Health Headlines

Harbin's Brock honored as distinguished master by cancer specialists:

(Media release) The American College of Cancer Specialistsrecognized Dr. Paul B. Brock, a Harbin Clinic General Surgeon, as a Distinguished Master on January 18, 2010. The distinguished appointment as a master is awarded for high excellence in education, training, qualification and examination. The lifetime appointment was approved by and granted with High Distinction by the American Academy of Oncology. Dr. Brock joined Harbin Clinic General Surgery in 1988. He received his Medical Doctorate degree and Bachelor of Science degree from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He completed an internship and residency in General Surgery at Emory Affiliated Hospitals in Atlanta. He also served as Chief Resident. Dr. Brock is board certified by the American Board of General Surgery. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the American College of Cancer Specialists.

Sams, Miller earn Redmond Regional's Frist Humanitarian Awards

Pictured left to right: Rachel Miller, Volunteer Frist Winner; Brenda Waltz, CEO; Libbie Sams, Employee Frist Winner.

(Media release) Libbie Sams and Rachel Miller were recently awarded Redmond Regional Medical Center’s 2009 Frist Humanitarian Award as the Employee and Volunteer of the Year. This honor places Libbie and Rachel in nomination for the nationwide 2009 Frist Humanitarian Award, the highest honor an employee or volunteer can receive within HCA, the parent company of Redmond Regional Medical Center.  

The Frist Humanitarian Awards were created to recognize one employee and one volunteer at each HCA-affiliated facility who demonstrate extraordinary concern for the welfare and happiness of patients and their community.

The Frist Humanitarian Awards are given annually in recognition of the humanitarian spirit and philanthropic work of the late Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Sr., a founder of HCA. National recipients will be honored in the spring at a reception at the company’s Nashville, Tenn., headquarters. Additionally, they each receive a bronze statue, a $5,000 gift to the charity of their choice, and a $5,000 cash gift.  

Libbie Sams is an LPN in the Inpatient Rehabilitation unit.  She is said to give 100% to her patients and her co-workers.  She is known to work extra shifts and is always willing assist her co-workers without being asked.  She has been the recipient of Redmond’s Best of the Best Award.  She is loved by her patients and is often complimented for her excellent care, responsiveness and smile.  She never complains and is a true patient.   

The following was submitted by a co-worker in Libbie’s nomination letter:  

You’ve heard the old adage, “If a man is hungry, teach him to fish.”  Well, Libbie saw someone who needed a ride and gave them a car – not a loaner or a ride to the store, but the car.  Libbie had talked about donating the car to the church once she found a replacement car, but began thinking of another option after seeing a woman walking all over town, carrying one child and holding another by the hand.  When she saw them out again on a very cold day her mind was made up.   I happened to be with another co-worker Libbie’s house, by chance, when the woman walked over to pick the car up.  Can you imagine going from not having transportation, to owning a car- and without payments?  What a gift!   One other example of Libbie’s generosity that involves a single mother.  Her child’s father died before the baby was born.  The woman had been told that if she could establish paternity that the child might be eligible for the father’s social security payments.  Libbie did the research about who could be tested, arranged for the appointments and paid for the testing.  The testing proved the paternity and the paper work is in the works, which could mean back and future support until the child is grown.  What a small investment for a big reward.  Who but Libbie would have thought to do this great thing?  She changes lives, one person at a time, yet very few people ever know.  

Rachel Miller serves Redmond three days a week in CPU and at the front desk and has been volunteering since March 1999.  She is a very kind and caring person who is ready and willing to be of assistance to patients and visitors – as well as staff – in any way that she can.  Rachel regularly fills in for other volunteers when they are unable to come in and was recognized for serving 1016 hours at Redmond 2008.  During this same time period she was simultaneously volunteering at Southeastern Cardiovascular Institute.  

Before retiring and becoming a volunteer, Rachel taught Business Education at Gordon Central High School. Rachel is very active in her church, and has held nearly every office there. Rachel works at Blewer Food Center as a Gordon County Association Volunteer, is certified with the Red Cross, a member of the Auxillary of the Gordon County Gideons and is a rescuer and protector of cats.  

