Greater Rome's Health Reportlinks /Business / Politics / BravesFLOYD'S COUGHLIN A 'HOSPITAL HERO': James Coughlin, a primary care administrator at Floyd Medical Center, is a Georgia Hospital Association Hospital Hero Award winner. "Without a thought for his own safety and with smoke billowing from the hood of the car, Coughlin enlisted the help of a few other men to lift the back of the car and move it away from the guardrail to help them better reach the trapped, pregnant woman but they still could not reach her. "Coughlin climbed inside the car and tried to move the woman’s seat back and remove her from the car from behind. When that didn’t work, he climbed on top of the car, and with the help of the other men, bent the window frame of the car door down and out of the way. "He reached into the driver’s seat and pulled the woman out of her car into the waiting arms of two other men. He helped the woman to lie down and seconds later, a series of booms and fire erupted from her car. Fearing a major explosion, Coughlin moved the woman to a safer place. "Just as he did so, the car exploded into a ball of fire and smoke. He stayed with the woman, holding her head to prevent any injury to her neck until EMS and firefighters arrived." Said GHA President Joseph A. Parker: "The selfless service of dedicated health care professionals like James Coughlin extends compassion, respect and humility far beyond hospital walls. For these people, providing heroic service to others is more than just an occupation, it’s a way of life that transcends into all areas of our communities." Eleven other hospital heroes were cited as well.
FLU SHOTS HERE; CLINIC STARTS TUESDAY: The Floyd County Health Department has received a limited supply of flu vaccine and will conduct a walk-in flu-shot clinic Tuesday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. If shots remain after Tuesday, the health department will continue to offer them as follows: >Wednesday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. >Thursday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. >Friday, 8 a.m.-noon. Shots will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis and offered until is depleted. Cost: $14.80; Medicare, Medicaid and PeachCare will be accepted. Health officials caution that lines and some waiting are likely. KNIGHTEN NAMED QUALITY/SERVICE IMPROVEMENT DIRECTOR AT FLOYD: Donna A. Knighten has been named director of quality and service improvement at Floyd Medical Center.
Knighten has been employed by Floyd for more than 35 years and has served as nursing supervisor, project director of an educational consortium, director of educational services, coordinator of wellness services, director of marketing, and most recently director of service improvement and guest relations.
She received her master’s degree in business administration from Berry College and her bachelor of science degree in nursing from the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta. She is a graduate of the Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, Atlanta. Knighten serves as secretary and is on the board of directors for the Latin American Center of Northwest Georgia. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Georgia Association of Healthcare Executives and the Beta Omicron Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the National Honor Society for Nursing. She served as secretary and on the board of directors for the Georgia Society for Healthcare Planning and Marketing. She served as chairman of the board for Community Info Line and a member of the board of directors for the Y.M.C.A., Women’s Information Network, and the American Heart Association. She was the district president of the Seventh District Nurses Association and chairman of the Women in Management of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce. She is also a graduate of Leadership Rome. Knighten lives in Rome with her husband, Joe. She has two adult children, Kathryn and Matthew. COLLINS CERTIFIED AS CLINICIAL HYPERTENSION SPECIALIST: Dr. James E. Collins Jr. has received certification as a Clinical Hypertension Specialist from the American Society of Hypertension.
Collins earned his certification by fulfilling the acceptable training and experience with hypertension and successfully passing the certification examination, a test of a physician’s knowledge of basic science, primary and secondary hypertension, and treatment for hypertension that is effective in preventing cardiovascular disease and deaths. Collins practices at Floyd Primary Care at 330 Physicians Center, Suite 101, next to Floyd Medical Center, in Rome. He received his bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Georgia and a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from the University of Georgia School of Pharmacy. Collins received his medical doctorate from the Spartan Health Sciences University, St. Lucia, West Indies, and completed his family practice residency at the Floyd Family Medicine Residency Program. At Floyd, he has served as chairman of the department of family medicine and served on the Hospital Authority Board. Collins is board certified in family medicine by the American Board of Family Practice and retains his status as a registered pharmacist. