News Around the State

Orthopedic Surgeon Using Recently Approved Partial Knee Implant

William “Bill” D. Lawrence, D.O., is one of a few surgeons in the Metro area to perform partial knee replacement surgery utilizing the Oxford® Partial Knee System.

Leading surgeons in Oxford, England, along with engineers at Biomet, headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, developed the partial knee system, which until last year was not available in the U.S. The Oxford® Knee is the only FDA-approved Free Floating Meniscal Partial knee system available in the United States and has been utilized throughout Europe for more than two decades.

Often recognized as the most widely used and clinically proven partial knee system in the world, the Oxford® Knee System has demonstrated excellent clinical results. Surgeons in the U.S. now have access to this system whose clinical results have equalled that of the most successful total knee replacements.1 Unlike total knee replacement involving removal of all the knee joint surfaces, a partial knee replacement replaces only one side of the knee joint. Knee osteoarthritis usually occurs first in the medial (inside) compartment, as this side of the knee bears most of the weight. In knees that are otherwise healthy, a partial approach allows the outer compartment and all ligaments to remain intact. By retaining all of the undamaged parts, the joint may function more naturally.

In a healthy knee, the meniscal cartilage serves as a shock absorber between the ends of the bones. The Oxford® Knee is the first partial implant with an artificial meniscal bearing designed to glide freely throughout the knee’s range of motion to more closely replicate normal movement. The free floating nature of the device also greatly improves durability of the implant.

The Oxford® System offers a precisely instrumented system designed to balance the soft tissues and to accurately reproduce normal knee motion. The Oxford® Knee may also allow for a more rapid recovery due to the use of minimally-invasive instrumentation and technique. With proper use of the Oxford® instruments, the operation can be performed through a small incision with great precision.

Surgeons in the U.S. who wish to use the Oxford® System are required by the FDA to attend an advanced instructional course on the device. 

IRC Committee donates $10,000 to Forrest General Healthcare Foundation

Dr. Lewis E. Hatten, Chairman of the IRC Committee at Forrest General Hospital presents a $10,000 donation to Mr. Paul McMullan, Chairman of the Forrest General Healthcare Foundation.

The Investigational Review Committee (IRC) of Forrest General Hospital recently donated $10,000 to the Forrest General Healthcare Foundation.

“The Investigational Review Committee is charged with evaluating any request for investigational studies and trials to be conducted on patients within Forrest General Hospital” said Bill Peters, M.D., a member of the IRC. Peters says the committee, which is designed to protect patients’ safety and privacy, is composed of representatives from medical, hospital and administrative staff, Corporate Compliance and Risk Management departments and representatives from the public. Many of the requests they receive relate to the pharmaceutical research and medical appliances industries.

Lewis E. Hatten, M.D., a surgeon with Hattiesburg Clinic and a member of the IRC, says that the committee charges a fee to review each request and makes sure it complies with Forrest General’s standards regarding patient safety and other guidelines. The committee can then choose how money collected from those fees will be used. “We chose to make a donation to the Foundation because it is something new, and very worthwhile,” said Hatten. “I think, in regards to the future, this will probably be a significant way that our hospital, as well as other hospitals, will receive funding and revenue.”

Paul McMullan, Foundation Chairman, says that the IRC donation has been earmarked to be distributed evenly between their first three projects, which will consist of an inpatient hospice center, renovation of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and work with two groups at Pine Grove: Spiritual Grounds and Circle of Healing. “From the surveys that we made, those are the three projects that people had the most interest in giving to, and all have a big demand for funds to expand their services for the community,” said McMullan. The chairman also said that Forrest General is a leader in all three of the disciplines chosen for their first three projects, and funding is needed due to the rapid growth in those service areas. “Giving is an emotional happening for people,” said McMullan, “and the patients and corporations interested in giving are being very supportive of our campaigns.”

The Foundation was created to assist Forrest General Hospital in meeting the healthcare needs of our community. The mission of the organization is to enhance the health and wellness of area residents through a charitable gift foundation that will support the mission of Forrest General Hospital.

