News Around the State

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.

Crossgates River Oaks Hospital welcomes William Bowles, D.O.

 

William Bowles, D.O., FACOS, general surgeon, has joined Rankin Surgical Specialists and the Crossgates River Oaks Hospital staff. Dr. Bowles specializes in general surgery.

“We are committed to recruiting the best and brightest at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital, and
Dr. William Bowles was the right choice. The expertise and vast knowledge he brings will help us
achieve our ever-reaching goal of providing the best quality care for our patients in the Jackson
Metro area,” said J. Allen Tyra, CEO of Crossgates River Oaks Hospital.

Dr. Bowles is excited to be on staff at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital, and is looking forward to providing care for the patients that he will see in the hospital. “Iʼm excited to now be on staff at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital. I feel we have a fantastic general surgery department, and Iʼm excited to be working alongside Dr. (Galen) Poole,” said Dr. Bowles. “Iʼm looking forward to all the positive progress our hospital is making, and Iʼm thankful that I am able to add my experience to the already
great group of physicians we have practicing here at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital.”

Dr. Bowles earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Oklahoma College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa. Following his medical degree, he completed his general surgery residency at the Doctorʼs of Stark County Hospital in Massillon, Ohio. Dr. Bowles also served as the interim director of the emergency department at Kentucky River Medical Center.

“I speak on behalf of our entire staff when I say that we are thrilled to have Dr. Bowles at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital,” said Dr. Edward Rigdon, Chief of Staff at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital. “Our general surgery program is growing, and with the addition of Dr. Bowles, we can continue to provide the highest quality care available,” said Rigdon.

Crossgates River Oaks Hospital Welcomes Trevor Maurer, MD

 

On August 10, 2011, Trevor Maurer, M.D., has joined Care+ Pediatrics at the Reservoir location with Dr. Andy Rimmer and Dr. Tyree Winters.

“We are extremely excited to have Dr. Maurer at the Care+ Pediatrics at the Reservoir clinic
alongside us each day,” said Dr. Andy Rimmer, fellow pediatrician at the clinic. “With the addition of
Dr. Maurer, not only does that add another extremely qualified pediatrician, but he will also
allow us to expand our patient base and see more patients on a daily basis,” said Rimmer.

Dr. Maurer completed his undergraduate work at the University of Georgia in Athens, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology, graduating Summa Cum Laude and also graduated in the top 5 percent of his class. He then went on to complete his Doctor of Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia, located in Augusta. After completing his medical degree, he completed his residency at the Nationwide Childrenʼs Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Maurer is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics as well as various others.

Crossgates River Oaks Hospital adds Customer Service Coordinator

 

Crossgates River Oaks Hospital has recently created a new position, the Customer Service Coordinator, in order to help meet and even exceed patients’ expectations for their healthcare needs in a kind, compassionate, and respectful manner.   

Roscoe Greene, long time resident of Rankin County, will be filling the role of the new Customer Service Coordinator. The Customer Service Coordinator will be visiting patients to assure that their stay at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The addition of the Customer Service Coordinator will enable the hospital to continue to provide the services and top quality care that Crossgates dedicates to provide.

“It’s my pleasure to be able to visit with patients and their families each day in order to ensure that we give the best quality care available,” Greene stated one afternoon after visiting a number of patients during his first week of work. 

Allen Tyra, Chief Executive Officer of Crossgates River Oaks Hospital, is also excited about the new addition to the hospital.

“Here at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital, we are dedicated to provide the highest quality care available,” said Tyra. “We are excited and fortunate to have Mr. Roscoe Greene here at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital working alongside associates and patients, and we are all excited for the bright future for the hospital.”

The Customer Service Coordinator is at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital to assist each and every patient. If you have any questions or concerns, or would like more information please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Roscoe Greene, Customer Service Coordinator, at 601.824.8456.

 

River Oaks Healthcare Network of Hospitals Hosts Banquet to Recognize EMS Heroes

(Left to right) Allen Tyra, CEO, Crossgates River Oaks Hospital; Scott Smith, CEO, Central Mississippi Medical Center; Sherry Pitts, CEO, Woman’s Hospital; Paul Peiffer, COO, River Oaks Hospital; Tony Acy, AMR; Ed Powers, General Manager, AMR; Kaci Ramsey, AMR; Haley Sledge, AMR; Chuck Lavender, AMR and Derek Poole, AMR.

Central Mississippi Medical Center, Crossgates River Oaks Hospital, Madison River Oaks Medical Center, River Oaks Hospital and Woman’s Hospital joined together to honor Emergency Medical Service (EMS) workers for their dedication, teamwork, spirit and commitment to saving lives. 

A reception and dinner was held at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in May to recognize and celebrate these “Everyday Heroes” for their extraordinary measures in the field.

Administrative leaders from each hospital personally spoke about how the services provided by EMS workers truly brings quality care to the patients they serve.  Some guests were presented with an “Everyday Hero” certificate.  These heroes were nominated by the hospitals’ ER staff.

Those receiving the “Everyday Hero” honor were Tony Acy, Kevin Courtney, Chuck Lavender, Derek Poole, Kaci Ramsey, Haley Sledge and Larry Smith.

Care+ Pediatrics Clinic Moves to New Location at the Reservoir

Dr. Tyree Winters and Dr. Ronald “Andy” Rimmer have moved in a new clinic location at the Reservoir. Dr. Andy Rimmer will be joining Dr. Tyree Winters at the new location and will provide quality care to the Jackson Metro area.

 

Dr. Andy Rimmer completed his undergraduate degree at Mississippi State University, followed by completing his medical degree at the Medical College of Georgia. His medical interests include allergies and asthma for pediatric patients. With family ties in Greenwood, Mississippi., Dr. Rimmer is no stranger to our state, and brings 14½ years experience. He is board certified and a member of the American Board of Pediatrics.

 

Dr. Tyree Winters joined Crossgates River Oaks Hospital at Care+ Pediatrics in August of 2010, and will continue his pediatric practice at the new location. Dr. Winters received his Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Michigan- Dearborn and his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He then went on to complete an internship and residency in general pediatrics at Nationwide Childrenʼs/Doctor West Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. While
completing his residency, Dr. Winters was chosen and served as the pediatric Chief Resident.

The new clinic is located at 1020 Spillway Circle, Suite 6, in Brandon, and will provide numerous services such as primary care for newborns to young adults as well as wellbaby check-ups, well-child exams, illness care visits, childhood immunizations, sports physicals, osteopathic manipulative medicine and childhood obesity medicine.