September 11, 2015 Volume 25 Number 18 A PUBLICATION FOR NORTH MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER EMPLOYEES CHECKUP AHA Awards...3 Flu Vaccines...4 New Wheelchair...4 Pender Retires...5 Dr. Butler...5 Verona Reception...5 Service Awards...6 Neurosurgical Services...7 South Madison...7 Eyeglasses Donation...7 inside Baby Fair...8 Music & Technology Combine to Benefit Fragile Infants Everyone knows that music soothes the soul, but for fragile newborns in North Mississippi Medical Center s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, it can do so much more. Jordan and Christina Graham s twins, Jaden and Caden, were born 14 weeks early on June 30. Early in the pregnancy Dr. Bennett McGehee gave us the unexpected news that we were having monochorionic twins they shared the same placenta but had two amniotic sacs, Christina Graham said. Many complications can develop with this type of pregnancy, from low birthweight to death in utero. Needless to say our spirits were not very high. However, we believe in the power of prayer! So from that day forward, we had many on our side praying that God would perform a miracle, or should I say two miracles. Graham was closely monitored by NMMC maternal fetal specialist Dr. Justin Brewer with weekly ultrasounds Speech therapist Dana Hobby, holding Jaden, and Christina Graham, holding Caden, used new pacifier-activated technology in the NICU to help Jaden learn to bottle feed. up until 21 weeks gestation. When Dr. Brewer discovered that Jaden s umbilical cord which was more like thin strings was inserted at the very edge of the placenta, she began daily ultrasounds. We knew that he was severely growth restricted, she said. At 23 weeks gestation I was admitted for continuous fetal monitoring. Just shy of 26 weeks gestation, Drs. Brewer and McGehee, along with Continued on next page
Music & Technology Continued neonatologist Dr. Ginger Pole, decided it was best to go ahead and deliver. At that time the percentages of both boys surviving was greater in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit than in utero, Graham said. Caden was delivered by Cesarean section weighing 2 pounds, 5 ounces, followed shortly by Jaden, weighing 1 pound, 6 ounces. Deliveries are loud and bright for a baby who has been in a dark womb, explained Dana Hobby, a speech-language pathologist who works with NICU babies and was present for the twins birth. We try to minimize complications by modifying how we handle babies. These are really fragile human beings with really fragile brains. Caden stayed in the NICU for three months and was transferred to Le Bonheur Children s Hospital in Memphis for a few weeks. But twin Jaden s struggle persisted much longer. Jaden had a six-month NICU stay in Tupelo, where Dr. Pole and the other neonatologists worked day and night to keep Jaden here with mom and dad, Graham said. Many days were long and weary, but we knew God s plan is perfect. Jaden breathed with help from a ventilator for more than four months, but when he was finally breathing on his own, he was able to try bottle feeding. Pre-term infants like Jaden often don t develop the breathesuck-swallow reflex. He did very well at first but then he went on a feeding strike, Hobby said. Feeding was very stressful for him, so he decided he no longer wanted to eat. Dana works with a full heart of compassion, and she worked with Jaden to help us overcome this oral aversion, Graham said. Jaden was the first baby in Tupelo to use the Pacifier Activated Lullaby (PAL ), a device that merges music and technology to help premature babies learn to suck and feed. The device uses a specially wired pacifier and speaker system to play a soft lullaby each time a baby completes a successful sucking motion. I would use the device while Jaden was getting a tube feeding so that he would learn to associate getting his tummy full with sucking, Hobby said. When the baby successfully sucks the pacifier repeatedly using a certain strength, the device plays music. But the best part was that it was me, Graham said. Dana had me to record myself singing different lullabies, and when Jaden would suck appropriately he would hear my voice. Amazing, truly amazing! Hobby progressively adjusted the required sucking rate until she got Jaden successfully bottle feeding again, and then weaned him from the device. Outcomes from PAL have been impressive shorter hospital stays that result in reduced costs and a higher likelihood that premature babies will thrive once they leave the hospital. I m a very hands-on therapist