|
Press Releases
9/30/08
FANTASY FOREST RAFFLE TICKETS - TO WIN DINNER AT GALA NOW ON SALE
- DRAWING AT 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
The raffle tickets are now on sale to win an elegant night out for two to Mason General Hospital Foundation’s 13th Annual Fantasy Forest “Where the Treetops Glisten” Gala and Live Auction set for Saturday, November 22, 2008 from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Pavilion at Sentry Park.
Tickets are $5 each, and available for purchase to anyone who currently works in any aspect of healthcare. Five drawings will take place at Mason General Hospital’s 40th Anniversary celebration on Friday, October 31 in the Ellinor Room at 3:30 p.m. Each ticket drawn provides seating for two at a “Sapphire Level Table,” reserved only for healthcare workers. The winners need not be present to win.
For tickets, additional information, or to volunteer for Fantasy Forest, please call the Development office at (360) 427-3623. All proceeds benefit the Mason General Hospital Foundation.
The Mason General Hospital Foundation is a volunteer charitable organization which raises, receives, manages, and distributes funds for financial support to Public Hospital District No. 1, consisting of Mason General Hospital, Oakland Bay Pediatrics, Mtn. View Surgical Services, Mason County Eye Clinic, and North Mason Medical Clinic. Mason General Hospital Foundation is a 501 (c)3 charitable organization.
9/15/08
 Karen Jensen Selected as September “Employee of the Month”
Karen Jensen, pharmacist, was selected as September “Employee of the Month” by her peers at Mason General Hospital.
It was nearly three years ago, Karen, her husband Jim, and their four children moved to Shelton from the Maryland area, fulfilling their dream of “someday returning to the Pacific Northwest,” where she and Jim had met.
Karen, who started out as a stay-at-home mom with two children, decided, when her two eldest children were 2 and 3 years old, to become a pharmacist. “I was reading about Pharmacy in the college’s course catalogue and thinking, I could do that,” she said. And do it, she did. Six years later, in 1999, she earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
“It was a lot of work, but I really enjoyed it,” Karen added. “After getting my degree, we had two more children, and then I went on to become board-certified in Pharmacotherapy.” It was Jim’s retirement as an electrical engineer from Arbitron that allowed them to move to Shelton.
“I love working at MGH because of its size, and how well everyone works together,” said Karen. “There is a lot of pride here, which is evident in how everyone loves their job and the hospital.”
Karen’s nominator singled her out as she “epitomizes many important qualities which make life for her co-workers easier and much more pleasant. Karen has a willingness to take on another assignment even when her plate is overflowing. She brings wit and a great sense of humor to the job.”
When Karen is not working, she is an editorial advisor and “Ask the Expert” columnist for WebMD’s Medscape.com. In addition, she spends time reading, kayaking, fishing, and being with her family.
8/28/08
HOSPITAL FOUNDATION HONORS THREE LOCAL BUSINESS WOMEN
Three local business women - Laurie Buhl, Heritage Bank, Commercial Loans VP; Pam E. Hanson, Cameo Boutique, owner; and Billie L. Howard, Mason County Museum, director, have been chosen to receive the 2008 American Business Women’s Award, presented by the Mason General Hospital Foundation. Every year, the foundation honors three outstanding businesswomen who are or were successful in their occupations, work or have worked in Mason County, and are active as volunteers in their community.
These women will be honored at a public, no-host luncheon on Friday, September 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mason General Hospital in the Ellinor Room. Tickets are $25 per person, and can be purchased by calling (360) 427-3623 (from Belfair (360) 275-8614 and ask for Development). "I am thrilled to honor these three fantastic women for their accomplishments and wonderful service to our community,” said Janis Byrd, chairperson of the selection committee and member of the MGH Foundation. ”I admire these are women greatly and I am proud that the board has made such outstanding selection from a great pool of nominees."
