Newsroom, Health Insights, & Media Coverage | Baptist

Baptist Memorial and Fayette County board agree to establish new hospital in Fayette County

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 02:17:54 +0200

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Sept. 17, 2024– The Fayette County Board of Commissioners and Baptist Memorial Health Care have agreed to establish a new hospital in Fayette County.

This would be the only hospital in the county and would serve much of West Tennessee along the I-40 corridor between Arlington and Jackson.

“I am excited to work with the Fayette County Board of Commissioners to develop a hospital for Fayette County and its surrounding communities,” said Jason Little, president and CEO of Baptist Memorial Health Care. “Having access to emergent and inpatient medical care is critical to the health and well-being of a community of Fayette County’s size. Our plans include a hospital that incorporates medical and technological advancements that will meet the community’s needs for quality health care now and in the future.”

Fayette County consists of 11 incorporated cities and has a population of more than 41,000 people according to the 2020 census. The county is near BlueOval City, Ford’s automotive manufacturing ecosystem that will produce the next generation of electric trucks and is seeking to fill 6,000 positions in West Tennessee.

“The Fayette County Board of Commissioners and the Fayette County Industrial Development Board are excited to partner with Baptist Memorial Health Care on the development of a hospital for Fayette County,” said Rhea “Skip” Taylor, mayor of Fayette County. “After exploring our options and assessing our community’s future needs for emergency care, we chose Baptist Memorial Health Care as our partner because of its reputation for quality health care and its expertise and success in operating excellent hospitals.”

Baptist Memorial and Fayette County expect the new construction project to cost about $24 million and take about 24 months to complete. Integrated into the Baptist Memorial Health Care system, the new hospital will include eight emergency rooms staffed by physicians who are board certified in emergency medicine, eight acute care inpatient beds, outpatient imaging and lab services.

“Fayette County needs a hospital, and we think this is the right time to invest in the development of quality health care that will serve our employers and community,” said John David Douglas, Fayette County Industrial Development Board. “Immediate access to health care is a critical component of a vibrant and healthy community. We are pleased to be a part of this development, which will not only support a healthy workforce, but also will bring jobs and economic growth to Fayette County for years to come.”

The new hospital will be centrally located in Fayette County at the northwest corner of Highway 64 and Warren Road near Tennessee Tractor.

“This hospital will significantly improve access to emergency and trauma care in Fayette County,” said Glenn Miller, director of Emergency Medical Services for Fayette County. “Time is critical in an emergency and can be the difference between life and death, particularly for stroke, cardiac and trauma patients. Having Baptist’s quality emergency and acute inpatient services nearby will be a positive development for Fayette County and, most importantly, will help save lives.”

Baptist Memorial Health Care is one of the country’s largest not-for-profit health care systems and the largest provider of Medicaid in the region. Consistently ranking among the top integrated health care networks in the country, Baptist Memorial comprises 24 affiliate hospitals in West Tennessee, Mississippi and East Arkansas; a freestanding emergency department; more than 5,400 affiliated physicians; Baptist Medical Group, a multispecialty physician group with more than 1,100 providers; Baptist Cancer Center; home, hospice and psychiatric care; walk-in and urgent care clinics; a network of surgery, rehabilitation and other outpatient centers; and an education system that includes Baptist Health Sciences University and a new medical school at Baptist Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Baptist employs more than 21,000 people, and in fiscal year 2022 contributed more than $455 million in community benefit and uncompensated care to the communities it serves. For more information, please visit www.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.com.

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Coping With Workplace Stress

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 19:07:14 +0200

Like most people, I am concerned about the increasing workplace violence that is occurring these days. It often starts with some perceived or real stressful situation at work or home. Unfortunately, workplace stress is a reality for most people. The prospect of escaping it is little to nonexistent. With the pace of everyday life speeding up, thanks to technology and social media, there’s no slowing down. But what can we do individually to deal with our stress or just take a break from all the noise surrounding us? There are many things we can do. But, often, as health care professionals, leaders, parents and caregivers, we’re the last to care for ourselves because of our workloads, personal responsibilities or other obligations. But the reality is we have to make our mental health a priority so that we don’t burn out or lose control. One of the resources all Baptist Memorial Health Care team members have access to is the CONCERN Employee Assistance Program. CONCERN provides unlimited, free and confidential counseling for Baptist team members and anyone living with them. CONCERN also provides training, crisis response and conflict resolution. So it is a great resource for any team member who feels overwhelmed or who just needs tips managing his or her stress or stressful situations. A June 2017 article in Forbes suggested five other ways to deal with stress, and I thought some of these were pretty practical. They include the following:

Changing the way we think about stress and its symptoms. Instead of thinking about our bodies’ response to stress as a negative, consider the benefits of these reactions, such as making us more aware or enhancing our performance.
Focusing on helping others. This suggestion has to do with focusing on what we can control, rather than dwelling on what we can’t. So we might consider mentoring team members or thanking or praising a colleague for his or her support or work.
Starting conversations by saying something positive. This can set the tone for the rest of the conversation and help others have a more positive and productive response.
Turning off news alerts. Negative news can be overwhelming and distressful.
Focusing on your “now step.” This involves focusing on the smallest step or action you can immediately take to solve a problem. It moves you forward instead of making you feel stuck.

