McLeodnewsDeCeMBeR 2011

c a r i n g i n t e g r i t yp e r s o n q u a l i t y

McLeod Values in Action5 CARInG: Overcoming weight-loss barriers6 PeRsOn: Celebrating 30 years of service7 QUALITY: welcoming new Physicians8 InTeGRITY: Family calls nurse their hero

2 service excellence3 Accolades4 Making Rounds

9 Looking Ahead10 news Briefs

Another step in a partnership affilia‑tion between McLeod Health and Loris Healthcare System has been completed.

On Wednesday, November 9, the Board of Commissioners for Loris Community Hospital District (which includes Loris and Seacoast medical centers) unanimously approved the affiliation with McLeod Health.

“We believe this relationship will foster greater strategic alignment in support of our mission and will bring continued clinical quality through shared best prac‑tices while retaining local governance and leadership,” said Dr. Tracy Ray, Chairman of the Loris Community Hospital District Board. “An unwavering commitment to quality has been a cornerstone of McLeod leadership and played a significant role in our decision.”

The board action followed the public

vote of confidence and outpouring of support for the Healthcare Services Re f ‑ er endum in Horry County on Tuesday, Novem ber 1. An overwhelming 85 percent of voters voted for the Referendum for Healthcare Services.

Passing the referendum gave the Loris Community Hospital District Board the authority to merge, and the positive response to the vote reinforced the com‑mitment.

“We look forward to this exciting opportunity as we move forward in the process with McLeod for Loris and Seacoast to become stronger clinically, operationally, and financially,” Dr. Ray said.

The action taken between these hospi‑tal systems is consistent with a national trend of collaboration between hospitals — taking the necessary steps to ensure

that their patients have access to efficient and high‑quality care with the promise of long‑term growth preservation of a hospital delivery system for this region.

“We are inspired by the exceptional commitment of our physicians and health‑care teams on behalf of the patients we serve in these communities,” said McLeod Health President Rob Colones. “The relationships between providers over these years allowed this partnership to take place.

“We are most appreciative of the dedi‑cation and hard work of the Citizens for Better Healthcare Services Committee to promote this effort,” he said. “Composed of residents from the Loris, North Myrtle Beach, Green Sea, Little River, and Nichols communities, the committee worked diligently to communicate the issues involved in the referendum for several months.”

The decision to affiliate represents a new beginning for two long‑time, highly respected health‑care organizations that share a similar mission and philosophy of care. “While there is much work ahead, we are confident that in working together, we will continue improving services for our communities,” he said.

McLeod Health, Loris, and Seacoast will continue to share a not‑for‑profit mission and focus on providing the best possible health‑care services to patients. Loris and Seacoast will retain a local gov‑erning board and local foundation, with continued involvement and leadership.

(Please turn to page 11)

Team members at Loris Community Hospital gathered in November to learn about their benefits from Human Resources staff.

McLeod, Loris, Seacoast affiliation beginsRelationship promises growth of services to patients and families

McLeod News l December 20112

McLeod Newsis published by

McLeod Marketing / Public Information.

Celia Whitten, editor (777-2695 or CWhitten@McLeodHealth.org)

Sidney Glass, photographer

www.McLeodHealth.org or www.mrmc.McLeodHealth.org

service

The number‑one deficit in my life is TIME, and others tell me they have the same problem. Even within the confines of my day at work, I always want (and need) to accomplish more than my day allows.

That’s not a bad problem to have, of course, because keeping an energetic pace can be positive, and it validates that we have a job filled with purpose. However, if we feel that our calendars are too full to “do” Service Excellence, then it’s time to reassess how our time is being used.

Service Excellence is not something we “do.” It’s about doing our work with a customer‑first, or patient‑centered, perspective. It means we make ourselves available to our patients and families when they need us.

It means we actively seek ways to make a difference in their lives. And, I admit, being customer‑centered involves some measure of time.

For many of us, time is our biggest barrier. We say that we need to “make time” for more customer or patient interactions. One way I do that is to set aside time in my calendar to make rounds on patients or to visit and observe waiting rooms. That creates the opportunity for me to interact with our customers.