 Laurie Buhl joined Heritage Bank as a part-time Customer Service Representative in 1988, after moving to Shelton from Colorado, and quickly moved up through the ranks to her current role as Senior Vice President in Commercial Lending. In 1991, Laurie worked as Sales System Administrator at Heritage Bank headquarters in Olympia, and a year later was promoted to Shelton Branch Manager, at their former location on Railroad Avenue. She was promoted to assistant vice president in 1993 and then vice president in 1996. From there, she transitioned to the Commercial Loans department, and in February of this year she became a Senior VP. Laurie and her employees have received numerous honors and awards for outstanding customer service, and in 1994 she was the recipient of Heritage Bank Corporation’s prestigious Employee of the Year Award. She was also recognized by the Economic Development Council as Volunteer of the Year for 2007. She has served on numerous committees, boards, and service organizations including President of Mason County United Way; Shelton-Mason Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; Habitat for Humanity; Skookum Rotary; and many years as a board member with the Mason General Hospital Foundation, including VP and co-chair of the annual Fantasy Forest event. Laurie and her husband, Bob, live in Mason County just north of Shelton, and have a daughter, Amber, who has recently completed her Master’s Degree – Physicians Assistant Studies from A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona and will be practicing family medicine at a Maricopa County Family Health Center in Chandler, Arizona.
.jpg) Pam E. Hanson is owner of Cameo Boutique & Wine Shop in Union, which she opened in 1983. She lives at Alderbrook with her husband, Gary, and their two Persian cats, Sidney and Sophie. Pam began working for Mason County Federal Credit Union in 1969, two years before graduating from Shelton High School in 1971. She then went to work as a teller at Seafirst Bank, and later returned to the Credit Union where she worked until 1981, aspiring to the position of Training, Personnel & Marketing director. From 1985 to 1990 Pam was chairman of the “Union Good Old Days,” a 3-day Union event aimed at bringing attention to local businesses and raising money for the Ladies Civic Club, the Hood Canal Improvement Club, and for scholarships. She is also a volunteer for Harmony Hill Cancer Retreat Center in Union, serving as a member of their Major Gift Campaign Task Force, in charge of their Dinner & Auction fundraiser held in August. In addition, she has taken on a bold commitment to raise $100,000 for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant challenge. Pam attributes her success to the support of her husband, co-workers, friends, and family, who have guided and encouraged her along the way.
 Billie L. Howard, director of the Mason County Museum in Shelton, has been with the Mason County Historical Society since 1990, and is a member of the South Sound HeritageFoundation and the McReavy House Museum of Hood Canal. She is also affiliated with the V.F.W. Ladies’ Auxiliary, the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.), and has volunteered in several capacities over the past 48 years, including 25 years as a 4-H Leader (1960 to 1985). She is a lifetime member of Saint David’s Episcopal Church, where she received the Bishop’s Cross of the Episcopal Church Diocese of Olympia (only 10 awarded in WA state) in 1986. Billie is also a long-standing volunteer with the Saints’ Pantry Food Bank, was their director for several years, and has been a member of the Mason County Grange from 1979 to the present. Born in Shelton in 1935, Billie is one of three daughters born to Skokomish Valley dairy farmers, Max and Eva Latzel,. She graduated from Irene S. Reed High School in 1953 and then attended a year of business college before her employment with the Simpson Logging Company, and then as the secretary at her former high school from 1961 to 1975. Billie has received many honors for her work, from her Class of ’66 high school dedication to the Pomona Grange Community Service award in 2007. She was given the Mason County Heritage award in 2005, and has been a 4-H Leader-of-the-Year. Billie is married to Donald R. Howard, and has a son, Robert; a daughter, Eva; and four grandchildren.
8/26/08
“NUTRITION TIPS” AT SEPTEMBER DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP
Proper diet and nutrition is important for anyone, but more so for people with diabetes. And learning how to eat properly and maintain a balanced diet can alleviate complications from diabetes. Candy Mattson, R.D., C.D.E., Mason General Hospital’s dietitian, will be the guest speaker during Mason General Hospital’s monthly diabetes meeting set for Thursday, September 11, 2008, at 1 p.m. in the Ellinor Room. Her topic will be “30 Ways for Even Better Days: The Latest Nutrition Tips for You.” There will also be time for questions and answers.
