melissa McCraw modeled clothes for shoppers at Forever 21 in Turtle Creek Mall.

Forrest General Hospital and Turtle Creek Mall’s Spirit Girls, a program of Forrest General’s Spirit of Women, performed as live mannequin models at Turtle Creek’s retail stores on Saturday, March 10.

“Live mannequin modeling is a fun and exciting way for the girls to build their confidence and self-esteem,” said Millie Swan, Director of Physician and Public Relations and Director of Spirit of Women at Forrest General. “The program grew tremendously this year, featuring more girls and more retailers than ever before,” said Swan.

5.7.9; Belk; Charlotte Russe; GAP; Limited Too; Forever 21; and, New York and Company all featured live mannequin models for shoppers.

Spirit Girls, part of Forrest General’s Spirit of Women, is a teen modeling program with the mission to reach young women through events targeted at promoting self-esteem and healthy lifestyles. Spirit Girls consists of young ladies in 7th through 12th grades from throughout Forrest General’s 17-county service area.

Spirit Girls participate in Spirit of Women programs and events, such as live mannequin modeling and fashion shows, focus groups, community and other charitable events throughout the year.

Spirit of Women Hospital Network is a national coalition of hospitals and health care facilities in over 55 U.S. cities joined together to advance the cause and business of women’s health. Spirit of Women is a national movement - more than just a media campaign or a series of events, but a movement led by hospitals across the United States and supported by corporate partners and national media with the mission to move women to take action for better health…mind, body and spirit.

With more than 5,000 members, Forrest General is the exclusive Spirit of Women hospital for South Mississippi. Since its inception in 2004, Forrest General’s Spirit of Women program has developed into a resource for women of all ages in the community.

For more information about how your daughter, niece or granddaughter can become a Spirit Girl next year, contact FGH OnCall at 1-800-844-4445, then press 1.

Myrick and Currie appointed to State Board of Nursing

Governor Haley Barbour recently appointed two Brookhaven residents to the State Board of Nursing including (second from right) Merlene Myrick, RN, Chief Nursing Officer for King's Daughters Medical Center, and (far right) Becky Currie, RN, with Gilbert's Home Health and Hospice and candidate for State Representative District 92.

Myrick and Currie are pictured after the Senate Confirmation Hearings with (from left) Dr. Luke Lampton of Magnolia; current State Board of Health Chairman, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith District 39; and Senator Alan Nunlee Chairman of Public Health and Welfare Committee.

Forrest General Hospital’s Public Safety conducted child car seat checks

Forrest General Hospital Public Safety officers Kyle Jackson, Ed Biter and Jimmy McInnis provided free car seat safety inspections during National Child Passenger Safety Week.

Forrest General’s Department of Public Safety provided free car seat safety checks during Child Passenger Safety Week in February, and assisted 17 people in the community by inspecting their current car seats and issuing some new ones in place of recalled seats. Officers Jimmy McInnis, Kyle Jackson and Ed Biter are all certified child seat technicians and made themselves available to conduct this check for the citizens of this community.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 7,500 lives have been saved by the proper use of child restraints during the past 20 years. Yet, motor vehicle crashes still remain the number one killer of children ages 4 to 14 in America because of improper use or non-use of child safety seats and booster seats. That’s why Forrest General Hospital joined with NHTSA and other state and local leaders to commemorate Child Passenger Safety Week.

“As children grow, how they need to be secured in a car, truck, van or SUV changes,” said Charlie Sims, Forrest General Hospital Public Safety Lieutenant of Operations. “Moreover, when you’re an expectant mother, it’s important to always wear your seat belt to protect you and your unborn child. Wear the lap belt across your hips and below your belly with the shoulder belt across your chest (between your breasts). Once your child is born, be a role model and continue to buckle up every trip, every time.”

For maximum child passenger safety, parents and caregivers simply need to remember and follow the 4 Steps for Kids:

1) For the best possible protection, keep infants in the back seat in rear-facing child safety seats as long as possible up to the height or weight limit of the particular seat. At a minimum, keep infants rear-facing until a minimum of age 1 and at least 20 pounds;

2) When children outgrow their rear-facing seats (at a minimum of age 1 and at least 20 pounds), they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats in the back seat until they reach the upper weight or height limit of the particular seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds);

3) Once children outgrow their forward-facing seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds), they should ride in booster seats in the back seat until the vehicle seat belts fit properly. Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest (usually at age 8 or when they are 4’9” tall);

4) When children outgrow their booster seats (usually at age 8 or when they are 4’9” tall), they can use the adult seat belt in the back seat if it fits properly (lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt across the chest).

“Year round, we are working hard to remind all parents, grandparents and child care providers that their infants and toddlers need to be properly secured in their car seat and/or that if their children are under 4’9”, they need to be in a booster seat,” said Sims. “What’s a better way to show you love your children than to make sure they are secured properly? Make it the law in your car - it might actually save your children’s lives.”