I also like to make time for reading, reflection and prayer. How do you cope with workplace stress? For more information about CONCERN or resources for dealing with workplace stress, please visit https://www.baptistonline.org/services/employee-assistance.

Partnering to Care for an Essential Community Need

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 14:32:03 +0200

If you watch medical dramas or sitcoms, you’ve probably seen a surgery scene where the doctor asks for a scalpel or some other medical instrument, and someone standing nearby hands it to him. That person is a surgical technologist. And he or she has a pretty important job. Surgical technologists typically prepare patients and operating rooms for surgery—making sure the equipment and environment are sterile—assist surgeons during surgery by handing tools to them or their assistants, count and stock supplies, and handle specimens. Surgical technologists also help transfer patients to and from surgery. So these professionals directly contribute to the quality of patient care in the operating room, and it is essential that they are well trained to do their jobs. In some communities, however, there aren’t enough surgical technologists. So we’ve considered what we can do to increase their numbers and help properly train and prepare them. One area where we’re doing this is in East Mississippi. Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle has partnered with East Mississippi Community College to develop a certified surgical technologist program. The program is the first of its kind in the Golden Triangle area, and it’s scheduled to start in August. When our hospital team saw the need for this key position, they approached the college about partnering on the program. EMCC staff will teach the course, which will be held on Baptist Golden Triangle’s campus. Our team also provided computers, labs and a mini operating room because we want the program to be well equipped and students to be well trained. The first class is scheduled to start in August 2018, and we believe this program will be a benefit to all hospitals in the area. Local students will be trained close to home, encouraging them to stay in their communities and reducing the need to recruit from far away areas. Additionally, the program will contribute to the growth of the local economy and workforce. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for surgical technologists in May 2017 was $46,310. I am very glad that our hospitals can contribute to the improved health and economic growth of the communities we serve. For more information about Baptist Memorial hospitals or the quality of our care, please visit baptistonline.org.

A Salute to Nurses and Our Hospital Team: 2018 National Nurses and Hospital Week

Fri, 11 May 2018 18:16:55 +0200

Nurses are the heart of our organization. While they are not alone in providing care, they certainly are in the center of hospital activity. You will see them at the bedside, at nurses’ stations, in the field and in offices. Sometimes their hard work seems to go unnoticed. But the truth is, someone always notices what they do. Whether a patient, family member, hospital leader or another nurse, someone notices and appreciates all that our nurses do. A great example of this was shared by a nurse within the Baptist Memorial Health Care system. Lauren Yates was a patient in one of our hospitals almost 20 years ago, and today she still remembers the nurse who took care of her. After the medical care Lauren needed had been provided, her nurse’s extra effort made all the difference. The nurse simply held Lauren’s hand and asked if there was anything she could do to help her feel better. Lauren responded that maybe something to eat would help. Food service had already closed but the nurse returned a short time later with a Lunchable. That nurse probably had no idea how her small gesture would affect Lauren. “Months later, in one of those middle of the night ‘light bulb’ moments, I realized that the nurse had given me her own dinner. As I thought about how she had gone without so I could feel just a little bit better, and knowing I had not thanked her for her sacrifice, I decided that I too needed to be that kind of nurse. I still wanted to be a nurse who had excellent practice skills, but I also needed to be a nurse who looked beyond the physical and cared for the emotional needs of my patients too. That nurse’s gesture of empathy and kindness demonstrated evidence of the culture at Baptist and was a deciding factor in why I chose to work at Baptist not long after. Since then, I have witnessed countless gestures of kindness to patients and to other Baptist family members. I have heard a newly diagnosed cancer patient thank a nurse who gave him money out of his pocket to pay a utility bill, and I have seen staff collect money for bus fare to bring a housekeeper’s son home for Christmas. I have watched nursing assistants and monitor techs hold hands and sing ‘Amazing Grace’ at the bedside with the 15-year-old son of a patient as she was dying. I think of that nurse and that sandwich when asked to describe moments that inspired me as a nurse. I am still grateful to work for an organization that values physical and spiritual nourishment ….to feed the patient who feels empty….’” Thank you for sharing your story, Lauren. Now, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our nurses and the rest of our hospital team for all that they do. I know I can’t cover everything in a blog post, but I wanted to make sure our nurses and caregivers know their efforts are appreciated. For all of the double shifts, missed meals, sleepless nights, long drives and unrecognized sacrifices, thank you. I invite you to join me in celebrating and thanking our nurses and hospital team. Please share your story or leave a comment below.

