News Around the State

WellnessWorks and Crossgates River Oaks Hospital Host Wellness Event for Local Businesses

WellnessWorks and Crossgates River Oaks Hospital recently welcomed 100 guests representing over 50 area businesses to a health and wellness breakfast at the Brandon Civic Center. Designed to build enthusiasm for workplace health initiatives, the breakfast provided valuable healthcare information from two of the hospital’s physicians and encouraged area employers to make sure their employees were on the path to a healthy future. 

At the breakfast, J. Allen Tyra, Crossgates River Oaks’ Chief Executive Officer, provided insight on how to motivate and inspire employees to maintain optimal health year-round. Tyra also shared Crossgates River Oaks’ employee health goals along with the hospital’s commitment to help businesses plan their own health and wellness events at their business locations.

“Crossgates River Oaks is committed to enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve, which means helping businesses reduce their employees' risks for obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illnesses,” Tyra said. "One important way we help the local workforce stay healthy is through our partnership with WellnessWorks. This important program helps provide businesses with ongoing communication and easy access to health care which improves the overall health and wellness of their most valuable assets – their employees.”

Audrey Densford, Corporate Health Consultant for WellnessWorks, gave the attendees an overview of the occupational health, wellness and safety program and its benefits to employers. “WellnessWorks can assist businesses by hosting employee health fairs and screenings and offering preventative programs such as health education and information in support of a healthy lifestyle. The best part is that most of the services we provide to the businesses are at no cost to them,” Densford said.

“As you already know, when your employees are healthy, this in turn results in greater success and profitability for you and your company,” Densford said. “A few of the benefits of WellnessWorks includes lower health care costs, reduced absenteeism, and increased productivity and morale. We have been successful at providing everything from on-site screenings and health education seminars to developing corporate wellness initiatives programs.”

Other speakers at the breakfast were Dr. William Lineaweaver, of Crossgates River Oaks’ Joseph M. Still Burn Center and Dr. Stephen Chouteau, physician at CarePlus Occupational Clinic in Pearl, Mississippi. Both physicians provided an overview of the medical services they provide to the community and answered questions from employers on how their employees could benefit in the event medical treatment is needed.

“In addition to WellnessWorks’ healthcare programs, Crossgates River Oaks supports numerous events and activities designed to promote physical exercise and healthy lifestyle decisions by its employees and the community, including the American Heart Association’s HeartWalk, March of Dimes’ Walk for Babies and American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life,” Tyra concluded.

Allen Sheely, MD, Joins CarePlus Reservoir Family Medicine

CarePlus Reservoir Family Medicine recently announced the addition of Robert (Allen) Sheely, MD, to their staff. Sheely joins Kathryn Taylor, MD, and Jennifer Tuccio, FNP-C, at the Reservoir Family Medicine clinic. CarePlus Reservoir Family Medicine is located at 1220 Northshore Parkway, Suite A, in Brandon, MS.

Sheely previously worked as a Family Medicine physician for area family medical clinics. He completed his residency in family medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) after earning a medical degree from UMMC. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology from Mississippi State University and attended Mississippi College. Sheely is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

“We are very pleased to have Dr. Sheely join our family medicine team,” said Dr. Kathryn Taylor. “Dr. Sheely’s reputation throughout the Jackson area for providing excellent patient care, combined with his medical training and years of experience as a family medicine physician make him a perfect fit for our clinic and CarePlus family.”

Reservoir Family Medicine has been serving Jackson-area residents for several years. Services include primary care for the entire family; same-day sick appointments; wellness exams and routine gynecological care.

Jacque Sullins of Crossgates River Oaks Hospital was named “Chief Nursing Executive of the Year” by Health Management Associates

Jacque Sullins was one of five leaders to receive the coveted title “Chief Nursing Executive of the Year” by Health Management Associates. She was also named “CNE of the Year” at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital, and was then nominated by J. Allen Tyra, CEO of Crossgates River Oaks, to be recognized system-wide. Health Management wanted to publicly thank these nursing leaders for their dedication, and share in what high esteem they are regarded both in the hospitals they work and the communities they serve. 

“Jacque deserves this honor and special recognition as she truly lives up to the mission of our hospital and Health Management. I am proud that she is a member of our leadership team and was honored by the organization,” said Mr. Tyra.

