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Mobile Mammography Unit now serving Hunt County

May 10, 2013 - Hunt Regional Healthcare, noted for its strides in bringing awareness to cancer detection and treatment through its Women’s Imaging Center and the Lou and Jack Finney Cancer Center, “is now taking its show on the road.”

In April, the Mobile Mammography Unit, dedicated to the memory of cancer survivor Nita “Tubby” Adkisson, began its journey throughout the Hunt County area, bringing new healthcare opportunities to the more than 50 percent of women in the county who have never had a mammogram.

Since early detection of breast cancer is the key to successful treatment, the mammogram is one of the surest ways to make that happen, says John Ervin, director of the Imaging Center at Hunt Regional Medical Center.

When breast cancer is caught at Stage 1, the five-year survival rate is almost 90 percent, according to statistics from the American Cancer Society. However, the news is not so good when the cancer is discovered at a later stage. When it is first detected at State 4, the five-year survival rate is only 15 percent, the statistics indicate.

Plans for the mobile unit were announced in December of 2012 when the Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation kicked off its Help on Wheels campaign, with a goal of $300,000 to purchase the state-of-the-art mobile unit .

The unit has wasted no time hitting the road, having already visiting such locations as the Lone Oak Assembly of God, Sam Rayburn Student Center, L-3 Communications, Hunt Regional Community in Commerce (every first Wednesday), Caddo Mills Elementary, Van Sickle Baptist Church and Covidian in Commerce.

To schedule an appointment persons or groups should call 903-408- 5010. It is preferred that a minimum number of 12 appointments should be scheduled in order for the mobile unit to be sent to a specific site. Those sites may include churches, schools, workplaces, businesses or other nearby locations such as strip shopping centers.

When making an appointment, be prepared to give insurance information. Those with no health insurance will be directed to the nurse navigator at HRMC and she will direct persons to possible payment resources. Her number is 903-408-5720. Hospital officials note there are numerous resources available to cover the costs.

They also point out the mobile unit is for screening mammograms. If anyone with symptoms such as a lump, pain or discharge should see a doctor for an order to receive a diagnostic mammogram at the hospital.

Women age 40 or older should have an annual mammogram. Those younger than 40 who have a strong family history of breast cancer or other high risks should see a doctor for orders for a mammogram at the hospital.

The initiation of the Mobile Mammography Unit comes on the heels of the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) of the official designation of the HRMC Women’s Imaging Center as a breast center. This puts HRMC on the same level with Baylor Medical Center of Dallas and Medical City Dallas.

The center not only involves imaging but includes all the services for breast cancer care, from diagnostics to surgery to oncology.

The imaging center services provided to the mobile mammography unit was a factor in the accreditation.

“It takes a woman from beginning to end when it comes to treating and beating breast cancer. It’s the entire package,” says Judy Quan, HRMC education coordinator.

Before being accredited the local Breast Center underwent rigorous evaluations and reviews of its performance and compliance with NAPBC standards. The Center will monitor compliance with NAPBC standards to ensure quality care and undergo an on-site review every three years.

HRH Nurses of the year announced
by Susan Spoonemore

May 8, 2013 - Two exceptional nurses from Hunt Regional Healthcare were named 2013 “Nurse of the Year” on Wednesday. As part of National Nurses Week, all HRH nurses participated in the vote, which ended in a tie this year.

Madrina McMahan, RN of the Hunt Regional Medical Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Afton Smith, RN, of the HRMC Telemetry Unit accepted their awards at a reception held at Hunt Regional Medical Center.

Hunt Regional Healthcare administrator, Mike Klepin, gave praise to the two nurses as well as all HRH nurses. “I wish there was more than one week a year to recognize what our nurses do every day,” he said.

McMahan has been with HRMC for over 20 years. She is described by her coworkers as a dedicated nurse who is calming and soothing to the distressed parents of NICU patients.

Now a shift manager, Smith has been with the organization close to five years. She is known to be the first to assist when a patient asks for help.

National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6 and ends on May 12, the birth date of Florence Nightingale. It is one of the nation's largest healthcare events, recognizing the contributions and commitments nurses make and educating the public about the significant work they perform.

New Foundation board members

April 30, 2013 - The Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation Board of Trustees welcomed 7 new board members to its ranks as they were sworn in on April 18 during the Foundation’s quarterly board meeting.