What I have learned, however, is that “making time” for the customer is not enough.

Not only do we have to MAKE time for them, but we have to TAKE time, too. That means we have to TAKE time away from other, less‑important things that clutter our work day or our calendars.

After all, there are only 24 hours in a day, and we can‑not “make,” or fabricate, more time.

If we can’t make time,we need to take time

So, we should assess how we are using our time and take away those tasks that seem to keep us from being with our patients and customers. That way, we can “free up” time for what’s really important.

This applies to our personal lives, too. If we have such a full schedule that we no longer can MAKE any more time to do what is really important, then it’s time to TAKE time away from something else.

Our families will thank us for it.When it comes to our patients and customers, TAKING

time means that we remove barriers and re‑prioritize to clear the way to make the patient or customer our number‑one priority.

So, TAKE time away from something else, and give it to our customers. You’ll be glad you did.

— Cathy Lee FrederickAssociate Vice President,

Service Excellence

McLeod News l December 2011 3

Awards and Recognition

Mark JohnsonPlant OperationsMcLeod Medical Center DillonAwarded McLeod Merit Award,November 29, 2011

Ashley WilliamsPediatric Rehabilitation

McLeod Regional Medical Centerawarded Mcleod Merit award,

October 26, 2011

Employee Service Awards at McLeod Medical Center DillonOn November 10, McLeod Dillon recognized the team members celebrating service anniversaries this year. The 47 staff members who were recognized had a cumulative 655 years of caring for patients and family members from the Dillon area. The honorees with 20 or more years of service were (L to R) John Rogers of Support Services, Geneva Hunt of Laboratory, Michele Britt of Operating Room, Tonya Wright of Nursing Administration, Lisa Ray of Medical Records, Mary Nelson of Environmental Services, Lynne Livingston of West Wing, Estelle Ellis of Patient Representatives, and Christine McCoy of Obstetrics. The ceremony was held at a special luncheon at Twin Lakes Country Club in Hamer. McLeod Health recognizes staff with Service Awards beginning with five years of service and at five-year increments afterward.

Cynthia Gantt Business Services

McLeod Regional Medical Centerawarded Mcleod Merit award,

October 26, 2011

McLeod News l December 20114

MAkInG ROUnDs

McLeod Regional Medical CenterBiomedical Services

Congratulations to Robert Fuller. He was named one of the industry’s top biomedical professionals in 24x7 Magazine, a national industry publication. The list of the Best of 2011 Biomedical Professionals was published in the October edition of the magazine.

McLeod Home HealthCongratulations to McLeod

Home Health on being recognized as one of the Top 500 HomeCare Elite, the top tier of home‑health‑care agencies nationwide.

respiratory careOur sympathy goes to Chapel

Brangi, whose grandmother died, and to Cynethia Singletary, whose brother died.

Congratulations to Tammy Brown on the November 13 birth of her baby boy, Zade. He weighed seven pounds, 12 ounces.

Best wishes to Erica Caesar, who was married on October 29.

Family Medicine CenterOur sincere condolences go to

Dr. Heather Shelton on the death of her mother.

Congratulations to Dr. Carol Adams, who was recognized as one of the Tribute to Women of Influence honorees. The banquet was held on October 27. TWIN honors women who have made a significant impact to industry.

Congratulations to Dr. Bonnie Grossman on the October 21 birth of her son, Samuel Leo.

Congratulations to our proud new grandmothers. Joyce Brigman has a new grandson, Noah Reid, born on November 2. Vicki Dubose’s new grandson, Rory Chalmers, was born on November 8.

Sports MedicineBest wishes to our co‑worker,

David Heim, who married Vanessa Smyth on lucky November 11 (11/11/11).

Child Development CenterOur condolences to Sylvia

Augustus and Elvira Scipio on the recent death of their loved ones.

Environmental ServicesCongratulations to Ethel and

Carissa Knight on the addition to their family, a baby girl who weighed more than eight pounds. Welcome!