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and Medical Association of Georgia. He resides in Rome with his wife, Patricia, and has two children, Jim and Nicole REDMOND SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS SET Here are the meeting times and places for Redmond Regional Medical Center's support group meetings: Dec. 8: Compassionate Friends-Parents' Grief Support, Redmond Regional, Lower level Diabetes Treatment Center, 7 p.m. Dec. 10: Stroke Support Group, Rehabilitation Center Day Room, Redmond Regional Medical Center, 2 p.m. Dec. 12: Cancer Support Group, Western Sizzlin Steak House, 6 p.m. Reservations: 802-3466. Dec. 19: Bosom Buddies-Breast Cancer Support Group, Redmond Regional Lower Level Classroom B, 6 p.m. PUBLIC HEALTH STILL WAITING FOR FLU VACCINE (Mostly from Public Health PR) " Frustrated and disappointed." That's how Northwest Georgia Public Health officials describe themselves in the wake of supply-chain problems that have hampered flu-vaccine distribution both here and around the country. Also, it is possible just a fraction of the 27,900 doses of the flu vaccine ordered last April for 10 area counties will arrive. So far, less than 1,400 doses have arrived. They have been given to people in priority high-rish gruops such as residents of long-term care facilities. None of the county health departments have received enough flu shots to allow the flu clinics they traditionally operate. "We wish we had flu shots but our distributor can’t tell us if or when we’ll be getting any more," said Northwest Georgia Public Health’s Dr. Wade Sellers, "and we’re just as frustrated and disappointed as the general public. "We ordered plenty and in timely enough manner, we thought, to ensure prompt, complete delivery. We understand how market distribution works and that large orders get delivery preference but our order was the fourth largest of Georgia’s 18 public health districts, so we’re not sure how much of a factor that is in this case. "We’re working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health districts in the state to try to obtain some shots, and hopefully we’ll be successful, but there are no guarantees. Should we somehow obtain enough shots for our county health departments to offer to the public, we’ll announce that availability immediately. ” Sellers says "over 71 million doses have already been distributed nationally, exceeding last year’s supply of 61 millions doses, and we understand that by the end of November, that total is expected to rise to 81-83 million. So we’re having difficulty understanding why we, along with many other public and private providers, have hardly received any flu shots as yet.” Sellers said vaccine manufacturing and distribution is performed by the private sector and the vast majority of flu shots, about 90 percent, are administered in the private sector, adding that public health gets no preferential treatment "just because we’re public health. "There is a problem with when and how flu vaccine is distributed. It isn’t always getting to the people who should receive it first. These are mostly the elderly and young children, who would get the sickest if they got the flu. Our system is just not designed to ensure early flu shots for the people who need them the most." Sellers mentioned that one of the four vaccine manufacturers, Chiron, "has not been able to produce as much or get it out as fast as they’d planned." The CDC acknowledges that providers and distributors who ordered from Chiron will receive substantially less vaccine than they’d ordered. Of the more than 71 million doses now available, Chiron has shipped 8 million; Sanofi-Aventis, a unit of Aventis-Pasteur, 55 million; GlaxoSmithKline, 7.5 million; and and Medimmune. 1 million.
Sellers says it ’s possible that there may be increased demand for the vaccine this season because of last year’s early-season shortage and recent publicity surrounding avian influenza, or "bird flu," although he says there’s no hard evidence to support this. "We do know that mass vaccinators sold out of vaccine much earlier than normal," Sellers said. This year's flu season is not off to an aggressive or early start, he said, adding, "we’re still in pre-peak season." He stressed that in spite of the current lack of flu shots at Northwest Georgia health departments, people should still be persistent in seeking flu shots from other sources such as private physicians and health care clinics, grocery and pharmacy chains and mass merchandisers and that it’s not too late to get a flu shot even in January or February. "Frequent hand washing and covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze" are still the best ways to prevent the spread of flu, Sellers said, adding that "flu shot shortages and distribution problems such as we’re currently seeing will remain a seasonal challenge until we fix the system." MUMBER'S 'INTEGRATIVE ONCOLOGY' A FIRST(From Harbin PR) Dr. Matthew Mumber, a Harbin Clinic Radiation Oncologist, has published a medical textbook, "Integrative Oncology: Principles and Practice." Written for health care professionals, it is the first textbook of its kind about integrative oncology. Integrative oncology is comprehensive, evidence-based cancer care that addresses all participants at all levels of their being and experience—including mind, body and spirit. An integrative approach can include the use of complementary and alternative therapies alongside conventional methods such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. The number of integrative care programs is increasing and Mumber's book forms a foundation text for those who want to learn more about the field. It provides a thoughtful and generous perspective on integrative care, an overview of the exciting clinical and research opportunities these techniques can offer, and a guide to the new territories that all oncologists and CAM practitioners need to explore and understand. Bringing together more than 20 distinguished contributing authors, this text presents some of the most progressive thinking in the field, including:
Topics included: physical activity, manual medicine, nutrition, mind body interventions, spirituality, energy medicine, botanicals and alternative systems of medical care. Three other contributing authors are from Rome: Suzanne Clewell (Energy Medicine), Joan Kines (Business Assessment) and Dr. Dennett Gordon (Tobacco and Alcohol Cessation). Mumber developed the idea for this text while completing his Fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona in 2002. He has spent the last year and half editing and writing the book with other contributors. The book is published by Taylor & Francis Publishing in London. (click) It was released in the United Kingdom in November and will be released in the United States in December. The book is available online through multiple vendors including www.amazon.com. Mumber received his medical doctorate degree from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. He completed a residency in Radiation Oncology at Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C. He completed an Associate Fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. He is board certified by the American Board of Radiology in Radiation Oncology. He began his practice in Rome in 1996 and joined the Harbin Clinic in March. Mumber serves on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (GaCORE), as the chairman for the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition, as the co-chair for the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center Initiative as well as being the founder and current executive board member of Cancer Navigators Inc., a local non-profit organization. A portion of the profits from the sale of his book will be contributed to the Georgia Cancer Coalition. He and his wife, Laura, have three children – JT, Samson and Marcus-- and reside in Rome. FLOYD SAYS THANKS TO EMPLOYEES, DONORS(Mostly from Floyd's PR Department:) Floyd Healthcare Foundation presented its Partners in Giving Gallery and dedicated Floyd Medical Center’s SPIRIT Lobby, Manis Waiting Area, Sumner Chapel and Sulzbacher Fountain as well as the hospital’s gift shop and art gallery on Sunday. The Partners in Giving Gallery is the new donor-recognition area on the main level of Floyd Medical Center honoring individuals, organizations and businesses that support Floyd and its mission through contributions to Floyd Healthcare Foundation. The atrium lobby of Floyd Medical Center’s new main entrance is now named the SPIRIT Lobby in honor of the 1,735 Floyd co-workers who committed $1 million to the Foundation’s Expanding Your Expectations campaign. During that time membership in SPIRIT, the employee giving arm of the Foundation grew from 23 percent participation to 68 percent. Currently, 73 percent of Floyd employees are SPIRIT members. The new central waiting area for imaging and surgical services is named the Manis Waiting Area in memory of Helen and Wheeler Manis. The waiting area was made possible by the generosity of the Manises’ children. The Floyd Medical Center chapel is now named Sumner Chapel for J. Roger Sumner in appreciation for his decades of service and leadership as member and chairman of Floyd Healthcare Management Inc., and his role as friend and benefactor of Floyd. The hospital’s Arts in Medicine Gallery is now known as the Wright Art Gallery in honor of the generosity and leadership of Jeanne and Gardner Wright. Gardner Wright served as chairman for the Foundation’s Expanding Your Expectations campaign, which raised more than $3 million in 18 months toward Floyd Medical Center’s expansion and renovation. In addition, Gardner Wright is vice president and president-elect of Floyd Healthcare Foundation. The foundation also dedicated the Sulzbacher Fountain. Adjacent to Floyd Medical Center’s new main entrance, the fountain was made possible by the generosity of Courtney and Villa (Sulzbacher) Hizer and David Sulzbacher in honor of their mother, Betty Sulzbacher, and in memory of their father, Joel Sulzbacher. The Floyd Medical Center Gift Shop also was dedicated during Sunday’s festivities. The Gift Shop is an effort of the Floyd Medical Center Auxiliary, which gave $300,000 to the Expanding Your Expectations campaign toward the construction of the gift shop and a memorial garden. In addition, the foundation unveiled a multiphase construction plaque recognizing the members of the board of Floyd Healthcare Management Inc., Floyd Healthcare Resources Inc., and the Hospital Authority of Floyd County. Also, commemorative bricks used to pave key areas at Floyd Medical Center’s main entrance were dedicated. These include Honor bricks, which form semicircles along sidewalks leading to the main entrance; Stork’s Landing bricks around the Sulzbacher Fountain, celebrating births at Floyd Medical Center and Memorial bricks in the Memorial garden located down the stairs in the area to the right of the main entrance. CESCUTTI, LONGTIME FLOYD VOLUNTEER, TO BE HONORED: Vonnell Cescutti, who has donated 20,000 hours of time to the Floyd Medical Center Auxiliary, will be honored at the group’s 34th annual meeting on Thursday. It begins at 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. Just how long is 20,000 hours? Someone working eight hours a day would need 10 years to match her amount of dedicated hours. Auxiliary member Dorothy Stevens will be recognized at the meeting for completing 16,000 hours of service, and the organization will install its officers for the coming year. They are: Charlotte Martin, president; Andrea Moss, first vice president; Catherine Aaron, second vice president; Rochelle Teat, recording secretary; Pat Russell, corresponding secretary; and Jan Osborn, treasurer. The auxiliary also will present a check for $120,000 to Floyd. The funds are the proceeds from the Floyd Medical Center Gift Shop, which is operated by the auxiliary, and other fund-raising activities. Since its beginning in 1971, the auxiliary has donated $2,750,000 to Floyd. HEALTH FOCUS/AVIAN FLU CONCERNS >President Bush's speech today on preparation, response> BUSH >What the CDC says about Avian Flu> CDC >Northwest Georgia Public Health's advice> LOCAL >U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey's comments> GINGREY REDMOND RECOGNIZED BY HCA FOR CARDIAC CARE: Redmond Regional Medical Center has received national recognition for its cardiovascular program, ranking among the top five hospitals in HCA, its parent company. The designation was awarded by HCA's Clinical Cardiovascular Management Network, a program established to improve the quality of cardiovascular care provided in the communities served by HCA facilities. Under the program, Redmond has been asked to share its knowledge in cardiac care with HCA hospitals throughout the United States. "This is a tremendous honor for our entire team at Redmond -- the physicians, our nurses, and all of our associates," said Brenda Waltz, FACHE, CEO of Redmond Regional Medical Center. "It’s also a great asset for Rome and our Northwest Georgia community to have a nationally respected cardiac program so close to home." WOMEN'S CONNECTION OFFERS HOLIDAY SURVIVAL TIPS: Two holiday survival seminars are planned by Women’s Connection, Floyd’s membership and outreach program for women. Finding Peace Through the Holidays will provide survival techniques to simplify and better manage the stress of the holiday season, including cooking demonstrations and simple craft ideas. Registered Nurse Ann Hook, coordinator of Women’s Connection, also will teach a simple relaxation exercise. "We want women to discover our new facility, enjoy a relaxing hour that will help them enjoy the holiday season more fully, learn some great ideas to simplify our hectic lives and learn how to take care of themselves amid the millions of details the season demands from us," Hook said. The seminar is from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, and from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Floyd Center for Women’s Health, Mount Berry Square. Refreshments will be served; bring a brown-bag lunch. The cost is $12 for Women’s Connection members and $20 for non-members. Door prizes will be awarded, and pre-registration is requested. Details: 509.6548. COMMITTEES' GOAL: OPEN CANCER CENTER IN 2008 >The Harbin Clinic Cancer Center Initiative Advisory Committee heard of laser-focused goals Tuesday evening to open a state-of-the-art center in a "central location" within several years. For a look at the center's mission, goals and more--including committee membership--please click CANCER MUMBER AMONG CANCER SUMMIT SPEAKERS: The state's first cancer summit is set for Nov. 2-3 in Atlanta and among those speaking are several Rome-area health experts. The Georgia 2005 Cancer Summit features Dr. Matt Mumber, Harbin Clinic radiation oncologist. He'll speak Nov. 2 on "survivorship." On Nov. 3, Maxine Cochran, a registered nurse at Floyd Medical Center, will discuss "trends in navigation." Gena B. Agnew, executive director of the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition Inc., serves on the summit's planning committee. For more, click CANCER REDMOND REGIONAL'S NOVEMBER HEALTH CALENDAR: >Nov. 8-9: AARP Driver’s Class, Anthony Center-Garden Lakes. 9-11 a.m. Reservations: 235-0094 >Nov. 10: Compassionate Friends-Parent’s Grief Support Group, Redmond Regional Lower Level Classroom B, 7 p.m. >Nov. 12: Stroke Support Group, Rehabilitation Center Day Room, Redmond Regional Medical Center, 2 p.m. >Nov. 14: Cancer Support Group, Redmond Regional Lower Level Classroom A, 6 p.m. >Nov. 19: Neuropathy Support Group, Lower Level Classroom, 11:30 a.m. RSVP 234-2124 >Nov. 21: Bosom Buddies-Breast Cancer Support Group, Lower Level Classroom B, 6 p.m. SURGERY CENTER EARNS ACCREDITATION: The Surgery Center of Rome has achieved a three-year term of accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. That means the center has passed a series of nationally recognized standards set by the association. "Accreditation underscores our long-standing commitment to providing the highest possible levels of quality care to the community we serve," said Neal Jochimsen, Surgery Center administrator. "We are pleased and proud to have our efforts recognized with this accreditation." Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by the AAAHC undergo an extensive on-site, peer-based survey of its facilities and services. The Surgery Center, at 16 John Maddox Drive, was established in 1988 and at that time, was the only multispecialty, freestanding ambulatory surgery center in Rome. Initially owned by local physicians, it was purchased and later expanded by Redmond Regional Medical Center. The center is separate from the hospital but is on the Redmond hospital campus. In March 2004, the center became part of the Ambulatory Surgery Division of Hospital Corporation of America (Redmond's parent company). For more> www.surgerycenterofrome.com. FLOYD NAMED STATE'S BEST LARGE HOSPITAL: Floyd Medical Center has been named "Hospital of the Year" for hospitals with 151 or more beds (large medical centers). The award was presented by the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals. Cited were comprehensive program that provides replacement prescriptions for its indigent patients, the completion of a multimillion-dollar renovation to the campus, consistently high employee satisfaction rates and its dramatic reduction in nursing vacancy rates. "Floyd Medical Center has proven to be an excellent steward to the community it serves," said Monty M. Veazey, alliance president. "The innovation and dedication to improvements displayed by the medical staff, employees and hospital administrators is truly remarkable. Everyone associated with Floyd Medical Center is well deserving of this honor and should take pride in all they have accomplished this year." The 304-bed hospital has served the region since 1942. The hospital employs more than 1,950 people, with nearly 300 physicians on its staff. "The foundation of success