“I am so pleased to welcome new board members Matt Koger, Mary Jane Vance, Bonnie Dooley, Loretta Kibler, Renea Decker, Jerry Hutton and Fred Weidmann,” said Chair of the Foundation board Roz Lane.

Dr. Koger, a family practice physician, has been with Primary Care Associates (PCA) since 2000. He is a member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and the American Academy of Family Practice. Dr. Koger lives in Greenville with his wife and four children. In his spare time he enjoys fishing and playing the guitar.

Dr. Mary Jane Vance is presently a consultant, author and speaker who has been educating Texas and the nation since 1955. She recently published a book titled “Mary of the Angels.” She currently resides in Greenville with husband Charles Vance.

Bonnie Dooley is owner of the Copier Connection, located at 10425 Wesley St, which she established in 1994. She lives in Greenville with husband Tim Dooley and they have two daughters.

Loretta Kibler was the Commerce Independent School District Superintendent from 1994-2001. Kibler has held numerous positions on many boards in the Tri-County area including Chair of Board for the Tri-County Special Education Shared Services, Region 10 Advisory Council, the Texas A&M University System and The Texas Education Agency Council of School Executives, and many more. Kibler currently resides in Commerce. She has two daughters and five grandchildren.

Renea Decker was a nurse at Hunt Regional Medical Center and its predecessors for 29 years, including serving as nursing director for the last two years before she retired. She is also a cancer survivor and an active cancer volunteer here in Greenville.

Jerry B. Hutton is a Professor Emeritus for Psychology and Special Education at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Hutton is an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Commerce and is currently member of Chancel Choir and Foundation Board. Hutton is married to Sandra Jeane Brumlow. They have five children and five grandchildren, and have been Hunt County residents since 2000.

Fred Weidmann is a retired vice president for General Dynamics Canada and a current Greenville Rotary program chair. He lives in Greenville with his wife Cheryl and they have three children.

“The willingness of these individuals to serve our community through this Foundation is something to be commended,” said Lane. “I look forward to working together on current and future healthcare endeavors for Hunt County.”

The HRH Foundation coordinates all fundraising activities on behalf of Hunt Regional Medical Center, Hunt Regional Community Hospital, and related programs and services administered by Hunt Regional Healthcare.

Hunt Regional Healthcare has always remained true to its goals of improving the health of the communities it serves while providing medical excellence and compassionate patient care through our medical facilities and outreach programs.

The Foundation strives to strengthen HRH medical programs and staff, to upgrade facilities, to acquire new, state-of-the-art equipment and technologies, and to address Hunt County’s emerging healthcare needs. The same can be said for the 7 new HRH Foundation trustees.

Loretta Kibler, Dr. Jerry Hutton, Renea Decker, Bonnie Dooley, Fred Weidmann, Dr. Mary Jane Vance, and Dr. Matt Koger joined the Hunt Regional Foundation Board on April 18.

Volunteer appreciation luncheon

by Samantha Henry

April 30, 2013 - In recognition of National Volunteer Week, Hunt Regional Healthcare (HRH) hosted an appreciation luncheon for the volunteers of the Greenville and Commerce hospital auxiliaries last week.

“The luncheon is our way of showing appreciation to the volunteers and to thank them for all of their hard work,” said Jeanye Roberts, coordinator of Volunteer Services.

To commemorate their years of service, the Commerce Auxiliary awarded Ann Blohm, Nora Chessher, June Dunn, Carolyn Lockhart and Nancy Talley five-year pins. Anita Berry, Billie Mills, Peggy Pressley, Sharon Sanders, Betty Spitler and Mona Towne received 10-year pins; Teddy Degelia, Don Hakala, Marcia Hakala and Frances Sartwell received 15-year pins.

The Greenville Auxiliary awarded Betty Epps, Sandra McWhorter, Sylvia Phillips with 50-hour pins. Billy Darnell and Sharon Porter received 100-hour pins. Karen McClellen, Linda Nuthcutt, Dot Warren and Mary Wilch received 200-hour pins. Beverly Bland, Nita Groket and Linda Johnson were each awarded 500-hour pins. Jan Lowe was recognized for her 1,000 hours; Polly Adams and Jane Asbury received pins for 1,500 hours of service, and Theressa Young received a 2,000-hour pin. Darlene Folks, Helen Rhea and Luther Smith each received 2,500-hour pins; Carolyn Smith received 3,500-hour pins, and Pearl McFarland and Janice McWhitter received 4,500-hour pins. Lori Green received her pin for 5,000 hours of service and Dorothy Keller earned one for her 5,500 hours.

