Tag Archive for: #mariaparhamhealth

TownTalk: Maria Parham Health Wall Breaking Ceremony and Staff Recognition

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Maria Parham Health has embarked on a construction project that will make trips to the Emergency Department safer and more efficient, especially for individuals with behavioral health challenges or substance abuse issues.

The project to transform the ED area will take months to complete, but the hospital can’t just shut down while construction is going on, so officials and staff have had to make some adjustments to precisely how folks in the community access the Emergency Department area.

With directional signs in place, staff and other community leaders took part in a “Wall Breaking” ceremony on Monday. Typical ground-breaking ceremonies may call for officials turning over small piles of dirt with a golden shovel, but Monday’s wall-breaking involved gloves, hammers and protective eyewear. MPH Chief Executive Officer Bert Beard welcomed participants to take a swing at a wall inside the hospital that is marked for demolition.

The lead-up to the actual renovation has taken a few years. What began as a roundtable discussion with stakeholders that included law enforcement officials, mental health and public health leaders, the District Attorney and our state representatives has been translated into a multi-million-dollar project to reshape the ED’s physical setup to better and more safely care for patients that come in seeking help, Beard said in remarks to those gathered on Monday morning.

As the MPH hospital chaplain for 36 years, Pastor Frank Sossamon shares a unique perspective on the project. As N.C. State Representative Sossamon, he helped secure $5 million in state funding to make the project a reality.

The renovation will create designated spaces within the ED specifically designed to meet the needs of behavioral health patients and patients facing social challenges.

Sossamon called the project a “win” for patients, staff and the community.

Although the hospital’s Emergency Department area is undergoing a significant transformation, the day-to-day activities that go on behind the scenes remain in place and hospital officials used the occasion on Monday to recognize several individuals for their exemplary work that keeps the hospital humming and patient care top-of-mind.

Kim Smith, chair of the Maria Parham Resilience Committee, announced the winner of the Employee of the Year and called James Boyd up to receive the honor.

Smith said Boyd always goes above and beyond what is expected and offers his considerable expertise – along with a positive attitude and with humility – that creates a true collaborative effort.

The 2025 Clinical Director of the Year is Crystal Hobgood, director of Surgical Services.

Dr. Darius Divina read some of the comments about Hobgood, including “champion of patient care,” “example of integrity to all” and “encourages team camaraderie.”

The 2025 Ancillary Director of the Year is Tracy Moseley, Market Director, Materials Management.

Moseley is a key member at both the Henderson hospital and the Person County hospital, Divina said. She demonstrates leadership qualities and comes in and covers at either hospital when someone calls out and she steps in to receive and deliver supplies where they are needed. And she does her job “with excellence and integrity,” Divina said.

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Maria Parham Health Emergency Department Renovation Update

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Maria Parham Health is kicking off the first phase of a major renovation to its Emergency Department, with a focus on enhancing care for individuals facing behavioral health challenges.

“We are excited to begin this important renovation, which will allow us to provide even better care to those who need it most,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “This is a huge step forward in our ongoing efforts to improve care for vulnerable populations in our  community, and we are grateful for the support of our partners and the local community.”

The renovation will take place in two phases, with the initial preparation already completed by the hospital’s Facilities team, according to information from MPH Public Information Officer Donna Young. Temporary modifications to the main lobby area have been made,  including the installation of new flooring and the construction of temporary walls. These changes  will create dedicated space for waiting areas, triage zones, registration desks and other essential  facilities to ensure the continued smooth flow of patient care during construction.

Because the front portion of the current Emergency Department will be closed for the duration of the renovation, the hospital’s main lobby will be used as a temporary intake, registration and emergency care  area for patients coming to Maria Parham’s Henderson campus in personal vehicles.  Ambulances will continue to arrive through the current ambulance intake bay. There are directional signs in place to help direct people to their destinations.

Phase One of the project is expected to take approximately 16 weeks, with actual construction beginning Monday, Mar. 17.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

  • During the renovation, emergency patients who arrive at the hospital by their own means  will be directed to the main entrance for registration, triage, and care.
  • Emergency Medical Services entry will remain unaffected.
  • Radiology patients will also be guided to the main entrance for registration and sent to a separate waiting area for their services.
  • For other services such as Lab, Outpatient Surgery, Inpatient Rehab, and General Visitation, patients will be asked to use the Heart & Vascular Center entrance, located to the right of the hospital’s main entrance.
  • Please look for signage posted in front of the hospital for additional guidance.