Winners of the “Chief Nursing Executive of the Year” award were recognized on December 13-16, 2012, at the Ritz Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, FL. The criteria for being nominated and ultimately receiving this award are based on performance and results, including significant improvements in HCAHPS scores, nursing Associate and physician satisfaction scores, as well as overall quality indicator measures. Each winner was nominated by the CEO of his/her local hospital and ultimately shares the good traits that Health Management works hard to foster through its culture.

“Jacque is the prime example of the ideal nurse leader at Health Management – patient focused and driven. Her dependable nature and focus on teamwork made my nomination an easy choice,” continued Tyra. “We want our local community to know that Jacque Sullins is an asset to our hospital and ultimately our patients.”

Surgery Without Incisions for Chronic Heartburn and Reflux Now Available at Crossgates River Oaks

Tens of millions of Americans suffer with daily heartburn or other symptoms of reflux such as regurgitation, chronic cough, hoarseness and dental erosions. Until recently these people faced either lifetime of daily medications, and often incomplete resolution of their symptoms, or the risks of invasive surgery. Now they have a better option. The new Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication procedure, or TIF, using the innovative EsophyX® device is performed completely without incisions and is now available from Dr. William Bowles of Rankin Surgical Specialists in Brandon.

“The TIF procedure can significantly improve quality of life for our patients.” said Dr. Bowles. “Reflux medication like PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) can help relieve patients' heartburn symptoms but don't solve the underlying problems or prevent further disease progression. Even on PPIs many patients are still unable to eat the foods they want or have to sleep sitting up to reduce nighttime reflux. In addition recent studies have shown that long term use of PPIs can lead to inadequate absorption of minerals such as calcium and can result in bone fractures. After the TIF procedure, clinical trials show that most patients can eat and drink foods they avoided for many years. Reflux no longer impacts their life like it previously did.”

Because the TIF procedure is incisionless, there is reduced pain, reduced recovery and no visible scar.

“The TIF procedure represents the revolutionary next step in the evolution of surgery. With millions of Americans suffering with daily symptoms of reflux and many not fully satisfied with their current treatment therapy, TIF offers an excellent alternative,” says Dr. Bowles.
“Recent studies show that TIF can reduce patients’ dependency on medications with 79% of patients remaining off their daily medications after two years and experiencing a dramatic improvement in their quality of life,” adds Dr. Bowles. “We are very excited to be able to offer our patients the same incredible benefits as more invasive procedures without incisions.”

Crossgates River Oaks Hospital Announces New Chief Operating Officer

Justin R. Krueger has joined Crossgates River Oaks Hospital as Chief Operating Officer.

Krueger, a native of Florida, joins Crossgates River Oaks after several years of executive experience in the healthcare industry. Most recently, Krueger served as Chief Operating Officer for Lehigh Regional Medical Center in Lehigh Acres, Fla.

Prior to moving into hospital management positions, he made significant contributions to various aspects of the healthcare industry, including physician and ancillary data analysis, contract negotiation, compliance, departmental management and community relations.

Krueger earned both a master’s in health administration and a bachelor of science degree from the University of Florida.

Crossgates River Oaks CEO Allen Tyra said attracting a leader with Krueger’s broad array of healthcare experience and education will be beneficial in helping the hospital to remain fiscally-stable and move forward in several key areas.

“In addition to his leadership and financial management skills, Justin is committed to our mission and our community service principles,” said Tyra. “He has amassed valuable experience while learning the job of every healthcare professional in the hospital throughout previous management positions. He will be an important member of our administrative team as he provides insight to help grow our existing operations.”

Krueger will coordinate the operations of several key areas of the hospital and be responsible for ensuring compliance with the mission of CRO and all regulatory guidelines.

Crossgates River Oaks Now Providing Microsurgery to Patients

Crossgates River Oaks Hospital in Brandon now provides specialized service in the area of microsurgery for the treatment of severe extremity trauma, hospital officials announced recently. At Crossgates River Oaks, plastic and reconstructive surgeons William Lineaweaver, MD, and Tanya Oswald, MD, bring years of experience and specialized surgical skills to treat complicated hand and extremity injuries.