“HCA is committed to delivering quality patient care. We are extremely proud to recognize Libbie Sams and Rachel Miller for their efforts on behalf of our patients and our community,” said Brenda Waltz, CEO.  “Their exemplary work and compassion sets a high standard for healthcare professionals. We’re proud to have them as part of our Redmond family. Undoubtedly, our patients benefit from the kind of commitment to humanitarian concerns Libbie and Rachel demonstrate each day.”  

"I am very proud to present these awards," said Jack O. Bovender, Jr., HCA Chairman and CEO. "Libbie Sams and Rachel Miller are an inspiration to all our employees and volunteers. Their generosity and dedication serve as a living example of HCA's commitment to the care and improvement of human life."

Redmond offers new technology for congestive heart failure treatment:

(Media release) For heart failure patients suffering from fluid overload, time is of the essence. 

Excess fluid builds up in various locations in a patient’s body and eventually, can lead to a reduction in the amount of oxygen entering the blood causing shortness of breath and discomfort.

Redmond Regional Medical Center announces the addition of Aquapheresis Therapy using the Aquadex FlexFlow to its latest advancement in the treatment of patients with fluid overload – helping patients and clinicians breathe easier.  

Fluid overload refers to a condition in which excess salt and water accumulates throughout a patient's body. In fact, this excess fluid is what puts the "congestive" in congestive heart failure and is the cause of the most obvious and common symptoms seen. An inefficient heart can lead to a buildup of excess fluid which accumulates in the lungs, liver and extremities, causing shortness of breath, decreased function of vital organs and swelling of the extremities.  

CHF is a condition that affects approximately five million Americans and is responsible for one million annual hospitalizations. This surpasses the number of hospitalizations due to all forms of cancer and heart attacks combined. More than 500,000 new cases of heart failure are diagnosed each year.

The estimated economic burden of heart failure care is in excess of $28 billion in the United States. Due to prolonged hospitalizations and high readmission rates, many hospitals often lose more than $1,000 for each heart failure admission.

“With the implementation of this new treatment protocol, we are able to reduce the time it takes to treat heart failure patients” said Himanshu Patel, M.D., a Harbin Clinic Cardiologist. “The faster we’re able to get the patients breathing easier, the better their outcomes. “  

The use of Aquadex FlexFlow can help Redmond patients with fluid overload breathe easier, decrease length of stay and improve their comfort and recovery. 

HCA, parent company of Redmond Regional, Polk and Cartersville medical centers, offering cash, assistance to Haiti earthquake victims (News release) The impact of the tragic earthquake in Haiti is still unfolding as relief organizations work to meet the immediate and longer term needs of hundreds of thousands of Haitians. In response, HCA -- the parent company of Redmond Regional Medical Center, Polk Medical Center and Cartersville Medical Center -- has committed $1 million in cash and in-kind donations for direct relief to the stricken area. Cash donations will go to the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders.  

HCA employees have asked what they can do to help.  Both the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders have advised that money is far more helpful than sending volunteers at this point.  There are concerns for personal safety as the country struggles to rebuild infrastructure and flights are still restricted. All About Staffing is taking names for a possible future deployment at 800 737-8661 x1612, but financial resources are what matter most in this immediate time frame.  

To facilitate cash donations, the company has established the ability for employees, physicians, facility volunteers or others associated with the company to give directly to a special relief fund, , administered through the Community Foundation of Middle TenneThe HCA Haiti Relief Fundssee.  The company will match employee gifts to this fund dollar for dollar through the end of January. Tax-deductible donations to this fund may be made by credit card at www.cfmt.org/HCAHaitiReliefFund or by sending a personal check to:   HCA Haiti Relief Fund PO Box 440225 Nashville, TN 37244  

The HCA family includes many employees with relatives and friends who live and work in Haiti.  Employees who are directly affected by this tragedy and need assistance should contact their facility Hope Fund Leader or Human Resources Director.   

