Mardi Gras

Employee of MRMC were treated to a Mardi Gras themed lunch to celebrate Fat Tuesday.

Hands On Healthcare

Several MRMC employees participated in the Hands On Healthcare event at SAU.  This event was organized by AHEC South Arkansas and exposed SAU students to careers in the medical field.

Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Chiniqua Frazier on being named February Employee of the Month.  Chiniqua works in our Dietary Department.

Community Advisory Board

Magnolia Regional Medical Center is now accepting applications for membership on the Community Advisory Board (CAB).  The purpose of the CAB is for representatives from the hospital’s service area to provide feedback to MRMC leadership regarding the hospital’s position in the community.  The board serves as an opportunity for community leaders to learn more about the hospital and the effort it makes to provide top-level health care to the citizens of Columbia County.

MRMC is currently accepting applications for membership on the Community Advisory Board.  The application can be found online at http://mrmc.biz/CABapp

Applications must be submitted no later than February 24.  Those who previously submitted an application for membership do not need to resubmit; applications are held over from previous years.

Members will be selected by the CAB selection committee, and will serve three year terms beginning April 2012.  The CAB will meet quarterly.  Meetings will take place in the evening hours with a light meal served.

We look forward to working with our community to enhance the level of healthcare available to us right here at home.  If you have any questions about the CAB, please feel free to contact me at your convenience.

For more information, contact Karen Weido at 870-235-3212, or by email at kweido@magnoliarmc.org

Halloween Health and Safety Tips

Going Trick-or-Treating?

• Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.
• Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
• Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always walk and don't run from house to house.
• Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
• Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
• Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
• Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
• Enter homes only if you are with a trusted adult.
• Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Expecting Trick-or-Treaters?

• Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks. For party guests, offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses.
• Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.
• Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could result in falls.
• Keep candle-lit jack-o'lanters and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.
• Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.

Content Source: CDC Office of Women's Health
http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/

Leadership Attends RHPI Conference

Margaret West, CEO, and Shawnee Hicks, Human Resources Director, recently attended the Rural Healthcare Performance Improvement (RHPI) Conference in Tunica, Mississippi.

MRMC received a RHPI grant last year to aid in the reorganization of annual employee evaluations.  Margaret and Shawnee were asked to present an overview of the project and the outcome of the results at the annual conference.

In addition, Margaret served as a panel member for a breakout session discussing the electronic medical record.  MRMC is leaps and bounds ahead of other rural hospitals in this area and the session received wonderful feedback.



Margaret West (second from right) is pictured with the panel members for the breakout session



Healthcare Environmental Services Week

This week is National Healthcare Environmental Services and Housekeeping Week.  At MRMC, we salute the Environmental Services staff that works so hard to keep our facility safe and clean.

The Environmental Services staff are not just housekeepers, but rather germ-fighters.  They are educated in infection control and safe cleaning practices, and work tirelessly to to ensure that MRMC is a safe and healthy environment for our patients and visitors.

Thank you to our outstanding staff!