Jason Little President/Chief Executive Officer Baptist Memorial Health Care

A Partnership for the Future: Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit

Fri, 27 Apr 2018 14:31:02 +0200

I was recently surprised to learn that fewer black men are applying to and attending medical school today than in 1978. A 2015 Association of American Medical Colleges report found that in 1978, 1,410 black men applied to medical school and 542 enrolled. While only 1,337 applied and 515 enrolled in 2014. These numbers are interesting considering more black men are attending college, and the number of other minorities and black women applying to medical school have increased. Why does it matter if there are more black male doctors, you may wonder? There are a number of reasons. But the primary ones have to do with perception of care and the patient-physician relationship. Anecdotal evidence and research indicate that people are more satisfied and compliant with physicians when they can identify with them. This suggests that having physicians that patients relate to can result in better health outcomes for them. The AAMC report also indicated that physician diversity can mean greater access to care for minority, low-income and non-English-speaking patients. In a city with a diverse population like that of Memphis, Tennessee—where more than 50 percent of the population is African-American—this is important. And as a health care leader, it is my desire and responsibility to make sure we’re providing the best possible care for all of our patients. That includes hiring the brightest and best providers for our communities. Having physicians and licensed providers that all of our patients can relate to is important to accomplishing these goals. So what can we do to change this narrative? The AAMC report suggested a number of factors that could help improve opportunities for minority males and engage black men and their communities. Some of these include providing positive mentors or role models and financial assistance for minority students. I’m proud to share that Baptist Memorial Health Care is partnering with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, the Baptist College of Health Sciences, the Bluff City Medical Society, the NAACP Memphis Branch, the National Association of Health Services Executives, the National Civil Rights Museum and the Memphis Medical Society to host the Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit. This summit will introduce minority students to local black medical professionals and potential mentors, as well as help them access financial and other resources to help them pursue careers in medicine and science. It is our hope that we can inspire and facilitate the next generation of medical professionals in Memphis. For more information about the Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit or to register a student, please visit https://www.baptistonline.org/events/black-men-in-white-coats.

Jason Little President/Chief Executive Officer Baptist Memorial Health Care

The Shelby County Poverty Report & What It Means for Health Care

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 19:59:09 +0200

The National Civil Rights Museum and the University of Memphis recently released The Poverty Report: Memphis Since MLK. The report examines the economic state of African-Americans and the poor in Shelby County since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s death 50 years ago. The report shows advancements have been made in some areas, but there is still much work to do to achieve economic and educational equity for all in our community. As the leader of a health care organization, I think about how poverty and inequities affect health. Research shows that there is a link and these conditions contribute to poor health outcomes, such as obesity, low birth weights and ultimately lower life expectancies. Many of these issues are exacerbated by the lifestyle and diet so common to the South. Just as the problem is complicated, I believe the solution is also complex. As a health care organization, we are tackling this problem in many small ways in the hopes that we’ll have a large impact on the lives of all in our community. For example, the National Cancer Institute designated the Baptist Cancer Center as one of 12 centers nationwide to spearhead clinical research focused on disparities in cancer care among minorities and historically underserved groups. Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women offers Beautiful Beginnings, a prenatal education program. Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation funds Universal Parenting Place, a free parenting program to help address issues that may have resulted from poverty. Baptist Memorial Health Care also sponsors numerous programs and other not-for-profit organizations to help improve the health and wellness of many in our community who may not be able to afford health care. These include Camp Day2Day, a free camp for children who have diabetes; a learning labels program to teach children how to make healthy food choices; free weight loss and management programs; and a free diabetes prevention program. We also have partnered with the Mid-South Food Bank to offer free nutritious food to patients recently diagnosed with diabetes or who have been recently hospitalized because of diabetes. These are only some of the things we’re doing to address health disparities in our community. As I’ve already mentioned, I realize much more needs to be done. But I believe this is a complex problem that requires a multipronged approach and a united effort from many organizations in our community. I appreciate all that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. accomplished during his lifetime, and it is my hope that we will have identified long-term and sustainable solutions to economic and health inequities 50 years from now.

Jason Little President/Chief Executive Officer Baptist Memorial Health Care

Thanks to Our Doctors—We’re Better

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 20:58:28 +0200

National Doctor’s Day is on March 30 every year. It is important to thank our physicians on this day. But, obviously, their hard work and efforts extend well beyond this one day. Most doctors spend long hours in their offices and at hospitals taking care of patients. Then, they take work home with them or spend time at home doing research so they can continue to provide the best care for patients. Their efforts not only save lives but also contribute to patients having the best quality of life. This doesn’t happen by accident. The physicians I know are hard working and dedicated to improving their practice and profession. I can’t tell you how many times a doctor has approached me—excited to tell me about some new technology, procedure, standard or research and how these could benefit patients, other doctors and the hospital. Baptist Memorial physicians not only make patients better, they make health care better. I am thankful to work with such dedicated physicians and to know we are on their team. Because of these doctors, patients can be confident they’re getting the best care in the communities where they live. So today, I say thank you to all physicians, and especially those who work with Baptist Memorial Health Care. For more information about Baptist Memorial Hospital physicians, visit http://www.baptistdoctors.org/.