and not one who is big on technology, Hobby said, but the research on this is too good to deny. The device comes with preprogrammed music, but research shows that hearing mom s voice is most beneficial when it comes to sucking. Plus recording the mother s own voice gives mom a job to do, Hobby said, and often parents feel so disconnected when their baby is in the NICU. The Grahams, who live in Pontotoc, say they were highly impressed with the level of care provided in the NICU. We as a community are truly blessed to have such an incredible NICU right here in our own backyard, she said. Unfortunately, we were unaware of it until we experienced it firsthand. Now the twins are both home and thriving. Caden weighs 18 pounds, and Jaden weighs 16 pounds and while they still face developmental and other challenges, both are progressing well and getting outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy at NMMC s Outpatient Rehabilitation Center. Jordan, who teaches and coaches at Bruce High School, and Christina, who works in NMMC s Management Information Services, felt compelled to give back to the NICU where their boys received excellent care. They donate to the NICU Patient Fund, which is administered by the Health Care Foundation of North Mississippi. We felt truly blessed by the outpouring of support from family and friends during our NICU stay. Our boys are blessed beyond measure, Graham said. God brought us through a tremendous journey, and our boys are truly miracles from above. The only way to shine God s light and help others see is to give back where God blessed you the most. For more information about NMMC s NICU, call 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375) or visit www.nmhs.net/nicu.php. September 11, 2015 Page 2
American Heart Association Presents Awards to NMMC AHA recognized NMMC s commitment and success ensuring that stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence. To receive the award, hospitals must achieve 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines-Stroke achievement indicators for two or more consecutive 12-month periods and achieve 75 percent or higher compliance with five of eight quality measures. To qualify, hospitals must meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between the patient s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clotbuster tissue plasminogen activator, or tpa. AHA recognized NMMC for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks. Agencies that receive the Mission: Lifeline Gold award have demonstrated at least 75 percent compliance for each required achievement measure for two years and treated at least eight STEMI patients for each year. NMMC is the first Gold Award recipient in Mississippi. Earl Coleman (center) of AHA presents Dennis Hebner (left), administrative director of prehospital services, with the Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Award and Dr. Joe Johnsey, medical director of Emergency Services, with the Mission: Lifeline Performance Achievement Award for STEMI. Earl Coleman (center) of AHA presents Dr. Sam Newell, medical director of NMMC s Acute Stroke Unit, with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association s Get With The Guidelines -Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award with Target: Stroke SM Honor Roll Elite. Page 3 September 11, 2015
Flu Vaccinations Update Each year thousands of people in the United States die from influenza (flu) and many more are hospitalized. Influenza transmission to patients and other staff by health care workers is well documented. We have a responsibility to protect our patients by making sure we are immunized against the flu each year. Vaccination remains the single most effective measure available against flu and it can prevent many illnesses, deaths and losses in productivity. For this reason, NMHS, The Joint Commission, APIC and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommend annual influenza immunization for health care workers. Our 2014-2015 influenza vaccination compliance was 94.5 percent. All employees are encouraged to receive the vaccine. Employees choosing not to receive the vaccine must decline the vaccine in writing and state the reason for non-participation in the immunization program. Employees declining vaccination must use non-vaccine measures including: Wearing a face mask appropriately on the face from Oct. 1 through March 31 while at work. Notifying Employee Health immediately of a diagnosis of flu or development of flu symptoms such as: fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and headache, runny or stuffy nose. Use of proper hand hygiene. Employee Health has already begun administering the influenza vaccine in the Employee Health Department and at off-site locations. No flu shots will be given from noon to 1 p.m. each day. We will be making Random Rounds as well as scheduled visits throughout most locations during all shifts and rotations. Consents, Declinations and Vaccine Information Statements are available on the Employee Health website under the Flu tab at the top of the page. Flu shots will also be given at the Benefits Fair Wednesday, Sept. 16, and Thursday, Sept. 17, in the North Education Center. Appointments for offsite facility vaccination times and large departmental meeting vaccination times can be scheduled beginning Friday, Sept. 4, by calling 377-4107. New Wheelchair Jonathan Grimes and Jaime Gonzalez of Hometown Healthcare, along with Connie Credille and Regina Welch of North Mississippi Medical Center s Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, make final adjustments to a new power wheelchair for patient Ashley Bass. Upon discovering that Bass current wheelchair wasn t accommodating her needs yet she wasn t eligible for a new wheelchair, Welch reached out to Hometown Healthcare for assistance. Thanks to the generosity of Hometown Healthcare and the Mississippi Medicaid system, Bass received the repairs she needed and a new Quantum Power Wheelchair Base to allow her maximum potential. Through their relentless efforts, Bass can safely and effectively perform activities of daily living. September 11, 2015 Page 4
Pender Closes 30-Year Career at NMMC After 30 years in Business Services, Debrah Pender has closed the books on her career at NMMC. A 1983 graduate of Tupelo High School, Pender studied business at Itawamba Community College. Pender joined the NMMC staff in July 1985 as an admission clerk/board coordinator in the Emergency Department. During her career she also worked as a manager in the Patient Accounts Department and as COBRA administrator for Acclaim. Her last 25 years or so were spent as patient accounts manager in Business Services, where she managed the Medicaid and disability representatives, the mailroom and visitors information desk. She and her husband, Roger, have been married 32 years and reside in Mooreville. They attend Nettleton Church of Christ. In retirement she hopes to spend more time with daughter Kayla, son Tyler, his wife Leslie and three Allen Butler, M.D., of Mississippi Bone and Joint Clinic has joined the medical staff of North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point. Dr. Butler performs surgery at NMMC-West Point and sees patients by appointment on the hospital s campus at 820 Medical Center Drive. Dr. Butler has been practicing since 2006 as an orthopedic surgeon in Starkville, where he also serves as an adjunct professor in biomedical engineering at Mississippi State University. Dr. Butler graduated with a bachelor s degree in engineering from MSU before earning his medical degree from Tulane University Debrah Pender (center) was honored with a retirement reception Sept. 1 by friends and co-workers including (from left) Becky Agee, Linda Kramer, Michelle Christopher and Connie Harrison. grandchildren Alana, 7; Cohen, 3; and Kinley, 2. She also looks forward to traveling, especially fall and spring beach trips with friends. Dr. Butler Joins NMMC-West Point Medical Staff School of Medicine in New Orleans. He also completed residency training in orthopedics and a fellowship in adult reconstructive surgery there. Dr. Butler is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. For appointment information, call (662) 323-9908 or 1-800-THE DESK (1-800- 843-3375). Verona Reception On June 4, Verona city officials welcomed the staff of Verona Medical Clinic with a breakfast meet and greet. Verona Medical Clinic (previously Express Care South) joined North Mississippi Medical Clinics April 1. From left: John White, M.D.; Joy Cleveland, nurse practitioner; Deanna Sanders, nurse practitioner; Amanda Crane, office manager; Penny Krusen, staff technologist; North Mississippi Medical Clinics regional director Amy Brown; staff technologist Marie Tackett; and North Mississippi Medical Clinics president David Barber. September 11, 2015 Page 5