The Diabetes Support Group, affiliated with the American Diabetes Association, meets every second Thursday of the month from September to June. It is free and open to people with type 1 and 2 diabetes, their friends, and family. For more information call Sue Barwick, R.N., C.D.E., at (360) 427-7332 (from Belfair (360) 275-8614, and ask for the Diabetes Wellness Department).
8/22/08
CENTENNIAL GUILD AND FOUNDATION DONATE NEW READER BOARD AT MASON GENERAL HOSPITAL
 Centennial Guild of Mason General Hospital and Mason General Hospital Foundation joined together to purchase the new light-emitting diode (LED) reader board located on North 13th Street by the hospital’s north entrance. The Guild’s money was raised at OysterFest, Blues Brothers Dance, and at a rummage sale.
“It took a few years to come up with our share of the funds, but it was worth it,” said Patty Rhoades, president of Centennial Guild. “It turned out great, and we hope the community will take advantage of the information and classes that will be advertised on it.”
“The Foundation was so pleased to be able to help contribute the funds to this project,” added Jennifer Capps, chief development officer at MGH. The Foundation raises its funds through various special events, with most of the revenue coming from the annual Fantasy Forest event held in November.
8/11/08
 THERESE PIZANTI, NURSE PRACTITIONER, RETURNS TO CLINIC
Therese Pizanti, ARNP, board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner, has returned to work at Oakland Bay Pediatrics (OBP).
Therese worked at OBP from 2002 to 20003 until her husband, Robin, was transferred to Walter Reed Hospital, Washington D.C., as chaplain. His pending retirement from the military has resulted in their moving back to the area.
“I am so excited to be back at Oakland Bay,” said Therese, upon her return. “I have been seeing former patients and they are so excited to see me. It feels good to be back. We love the Pacific Northwest.”
While living in Washington, D.C., Therese also worked at Walter Reed Hospital and was in charge of the Pediatric Sedation Unit. Her husband was then transferred to Hawaii, where she worked at Tripler Army Medical Center.
Therese received her Bachelor of Science Nursing degree in 1985 from the University of San Francisco, CA. Later in 1988, she went on to further her education as a pediatric nurse practitioner while serving in the United States Air force, finishing in 1990 with her board certification.
Therese began seeing patients in July at Oakland Bay Pediatrics, Shelton. To make an appointment to see her, call OBP at (360) 426-3102.
Oakland Bay Pediatrics is a part of Public Hospital District No. 1. For more information about OBP click on Oakland Bay Pediatrics on the home page.
8/2/08
 MASON GENERAL HOSPITAL NAMED 2008 “MOST WIRED” HOSPITAL
Patient Satisfaction Higher at “Most Wired” Hospitals
Mason General Hospital was recently named to the nation’s “Most Wired – Rural” hospitals, according to the results of the 2008 Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study released in the July issue of Hospitals & Health Networks magazine.
The 100 Most Wired hospitals show better outcomes in patient satisfaction, risk-adjusted mortality rates, and other key quality measures through the use of information technology (IT), according to a new analysis. Marking its 10th year, the Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study continues to lead the field in analyses and benchmarking of healthcare IT.
“We are very excited to receive the prestigious ‘Most Wired’ hospital designation,” said Eric Moll, CFO at Mason General Hospital. “It reflects the hard work of the staff to move our technology to the cutting edge of our industry. We are very committed to making sure we have the most advanced tools for providing the best patient care.”
Mason General Hospital most recently upgraded its technology to include electronic medical record-keeping of patient information. “This designation doesn’t just focus on IT equipment but rather all areas of patient care” said Tom Hornburg, IT Director at MGH. “Technology makes patient care more efficient as it focuses on immediate delivery of the patient’s needs, making for better outcomes.”
“Health IT has shown incredible promise in helping us improve the quality and safety of the care hospitals deliver every day,” said Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association. “The results of the “Most Wired” survey confirm that today’s patient also understands the benefits of IT in improving care and improving the overall hospital experience.”