This vital renovation is made possible through funding allocated to Maria Parham Health in October 2023 as part of a joint initiative led by the Vance County District Attorney’s Office, Granville Vance Public Health, the Vance County Board of Commissioners and the North Carolina General Assembly.

The project will specifically focus on creating designated areas within the Emergency Department tailored to meet the unique needs of behavioral health and mental health patients.  These spaces will provide a safer, more supportive environment for patients and care team members, while improving overall hospital efficiency. Furthermore, the changes are designed to foster a healthier and more secure hospital environment for patients and visitors alike.

Maria Parham Health encourages the public to stay informed about the renovation’s progress.  Updates will be available on the hospital’s official Facebook page and through local news outlets.

Maria Parham Health Welcomes Dr. Leslie S. Anewenah To Surgical Staff

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— information courtesy of Maria Parham Health 

Maria Parham Health has announced that Dr. Leslie S. Anewenah has joined the medical team as a general surgeon.

Anewenah brings experience in general and colorectal surgery and most recently was chief of surgery at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur, Ill.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Anewenah to our medical team,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “His wealth of experience, leadership in surgery, and dedication to advancing healthcare make him an excellent addition to our community. We look forward to his positive impact on our patients and the continued success of our surgical department.”

With a strong background in both clinical and academic settings, Anewenah has been at the forefront of surgical practice and research. He has worked with various prestigious medical institutions, including Pana Community Hospital and HSHS Medical Group, where he performed advanced surgeries and led surgical teams to improve patient care and outcomes.

He completed a fellowship in colorectal surgery at Georgia Colon & Rectal Surgical Associates and a general surgery residency at Mercy Catholic Medical Center. His broad experience spans various specialties that include colorectal surgery, minimally invasive techniques and complex cancer surgeries.

Anewenah is a member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Colon and Rectal  Surgeons and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. He has presented at surgical conferences about his research and has published numerous peer-reviewed articles.

His expertise is matched by his dedication to patient care. With a proven track record of working closely with patients to develop individualized treatment plans, Anewenah makes sure his patients’ needs are met with the highest standards of care. His leadership as a member of the Medical Executive In addition, his leadership as a member of the Medical Executive Committee at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital showcases his ability to guide medical teams and elevate healthcare delivery.

Anewenah will be seeing patients at Maria Parham Surgical Associates. He is excited to bring his experience in general surgery to the Henderson community and contribute to the high-quality care that Maria Parham Health is known for.

Heart Healthy Lunch and Learn at Maria Parham Feb. 27

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There are still a few days left in February, and health care professionals at Maria Parham Health want the community to be informed about heart health and prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Araba Ofosu-Somuah, an interventional cardiologist, is a speaker at an upcoming Lunch and Learn event on Thursday, Feb. 27 at the hospital.

Ofosu and Lisa McGhee, director of MPH cardiac services, were guests on Thursday’s segment of The Local Skinny! on WIZS to talk about the program, which will also feature Dr. Benjamin Dao.

The program begins at 12 noon in the hospital’s auditorium, McGhee said. Following lunch and a question-and-answer period, Part 2 of the program will take place in one of the hospital’s classrooms, where multiple interactive stations will be set up – participants can get their blood pressure checked, learn about healthy diets and cardiac rehabilitation options and much more.

McGhee said there will be demonstrations on how to administer hands-only CPR.

There will be giveaways and information about other resources available as well.

Ofosu said she has an interest in obstetrics and women’s cardiac care and spent several years during her fellowship looking at links between problems during pregnancy and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease when women reach their 40s and 50s.

She said it’s important for women to tell their primary care providers about any obstetrical problems they may have experienced in the past.

Primary care physicians often create baseline testing, and, if concerns persist, can make a referral to a cardiologist.

Acknowledging that some risks are within a patient’s control and some are not, Ofosu said she likes to focus on primary prevention – the things that people can do to avoid cardiovascular disease – healthy lifestyle choices like diet and exercise.

Ofosu uses the catheterization lab at Maria Parham, and, even though she’s only been here six months or so, she said having access to such a tool is key to promoting good heart health.

McGhee said the cath lab has been open since 2017, and the hospital has been providing coronary interventions since 2019 for patients who have blockages in their coronary arteries that could lead to heart attack.

The Lunch and Learn is one way to increase awareness in the community about signs of cardiovascular disease or other symptoms that could point to heart or vascular problems.

“If people were more proactive instead of reactive about these primary risk factors, I think we would be able to make some changes when it comes to outcomes for cardiovascular disease,” Ofosu said.

Register for the Lunch and Learn online at www.mariaparham.com. There is no cost to attend.

