Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Hulston Cancer Center celebrates survivors

Hulston Cancer Center at CoxHealth invites cancer survivors, their families and caregivers to a special event celebrating cancer survivorship.

Survivors’ Sundae will be held 2-4 p.m., Sunday, June 7, at Hulston Cancer Center, 3850 S. National. This is a free event but registration is requested by June 3.

This is the fifth year Hulston Cancer Center has honored cancer survivors and those who care for them during their treatment at the center. Autum Bragg, community oncology educator, says the first year about 13 people attended, but the event has steadily grown so that last year more than 100 people came.

“We started holding these events so that our patients could truly celebrate being survivors,” says Autumn Bragg, community oncology educator at Hulston Cancer Center. “Since most of the time the patient’s caregivers are with them through the treatments, appointments and the emotions, we want to celebrate with the families as well,” says Bragg.

Guests will enjoy ice cream sundaes donated by Andy’s Frozen Custard, coffee and tea from Starbucks and iced tea from Chick-Fil-A. Participants will enjoy games, activities and door prizes, plus entertainment provided by Hulston Cancer Center’s volunteer piano players.

Participants can register by June 3 for Survivors’ Sundae by calling 269-INFO.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Open house planned to unveil new ambulance in Republic

CoxHealth has added an additional ambulance to the Republic ambulance station.

“This additional ambulance will provide advanced life support service for the communities of Republic, Billings and Clever for an additional 12 hours a day, seven days a week,” says Mike Dawson, CoxHealth EMS operations manager.

The existing ambulance will continue to provide 24/7 coverage for the area. In addition, the station maintains a back-up ambulance to provide uninterrupted coverage should a frontline ambulance need maintenance or repairs.

Stop by the open house on Saturday, May 16, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., to see the new ambulance, meet the crew and enjoy burgers, hot dogs and all the trimmings. The Republic ambulance station is on Illinois Ave, behind Burger King.

Monday, May 4, 2009

ED groundbreaking begins new era in emergency medicine



Today, CoxHealth broke ground for the health system’s new 78,000 square-foot Emergency Department, and announced a major donor gift that’s helping to make the expansion possible.

The donation, generously given by Mr. and Mrs. Larry and Tracy Lipscomb and Mr. and Mrs. Jack and Cathryn Cox Lipscomb (above), creates the Lipscomb Family Wing of Cox South, which will be built south of the existing outpatient center and will house the new ED.
The new ED will have 62 beds – a significant improvement over the 23 that are available in the existing facility – and is designed in five “pods” that can be opened or closed throughout the day as needed.

“We are excited to usher in this new era in emergency medicine for Southwest Missouri,” said Robert Bezanson, CoxHealth president and CEO. “This Emergency Department was designed with staff input to create a better work environment for them, and to enhance our patients’ experiences. It truly is a great thing for Cox, and for our community.”

Not only will the new ED provide for a better patient and family experience, it includes a number of “green” initiatives designed to help the environment. Among these are a construction site waste management and recycling program, the use of regionally produced renewable building materials, abundant use of natural light, water use reduction appliances, and more.

The total project cost is $52.5 million, financed by a Sept. 2008 bond issuance. Construction is expected to be complete in August 2010.

CoxHealth also announced a new fundraising campaign, designed to drive resources to patient needs to compliment the new facility. Donor options are available at a variety of levels, and correspond with name recognition on a room within the center. People interested in giving to the campaign should contact the CoxHealth Foundation at 269-7150.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Class offers answers on surgical weight loss

Have you ever considered surgical weight loss? Are you curious about the different surgical techniques? Would you like to know if surgical weight loss is right for you?

If so, attend CoxHealth’s Surgical Weight Loss Program Thursday, , May 14, from 5:30-7 p.m., in Foster Auditorium at Cox South, 3801 S. National. Attendees can learn about the Lap-Band System for surgical weight loss, the physical and mental requirements that make you a good candidate for weight loss surgery, and more.

For more information, call 875-3593.