The Hope Fund is exploring options to provide assistance with costs related to travel for sick/injured relatives and if needed, assist with burial expenses.  For employees who would like to make a donation to benefit their colleagues, the Hope Fund also accepts tax deductible contributions online via credit card or through payroll deduction or check at www.hcahopefund.org.  

The HCA East Florida Division has taken the lead in coordinating supply donations and will continue to coordinate medical supply donations from HCA facilities. They are working with Food For the Poor, a South Florida based relief organization, to collect and distribute appropriate supplies. Facility supply chain directors will receive detailed information on what supplies are most needed and how to process their facility donations.   The compassion and caring spirit that is the hallmark of HCA is never more evident than in times of great need.  As Haiti struggles to recover, we will continue to monitor needs and available resources. 

Redmond reduces mammography exam rates to $99 in 2010

(Media release) In order to encourage all women to take proactive steps to care for themselves and preserve their health, the Women’s Center at Redmond, a Stereotactic Biopsy and Digital Mammography Accredited Facility, is offering digital mammograms at a special rate for 2010.  Digital mammograms will be offered at $99- down from the regular rate of $149.  

“This special rate meets the need for affordable mammography screenings in our community which is an important factor in overall women’s health.” says Redmond CEO and breast cancer survivor Brenda Waltz. “We are excited to offer this opportunity to the women of our community.”  

The chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some time in a woman's life is approximately 1 in 8.  Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer is women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women.  There are currently about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.  

All mammograms at Redmond are performed on state of the art digital mammography equipment.  The key to mammography screening is that it be done routinely--once is not enough. A separate physician fee does apply for digital mammograms.  To schedule your reduced rate mammogram call 706-802-3570.  

2010 Heart of the Community Walk is Feb. 27 in Rome

(Media release) Lace up your walking shoes, and plan on participating in the annual Heart of the Community Walk. The walk will be held Saturday, February 27th and kicks off at 10 a.m. with pre-walk festivities beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Citizen’s First Bank.

The walk, previously benefiting the American Heart Association, is now for the second year raising proceeds for the Heart of the Community Foundation, a local non-profit organization that invests in heart related projects in the Rome and Floyd County community. 

The Heart of the Community is a foundation sponsored by Redmond that, among other endeavors, supports the operations of the Heart House, a place for families of critically ill patients on the Redmond campus, placed a fitness station at Ridge Ferry Park, placed AED units in public agencies around the community and held community heart education seminars.

Redmond Regional Medical Center is the premiere sponsor for the event and event sponsorships are available for $500. Additional information on sponsorships and the event can be found on RedmondRegional.com under news and events. This year’s honoree is Milton O. Slack Sr. Mr. Slack dealt with his cardiac issues in his 60s but is now healthy and thriving in his 80s.  He is the father of Milton Slack Jr., a city commissioner, and is the father-in-law of Reverend Carey Ingram.

“The walk is an excellent way to remind people to consider their heart health and to take active steps to a healthier life style,” says Heart of the Community Walk Co-Chair P.J. Miller, Data Analyst for Redmond. “Participating in the fundraising and the walk is one way Redmond is able to give back to the community, remember those who suffered from heart disease and inspire others to take conscious steps to protect themselves from the disease.”

Summer Waddell, a Heart of the Community Walk Planning Committee member and mother of children who suffer from heart disease says, “The walk to me means helping others gain knowledge about Congenital Heart Defects.”

While there is no entry fee to participate in the walk, participants are encouraged to raise funds prior to the walk and turn in all proceeds at the event.  Participants are encouraged to get creative with fundraising.  Redmond holds blue jean days where associates pay a small amount to dress down on Fridays. 

Among other events are bake sales, Valentine’s Day gifts for sale, lunches and raffles. In addition to raising money for the community, the walk also raises awareness for heart disease and honors survivors.  Fruit and water will be provided at the event for all participants.  The walk is approximately 3 miles and shorter routes are available. For more information about the walk, call 800-242-5662 or visit

www.RedmondRegional.com and click on news and events.

