June 7, 2004

MHA NewsWeekly Electronic Edition
June 7, 2004
Vol. 22, No. 21

Quote of the Week
“You never conquer a mountain. You stand on the summit a few moments; then the wind blows your footprints away.”
~ Arlene Blum

In this week's edition...
1. 100 % of Mississippi’s Acute Hospitals Now Reporting Quality Data
2. HCC Looking for a Few Good Men in Nursing Again
3. MSDH Subcommittee on Rehab Services Suggests Adding Categories 
4. MHA DSI Endorsed Companies announce new representatives for Mississippi
5. Paramedic Scholarship Available 
6. NMMC hosting Wound Care Seminar on June 30
7. MSH offering course for certification in Hazard Control Management
8. LPN class to be offered at Goodman this fall
9. Signed acknowledgement from physicians granted admitting privileges required for Medicare
10. Bobby Heath Golf Classic to raise funds for donor awareness and transplant athletes
11. Country Doctor of the Year nominations sought
12. Cherokee Uniforms seeks the Best of the Best in Healthcare for the 2004 Cherokee Inspired Comfort Award
13. Actor Morgan Freeman promotes health program for men
14. Grant targets cancer education in Coahoma County
15. Positions Available
16. People in the News
17. News Around the State
18. MHA Education Calendar

1. 100 % of Mississippi’s Acute Hospitals Now Reporting Quality Data
   Every acute care hospital in the state paid by Medicare and Medicaid has signed up to report quality of care information to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).  CMS’ national Hospital Quality Initiative is bringing more focus on clinical quality.  Many hospitals are working actively to get hands-on training and resources from IQH, as the state’s Quality Improvement Organization, to improve the quality of care they provide. 
   The results of the quality data hospitals are reporting will give consumers information about performance in three medical conditions: heart attack, heart failure and pneumonia. The conditions can result in hospital stays and are common among people with Medicare. The measures in each condition address key aspects of appropriate care:
   “Quality of care is a top priority for Mississippi hospitals. Many are working actively to improve the care they provide to patients with pneumonia, heart failure and heart attack,” said Sam Cameron, president and chief executive officer of the Mississippi Hospital Association.  “This strong commitment is resulting in better care, and that’s what health care consumers want and deserve.”
 “The submission of quality data signifies a commitment by Mississippi's hospitals to improve the quality of care that they provide,” said Dr. James S. McIlwain, IQH president.  “Hospitals are going the extra mile, seeking out resources and hands-on training to support their quality improvement efforts.”
 The ten quality measures have gone through years of extensive testing for validity and reliability by CMS and QIOs, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and researchers. The National Quality Forum (NQF), a voluntary standard-setting and consensus-building organization representing providers, consumers, purchasers and researchers, has endorsed these measures. 
 The national Hospital Quality Initiative is part of an overall CMS effort to improve the quality of care provided to Medicare patients and to inform consumers through public reporting of quality information.  Beginning in early 2005, the hospital quality data will be available on a consumer Web site, Hospital Compare, at www.medicare.gov, or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). Currently, CMS publishes quality information on www.medicare.gov for the state’s Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing homes and Medicare-certified home health agencies. 
 For more information on hospital quality, contact Dr. McIlwain at (601) 957-1575, ext. 247.