“Today’s results add to the growing evidence that the appropriate use of IT can enhance both quality and patient satisfaction,” said Alden Solovy, executive editor of Hospitals & Health Networks magazine. “Most Wired” hospitals are proving the fundamental value of information technology.
The analysis shows that better outcomes occur among high tech hospitals, but it does not establish a direct causal relationship between technology and outcomes. The satisfaction analysis was conducted jointly with Press Ganey Associates, and the quality analysis was conducted jointly with Thomson Healthcare.
 7/24/08
“LIVING WELL WITH DIABETES” CLASS IN NOVEMBER
Detecting diabetes before it shows symptoms has caused many people to be surprised when test results indicate diabetes. However, today, there are many factors that go into controlling diabetes that can slow down the advancement of the disease. With proper application of self-management skills and professional support, someone with diabetes can lead a normal, active life.
If diabetes is a part of your life, plan to attend Mason General Hospital’s three-day session entitled “Living Well With Diabetes.” All three consecutive days will be during the afternoon Tuesday, November 11 to Thursday, November 13 , 2008 starting at 12:30 p.m. each day in the Ellinor Room at MGH. Due to space limitations, advanced pre-registration is required.
According to Sue Barwick, R.N., certified diabetes educator and coordinator of the class “diabetes self-management can be improved with proper knowledge and skillsand most people with diabetes can lead a healthy active life.” MGH has a team of healthcare providers that teach the class. Studies show that effective self-management of the disease is beneficial for the patient and their family.
Content of the class includes diabetes diagnosis, proper meal planning, diabetes medications, exercise, prevention and treatment of complications, stress management, living with diabetes, and the use of support people and a healthcare team.
To register call Mrs. Barwick at (360) 426-1611, ext. 3301 or (Belfair) (360) 275-8614, ext. 3301.
7/24/08
GET TICKETS NOW FOR LUNCHEON HONORING THREE LOCAL BUSINESSWOMEN
Tickets are now on sale for Mason General Hospital Foundation’s annual “2008 American Business Women of the Year” luncheon to be held on Friday, September 19, 2008 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at MGH in the Ellinor Room. Tickets are $25 per person and may be purchased by calling (360) 427-3623 (from Belfair (360) 275-8614 and ask for Development).
Every year MGH’s Foundation honors three outstanding businesswomen who are or were successful in their occupations, work or have worked in Mason County, and are active and volunteer in their community. The 2008 recipient will be officially announced in August.
Past honorees include: 1998 – Miriam Hall, Janet Thornbrue, and Patti Tupper; 1999 – Nita Bariekman, Jean Lee, and Norma Taylor; 2000 – Kay Gott, Colleen Hunter, and Doris Wilson, M.D.; 2001 – Beth Johnston, Betty Wolfe, and Mary Helen Anderson; 2002 – Carol Hunter, Rose Nye, and Cherrie Reitsch; 2003 – Janis Byrd, Carolyn Olsen, and Gayle Weston; 2004 – Patti Case, Betty Wing, and Catherine Ann Wolf; 2005 – Angela Olsen, Michelle Schnitzer, and Renee Youngs; 2006 – Xinh Dwelley, Irene Locke, and Virginia J. McCarty; and 2007 – Lynn Busacca, Vicki Gonzalez, and Lynn Harvey.
7/21/08
JENNIFER SMITH, NEW CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER FOR HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
Jennifer Smith is the new Chief Development Officer for Mason General Hospital Foundation. She comes to MGH from the Portland, Oregon area with sixteen years of experience raising money from individual donors, foundations, and corporate givers.
“We are very fortunate to have someone of Jen’s experience, expertise, and enthusiasm to take on the role of chief development officer,” said Eric Moll, CFO at MGH. The MGH Foundation sponsors several special events each year. Fantasy Forest, held the week before Thanksgiving, is the signature event that brings in nearly $300,000 annually.