Top honors for the Greenville Auxiliary went to Joyce Johnson and Alice Parsons. Johnson received her largest pin for 13,500 hours of service, 3000 of which were just last year. Parsons’ largest pin was for 45,000 hours of service, 3,500 of which were just this year.

As a way to give back to the community, the Greenville Auxiliary also awards scholarships to two high school students who are going into the medical field.

“I am very excited to say that this is the eleventh year that we have presented the scholarships to high school students,” said Roberts.

Alexandra Pope and Kerrie Lee Moore, both of Greenville, were the lucky students to receive the scholarships this year. Pope is planning to attend Paris Junior College and then Baylor with plans to study pediatric dentistry. Moore is headed to El Centro College in Dallas to study diagnostic medical sonography.

A big congratulations goes to both students for receiving the scholarships and to all of the volunteers who give their time to serve Hunt Regional Healthcare and its’ community in so many ways.

Graves named Employee of the Year

April 19, 2013 - Congratulations to Valorie Graves!

She was named Employee of the Year by the DFW Hospital Council Foundation.

Valorie is a valuable member of the Hunt Regional Medical Center food service team and a favorite among staff and visitors.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

The following information is provided by Prevent Child Abuse Texas

April 12. 2013 - Child abuse is one of the greatest tragedies of our times. It doesn't have to be. We can prevent it by building communities that are committed to families and the services they need to raise strong, healthy, and successful children.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and by participating you are joining thousands of communities, organizations and individuals across our nation who are putting children first.

Here are 5 suggestions to help prevent child abuse and neglect. Support the mission and vision of Prevent Child Abuse Texas:

1. Care enough to call! Call the Child Abuse Hotline if you suspect a child is being hurt. In Texas call 1-800-252-5400.

2. Be a positive and nurturing parent or caretaker and help other family members, friends and neighbors be positive parents too.

3. Make Children a priority. Make sure they are safe and have healthy environments.

4. Allow yourself a time-out when needed. Taking care of yourself is as important as taking care of your family.

5. Seek help if you need it. If you feel out of control or worried about your parenting, get help.

PARTICIPATE IN CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

Tumor Board enhances cancer treatment at Hunt Regional

April 12, 2013 - “When a physician is baffled by a cancer case, the difference between life and death isn't always found in the radiology department or on the operating table. Sometimes, it's in a conference room,” writes Cheryl McEvoy, an editorial assistant with ADVANCE for Health Information Professionals.

At hospitals across the nation tumor boards have become an efficient and even life-saving part of the approach to what physicians have found to be a deciding factor in choosing the best course of treatment for cancer patients.

The job has its challenges, but with proper preparation, tumor boards can be engaging and life-saving.

To enhance its cancer treatment regimen at the Lou and Jack Finney Cancer Center of Hunt Regional Medical Center, officials have adopted just such a board. If there were any doubts about its effectiveness, that doubt has been erased, says John Ervin, Imaging Center director at HRMC.

A panel consisting of oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, surgeons, hospitalists and primary care physicians meet regularly to discuss treatment options for cancer patients whose atypical medical history or diagnosis prompts the need to develop a more complex treatment plan.

The panel reviews laboratory test results, images and imaging reports and treatment options to ensure that the most effective treatment plan is implemented.

When board members discuss a case, they bring the national treatment guidelines to the table, while strategizing individualized treatment plans for each individual patient.

“No cookie cutter treatment plans here,” says Judy Quan, HRMC education director. “It is evident that they give a great deal of thought to each step of the treatment plan, from diagnostics through the treatment phase and even into survivorship.

Dr. Rebecca M. Jankowski, general surgeon at HRMC, says the board is a valuable asset as a learning tool for those involved in the discussions. “It’s an opportunity to review what has gone on in a patient-treatment program, and to talk about upcoming cases,” she said following a recent meeting.

Jankowski is a member of a team of surgeons at HRMC that includes Dr. Josh Trussel and Dr. Josh Hamilton, who meet regularly with the board, which is chaired by Meera Shreedhara, the medical oncologist at the Lou and Jack Finney Cancer Center.

“What impresses me is the confidence the physicians have in each other and the mutual respect that is evident during these meetings,” said Sharon Sanders, employer relations representative for Hunt Regional Healthcare and a member of the Tumor Board. “As a cancer survivor, I’m certain patients facing cancer treatment can take great comfort in knowing what transpires in these sessions,” she said.

