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South Central Regional Medical Center Celebrated a Year of Growth in 2005.

We made great strides in technology. Our medical staff gained several new physicians. And, we increased capabilities and square footage by expanding into new facilities. All of which allowed us to provide a higher level of service to a greater number of patients than ever before.

One of SCRMC’s most crucial goals was the implementation and improvement of information technology to improve patient care, efficiency, and safety. Working in partnership with Cerner Corporation, we began streamlining operations to establish an integrated electronic medical record system throughout the hospital and affiliated clinics. Major components include Enterprise Scheduling Management, PowerChart Office for medical center clinic operations, PathNet Laboratory Information System, and ProVision Document Imaging for scanning paper medical records.

But perhaps the most significant change was the implementation of a picture archival and communications system (PACS) in radiology. Archiving patient films through PACS doesn’t just cut down on film costs, it utilizes powerful software to provide nearly instant access to radiology images to physicians both remotely and within the medical center.

All patient data gathered throughout the SCRMC system is recorded in a central database and made available to nurses and physicians through a secure Internet link. Access to patient charts is limited to caregivers with the appropriate clearance – which can be granted for the entire record or only designated sections. Sophisticated computer logic compares prescriptions with other medications the patient is taking as well as any known allergies to ensure against potential interactions. Data such as temperature, blood pressure, and laboratory values can also be graphed and analyzed. And digital radiology images can be attached easily for all the experts to see.

By providing greater access to more physicians, diagnostic accuracy is increased. The quicker this information is disseminated, the quicker the patient can be treated. We still pride ourselves on bedside manner; however, information technology is now just as indispensable.

In another testament to advanced treatment, SCRMC was selected to participate in an exclusive FDA-sponsored clinical trial to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) smaller than five centimeters. Out of 35 chosen centers, SCRMC was the only Mississippi hospital in the nationwide study. Vinay Kumar, MD, endovascular surgeon at SCRMC, was the state’s only surgeon tapped to participate.

The study investigates the efficacy of stent-graft technology to prevent deadly ruptures. So far, the introduction of endovascular treatment has helped more than 30,000 AAA patients around the world. Primarily used for high-risk elderly patients, the procedure is minimally invasive and requires only a short hospital stay, as opposed to the more widely practiced open surgery technique.

SCRMC now also offers a minimally invasive procedure for breast biopsies. The Mammotone Breast Biopsy System uses a computer-guided probe inserted through a tiny incision to remove suspicious tissue. Recovery from the highly effective, yet remarkably gentle, procedure requires only an adhesive bandage.

Due to the tremendous rate of growth experienced by the medical center, South Central acquired the former Wal- Mart building in Laurel to relocate several hospital services. In addition to the 98,000-square-foot building, the purchase included 8.5 acres of property. The newly renovated facility, “South Central Place,” will house the following medical center operations: Accounting Department, Patient Accounts Department, ComfortCare Home Health and Hospice, Health Information Transcription and Optical Scanning Services, Physician Billing Services, and South Central’s New Community Education Center.

More expansion was seen through the opening of a 10,458- square-foot addition to the Ellisville Medical Clinic. The clinic has provided primary and acute care since 1997. But now the 14,489-square-foot facility offers family medicine, obstetrics/ gynecology, pediatrics, and rehabilitation services.

However, we didn’t just grow through bricks and mortar. Our medical staff saw an incredible growth of new talent in a variety of disciplines. With great pride and excitement we welcome Jim Doran, MD, Family Medicine; Chanda Griessel, MD, Ophthalmology; Maria Hoertz, DO, Family Medicine; Arvinder Kaul, MD, Psychiatry; Michael Karge Jr., MD, Emergency Medicine; Lawrence Slocki, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology; and Stacy Smithers, MD, General Surgery; to the Laurel medical community.

Today, South Central employs more than 1,800 area residents with an estimated payroll in excess of $53,500,000 – 70% of which is paid to Jones County residents. South Central also spent more than $5,000,000 with local vendors, generating major tax revenue for the state and county.

The more we grow, the stronger our health care community becomes. And 2005 was our strongest year yet.

At South Central, we believe we are more than just a hospital. We are an important part of a growing community and are continually striving for excellence in health care delivery. Our passionate dedication lies at the heart of every decision we make.

Jim Doran, MD	Chanda Griessel, MD
Arvinder Kaul, MD	Lawrence Slocki, MD
Maria Hoertz, DO	Stacy Smithers, MD