“I am looking forward to becoming a part of the community here in Shelton, and being a part of Mason General Hospital and the Foundation. These are exciting times in philanthropy and the Foundation board is primed to move forward and expand its reach,” said Jennifer. “I am thrilled to lead the team, and at the same time this is a very humbling experience.”
Jennifer stated her philosophy in life includes “a strong sense of loyalty and a responsibility to do the right thing, because it is the right thing to do. These qualities have served me well, personally and in my career, because I take seriously the resources so generously given by our communities; whether they be time, talent, or treasure.”
Jennifer has served as a board member, board president, grant makers, fundraiser, and mentor. She has also worked in various sectors, including higher education, K-12 private schools, Diocesan and Parish-based schools, educational foundations, and medical clinics. She has been responsible for raising and creating disbursement strategies for $3 million in annual funding, and capital campaigns upwards of $50 million.
6/23/08
MOUNTAIN VIEW SURGICAL SERVICES JOINS HOSPITAL DISTRICT
Mountain View Surgical Services, formerly known as Northwest Surgical Services, Inc., staffed by local, board-certified General Surgeon, Vanni C. Manthiram, M.D., has joined Public Hospital District No. 1 – the governing body of Mason General Hospital, Oakland Bay Pediatrics, Mason County Eye Clinic, and North Mason Medical Clinic in Belfair.
Dr. Manthiram has been practicing general surgery at Mason General Hospital since 2006. She specializes in women’s issues, gall bladder, hernia, colon, and thyroid. Some of her surgeries are laparoscopic. Dr. Manthiram is now taking new patients and self-referrals at (360) 426-4142. Mountain View Surgical Services is located across the street from MGH at 1710 N. 13th Loop Road, Shelton. To make an appointment call (360) 426-4142.
MGH is approved by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation, and is a “Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence,” with its minimally-invasive Lap-Band procedure. There are more than 100 physicians on staff in 21 specialties, caring for all of Public Hospital District No. 1. For more information go to www.MasonGeneral.com.
2/19/08
11-YEAR OLD ADULT CPR INSTRUCTOR
Helping
to save a life is usually something adults do. Not an 11-year old elementary
school student.
Katie Jo Lester,
who should be hanging out with friends or planning what to wear to school, chooses
to be teaching a packed classroom of adults who want to learn CPR. “It
is so cool to teach someone CPR knowing they could someday save a life,” said
Katie Jo.
Her mom, Debi
Justice, who is in charge of staffing at Mason General Hospital and a Basic Cardiac
Life Support instructor for MGH, was the one who got Katie Jo on the road to
teaching. “I’d go with mom while she taught classes and then pretty
soon I just started to help out,” added Katie Jo. “And then
all of sudden, I started to teach, too.” Katie Jo sat and watched
her mom for nearly 5 years before she took on the role of a instructor.
Tom DiDonna,
R.N., education coordinator at MGH, saw the potential in Katie Jo. “She
was totally awesome to watch as an instructor,” said Tom. “She had
the presence of an adult and the knowledge of a seasoned veteran. She has
what it takes to be a instructor.” MGH offers FREE CPR classes every
quarter. The next class is set for Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 6 p.m. at
MGH
2/12/08
MEDICAL STAFF OFFICERS ELECTED – CHIEFS
OF SERVICE APPOINTED
Mason General Hospital’s more than 100 physicians
recently elected its medical officers and appointed its Chiefs of Service for
2008. There are more than 100 physicians in 21 specialties – active, courtesy,
and consulting – with privileges at MGH.
Elected as Chief-of-Staff is Dean E. Gushee, M.D., board-certified in emergency
medicine and head of MGH’s emergency physicians. Saad Al Alou, M.D., board-certified
in pediatrics at Oakland Bay Pediatrics, is assistant chief-of-staff; while Roy
Belville, M.D., board-certified in emergency medicine, is secretary. Bonnie J.
Davis, M.D., board-certified family practice specialist of Shelton Family Medicine,
is past chief-of-staff.