Multimedia presentations have become efficient and engaging fixtures at tumor board meetings. With digital media, a single presentation can display staging requirements, lab results and even compare films side-by-side.

Even though the physicians collaborate and communicate on a routine basis as they care for their patients, there is a special continuity and dynamics to the tumor board discussion forum, says Quan.

“Radiology brings images, pathology brings photos, and all doctors bring their knowledge and expertise. It is not unusual for primary care physicians or OB/GYN physicians who are involved in the patient’s care to also attend and participate in tumor board. The goal is for each medical provider involved in the patient’s care to be included in the round table discussions, said Quan.

The learning experience offered by tumor board is so significant that they recently received approval for CME credit for one tumor board per month, through Baylor ‘s CME program for regularly scheduled series.

The current goal, according to Quan, is to affiliate with the Commission on Cancer (CoC). Those standards require at least one surgeon, pathologist, radiologist and medical oncologist to attend, plus other site-specific specialists when appropriate, but a number of other hospital staff members -- from family physicians to hospice -- often elect to participate.

Alcohol Awareness Month 2013
by Samantha Henry

March 28, 2013 - “Help for Today. Hope for Tomorrow” is the theme of this year's Alcohol Awareness Month (April), highlighting the important public health issue of underage drinking.

Founded by the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependencies, Inc. (NCADD) in 1987, Alcohol Awareness Month serves to increase awareness of alcohol and alcoholism as a chronic, progressive disease.

According to NCADD, over 6,500 people under 21 die annually from alcohol-related injuries involving underage drinking and thousands more are injured. Alcohol also happens to be the number one drug of choice for America’s young people, even more than tobacco or illicit drugs.

“Teens often don’t consider the long-term effects of drinking alcohol,” said Sherry Sheffield, Behavioral Health Unit Director at Hunt Regional Medical Center. “As someone still growing and developing the consumption of alcohol should be a concern.”

NCADD considers reducing underage drinking critical in securing a healthy future for America’s youth. This requires a cooperative effort from parents, schools, community organizations, business leaders and government agencies.

In addition to social and psychological damage caused by alcohol, there are also physical health risks. Although alcohol isn't the only cause of liver disease, it is one of the major ones. According to the American Liver Foundation, even moderate amounts of alcohol can have toxic effects when taken with over-the-counter drugs that contain acetaminophen.

Long-term alcohol abuse is also linked to some serious heart problems and can also lead to nerve damage.

An integral part of Alcohol Awareness Month is Alcohol-Free Weekend, which is the first weekend in April. For the days of April 5-7, NCADD extends an invitation to all Americans to participate in three alcohol-free days and to use that time to learn about alcoholism and its early symptoms.

If you are concerned for yourself or for a loved one, a doctor can help you determine if there is a problem with alcohol, how serious it is, and what can be done about it. If there is an underlying emotional or mental problem behind the use of alcohol, a doctor is also best able to determine how to deal with this problem.

Medical Center doctors to award scholarship to senior

March 26, 2013 - Applications are now being accepted for a scholarship awarded annually to a graduating Hunt County high school senior who plans to pursue a college degree in the healthcare field.

The R. Irvin Morgan Scholarship honors the late Dr. Morgan, who was chief of pathology at Hunt Regional Medical Center (HRMC) for many years. The award is funded annually by the hospital medical staff.

Dr. Moushira Ebrahim, chair of the scholarship committee and current pathology director at HRMC says "We are excited to help students fulfill their dreams of working in healthcare".

The annual scholarship is valued at $2,000.00 to assist with the payment of college tuition and fees.

Applications and other information about the scholarship have been made available to the counselor of every senior high school in Hunt County. The award is limited to Hunt County high school seniors.

The application deadline is Friday, April 19, 2013. Applications and letters of recommendation must be submitted to Alicia Wittkopf, Director of the Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation at HRMC by 5 p.m. that day. Late applications will not be accepted.

Students, parents, or school officials who have questions about the scholarship may contact Debbie Ottwell, Administrative Assistant for the Foundation at 903-408-1068.

Organ donor program

March 26, 2013 - While most people are aware of organ donations, other types of donor programs are not as well known. Many people who are unable to be organ donors at death are able to be tissue and/or eye donors, and thousands are helped every day by these donations.

