News Around the State

Hospice Designated We Honor Veterans Partner

On Memorial Day, our nation takes time out to remember fallen members of our military and honor living veterans. When it comes to health concerns and end of life care for these veterans, sometimes they have special needs. 

To help offset these needs, Singing River Health System’s Hospice of Light staff members have been through extra training and are now designated a Level 1 We Honor Veterans Partner by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

To reach this Level 1 status, Hospice of Light staff participated in extra training about caring for veterans, including from the local VA, attended in-services regarding special veteran needs and benefits available, and integrated a “military history checklist” into their admissions process.

“The purpose of this is to be able to recognize which of our patients are veterans,” said Catherine Suddeth, social worker with Hospice of Light. “They do sometimes have some different needs, especially if they were in combat.”

Suddeth said also just being aware of the extra resources available for veterans at the end of life has been one of the biggest helps she’s seen from the extra training.

“We strive to provide world-class care to all of our patients,” Suddeth said. “This training and information allows us to provide even better care to a special segment of our population that has given so much. We’re honored to offer this extra service to them.”

Hospice of Light is in the process of applying to become a Level 2 We Honor Veterans Partner and should receive confirmation of this level in June. The primary goal of this second level is to “build organizational capacity to provide quality care for Veterans” according to NHPCO materials. This requires more in-services for the Hospice of Light staff and presentations in the local community.

We Honor Veterans exists to “empower hospice professionals to meet the unique needs of dying Veterans and their loved ones.” The program was started for hospices and other organizations to be able to provide better care to veterans through an assessment and implementation process. Veteran-centric education for staff and volunteers is implemented to help these organizations learn how to care for veterans and find more resources for them.

Hospice of Light has two physical locations - one in Jackson County and one in George County – but serves Jackson, Harrison, George, Stone, Greene and Perry counties and is the only hospital-based, Joint Commission accredited hospice program in the region.

For more information on Hospice of Light visit www.mysrhs.com. For more information on We Honor Veterans, visit www.wehonorveterans.org.

April Employees of the Month Honored at SRHS

Singing River Health System has honored Ria Pitalo, Lester Brown and David Jefferson as April Employees of the Month.

Singing River Hospital has honored Lester Brown, Epic implementation system administrator with Information Systems.

Brown was born and raised in Canton, Miss. He attended Canton High School and Mississippi Valley State University. He began working for SRHS in 2000 as an Operation Technician. He has worked in PC support, networking, and is now a system administrator. 

Brown currently lives in Pascagoula. He is married to Geraldine Brown who works at Ocean Springs Hospital. They have three children and one grandchild. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and watching sports.

Brown enjoys working for SRHS because of the teamwork. “I help improve patient satisfaction and provide world class service to our guests by helping keep our system up and making sure the end-users get the support they need to take care of patients and visitors.”

Ocean Springs Hospital has honored David Jefferson, LPN, in the Emergency Department. 

Before working for SRHS, Jefferson worked for Offshore Medical and Safety. He began working for Ocean Springs Hospital in 1996.

Jefferson enjoys working for SRHS because he has the opportunity to work with an amazing group of people. “It takes a huge effort to create an environment where we, as the family of Ocean Springs Hospital, can care for and improve the lives of the families that we serve.”

The Outlying Facilities have honored Ria Pitalo, medical assistant with The Neuroscience Center. 

Pitalo was born and raised in Ocean Springs. She attended Ocean Springs High School and The University of Southern Mississippi. She began working for SRHS in 2008 at Gautier Internal Medicine as a receptionist, later transferring to the Neuroscience Center. In May 2011, she became a Medical Assistant.

Pitalo currently lives in Ocean Springs. She is married to Ryan Pitalo, who works for the Medical Arts Pharmacy and Hearing Center. They have one child. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, boating, and shopping.

Ria enjoys working for SRHS because she’s a part of a family that creates a wonderful work environment. “I always strive to do better and never forget that a smile can change someone’s day!”

SRHS Women’s and Children’s Services Breaks Ground on Memorial Garden

Singing River Health System’s Women’s & Children’s services and the Junior Auxiliary of Biloxi-Ocean Springs broke ground on a memorial garden Saturday, April 28, near the front entrance of Ocean Springs Hospital. The garden, named Our Butterfly Memorial Garden, will memorialize and honor the lives of loved ones that have been lost and will provide a peaceful respite from the hospital setting for patients, families and visitors to enjoy.