Jason Little President/Chief Executive Officer Baptist Memorial Health Care

Thank You for All You Do: Living the Baptist Mission of Caring Every Day

Wed, 20 Dec 2017 21:53:30 +0100

I would like to say a special thank you to Baptist team members for all they do in our communities. They truly live our mission of healing, preaching and teaching every day. They take care of patients in the hospital and when they go home. They volunteer in their communities. And they continue to minister and care for the needs of others during the holiday season. During this festive time of year, it’s easy to take a break from helping others and focus on your own personal needs and family. But I am often amazed by the way our team members make caring for those who have less a priority, even during the holidays. Many of our hospitals make arrangements early to adopt children and families in their communities for Christmas. They host holiday luncheons and celebrations for volunteers and other locals. They also share Christmas cheer through tree lighting ceremonies for those too sick to leave the hospital, or who live nearby. Each year, our community relations department spearheads the Tree of Faith, Hope & Love donation campaign and holiday luncheon for the homeless in our community. This event is a culmination of their year-round efforts to help the homeless. They partner with Christ Community Health Services to provide free health care for those without permanent housing throughout the year at the Baptist Operation Outreach mobile clinic. This clinic has more than 6,000 patient encounters a year. And many of the clinic’s regular patients look forward to this event because it’s the one time of year that they feel special. Baptist team members do not shy away from showering this often forgotten group with gifts. Every year, they donate their time, money and resources to purchase well-needed items, help pack gift backpacks and serve lunch. This is just a small list of the way Baptist team members care for others. They work tirelessly at their professions and then spend endless hours volunteering and helping others. I notice what they do all year long, but I feel compelled at this time of year to say, “Well done, team.” They make me proud to wear Baptist blue.

Baptist Shares Gratitude with 30 Days of Thanks

Thu, 02 Nov 2017 21:25:38 +0100

Last November, we started a new tradition at Baptist. We invited Baptist team members to share why they were thankful for working in health care or at Baptist Memorial Health Care. I was surprised by the number of responses we received, but I was happy to see so many team members participate. Interestingly, our team had many thanks in common. Across our 17 hospitals, which now have grown to 21, our team members were thankful to work for an organization with a Christian mission and focus. They were thankful for our commitment to quality, our charitable mission and our dedication to patients. And they were thankful for each other. I, too, am thankful for my Baptist family. They challenge and inspire me each day. They motivate me to be a better leader and to make sure our organization stays focused on our mission and patients. When I have a difficult day or receive disappointing news, my team members’ emails, letters and stories remind me why we work so hard and encourage me to stay the course and identify solutions that will help us accomplish our mission. I love being connected to such a passionate and caring team and an important purpose. I know what we do matters for each and every patient that enters our doors, and I’m grateful that we can be there for these patients, their families and each other. Please visit our Facebook page and Instagram page to see what Baptist team members are thankful for this year. We’ll be using the hashtag #BaptistGivesThanks.

Baptist Prepares for the Future with Residency Programs

Wed, 20 Sep 2017 15:54:30 +0200

According to a report commissioned by the Association of American Medical Colleges, the United States will experience a shortage of between 40,000 and 100,000 physicians by 2030. This shortage can have a huge impact on the health and wellness of a population. That’s why at Baptist we’ve developed a number of programs to help address this issue and attract qualified health care professionals to our communities. Two of the programs we have in place are a radiology residency program and a family medicine residency program in collaboration with Church Health. Through these programs, we’re able to attract some of the brightest health care professionals in the country. During their training, these professionals not only learn from experienced providers, but they also learn about the health needs of our local population. This puts them in an excellent position to care for our families well after they finish their training and starts them on a path to improving the overall health and wellness of our communities. Learn more about how our radiology residency program encourages independent learning and helps residents prepare for the new American Board of Radiology board exam format.