As Donate Life Month approaches in April, Hunt Regional Medical Center continues its commitment to better the lives of its citizens through its participation in the Leadership Circle donor program through the Transplant Services Center at UT Southwestern.

In 2011, Hunt Regional (Greenville and Commerce) was one of the top 20 tissue and eye donor hospitals among the 178 hospitals served by the Transplant center which is in its 10th year of the Leadership program.

According to Susan Fredrickson, outreach representative with Transplant Services Center, HRMC is “continuing its great work this year, and is being included in activities observing the upcoming month.

“It is a privilege to work with Hunt Regional Medical Center and its many great employees,” said Fredrickson. Hunt Regional and the local community are great partners with us in helping to meet the local, national and international need for tissue and eye donation.”

The number of tissue donations from Hunt County alone (nine) provided more than 500 transplants over a four-year period, including skin, bone, heart valves, cartilage and veins.

There were 27 ocular donations which provided 47 ocular and cornea transplants. Thirty seven of those returned to Hunt County.

“People just don’t realize how far a single tissue donation can go,” said Kim Mulder, Emergency Department director, who oversees the tissue donor program at HRMC.

While a number of families make their desires known prior to any event or situation that results in the potential donations, Mulder said law requires hospitals to approach the family about donor or transplant possibilities.

Transplant Services Center is a full service Tissue and Eye Bank providing a comprehensive selection of tissue allografts to hospitals and surgery centers throughout North Texas, across the United States and around the world.

For other questions about TSC or tissue and eye donation, call Fredrickson or any of the other Outreach Representatives at 214-645-8361, email or visit their website.

Wittkopf heads Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation

March 7, 2013 - Alicia Wittkopf, a member of the advancement staff at Texas A&M University-Commerce for the last five years, has been named director of the Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation and development.

“We are excited to have Alicia on board to provide leadership for our Foundation,” said Richard Carter, CEO of Hunt Regional Healthcare, a growing regional healthcare organization with hospitals in Greenville and Commerce and programs elsewhere in the area.

“The Foundation has played an increasing role in providing resources to help strengthen our healthcare programs,” Carter said. “We are building a regional organization that has taken the lead in providing healthcare of the highest quality to the people we serve, and the Foundation is a big part of that,” Carter said.

The Foundation has generated nearly $3,000,000 in gifts since it began seeking philanthropic support in 2005.

Wittkopf joined the A&M-Commerce fundraising staff in 2007. She was promoted to Director of Advancement Services in 2010 where she coordinated the stewardship program, prospect management, endowments and scholarships, annual programs, donor recognition and related activities.

She also served as a liaison to the A&M-Commerce Foundation. She began her new role at HRH on February 25.

A long time resident of Hunt County, Wittkopf holds a B.S. degree in biology from Texas A&M University-Commerce. She and husband Gabe, a Commerce firefighter/EMT, are the parents of Allie(10) and Emma(8).

“There are many healthcare needs to meet and just as many opportunities to provide solutions,” Wittkopf said. “Our healthcare foundation will take the lead in continuing to make that happen.”

As an example, Wittkopf cited the Foundation’s current initiative to bring life saving mobile mammography to Hunt County where only about 50 percent of women receive regular screening mammograms.

“We will look to Alicia for leadership and new ideas to help the Foundation make a difference in patient’s lives,” said Roz Lane of Greenville, Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation Board Chair. “We have every confidence that she will excel,” Lane said.

The new director succeeds retiring, Jack B. Gray. He joined Hunt Regional Healthcare to mobilize the foundation which had been dormant for many years.

The public is invited to a meet and greet reception for Wittkopf on Tuesday, April 2nd in the Hunt Regional Medical Center Weaver Conference Room and on Wednesday, April 3rd in the Hunt Regional Community Hospital Education Room. Call 903-408-1064 for more information.

Neonatal ICU opens at Hunt Regional Medical Center

March 5, 2013 - Hunt Regional Medical Center has taken yet another step forward in serving Hunt County and North Texas citizens with its recently opened Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Babies born prematurely or who suffer an illness, with few exceptions, can now remain in Greenville instead of being transferred to Dallas or other hospitals to receive life-saving care. That also means the parents can interact with their babies throughout the local hospital stay without having to travel back and forth to the Metroplex.

After three months of rigorous training, policy development and equipment installation and/or adjustments, the unit opened on Feb. 1. It didn’t take long to realize the need for the NICU. In the first month there were 18 admissions. Of those, 8 would have had to have been transferred to Dallas, said Dr. Asif Khattak, Neonatologist and the Director of Neonatology Service.