It is believed that garden settings can hold curative effects, and SRHS hopes the addition of Our Butterfly Memorial Garden will improve the patient experience.

Junior Auxiliary partnered with SRHS Women’s & Children’s services as part of their Rooms of Hope project. In addition to their time, Junior Auxiliary members donated two butterfly benches, a statue, wind chimes, garden art and stepping stones. The group also donated patient mementos and a custom butterfly painting with matching note cards.

Lori Kilpatrick, Junior Auxiliary’s Rooms of Hope chairman said, “We are honored to partner with SRHS Women’s & Children’s services on such a heart-warming project. We hope the Memorial Garden will provide a meaningful place for families to cherish their memories of their loved ones for many years to come.”

The City of Ocean Springs donated a tree in memory of Raymond Andrew Heddings, Jr., of Ocean Springs, Miss. Heddings was a longtime member of the Ocean Springs Hospital Auxiliary, serving as president for five years. Other donors include Turf Masters Lawn Care, Pro Lawn of Lucedale, Gulf States Ready Mix, Taylor Design Group and the Ocean Springs Hospital Auxiliary.

Leslie Lyons, Vice President of Women’s and Children’s Services at SRHS said, “When our friends from the Junior Auxiliary of Biloxi-Ocean Springs approached us with a request to do something special for the women’s and children’s patients at Ocean Springs Hospital, the idea for a garden just seemed like the perfect project. From that conversation, our idea has grown to include a second garden at Singing River Hospital. The outreach and support for the idea have just been phenomenal. The gardens are meant to be special places of peace and comfort for our guests and employees, a place for our pediatric patients to take a break from their hospital rooms and watch the butterflies, and a place for remembrance. Our mission is healing, and gardens are a very special way to help the process along.”

Future plans include a similar memorial garden at Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula.

SRHS Welcomes Dr. Robert Johnson as Cardiovascular Surgeon

Singing River Health System recently welcomed Dr. Robert Johnson as a cardiovascular surgeon with full medical privileges at Ocean Springs Hospital and Singing River Hospital.

Johnson completed his medical degree at the University of Oklahoma and a cardiovascular surgery fellowship at Harvard Medical School.  He practiced for 14 years in Boston, Mass and affiliated with Beth Israel Hospital, New England Deaconess Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, ultimately serving as the divisional chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center.  Johnson comes to SRHS from St. Louis University/Tenet Hospital, where he spent the last 12 years as the chief of surgery.

Johnson joins fellow cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. Richard Eubanks, at the SRHS Center for Cardiovascular Surgery.  Both physicians are board certified thoracic surgeons with full medical privileges at SRHS’s hospitals.  They specialize in coronary artery bypass, mitral valve repair, aortic valve and aortic root replacement, maze procedures, re-operative surgeries, pacemakers, carotid endarterectomy, abdominal and thoracic aortic endograft placements, lung cancer and general thoracic and vascular procedures.

Auxiliary Volunteers of the Quarter Honored at SRHS

Singing River Health System recently honored Auxiliary Volunteers of the Quarter at both Singing River Hospital and Ocean Springs Hospital for the quarter ending March 31.

At Ocean Springs Hospital, Nony Raether was selected by her fellow volunteers to receive the award. Raether has been with the Auxiliary since 1988, volunteering in the Gift Shop and at the information desk. She was selected as Volunteer of the Quarter for her dedication, kindness, and willingness to do whatever is asked of her.

At Singing River Hospital, Ruby Alexander was chosen for the award.  A volunteer since 1996, she volunteers in patient escort and magazine services and has served as the group’s historian and photographer for the past ten years.  A talented vocalist in the community, Alexander brings joy to everyone she meets as an Auxiliary Volunteer.  

Both award recipients will be honored at upcoming SRHS Awards ceremonies. 

 

April Employees of the Month Honored at SRHS

Singing River Health System has honored the March Employees of the Month from Ocean Springs Hospital, Singing River Hospital and outlying facilities. 

Singing River Hospital has honored Darrell Byrd, plant operator, facilities support, as the March Employee of the Month.

Byrd was born and raised in Pascagoula.  He attended Pascagoula High School and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. He worked for the International Paper Mill for seven years before joining SRHS in April 2001. 

Byrd currently lives in Moss Point. He is married to Pamela Byrd who works in financial services for Singing River Hospital. They have three children. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, hunting, and drag racing.