Saebo Flex Device offered at Forrest General’s Outpatient Rehab

Beth Curtis, OTR/L (NDT), a certified SaeboFlex occupational therapist, is shown with patient John Rounsaville using the SaeboFlex.

Forrest General Hospital’s Outpatient Rehab recently introduced the Saebo Flex Device. The Saebo Flex device is a custom-made hand splint designed for people who have limited use of their hand or arm due to a recent or long-term neurological condition. 

Beth Curtis OTR/L is neurodevelopmental treatment trained (NDT) and is a certified SaeboFlex occupational therapist.  “This splint offers an opportunity to patients that traditional therapy alone does not. The SaeboFlex was designed by an occupational therapist and uses a specific protocol to teach people to use their arm and hand again,” said Curtis.

The SaeboFlex allows individuals to work on grasping, holding and picking up objects.  It allows the use of muscles in the involved arm and hand that may not be possible during normal therapy attempts.  SaeboFlex helps to "jump start" use of the involved arm which will have a carryover in the success and ability to use the affected extremity during functional tasks such as eating and dressing.

Outpatient Rehabilitation offers patients a comprehensive approach to physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. The three types of therapists often work as a team. The staff at Outpatient Rehabilitation has a combined clinical experience of more than 100 years. The goals of these services are to treat, heal, prevent injuries and disabilities, and rebuild confidence.

Some of the health conditions that can benefit from the services offered at Outpatient Rehabilitation Therapy at LiveWell are:

• Work-related injuries including lower back problems or repetitive stress injures
• Arthritis, multiple sclerosis, amputations or other serious chronic conditions
• Birth injuries, learning problems, or developmental disabilities
• Memory, language or learning problems that occur with conditions such as early Alzheimer’s, or those associated with traumatic brain injury.
• Musculoskeletal problems associated with prolonged illness or eating disorders
• Burns or other infected or non-healing wounds
• Broken bones or other injuries from falls, sport injuries, or accidents
• Vision or cognitive problems that threaten everyday abilities
• Neurologic conditions such as stroke

Outpatient Rehabilitation Resource offers special programs for patients such as the Balance Master by Neurocom, Aquatic heated pool, and the SaeboFlex program. DPNS (deep pharyngeal neuromuscular stimulation), a specialized speech therapy treatment, is offered as well.

Outpatient Rehabilitation Resource is located at LiveWell Center, 5909 Highway 49, Suite 40 (next to Wal-Mart).

For more information about Forrest General’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Resource, call FGH OnCall at 1-800-844-4445, then press 1.

Larkin Kennedy Receives ACHE Regent’s Award

Larkin Kennedy, chief executive officer for Baptist Memorial Hospital in Booneville, MS, received the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Early Career Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award on Friday, June 29, during the ACHE Breakfast held at the Mississippi Hospital Association’s 76th Annual Leadership Conference in Point Clear, AL.

The award was bestowed on Kennedy by Mississippi Healthcare Executives, an independent chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives. The Early Career Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award recognizes ACHE affiliates who have significantly contributed toward the advancement of health care management excellence and the achievement of the goals of ACHE.

Affiliates are evaluated on leadership ability, innovative and creative management, executive capability in developing their own organization and promoting its growth and stature in the community, participation in local, state, or provincial hospital and health association activities, participation in civic/community activities and projects, participation in ACHE activities, and interest in assisting ACHE in achieving its objectives.

Jim Ainsworth, vice president of regional operations for Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation, described Kennedy as “a diamond being polished.” Kennedy has served as chief executive officer for Baptist Memorial Hospital-Booneville since 2006. Prior to this, he has also served as assistant administrator for Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi from 2004-2006 and Groner Administrative Fellow for Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation in Memphis, TN, from 2003-2004.

Kennedy holds affiliate status in the ACHE, demonstrating a commitment to professional excellence. He has been very active in the community, holding membership with the United Way Fund Distribution Committee of Oxford, Rotary Club International of Booneville and Lion’s Club International of Oxford. He is also a member of North Mississippi Chrysalis/Crossroads Board of Directors and a counselor for Baptist Trinity Camp Good Grief.