The 2008 Clinical Chiefs of Service department heads are: Chief of Anesthesia,
Robert F. Goad, M.D.; Chief of Intensive Care Unit, Mark L. Schlauderaff, M.D.;
Chief of Emergency Services, Dean E. Gushee, M.D.; Chief of Infant and Children’s
Services, Saad Al Alou, M.D.; Chief of Laboratory Services, Terrence A. Schulte,
M.D.; Chief of Medical/Surgical, Christopher W. Penoyar, D.O.; Chief of Obstetrics,
Jonathan A. Gold, M.D.; Chief of Physical Therapy, Michael G. E. Thomas, M.D.;
Chief of Respiratory Therapy, Douglas F. Lindahl, D.O.; Chief of Surgery, Michael
G. E. Thomas, M.D., and Chief of Radiology, David J. Gacetta, M.D.
01/30/08
LOCAL SURVEY
REPORTS PATIENTS’ HIGH REGARD FOR MASON
GENERAL – OFFICIALS LISTEN AND WANT MORE INPUT WITH FORUMS
A survey of Public Hospital District No. 1 residents finds
that those who use Mason General Hospital are more satisfied
than District residents who use other hospitals.
In July 2007, a local consumer opinion
telephone survey was conducted by a Seattle survey firm of
512 households in Mason County’s Public Hospital District
No. 1. The survey was part one, of three parts, to gather
information for Mason General Hospital’s strategic plan
to find out what District residents value and need in their
local healthcare.
The Seattle firm has extensive experience
conducting similar surveys for hospitals throughout the Pacific
Northwest.
The second and third part of this information-finding strategy
were focus groups conducted the first week of February. Then
beginning in mid-February, a Community Forum will be held,
will additional ones in March. District officials are
seeking residents’ input at the Community Forums – on
what they value and need in local healthcare services (types
of services, physicians, hospital care, etc.). The dates
are Wednesday, February 13, at the Shelton Civic Center 6 p.m.;
Wednesday, March 12, at the Alderbrook Resort, Union, 6 p.m.
and Thursday, March 13, at the Port of Allyn, 6 p.m.
“The Firm first took our 2007 survey findings and compared them with
the 2002 survey they did,” said Eric Moll, CFO at MGH. “They
then took these results and reviewed the MGH findings with
the survey results of other Northwest hospitals, to show how
we measure up with them.”
The following are some key points revealed in the survey:
- Patient satisfaction with outpatient surgery at MGH is
very strong (94%). This is higher than patient satisfaction
ratings for District residents who went elsewhere.
- Satisfaction with mammography services is also high relative
to other providers (76% for MGH versus 65% for other hospitals).
- MGH inpatients gave their experience at MGH a higher satisfaction
rating (86%) than patients surveyed at other hospitals.
- Urgent/emergency care satisfaction ratings for MGH
(61% - the highest in peer rating) compared very favorably
to ratings for other hospitals (53%).
- Among all the specific aspects of care at MGH tested in
the survey, the Hospital rates highest for its Food Services. In
all other surveys where food service has been tested, the
Firm reports this item rates at or near the bottom for other
hospitals.
- Other aspects of care at MGH that rated highly were nursing
care, cleanliness, comfort and attractiveness of the facilities,
and ease of facility use.
- A full 89% of all respondents had heard of or seen MGH’s
SCOPE newsletter. Two thirds of these respondents said
they look at all issues of SCOPE annually, and one third
gave SCOPE the highest possible satisfaction rating. The
survey also said that 22% of all respondents had heard of
or visited MGH’s web site www.MasonGeneral.com.
- The public believes local healthcare (MGH, clinics, doctors)
is improving in the level of care and service.
01/28/08
HOSPITAL GOES GREEN
The highly renowned and acclaimed Dietary Department
at Mason General Hospital, under the direction of Executive
Chef, John Cruse, is making a transition to more environmentally-friendly “green” products.
They are partnering with local businesses to purchase local
green products.
Currently,
MGH is purchasing free-range organic hens – free of chemicals and hormones – and
spring and summertime produce from Oakland Bay Farms. In addition, Olympic
Bakery has been brought into the family of health products.