“Of those 18, all have gone home,” he said.

Richard Carter, CEO of Hunt Regional Healthcare said the need for the NICU has “been evident for some time and we are very fortunate to have a physician of the quality of Dr. Khattak to initiate this service.

“Our goal is to provide medical care of the highest quality by the best providers without having to drive to Dallas. We are very proud to offer this new service on behalf of our community and the surrounding regional area, Carter said.

Opening of the unit raised HRMC from a Level 2 neonatal care unit to the top rating of Level 3, Khattak said.

Neonatal care depends on the gestation period at the time of delivery, explained Janet Grandfield, manager of the HRMC nursery. A baby born at 28 weeks would remain in NICU at least until it has reached the normal 38- 40-week gestation period, she said. Other stays would depend on the outcome of an illness.

Grandfield said she was most pleased with the new service because of the help for the parents who can be with their new-born child and provide nurturing.

Developing the NICU involved hiring 12 Nurse practitioners, all new to HRMC, preparing the space in the maternity center, obtaining new equipment, writing policies, training the staff and developing a collaborative work agreement between Physician and Nurse Practitioners, said Dr. Khattak. Protocols and collaboration with the Pharmacy, Lab, Radiology, OT/Speech and other departments also had to be established.

Currently room can be made for up to 12 beds in the existing space of what is known as the Truett and Margaret Crim Maternity Center, although future physical expansion could be a possibility, Dr. Khattak says.

Dr. Khattak says he has been pleased with the overall operation of the unit and impressed with the commitment by the hospital administration. Dr. Khattak said Dr. Hassan Farooq, who had been a fellow resident at Texas Tech University, convinced him to come to Greenville.

The father of four says his ultimate goal is to bring a “mini Baylor” here. “I want to provide evidence-based quality care right here in Greenville.” He says very early in his education it became apparent he was destined to take care little ones.

Before his arrival in Hunt County Dr. Khattak was chairman of the Department of Pediatrics and Medical Director of the Neonatal unit at Baylor Irving for six years. He had spent nine years as attending Neonatologist at Baylor University Medical Center and was also the Medical Director of Neonatal Transport Team as well as the Chairman of Neonatal Research Committee.

He has published several research papers in the field of Neonatology and is currently involved in a large randomized controlled trial testing a therapy to reduce central lines associated infections in extremely premature babies.

HRMC Cardiopulmonary Department Receives Accreditation

February 28, 2013 - The Hunt Regional Medical Center Cardiopulmonary Department has been granted a three-year term of accreditation in Echocardiography in the areas of Adult Transthoracic by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC).

Accreditation by the IAC means that the department has undergone a thorough review of its operational and technical components by a panel of experts. The IAC grants accredidation only to those facilities that are found to provide the highest quality patient care, in compliance with national standards through a comprehensive application process including detailed case study review.

HRMC Mock Disaster Drill

February 28, 2013 - Emergency Medical Technicians Joel Covey and Michael Casey remove a “patient” from their ambulance who will be taken to the decontamination shower next to the emergency department.

It was part of a mock disaster drill taking place a week ago in local and 19 other area hospital. The drill involved what was classified as an act of terrorism in which there were reports of contamination of some food supplies delivered in North Texas. Hundreds of persons in the area were sent to medical centers throughout the region. Numerous deaths were reported.

Results of the drill will be assessed and critiqued for future improvements to dealing with such disasters that will be handled by hospital personnel, fire departments, police, state troopers, centers for disease control, emergency services and ham operators.

Alicia Todd and James Mcdowell, in full hazardous materials suits, rinse down the “patient.”

Susan Van Hooser (foreground) compares notes as the drill gets under way. Pictured behind her are facilities manager Keith Buckman, purchasing agent Billy Robinson, Travis Potter, Human Resources and, standing, Mike Klepin, HRMC administrator

Hospital Foundation’s 8th Gala raises $130,000 to fight cancer

February 4, 2013 - More than $130,000 was raised Saturday night (Feb. 2) to fight cancer in the Hunt County area.

The Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation will use the funds to help underwrite a mobile mammography unit that will “fight cancer in the field”. Gala funds also will continue to underwrite the FitSTEPS for Life® program that helps rehabilitate and extend the lives of people touched by cancer. FitSTEPS is offered at Hunt Regional Medical Center without charge to qualified participants.