“Lineaweaver and Oswald have successfully treated patients from across the state as well as the U.S. and international countries seeking replantation or reconstruction of extremities through the use of microsurgery,” said Allen Tyra, Crossgates River Oaks’ CEO.

Microsurgery is a specialized type of surgery that involves the use of an operating microscope. Microsurgery is performed when a patient’s hand or other body part becomes detached through a motor vehicle accident or other severe trauma or injury, including a saw or heavy equipment.

The techniques allow repair of critical small vessels and nerves as well as transplantation of tissue from other parts of the body to repair an injury.

Through the use of microsurgery, Lineaweaver and Oswald can reattach severed extremities, including hands, fingers, arms, legs and feet as well as facial structures, such as ears, lips and scalp. Following surgery and if needed, follow-up therapy, most patients can regain function of previously amputated or injured parts.

In addition to restoring function to amputated parts, the surgeons can transfer nerves to new locations to maximize function and achieve other positive results even when massive soft tissue injury has occurred. Treatment of other complicated wounds, including severe burns, is also provided at Crossgates River Oaks and at the Joseph M. Still Burn & Reconstruction Center at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital.

Tyra added that an increasing number of patients are being transported to Crossgates River Oaks from other areas to receive treatment by the surgeons. Lineaweaver and Oswald are part of an elite group of Mississippi surgeons trained in the complex microsurgical technique.

“We are proud of the fact that patients from other areas of Mississippi and in many cases, areas far beyond our state, travel to Crossgates River Oaks to receive the treatment and accompanying surgery necessary to repair severe hand and extremities trauma,” Tyra said. “But despite the impressive statistics, Dr. Lineaweaver and Dr. Oswald are caring professionals who provide each and every one of our patients with ongoing personalized attention from the moment they arrive at our hospital.”

Lineaweaver is a board-certified plastic surgeon with an additional certification in hand surgery. He has over 20 years of surgery experience in the areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, hand surgery, microsurgical replantation and flap transplantation. He is medical director of the Joseph M. Still Burn and Reconstruction Center at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital, Mississippi’s only inpatient burn center.

Oswald also received certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. During her surgery training, she was named a Hand and Microvascular Fellow at Washington University in St. Louis and a Microsurgery and Complex Reconstruction Fellow at University of Mississippi Medical Center.

For more information about Lineaweaver and Oswald’s microsurgery techniques or to schedule an appointment, call 1-877-863-9595. To learn more about Crossgates River Oaks Hospital, visit www.crossgatesriveroaks.com.

Margaret Stubblefield of Crossgates River Oaks Hospital was named “Director of the Year” by Health Management AssociatesMargaret Stubblefield was one of five Associates to receive the coveted title “Director of the Year” by Health Management Assoc

Margaret Stubblefield was one of five Associates to receive the coveted title “Director of the Year” by Health Management Associates. She was also named “Director of the Year” at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital and was then nominated by J. Allen Tyra, CEO and a fellow Associate to be recognized system-wide. Margaret was chosen out of more than 40,500 Associates to receive this prestigious award from the hospital’s parent company.

“Margaret is dedicated to operational excellence and going that extra mile to ensure that her department runs smoothly and patients receive the best care possible. Margaret truly lives up to the mission of our hospital and Health Management. I am proud that she was honored by the organization,” said J. Allen Tyra, CEO.

Winners of the “Director of the Year” award were recognized at a company meeting earlier this month. Other categories included “Associate of the Year”, “CEO of the Year” and “Nurse of the Year”. Each winner was nominated by the CEO of their local hospital and ultimately shares the good traits that Health Management works hard to foster through its culture.

“Margaret consistently receives positive feedback from our patients and fellow Associates at Crossgates River Oaks and her department receives high marks on quality reports. Her dependable nature and focus on teamwork made my nomination an easy choice,” continued Tyra. “We want our local community to know about Margaret and her high level of commitment to serving them in an exemplary manner.”

Margaret is the Director of Quality/Risk Management and the Hospital Compliance Officer. She has been employed at Crossgates River Oaks for 19 years.

Wilson named CFO at Crossgates River Oaks

Crossgates River Oaks Hospital recently named Christy Wilson as the hospital’s new Chief Financial Officer.  Ms. Wilson is an outstanding leader with a strong background in healthcare finance.  