Congratulations to Debbie Adams on the birth of a new grandbaby girl.

Reservations & SchedulingBest wishes to Crystal Hyatt,

who married David Bradley Isgett from Florence on November 10.

Congratulations to Lesa Miller on the November 26 birth of her grandson, Shane Samuel McGee.

Congratulations to Myra Allen on the November 28 birth of her grandson, Luke Aiden Walters. Both were healthy baby boys.

McLeod Medical CenterDarlington

AdministrationThanks to Jenny Hardee for a

hugely successful AHA fundraiser.

LaboratoryCongratulations to Pam

Washington on receiving a Merit Award.

McLeod Medical Center Dillon

RadiologyCongratulations to Rickie

Sanchez on passing his state boards to become a CT technolo‑gist.

AdministrationCongratulations to Reeanna

Henderson of the Hospitalist Program on earning her certifica‑tion as a Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner. It is granted by the American Health Information Management Association.

MCLeOD VALUes In ACTIOn

McLeod News l December 2011 5

THE VALuE OF

McLeod Health Eating Well strategyExperiment with adding different fruits and vegetables to meals and snacks.

You can also find inventive, easy ways to sneak more fruits and veggies into your or your favorite fruit or veggie hater’s eating plan. Taste buds change over time, so keep trying and serving different fruits and veggies whenever you can.

If you have a picky child, make a family rule that everyone has to have a taste at meals. Cutting fruits and veggies into shapes can also help kids eat fruits and veggies.

Having families plan, shop, and cook together regularly also increases acceptance of new foods. Growing fruits, veggies, or herbs is another way of cultivating a wide variety of tastes.

Ideas for increasing fruit — Choose fresh fruit as an addition to hot or cold cereal, a side to a sandwich, or have it as a dessert or snack. Add fresh or frozen fruit to a smoothie.

Applesauce or other pureed fruits can be used to cut down on oil or other fats in baked goods such as muffins, breads, and cakes. If a recipe calls for 1 cup of oil, you can use 1 cup of pureed fruit or ½‑cup oil and ½‑cup pureed fruit or ¾‑cup oil and ¼‑cup pureed fruit. Keep experimenting!

Ideas for increasing vegetables — Add fresh chopped veggies such as tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, dark‑green lettuces, spinach, etc. to sandwiches and wraps. Have a side salad or veggie‑containing soups to meals. Enjoy cut‑up fresh veggies as a snack. It’s also easy to add small amounts of greens, shredded carrots, zucchini, or other vegetables to casseroles, soups, stews, casseroles, rice dishes, and as a pizza topping, and a picky eater probably won’t even notice! Start with ¼ or ½ cup, depending on the recipe volume.

Looking for more ideas and hands-on strategies to achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle? Join the Inches A Way Nutrition and Exercise Program at McLeod Health and Fitness Center starting in January. Call 843-777-3000 and ask for Bobby Prevatte for more information.

DirectionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees F. use nonstick cooking spray to

spray and then lightly flour a 9x13‑inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the oil, sugar, and vanilla

extract until well blended. In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Fold in the zucchini and walnuts. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until brownies spring back when gently touched. Cool brownies and cut into squares. Dust with confectioner’s sugar.

Zucchini BrowniesIngredients½ cup canola oil 1¼ cup white sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups all‑purpose flour ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1½ teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt 2 cups shredded zucchini ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)Nonstick cooking spray1/3 cup confectioner’s sugar

Some people find vegetables and fruits to be bland and boring. A common opinion is that vegetables and fruits don’t have much taste, or that they all taste the same. Not true.

Vegetables and fruits can be tasty — you just have to know which ones to eat or how to prepare them. Much of what you

eat is conditioned — that is, over time, you’ve learned to like it. In the same respect, you can learn to like new foods, such as vegetables and fruits.

see if you prefer them with a softer texture. Sprinkle them with herbs for flavor.

