News & Events

Commonwealth Health Corporation Receives Eleven Awards at State Competition
Mon  Jun 1, 2009

On Tuesday, May 12, 2009, the Kentucky Society for Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing held its annual Thoroughbred Awards Luncheon. The luncheon, held in conjunction with the Kentucky Hospital Association’s annual conference, honors and recognizes excellent work throughout the Commonwealth in the areas of healthcare marketing and public relations.

Of the 159 entries and 20 healthcare organizations in the competition, Commonwealth Health Corporation (CHC) received four Thoroughbred awards and seven Certificate of Merit awards – more than any other organization in the competition.

“This speaks volumes about the quality work that our staff has put forth throughout the year,” said Doris Thomas, Vice President of Marketing and Development for CHC. “We are very proud of this recognition, and we are honored to be recognized for our creative efforts.”

Organizations are eligible to submit entries in 25 categories ranging from television advertising to direct mail design. Entries were judged by the Tennessee Society for Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations on a scale from 1 to 30 points. Entries receiving 23-26 points earned a Certificate of Merit while those receiving 27-30 points earned Thoroughbred Award statues. CHC earned Thoroughbred awards for the following entries:

Giddy Up to Gallup – Overall Internal Public Relations Program category

Riverside Pharmacy Employee Campaign – Direct Mail category

Hartland Massage – General Brochure category

Charity Ball 2008 – Fundraising category.

Certificate of Merit Awards were earned for the following entries:

Simple Things, The Medical Center at Franklin – Total Campaign category

WellNews – External Publication category

Hartland Massage Birthday Card – Direct Mail category

End of Year Video 2008 – Audiovisual/Video Presentation category

www.hartlandmassage.com – Public Website Design category

The Medical Center Wannabe T-shirt – Promotional Items category

Health & Wellness Center Brochure – General Brochure category.

Nurses of the Year named in Bowling Green, Franklin and Scottsville
Mon  Jun 1, 2009

On Tuesday, May 12, 2009, four nurses throughout Commonwealth Health Corporation (CHC) were named Nurse of the Year at their respective facility. The ceremonies, held in conjunction with National Nurses Week, recognized the impact that nurses have on the lives of their patients and coworkers everyday. Each recipient was part of an overall group nominated by fellow coworkers. Corporate wide, 25 nurses were nominated for Nurse of the Year. Nominees went before a selection committee prior to being voted on by nursing staff at their respective hospital. The selection committee evaluated each nurse’s demonstrated leadership, excellence in customer service, community involvement and commitment to the nursing profession.

Anna Lewis was named Nurse of the Year for The Medical Center at Bowling Green. Lewis has been with The Medical Center for 39 years and has worked in pediatrics, psychiatry, coronary care, the IV team and currently on the oncology medical surgical unit where she has been for the past 18 years. Lewis is a mentor and example for everyone on her unit. She is very active in her church and community activities.

Jessica Johnson was named Nurse of the Year for Commonwealth Regional Specialty Hospital. Johnson has been with Commonwealth Regional Specialty Hospital for two years, and has demonstrated nothing but excellence in her tenure there. She serves as a preceptor for new nurses, and she has enrolled in graduate school to work toward becoming a nurse practitioner.

At The Medical Center at Franklin, Nina Toomey was named Nurse of the Year. Toomey has been with The Medical Center at Franklin since 1995. She is credited with being an outstanding preceptor for new nurses and has been recognized on multiple occasions for excellence in customer service. She also serves on several internal committees at the hospital including Internal Performance Committee and the Acute Care Unit Council.

Karen Smith was named Nurse of the Year for The Medical Center at Scottsville. Smith has been an LPN for 19 years and currently works at the hospital’s long term care facility, Cal Turner Extended Care Pavilion. She has been with The Medical Center at Scottsville since 1997. Outside of work, Smith participates in Relay for Life activities, food drives for the underprivileged and has assisted hospice patients.

“I wholeheartedly feel we have some of the best nurses in the world working at CHC,” said Betsy Kullman, Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer. “This year’s honorees are among the best and brightest. Over the course of their careers, they have touched countless lives, and they make a significant impact in their communities every day.”

The Medical Center Reminds You to Think F.A.S.T. in the Event of Stroke
Mon  May 11, 2009

May is National Stroke Awareness month, and it is important that everyone learn to recognize the signs of stroke. Stroke is the third leading cause of death behind heart disease and cancer, and it is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in America. More than 780,000 people suffer a stroke every year.

