Hospital News

ER parking lot now open

January 12, 2012 - As Phase 1 of the Emergency Department renovation nears completion, the parking lot has reopened.

The photo shows the new Emergency entrance. For the time being, however, entrance to the ER is through the staff entrance on the right.

HRMC offers new Parkinson's therapy

January 12, 2012 - Hunt Regional Medical Center (HRMC) has recently started offering a new Parkinson’s therapy service called LSVT BIG.

LSVT BIG is an intensive physical and occupational therapy exercise program for people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions. It is a research-based exercise approach.

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.

HRMC is home to the only two LSVT certified clinicians in Hunt County.

The goal of the program is to work with individuals to improve major motor skills like walking, arm and leg movement and balance. Patients have also shown dramatic improvements in balance and speed of movement in walking and daily living tasks as a result of LSVT.

HRMC also offers a Parkinson’s support group, which meets the second Tuesday of every month in Conference Room 2 on the second floor of HRMC at Greenville.

For more information on LSVT therapy, contact the Therapy Services & Fitness Center at 903-408-1886. For more information on the Parkinson’s support group contact the Development and Communications Department at 903-408-1064.

Wensel joins state board

January 12, 2012 - Hunt Regional Healthcare’s board chairman has been named to yet another healthcare board.

Ronald Wensel has been installed to serve a two-year term as a trustee representing District V for Texas Healthcare Trustees, an Austin-based statewide association whose members serve on the governing boards of Texas hospitals, health systems and health-related organizations across Texas.

Among the healthcare organizations represented at THT are Hunt Regional Healthcare and Baylor Health Care System.

Wensel has been a member of the HMHD board of directors since 2000 and has served as chair since 2006.

Texas Healthcare Trustees is the oldest trustee organization in the country and is affiliated with the Texas Hospital Association. Membership to this organization includes more than 450 governing boards and represents nearly 4,000 trustees.

Newcomers - 2012's first babies

January 2, 2012 - Henry Vasquez was the first baby born at HRMC in 2012. He arrived at 12:07 am on January 1. Henry is shown with his parents, Eduardo and Isabel Vasquez of McKinney.

Twins were also born on January 1. Gavin and Grayson Patterson were born at 6:08 and 6:37 p.m. to Colt and Melissa Patterson of Lone Oak. They are pictured with their dad.

HRMC Pharmacy staff receives awards

December 30, 2011 - Lisa Wagoner and Rodney Gibson were recently honored as Clinical Manager of the Year and Pharmacy Director of the Year, respectively by Complete RX at the annual American Society of Health System Pharmacists convention in New Orleans.

Complete RX is a hospital pharmacy management company that serves hospitals across the United States.

ASI total hip replacement now available at HRMC

December 29, 2011 - Joe Autry underwent total hip replacement on Monday, December 21. The next day, he went home. Sound impossible? Believe it! Joe is the first Hunt Regional Medical Center patient to undergo the newest technology in hip replacements.

Anterior Supine Intermuscular (ASI) hip replacement surgery is a far cry from the traditional methods of yesterday that left a patient bedridden for days, followed by weeks or even months of physical therapy.

During this procedure – performed by orthopedic surgeon, David Liao, D.O. - a smaller incision was made in the front area of the hip instead of the back, which allows for a less invasive surgery.

“This is the most advanced, innovative total hip replacement today,” Liao says.

The ASI hip approach is truly minimally invasive. A special table is used to rotate the leg for better access to the hip. This way, no muscles are cut to access the hip joint. This allows the patient to return to activities as soon as possible following surgery and should minimize some of the muscle weakening. The traditional approach actually splits or cuts some of the muscles. The risk of hip dislocation is also minimized.

Dr. Liao spent the past year researching the new procedure. He underwent training at Herman Memorial Hospital in Houston and Medical Center of Plano and became certified in the procedure by BioMet and Stryker, both top manufacturers of ASI equipment.

“The smaller incision (10 cm) results in minimal blood loss,” Dr. Liao adds.

Joe spent one night in the hospital. The day after surgery, he was walking (cautiously) without a cane or walker. He was also taking little or no pain medication.

“I thought it (the surgery) was going to be a lot worse,” he says. “My muscles are sore, but I’m otherwise fine.”