Faith Is Central to Our Mission

Thu, 24 Aug 2017 21:20:59 +0200

We recently started a monthly preaching series in memory of one of our long-time board members, Rev. Jimmy Terry. The primary goal of this series, which consists of 30-minute sermons, is to further our preaching mission. Most people are familiar with our healing mission. That’s an obvious aspect of our work, but preaching also is central to what we do. In fact, I don’t know of a hospital without a chapel or a chaplain. That’s because faith is integral to what we do and contributes to the recovery and well-being of our staff, patients and their families. In fact, many studies have been conducted to establish the connection between spirituality and positive health results. I’ve reviewed many of these, but I didn’t need to see the results to validate what I or other health care professionals already know. Belief in God or a greater purpose helps people cope with challenging situations, face the future and even live their best lives. The fact of the matter is people experience some of the most intense situations and emotions while in hospitals. While these experiences can be taxing, even crushing, our staff members count it a privilege to be there to support patients physically and emotionally during these times. It’s not uncommon for hospital staff to form long-time bonds or show some extraordinary kindness to patients and their families while in the hospital or after they’ve gone home. It’s a part of who they are but also a way that they minister to patients and their families. While we’d like to only see you in our hospitals when you’re there to celebrate the birth of new life or the amazing recovery of a seriously ill family member, the reality is we’ll also see you at what could be the most challenging time of your life. It is our hope that our training, expertise, faith and compassion will help you cope and recover.

A Look at Our Community Summer Camp for Kids with Diabetes

Fri, 23 Jun 2017 14:38:37 +0200

President and CEO Jason Little on the Mission of Camp Day2Day

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) estimates that more than 1 million people in Tennessee have prediabetes. That number includes children as young as six years old. Managing diabetes as an adult can be challenging, but it can be especially difficult for children. To help children in our Memphis community cope with both the physical and emotional burdens of this disease, Baptist Memorial Health Care and the American Diabetes Association partner on a weeklong summer camp called Camp Day2Day. This free camp―open to kids between 7 and 16 years old who have diabetes, prediabetes or diabetes risk―looks like any other summer camp at first glance. The kids swim, play games, make crafts and engage in other fun activities. But a closer look reveals the true nature of the camp and its importance. Campers learn how to read food labels, count their carbohydrates and increase their activity levels. Nurses and dietitians regularly monitor campers’ blood glucose to make sure their levels aren’t too high or too low. And campers get expert help picking their lunches to make sure they don’t have too many carbohydrates or sugars. Campers also take field trips to the grocery store and museums so they can continue to learn about food labels and making healthy food choices. Special guests include social workers and race car drivers who have diabetes. At the end of each day, campers are exhausted but happy. They’ve made new friends and learned that they’re not alone in managing a chronic illness. They’ve also experienced the normalcy of being at summer camp like other kids. ADA estimates that an educational diabetes camp like this normally costs $400-500 per camper, but with the help of other community partners, we’re able to offer this camp to our community at no charge. Addressing community health needs is part of our mission of preaching, teaching and healing. I believe there’s no better way to use our resources than to help our community address a serious health issue like diabetes.

How Baptist Simplifies ER Visits through Attention to Detail

Fri, 24 Jun 2016 15:32:25 +0200

A trip to the emergency room (ER) can be overwhelming in so many ways. When dealing with a medical emergency, stress levels are high, which is why it’s important that the experience be as easy as possible. While we understand that it is impossible to remove all of the worry that comes with an ER visit, Baptist Memorial Health Care works hard to ensure that the process is as smooth and simple as it can be. As the father of three children, I am no stranger to hospital ERs. Fortunately, my children were treated for minor ailments (forehead lacerations suffered during Vacation Bible School, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle-related hand injury) and my niece needed treatment after swallowing a Hungry Hungry Hippo marble. Nevertheless, we were concerned and an expert team of ER professionals provided reassurance while taking great care of the children. High-Quality Emergency Care Our emergency medicine physicians are trained to think quickly and determine the right type of treatment for your situation. Because they’ve received special training, they are able to react appropriately in high-stress environments and handle dangerous, traumatic situations with care. Whether you’ve broken a bone, are experiencing a sudden illness, or are suffering from another type of condition, our doctors have the experience and skills necessary to provide you with peace of mind. We also focus on providing our hospitals and doctors with the best possible tools to deliver high-quality emergency care. We’re expanding several of our emergency departments to allow for the space necessary for treating even more patients in a timely manner. We also offer specialized emergency care, including pediatric emergency services with specialized equipment, and helicopter service. How to Prepare for a Trip to the ER When you are experiencing an emergency, being prepared upon arrival can help expedite your time in the waiting room. Whether you’re experiencing the medical issue yourself or are bringing a loved one to the ER, make sure you have the correct insurance documentation and a photo ID. Additionally, a current list of medications and allergies you may have can be very helpful for the doctors and nurses who will interact with you during your visit. Signing up for Baptist OneCare^® MyChart can help expedite your care because you can download the MyChart app and take your health record with you. PLEASE NOTE: Everyone is entitled to emergency care whether or not you have insurance. Our ERs will treat and stabilize you before discussing payment options. Once you step into the emergency department, a staff member will evaluate your condition and ask questions about the situation. It is normal to feel stressed, but try to remain calm and cooperate with the triage nurse. After the necessary information has been provided, one of our medical professionals will begin working with you to treat the issue. You may come into contact with an attending physician, physician assistant, primary nurse, emergency room technician, X-ray technician, or respiratory therapist during your stay – all of which are trained to provide first-class emergency care. Staff members will stand by to ensure that your treatment is successful, so you can feel confident knowing that a medical professional will be there through every step of your ER visit. Before you head home, you’ll be provided with care instructions that a staff member will thoroughly review with you. We encourage you to ask any questions you might have at this point so your aftercare recommendations are completely clear. If follow-up care is necessary, we will refer you to a specific physician or health care facility. If you’re feeling sick and need prompt treatment without an emergency room, we also offer a variety of urgent care centers. No matter what choice you make, Baptist has the experienced, compassionate health care staff you need to get better, quickly. If you have any questions about our emergency services, please feel free to leave a comment below or tweet me directly at @Jason_M_Little.