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2. HCC Looking for a Few Good Men in Nursing Again 
   The Mississippi Hospital Association’s (MHA’s) Health Careers Center (HCC) is looking for a few good men in nursing again. In 2004, the Mississippi Men in Nursing calendar had its debut. Because of the success of the calendar, HCC is producing the 2005 Mississippi Men in Nursing Calendar. The calendar will be used as a recruiting tool for the field of nursing to show diverse opportunities available to men. 
   Men represent only 5.4 percent of the approximately 2.7 million nurses in the United States. In Mississippi, men represent 8.9 percent of the nursing workforce, according to a Board of Nursing Report. The 2005 Mississippi Men in Nursing Calendar will pay tribute to this often overlooked but growing segment of the nursing profession in our state.
   Last year’s 12 male nurses received national attention for their part in the calendar. They were selected on a competitive basis, just as this year’s nurses will be chosen. If you are a seasoned nurse or a nursing student who is proud of your profession and ready to tell everyone
how nursing has impacted your life, then fill out the application today. The deadline for the application is July 1, 2004.
 The application can be downloaded at www.mshealthcareers.com. A photo and an essay explaining why you have chosen nursing as a career should accompany your completed application. For more information or to have an application mailed or faxed to you, contact Curnis Upkins, Jr., at (601) 368-3303 or Rosalyn Smith-Howard at (601) 368-3244. All applications, photos and essays should be mailed to: Rosalyn Smith-Howard, MHA Health Careers Center, P.O. Box 16444, Jackson, MS 39236.

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3. MSDH Subcommittee on Rehab Services Suggests Adding Categories 
   The Mississippi State Department of Health Subcommittee on Rehabilitation Services met Thursday, May 27, 2004 at 3 p.m. in the Osborn Exhibit and Conference Room. The subcommittee discussed the potential for adding two diagnostic categories — care for neurological disorders and major multiple trauma — to the diagnoses that Level II Rehabs could treat.
   After much discussion, the decision was made to recommend to the full Board of Health to add those two diagnostic categories. The subcommittee is also adopting this as a final change rather than “notice of intent.” Additionally, the subcommittee referred the entire list of diagnoses to the full CON subcommittee for consideration of other expansions to the HCFA 10 diagnoses.

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4. MHA DSI Endorsed Companies announce new representatives for Mississippi
   Two of the Mississippi Hospital Association's (MHA's) Diversified Solutions, Inc. (DSI) Endorsed Companies have assigned new representatives to service MHA members.
   Spectracorp Telemanagement Group recently announced that Paula Guthrie and Sharon Magill have been assigned to the MHA DSI account. They will be responsible for marketing and servicing the hospitals in Mississippi under the endorsed agreement with our association. Paula can be reached at (800) 375-7945, Ext. 304 or pguthrie@spectracorp.com. Sharon can be reached at (866) 518-8699 or smagill@spectracorp.com.
   PerotSystems Healthcare also has a new representative working with the MHA DSI endorsed agreement. Laura Ashby is the new central region manager replacing Denise Sears who has been promoted. Laura can be reached at (800) 659-8883, Ext. 4779 or laura.ashby@ps.net.
    To find out more about the MHA DSI Endorsed Services Program, contact Julie McNeese at (800) 289-8884, (601) 368-3311 or jmcneese@mhanet.org.

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5. Paramedic Scholarship Available 
   Mississippians interested in pursuing a career in emergency medical services can now apply for financial aid under the MSDH’s Emergency Medical Services Scholarship Program.
   The scholarship will provide funding for students who agree to be employed in an area of Mississippi that is considered to be at risk after graduation for a number of years equal to the number of years the scholarship is received. (This stipulation is contingent upon the availability of employment in at-risk areas.
   Incoming freshmen and currently enrolled EMT students can apply for the scholarship, which covers tuition, books, room and board and other fees. For more information, including requirements, call (601) 576-7380.

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6. NMMC hosting Wound Care Seminar on June 30
   North Mississippi Medical Center will host a Wound Care Seminar for health care professionals on June 30. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. in the hospital’s north Education Center. Sessions run through 4:30 p.m. and include topics such as pressure ulcers, wound bed preparation, wound care products, assessment and documentation and support surfaces. Continuing education credit will be awarded to nurses and is pending for physical therapists, occupational therapists and social workers. Registration is $50 for non-NMMC employees. For a conference brochure or to register, call (662) 377-2395.