Of course, recovery time will depend on a patient’s age and health history.

Autry had been thinking about retirement after his hip replacement, but since he feels so much better, he’s decided to return to work.

“This is the best Christmas present I’ve ever received,” he says.

Joe Autry (second from right) is shown with (from left) Rebecca Pearcy, RN, David Liao, DO, and HRMC surgery director, Kathy McGee, RN.

This truly special evening will raise money for heart care services

Be certain to circle Saturday, February 4 on your 2012 calendar, as the event is a sure sellout.

"You Gotta Have Heart,” a 1950s song written for the Broadway musical Damn Yankees, is the theme for the 2012 gala, which will benefit the soon-to-be-created cardiovascular services center at Hunt Regional Medical Center at Greenville.

The gala will feature entertainment by “Frank Sinatra” and other members of the “Rat Pack” in the person of the Rat Pack Tribute Group, straight from Las Vegas.

Cardiac services are the focus of this year’s gala “I’m confident that our new cardiac care program will have an effect on our region at least equal to the positive impact that the Finney Cancer Center has had.”

So says Richard Carter, CEO of Hunt Regional Healthcare, envisioning the cardiac catheterization laboratory and related cardio service that will soon be under construction on the campus of Hunt Regional Medical Center at Greenville.

The program is being developed in partnership with the Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart Hospital of the Baylor Health Care System. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Texas, typically accounting for about 25 percent of all deaths in the state.

HRH has taken on a mission to bring vastly improved cardiovascular services to the Hunt County region. The Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation will join Hunt Regional Healthcare in supporting that lifesaving mission through its seventh Laughter is the Best Medicine Comedy Gala on Feb. 4.

The makings of one cool evening, daddy-o Although remembered for making another “heart” song — “Young At Heart” — a major hit, Sinatra also sang the gala theme among the nearly 1,200 songs he recorded in a six-decade career. Featuring all the panache and attitude of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. during their Vegas heyday, this show is one not to be missed. The Rat Pack trio was the definition of cool during the 50s and 60s, and the group’s Las Vegas show bar appearances were legendary.

This unique chapter of musical history that is coming to Hunt County is superbly recreated by the original Rat Pack Tribute Group live concert show. To understand the impact the Rat Pack has had on the world of music, consider that the show has a set list of an incredible 45 worldwide hits to choose from. Featured hits by Dean include “Everybody Loves Somebody,” “Volare” and “Memories Are Made of This.”

Sammy’s hits include “Black Magic” and “Me and My Shadow,” while Frank’s hits include “Fly Me to the Moon,” “My Kind of Town” and “My Way.” “We are so excited to bring this renowned Las Vegas show to our gala,” says Roz Lane, chair of the Foundation’s special events committee.

The best of medicines The gala has borne the theme Laughter is the Best Medicine since its inception in 2005. Each gala since then has boasted a comedic theme, and that will continue through the repartee of Sinatra, Martin and Davis.

Dr. Don Newbury, a huge hit as last year’s gala emcee, will bring his own dry humor to the event. Many of last year’s attendees applauded his humor as equal to that of the headlining comic.

By Jack Gray with contribution from Melva Geyer

Tis the season to be in the hospital?

December 14, 2011 - Being in the hospital is NOT what most people think about when Christmas rolls around. Glad tidings of great joy do not exactly describe such an experience. It is one memorable gift you could just as soon forget and do without.

Most will recognize that people do not choose to be in the hospital over the Christmas holiday season, including the folks who are caring for the patients – doctors, nurses, and all the support personnel required to keep the doors open. You can probably think of a few places you would rather be spending time.

Following is a short list of things to ponder when stuck in the hospital during “the season”:

1. The doctor would not have admitted you unless acute care was medically necessary; might be something to thank her for after all is said and done.

2. You are safe and secure among care givers who will do their best to make your stay as short as possible, but as long as it takes to get you well enough to go back home.

3. You are missing the hustle and bustle of scurrying crowds, spreading germs all over everywhere; a thought that might bring some appreciation since you are already so sick.

4. You are missing the wonderfully frustrating traffic jams at the highway intersections where construction schedules seem always to coincide with the most busy travel times of the year.