How Baptist Improves Community Health Care in the Mid-South

Tue, 08 Mar 2016 21:42:20 +0100

While Baptist strives to provide patients with the best care possible, we also recognize the need for healthy initiatives outside of our hospital doors. Many people may assume that our wide range of resources are only available to patients, but in reality we collaborate with other local organizations to reach out to the community and start conversations about getting and staying well. Because the areas around our hospitals provide us with so much, giving back is extremely important to us. We do this through philanthropy, seminars, partnerships, and more. For example, each year we host free flu shot events at several of our hospital locations so people can easily go a step further in preventing illness during flu season. Similarly, our Mobile Mammography Unit events allow women to visit us outside of the hospital and get the breast cancer screening they need to stay proactive about their health. Education and healthy living go hand in hand, so our seminars cover all kinds of topics around disease prevention and treatment. Baptist employees work together with experts in the field to develop information that’s easy to digest for anyone who attends. Many of these events have no cost for attendees and are held at offsite locations like local libraries. Finally, we also enjoy giving back to the community through volunteer efforts and philanthropy projects. We are proud to be a part of Project Homeless Connect, an incredible program that allows people to pair up one-on-one with homeless individuals and assist them in accessing the resources they need to escape homelessness. Baptist also focuses on providing health care education to people of all ages. In 2015, we partnered with the American Heart Association to help middle-school children learn CPR; worked to help introduce high-school students to health care careers; and worked with Rhodes College to give pre-med students experience working in health care facilities before applying to medical school. I know that health care reaches beyond the walls of Baptist Memorial hospitals and that the health of the overall community affects the way we all live our lives. I hope you’ll look into the many different seminars, programs, partnerships, volunteer options, and philanthropy opportunities we have available so you can be a part of our effort to improve your health and the health of those in your neighborhood. Do you have any questions about our commitment to community health care and wellness? Share them in the comments below or send me a tweet at @Jason_M_Little.

President and CEO Jason Little Shares 2016 Health Care Goals for Baptist

Tue, 01 Mar 2016 20:56:40 +0100

2015 was a fantastic year for Baptist Memorial Health Care. We saw the opening of the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital, made progress on the new Baptist North Mississippi hospital, and released major upgrades for Baptist OneCare, our electronic medical record. We plan to continue this momentum throughout 2016 and have already started work on a variety of projects that will improve health care for the Mid-South community. In the video below, I share more about my health care goals for Baptist in the upcoming year and encourage your feedback in the comments section or on Twitter. Thank you for being a part of all we’ve done so far and all of the great things we will do in the future.

Our Commitment to Your Health and Wellness

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 20:07:09 +0100

Taking care of your health is extremely important. By regularly visiting your doctor, addressing any medical issues in your family history, and creating routines that maximize your wellness, you’re setting yourself up for success. For me, dieting and seeing my physician on a regular basis are just a couple of the steps I take to stay healthy. At Baptist, we know that health care is wellness and we are proud to offer a variety of wellness programs that focus on nutrition, fitness, and prevention to help people in our communities take control of their health. One of the biggest aspects of wellness is fitness. Staying fit can lower your risk for a wide range of diseases and improve your overall quality of life. Because of this, we offer classes taught by Baptist employees and guest speakers, support groups for people of all ages, seminars led by experts on different wellness topics, and even on-site fitness centers with diverse classes like aerobics, yoga, aquatics, and more. We want to encourage members of our communities to take charge of their health, so many of these wellness resources are available for free. Knowing how you can prevent health issues is another key aspect of taking control of your overall health, but can be a challenge. And the vast amount of information available can often times be more overwhelming than it is helpful. At Baptist, we focus on helping people understand how they can avoid different diseases by making simple lifestyle changes. If you have a family history of diabetes, cancer, stroke, or another condition, we have screenings, educational programs, and support groups that can help. As with our fitness options, many of these health and wellness events are free of charge. We pride ourselves on helping patients get better when they need to, but we also recognize that staying well is part of overall health, too. Have you taken advantage of any of our wellness programs yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your feedback in the comments section below or send me a tweet at @Jason_M_Little.

