News Around the State

Oktibbeha County Hospital Implements State-of-the-Art Information Storage

Oktibbeha County Hospital is proactively preparing for the challenges that are expected to come from the
health care reform initiatives in Washington. One area of focus is the information storage
infrastructure.

After extensive research and analysis, the OCH ITS team chose the IBM XIV Storage System, which utilizes a grid-based architecture that provides unprecedented levels of performance, scalability and reliability. In addition, the new system eliminates the complexity typically found in legacy storage systems.

The IBM XIV Storage System deployment at OCH is the first of its kind in Mississippi. 

MSU Martin Center, Baptist Memorial-DeSoto form partnership

Mississippi State's T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability is joining with the Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto to open the university center's first satellite location. The campus-based program and the hospital's rehabilitation department will collaborate in providing assistive technology, rehabilitation and biomedical engineering services.

Read more here.

Arthur C. “Sonny” Kelly Recognized as Grassroots Champion

The American Hospital Association (AHA), in partnership with the Mississippi Hospital Association (MHA), recently honored Arthur C. “Sonny” Kelly, administrator and chief executive officer of Oktibbeha County Hospital, with the Partnership for Action Grassroots Champion Award. As a 2008 Grassroots Champion Kelly is being recognized for his exceptional leadership in generating grassroots and community activity in support of a hospital’s mission.

The Partnership for Action Grassroots Champion Award was created to recognize those hospital leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect the hospital’s vital role in the community, who have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for the hospital, and is a tireless advocate for the hospital and its patients.

“Your leadership and dedication to advancing the mission of America’s hospitals has made a difference for the patients and communities we serve,” said Rich Umbdenstock, AHA president and CEO. “This special recognition acknowledges the compassion and hard work you have demonstrated as an advocate for better health and better health care in America.”

Kelly has served as an exemplary grassroots champion for health care in Mississippi. He has been actively involved in promoting the health care advocacy agenda and has enthusiastically participated in the Mississippi Hospital Association's (MHA) legislative efforts. He is a successful advocate who is able to rally his colleagues and employees to help protect health care interests on local, state and federal levels. He has provided over 30 years of service to his hospital and community, which makes him an accomplished and truly deserving leader in our industry.

He currently serves as past chairman of the MHA Board of Governors, member of the MHA Board of Directors, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi Board of Directors, VHA Gulf States and Fellow American College of Healthcare Executives. Outside of work involvement, Kelly is also a member of the Golden Triangle Regional Airport Board of Commissioners, board member of the Greater Starkville Area Partnership, Roterian, Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff and the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office. In 1965, he graduated from Delta State University. Following graduation, Kelly decided to further his education at the University of Birmingham where he studied in Hospital Administration.

Kelly and his wife, Gail, have three children, Davis Kelly, Ann Marie Neave and Zak Kelly. Son, Davis, and daughter, Kelly, have also blessed them with four grandchildren.

The award is presented annually to one individual from each state. Winners are chosen by the state association and were recognized at a special Breakfast of Grassroots Champions at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting. Kelly is one of 51 individuals honored this year.

OCH Board of Trustees and Physicians Donate Funds to Local Volunteer

Pictured from left, Mr. Sonny Kelly/OCH CEO, Claire Crawford and Peditrican Paul Ruff, MD

The Oktibbeha County Hospital Board of Trustees voted at their April meeting to donate $5,000 to the Cleft Palate Foundation in honor of the volunteer work done by Claire Crawford and her project called “Claire’s Bears,” OCH Administrator/CEO, Arthur C. “Sonny” Kelly presented the check to Crawford, Thursday, May 10 during National Hospital Week. “We are very impressed with the dedication and the volunteer time that Claire Crawford, an outstanding young person in our community, has given to benefit her project, Claire’s Bears,” said Kelly.

Crawford was the guest speaker at OCH’s Caring Counts luncheon in April, which honors hospital employees who volunteer their time to help in the community and at hospital events. “Claire gave an informative and moving presentation about her experience with being born with a cleft palate; overcoming her fears; and her willingness to help others overcome theirs,” said Kelly, noting several hospital board members attended the luncheon and were able to see first hand what a special person Crawford is and her desire and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

“Claire is a testament to what a true “volunteer” is about; she is completely unselfish and committed to helping others,” Kelly continued, “The Board and I are excited about the opportunity to be a part of such a well thought out plan and such a wonderful act of compassion on the part of Claire Crawford.”

Along with OCH, the physicians on staff at OCH voted to donate $1,000 in honor of Claire and her efforts to "Operation Smile," a project that Crawford helped get started at Starkville High School to help children in third world countries who are born with a cleft palate receive a much needed reconstructive surgical procedure for the cost of $250. With this $1,000, Operation Smile will be able to pay for four surgeries this summer.

Pediatrician Paul Ruff, MD, Vice Chief of Staff at OCH, presented the check to Crawford. “The doctors at OCH are honored to be able to donate to such a worthy cause, and we are proud to support Claire’s volunteer efforts,” Dr. Ruff said. “Claire is an inspiration to all children born with any type of abnormality. Her ability to overcome her situation and come through the surgeries with such a positive outlook is exceptional, and her positive approach to help others and give of her time to comfort and help those less fortune is truly a gift.”