5. You may be struck by the reality this forced opportunity to rest is something that is “not so bad”, a situation of which to take advantage; take a big deep breath and blow away all that stress.

6. Know deep inside your heart of hearts you are deeply loved, and in this moment of solitude, your spirit can connect with a Greater Spirit, celebrating not only health, but the gift of wellness and wholeness.

Contemplating these thoughts may help discover the value and find some meaning in being hospitalized “during the season”. Our hope joins your hope that the New Year will bring fresh insights into your life journey. We are grateful for the privilege of serving you in a time of need.

Be well,
Chaplain Melvin Ray

Deck the halls

December 7, 2011 - Jeanye Roberts, volunteer coordinator at Hunt Regional Medical Center, puts finishing touches on the hospital lobby's Christmas tree.

Roberts also spent the day distributing poinsettias around the buildings. The holiday flowers are on sale through the gift shop.

HRH to develop new cardiology center

December 3, 2011 - With the Lou and Jack Finney Cancer Center thriving and the expanded Emergency Department completion nearing, Hunt Regional Healthcare is ready to launch its development of the first cardiology center for Hunt County.

“I’m confident that our new lifesaving cardiovascular services program will have an effect on our region at least equal to the positive impact of the Finney Cancer Center,” says HRH Chief Executive Officer Richard Carter.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Texas, typically accounting for about 25 percent of all deaths in the state, according to the American Heart Association. That statistic has made cardiac care an escalating priority, he says.

The center is scheduled to be up and running by next summer and will allow, for the first time, the ability to locally perform some invasive cardiac procedures on patients. In the past, these cases have had to be transported to more specialized centers, taking up valuable time.

The program, which will require additional staff, is being developed in partnership with the Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart Hospital of the Baylor Health Care System.
Requests for bids have gone out for construction which will take place on the second floor next to the Intensive Care Unit in the West Wing that opened in 2008.

The area will include up to five pre-and post-procedure patient areas and a cardiac catheterization lab where the lifesaving procedures will take place. Included in those procedures will be coronary angiograms, right heart catheterizations, pacemakers (permanent and temporary) and direct current cardioversions.

The hospital’s board of directors recently approved co-medical directors for development and operation of the Center.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Michael Sills and Dr. Kenneth Saland agree to co-develop our program and bring their considerable expertise to the project,” said Carter. “Their on-sight presence over the past years gives them not only the necessary skills for the task at hand, but also a knowledge of and familiarity with the Hunt County culture,” he said.

Saland, associated with CIVA (Cardiology and Interventional Vascular Associates) whose Greenville offices are at HRMC, has practiced in Greenville for seven years.
He received his medical degree at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque in 1993. It was there he was awarded the Oliver Cardiology award for excellence in cardiology research.

His residency in internal medicine and fellowship in cardiology were completed at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas in 2000. He then completed an interventional cardiology fellowship at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland in 2002.

Saland is board certified in peripheral vascular interventions, including the treatment of chronic total occlusions and carotid stents.

He has advanced training in Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (CT) and is a member of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.

Dr. Saland, who calls Albuquerque “home,” lives in Dallas with his wife and three children. He has been named among the top doctors in Dallas by D Magazine.

Sills, part of Cardiology Consultants of Texas, is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiology.

He graduated from medical school with distinction in 1983 from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he also interned, and then finished up with his residency at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y. A cardiology fellowship from University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in 1986 brought the Long Island, N.Y., native to Dallas.

Sills, an attending cardiologist at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, is currently assistant chief of cardiology and the medical director of the non-invasive laboratory at Greenville’s Hunt Regional Medical Center . His special interests include valvular heart disease (including mitral valve prolapse), congestive heart failure, adult congenital heart disease, and lipid disorders and preventive cardiology.

Dr. Sills offices at CCT's Dallas clinic at the Baylor University Medical Center, and also at its Greenville offices in the HRMC Professional Building, where he has been seeing patients for two decades.

He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and with ABIM-Cardiovascular Disease. He was named a Super Doctor for 2010 by Texas Monthly Magazine.

Sills and his wife make their home in Dallas.

“The assignments of Sills and Saland are critical to the success of the center and their commitment of time and effort will make the difference between good and great,” says Carter.