• To get more vegetables and fruits into your diet, incorporate them with other foods or recipes: Add vegetables to one of your favorite soups, replace some of the hamburger in casseroles with vegetables, add peppers and onions to your pizza, include fresh fruit with your morning cereal, stir fruit in with yogurt or cottage cheese.

Strategies:To learn to like vegetables and fruits, you can experiment. Here are some suggestions.• Keep in mind that you don’t need to like all vegetables and

fruits, just some.• Instead of the familiar apples and oranges, buy fresh fruit

that you haven’t tried before, perhaps kiwi, mango, Bing cherries, and apricots.

• Try different ways of preparation. For example, grill pineapple or make smoothies.

• If you don’t care for raw vegetables, lightly cook them and

MCLeOD VALUes In ACTIOnCaringObstacle:

I don’t like fruits and vegetables.

— from Mayo Clinic: Healthy

Weight for Everybody

Strategies for overcoming

weight-loss barriers

— Kitty Rogol, McLeod Health & Fitness Center

McLeod News l December 20116

THE VALuE OF

MCLeOD VALUes In ACTIOn MCLeOD VALUes In ACTIOnPerson

Thirty years of caring for the children of McLeod staff and of the physicians in McLeod Physician Associates will be celebrated by the McLeod Child Development Center next year.

The center also places great importance on communication with the family. Staff members carry individual phones, and there are separate phone lines for each classroom for easy access for parents.

Infants there are placed with a primary caregiver who remains with the child until he or she reaches the preschool program. A daily report is given to parents of infants and toddlers. The staff follows a state‑adopted creative curriculum for infants, toddlers, and preschool children.

Each child has a portfolio documenting developmental mile‑stones that is given to the parent. Every parent is also notified of weekly lesson plans and menus.

The facility is secured with a keypad entry and a fenced‑in play area. The center also works with McLeod Engineering and Epidemiology departments to ensure safety and cleanliness.

The CDC is licensed by the SC departments of Social Services and Health and Environmental Control and is inspected by the fire marshal.

The McLeod CDC offers lunch and dinner for children through McLeod Nutrition Services. Staff also works with McLeod dietitians, therapists, and pediatricians to ensure each child’s individual needs are met.

The center also utilizes the assistance of the McLeod depart‑ments of Procurement and Business Services to help the center run efficiently. Fees are payroll deducted and are eligible for payment through Flexible Spending Accounts.

For more information or to schedule a tour, please call (843) 777‑7221.

Celebrating 30 years of service

“We are so grateful that we have been able to offer 30 years of service to an organization that has been at the forefront of both health care and child care,” said Flicka McBratney, Director of McLeod Child Development Center. “McLeod has been very supportive in providing staffing and resources to help us flourish. This is a great example of how much McLeod cares for its employees.”

To celebrate, the Child Development Center is selling 40 of their schoolhouse chairs of various sizes. unpainted chairs will sell for $15. For $25, CDC staff will paint the chair with a unique pattern. For more information or to purchase, call (843) 777‑7221.

The center is accredited by the National Academy for the Education of Young Children and has the only accredited infant and toddler program in the area. The staff is required to have experience and training in classroom instruction and continuing early childhood education. Staff members are also trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid.

The McLeod CDC offers care for the children and grandchildren of McLeod employees who work full‑time, part‑time, and PRN schedules. Children may be from six weeks to 12 years of age.

Currently, the center cares for more than 130 children. It is open from 6 a.m‑8 p.m., including some holidays and during inclement weather.

The CDC offers transportation to‑and‑from school for children attending public and private schools in Florence. The center offers field trips and summer camps and encourages children to engage in outdoor and physical activities and recommends that children’s screen time be limited.

‘This is a great example of how much McLeod cares

for its employees’

Center is important resourcefor parents

McLeod News l December 2011 7

THE VALuE OF

MCLeOD VALUes In ACTIOnQualityWelcoming New Physicians

Dr. Payal PatelMcLeod Inpatient Physicians555 e. Cheves st., Florence

Dr. Billie J. Hall has joined McLeod Emergency Physicians and the Medical Staff of McLeod Regional Medical Center.