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7. MSH offering course for certification in Hazard Control Management
   On June 17 & 18, Mississippi State Hospital (MSH) in Whitfield will offer a course to achieve certification in Hazard Control Management (CHCM). Interested candidates must register by June 11 by calling Ann Hudson at (601) 351-8000 Ext. 4150. The class will meet from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. on the 17th and from 8 a.m. till 3 p.m. on the 18th.
   Topics covered during the program include key health care hazard control and safety concepts, safety leadership, root cause analysis, hazard inventory, accident prevention, regulatory issues regarding safety, Life Safety Code 101 requirements and department-specific safety issues. This review course is recommended for 12 hours of CEUs. James T. Tweedy, MS, CHSP, CHCM, Certified Healthcare Safety Professional and founder and senior performance professional of TLC Services in Helena, Ala., will be the instructor.
   The cost of the class is $599, which does not include the cost of the certification exam. The application fee for the exam is $205. Participants sitting for the CHCM exam must complete a formal application. Late registrations may bring the exam application to the program. Contact the Board of Hazard Control Management, 11900 Parklawn Drive, Suite 451, Rockville, MD 20852; (301) 770-2540; or Fax (301) 770-2183 for more information. Exam applications and information are also available at their Web site at www.chcm-chsp.org. You may pay the exam fee of $205 when registering for the class--just add $205 to the registration fee and TLC Services will forward to the Board.
   For more information or to register, contact Ann Hudson at Mississippi State Hospital at (601) 351-8000, Ext. 4150.

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8. LPN class to be offered at Goodman this fall
   Holmes Community College is offering LPN courses on its Goodman campus starting this fall. The course is also available at the Grenada and Ridgeland campuses. Dr. Glen Boyce, HCC's vice resident for community and workforce development, says he expects more than 100 applicants to compete for spots in the first 33-student class, which will have two instructors. The deadline for applications will be the end of June and enrollment will begin in August. Montfort Jones Memorial Hospital in Kosciusko will be one of the clinical labs for students, as will clinics in Lexington and Yazoo City.

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9. Signed acknowledgement from physicians granted admitting privileges required for Medicare
   Information & Quality Healthcare (IQH), Mississippi's Quality Improvement Organization (QIO), has asked us to remind hospitals that Federal Regulations (42 CFR 412.46) affecting Medicare payment require hospitals to obtain a signed acknowledgement from physicians who are being granted admitting privileges. This includes physicians who are granted temporary privileges.
   The physician should complete the acknowledgement at the time admitting privileges are granted. The acknowledgement should indicate that the physician understands that the diagnosis and procedures attested to by the attending physician affect the Medicare payment to the hospital.
   The hospital must have a signed and dated acknowledgement from the attending physician before a Medicare claim is submitted. If the acknowledgement has not been signed, the hospital could lose payment for that claim and its Medicare provider status could be threatened.
   IQH monitors this process as part of its contract with CMS. For more information, contact Barbara Guy at IQH at (601) 957-1575 Ext. 230 or bguy@msqio.sdps.org.

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10. Bobby Heath Golf Classic to raise funds for donor awareness and transplant athletes
     The Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency (MORA) will host the 4th Annual Dr. Bobby J. Heath Golf Classic on Friday, June 25, 2004, at Patrick Farms Golf Club in Brandon. The tournament will be a one-day, four-man scramble with flights at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Funds from the tournament will be used to promote organ and tissue donation awareness throughout the state. Proceeds will also heal Team Mississippi transplant athletes compete in the 2004 U.S. Transplant Games in Minneapolis, Minn., in July.
    The golf tournament honors the memory of Dr. Bobby Heath, who was instrumental in revitalizing the heart transplant program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and was a driving force in transplant medicine. For more information or to register, contact Joel Stevens at jstevens@msora.org or Freddy Puckett at fpuckett@msora.org or call (800) 690-8878. Participants may also register online here. The individual entry fee is $125; the four-player team fee is $500. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Tournament participation is a tax deductible contribution to the MORA Education Fund.