Participants can enter through the Cancer Center entrance to get to the auditorium, McGhee said.

(This is not a paid ad.)

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Maria Parham Feb. 27 Lunch And Learn Focuses On Heart Health

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Maria Parham Health Hosts is kicking off the 2025 Lunch and Learn series this month with a focus on heart health.

February is Heart Health month and on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 12 noon, two interventional cardiologists are scheduled to present information with a focus on prevention, early detection and cardiac care.

Dr. Araba Ofosu-Somuah, who will discuss heart and vascular disease with a specific focus on the unique needs of women’s cardiac care. Dr. Benjamin Dao, who will share essential insights on heart and vascular disease,  as well as emphasizing prevention and early detection.

This free event is open to all community residents, and a complimentary lunch will be provided.  Seating is limited, so online registration is required. Secure your spot by visiting MariaParham.com/event/62 today.

For more information or to register, please contact Donna Young, Marketing & Communication coordinator, at 252.436.1408.

 

Maria Parham Health To Hold RN Open House Feb. 20

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Maria Parham Health will host an RN Open House on Thursday, Feb. 20 and invites all Registered Nurses, as well as nursing students and recent graduates to attend.

The Open House, which will take place at the hospital from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., provides an opportunity for nurses and future nurses to explore job opportunities in the field of nursing.

Event Highlights: 

  • Meet Experienced Nurses and Healthcare Leaders: Gain firsthand knowledge and  advice from those shaping the future of healthcare.
  • Explore Job Opportunities and Career Paths: Discover exciting career options and  new areas of specialization within the organization.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow nurses and industry professionals to  expand your professional network.

RSVP at MariaParham.com or contact Ryan Randall at 252.436.1125 for additional information.

The Local Skinny! Maria Parham Begins ER Renovation Project

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In just about one month, the anticipated $5 million renovation project will begin at Maria Parham Health to enhance the Emergency Department’s ability to provide high-quality care, with special consideration for patients with mental health and substance abuse challenges.

The start date for Phase One is Mar. 3, and hospital officials are ready.

“We are excited to begin this critical renovation that will allow us to enhance patient care and improve outcomes for some of our most vulnerable community members,” said Bert Beard, MPH chief executive officer.

During Phase One, the front half of the Emergency Department will be temporarily closed to both patients and staff. This phase should take about 16 weeks, during which all patients destined for the emergency room who arrive by their own means will go to the main entrance for registration, triage and care. Emergency Medical Services entry will be unchanged throughout the project, according to information from MPH Public Information Officer Donna Young.

Beard said the new spaces created during the renovation will allow hospital staff to provide “a unique care environment for those facing behavioral health crises, which is essential for promoting overall health and well-being in our community” while protecting care team members from harm. Beard said violence on healthcare personnel is of growing concern across the industry.

The renovation will provide much-needed designated spaces within the Emergency Department specifically designed to treat behavioral health and mental health patients. This new design will create safer, more effective care environments for these individuals, staff and visitors, reducing the risk of incidents while also increasing the efficiency of the ED.

The project is funded through the Granville-Vance Public Health Department through a partnership with the Vance County District Attorney’s Office, Granville-Vance County Public Health, the Vance County Board of Commissioners and the N.C. General Assembly.

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TownTalk: MPH Cancer Center’s Angel Fund Gets $19K Infusion From Fire Dept.

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City of Henderson firefighters know that the next call they get could involve saving someone’s life. It’s what they train for.

For the past seven or eight years, however, the firefighters at Central Station One on Dabney Drive have taken to the street – literally – to help fight a different battle, one that can be just as deadly as a house fire or car crash.

Firefighters take to the busy street in front of the station to conduct their “fill the boot” campaign and donated all the proceeds to the Angel Fund at Maria Parham Health’s Cancer Center. This year’s three-day effort netted a whopping $19,611, which Chief Tim Twisdale presented to cancer center staff on Monday afternoon. In remarks to the group following the check presentation, Cancer Center Director Kimberly Smith remembered former Chief Steve Cordell, who lost his battle with cancer in January 2023. “This was always something special to him,” Smith said of the Angel Fund project. “So we decided we were going to name it the Steve Cordell Angel Fund moving forward.”

City Manager Terrell Blackmon said this is the second year that Cordell has not been a part of the check presentation. “He was a big, strong proponent of this effort,” Blackmon said.

Chief Twisdale presented the check to hospital staff, and said he hopes the tradition will continue. “It warms our hearts to be able to do this every year,” Twisdale said. “We count you guys as a big part of that blessing…taking care of us and the community.”