Potato
starch products to replace plastics are also being purchased by MGH and sustainable
paper products made from sugar cane or bamboo fibers. “We plan to expand
our vendors over time,” said Cruse. “We are committed to making
this hospital as healthy and green as it can possibly be.” According
to Cruse, the next step is to create a hospital-wide recycling program for
canned and plastic goods and the composting of food waste.
01/14/08
HOSPITAL AWARDED RECOGNITION IN DIABETES EDUCATION
Mason
General Hospital’s Diabetes Wellness Center was recently awarded continued
Recognition from the American Diabetes Association for its self-management education
program. This prestigious award recognizes MGH for offering high-quality education
services to its patients.
This was a
voluntary process on MGH’s part, but once recognized, the award assures
that approved education programs have met the National Standards for Diabetes
Self-Management Education criteria. Programs that achieve Recognition status
have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide the most advanced
information about diabetes management for patients.
“The
criteria gives professionals a national standard by which to measure the quality
of the services they provide,” said Sue Barwick, R.N., certified diabetes
educator, and director of the Diabetes Wellness Center at MGH. “And,
of course, it helps consumers to identify these quality programs.”
Professionals
and staff who have contributed to this exclusive award are Michelle Merrin, Diabetes
Wellness Center assistant; Kris Davies, Quality Improvement assistant; Terry
Mallory, ARNP, diabetes nurse educator; Sarah Fulkerson, RD, certified diabetes
educator; Candy Mattson, RD, diabetes dietitian educator; Mark Schlauderaff,
MD, Diabetes Wellness Center director; Diane Stillman, RN, COO, Diabetes
Wellness Center advisory board member; Doug Haskins, Diabetes Wellness Center
advisory board member; Bob Appel, CEO; and Eric Moll, CFO. Additional professionals who regularly
serve as expert faculty in the outpatient Living Well With
Diabetes classes are John Rice, M. D, James Wright, M.D.
, Gretchen Rice, MSW, and Cheryl Woods, PT.
01/14/08
HOSPITAL DISTRICT ELECTS OFFICERS OF BOARD
Public Hospital District No.1, the governing
body of Mason General Hospital, Oakland Bay Pediatrics, Mason
County Eye Clinic, and North Mason Medical Clinic in Belfair,
recently announced the officers for the 2008 Board of Hospital
Commissioners.
Don Wilson,
Potlatch, who has been a commissioner since 1989, was elected by his peers
to be president of the three-person board. Scott Hilburn, Shelton, will
be secretary and Nancy Trucksess, Shelton, will be a trustee.
The Commissioners
meet every second and fourth Tuesday of the month (except holidays) beginning
at 8 a.m. in the Washington Room at Mason General Hospital.
TOM HORNBURG, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
DIRECTOR AT MASON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Tom Hornburg, MCSE, CCNA, CXE, A+, was recently
hired to be the Director of Information Technology at Mason
General Hospital. Tom came from Harrison Medical Center in
Bremerton where he worked for twenty-five years, most recently
as the manager of information technology. In his new position
Tom will oversee the modernization of MGH’s electronic
information infrastructure.
“I
plan to bring my years of experience from Harrison to move the
technology program at MGH forward while focusing on the business
objectives of MGH,” said Tom. “I am very grateful
to be here, as I am getting an opportunity to help mold MGH’s
technology to the meet the needs of the future.” Tom
and his wife, Dawn, have three sons and live in Seabeck.
GUSHEE NEW MEDICAL DIRECTOR AT MASON GENERAL
HOSPITAL
Dean E.
Gushee, M.D., chief-of-emergency services at Mason General
Hospital, was recently appointed to take on the new part-time
Medical Director duties there, also. Dr.
Gushee, board-certified in emergency medicine, will direct
the development of clinical pathways and their integration
in the technology initiatives currently underway at MGH.
Community-Associated Staph and MRSA Infections
At MGH we are on top of MRSA. Our infection control team is constantly working
on prevention in the hospital and out in the community.