J. Allen Tyra, CEO of Crossgates River Oaks Hospital, is enthusiastic about welcoming Ms. Wilson back to Brandon.  “Ms. Wilson worked at Crossgates River Oaks for several years as our Controller.  She did a wonderful job and I am confident her leadership will be a valuable asset to our hospital.”

Ms. Wilson returns to Crossgates River Oaks after serving as the Chief Financial Officer for Gilmore Memorial Regional Medical Center in Amory, MS.  She is a board certified CPA and a member of MSCPA, HFMA as well as several other organizations.  Ms. Wilson will reside in Rankin County with her family.  

 

Crossgates River Oaks Hospital Honors Employee of the Quarter Recipients

Crossgates River Oaks Hospital recently honored their most outstanding associates for exemplary job performance in the third quarter of fiscal year 2011. Three top staff were named Associates of the third quarter during a special ceremony held at the hospital. Each winner was awarded an engraved plaque to
commemorate their outstanding achievement.

The following associates were named Associates of the third quarter at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital:

Outstanding Nurse Shelley Marcum, RN (Pictured Left)


Outstanding Department Manager - Mark Cook, Human Resources Director (Pictured Bottom Right)

Outstanding Associate Ray Willis Jr., Imaging Services (Pictured Left)

“We are extremely proud of these three associates here at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital,” said Brandon Downey, Chief Operating Officer at Crossgates. “This award symbolizes the hard work and dedication that each of them have displayed in the respective department, and we at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital are extremely fortunate to have associates such as these working in our facility.”

Associates at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital have the opportunity to become the “Associate of the Quarter” on a number of different criteria. Their performance in the workplace has to be exceptional, they constantly receive positive comments from coworkers and patients and most importantly, they go above and beyond the expectations.
 

Crossgates River Oaks Hospital Earns ‘Top Performer on Key Quality Measures’ Recognition from The Joint Commission

 
(From Left to Right) Chief Executive Office, J. Allen Tyra; Performance Improvement Coordinator, Rhonda Parker; Chief Nursing Officer, Jacque Sullins and Margaret Stubblefield, Director of Quality and Risk Management proudly display The Joint Commission Top Performer Award.

Crossgates River Oaks Hospital was recently named one of the nation’s top performers on key quality measures by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America.
Crossgates River Oaks Hospital was recognized by The Joint Commission based on data reported about evidence-based clinical procedures that are shown to improve care for certain conditions, including heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care and children’s asthma.

Crossgates River Oaks Hospital is one of only 405 U.S. hospitals and critical access hospitals earning the distinction of top performer on key quality measures for attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure performance. Inclusion on the list is based on an aggregation of accountability measure data reported to The Joint Commission during the previous calendar year. For example, this first recognition program is based on data reported for 2010.

To be recognized as a top performer on key quality measures an organization must meet two 95 percent performance thresholds. First it must achieve a composite performance of 95 percent or above after the results of all the accountability measures for which it reports data to The Joint Commission were factored into a single score, including measures that had less than 30 eligible cases or patients. Second it must meet or exceed a 95 percent performance target for every single accountability measure for which it reports data, excluding any measures with less than 30 eligible cases or patients.

Crossgates River Oaks Hospital was recognized for achieving these thresholds for pneumonia and heart failure.

“Today, the public expects transparency in the reporting of performance at the hospitals where they receive care, and The Joint Commission is shining a light on the top performing hospitals such as Crossgates River Oaks Hospital that have achieved excellence on a number of vital measures of quality of care,” said Mark R. Chassin, M.D., FACP, M.P.P., M.P.H., President of The Joint Commission.

“We understand that what matters most to our patients at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital is safe, effective care,” said Chief Executive Officer, J. Allen Tyra. “That’s why Crossgates River Oaks Hospital has made a commitment to accreditation and to positive patient outcomes through evidence-based care processes. Crossgates River Oaks Hospital is proud to be named to the list of The Joint Commission’s Top Performers on Key Quality Measures,” said Tyra.

In addition to being included in The Joint Commission’s “Improving America’s Hospitals” annual report, Crossgates River Oaks Hospital will be recognized on The Joint Commission’s Quality Check website.