Doctors' Memorial Hospital, Inc.
333 North Byron Butler Parkway
Perry, Florida

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                                                            DMH Updates

Fall 2010



Toshiba Excelart Vantage 1.5T MRI System Available September 2010!

Toshiba's Excelart Vantage 1.5T MRI System offers fast and comfortable exams that you will appreciate. It has ultra-short and ultra-wide-bore system with adjustable lighting and ventilation to ease claustrophobia.  This system delivers high-resolution images across the entire body with faster imaging times.  This enables physicians to make quick and accurate diagnosis.  Its unique design features such as its integrated coil concept allows physicians to perform multiple examinations without repositioning the patient.  This will result in more comfortable exams and enhanced work flow.  This machine has also been equipped with the Pianissimo technology to eliminate up to 90% of acoustic noise to provide even more comfort.

This system addresses our need to make patients more comfortable while delivering outstanding clinical images for an accurate diagnosis.
July 2010

DMH Cardiopulmonary Dept. has a new Cardiac Stress System and Digital Cardiac Monitoring System!



Quinton Q-Stress

This new award winning Cardiac Stress Test equipment and quick Internet based data management software provides accurate reports to your physician for quick results and interpretation.



Burdick Vision Premier Holter Analysis System

This new digital system provides results with 99.5% accuracy.  This palm-sized Holter Recorder is super light and is easily worn on a lanyard, belt or shoulder strap.  The web-based system is convenient for quick physician interpretation.

 
June 2010



Stereotactic (Mammographically Guided) Breast Biopsy Unit

 

 

 
June 2010



8-12 million Americans have PAD.  Without proper treatment 30% are likely to die in five years of PAD-related heart attack or stroke. By the age of 50, nearly 40% of women and 20% of men have significant leg vein problems. An estimated 20 to 25 million Americans have varicose veins. The PADnet+venous test is a non-invasive test that can be completed in just 5-10 minutes.  Venous testing helps identify problems affecting venous circulation and determine whether medical or surgical treatment is necessary.

 
June 2010


Toshiba Aplio Ultrasound Imaging System specifically adapted for Cardiac & Vascular procedures.

Echo/Vascular Ultrasound
An all-digital ultrasound technology allowing faster processing of complex data - producing dramatically improved image quality and sensitivity taking ultrasound to a new level with pace-setting technological developments that meet the highest clinical standards.


March 19, 2010

DMH Home Health Ribbon Cutting & Open House

   


  


                               



*New Location: 1209 N. Center Street       838-1408
*New Director: Shawn Rogers, RN
*For additional HHA Information Click: "Home Health"

Perry News-Herald, March 12, 2010
CEO sees bright future for DMH





DMH CEO Richard Huth stands next to the hospital's new CT Scanner. (Photo compliments of Perry News-Herald)

By Mark Viola, Staff Writer:

Approaching his third full month on the job, DMH CEO Richard Huth exudes the same optimism for the hospital's future as he did when he first arrived.

Citing improved finances and the newly acquired radiological equipment, as well as numerous plans to expand services in the near future, Huth quickly grows excited when talking about  DMH's possibilities.

"The hospital has such tremendous potential", he said.  "It has a dedicated staff.   It has an engaged board that has done a lot over the past year to turn the hospital around."

An just as important, he said, "the citizens of Taylor County are behind the hospital."

As with just about any conversation about DMH over the past several years, the first subject to come up is money. "Things are looking better, " Huth said.

Looking at recent figures, Huth said the hospital's cash has been trending upward since October and it now has a reserve of $400,000.  This time last year, the hospital had no reserve. Huth added that his goal is to have the reserve top $1 million.  

On the payment side, accounts payable are down to $700,000 from the $1.2 million when Huth first arrived in December.  Looking at a graph documenting the hospital's A/P since June 2007, this is the first time it has fallen below $1 million during that period.  "This doesn't mean I don't go in (the financial office) every day," he added.

The hospital is also setting aside around $10,000 a week to build up a buffer for the usual slow period during the summer.

The improved financial outlook has allowed the hospital to give back a portion of the pay cuts levied this time last year the hospital was struggling to improve its financial condition.

Helping it along has been the new radiological equipment purchased by the county commission last year--of which the computerized tomography (CT) scanner and digital mammography unit have been installed.  The installation of the MRI is awaiting approval from the Agency for Health Care Administration.

According to Huth, the hospital conducted around 360 CT scans in February and more than 200 mammograms.

"The hospital is on track," Huth said.  "We have a lot of good things in the works."

Some improvements already in place include the elimination of the "door bell" in the emergency room.  

"We now have a receptionist there 24 hours a day so we can do registration in the ER," Huth said.

Also registration for outpatient services has been streamlined to cut down on the waiting time for patients.

In addition to the upcoming installation of the new MRI, Huth is hopeful DMH is going to receive a $240,000 earmark from U.S. Congressman Allen Boyd to purchase a cardiology package for the CT scanner.

"We could conduct diagnostic heart caths in seconds (with the equipment)," he said.

The tests could then be tele-read by a cardiologist in Tallahassee.  As an example, Huth said a patient suffering from angina (chest pains) could be tested at DMH and know within a short time whether the pains were from a gastrointestinal problem or a cardiac problem.  "This will be a great service," Huth said.

Southeastern Dermatology will begin offering services this month, Huth said. Then, in four weeks, Southern Medical Group in Tallahassee will start sending a cardiologist to Perry two days a month.