The purpose of mobile mammography is to take the service directly to the community.

In Hunt County, which has among the highest incidence rates for cancer in Texas, only about one of every two eligible women receives an annual mammogram.

“Early detection of breast cancer is critical to the survival rate,” said W.D. Hilton, Jr., former chair of the Foundation board. Hilton is chairing a Foundation campaign that is currently underway to reduce the incidence of breast cancer locally through early detection of the disease.

His co-chairs for that effort are Foundation trustees Larry Green, Jr., and Bill Rolston.

Hilton said that the Foundation board has made great strides in reaching the fundraising goal, and that the mammography unit has already been purchased and should be operational by late April.

The mobile mammography van, which has a price tag of $400,000, was named last week in memory of the late Nita “Tubby” Adkisson, Greenville civic and business leader for more than a half century and a key Foundation volunteer for many years.

“The Foundation’s 8th annual Laughter is the Best Medicine comedy gala set new attendance and fundraising records,” said event co-chairs Peggy Cole and Marsha Fincher.

A crowd of more than 340 packed the ball room at the Sam Rayburn Students Center at Texas A&M Commerce.

Underwriter contributions, ticket sales, and a charity raffle for a $3,000 diamond dinner ring produced a fundraising record as well. The ring was donated by David and Jan Williams of Taylor Bros. Jewelers.

The crowd was wowed by comedic pianist Dale Gonyea and Dr. Don Newbury, emcee for the third consecutive year. Gonyea tied East Texas culture into his wide-ranging comedy routine.

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the annual Harold Curtis Friend of the Foundation Award to philanthropist Norma Mitchell and Dr. and Mrs. James Sandin.

“Both recipients are so deserving,” said Foundation board chair Roz Lane, who was joined by the late Mr. Curtis’ daughter Leah Curtis in making the presentations.

“We established an award in Harold’s memory because of his 50-year relationship as legal counsel for the hospital,” said Jack Gray, Director of the Foundation. “He was a leader in establishing the Foundation to fund health care improvements in our service area,” gray said, “and we wanted to annually honor people with his sense of commitment to supporting quality healthcare.”

Hunt Regional Healthcare CEO Richard Carter said that the results were “gratifying.”

“The Gala has become a tremendous tradition for the Foundation and the community,” Carter said. “The funds the Foundation has brought in from so many generous businesses and individuals has made a huge difference in moving Hunt County healthcare from good to great.”

Contributions to the Gala have increased every year since it started in 2005.

A Big Thanks to our sponsors

Gala Photo Gallery

2013 Foundation Gala Will Help Save Women’s Lives

January 11, 2013 - The Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation’s 2013 Gala in Commerce on February 2 is all about saving women’s lives.

“Even though early detection of breast cancer saves lives, only 50 percent of women in Hunt County receive the annual mammograms they need” said Foundation Chair Roz Lane.

“Our goal is to improve that number significantly by bringing mobile mammography to Hunt County and making digital exams more accessible” she said.

When breast cancer is detected at the first stage in its development, the 5-year survival rate is almost 90 percent. However, if it isn’t discovered until it has reached Stage 4, the five-year survival rate drops to 15 percent.

The 2013 Gala is part of a major push by the Foundation to raise at least the $300,000 necessary to acquire a mobile mammography unit fitted with state-of-the-art digital technology. The van will travel throughout the county on a regular schedule to make mammograms accessible to the aged and infirm as well as taking the service to communities and major employment work sites throughout the Hunt Regional Medical Center service area.

Gala seats remain available, but it is always a sellout, and seating is extremely limited. The evening of entertainment includes an opening wine reception, a gourmet dinner and a night of comedy featuring satirical pianist Dale Gonyea. Humorist Don Newbury will make his third encore appearance as the emcee.

Gonyea is an Emmy winner and Clio nominee, and his song-spoof “I need your help, Barry Manilow,” was nominated for Comedy Record of the Year.

Seats are priced at $75 each and may be reserved by calling the Foundation office at 903/408-1064.

The Gala will begin at 6 p.m. February 2 at Texas A&M University-Commerce’s Sam Rayburn Student Center.

“This service will really make a difference in people’s lives,” said Jack Gray, director of the Foundation.

In addition to underwriting the mobile mammography program, Gala proceeds will continue to support FitSTEPS for Life®, a cancer rehab and therapy program that extends and enhances the lives of those touched by cancer. It is offered at Hunt Regional Medical Center without charge to participants.