at Floyd is not new buildings, new programs, financial performance and national and state awards only," said Kurt Stuenkel, Floyd president and CEO. "These are important, but on a daily basis, the employees of Floyd realize that each patient encounter gives us the opportunity to put our mission into action. At Floyd, our commitment to our values and to high levels of employee and patient satisfaction enables a culture of high performance and has led to a stellar year. We are honored to top off our accomplishment by being named the 2005 Large Hospital of the Year." FIVE-STAR HONORS FOR REDMOND REGIONAL: (Press release, slightly edited) Redmond Regional Medical Center has received five-star ratings for clinical excellence for cardiac interventions, joint replacement surgeries and repair of abdominal aneurysms, according to a study by HealthGrades, the nation’s leading provider of independent hospital ratings. Redmond’s ratings place the hospital in the Top 15 percent nationwide for repair of aortic aneurysms, the Top 10 percent for Coronary Interventional Procedures and in the Top 5 percent for Joint Replacement Surgeries. Redmond also was Atlanta’s best-rated hospital for total joint replacement surgery. "Quality patient care is our top priority," said Brenda Waltz, Redmond's CEO. "Recognition from an objective, independent source such as HealthGrades validates the efforts our physicians, nurses and staff deliver to the people of Rome and Floyd County every day." As part of its eighth annual Hospital Quality in America Study, HealthGrades independently analyzed nearly 5,000 hospitals in all 50 states and the District of Columbia for its 2006 ratings, objectively assessing their clinical outcomes and quality. The data utilized in the assessment is licensed from the federal government’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The HealthGrades ratings measure whether patient outcomes for each of more than two dozen procedures and diagnoses are better than expected (5-Star), as expected (3-Star) or worse than expected (1-Star). The 2006 HealthGrades ratings for all hospitals can be found by clicking> www.healthgrades.com. FLOYD DOCTOR TO SERVE AS 'AMBASSADOR' IN CHINA: Dr. Hope Hamilton-Rodgers has been selected as a Georgia delegate to represent the National Physicians Ambassadors Program in China. The program is part of an educational and cultural experience for practicing physicians to have rare access and insights into health care programs abroad.
Hamilton-Rodgers, a Floyd Primary Care physician, will represent the United States along with a small group of pediatric physicians from across the country. "I am delighted to have this opportunity to represent the United States and our local community," said Hamilton-Rodgers. "I know this will be an once-in-a-lifetime experience that will enrich my personal and professional life." Hamilton-Rodgers departs Saturday and will be in China until Nov. 3. She received her bachelor's of science degree in biology from Hunter College, N.Y., and her medical doctorate from New York Medical College, Valhalla. She completed her pediatric residency at Children's National Medical Center and George Washington University Primary Care, Washington, DC. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Medical Association. Hamilton-Rodgers has two children, Janelle and Michael. She resides in Rome. PRESCRIPTION DRUGS WORKSHOP SET FOR OCT. 20 All You Ever Wanted to Know About Prescription Drugs But Didn’t Know Who To Ask" will be presented at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Etowah Senior Citizens Center on Kingston Highway. The session is designed to answer questions regarding prescription drugs. A physician, a pharmacist and GeorgiaCares and Social Security representatives are scheduled to attend. This program has been developed in response to such questions as: -Where can I turn when I can’t afford my prescriptions? -How is the new Medicare Rx plan going to affect me? -Are there over-the-counter alternatives available for some of my Rx medication? -Can I realistically reduce my dependency on some of my prescriptions through life style changes? -Are generics as safe and effective as my brand name prescription? -What federal, state, local programs may be available to assist me with my prescription needs? For more, contact Karen Carter at 295-6485, Sandra Gosnold at 295-0018 or Tammy Bryant at 234-0383. The program is sponsored by the Coosa Valley Regional Development Council, Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Georgia and the Rome/Floyd County Senior Promotions Council. PAINTING THE TOWN PINK CAMPAIGN BEGINS You'll be seeing a lot of pink around town soon. Floyd Medical Center's annual Painting the Town Pink effort is under way. Each October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the campaign reminds women 40 and over to get annual mammograms. Every 2.5 minutes, another woman is diagnosed with breast cancer; she has a better than 90 percent chance of survival if her cancer is discovered and treated early. One third of American women 40 and over have never had a mammogram. Working with Floyd this year are Southern Broadcasting, Chick-Fil-A Dwarf House in Rome and McDonald's in Summerville. Pink ribbon sculptures will be installed at the entrances to Floyd facilities as a reminder to women to schedule a mammogram. The pink ribbon is the national symbol of breast cancer awareness. On Oct. 21, National Mammography Day, Floyd representatives will join breast cancer survivors and personalities from radio stations South 107, Q102 and WRGA 1470/WSRM 95.3 to tie pink ribbons and hand-out pink ribbon magnets. The annual tie-on event will be held at the Chick-fil-A Dwarf House in Rome and McDonald's in Summerville from 6 until 9 a.m. The radio stations will broadcast live during the tie-on events.