Service Awards The following named employees recently received service pins in recognition of service milestones. Five Years NMMC-West Point Karen Butler, Larry Hyde, William Boren, Cora Johnson Clinics Emily Sesser, Lynn Waddle, Rachel Dupree North Mississippi Medical Center-Hamilton Lacey Frederick, Heather Sink NMMC-Iuka Brandi Jordan NMHS Amanda Johnson NMMC-Pontotoc Patsy Lepard Tupelo Service Finance Vanessa Robbins Russell Blanchard, Robin Bryan, Judy Payne, John Duvall, Cathy Young, Rodney Grose, Beverly Price, Yvette Ruff, Robin McGlaun, Joanne Duncan, Mickie Dykes, William Kleyla, Jessica Moody, Courtney Harris, Jimmy Ellis, Nikeyia Kirby, Cindy Clifton, Gwendolyn Brantley, Teresa Johnson, Jason Theriot NMMC-Eupora Terasa Sanders, Mena Tipton, Angela Burton Ten Years North Mississippi Medical Center-Hamilton Cindy Nelson, Marilyn Metcalfe NMHS Kevin Conway Lisa Lambert, Matasha Brock, Derrick Griffin, Joseph McCoy, Heather Harris, Kara Hunter, Vivie McCreary, Ashley Shackelford, Emily Wikle, Lydia Hinz, Lee Wright, Susan Presley, Tracy Wade Fifteen Years Clinics Chenelle Holiday, Vicky Kaspar-Reeder North Mississippi Medical Center-Hamilton Donna Cox NMHS Christi White Thomas Plunkett, Amy Cates, Robbin Pannell, Jeffery Smith, Hannah Maharrey, Marquita Haithcock, Ginger Beghtol, Kevin Blanchard, Tracy Wilburn, Glen Davidson, Julie Herl, April Bell, Phyllis Lindsey NMMC-Eupora Kathy Johnson Twenty Years NMMC-West Point Chiri Hindman Tracy Holland, Floyd Enfinger, Neal Enfinger, Jane Maxey, Hazel Harris NMMC-Eupora Calisse Harville, David Booth Twenty-Five Years Tupelo Service Finance Scott Lambert Terry Caver, Christopher Wray, Tammy Richey, Staci Rushing Thirty Years Tony Alford, Tommy Patterson, Bobies Grice, Billie Hampton Thirty-Five Years NMHS Jill Stahl Randy McFerrin, Kathy Holley, Vicki Westmoreland, Sandra Gordon September 11, 2015 Page 6
Fancher Joins Neurosurgical Services North Mississippi Neurosurgical Services recently welcomed Devin Fancher, FNP-C, to the clinic. Fancher primarily treats non-surgical patients with conservative therapy, and initiates evaluations for surgical patients. Fancher received her associate s degree in nursing from Itawamba Community College in Fulton. She received her master s degree in nursing from the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing in Jackson. Before graduating from her nurse practitioner training, she worked as a registered nurse at North Mississippi Neurosurgical Services for two years. The clinic is located in Longtown Medical Park, 4381 S. Eason Blvd., Tupelo. For more information or to make a referral, call (662) 377-5700. South Madison Welcomes New Provider South Madison Medical Clinic is pleased to welcome Lauren Waldrop, board-certified nurse practitioner. She joins Dr. Billy Walton at the clinic. Waldrop received her bachelor s degree in nursing from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, and her master s degree in nursing from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the Mississippi Nurses Association. She offers women s health services at the clinic. For more information, call (662) 377-5290. Eyeglasses Donation Cheri Nipp (left), an occupational therapist with North Mississippi Medical Center s Low Vision Rehabilitation Program, presents Lions Club of Tupelo president Theodore Roach with more than 500 pairs of eyeglasses collected throughout NMMC. During National Low Vision Awareness Month in February, Nipp spearheaded an NMMC collection drive for used eyeglasses, sunglasses and reading glasses. The Lions Club will distribute the eyewear to those in need in third world countries. In addition, NMMC and the Lions Club collected eyeglasses for the Tree of Life Free Clinic and for a mission trip. The local club was honored last year for donating more eyeglasses than any organization in the district, which includes 52 clubs. September 11, 2015 Page 7
Spirit of Women Hosts Baby Fair North Mississippi Medical Center s Spirit of Women program hosted around 300 new and expectant parents, grandparents, siblings and friends for Baby Fair in August at the NMMC Women s Hospital. The event included educational sessions, informational booths, shopping, tours and more. For more information about NMMC Women s Hospital or Spirit of Women, call 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375). Brenda Sparks, RN, of Women s Hospital checks the blood pressure of Shana Smith of Tupelo, who attended Baby Fair with her mother, Tracey McDaniel. Karen Bishop, RN, a lactation consultant at Women s Hospital, discusses breastfeeding benefits with Johnathan and Katherine Bass of Baldwyn. Casey Peeples, RN, of Women s Hospital gives a tour of Labor and Delivery. Roxie Clayton of Tupelo checks out Surrender jewelry with vendor Desi Arnold. September 11, 2015 Page 8