Sports Injury Prevention & Treatment at Baptist

Thu, 09 Jul 2015 15:28:36 +0200

From Jason Little, CEO, Baptist Memorial Health Care Sports injuries are some of the most common injuries people experience – in fact, more than 10 million sports injuries occur every year. My kids love being active, especially once summer arrives and temperatures get warmer. My wife and I do everything we can to make sure they are playing safely, wearing the right protective gear, and staying hydrated. Whether you’re cooling off at the swimming pool, playing a volleyball game with friends, or running in a marathon, you are at risk for a sports injury. However, there are many simple things you can do to prevent them. Keep the following tips in mind:

Plan at least one day off from sports per week so your body has time to recover.
Use conditioning exercises during practice to strengthen your muscles.
Stretch before and after games or practice, as well as during your daily fitness routine, to improve flexibility.
Wear properly fitted protective equipment like helmets, pads, face guards, protective cups, mouthpieces, and eyewear.
Make sure you are practicing the right technique and using it at all times.
Take rest breaks during practice and games.
Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercise.
If possible, avoid practicing or playing games during periods of high heat or humidity.
Play safely and abide by all safety rules to minimize risk of injury.
If you feel pain at any time, stop the activity immediately.

We all know injuries can occur even when the proper precautions are taken – that’s why Baptist Memorial Health Care is proud to offer advanced sports medicine services. Our sports medicine staff includes exercise specialists, exercise physiologists, athletic trainers, physical therapists, sports medicine specialists, and certified weight training specialists. Patients can take advantage of on-site event coverage, acute rehabilitation, post-injury rehabilitation conditioning and training, and aquatic therapy. Whether you are a competitive athlete or just enjoy fitness for fun, Baptist has top quality sports medicine therapy services that manage post-operative and non-operative physical dysfunction. Fitness is great for your physical, mental, and emotional health, but it is important to be aware of the risks and take the right precautions to keep yourself safe. Luckily, if you or a loved one does suffer a sports injury, you can find peace of mind knowing that Baptist is here to help with your recovery. Do you have any questions about how Baptist addresses different types of sports injuries? Leave a comment or send me a tweet at @Jason_M_Little.

Thoughts on the King v. Burwell Supreme Court Ruling

Fri, 26 Jun 2015 20:19:07 +0200

From Jason Little, CEO, Baptist Memorial Health Care

Baptist Memorial Health Care, along with the American Hospital Association and Tennessee Hospital Association, has been carefully following the King v. Burwell case with great anticipation of its outcome and the impact that it would have on its affected populations. We are thankful for the Supreme Court’s decision not to overturn subsidies, especially when Tennesseans and Mississippians on the health care exchange don’t have access to a state run health exchange. Individuals enrolled in federal health exchanges would have lost the subsidies that many use to purchase insurance. We will continue to work with state leaders to provide access to resources and preventive care for those patients who rely on the health care exchange. For more information about the ruling, please visit the Tennessee Hospital Association website or the Supreme Court website.

Better Pediatric Care is Our Priority

Wed, 10 Jun 2015 19:52:32 +0200

From Jason Little, CEO, Baptist Memorial Health Care When my children are sick, making sure they get quality care is my top priority. I have made a number of trips to the Baptist emergency room with my own children. My son needed stitches in his head following an injury at Vacation Bible School. Watch out - the ER nurse told me we were her fourth Vacation Bible School injury that week! I also rushed my niece to the Baptist ER when she swallowed a marble from a Hungry Hungry Hippo game at my home. I now include the reminder, “Please don’t eat the marbles yourself!” whenever we play. When my wife was out of town and I was supervising the children, my 5-year-old daughter decided to cut her own hair with scissors. I remember wishing our ER could sew that hair back in place just like they sewed my son’s hand following his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle audition. The hand they fixed; unfortunately, I had to face my wife alone on my daughter’s hair. I share all of this to say that I understand parents want to feel confident knowing they are taking their child to a hospital that has the best possible resources and an experienced, responsible, compassionate staff. Baptist Memorial Health Care employs hundreds of mothers and fathers, so we thought about what they would want when planning for our new children’s hospital. The final result, which opened earlier this year, is something I am extremely proud to offer the community. The Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women offers a wide range of children’s hospital services, including care for broken bones, fever, sprains, strains, tears, dehydration, flu, respiratory illnesses, lacerations, and more. The 17,000-square-foot emergency room has 10 bays for patient care and a 2,000-square-foot diagnostics area. Any child who comes into the ER will have 24/7 access to pediatric emergency physicians, pediatric hospitalists, and a range of other pediatric specialists, such as a pediatric general surgeon and pediatric anesthesiologist. The community also has access to a 12-bed inpatient unit, outpatient pediatric surgery, and the Pediatric Eye Center at our children’s hospital. Our Pediatric Eye Center is the only clinic in the Mid-South offering the full continuum of eye care from diagnosis to treatment, surgery, and follow-up. Before now, patients had to travel hours to get access to specialized pediatric eye care. Since our children’s hospital opened in January, we have already provided service to more than 4,834 patients, treating about 39 children a day. If your child is ever in need of medical attention, I hope you’ll think of visiting The Spence and Becky Wilson Children’s Hospital knowing it was created with your child’s needs in mind. If you have any questions about our children’s hospital, leave them in the comments below or send me a tweet at @Jason_M_Little.