Kennedy received his BBA in May of 2001 from Mississippi State University and his MBA (2003) and MHA (2004) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Larkin Kennedy and his wife, Jenny Ruth Green Kennedy, reside in Booneville, MS.

Rankin Medical Center Promotes Bates

Rankin Medical Center recently promoted Kristen Bates, to patient care coordinator for Two North and Two East nursing units. Bates received her Associates Degree in Nursing from Hinds Community College in December of 2005.

She has been employed with the hospital since December of 2003 as a unit secretary/certified nurses’ assistant while continuing her education. Bates also completed an externship and internship at Rankin Medical Center.

Construction set to begin on Magee Hospital’s new Medical Center of Excellence

Participating in the ground-breaking ceremony for the new Medical Center of Excellence are, from left: District 90 State Representative Joe Warren; Dr. R. S. Runnels, Sr.; Stanley Shows, representing Third District U.S. Congressman Chip Pickering; MGH board member Betty Wade; Dr. Kelli Smith; District 39 State Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith; Sam Cameron, President of the MS Hospital Association; MGH HealthTrust Executive Director Glenda Grayson; Althea Crumpton, MGH Administrator; Dr. Charles Pruitt III; Melissa Anderson, MGH Chief Financial Officer; District 77 State Representative Clint Rotenberery; and Magee Mayor Jimmy Clyde.

Magee General Hospital officials hosted a groundbreaking ceremony July 10 for a new medical center that will offer innovations in health care for patients and health professionals in the area and set a new standard for medical care.

Upon completion, the new Medical Center of Excellence will entirely replace the 1936 structure that received additions in 1972 and 1988.

Althea Crumpton, MGH administrator, said the front entrance facing Old Highway 49 will be the first area to be demolished to prepare the site. Construction of the first phase will begin this fall and should be completed within one year. Crumpton said demolition will be done in stages as new areas are completed to prevent interruption of patient care and services.

The first phase of construction will encompass 22,000-square-feet and provide modernization and expansion of surgical suites, laboratory, waiting areas for both patients and families, a spacious lobby fronted with a covered canopy and a new office for HealthTrust, MGH’s Foundation.

“In our current facility, it has become challenging for us to keep up with increasing patient demand and make room for current advancements in medical technology and treatment,” said Crumpton. “We’ve designed this new facility with the future in mind to not only fit today's medicine, but tomorrow's innovations. The new Medical Center of Excellence is truly an investment in our patients' health today and for the future.”

Crumpton said the new facility will enhance all of the hospital’s inpatient and outpatient services, which include treatment from medical professionals representing a growing array of medical specialties.

"Our new facility will have the infrastructure necessary to deliver enhanced and innovative care to patients. Additionally, we can provide our team of physicians with many of the resources and technologies utilized at much larger hospitals across the state.”

Employees Send a Million Thanks to Troops

Presenting the cards to Mandal General Sales Manager Sammy White (pictured center) were (L-R, Cheryl Hatten, Clinical Data Management; Keith Brown, Decision Support, Constance Epps, Business Office; and Linda Magee, Accounting.

Singing River Hospital System employees working in the Lingle Building and Professional Services Building recently did their part to send "a million thanks" to the men and women serving in the military overseas. 

Spearheaded by Althea Trahan, Revenue Training Specialist and Patient Account Manager, the employees wrote 100 thank you notes and presented them to the Mandal General Motors dealership in Ocean Springs.  Nationally, GM dealerships are collecting thank you cards in an effort to send one million overseas to the troops. 

"We do a lot of things for our own community, but I thought it was time to reach out to our troops," said Trahan.  "Following Hurricane Katrina, the military was here for us, and I thought it was our turn to thank them for their service."