Floyd nurse Barbara Ortiz honored for 50 years of service--and counting

(Media release) Barbara Ortiz, a registered nurse in Floyd Medical Center’s surgical services department, was honored Thursday evening for achieving a golden milestone: 50 years of continuous, full-time service to Floyd.

Ms. Ortiz joined Floyd in 1959 and throughout her career has served in numerous capacities, including directing Floyd’s surgery department. She was recognized with 50 roses and video accolades from both current and retired surgeons and staff members who have worked with her.

Ms. Ortiz, who is 71, continues to work at Floyd.

In addition to recognizing the dedication of Ms. Ortiz, Floyd also recognized numerous other individuals for reaching employment milestones as well as teams, departments and other individuals who distinguished themselves in 2009.

Lynn Dougherty, right, chief radiologic technician in the Imaging Services department, was recognized for 40 years of continuous, full-time service. Lynn is a former director of Radiology at Floyd. She trained as a student at Floyd prior to accepting a full-time position in 1969.

Seven individuals were recognized for 35 years of continuous, full-time service:
-Kathy Carver, Coordinated Care
-Jackie Dutton, Plant Facilities
-Renee Jarrard, Laboratory
-Sherry Ray, Quality Assurance
-Shirley Wells, Respiratory Services
-Dorothy Whatley, Respiratory Services
-Landis Winters, Medical & Surgical Nursing

Also, 13 employees were recognized for reaching the 30-year employment milestone;
-Bobby Colston, Plant Facilities
-Kim Gray, Laboratory
-Rita McAlister, Women’s and Children’s Services
-Ann McGill, Outpatient Surgery Center
-Mary Morrison, Health Information Management
-Karen Patterson, Imaging Services
-J.R. Reynolds, Plant Facilities
-Al Rowland, Plant Facilities
-Buster Scoggins, Plant Facilities
-Steve Scoggins, Plant Facilities
-Lillie Stewart, Women’s and Children’s Services
-Robert Strickland, Respiratory Services
-Twila Thacker, Coordinated Care

Four individuals were recognized for achieving 25 years of continuous, full-time service:
-Nancy Bell, Specialty Nursing
-Cyndy Cole, Women’s and Children’s Services
-Glenda Thomas, Administration
-Barbie Townsell, Emergency Care Center

And, 17 employees were celebrated for 20-years of service:
-Karen Baity, Accounting
-Tonya Bowden, Women’s and Children’s Services
-Karen Brannon, Behavioral Health
-Flora Buck, Central Scheduling
-Jane Carroll, Pharmacy
-Linda Duke, Cardiac Catheterization Lab
-Renee Edwards, Clinical Care
-Janet Everett, Laboratory
-Taunya Faulkner, Lean Six Sigma
-Beverly Kaylor, Behavioral Health
-Marina Lopez, Emergency Care Center
-Sherry McClain, Pharmacy
-Linda McMurray, Behavioral Health
-Robin Prince, Primary Care
-Susan Riley, Physician Liaison
-Helen Shropshire, Primary Care
-Dr. Joel Todino, Cardiology

In addition to these long-term service honorees, several others were celebrated at the awards banquet Thursday evening.

The Customer Service Improvement Award, which honors the department with the largest increase in customer service scores over the past year, was presented to the Medical Pulmonary Nursing department, led by Charmaine Thomas and Lee Ann Hufford.

The Customer Service Excellence Award, which honors the department with the highest customer service scores of the past year, was presented to the staff of Heyman HospiceCare, led by Joy Jones, and The Palatine Suites, led by Charmaine Thomas.

The Department of the Year Award, which honors the department with the most success as measured by Floyd’s Value Compass: Strategy, Quality, Financial Performance, Customer Service and People-Focused Initiatives, was presented to the Outpatient Surgery Center, led by Tracy Farmer and Dr. Rebekah Lowrey.

Jackie Newby, senior director of Risk Management, received the Executive Team Award for her outstanding contributions not only in the past year, but over the course of her long career at Floyd.

Rick Knight, (right, with Kurt Stuenkel, Floyd's CEO and president) director of Coordinated Care, received the President’s Award for serving as a model of excellence, an innovator and for his outstanding contributions to the organization.