Partner with a Primary Care Physician for Best Health

Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:00:37 +0200

From Jason Little, CEO, Baptist Memorial Health Care The large number of urgent care centers can make it easy to overlook the importance of having a primary care physician. Urgent care centers are a convenient option, but they cannot replace a physician who knows your medical history and can help you manage your good health. My family’s primary care physician gives me peace of mind because I know he has a handle on our personal medical history, as well as family medical issues. We trust his opinion and feel confident knowing his recommendations are based on thorough knowledge of our health needs and conditions. Having a primary care physician brings many long-term benefits.

It’s one of the most important ways you can take control of your health care, with regular visits for checkups and screenings.
It’s the first call you can make when a non-life threatening illness or injury occurs.
It provides access to specialists you may need to see by referral.
It gives you a health partner you can talk to and trust.
It provides continuity of care.
If your primary care physician is part of Baptist Medical Group, you can have access to your medical records electronically through Baptist OneCare.

Your primary care physician gets to know your lifestyle choices and medical history as you age, providing a better understanding of your unique health needs. Correct lifestyle changes, screenings, vaccinations, and medications can be recommended easily and confidently. Additionally, a primary care physician offers preventive care and can monitor chronic conditions. By seeing you on an annual basis, early detection is also more likely. If something arises that your primary care physician can’t treat personally, he/she can make sure you see the correct doctors and help ensure you get the best procedures, treatments and follow-up care. Baptist Medical Group, or BMG, is the Mid-South’s largest integrated not-for-profit multispecialty physician practice. More than 500 primary and specialty care experts in more than 42 specialties practice in West Tennessee, North Mississippi, and East Arkansas, so you can easily find the right physician for you and your family. BMG is patient-centered, physician-led, and professionally managed so you can feel confident in the quality of care you are receiving. In fact, Baptist Medical Group-Memphis Primary Care was recently recognized in a Stanford University study as one of 11 primary care practices in the nation delivering high-quality care at a low cost. Have questions about how to find the best primary care physician for you and your family? Leave them in the comments below or send me a tweet at @Jason_M_Little.

Access Your Baptist Health Records Anywhere, Anytime

Thu, 21 May 2015 21:01:20 +0200

From Jason Little, CEO, Baptist Memorial Health Care Keeping health records organized and updated can be a difficult task for many families. In the past, when I needed a copy of records for myself or my children, I had to put in a specific request with my doctor. Having access to these files is important, but not always easy. At Baptist Memorial Health Care, we wanted to give our patients the ability to take charge of their health care in a new way. To do this, we worked with Epic Systems to develop Baptist OneCare. Baptist OneCare is a fully integrated electronic health record. It gives our patients the ability to access their own health records anywhere, anytime, from a computer or mobile device, so it’s easy and convenient. Patients can also:

Refill prescriptions
Make doctor’s appointments
Record their own health data
See when they need to schedule preventive care procedures
Consult their doctor’s office remotely

The implementation of Baptist OneCare also gives our providers a continuous range of care when it comes to treatment, imaging, lab, and referral services. This kind of progress helps ensure that health care is safer, more efficient, and more convenient for everyone involved. It also allows our staff to provide patients with more personalized care. For my family, having access to medical records in this way has made managing our health care needs much easier. With the option for proxy access, a parent can log into their personal Baptist OneCare MyChart account and connect to their children’s health records. You can also give an adult family member proxy access to your information, which is a great option for spouses. My wife uses this often to make sure we’re updated on the health needs of our three children – and each other. Baptist OneCare has been fully integrated in all 14 Baptist-affiliated hospitals and most of our Baptist Medical Group physician offices. You can visit mychart.baptistonecare.org to sign up, and then download the free MyChart app on your Apple or Android device. More than 70,000 patients have already signed up to take charge of their health care – I hope you’ll be next.

Meet Baptist Memorial Health Care CEO Jason Little

Mon, 11 May 2015 16:13:15 +0200

As President and CEO of Baptist Memorial Health Care, I want to be someone that the community can trust to provide answers about health care questions both locally and nationally. I will be sharing weekly blog posts with readers that discuss a variety of topics, beginning with my vision for these posts. In this video, I’ll share with you my goals for the blog, what I hope my viewpoint will bring to the community, and how you can interact with me both here and on Twitter. I welcome your feedback, as well as encourage you to leave comments with topics you would like me to discuss in the future. I look forward to sharing my thoughts on health care, Baptist news, stories from my personal life, and much more.