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11. Country Doctor of the Year nominations sought
   The Country Doctor of the Year Award, now in its 10th year, recognizes the work of America's top rural physicians. Staff Care, an MHA-endorsed locum tenens staffing firm, sponsors the annual award, presented to a physician who best exemplifies the spirit, skill and dedication of America's rural medical practitioners. Nomination forms may be requested by calling (866) 756-0002 or by visiting www.countrydoctoraward.com. Materials must be completed and returned by September 3, 2004. For more information, contact Dave Faries at Staff Care at (800) 865-2272.

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12. Cherokee Uniforms seeks the Best of the Best in Healthcare for the 2004 Cherokee Inspired Comfort Award
   Cherokee Uniforms, available to Mississippi hospitals through our MHA-endorsed First Uniform, recently announced the official start of the nomination period for its 2004 Cherokee Inspired Comfort Award. From now until June 30, individuals are encouraged to nominate nurses and other non-physician health care professionals in four categories (registered nurses, licensed practical nurses/licensed vocational nurses, student nurses and other non-physician health care professional) who have profoundly impacted the lives of others through exceptional service, sacrifice and innovation.  Candidates may be nominated in two categories but may only win in one. The winners will be announced nationally in September of 2004.
   Cherokee Uniforms is offering a $2,000 grant to the first 10 nursing or clinically oriented associations and the first 10 nursing schools to submit 200 entries. Winners will receive a variety of prizes. The top winner in each category will receive an all-expense paid Caribbean cruise for two and a specially engraved stethoscope. Submission forms and guidelines are available here.

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13. Actor Morgan Freeman promotes health program for men
   Actor Morgan Freeman, a Mississippi native, has recorded five public service announcements to urge men to get regular checkups and health screenings. The PSAs were released at the first of May and will run throughout the summer. The announcements are all part of the Men's Health Initiative, a program of the National Center for Primary Care at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta.
   Clarksdale is home to one of the six Men's Health Initiative learning laboratories in the country that are designed to help underserved, uninsured and underinsured men, particularly those of color, receive quality health care. The Clarksdale clinic, located on the second floor of Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, serves men in Coahama, Tallahatchie, Quitman and Tunica counties. It is open on Wednesday from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. The initiative also has clinics at Deporres Health Ministries in Quitman County and Aaron E. Henry Community Health Services Center in Tunica County.

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14. Grant targets cancer education in Coahoma County
    The New York-based Dreyfus Health Foundation has awarded a $2,800 grant to promote cancer education in Coahoma County. This initiative will be implemented by the Community Health Awareness Project (CHAP), a local group that grew out of the Coahoma County Cancer Support Group. The project includes Dr. Dennis Frate, a professor of preventative medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson; Lela Keys of Delta Community Partners, designated as facilitator of the support group by Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center; and support group members Myra Turner, Rebecca Hood-Adams and Jimmie Sellers.
   The group plans public health education meetings and a house-to-house survey of the Roundyard area adjacent to the former Red Panther Chemical Co., whose site was designated a toxic zone in the fall of 2003 by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Frate and his staff will assist CHAP in training and analysis of data collected by community volunteers. Grant money will be used for project activities.