She received a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree in 2002 from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, W. Va.

Her specialty is emergency medicine. She completed a residency at South Pointe Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2006.

Dr. Hall comes to McLeod from Logan Regional Medical Center in Logan, W. Va.

Dr. Payal S. Patel has joined McLeod Inpatient Physicians and the Medical Staff of McLeod Regional Medical Center as a McLeod hospitalist.

A hospitalist is a physician based in the medical center and devoted solely to caring for hospitalized patients.

Dr. Patel attended medical school in Grenada, West Indies, where she received a medical degree from St. George’s university School of Medicine in 2008.

She comes to McLeod from Maryland General Hospital in Baltimore, where she completed a residency in internal medi‑cine earlier this year.

Dr. Billie HallMcLeod emergency Physicians

555 e. Cheves st., Florence

Internal medicine, emergency physiciansjoin medical staff at McLeod Regional

David Barnes

David Barnes has been named Director of Rehabilitation Services at McLeod Medical Center Darlington.

A native of Florence, Barnes is responsible for a staff of 10 therapists. The staff includes physical therapists, an occupational therapist, and a speech therapist. Barnes oversees each discipline’s needs, handles administrative and staffing duties, and treats patients.

Barnes received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Francis Marion university and a master’s degree in rehabilitation‑physical therapy from the Medical university of South Carolina in Charleston.

Barnes has worked in the physical therapy field for 10 years, five of which were with McLeod Health. Before returning to McLeod

to take this position, Barnes worked with Florence Physical Therapy Associates and the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, serving patients in Clarendon County.

“I don’t think I could have asked for a better staff,” Barnes said about his new role at McLeod Darlington. “They are like one big family, and they treat our patients like family, too. Mary Kay Belissary, the former director, also has been a great mentor to me in this position.”

Belissary stepped down as director after nearly 10 years to spend more time in patient care. She continues to serve as a physical therapist at McLeod Darlington.

For more information on Rehab Services at McLeod Darlington, call (843) 777‑1138.

Barnes leads Darlington Rehab Team

McLeod News l December 20118

THE VALuE OF

MCLeOD VALUes In ACTIOnIntegrity

Mrs. Emmalene urling and her daughter, April Skiles, had gone to Sam’s to edit and print some digital photographs. Karyn, who now works in Occupational Health, was on her way to Wal‑Mart to print some photos when “a little voice” told her to go to Sam’s instead.

when you said, ‘I’m a nurse.’ You just took over.” She said she was really touched when Karyn sent her text message that eve‑ning and told her that Sam’s was not her original destination.

The sisters talked about the “what ifs,” about what might

It has been many years since Karyn Wilson worked in the Emergency Room, but she still has the instincts of an ER nurse. So, when another customer at Sam’s Club became sick and began to slide off the stool at the photo kiosk, Karyn sprang into action.

Occupational Health nurse Karyn Wilson (L) reunited with Mrs. Emmalene Urling and her daughter April in her hospital room. Wilson rushed to their assistance in Sam’s Club when Mrs. Urling became sick.

As they were editing their photos, Mrs. urling began to feel sick and sat on the high stool at the kiosk. “April, I’m feeling really funny,” she told her daughter. When her mother began sliding off the stool, April called for help.

Karyn rushed over. Together, April and Karyn lifted Mrs. urling to the ground before she could fall. “It was like she and I had super strength,” April said, “like guardian angels were lifting her with me.” Fortunately, they kept Mrs. urling from bumping her head.

While another customer called 911, Karyn let April know that she was a nurse and began to assess Mrs. urling’s condition. She was unconscious and had stopped breathing, but Karyn felt a pulse and knew she did not need to start chest compressions.

Without hesitation, she began mouth‑to‑mouth resuscitation while someone else elevated Mrs. urling’s legs. “God just orches‑trated it,” Karyn said. “It took only one breath, and she began breathing. Everything went smoothly.”

In just a few minutes, the EMS team arrived to rush her to McLeod Emergency Services. April followed in her car.