Byrd enjoys working for SRHS because he’s able to use his skills to help provide comfort to the patients and staff.  “I make sure to maintain the performance of equipment and respond to requests in a timely manner.”

Ocean Springs Hospital has honored Lora McGowen, certified phlebotomist, laboratory, as the March Employee of the Month.

McGowen was born in Fort Riley, Kan., and raised in D’Iberville. She attended D’Iberville High School and is currently attending the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.  She worked for TGI Fridays for three years before joining Ocean Springs Hospital’s Laboratory Department in 2008. 

McGowen currently lives in Ocean Springs. Lora enjoys spending time with family and friends, kayaking, and photography.   

McGowen enjoys working for SRHS because of how everyone works as a team.  “I am always willing to work where I’m needed so that patients are taken care of first and don’t have to wait for long periods of time at whichever clinic they decide to use.”

The Outlying Facilities have honored Jason Ardoin, physician assistant, Center for Cardiovascular Surgery, as the March Employee of the Month.  

Ardoin was born in Pascagoula and raised in Hurley. He attended East Central High School and the University of Southern Mississippi. He also earned a graduate degree from The Medical University of South Carolina. He worked for Bienville Orthopedics for three years before joining SRHS in June 2009. 
Ardoin currently lives in Lucedale. He is married to Dr. Kelli Ardoin, who works for the George County Veterinary Clinic.  They have one child.  In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, playing guitar, and studying God’s word. 

Jason enjoys working for SRHS because he’s able to help someone at one of the most important and challenging times in their lives.  “I try to treat everyone as I would want to be treated as Jesus said in Matthew 22:39, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 

 

MedWorks Becomes First Clinic on Coast to Receive DATIA Accreditation

Singing River Health System’s MedWorks has been named an Accredited Collection Facility by the Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA). 

As an Accredited Collection Facility, MedWorks is dedicated to providing its clients with superior collection services, ensuring the integrity of the specimen and privacy of the donor.  MedWorks has successfully met the requirements of the Accredited Collection Facility Program, administered by DATIA, which was created by quality minded leaders in the drug and alcohol testing industry interested in raising the level of accuracy in urine specimen collections. 

This rigorous certification program requires experience in performing specimen collections, training of collection personnel to become proficient in urine specimen collections for drug testing in the work place, as well as a comprehensive examination to test the proficiency level of the individual collector.

By employing Certified Professional Collectors (CPC) and Certified Professional Collector Trainers (CPCT), MedWorks can ensure its clients that specimen collections are performed in a professional and consistent manner, maintaining confidentiality for the donor and security, integrity and control of the specimen.

The Accredited Collection Facility Program involves upholding the highest professional standards in two main areas: the collection facility and its operation and the collection facility’s personnel.  To obtain accredited status, collection facilities are required to adhere to strict standards in areas such as regulatory compliance, company service standards, specimen handling, operational practices, business ethics and facility equipment.

Dr. Tom Pessoney, MedWorks Medical Director, said “This level of accreditation proves to our clients that Singing River Health System, MedWorks and its personnel have the skills and knowledge needed to provide drug and alcohol testing services in their best interest in accordance with all applicable regulations.”

Andrea Cambre, Director of Occupational and Pulmonary Medicine at Singing River Health System, added “When we were developing the services MedWorks would offer, we promised our clients that we would remain 100 percent focused on Occupational Medicine.  This DATIA accreditation status demonstrates our success in meeting nationally accepted standards for the drug and alcohol testing industry.”

 

Girl Scouts Celebrate 100th Birthday by Honoring Newborn

Girl Scouts all over the country are celebrating Girl Scout Week this week, and Troop #6292 of Ocean Springs chose to celebrate by honoring the first girl born at Ocean Springs Hospital on March 12 with a visit and gifts.

 
“March 12 is the Girl Scouts’ birthday, so the Girl Scouts of Ocean Springs wanted to honor the first baby girl born on that day and welcome her into the future of Girl Scouts,” said Donna Schultz, troop leader.
 
Kyia Rain Pate was born at 6:53 a.m. on Monday to proud parents Andrea McMillian and Delbert R. Pate III.  Several Girl Scouts visited Kyia at Ocean Springs Hospital on Monday evening and presented her with gifts including baby clothes, toys, bottles and other supplies.
 
