News Around the State

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.”

Magee General adds new furniture

Magee General Hospital in Magee added $126,309 worth of new furniture to benefit patients and guest in the emergency room, the medical-surgical unit, the Senior Care Unit and the labor and delivery unit. The purchases are part of a plan to update and renovate the facility.

Magee General begins $25 million expansion

Magee General Hospital in Magee will start a $25 million expansion soon in hopes of attracting more doctors to Magee. Officials plan to demolish the 70-year-old section of the hospital that houses a laboratory and outpatient services. The facility employs 260 workers and has 64 beds for patients. A three-phase expansion will include a larger lab and surgery area, new labor and delivery section and radiology department. The facility needs two obstetricians and two pediatricians.

McNulty named 2006 Outstanding Citizen of the Year

The Magee Chamber of Commerce recently named Joe McNulty, chief executive officer of Pioneer Health Services, the 2006 Outstanding Citizen of the Year. Dr. Charles Pruitt received the Spirit of Magee Award. Pruitt was recognized for his efforts to make Magee General Hospital a success.

McNulty holds a degree in psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. He began his career in health care as a respiratory therapist.

New clinic underway in Magee

Construction is underway for the new Magee Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Clinic located on the campus of Magee General Hospital in Magee, across from the Pedz ‘n Teenz Clinic. The modern 3,000-foot facility will serve patients requiring diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services.

Jackson's Cardiovascular Associates practicing in Magee

Dr. Warnock


Dr. Waterer

Jackson-based Cardiovascular Associates, an 11-physician group specializing in cardiology diagnostics and surgery, recently opened a bi-weekly practice in the Magee Outpatient Specialty Clinic in Magee, associated with Magee General Hospital. Drs. James L. Warnock, Jr., and H. Chris Waterer III are the physicians who will man the Magee location.

Dr. Warnock is a cum laude graduate of both Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He completed an internship at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. He completed his medical residency at UMC, serving as chief resident. Dr. Waterer earned his medical degree from UMC, where he also completed his internship, a residency in internal medicine and a cardiology fellowship.

Dr. Lundquist joins MGH

Davin Lundquist, MD, has joined Magee General Hospital as a family medicine specialist. Dr. Lundquist previously served as a family practitioner at the Naval Ambulatory Care Clinic in Port Hueneme, California. He is a member of the Uniformed Services Academy of Family Physicians and is a Diplomate with the American Board of Family Physicians.

He received his medical degree from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He completed his family medicine residency at the Naval Hospital in Bremerton, Washington, where he served as chief resident.

Dr. Lundquist's office is located in the Medical & Surgical Clinic of Magee, adjacent to the hospital. His first day of business will be Monday, Oct. 3.

Dr. Karen Bruce joins medical staff

Karen Hemphill Bruce, MD, has joined the active medical staff of Magee General Hospital. Dr. Bruce is a specialist in family medicine. She will begin seeing patients at the Medical and Surgical Clinic on Aug. 8. She is taking over the practice of Dr. Rudy Runnels.

Bruce is a native of Brandon and now resides in Mize. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. She completed a family practice residency at the University of Tennessee in Jackson.

There will be a reception at South Fork Fish House on Aug. 6 to honor the retirement of Dr. Rudy Runnels and to welcome Dr. Karen Bruce and her family.

Bruce's husband, Al, is a registered nurse. They have been married for seven years and have a two-year-old daughter, Laney.

Herrings donate to HealthTrust

Dr. Jack Herring and his wife, Sally, recently presented a check for over $5,000 to Dr. Charles Pruitt for HealthTrust. The Herrings plan to present a check in an equal amount next year. Such donations are part of a capital campaign to support HealthTrust, the foundation for the expansion of Magee General Hospital. Glenda Grayson serves as director of the program.

HealthTrust names new director

Glenda Grayson has been appointed executive director of the HealthTrust Foundation associated with Magee General Hospital in Magee. Previously, she served as director of administrative services for the Simpson County Economic Development Foundation. She is a certified Professional Community Developer.