The next day, mother and daughter met with Karyn in Mrs. urling’s room at McLeod because they wanted to thank their new friend for her fast response. April’s sister Robin, who had come down from her home in Charlotte, was also there to express her gratitude.

“I keep re‑living it,” April told Karyn. “What a relief it was

have happened if Karyn had gone to Wal‑Mart instead. “We had the good side of it,” Robin said. “I believe it was just not your time to go,” she told her mother.

“I felt like God was taking care of her,” she told Karyn. “It’s awfully nice to know the lives you touch,” April said. The sisters agreed that they see the im‑portance of know‑ing how to perform CPR in emergency situations and that

they need to find a class to learn the techniques.Karyn made the decision to learn CPR in high school when

a friend told her about watching someone die because no one knew how to do CPR. In the 28 years she has been a nurse, she has had to do mouth‑to‑mouth resuscitation only one other time.

She was uncomfortable with being thanked by Mrs. urling’s family and for any attention her action might bring her. “God blessed me to be a nurse,” Karyn said. And she feels that it was no accident that she made the decision to go to Sam’s instead of Wal‑Mart and to be where she was needed when the time came.

“Karyn is a dedicated McLeod nurse who has served in vari‑ous roles in the Emergency Department, Employee Health, as an industry nurse, and currently supports many local industries to ensure their employees receive the best care McLeod can pro‑vide,” said Octavia Williams-Blake, Director of Occupational Health. “When I heard this story, I was not surprised by Karyn’s reaction because she is a compassionate person who has never met a stranger.”

Family calls nurse their hero‘What a relief it was when you said, I’m a nurse’

McLeod News l December 2011 9

coMMunity eventsMobile Mammography Unit Screenings (Call 777-2095.)

Tues., Dec. 6, 9 am‑4 pm, McBee High School, McBeeWed., Dec. 7, 9 am‑4 pm, Florence County School District 5, JohnsonvilleThurs., Dec. 8, 9 am‑4 pm, Life Care Hospice Health Fair, ManningMon., Dec. 12, 9 am‑4 pm, Florence County School District 2, PamplicoTues., Dec. 13, 8:30 am‑3:45 pm, Pate Medical Associates, BishopvilleWed., Dec. 14, 9 am‑4 pm, Fatz Cafe, FlorenceThurs., Dec. 15, 8:30 am‑4 pm, McLeod Family Medicine JohnsonvilleTues., Dec. 20, 8 am‑4 pm, McLeod Home HealthTues., Dec. 27, 8:30 am‑4 pm, McLeod Family Medicine TimmonsvilleTues., Jan. 3, 8:30 am‑4 pm, McLeod Family Medicine Timmonsville

special observancesDecember is: Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month, Safe Toys & Gifts MonthThurs., Dec. 1 — World AIDS DayDec. 4-10 — National Handwashing Awareness Week

American Red Crossblood drive

Register for a donation time by calling 777-4214

or at www.GiveLife.org/index.cfm?

Sponsor=McLeodor call 777-3000 for Health &

Fitness Center appointments, or 777-2005 for McLeod Regional.

Bring a first-time donor and be entered into the drawing for prizes.

Your donation not only saves lives but also helps McLeod

get discounts for patients on blood products.

LOOkINg AHEAD

training prograMsPee Dee AHEC: Evaluation & Intervention Based on Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal Tissues (Call 777-5343.) Sat. & Sun., Dec. 3 & 4, 8 am‑5:30 pm & 8 am‑12:15 pm, Family Medicine Center, classrms A & BPee Dee AHEC: Statewide Videoconferencing – End of Life Series: Culture (Call 777-5343.) Thurs., Dec. 8, 1 pmPee Dee AHEC: Emergency Severity Index Triage Course for Emergency Nurses (Call 777-5343.) Tues, Dec. 6; Wed., Dec. 7; Mon., Dec. 12; Tues., Dec. 13; 9 am‑4:45 pm, Family Medicine Center, classrms A & BMcLeod University: Dealing with Conflict Tues., Dec. 6, 8:30 am‑12 noon, McLeod Medical Plaza, classroom

(Free; contact ASingletary@McLeodHealth.org or 777-5731.Pee Dee AHEC: IV Therapy for LPNs (Call 777-5343.)