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15. Positions Available
   South Mississippi State Hospital is currently accepting applications for registered nurses for their Purvis hospital and will soon begin taking applications for the Crisis Intervention Center in Laurel. Must be licensed in the state of Mississippi. For an application or information, contact Human Resources at (601) 794-0122.
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   Magnolia Regional Health Center is currently accepting applications for Vice President of Clinical Services/Director of Nursing. A Master’s degree in nursing is required, with two years management experience as VP or Director of Nursing. An online application and more information can be found at www.mrhc.org. Resumes and applications may also be faxed to (662) 293-4285. For more information, contact MRHC Human Resources at (662) 293-1300.
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   Simpson General Hospital is searching for a Hospital Administrator with experience in small rural hospitals and a broad financial background. The current administrator is retiring on June 1. Applicants may send resumes to Simpson General Hospital, P.O. Box 457, Mendenhall, MS 39114, ATT: Chairman, Board of Trustees.
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   Winston Medical Center has an immediate opening for a Director of Pharmacy. Applicants should have previous hospital experience. Resumes may be e-mailed to mnowell@winstonmedical.org or mailed to Michelle Nowell, Human Resources Director, P.O. Box 967, Louisville, MS 39339.
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   Rush Foundation Hospital in Meridian has an immediate opening for the position of Director of Women’s Services. A minimum of 5 years RN experience in Women & Infant Services, Nursery, NICU and Postpartum required. A BSN, NALS certification and management experience preferred. Apply online at www.rushhealthsystems.org or fax resumes to (601) 703-4477. For more information, call (601) 703-4459.
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   Montfort Jones Memorial Hospital is seeking a Radiology Tech. Qualified applicants must be a graduate of an accredited RT program and have ARRT certification/pending. Resumes may be forwarded by fax to (662) 289-6080; by mail to Paige Duke, MJMH, P.O. Box 887, Kosciusko, MS 39090; or by e-mail to pduke@mjmh.com.
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   North Mississippi State Hospital is currently accepting applications for Registered Nurses for our Tupelo campus and for our Crisis Intervention Center in Corinth. Must be licensed in the state of Mississippi. For an application or information, contact Human Resources at (662) 690-4200.
   For a listing of additional hospital jobs available in Mississippi and to post your confidential resume for health care recruiters to view, visit www.mshealthjobs.com.