Crawford was born with a cleft palate and after learning about specially made teddy bears with stitches above their lips available from the Cleft Palate Foundation, ordered one to have with her during her surgeries. In finding comfort from having a bear to hold on to, she decided to try to raise money to help purchase bears for children who face the same surgeries she has undergone.

Crawford has not only raised money for teddy bears, but has raised awareness about cleft palate children in the United States and in third world countries. She was one of two teenagers from Mississippi who was recently honored in Washington, D.C. as one of 100 outstanding youth volunteers from across the country; she was presented the 2007 Prudential Spirit of Community Award.

For more information on Claire Crawford’s efforts, please contact her at 662-323-0567 or Clairesbears2@yahoo.com. To make a donation, send your contribution to the Cleft Palate Foundation, 1504 East Franklin Street, Suite 102 Chapel Hill, NC, 27514 with “Claire’s Bears” in the memo line or to, Operation Smile, 6435 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, VA, 23509 with “Starkville High School OSSA” in the memo line.

OCH adds 64-slice CT scanner

Oktibbeha County Hospital in Starkville recently added a 64-slice CT scanner to its radiology services line-up. Valued at $1.5 million, the LightSpeed VCT is the world’s first volume computed tomography system.

OCH presents Sonny Awards to employees

Oktibbeha County Hospital's Annual Employee Recognition Day was held recently. During the program, Sonny Awards were presented to recipients nominated by their peers. The following employees were nominated and awarded a Sonny Award in the following categories: Dorothy Hampton, Count on Me Award; Stephanie Pinnix, Best Customer Service Employee; Labor and Delivery Department, Best Customer Service Department; Annie Wynn, Most Compassionate Employee; Outpatient Surgery, Most Compassionate Department; Mandy Watson, Favorite Co-Worker; Shannon Ruffin - Best Dressed Employee; Third Floor - Best Dressed Department; Thomas Card, Best Team Player Employee; Environmental Services, Best Team Player Department.

Orrick retires, Myles named as successor at The Wellness Connection

Longtime director Cindy Orrick recently retired from The Wellness Connection at Oktibbeha County Hospital in Starkville. And her long-time assistant Eddie Myles was named as her successor. Orrick served as director of the facility for 18 years - since its inception in 1987. Myles has served as assistant director since 1997. He is a 1992 graduate of Mississippi State University where he majored in exercise physiology.

OCH sets sights on future

Oktibbeha County Hospital officials hope the facility's $30 million improvement project will draw more physicians, and, in turn, more patients to the public hospital. Officials opened the doors to the new areas of the hospital in late September. Some of the areas are not completed and are tagged for future growth.

The expansion will provide OCH with a total of six operating rooms. The new Emergency Room offers expanded space and new rooms. The new facility expands the ER's capacity to see 35,000 to 40,000 patients a year - previously they were designed to handle about 8,000 patients a year, but they were seeing about 22,000 annually.

OCH recognizes new health care workers, high-achieving employees

Oktibbeha County Hospital has announced the addition of new personnel and special recognition awarded to long-time personnel.

Physical therapist Katie Langley has joined OCH Rehab Services Department to perform inpatient and outpatient physical therapy with an emphasis on aquatic therapy. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Mississippi Physical Therapy Association. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Mississippi State University and her master's degree in physical therapy from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2004.

Stephanie Pinnix, LPN, has joined the OCH Business Office as admission nurse. The newly created role will check for "medical neccessity" for Medicare outpatients and coordinate with physicians on any issues between diagnosis and ordered tests to ensure that OCH is in compliance with Medicare rules. 

Benjamin Tucker, PharmD, joined the OCH Pharmacy in May. He received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of West Alabama and a B.S. in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Mississippi. He earned his PharmD from the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Charles Evans, a biomedical engineering technician, joined OCH in May as the onsite biomedical engineer from General Electric. He is responsible for regular maintenance and repair of the general medical-related equipment in the hospital. He earned his biological engineering degree from University of Tennessee-Memphis in 1999.

OCH Controller Susan Russell was recently named Employee of the Quarter. She has worked at OCH for 21 years. She received a silver engraved pin, a $50 check, a day off with pay, a green plant, six free meals in the cafeteria and the parking spot of her choice for the honor. Her portrait is also displayed in the hospital's Employee of the Quarter Case.

OCH Revenue Management Director Mollie Fondren and Government Analyst Erica Billups passed the Certified Coding Associate's exam in May. The certification indicated that the recipient has received training in both ICD-9-CM and CPT coding.

OCH Maternal/Child Supervisor Karen Tiffin, RNC, was recently selected to serve two years on a Nursery Advisory Board for Growing Family, the company formerly known as First Foto. Growing Family provides the newborn picture service and Web nursery at OCH.

OCH Employees Selected for Honors; Attend Workshop

Oktibbeha County Hospital Clinical Dietitian Nicky Yeatman, RD, LD, was recently named Recognized Young Dietitian by the Northeast Mississippi Dietetic Association.

OCH Associate Administrator/CFO Richard Hilton has been selected to serve on the Mississippi Hospital Association Board of Governors.

Cleo Griffin, RRT, recently transferred to the OCH Neurodiagnostics Department, where he performs a variety of diagnostic neurological testing and specializes in performing sleep studies. He attended the Alabama School of Sleep Medicine Sleep Scoring Class earlier this year.