“We’re very blessed with everything the Girls Scouts gave us.  It was unexpected and much needed,” McMillian said.
 
Girl Scout Week is a commemoration of the organization’s beginning.  March 12 marks the 100-year anniversary of Girl Scouts of the USA, the largest organization for girls in the world.  Their mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.  Since 1912, Girl Scouting has provided girls with opportunities for fun and friendship while fostering the development of leadership skills and self-esteem through activities in science and technology, business and economic literacy, and outdoor and environmental awareness. 
 
“We, at Ocean Springs Hospital, are honored to be a part of the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of America. The ideals and lessons learned in the Girl Scouts serve young girls well. As a former Girl Scout I am happy to share in this special day with Ms. McMillian, her family and the local scout troop,” said Leslie Lyons, Vice President of Women’s and Children’s Services for Singing River Health System.

Employees of the Month Honored at SRHS

Singing River Health System has honored Greg Weems, Debra McCullar, and Carla Orr as the February Employees of the Month.

Weems, pharmacy technician/courier, pharmacy, was named as the Singing River Hospital Employee of the Month.

Weems was born in Biloxi and raised in St. Martin. He attended St. Martin High School and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Before working for SRHS, he worked for Quality Home Health Care and Hospice for 10 years. He began working for Singing River Hospital in December 2010 in the Employee Pharmacy.

Weems currently lives in Latimer with his wife Yolanda who works for the Harrison County School District as a teacher’s assistant. They have two children. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and working as a volunteer chaplain at Lemoyne Place, an assisted living home.

Weems enjoys working for SRHS because he’s able to meet employees from all departments that help make this a world-class organization.  “We should take the example of Christ and be light wherever we go.”

McCullar, aide, environmental services, was named as the Ocean Springs Hospital Employee of the Month.

McCullar was born in Tampa and raised in Moss Point. She attended Petal High School.  She began working for Ocean Springs Hospital’s Environmental Services Department in May 2010.

McCullar currently lives in Pascagoula with her husband David, who works for Huntington Ingalls Industries as a supervisor in the cable pulling department.  They have three children. She enjoys attending church and helping others.  

Debra enjoys working for SRHS because she loves working as a team.  “I always ask the patients or guest if there is anything I can do for them.”

Orr, reimbursement/appeals specialist, business office, has been honored as Employee of the Month for the Outlying Facilities. 

Orr was born and raised in Pascagoula. She attended Pascagoula Point High School, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Phillips Jr. College, where she earned her associates degree. She worked at Hardees and Chevron before joining SRHS in 1984 in the medical records department. She moved to the business office in 1989. She worked for a time for the Jackson County Medical Foundation and in 2001 returned to the business office.

Orr currently lives in Hurley with her husband Mike. They have two children and two grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys photography, and spending time with her family.

Orr enjoys working for SRHS because of its high regards to employees and the community. “I like to keep my focus on my philosophy when I am working – ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’”

 

SRHS Auxiliaries Install Officers

The Singing River Hospital Auxiliary and the Ocean Springs Hospital Auxiliary installed their 2011-2012 officers during special ceremonies.

From left, Joy Mangum, Membership Chair, speaks to the Auxilians in attendance at the event that named the following new officers in order of appearance: Betty Richarde, Corresponding Secretary; Karen German, Recording Secretary; Gail Nicholson, Treasurer; Jackie Spires, Second Vice President; Renaldo Adams, First Vice President; and Betty Quinn, President.

In Pascagoula, Betty Quinn was installed as SRH Auxiliary President. Renaldo Adams and Jackie Spires were named First and Second Vice-President respectively. Again, Gail Nicholson will serve as Treasurer and Betty Richarde as Corresponding Secretary. Karen German will serve as Recording Secretary. Jackie Spires was named the 2011 SRH Auxilian of the Year. 

OSH Auxiliary officers were installed (from left) Emily Wilson Corresponding Secretary; Nettie Phillips, Recording Secretary; Pat Spear, Treasurer: Sylvia Galuski, Vice President; and Dianne Gish, President.

In Ocean Springs, Dianne Gish was installed as OSH Auxiliary President. Other officers include Sylvia Galuski, Vice-President; Nettie Phillips, Recording Secretary; Emily Wilson, Corresponding Secretary; and Pat Spear, Treasurer. Also at the event, Anna Miller was honored as the 2011 OSH Auxilian of the Year.