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16. People in the News
   Stephanie Null, a pharmacy technician, was selected as the Employee of the Month for the first quarter of 2004 at Select Specialty Hospital-Gulfport. Cynthia Brown, a unit secretary, was chosen as the Employee of the Month for the second quarter.
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   Patricia Wood, admissions coordinator, was selected as the Employee of the Month for the first quarter of 2004 at Select Specialty Hospital-Biloxi. Gena Callender, director of materials management, was chosen as the Employee of the Month for the second quarter.
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   Mississippi State Hospital in Whitfield recently honored employees with May anniversary dates for their years of service to the hospital. Employees receive a Certificate of Appreciation and a Service Award Pin. Honored in May for 20 years of service were Pauline Bryant, a clerk in the Health Records Management Department; Randall Coleman, Winnie Conway and Barbara Parks, all mental health technicians in the Nursing Services Department. Bobby Johnson, a licensed practical nurse in the Nursing Services Department was honored for 30 years of service.
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   Alice Ramsey, Angie Lewis and Sheila Shows were recently named May 2004 Employees of the Month in their respective service areas at Mississippi State Hospital. Ramsey received the award in the Direct Care Services category. She is a direct care supervisor at Jaquith Nursing Home and has been employed with MSH for 20 years. Lewis received the award in the Licensed Clinical Services category. She is an RN and has been with MSH for three years. Shows received the award in the Support Services category. She is an administrative assistant in the Volunteer Services Department and has been with MSH for more than four years.
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   A group of 34 staff members of the Mississippi Firefighters Memorial Burn Center in Greenville, a service of Delta Regional Medical Center, were presented the Angels Among Us Award by The Delta Democrat Times, WXVT-TV and WIQQ radio. Recipients are selected based on philanthropy, humanitarianism and mission in life. Burn Center staff members honored include: Carrie Alexander, Toya Baker, Patricia Barber, Ethel Buckner, Charlene Burton, Ann Cook, Mary J. Coulter, Dorothy Davis, Hearstine Ewing, Julia Gardener, Jannie Goodman, Lyphelicai Herrien, Patricia Hernandez, Trudy Hill, Samantha Holdeman, Burniece Hudson, Quenise Knight, Patricia Laney, Idora Liddell, Jannette Lloyd, Jacquelyn Lott, Penny Lucas, Romada Matthews, Lynn McIntosh, Tawanda Mullen, Renay Seidle, Christie Sewell, Carolyn Sparks, Mattie Thomas, Debbie Tice, Victoria Washington, Ronnie Woodard and Denise Wright.
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   Bill Williams has been named director of finance operations for Health Management Associates-Mississippi Division (HMA), which operates nine hospitals in Mississippi. Williams most recently served as chief financial officer for River Oaks Health System. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi and received a bachelor’s in business administration and accounting from Mississippi College.
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   Kimberly Ingram has joined Mississippi State Hospital’s Social Services Department as a licensed social worker. She earned her associate’s degree from Hinds Community College and her BSW from Mississippi State University.
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   The Sixth District of the Mississippi Nurse's Association held its annual Nurse of the Year reception on April 25 at the Jackson County Campus of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Nominated for Staff Nurse of the Year were Marlene Ainsworth of Gulf Coast Medical Center, Angie Baker of Ocean Springs Hospital, Judy Hill of Singing River Hospital and Jacquelyn Muller of the Jackson County Health Department. Angie Baker was named Staff Nurse of the Year. Nominated for Nurse Specialist of the Year were Yvonne Hicks of Gulf Coast Medical Center, Anne Popel Leonard of Gulf Coast Medical Center and Karen Poole of Singing River Hospital. Karen Poole was named the Nurse Specialist of the Year.
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   Dr. Frederick Jones, an anesthesiologist at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi in Oxford, was the recipient of the Eddie L. Smith, Jr., Extra Mile Award presented by Rust College President David L. Beckley. Dr. Jones won the award for his weekly radio program, "Talk to the Doctor Live" on WURC, the University of Mississippi's college station. Jones uses the hour-long program to discuss various health-related issues from Alzheimer's Disease to West Nile Virus. He reaches an estimated 50,000-plus listeners across north Mississippi and west Tennessee.
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   Dr. Alexander Bibighaus III has joined the medical staff of North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point specializing in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. He graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and completed residency training at UMC. He is board certified in orthopedic surgery.
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   Covington County Sheriff Roger Wood Speed was recently honored by the Board of Directors of the Covington County Hospital in Collins for his 17 years of continuous service on the board. Speed resigned from the board in January after assuming his duties as sheriff.
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   Clint Ashley, risk management and security director for South Mississippi State Hospital in Purvis, and Gwen Kelly, human resources director, were recently awarded the George Askew Award from the Mississippi Certified Public Managers (CPM) Program for their class project entitled "An Interdisciplinary Approach to Patient Safety." The award recognizes an outstanding student project or group project which demonstrates superior understanding of the principles and practices learned from the CPM Program. They are the first Department of Mental Health employees to receive the award. The video is used to train new employees regarding the importance of patient safety at SMSH.
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   Anita Davidson was named the Employee of the Month for April 2004 at Claiborne County Hospital in Port Gibson. She came to the hospital in 2001 as a CAN on the Behavioral Health Unit. After attending school and earning required certification, she was promoted to activity director for the behavioral health and chemical dependency units, while continuing to perform CNA duties as needed.
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   The volunteers of Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb recently named Mattie Newman as the 2003 Volunteer of the Year at the group's annual banquet. Newman was lauded for her hours of service to patients.
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   Diane Hubbard was named Employee of the Year at Tri-Lakes Medical Center-West Campus in Batesville. She was given the award during the campus' two-year anniversary celebration in April.
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   Darlene Carey, program director of the Wound Healing Center at Delta Regional Medical Center, received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the National Healing Corporation. A Greenville resident, Carey is responsible for all aspects of the Wound Healing Center's operations. She won the award for going above and beyond the call of duty to help others with great personal effort and little guidance.
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   Jennifer McMurry Barham has joined the Southwest Mississippi Community College faculty as a nursing instructor. She also is an acute care nurse practitioner at Field Memorial Community Hospital in Centreville. She holds a BS in biology and secondary education from Belhaven College and an MSN from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville. She previously worked at Leake Memorial Hospital in Carthage.

