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Visitors to Phoebe Sumter Medical Center probably have noticed a change in dress for the employees at the hospital. That's because on January 1st of this year, PSMC instituted a dress code that was in line with the policy at Phoebe Putney and other entities of the Phoebe Health System. The policy is designed to give the employees a more professional look and also will allow patients and visitors to identify nurses and other hospital personnel easier. 
Click Here for Additional Photos Here, a number of Phoebe Sumter employees showcase their new uniforms in their respective departments.
Click here to view of video of WVTM 9's newscoverage on Phoebe Sumter Medical Center groundbreaking.
Construction officially began for the new Phoebe Sumter Medical Center and its three support buildings this week. The three medical office buildings are expected to be up and running by the end of this year. Of those, one will house obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics and family practice while another will house oncology and general surgeons, and the third, orthopedics, wellness, fitness and education. A brand-new, state of the art new hospital is expected to be up and operation by the end of 2011. The new Phoebe Sumter Medical Center will be four stories and feature 76 beds, and according to CEO Keith Petersen, it will be "the finest small hospital in America" While the new four-story, 76-bed state of the art medical facility is under construction, the existing medical center on Forsyth Street continues to provide medical services. For all the latest news, go to www.phoebesumter.org. Click Here to View Recent Construction Photos
Construction crews have begun work on the new hospital and support buildings at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, GA. Officials tell us the new hospital is slated to open the end of 2011. The address of the new medical village is 126 Highway 280. It will feature a four-story, 76-bed hospital, with three free-standing medical office buildings that will house oncology, surgery, women and children's services, wellness and orthopedics. The 40-acre site will also feature a running/walking track. In March, the hospital will also receive the free MRI that it earned from a Siemens contest in 2007. In addition, Phoebe Health System has recently adopted a new dress code. It believes the new dress code will allow patients to readily identify nurses and other hospital personnel.
Recent interview with Phoebe Sumter Director of Marketing & PR Marcus Johnson and newly appointed Chief Nursing Officer Susan Bruns on WSST TV Channel 55 with Phil Streetman
Dennis Berryhil strolls into the waiting area at the main entrance of Phoebe Sumter Medical Center (PSMC) and before he can take a seat, something catches his eye. In the corner of the room, underneath a row of chairs, three magazines have fallen off of their perch atop the wooden table. Berryhill simple strolls over, bends down and picks up the magazines, and gently places them back to their correct spot. It is these types of situations, which make people around the hospital know that Berryhill takes pride in what he does. He doesn’t ask anybody to come and pick them up, nor does he sigh or gripe and complain about having to pick up the publications. It's his job and he does it well. “My motto is ‘make it do what it do,’ ” Berryhill said, “which means to me, do whatever needs to be done.” Berryhill works second-shift on Enviornmental Services at PSMC, and has been doing so for the past four and half years. He spends his days at the hospital cleaning the floors and doing the basic housekeeping duties in every nook, cranny, hallway, and guest room in the hospital. Berryhill stated that the main thing that he loves about his job is that “it allows me to meet a wide variety of different people.” Berryhill credits his hard work ethic to his parents. “My parents taught me a lot growing up, like working hard, and taking pride in the job that you do,” said Berryhill. When Berryhill is not keeping the hospital looking neat and tidy, he said he enjoys playing basketball, fishing, and spending time with his family. So the next time you visit PSMC, and see Dennis Berryhill hard at work, make sure you say hello and take a minute to thank him for the job he does.
Phoebe Sumter Medical Center is proud to announce the first baby born in the new year, as well as the first New Year's baby born since Sumter Regional officially became Phoebe Sumter on July 1st of last year. Fernando Perez-Hernandez was born on January 1st, 2010 at 4:23 am and weighed 7 pounds at birth. He was welcomed to the world by his parents Salvador and Magdalena Hernandez-Santiz. As the official New Years baby, Fernando will receive a gift basket courtesy of Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. 
Photo: Magdalena Hernandez-Santiz holds newborn son Fernando Perez-Hernandez a day after his birth at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. Fernando holds the distinction of not only being the first baby born in 2010 in Americus & Sumter County, but also the first new year baby for Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, formerly Sumter Regional Hospital. Also pictured are Phoebe Sumter's LaVanta Kirkland, RN (Nursery) and Wendy Crimmins, RN (Labor & Delivery)
Phoebe Sumter Medical Center has named Susan Bruns, BSN, as Chief Nursing Officer. 
“We did an extensive search and we felt that Susan was the best fit for the organization,” said Phoebe Sumter CEO Keith Petersen. “She has worked in the organization for more than 15 years, and has served capably as Interim Chief Nursing Officer. She is an asset to Phoebe Sumter and has the background, experience and skills to be very successful in her new position.” A native of Indiana , Bruns earned a BSN in Nursing from Valparaiso University , which is also located in Indiana . She has served in a number of roles at the former Sumter Regional Hospital and current Phoebe Sumter Medical Center , including Director of Critical Care Services. She has served as Interim Chief Nursing Officer since September 1st of this year. Susan is married to Bob Bruns and they have two children, Eric and Heidi. When she is not working she likes to exercise, which includes running and playing tennis, as well as spend time with her family. She says she is excited at this opportunity and looks forward to helping Phoebe Sumter achieve all of its goals in terms of patient care as well as being a leader in the community.