“A stroke occurs when a blood vessel bringing blood and oxygen to the brain ruptures or becomes blocked,” said Registered Nurse Bill Singletary, Stroke Program Coordinator for The Medical Center. “The longer the brain cells are not getting blood and oxygen, the greater the damage to the brain which can lead to major disability or even death.”

High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke. According to the National Stroke Association, nearly 60 million Americans have high blood pressure, and nearly one-third do not realize they have it. Other risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, lack of physical activity and obesity.

If you suspect that someone is having a stroke, it is imperative to think F.A.S.T., which stands for Face, Arms, Speech and Time.

F=Face Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A=Arms Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S=Speech Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred?

T=Time If you observe any of these signs, then it’s time to call 9-1-1.

“If any of these signs are recognized, it’s critical to call 9-1-1 immediately,” added Singletary. “Getting medical help quickly offers the best chance for recovery. Time lost is brain lost, and three hours or more after the onset of stroke symptoms, treatment options are very limited.”

The good news about stroke is that it is largely preventable, and you can reduce your risk for stroke by living a healthy lifestyle – controlling high blood pressure, not smoking, eating a low-fat, low cholesterol diet, managing diabetes, and being physically active.

For more information on available resources such as free blood pressure screenings and stroke support group, contact The Medical Center Health & Wellness Center at 270-745-1010. Visit www.stroke.org for more information on stroke and stroke prevention.

The Medical Center Announces Women-in-the-Arts Award Recipients
Fri  Apr 3, 2009

The Medical Center has announced the award recipients for its 19th annual Women-in-the-Arts Exhibit. The purpose of the exhibit is to recognize and honor the work and talent of area female artists. The 2009 exhibit features 64 artists entering 125 pieces of art.

Lynn Robertson received the Special Purchase Award for her entry, "McGregor’s Meadow." The Special Purchase Award is selected each year by The Medical Center and is added to its existing collection of original art.

Merit Awards were selected by the juror, Christine Kuhn, who is an instructor at the University of Kentucky Fine Arts Institute in Lexington, Ky. Merit Award recipients included: Robin Collins, “For generations”; Monica Crawford, “Internal Revelation”; Helen Crocker, “Mother Love”; Pamm Douglas, “An Apple it Ain’t”; Cattie Lou Miller, “Twilight on Barren”; Alice Gatewood Waddell, “Love Land”; and Margaret P. York, “Cumberland Falls.”

Honorable Mentions selected by the juror included: Cynthia Cline, “Resting”; Karen Fetterman, “All That Glitters”; Karen Genter, “5 Cars Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo TX.”; Angela Kuprion, “Capitol Lobbyist”; Sandy Novosel, “Autumnal Gathering”; and Mary Katheryn White, “Nascentes Morimur.”

The Women-in-the-Arts Exhibit is free and open to the public on Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, April 5 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in The Medical Center Auditorium. The Special Purchase Award, Merit Awards and Honorable Mention Awards will be displayed at the Ervin G. Houchens Gallery at the Capitol Arts Center from April 13 - 28.

A majority of the works will be available for purchase. Twenty-five percent of each sale will benefit the Capitol Arts Center’s Visual Arts programs.

Second Expansion Planned for The Medical Center at Franklin
Wed  Feb 11, 2009

The Medical Center at Franklin announced today a $3.4 million addition to the hospital campus. In late February, construction will begin on a 17,633 square foot, two-story building that will connect to the hospital’s 25-bed patient care wing which was completed in December 2007 as part of a $5 million expansion and renovation project. The new addition will house physician suites and several ancillary services including the hospital laboratory and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Anticipated completion is December 2009.

“The Medical Center at Franklin has experienced exponential growth since Commonwealth Health Corporation acquired the facility in 2000,” said Clara Sumner, Chief Executive Officer for The Medical Center at Franklin. “As our community continues to grow, we are dedicated to expanding and enhancing the services we provide for the residents of Franklin and Simpson County.”

“We are very fortunate to have access to a facility like The Medical Center at Franklin,” stated Jim Henderson, Simpson County Judge Executive. “An integral component to a progressive community is top-notch healthcare services. Many communities across the country similar in size to Franklin don’t have access to the level of care that The Medical Center at Franklin provides.”

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