FLOYD TAKES FIRST PLACE IN QUALITY/SAFETY ASSESSMENT (From Floyd) Floyd Medical Center’s efforts to reduce the number of cases of ventilator-associated pneumonia among its patients has earned the hospital a first place 2005 Quality and Patient Safety Award from the Partnership for Health and Accountability, an initiative of the Georgia Hospital Association. Floyd set a goal to reduce the number of cases per 1,000 ventilator days from 90th percentile to the 50th percentile. Floyd’s quality team identified health care protocols that could impact the number of pneumonia cases, then implemented those protocols. The result was a reduction in the number of ventilator-associated pneumonia cases from 10.1 cases per 1,000 ventilator days to 3.7 cases per 1,000 ventilator days, a cost reduction of $500,000 annually and three to five lives saved annually. Floyd will present its quality improvement project and will be recognized at the PHA Patient Safety Summit Nov. 2-3 at the Crown Plaza in Buckhead. In addition, the abstract detailing the project will be published in Insights, PHA’s web-based hospital report. SURVIVING TO SHARE WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The winners are Betty Irvin of Rome, a 24-year cancer survivor; Patricia Harrison of Rome, a five-year survivor; and Nancy Zerbe of Cartersville, a five-year survivor. (Photo, from left: Betty, Nancy and Patricia) Honorable mention winners are Edna Gaines of Rome, a 20-year survivor; Elizabeth Joyner of Hiram, a three-year survivor; and Gail Wilkins of Acworth, a one-year survivor. Surviving to Share invites area breast cancer patients to share their stories with the community. This year, entries were sought by Redmond and two other HCA hospitals, The Hope Center (at Cartersville Medical Center) and Polk Medical Center. The sponsors include Barnsley Gardens, Comcast, K-98 and Lamar Advertising.
$140,500 TO HELP CANCER FIGHT, PROMOTE AWARENESS: Three grants will be awarded to the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition today to help fund breast cancer screenings, mammograms and education. Two grants, together worth $100,000, are earmarked to help those in Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Polk, Walker and Whitfield counties. They're being funded by the Georgia Breast Cancer License Tag Fund (See TAG). One grant is in conjunction with Blue Ridge Area Health Education Center, and the other one in conjunction with Public Health District 1-1.
Also, the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition is a partner in a separate $40,500 grant with Northwest Georgia Healthcare Partnership. That group is concentrating on Whitfield and Murray counties to dedicate a bilingual culturally competent community health worker to breast cancer education and immigrant outreach. All three grants are targeted toward women who are medically underserved, uninsured and underinsured, low income and indigent, says Gena Agnew of the cancer coalition. The purpose is to help these women to receive breast cancer education, screenings, clinical breast exams and mammograms.
BISCHOF EARNS RECERTIFICATION IN FAMILY MEDICINE Steven Bischof, D.O., has earned recertification from the American Board of Family Medicine, the certifying body for the specialty of family practice. Bischof earned his recertification by exceeding 300 hours of acceptable continuing medical education over the past six years and successfully passing the certification examination, an intensive test of a physician’s knowledge of pediatrics, internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, psychiatry, prevention and other aspects of family practice. Bischof practices at Floyd Primary Care at 5764 New Calhoun Highway in Shannon. He received his bachelor of science degree from Midland Lutheran College, Fremont, Neb,. and his medical doctorate from the University of Health Services, Kansas City. He completed his family medicine residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha. Bischof is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. FLOYD'S HAMILTON EARNS RECERTIFICATION: Anne Hamilton, executive director of Floyd Healthcare Foundation, has been recertified as a certified fund raising executive by Certified Fund Raising Executives International.
Hamilton, first certified in 1998, has earned her CFRE recertification by achieving continued success in all areas of fund raising and professional leadership, in addition to excelling above industry standards established by the certification board. She has fulfilled requirements, participated in community and civic affairs, exhibited success in generation of philanthropic dollars and performed her duties in an effective, conscientious, ethical and professional manner. Serving as executive director of Floyd Healthcare Foundation since 2000, Hamilton is responsible for the comprehensive development, implementation, administration and evaluation of the foundation and its fund-raising efforts by creating campaigns and programs to fund capital needs and growth of the Floyd family of health care services. Hamilton received her bachelor’s degree from Shorter College and completed post-graduate studies at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. She is a certified Team Resources team-building facilitator and a certified trainer in business etiquette. Hamilton is a newly-elected member of the Georgia Association for Development Professionals board of directors and member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She is a member of the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy and is serving as co-chairperson of their newcomers’ reception for the 2006 Southeast/Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference. She resides in Rome and is a member of First Presbyterian Church, Rome Rotary and Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce. TUCKER AGAIN CERTIFIED IN FAMILY PRACTICE: Larry Tucker, M.D., has earned recertification from the American Board of Family Medicine, the certifying body for the specialty of family practice.