However, it is not expected to interfere with their regular practices.

Richard Carter, left, chief executive officer at Hunt Regional Healthcare, points out details of the new cardiac care center to the two recently named co-directors, Dr. Michael Sills, center, and Dr. Kenneth Saland, who will be developing the center's programs.

Both cardiologists have offices in the Hunt Regional Medical Center Professional Building.The center will be located in the West Wing on the second floor and is expected to completed by June, 2012.

Office of Attorney General’s AOP Award
by Samantha Henry

December 1, 2011 - For the second year in a row, Hunt Regional Medical Center (HRMC) at Greenville received the Office of Attorney General’s Hospital AOP Award.

An Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP) is a legal and binding document that the mother and biological father sign when they are not legally married. It is required if the father wants his name to appear on the birth certificate.

“The Attorney General’s office monitors our percentage of signed AOPs, which must meet or exceed the state average of 76 percent,” said Brenda Dix, birth registrar. “We scored between 98.00 and 99.50 for the 2011 fiscal year and earned the exemplary status.”

HRMC is one of only 101 hospitals in the state of Texas that received an exemplary status for this award.

“By signing and once filed, he is then recognized as the legal father with all the same rights and responsibilities that the mother has. This can include medical and financial support,” said Dix. “Not all mothers want to list the father on the birth certificate and decline signing an AOP.”

The hospital is visited four times a year by a regional attorney general representative who reviews a sampling of AOP indicated birth certificates and then scores the facility for completeness and accuracy.

National Handwashing Awareness Week
bySamantha Henry

December 1, 2011 - One of the most important steps an individual can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs is handwashing.

In a healthcare setting, hand hygiene is critical in helping prevent the transmission of infections. The first full week in December is dedicated to raising handwashing awareness.

The goal of National Handwashing Awareness Week is to decrease the span of infectious diseases by empowering individuals to educate and help protect their communities.

Annually in the United States, there are about 5,000 deaths due to food borne illness. One in three E.coli occurrences is a result of not washing hands before handling food. On average, one in three people do not wash their hands after using the restroom.

“Handwashing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of illnesses and infections,” said Alisha Todd, Hunt Regional Medical Center’s Infection Control nurse. “If soap and water is not available, alcohol gels that are at least sixty percent alcohol are an acceptable alternative.”

When it comes to handwashing, there are a few cardinal rules to follow. First, there are certain times individuals should always wash their hands. These are after using the restroom, after changing diapers, cleaning up after pets, handling money, before eating and when hands are visibly dirty.

Another important handwashing etiquette rule, don’t cough or sneeze into your hands, use a tissue. If a tissue is not an option, then cough into your elbow, making sure to change that shirt as soon as possible. Also individuals should refrain from putting hands in the eyes, nose or mouth, and avoid touching people or surfaces with unclean hands.

Mary Rich Lynch Cardiac Rehabilitation Center
bySamantha Henry

November 16, 2011 - The Mary Rich Lynch Cardiac Rehabilitation Center is here to help and support people who require a change in lifestyle to reduce the risk of heart problems.

The cardiac rehabilitation program is developed to fit the specific needs of a patient. Changing lifestyles is never easy, and that is why Hunt Regional Medical Center (HRMC) provides a multidisciplinary team that promotes behaviors to help patients and their families adapt to new lifestyles.

A comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program, which supplements a primary physician's care, begins with a referral to the program from a physician.

The program is directed toward restoring and maintaining optimal physiological, psychological, vocational, and social well-being while reducing the risk of future heart problems.

The cardiac rehab program includes inpatient care during which a physical therapy team will assist with early recovery following a patient’s cardiac event.

Outpatient care begins with the referral from a cardiologist. From there one of the rehabilitation teams performs an individual clinical evaluation. The outpatient process consists of monitored, physician supervised exercise sessions for up to 12 weeks. These sessions are supplemented with information about changes necessary for healthier lifestyles.

Following inpatient and outpatient care, the program can also provide maintenance rehabilitation, which is a follow-up to maintain cardiovascular fitness for those who completed the 12 week program. Maintenance rehabilitation is a self-directed, RN supervised program that includes monthly EKG rhythm analysis, blood pressure check and quarterly body fat analysis.