Phoebe Sumter Medical Center and Americus and Sumter County Hospital Authority received Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) approval on Monday to build a Medical Village, including a new hospital to replace Sumter Regional Hospital. DCH approved a request for a Letter of Determination, filed with the Department on Nov. 2, for the relocation of the new hospital and for the construction of three medical office buildings. The $125 million planned development will occur at 126 Highway 280. Phoebe Sumter Medical Center will be constructed, featuring a four-story, 76-bed hospital. Three freestanding medical office buildings, ranging in size from 15,000-20,000 square feet, will house medical oncology, surgery, primary care, wound care, outpatient rehab and physical therapy, women and children’s services, wellness and education services, and orthopedics. The 40-acre construction area will also feature a running/walking track. The medical office buildings will be constructed first to provide access to physicians. The new hospital will be completed in mid-2011. The Authority and officials at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital broke ground in November to prepare for the new construction. For more information, contact Marcus Johnson, Phoebe Sumter Medical Center Public Relations Director, at 229-942-5102 or 229-924-6011, or Valerie Benton Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Public Relations Manager, at 229-312-7106 or 229-894-2140.
Construction on Americus’ new hospital will be underway Jan. 18, according to Project Manager Brian Smith, who works for Brasfield & Gorrie General Contractors, the company in charge of the hospital’s construction. The company’s pre-qualifying subcontractors now to help build the hospital, and they met at the Windsor Hotel to discuss the hospital and clinics as a whole Wednesday. That’s the only date that’s set in stone right now, but the company hopes to have the hospital ready for move-in by December 2011. Smith and colleague Tate McKee, division manager for Brasfield & Gorrie, conducted a subcontractor/vendor information session in Americus Wednesday. The hospital will be four stories and include 190,000 sq. ft. There will also be a Women’s and Family Health building, which will be 16,000 sq. ft., a surgery and oncology center that will be 20,000 sq. ft. and a wellness and education center that will be 18,000 sq. ft. The entire skeleton will be made of steel, and the outside will be modular-sized brick. The roof will be shingle or a standing green roof. “The architects are working on the final details,” Smith said. During construction, there will be a safety person onsite at all times. Smith gave a list of dates on which he wishes the construction to progress, but the dates are subject to change at any given point because of problems that may occur — as in every construction timeline. He’d like the steel erection to begin April 1, and to top out and start the skin on May 1. Smith would like the foundation finished by June 21, and he’d like the skin completed by Aug. 1. Also, he’d like to obtain the certification for the occupancy by December 2011. He’d like the interior of the hospital to be completed at the very latest by Oct. 1, 2011. Smith said they’re at the beginning of the process of developing the hospital; the group hasn’t developed all its drawings yet, so the dates announced are tentative at best, just depending on how fast construction goes, and how many rain dates there are. Americus needs a new hospital because of a 2007 tornado that destroyed Sumter Regional Hospital. A temporary hospital was constructed after the tornado ripped Sumter Regional Hospital, and in July 2009, Georgia’s attorney general approved Phoebe Putney Health Organization to take over Sumter County’s hospital.
Americus – Phoebe Sumter physicians recently conducted a drive to collect toys for the less fortunate children in our community. The toys were collected over a three-week period and were donated by the Medical Staff to the local Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS) branch, which will distribute the toys to those who qualify and are in need. 
Here (l-r), DFACS Data Integrity Specialist Pamela Angry and Social Services Supervisor Yolanda Fripp pose with Phoebe Sumter Director of Medical Staff Affairs Diane Mixon and Phoebe Sumter Vice President of Medical Staff Affairs Dr. Andrew Carlson during the pick up of the toys from the hospital. Not pictured is Dr. Michael Busman, Phoebe Sumter Medical Center Chief of Staff.
Click on the video below to view.
Click here to view pictures from Phoebe Sumter Medical Center Flag Ceremony
Phoebe Sumter Medical Center recently donated Christmas ornaments to the local Boys & Girls Club of Americus & Sumter County. The children will place the ornaments on their club tree and the hospital will also provide toys that were donated by employees and members of the medical staff. 
Here, members of the club pose with Phoebe Sumter employees at the main entrance of the hospital. Larry Jackson (far right) represented both the hospital and the Boys & Girls Club, where he serves as President. Also pictured are Boys & Girls Club Chief Professional Officer Lori Clemons; Susan Ruckman, Bookkeeper, Boys & Girls Club and Blanca Barros, Customer Service Representative, Phoebe Sumter Medical Center.
