News Around the State

D’Iberville Medical Center opens

The D’Iberville Medical Center recently celebrated its grand opening as part of the Singing River Hospital System. The facility has two full-time physicians, Dr. Gregg Novak, who specializes in pediatric internal medicine, and Dr. Julia Jensen, who specializes in family medicine. The new center is part of the hospital system’s mission to find areas that are underserved, especially in the area of primary health care. The medical center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until noon and from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. everyday except Wednesday.

Freeman joins medical staff at BRMC

Tijuana L. Freeman, MD, a pediatrician, has joined the medical staff of Biloxi Regional Medical Center and the Children’s Clinic in Ocean Springs and Cedar Lake. Freeman attended medical school at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and attained her pediatric residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Burke joins Gulf Coast Medical Center

Emily K. Burke has joined Gulf Coast Medical Center in Biloxi as senior marketing and volunteer coordinator. Burke attended the University of Southern Mississippi where she received a bachelor of arts in recreation administration with emphasis in commercial recreation. She has been employed with the city of Biloxi as an events coordinator since October of 2000. She is currently participating in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Gulf Coast Program. She serves as a board member to the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce.

Jay named director of radiology at BRMC

Jerry W. Jay has been appointed the director of radiology services at Biloxi Regional Medical Center in Biloxi. He has over 35 years of experience in radiologic technology, radiology departmental management and business development. He comes to Biloxi from Dickson, TN. Jay attended Jones County Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi. He is licensed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists since 1970.

Gulf Coast Medical Center Reopening Obstetrical and Newborn Services

Some of the Gulf Coast region’s newest residents will be warmly welcomed into the world by their families and the caregivers at Gulf Coast Medical Center on Monday, July 17, 2006, when the medical center officially reopens its obstetrical and newborn services. The services were closed in 2005 by the medical center’s previous owner.

Brenda Whitwell, the medical center’s chief executive officer, made the announcement recently, saying the re-opening of the services is a sign of the medical center’s commitment to the area and its future growth, as well as a great morale booster for the hospital’s staff.

“Providing maternity and newborn care services is so important to all of us at Gulf Coast Medical Center. When HMA (Health Management Associates, Inc.) acquired the hospital on June 1, 2006, we made a commitment to serve the community’s healthcare needs and be a part of the rebuilding and future growth of the Gulf Coast region.

Obstetrical care and newborn care are vital services that this area needs. The bond we form with our patients when they give birth marks the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the mother and child. The experiences a woman has when she gives birth become an important part of her life story. Our staff is dedicated to doing all that we can to make the childbirth process as safe, comfortable, and family-friendly as possible. The birth of a baby is a very hopeful, happy event and we consider it a privilege to play an important role in the lives of our patients and the future of the area,” said Whitwell.

“We are so fortunate to have four skilled, well-regarded obstetrician/gynecologists on the medical staff of Gulf Coast Medical Center. Drs. Donna Alexander, Albert Diaz, Hebe Diaz and Kathryn McClure are also deeply committed to working to provide the women of our region with excellent obstetrical care. They, along with pediatricians Drs. Nandini Bhargav-Iyengar, Gerald Bristol and Kathryn Sigurnjak who care for the newborns after delivery provide outstanding leadership for our team of caregivers.

We are also very pleased to welcome Jacque Sullins back to Gulf Coast Medical Center in the position of Director of Maternal Child Services. Jacque served in this role at the medical center from 2000 to 2005 and has an excellent reputation for being a nursing leader and mentor to her staff, she also is dedicated to creating a warm, caring environment for the patients and staff on her unit,” Whitwell added.

Gulf Coast Medical Center’s maternity unit features three spacious labor, delivery and recovery (LDR) rooms and a well-baby nursery. Mothers are given the option of having babies “room in” should they prefer keeping the baby in the room with them.

Tenet Agrees to Sell Gulf Coast Medical Center to HMA

Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE: THC) announced on April 17 that a company subsidiary has signed a definitive agreement to sell 189-bed Gulf Coast Medical Center in Biloxi, Miss., to Health Management Associates, Inc. (NYSE: HMA).

Net after-tax proceeds, including the liquidation of working capital, are estimated to be approximately $16 million. The company said it expects to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes. Gulf Coast Medical Center is Tenet’s only hospital in Mississippi.

The company said the devastating impact of last summer’s hurricanes had caused it to reevaluate its operations in Mississippi, mainly as a result of continuing uncertainty about the long-term health care needs of the area. Tenet said it decided that turning over the hospital to an operator with other significant health care operations in the area would be in the best interests of the community and would speed the return of services. HMA operates Biloxi Regional Medical Center in Biloxi.

Under the agreement, HMA has committed to offer employment to substantially all Gulf Coast Medical Center employees in good standing. The sale, which is expected to be completed by May 31, is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Extreme Makeover - Coastal Family Health Center

Biloxi Regional Medical Center has been working with the cast of Extreme Makeover-Home Edition. They have been on the Coast for about a week and visited BRMC and made rounds with Dr. Russell, an internist at the Coastal Family Health Center. They chose the center as a rebuild project. (And thanks to Lori Derouen at BRMC for sharing these before and after pictures of the center with us.)

 
Before

After

BRMC names award winners

Biloxi Regional Medical Center held the quarterly awards ceremony on October 26, 2005. Service awards were presented to the following: 25 years – Jean Cooper, Leslie Johnson; 15 Years – George Bickel, Barbara Breal, Kimberly Lee; 10 Years – Nicole Winters; 5 Years – Anita Bordeaux, Tiffany Cowan, Dorothy Webb, Angela Louviere, Debra Kaiser.

Collector was named Employee of the Quarter. Olivia Lanier, RN, 6th Floor, was the recipient of the Nursing Excellence of the Quarter Award. Cindi Butcher, RN, ER & Darrin Ivey, Plant Operations were named Managers of the Quarter. Chef Jon Marc Vanzutphen, Nutritional Services, was named Contract Employee of the Quarter. Angelia Ellzey, Volunteer, was named Volunteer of the Quarter.

Darlene Akins, Insurance Supervisor, was named Employee of the Year. Marcy Geary, RN, 6th Floor, was named Nurse of the Year. Darrin Ivey, Plant Operations, was named Manager of the Year.

Johnson receives certification

Leslie H. Johnson, director of medical staff services and executive assistant at Biloxi Regional Medical Center in Biloxi has been certified by the National Association of Medical Staff Services as a certified professional in medical services management (CPMSM). Johnson is a Biloxi native and has been with BRMC for 25 years.

BRMC Quarterly Award winners

Biloxi Regional Medical Center held its quarterly awards ceremony recently. Service awards were presented to the following:

• Jackie White (35 years)
• John Brauchle (25 years)
• Sue Adams (25 years)
• Rosalie SantaCruz (20 years)
• Debra Luber (15 years)
• Wanda Shaw (15 years)
• Lori Derouen (10 years)
• Angela Reid (5 years)
• Cliff Hermes (5 years)

Darlene Atkins, supervisor, was named Employee of the Quarter.

Linda Wainwright, RN, house supervisor, was named the recipient of the Nursing Excellence of the Quarter Award.

Suzette Duh, director of finance, was named Department Manager of the Quarter.

Bob Ingles, Nutritional Services, was named Contract Employee of the Quarter.

Donald Johnson, volunteer, was named Volunteer of the Quarter.