Thanks also go to all those who donated over the course of the three days of the campaign, Battalion Chief Lee Edmonds said later. None of it would be possible without community support, he said.

Those tall boots got filled while firefighters held up traffic with their singing, dancing, just having a good time to support a good cause, Twisdale said.

The coins and bills that added up to the more than $19,000 donation helps cancer patients with transportation, medicine, food and more, said MPH Social Worker Hope Breedlove.

“Transportation is a huge barrier to care,” Breedlove said, adding that the Angel Fund has provided 1,072 rides since mid-January 2024. That averages out to about 5 rides per treatment day.

One gentleman had to come to the clinic twice a week for treatment, and it wasn’t that he didn’t have a car – he simply was too sick to drive himself.

“A lot of good people come into the clinic – this is great to help them bridge the gap,” she said.

Heather Endecott is an RN who works in the clinic side of the cancer center. She said the Angel Fund, in addition to the transportation support, has helped provide oral chemotherapy to some patients for years, indicating that the much-needed medications are helping people get effective treatment and live longer lives.

The Angel Fund has helped 78 families with gas, 66 families with food and countless others get medicine.

“Medication is a big area that we spend a lot of time helping (with), life sustaining medicines, medicines to control their symptoms, medicines to keep them out of the hospital, medicines to keep them from having to call 911 in the middle of the night,” Smith said.

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Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health Earns Another ‘A’ For Hospital Safety From Leapfrog Group

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– information courtesy of Maria Parham Health Public Information Officer Donna Young

Maria Parham Health has been awarded an “A” Hospital Safety Grade by The Leapfrog Group, an independent nonprofit organization committed to improving health care quality and safety. The recognition places Maria Parham Health among the top performing hospitals nationwide for patient safety.

Leapfrog assigns safety grades to hospitals based on more than 30 performance measures, including incidents of errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the hospital’s systems to prevent such events. The “A” grade reflects the hospital’s commitment to reducing preventable harm to patients and delivering high-quality care.

“We are extremely proud to earn an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “This recognition speaks to the incredible dedication and hard work of our physicians, nurses, staff, and volunteers who put patient safety at the forefront of everything they do. At Maria Parham Health, our patients are our priority, and this grade underscores our ongoing commitment to making communities healthier and providing the highest level of care in a safe environment.”

Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, congratulated Maria Parham Health for its dedication to patient safety. “Achieving an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade is a significant accomplishment for Maria Parham Health,” said Binder. “It reflects enormous dedication to your patients and their families, and your whole community should be proud. I extend my congratulations to Maria Parham Health, its leadership, clinicians, staff, and volunteers for their tireless efforts to put patients first.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only national rating program focused exclusively on preventable medical errors, injuries, accidents, and infections that lead to more than 500 patient deaths daily in the United States. The program is peer-reviewed, transparent and updated each fall and spring. This recognition emphasizes Maria Parham Health’s commitment to providing safe, quality care to all patients.

For more information on Maria Parham Health’s grade or to explore tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit https://www.hospitalsafetygrade.org/

Maria Parham Health Hosts Reception, Meet And Greet For Surgical Robot

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Part of Maria Parham Hospital’s main lobby was set up Monday to simulate one of its operating rooms, but not just a run-of-the-mill OR. Yes, there were some usual sights – a “patient” on a table, employees in scrubs, but there also was a console, a monitor and a device situated over the operating table with arm-like extensions.

It was all a part of a daylong reception to officially welcome a robot called Da Vinci to its new home at Maria Parham.

Maria Parham Public Information Officer Donna Young said the robot is a product of medical device company Intuitive; it’s been helping out in OR 3 since Oct. 1.

The hospital held a contest to encourage folks in the community to suggest a name for the four-armed high-tech equipment, which was announced at the end of the reception. Drum roll, please: Lady D is the robot’s name – short for Lady da Vinci.

Three surgeons use the system at this point, but others will complete the training so they can use it, too.

Instead of standing or sitting beside the patient, the surgeon peers into a console to see the area of the body being operated on and manipulates with the thumb and middle finger in a glove-like device that moves the robot’s arms.

Two Intuitive representatives were on hand Monday to answer questions about the device and to invite individuals to test out the system, which allows surgeons to perform complex operations with precision and control.

Maria Parham’s robot will be used for abdominal surgeries, but future plans include adding some urological and gynecological procedures, hospital officials said.

 

In addition to the advantages that the robot offers surgeons, patients also benefit from the minimally invasive surgeries and procedures, including a lower risk of infection, smaller scars, less trauma to surrounding healthy tissue and a quicker recovery.