Both inpatient and outpatient care are reimbursable health services the hospital will file with a patient’s insurance company.

In addition to the cardiac rehabilitation program, HRMC offers respiratory therapy rehabilitation, which is designed to alleviate respiratory symptoms, optimize daily functions and activities, and improve any disability from chronic respiratory disease.

The respiratory therapy program provides education and exercises twice a week for 6-12 weeks. This therapy is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Mary Rich Lynch Rehabilitation Center.

The Center bears the name of Greenville philanthropist Mary Rich Lynch, whose generous gift funded numerous program improvements.

For more information on the rehabilitation center or to refer a patient, contact Kathy McKinney or Arlene Cannon at 903-408-5050.

Foundation donor wall unveiling reception

November 15, 2011 - Three major donor families were honored at a special reception last Tuesday in the west wing of Hunt Regional Medical Center.

At the same event, the new donor recognition wall was also unveiled by members of HRH administration and foundation board.

Honored for their recent gifts were:

• Foundation board vice chairman Don Bolin and his wife Linda, who paid tribute to his late father-in-law, Colonel W O "Jack" Sharpe and his mentor, Edward D “Ted” Jones, Jr., founder of Edward Jones.
• Board member Charles Ranly and his wife, Shirley, who own Webb Hill Country Club made their gift in honor of all past and present Webb Hill members.
• Danny and Carolyn Keene’s gift paid tribute to Paul Harper. Harper was an employee and a close friend of the Keenes who died suddenly last year.
• In addition, Bras for the Cause committee Co-chairs Janeen Cunningham, Vanessa Pope and Lana Dollgener were also recognized for their success in leading 2011 event which raised more than $40,000.

Mental Health Awareness Week

by LaQuarius Loudermilk

November 15, 2011 - Mental Health Awareness Week takes place on November 13-19 to promote and focus on the education of mental health wellness.

During this week campaigns across the country address mind and body connections, promote mental and physical awareness, and help others find support groups in their local communities for their mental health issues. This week also assists those that are suffering from mental illnesses find skills such as stress management techniques to cope with their illnesses.

Each of these objectives can be seen in both of Hunt Regional Healthcare's mental health facilities. The Behavioral Health Unit located at Hunt Regional Medical Center at Greenville and The Heritage Program for Senior Adults at Hunt Regional Community Hospital at Commerce both reach out to patients to assist them in dealing with their mental health issues.

The Behavioral Health Unit is a new facility on the fifth floor of HRMC in Greenville, providing patients with psychiatric care from a team of medical and mental health professionals.

Some of the treatments in the Behavioral Unit Treatment program include individual and family therapy, marriage and couple therapy, patients education and medication and adjustment monitoring. These treatments allow patients to successfully function in society.

The Heritage Program for Senior Adults is an outpatient program that provides patients, families and their caretakers with treatment that allows them to cope with depression, and the loss of a love one.

Treatments the Heritage Program offer include group and family therapy, grief and loss resolution, stress management, and nutritional and wellness education. These treatments are supervised by psychiatrists, licensed clinical workers, licensed counselors, certified therapist, and medical health technicians.

Through these treatments patients and their caregivers will learn coping skills, living skills and stress management.

Both the Behavioral Health Unit and The Heritage Program assist patients who suffer from a wide range of mental health issues. Through the licensed psychiatrists, licensed clinical workers, and mental health technicians patients are educated on ways to exist comfortably in society.

Learn more about the Behavioral Health Unit and The Heritage Program. Or call the Behavioral Health Unit at 903-408-1500 and the Heritage Program at 903-886-2238.

This is National Diabetes Education Week

November 2, 2011 - Today is the beginning of National Diabetes Education Week that promotes the benefits of diabetes self-management training and the role of diabetes educators as healthcare providers.

Hunt Regional Medical Center's Diabetes Self-Management Center provides quality diabetes self-management education programs and complete patient educations services for all conditions and complications of diabetes. The treatment received is specific to the type of diabetes that one has.

Although the cause of diabetes is unknown, heredity and diet are believed to play a role in the development of the disease. Higher than normal blood sugar levels can lead to high blood pressure, vision loss or blindness, or possible harm to the heart. Keeping sugar levels as normal as possible may prevent or delay serious health problems.