Here is some advice:
Whenever you hear or read about Staph (Staphylococcus Aureus)
or MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus), most
often people think of a health facility-based infection.
Now community-associated Staph and MRSA infections are on the rise. Most
community-associated Staph or MRSA infections arise from the
skin or in the nose of otherwise healthy people. Folliculitis,
Impetigo, boils or pimples can easily lead to Staph or MRSA
infections.
Community-associated Staph or MRSA infections can be spread from person to person
through sharing personal items such as towels, razors and toothbrushes; using
athletic or gym equipment that has not been properly cleansed; or prolonged skin-to-skin
contact with someone who has a Staph or MRSA infection.
Prevention of community-associated Staph or MRSA infections
can be easy –
- don't
share personal item
- make sure the gym you use has cleaning
supplies either you can use, or the equipment is cleaned
between each person’s use
- clean
your home’s most often-touched areas (door handles,
light switches, etc.) with disinfectants
- practice good health
hygiene by washing your hands and bathing regularly.
- Wear
flip flops when in public locker rooms. That includes schools.
If you think you have signs or
symptoms of a Staph or MRSA infection, don't
wait – see a healthcare provider right away. If you have
a Staph or MRSA infection, keep it to yourself; stay home,
don't share
your personal items and keep the infected area covered. Also,
wash contaminated clothing and linen in the washer with hot
water and laundry soap, then dry your clothing and linen in
the dryer on high heat. And as always, wash your hands.
Prevention is always the best route! Click here for
additional information
SHERRY CURTIS, APPOINTED TO
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION’S
FACULTY
Sherry Curtis, a certified nursing/medical
assistant and education assistant at Mason General Hospital,
was recently appointed as Regional Faculty for the American
Heart Association, in Basic Life Support.
Sherry was nominated to this faculty position by MGH’s
Education Director, Tom DiDonna, R.N. “Sherry is an excellent
Basic Life Support instructor. With her role in CPR classes,
Sherry has contributed much to the community,” said DiDonna.
An American Heart Association Regional Faculty acts as the quality
assurance and ongoing expert in the field of basic life support. They
serve as resource on issues and protocols relating to training
centers, training center faculty, instructors, and ECC staff. A
large responsibility of the Regional Faculty is to act as a coach
and mentor to training centers and new instructors. This
is a two-year appointment.
 DON
WILSON HONORED BY BUSINESS EXAMINER
Don Wilson, commissioner of Public Hospital District
No. 1 of Mason County, an outstanding member of the medical
community in Thurston and Mason Counties, was selected by the
Business Examiner as 2007 Healthcare Champion in Support Services. Don
was chosen based on his extraordinary impact on healthcare,
and will be honored for his service on June 25, in Olympia. He
has been a hospital district commissioner and in healthcare
service in many volunteer capacities since 1989.
HOSPITAL PHYSICIAN SELECTED FOR PRESTIGIOUS SERVICE
Dean
E. Gushee, M.D., chief-of-emergency services at Mason General
Hospital, recently participated as an oral examiner at the
American Board of Emergency Medicine oral certification examination. This
position requires four full days’ devotion to the examination process and
demands a high level of expertise and dedication to the specialty
of emergency medicine.
“MGH’s
willingness to support this program and the specialty of emergency medicine
is deeply appreciated,” said Lynnette Doan-Wiggins, M.D., president of
the American Board of Emergency Medicine.
|
|
|
| |
Click
here for current Hospital news
MGH
Visiting Hours
8:00am to 8:30pm
Telephone
Shelton:
360-426-1611
Belfair:
360-275-8614
Location
901 Mtn. View Dr
Shelton WA 98584
Postal address
PO BOX 1668
Shelton WA 98584
Oakland
Bay Pediatrics
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00am to 5:00pm
Telephone
360-426-3102
North
Mason Medical Clinic
Clinic
Hours
Monday -Friday
8:30am to 5:30pm
Saturday
9:00am to 5:00pm
Physician on call 24/7
Telephone
Belfair:
360-275-4084
Shelton:
360-426-8405
|
|
| |
|
|
|