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17. News Around the State
   North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo will host the fifth annual Medical-Surgical Conference from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. July 20-21 at the hospital’s north Education Center. Continuing education credits will be awarded to physicians and nurses and is pending for pharmacists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians and social workers. Registration is $60 for one day or $100 for both days. Registration after July 1 or on site will be $120. For a conference brochure or to register, call (662) 377-3900.
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   Rankin Medical Center in Brandon recently instituted a new automated digital ordering system in the pharmacy. The OrderScan system, developed by HMA, the hospital’s parent company, is an intranet-based system that enhances the speed of pharmacy orders between the nursing unit and the pharmacy by providing an electronic image of the order that can be expedited and tracked. 
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   The Diabetes Self-Management Center at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Canter in Meridian recently received the American Diabetes Association Education Recognition Certificate. Programs applying for the recognition voluntarily submit to a thorough review process by experts in the field. Programs receiving recognition have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who are able to provide comprehensive care and management of diabetes.
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   King's Daughters Hospital in Yazoo City collected and donated luggage for neglected children who are taken from their homes in recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month. The luggage will be used to transport the child's personal belongings.
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   North Mississippi Medical Center recently became the first hospital in the region to offer cochlear implants for individuals with profound hearing loss. Otolaryngologist Jim McAuley, MD, performed NMMC's first cochlear implant surgery in early May.
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   Rush Health Systems in Meridian will buy Laird Hospital in Union. It will be the fifth change in ownership in the hospital's 66-year history. In 2002, a group of investors headed by Meridian physician Tom Crowson and current CEO Greg Cantrell began doing business on Jan. 2 as Alliance-Laird Hospital. The current level of service at the hospital will be maintained and eventually improved in the agreement. Laird was awarded a certificate of need a year to build a nursing home addition to the campus. The 50-bed hospital has over 200 employees, admitted approximately 2,200 patients in 2003 and serves over 600 each month in its emergency room.
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   Natchez Community Hospital in Natchez recently celebrated the renovation of its Emergency Department, a project which began in January of 2004. The additional 2,500 square feet added consists of three new emergency treatment areas, a triage room, an admitting area, a patient and family waiting room, two additional office spaces and a specialized ambulance entrance.
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   Pine Grove, a behavioral health center operated by Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, recently celebrated its 20th birthday. Today, the center has 11 counseling centers from Jackson to the Coast and serves an average of 367 patients each day. The facility now includes inpatient, outpatient and adolescent services and is in the process of completing a facility for women, which will include an all-female staff. There are also plans to develop programs for sexual trauma and sexual compulsivity, with implementation possibly beginning this summer.
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   In 2002, the first class numbered seven students. The second class had 20. Now, 60 students are vying for 25 openings in Coahoma Community College's respiratory therapy program. Upon completion of the two-year program, which consists of four semesters and two summer sessions with clinical training in hospitals, students receive an associate of science degree in general technology. The program grew from a partnership between Coahoma and Northwest Regional Medical Center. Since its inception, other clinical sites have been added, including Bolivar Medical Center in Cleveland, Greenwood Leflore Hospital in Greenwood, King's Daughters Hospital and Delta Regional Medical Center in Greenville, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Jackson, River Oaks Hospital in Flowood, the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo and River Region Medical Center in Vicksburg. Tony Brooks serves as the program director and instructor.
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   Baptist Memorial Hospital-Booneville in Booneville has earned Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) from the American Association of Respiratory Care. Hospitals earning the recognition ensure patient safety by adhering to a strict criteria for their respiratory services. Dr. David Chase serves as medical director of the Respiratory Care Program at the hospital. A full list of hospitals earning this designation is available at www.YourLungHealth.org.