The eighth annual "Laughter is the best Medicine Comedy Gala - Treasure Your Health" featuring Dale Gonyea was a Great Success.

A Big Thanks to our sponsors

 

 

HRH Year in Review 2012

January 2, 2013 - Hello, 2013! Hunt Regional Healthcare is looking forward to many new and exciting steps forward in healthcare in Hunt County this year! Last year was also full of good news. Let’s take a look back:

HRMC’s Breast Center Accredited by NAPBC

The Women’s Imaging Center at Hunt Regional Medical Center, also known as the Breast Center, was accredited as a breast center by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). NAPBC is a quality accreditation program under the American College of Surgeons. This puts the HRMC center in the same accreditation status as Baylor Medical Center at Dallas and Medical City Dallas.

The center not only involves imaging (mammography, etc.), but includes all of the services for breast cancer care, from diagnostics to surgery to oncology. It takes a patient from beginning to end when it comes to treating and beating breast cancer.

HRH Foundation Laughter is the Best Medicine Gala

The HRH Foundation raised a whopping $117,000 for cardiovascular services at the seventh annual Laughter is the Best Medicine Comedy Gala that was held on February 4th. Held at the Sam Rayburn Student Center at Texas A&M University-Commerce, the entertainment for the evening was the “Rat Pack” tribute group.

LSVT BIG Comes to HRMC

In January, Hunt Regional Medical Center started offering a new Parkinson’s therapy service called LSVT BIG.

LSVT is a treatment program that's proven to help individuals living with Parkinson's disease, giving them new hope for improved communication and movement.
The method was developed following rigorous research funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Wound Care Center Receives Award

Hunt Regional Medical Center physicians, leaders, and staff gathered in May to celebrate the Robert A. Warriner III, M.D., Center of Excellence award, which was given to the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen Center. The Center has met the Center of Distinction quality standards for two consecutive years. The Center has achieved patient satisfaction rates over 96%, a 97% healing rate in 30 median days, among other quality standards. The Center was awarded this honor by Diversified Clinical Services (DCS), Inc., the nation's leading wound care management company.

Emergency Department and Wound Care Center Celebrate Expansions

The Wound Care Center, now located in the former outpatient imaging area of the hospital, is more than three times the size it was in its former location. It now has two wound-healing bariatric hyperbaric oxygen chambers instead of one.

The new ER waiting room, also more than three times its former size, has a new triage area, security office and two large restrooms.

Hypothermia Treatment used at HRMC Saves Patient’s Life

On November 2, staff members at Hunt Regional Medical Center, for the first time, used a treatment that includes cooling a patient’s body down to prevent neurological damage.
Therapeutic hypothermia treatment was given to the Hunt County resident using a special cooling wrap that lowered the body temperature to 89 degrees to help prevent damage caused by lack of blood flow to the brain following cardiac arrest.

David Linder, who lives in the Lake Tawakoni area, was bowling at DB’s Bowling Alley in Greenville when he went into cardiac arrest. Bowling partners and DB’s personnel immediately began CPR on Linder, who wasn’t breathing and was beginning to turn blue.
American Medical Response personnel revived Linder’s heartbeat, he was stabilized in the emergency department at HRMC and then moved to the intensive care unit.

It was then determined that hypothermia treatment was an option for Linder.

Linder was then transferred to Baylor University Medical Center for further treatment and rehabilitation.

Bras for the Cause a Whopping Success

On October 11th, hundreds of ornately decorated bras were displayed in downtown Greenville for the 4th Annual Bras for the Cause event. Votes for each bra generated funding for the event. The event benefits breast cancer survivors in need by providing them with supplies such as wigs and breast prostheses. The event raised a total of $65,000 which is administered by the Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation.

At right, event organizers Janeen Cunningham and Pud Kearns get ready for Bras for the Cause.

Hunt Regional Open Imaging Unveils New High-Field Open MRI

Approximately 200 people came to Hunt Regional Open Imaging to see the new high-field open MRI that is the first of its kind in Northeast Texas.

A high-field open MRI is highly accurate and enables technologists to obtain high-resolution MR images for virtually any patient, including children and those who are claustrophobic or obese.

The benefits of magnetic resonance imaging are many, and new applications are being continually developed through ongoing research. The procedure is used for all parts of the body and is effective in the clinical evaluation of conditions such as brain disorders, traumatic injuries, cardiac issues and infections.

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