Tucker earned his recertification by exceeding 300 hours of acceptable continuing medical education over the past six years and successfully passing the certification examination, an intensive test of a physician’s knowledge of pediatrics, internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, psychiatry, prevention and other aspects of family practice. Tucker practices at Floyd Urgent Care at 304 Shorter Ave. He received his bachelor's of science degree from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, and his medical doctorate from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile. He completed his family practice residency at the University of Alabama College of Community Health Science, Tuscaloosa. He is a member of American Board of Family Practice, Medical Association of Georgia and American Academy of Medical Review Officers. THREE DOCTORS JOIN HARBIN CLINIC
The Singhs began their practices in Rome in 2002. They received their medical doctorate degrees from Patna Medical College, Patna University School of Medicine in Patna, India. Both are are board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. The Singhs live in Rome and have two children. Joining them is Katharine Ammons, M.D., Internal Medicine physician.
She completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon. Ammons is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Ammons and her family reside in Rome. REDMOND'S NEW ICU WEST READY TO GO: Redmond Regional Medical Center’s new ICU West intensive care unit is ready for use next week. It features 12 state-of-the-art rooms. LATEST PERSONNEL UPDATES FROM FLOYD
A Floyd employee for more than 18 years, Moran was nominated by Sharon Spivey, accounts receivable clerk, for her positive attitude and selfless actions. "Cindy is a very special person who will go the extra mile to help another person in need," said Spivey. Moran has given many consoling hugs to her co-workers and bought items for patients at a family member's requests, and there are even more examples of Moran going well beyond expectations. "On many occasions, Cindy has gotten out of bed late at night to go pick up another co-worker to get them to work. Then, she'd go home, get ready and come to work herself." As administrative assistant, Moran supports the staffing, payroll and other areas within the Floyd Behavioral Health Center, as well as assists the administrator with daily duties and operations. Prior to joining Floyd, she served as secretary at Gold Kist Inc. and the Georgia Department of Labor. Moran is a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. She resides in Rome and has one child, Travis.
The certification is given to home care providers who demonstrate expertise and commitment to OASIS data accuracy ensuring reliable measurements of patient care needs and outcomes. A Floyd employee for 14 years, Robinson is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Floyd Home Care Services rehabilitation services. Robinson received her bachelor's degree in physical therapy from Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Ala. She is a certified cardiopulmonary resuscitation trainer. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and serves on the community health section. Robinson resides in Silver Creek with her husband, Willie. She has two children, Andrea and Brandon.
The HCS-D certification is presented to home care professionals who demonstrate the ability to accurately code to the highest level of specificity ensuring proper reimbursement and regulatory compliance for the organization. A Floyd employee for 10 months, Dean is responsible for coding procedures, diagnosis assignments and verifications using ICD-9-CM, the nationally recognized medical classification system. She is also responsible for educating home care staff on coding issues that affect them. Dean is a graduate of Homer High School and received her diploma as a coding specialist from Southern Medical and Dental Career Institute, Inc., Cartersville. She resides in Rockmart with her husband, Kevin, and children, Daniel and Nicholas.
The HCS-D certification is presented to home care professionals who demonstrate the ability to accurately code to the highest level of specificity ensuring proper reimbursement and regulatory compliance for the organization. A Floyd employee for more than 17 years, Godfrey is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Floyd Home Care Services nursing services. She reviews nursing admissions and diagnosis coding using ICD-9-CM, the nationally recognized medical classification system, as related to patient admissions. Godfrey received her associate's degree in nursing from Floyd College and her bachelor's degree in organizational management from Covenant College, Lookout Mountain. She is a certified basic cardiac life support trainer, and has received training in risk management and infection control. She is a member of First Baptist Church of Shannon where she participates in the choir and serves on the outreach committee. Godfrey resides in Rome with her husband, William. She has two children, Shannon and Jason, and two grandchildren.
Floyd Heroes are employees and associates who consistently go beyond the call of duty when it comes to the care of their patients and dedication to their work. They are the faces of compassion, the hands of mission and the feet of action that help Floyd go well beyond expectations every day. Nominated by co-workers, patients or visitors and selected by a committee, a Floyd Hero serves as a role model for others to follow. A Floyd employee for more than 12 years, Higgins was nominated by Karen Sablon, director of Rehabilitation Services, for his positive attitude and commitment to fulfill the Floyd mission. "Sean is upbeat and energetic, and he is always presenting innovative ideas on what Floyd can do better," Sablon said. "He always goes the extra mile for patients, co-workers and physicians, and that's what makes Sean a hero." In addition to presenting new ideas, Higgins also assists with implementing them. He agreed to take on additional responsibilities to accept diabetic neuropathy patients, a new patient population for Floyd with specific needs. Higgins received his business administration degree from Benedictine College, Atchison, Kan., and he received his bachelor's degree in physical therapy from Georgia State University, Atlanta. Higgins is a member of the American Physical Therapist Association, the Knights of Columbus and the Parish Council of Saint Mary's Church. Higgins and his wife, Kim, reside in Rome with their two children, Megan and Flynn.