Mon., Jan. 9, & Tues., Jan. 10, 9 am‑4:30 pm, Family Medicine Center, classrms A & B

Tues., Dec. 610 am-4 pm

McLeod Regional Medical CenterMcLeod Pavilion auditorium &

Medical Plaza conference center

Tues., Dec. 202-7 pm

McLeod Health & Fitness Center

3rd thursday with kohl’s Safe Seats

(monthly) Thurs., Dec. 15, 4‑7 pm, Kohl’s parking lot, Florence

kohl’s Safe Seats at the Beach(quarterly)

Tues., Dec. 20, 3‑6 p.m.Kohl’s parking lot,

Hwys. 17 & 544, Myrtle Beach

(Free; bring child & child safety seat.Call 777-5021 for information.)

McLeod Diabetes CenterMonthly Support group

(Free; call 777-6000.) Mon., Dec. 12, 6:30‑7:30 pm,

Medical Park East, Suite 290, conference room

McLeod News l December 201110

news briefs

Jeff Jeffords of Engineering was honored with the Spirit of Hospice Award during the 26th Annual McLeod Hospice Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 1.

Each year, during the tree lighting ceremony, McLeod Hospice’s Administrator Joan Pavy recognizes an individual

or group for their dedication to McLeod Hospice by presenting them with the Spirit of Hospice award.

“Providing Hospice care requires the hard work of so many people that it often feels unfair to point out the achievements of one single person,” Pavy said. “However, I think all of you will agree that this year’s recipient is very worthy of such a distinc‑tion.”

The first McLeod Hospice tree lighting was held in 1985. “This year’s recipient is a very big reason why we were able to hold the ceremony in 1985 and why we are still able to do so this year,” she said.

She detailed how Jeffords came to work with McLeod Health the year before the first Hospice Tree Lighting was held and that for 26 years he has been a part of every tree lighting ceremony in Florence, as well as those in Dillon and Darlington.

As Pavy spoke, Jeffords was so focused on making sure every‑thing ran smoothly that he had no idea whom she was talking about until he heard his wife’s name mentioned.

Pavy said to Jeffords’ wife, Kathryn, who was in attendance unbeknownst to her husband, “I cannot express to you how much we appreciate your allowing your husband to help make the tree lighting ceremony into something very special each year.

“For his 26 years of selfless dedication to McLeod Hospice, his willingness to share his light with thousands of others, and of course, because of his smile, it is my honor to present this year’s Spirit of Hospice Award to Mr. Howell “Jeff” Jeffords,” Pavy said.

the spirit of Hospice awardFrom its beginning in 1979, McLeod Hospice has depended

on the commitment of community members and volunteers to fulfill its mission. It has been through their foresight and deter‑mination that the McLeod Hospice program has evolved. Today, the growth of the program is a direct result of its volunteers’ continued support to quality end‑of‑life care.

The quality of the McLeod Hospice program does not rest with any one individual. Instead, there are many individuals and groups who give generously of themselves. Each one is impor‑tant, but all are united by a single goal — their commitment to compassionate Hospice care.

There are those, however, who have gone the extra mile and who have continually been faithful supporters of Hospice. It is with this in mind that McLeod Hospice created the Spirit of Hospice Award.

Jeffords recognized for loyal service

Howell Jeffords, who is known widely as ‘Jeff,’ received the Spirit of Hospice Award at the 26th annual Hospice Tree Lighting on December 1. He has handled the lighting for every tree lighting ceremony, begining in 1985. Hospice Director Joan Pavy (R) presented the award. Becuase his attention was on the lighting, Jeffords didn’t realize Pavy was talking about him until he heard her say the name of his wife, Kathryn (L), who doesn’t usually attend the ceremony. Although he officially works in Engineering, Jeffords helps both the McLeod Foundation and the Public Information Office with special projects.