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   The Gulfport Veterans Affairs Hospital won't close before a $100 million replacement hospital is built in Biloxi. Plans for a 208,000-square-foot building are under way and construction on the major project could begin by 2006. The program means a massive building project at the 60-acre Biloxi property, which will absorb workers from the 50-acre Gulfport site. Outpatient clinics will be opened in Columbus, McComb, Pontotoc County, Tunica and Grenada. A rehabilitation center for the blind will be established in Biloxi. The VA also will expand its cooperation with Keesler Air Force Base, which is now expanding its medical center.
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   Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg has received approval from the State Department of Health to begin a $5.14 million plan to expand and renovate its emergency room later this year. The certificate of need allows construction of two triage rooms and five "fast-track" examination areas for treating patients with routine case such as sore throats, fevers, minor cuts and bruises. Renovation is expected to begin in July. The hospital served 34,000 patients in its ER in 2003.
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   Gilmore Memorial Hospital in Amory has partnered with Press Ganey Associates, Inc., of South Bend, Ind., a vendor that specializes in producing reliable surveys, comprehensive management reports and comparative databases to monitor customer satisfaction across the entire health care spectrum. Gilmore will use Press Ganey's satisfaction measurements and improvement services.
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    Gilmore Memorial Hospital has installed a new TrensCenter cardiac monitoring system in its patient rooms. The system is equipped with 36 different units which allow patients to be monitored from their rooms by a centralized monitor located at the Central Nurses Station. The system prevents interference from cell phones, radios and other communication devices that may be used by patients and visitors.
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   Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi recently contributed $10,000 through the Greater Oxford Community Foundation (GOCF) to help build an indoor batting facility for the Oxford High School Charger baseball team and softball team. To date, GOCF has raised $30,000 of their $65,000 goal to fund the project.
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   Noxubee General Hospital was recently named Noxubee County's Industry of the Year by the Noxubee County Economic Development Authority. The hospital was honored during the annual Salute to Business and Industry, held at the hospital and nursing home facility. The medical center, which has survived since 1960 as a rural hospital despite numerous changes in the health care industry, employs more than 150 people.
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   Riley Hospital in Meridian served as a Gold Sponsor in the annual Mississippi's Walk for Wishes, a fund-raiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The walk raised over $12,000 for the group. Plans are underway for the 2nd Annual Meridian Walk for Wishes to be held the first Saturday in April of 2005.
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   Baptist Cancer Services, part of Baptist Health Systems in Jackson, is at about the halfway mark of a $15 million capital campaign that began almost a year ago. Baptist Cancer Services is raising funds to expand support services and planning for additional patient and family facilities. Through the fund-raising efforts, BCS will renovate an existing property off Manship Street (a former medical office building) to create a lodge facility, Cancer Services Lodge, which will provide housing for Baptist's cancer patients and their families who live outside the Jackson area. There are also plans to expand transportation services to provide round-trip transportation within a 60-mile radius of Jackson and to develop a private outdoor garden area adjacent to and accessible from the lodge. Baptist Cancer Services' Capital Campaign Committee Member Gail Pittman, owner of Gail Pittman pottery, has donated efforts to BCS by creating a special pattern called Hope. New for this spring, Pittman has created a bird feeder, a bird house and a tray designed in the Hope pattern--all available for sale at the Cancer Center.
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   Hardy Wilson Memorial Hospital in Hazlehurst was the highest grossing team in Hazlehurst's Relay for Life, designed to raise money for research to find a cure for cancer. The hospital raised $21,403 for the cause.
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   Tri-Lakes Medical Center's West Campus recently celebrated its second anniversary in late April. The West Campus branch houses the Senior Care Unit and Pediatric Clinic. In total, the campus has served more than 700 patients in its two years of operation. Bonnie Moore serves as program administrator for the West Campus.
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   Biloxi Regional Medical Center recently donated $20,000 to Main Street Biloxi. The funds will be used for Main Street and the City of Biloxi's project at the fountain located on the Vieux Marche Mall, located adjacent to the hospital.

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18. MHA Education Calendar

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