Our management center teaches about diet, weight loss and other self-care that will help the diabetic function normally with specific diet, exercise, cholesterol and diabetes management.

The HRMC Diabetes Self-Management Center can be reached at 903.408.5130.

Lymphedema therapy available at HRMC

November 1, 2011 - The only lymphedema therapist serving the Northeast Texas region outside of Dallas is on staff atHunt Regional Medical Center in Greenville.

Martha Hamilton, HRMC's lymphedema specialist, serves patients through therapy sessions. She uses a technique called manual lymph drainage (MLD) that moves lymph fluid.

“Through home health care, I am able to make house calls as well as treating patients at the hospital,” says Hamilton.

Lymphedema is the inability of the lymphatic system to transport fluid. Lymphedema can develop immediately after surgery or years later and causes swelling in the limbs or legs.

The signs of lymphedema can be easily identified through daily functions.

“In ladies signs are heaviness, aching, and squeezing in the limbs. Also shirts, watches, and rings don’t fit,” says Hamilton.

Treatments for lymphedema include manual lymph drainage (MLD), graduated compression garments, therapeutic exercises, and meticulous skin care. The goal of all treatments is to control swelling in the affected areas. To receive these treatments, patients are required to have a referral from their physician before treatment can begin.

“I can evaluate patients without a doctor referral, but under hospital rules patients have to have a doctor referral before I can begin treatment,” said Hamilton.

Hamilton states that the amount of treatment a patient needs depends on how big the lymph node is and how well the patient responds to the treatment.

Though there is no cure for Lymphedema, and not treating it can lead to more medical problems. “The bigger the lymphedema the more prone you are to infections,” says Hamilton.

Tips to living with and preventing lymphedema include protecting your skin, avoiding tight jewelry and clothing, practicing healthy nutrition and exercise, and always wearing compression garments when traveling or flying.

For more information on lymphedema, visit our health library.

National Respiratory Care Week

October 25, 2011 - Thanks to our award-winning respiratory care team!

Cure Couture for our Ladies!

October 18, 2011 - Last Thursday's Bras for the Cause was the most successful to date, with a current total of over $37,000 raised to benefit breast cancer patients in Hunt County.

Proceeds from the event will provide these beautiful Cure Couture hospital gowns for HRMC breast cancer patients. These custom gowns are designed especially for breast cancer patients and come complete with hidden pockets for drains and ports. This is in addition to the wigs and mastectomy products for Hunt County women who can't otherwise afford them.

Breast cancer survivors Melody Pierce, Kay Allen and Sally Sluter modeled these fashionable multi-use gowns at the event.

Palliative care now offered at HRMC
by Samantha Henry

October 17, 2011 - Hunt Regional Medical Center (HRMC) will now be providing palliative care to patients living with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.

Palliative care is a specialized form of medical care that focuses on providing patients relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of a serious illness.

Unlike hospice, palliative care patients are not necessarily terminal, and instead of focusing on the dying process, it focuses on living with an illness. Palliative care provides relief for serious and chronic illnesses such as cancer, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s and HIV/AIDS.

The palliative care team will provide patients time for close communication, management of pain and other symptoms, help navigating the health care system, guidance with difficult and complex treatment choices, as well as emotional and spiritual support.

HRMC has dedicated five patient suites (with adjacent family rooms) on the fourth floor of the east wing for a palliative care unit. Palliative care will be a short-stay unit designed to assist with care transitions, stabilization and symptom management. The unit is initially being staffed by the adjoining nursing unit until the number of patients warrants separate staff.

Brenda Yancey, an experienced palliative care nurse who currently works in the ICU department, will serve as palliative care navigator. As palliative care navigator she will review new patient admissions and discuss potential patients with the palliative care physician.

HRMC will continue to work with the outpatient home-based hospice services in the area, while reaching out to non-terminally ill patients who will benefit from palliative care by improving their quality of life and alleviating suffering.

Sneak Preview!

October 7, 2011 - The Hunt Regional Medical Center's Emergency Department is currently undergoing expansion and renovation. Check the architect's drawings below for a glimpse of the new ER.