SRHS honors June Employees of the Month

Singing River Hospital System recently honored its June employees of the Month.  Aleta Pilutti, RN, Patient Resource Management, was named the Ocean Springs Hospital Employee of the Month, and Ashley Turner, X-Ray Tech/Materials Coordinator, Radiology, was named Singing River Hospital's Employee of the Month.

Pilutti is a graduate of Ocean Springs High School and Mobile Infirmary School of Nursing.  She has worked as a nurse in several states, including Alabama, Tennessee, Texas and Louisiana.  She began her career with SRHS in February 2004 as a Case Manager. 

"I think our hospital provides very good services to the community, and I am proud to tell the people where I work," said Pilutti.

Turner is a graduate of Resurrection Catholic High School and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.  She began her career at SRH in March 2001 in the Radiology Department. 

"I like working for the Radiology Department because we are a family who work well together," said Turner.  "We help each other out, and we all do our best to make every patient feel special and that we care about them as a person."

James G. Chastain named president-elect of MHA Board of Governors

   

James G. (Bo) Chastain, director of Mississippi State Hospital (MSH) located in Whitfield, MS, was recently appointed chairman-elect for the 2007-2008 Mississippi Hospital Association Board of Governors on Wednesday, June 27, at the Mississippi Hospital Association’s 76th Annual Leadership Conference in Point Clear, AL.

Chastain has served as director of Mississippi State Hospital (MSH) since 1993.  He joined the hospital in 1990 as the assistant director of communications then transferred to the hospital’s Jaquith Nursing Home where he worked as an administrator.  In May 1991, he was promoted to personnel director at a sister Department of Mental Health facility, East Mississippi State Hospital in Meridian – a position he held until his appointment as director of MSH.

Chastain is a very active member of the Mississippi Hospital Association (MHA), currently serving as past-president of MHA’s Society of Behavioral Health Services and as a member of the MHA Board of Governors. He also serves on the MHA Committee on Legislation and the MHA Executive Committee. He represents Mississippi on the Board of Directors of the Southern States Psychiatric Hospital Association Board of Directors and is a past member of the American Hospital Association Section for Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Services Governing Council. He currently serves as an Alternate Delegate to the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board 4. He is a Fellow designate in the American College of Healthcare Executives and is an active member of several community and educational organizations.

Chastain is a Licensed Mental Health Program Administrator through the Department of Mental Health.  He is also licensed as a nursing home administrator and certified as a nursing home preceptor through the Mississippi State Board of Nursing Home Administrators. Chastain received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Mississippi State University in Starkville in 1982 and his MBA from the Else School of Management at Millsaps College in Jackson in 1990.

Bo Chastain and his wife, Connie, have two children, Charlie and Anna Claire. They attend St. Richard’s Catholic Church in Jackson.

Festival raises money for mammography assistance

Golf Tournament and Festival Organizer Linda Tucker presents a check to Hancock Medical Administrator Hal Leftwich . More than $12,500 was raised in the “Pride with a Purpose” Golf Tournament and Festival which benefited the Mammography Assistance Program at Hancock Medical.

The seventh annual Pride with a Purpose Golf Tournament and Festival raised more than $12,500 for the Hancock Medical Center Foundation’s Mammography Assistance Program.

Both the golf tournament and festival were hosted by Linda Tucker, who along with Charlene Schneider, began raising money for the Mammography Assistance Program with the program’s inception in 2000. Schneider passed away late last year and Tucker continued the event in her honor.

“Charlene wanted this event to live on and continue to help women in need,” said Tucker. “I’m very thankful that so many friends and community members support it each year.”

Over the years thousands of dollars have been raised through the event to benefit the Mammography Assistance Program. Many women have benefited by receiving free or low-cost mammograms as a result of the program, which provides screening for uninsured residents of Hancock County who do not qualify for public assistance.

The Hancock Medical Center Foundation was established in 1985 to secure private donations in support of the hospital’s mission to improve the health of communities served by providing a network of care throughout the county and surrounding areas. Through the generosity of local businesses and individuals, Hancock Medical Center continues to expand community outreach efforts and upgrade facilities and equipment with Foundation funds.