Parker received her Homecare Coding Specialist-Diagnosis (HCS-D) credential from the Board of Advanced Medical Coding and her Certificate for OASIS Specialist-Clinical (COS-C) from the OASIS Certificate and Competency Board Inc. The HCS-D certification is presented to home care professionals who demonstrate the ability to accurately code to the highest level of specificity ensuring proper reimbursement and regulatory compliance for the organization. The COS-C designation is given to home care providers who demonstrate expertise and commitment to OASIS data accuracy ensuring reliable measurements of patient care needs and outcomes. A Floyd employee for more than 12 years, Parker is responsible for coordinating Floyd Home Care Services' accreditation and licensures, identifying and implementing best practices of care, supervising the daily operations of three areas and assisting with staff education. Parker received her associate's degree in nursing from Floyd College and her bachelor's degree in organizational management from Covenant College, Lookout Mountain. She serves as the education committee chairperson for the Georgia Association of Homecare and is a member of the Georgia Medical Care Foundation Advisory Board. Parker resides in Rome with her husband, Charles. She has two children, Trenton and Travis, and one grandchild. HARBIN'S DIALYSIS CLINIC OPENS; WELCOMES STORM PATIENTS: Harbin Clinic's new Dialysis Center is open and the timing appears critical because of the Gulf Coast disaster. The clinic at 172 Three Rivers Drive in Rome features 6,800 square feet and 21 dialysis stations. The staff has notified all End Stage Renal Disease Network Dialysis Centers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama about the clinic's standing ready to help storm-displaced patients. Harbin also has notified the American Red Cross and RomeKares. The center is available for all patients undergoing dialysis, even transient patients traveling through Rome. Physician orders can be obtained from a patient's primary care physician. The clinic is under the medical direction of Chike Nzerue, M.D. and Hailu Demissachew, M.D., both nephrologists. Call 234-6905.
DUNN JOINS FLOYD'S REHAB STAFF: Suzanne Dunn has joined the Rehabilitation Services staff as a physical therapist at Floyd Medical Center. She is responsible for helping patients with orthopedic dysfunctions and neurological impairments resume normal functional activities.
Prior to joining Floyd, Dunn worked as a nurse in the intensive care unit at West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange. Dunn received her bachelor's of science degree in nursing from LaGrange College and earned her master's degree in physical therapy from the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta. Dunn is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association. She resides in Cartersville with her husband, Reid. CLICK HERE FOR JANUARY-JUNE 2005 HEADLINESCLICK HERE FOR JUNE-AUGUST 2005 HEADLINES
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Reports the GHA: "In what could have been a scene from a movie, Coughlin saved several motorists who had been injured in a multicar accident. After bandaging motorists in two cars, Coughlin then noticed a third car filling with smoke. 
She'll be responsible for managing organization-wide performance improvement initiatives including those of clinical departments, non-clinical departments, and the medical staff by planning, implementing, and monitoring improvements in the quality of processes, outcomes, services and customer satisfaction systems. 
The winners of the third annual Surviving to Share awards have been announced by Redmond Regional Medical Center.
Amar
Singh, M.D. and Poonam Singh, M.D., area internal medicine physicians,
have joined Harbin Clinic. hey'll continue to see at their office, Harbin
Clinic Internal Medicine, at 7 John Maddox Drive.
They
completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Michigan State University,
McLaren Regional Medical Center in Flint, Michigan. 
Ammons
began her practice in Rome in 1996. She received her medical doctorate
degree from Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon. 
Cindy
Moran, administrative assistant at Floyd Behavioral Health
Center, has been named a Floyd Hero. 
Vickie
Robinson, rehabilitation services director for Floyd
Home Care Services, recently earned her Certificate for OASIS
Specialist-Clinical from the OASIS Certificate and Competency Board Inc.
Toni
Dean, medical coding specialist at Floyd Home Care Services,
recently earned her Homecare Coding Specialist-Diagnosis (HCS-D) credential
from the Board of Advanced Medical Coding. 
Louise
Godfrey, R.N., B.S., NCS-D, clinical director at Floyd
Home Care Services, recently earned her Homecare Coding Specialist-Diagnosis
(HCS-D) credential from the Board of Advanced Medical Coding. 
Sean
Higgins, physical therapist and rehabilitation physician liaison at
Floyd Medical Center, has been named a Floyd
Hero. 
Deborah
A. Parker, R.N., B.S., performance improvement coordinator for
Floyd Home Care Services, recently earned two certifications.
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