Marie Segars, Administrator at McLeod Regional Medical Center, greeted visitors who came out to the Hospice Tree Lighting. Because of construction on the front lawn, the ceremony was held for the first time in the lobby of McLeod Medical Plaza.

McLeod News l December 2011 11

Loris has had a relationship with McLeod Health for more than a decade. These hospitals share the same philosophy of quality patient care and are inspired by beloved local physicians.

Through this affiliation, patients will gain access to even more exceptional physicians and specialists, as well as leading‑edge medical technology. McLeod will also provide staff development and training and will introduce quality and award‑winning programs and initiatives.

McLeod is a national leader and won the American Hospital Association–McKesson Quest for Quality Award and is the first hospital in South Carolina to receive this distinction and recognition for excellence in patient care.

“Our patients deserve the best health‑care services, and the timing for this col‑laboration is appropriate as we respond to the issues of health‑care reform,” said Dick Tinsley, Administrator of Loris Healthcare System. “Additionally, our communities are growing, and this affilia‑tion is a way to provide these services to all patients in the area.”

McLeod Health and Loris Healthcare System officials named Tinsley the admin‑istrator for the Loris Healthcare System in August. He has been a part of health‑care leadership for more than 25 years and has served with McLeod Health since 1998 as a Vice President of Planning.

Arnold Green will continue in his leadership role as Chief Operating Officer for Loris Healthcare System.

Loris Healthcare System provides care for residents of northern Horry and southern Brunswick and Columbus coun‑ties. Founded in 1950, Loris Community Hospi tal is a fully accredited acute‑care facility with 105 licensed beds.

Seacoast Medical Center opened in 2000 as an outpatient facility. In July 2011, Seacoast Medical Center began providing inpatient care as a 50‑bed hospital. Other facilities affiliated with Loris Healthcare System are family health centers in Loris and Green Sea, Loris Extended Care Center, and the Center for Health and Fitness.

Loris Healthcare System also operates a network of physician practices and has more than 120 physicians on active and affiliate medical staff. Loris Healthcare

System is one of the premier employers in Horry County with nearly 1000 employees.

McLeod Health, recognized nationally for its quality initiatives and methodology, has a leading regional presence and repu‑tation for being dedicated to patients and their families. Founded in 1906, McLeod Health is a locally owned and managed, non‑profit organization supported by the strength of nearly 400 physicians on the medical staff and more than 1,400 nurses.

In addition to its modern facilities, premier technology, and equipment, McLeod is dedicated to improving the health of the residents of the communities it serves. McLeod Health, located in the northeastern region of South Carolina, is composed of more than 4,900 employees and nearly 40 physician practices in seven counties.

With four hospitals, McLeod Health also operates a Health and Fitness Center, Sports Medicine and Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, Hospice, and Home Health Services. McLeod Regional Medical Center staffs 453 licensed beds.

Tim Hess, McLeod Health

Senior Vice President of

Human Resources and Training, welcomes staff

members at Loris Community

Hospital to McLeod Health. They are excited

to have the same benefits as other

McLeod employees.

McLeod, Loris partnership expands quality to Horry County(continued from page 1)

144 N. Ravenel Street – on the McLeod Campus – Florence, SC www.McLeodResidency.org 843-777-2800

Excellent family medicine is their specialty.

Dr. Heather M. Shelton Dr. Jeniqua J. Duncan

McLeodFamily Medicine Center

These highly respected and accomplished physicians share a special calling for families and their

health care needs. Which is why we’re very proud to welcome Dr. Heather M. Shelton and

Dr. Jeniqua J. Duncan to the faculty of the McLeod Family Medicine Residency Program.

Dr. Shelton is a 2007 graduate of the program, and both she and Dr. Duncan are board certified

in family medicine. They join a distinguished residency and teaching program – the only one in

our region – that has been dedicated to helping physicians develop strong practice experience and

academic expertise for more than 30 years. And as they also welcome new patients to their own

practice, our goal is to attract even more outstanding family medicine physicians like them to our

area. For more information on becoming a new patient, please call 777-2800.