By September, Huth hopes orthopedic services will return as well.

He also expects to have an OB/GYN here several days a month as well as a Tallahassee heart surgeon offering pre and post-op tests.

Looking at a monthly calendar Huth has been marking, almost every week day is dedicated to one specialist or another.   

"The long-term goal is for them to see the caseloads they have and recruit someone to be here full-time," Huth said.  

Thanks to its partnership with TMH, which was also responsible for bringing Huth to DMH, the hospital expects to have two new family practice doctors here this summer.  DMH is also continuing its search for an additional surgeon.  "We've got to recruit doctors to grow the hospital," Huth said.

Asked how he has enjoyed his first three months at DMH, Huth said, "You can't beat this.  I love it hear.  We have a beautiful facility with good community support. I look at myself as an employee of DMH and a resident of Taylor County.  The TMH relationship is secondary, even though they're paying my check."

Huth, who is renting a home here until he can sell his house Tallahassee, aid he likes Taylor County.  "I've been to Steinhatchee a few times and out to the beaches.  I've been to the local movie theater several times and we've been out to most of the restaurants.  People are extremely friendly here."

Huth says he plans to be here long-term, and his plans to be here long-term, and his plans for the hospital include ideas for three and give years into the future.  "We've really turned the corner," he said.

 
January 2010

Mammography goes Digital !              
Aquilion 64 Multi-detector Row Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner
                                                             
We have installed a new a HOLOGIC SELENIA digital mammography unit.  HOLOGICs only focus is Womans Health.  This equipment will enable DMH to decrease report turn-around time for mammograms from a week to 24-48 hours.  Digital mammography takes an electronic image of the breast and stores it directly in a computer. Digital mammography uses less radiation than film mammography. Digital mammography allows improvement in image storage and transmission because images can be stored and sent electronically. Radiologists also can use software to help interpret digital mammograms.

Example: Digital vs Film



New digital Mammo imaging demonstrates DMHs commitment to the community.  With new equipment coupled with access to sub-specialty Radiologists interpretations, DMH has made a giant step forward for patient diagnosis.  DMH continues to strive to assure each of you access to the best imaging services available through the high quality equipment along with a highly trained committed staff.  


July 2009

Aquilion 64 Multi-Detector Row
Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner
DMH, in its ongoing commitment to provide the best medical care to the   community, has installed an Aquilion 64 multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) scanner which is the most advanced 64-detector row CT scanner available & represents the leading edge in medical technology. We are now equipped to deliver high quality high resolution exams to our patients. The new CT delivers high-speed, high-resolution imaging, which allows physicians to capture precise images of any area of the body, including the rapidly moving heart and lungs. With the fastest scanning capability in the market, the system allows important diagnostic information concerning the heart to be obtained within a single breath-hold. This multi-detector CT has dramatically improved clinicians' ability to accurately diagnose disease at an early stage. It is a powerful diagnostic tool that uses rotating X-rays to penetrate body tissues, generating multiple slice images, which can detect more than traditional radiography. The Aquilion CT systems delivers excellent image quality & provide outstanding performance & clinical productivity to meet the needs of any size hospital or clinic. The Aquilion 64 is designed to offer physicians greater diagnostic capabilities which help patients avoid more invasive medical procedures. The system delivers clinical images with multi-slice imaging technology that captures up to 64 anatomical slices in a single rotation. In addition, the systems sensitivity and accuracy are enhanced with a process called isotropic scanning, which results in images that most accurately capture equal views and angles of internal structures. As a result, Toshibas multi-slice technology captures precise images of the bodys rapidly moving organs like the heart and lungs, which appear blurry when scanned by a traditional CT. Multi-slice imaging also is especially useful for examining patients who are unable to hold their breath, like trauma victims, acutely ill patients and young children, providing a less frightening experience.



December 2009

DMH's New C.E.O.

     Richard Huth

 The Board of Directors of Doctors' Memorial Hospital has reached an agreement with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare to provide management and consulting services for the hospital.  As part of the agreement TMH has hired, and the DMH Board of Directors has approved, a new Chief Executive Officer to run the day-to-day operations of the hospital.  Richard Huth, a former Chief Operating Officer at Capital Regional Medical Center, will officially begin his duties in the hospital on Monday, December 28.

"We are looking forward to having Richard Huth as the CEO of Doctors' Memorial Hospital," said Dewayne Lanier, Chairman of the Board of Directors.  "We think the partnership with TMH and having Richard as our CEO is a 'win-win' for our hospital and community."
"We are extremely excited to work closely with the colleagues who provide vital healthcare to Taylor County," said Mark O'Bryant, President & CEO of Tallahassee Memorial.  "TMH believes that when possible the best health care is provided locally.  A strong, vibrant Doctors' Memorial Hospital is critical not only to the health and welfare of the people of this community, but also to the long term economic viability of the area."  

"There are many hospitals around the state and country experiencing economic difficulties," said Mark.  "Each situation is unique, but we feel that the challenges faced by Doctors' Memorial Hospital can be solved with the support of the community and the colleagues at DMH.  For many years this community has invested in, and supported their hospital.  We know that the colleagues at DMH are very interested in making sure that the community receives the best health care services.  TMH looks forward to being part of that process."  




    Copyright 2002 Doctors' Memorial Hospital, Inc.