The employees at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center recently held a Canned Food Drive to help those in need in the community. "Our employees really wanted to make a difference this holiday season, and collecting canned goods was one of the ways we felt we could help those in need in Americus & Sumter County," said Marcus Johnson, Director of Marketing & PR at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. "Each day, someone in our very own backyard does not have enough to eat, so hopefully this donation will go a long way towards changing this outcome." All donations were presented to the Sumter Area Ministerial Association (SAMA) Food Bank, which distributes to local people in need. 
PHOTO: SAMA Food Bank Director Minnie Clark (third from right, in green jacket) poses with Phoebe Sumter employees (l-r) Ronnie McCrary, Cynthia Lundy, Herschel Wisham, Sharon Battle and Joe Bridges as receives the donation from the hospital.
Posted 12/04/2009 Local businessman and current Phoebe Sumter Medical Center Board Member Brad Lafevers was named chairman of the Phoebe Sumter Board for 2010 during the Board’s December meeting. Lafevers replaces Phoebe Putney Health System CEO Joel Wernick as chairman. Wernick will continue to serve on the Board as vice chairman. Lafevers, a resident of Americus, is President/CEO of the Heart of Georgia RailRoad Company, also located in Americus. “This is quite an honor, and I am very excited to have an opportunity to be involved in the rebirth of our medical facility and the services it provides,” said Lafevers. “I look forward to working with fellow Board members and Phoebe Sumter Medical Center CEO Keith Petersen to help make our hospital into a first-class facility with state-of-the-art technology. “I understand the value and importance of the hospital to our area, especially the impact of the upcoming new medical facility and its support buildings,” Lafevers said. “We will continue to help expand services for the people in this community and hopefully this will also help Americus and Sumter County to grow as well.”
Posted on 11/25/2009 The Reinhardt College Lady Eagles softball team in Waleska, Georgia recently showed its support of Phoebe Sumter Medical Center's 6th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk by wearing the pink shirts worn by walkers here in Americus this year. Two of the players, Lindsey Booker and Alex Riccardi, are from Americus and are both Southland Academy graduates. In addition to wearing the Breast Cancer Awareness Shirts, the team also had fundraising games that benefited Susan G. Komen for the Cure and recently presented a $1000 check to the organization for the fight against breast cancer. "The reason why we had the event with this foundation is because breast cancer really hit home with one of our player's moms and personally, with a friend of our family's who passed away," Reinhardt head softball coach Glen Crawford said. "It was a way for us to give back to a great cause. Candy Riccardi, the mother of Alex Riccardi was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. Mrs. Riccardi is a member of Pink Pals, a local breast cancer survivor group, and is a strong supporter of the Reinhardt softball program.
Keith Petersen views Americus as an engaged community AMERICUS (Thursday, November 19, 2009) – Newly appointed CEO of Phoebe Sumter Medical Center and former interim Keith Petersen met with Times Recorder Wednesday to talk about what’s going on with the existing facility and the new hospital. At present, in the wake of the Nov. 2nd groundbreaking ceremony, Petersen says that trees have been cleared and the infrastructure work (gas lines, water lines, electricity) needs to be accomplished prior to actual construction starting. He said the three medical office buildings are expected to be up and running by this time next year. Of those, one will house obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics and family practice while another will house oncology and general surgeons, and the third, orthopedics, wellness, fitness and education. While the new four-story, 76-bed state of the art medical facility is under construction, the existing medical center on Forsyth Street continues to provide medical services. Some layoffs occurred between the time of the March 2007 tornado and the partnership with Phoebe, and some of those jobs have come back, according to Petersen. “We’ve hired some people back who were laid off, some laid off about a year ago. We’ve changed our staffing a little bit to bring some of those workers back, certified nursing assistants, some ward clerks and some RNs for various shifts,” he said. Some doctors left the community in the wake of the destruction of Sumter Regional Hospital in March 2007, but some are coming back now and more will find the new hospital a good incentive to return when it is completed in late 2011/early 2012. “With our hospitalist group, Dr. Frank Wilson (IV), Dr. Rick Oster and Dr. Cathy Hudson have returned,” he said, adding that Phoebe Sumter is in conversations with others about possibly returning. He did say that John and Patty Fennessy will be in Americus in August 2010 to practice medicine, the former being an orthopedic surgeon and the latter an OB-GYN. “Now orthopedic is all being shipped to Albany , so this will be huge for us,” he said. Petersen also mentioned Jeremy Joyner who recently returned to Americus to join his father, Doug Joyner, in the practice of general surgery. Though surgeries are currently being performed at Phoebe Sumter and babies are being born there, the emergency room is also kept busy. “We’ve had a challenge with the amount of time it takes to get in and out of the ER and we’re working very hard to be more efficient and more effective. That’s a long-term project…We want to able to serve people quickly who may or may not really need to be in the emergency room or have a minor ailment or illness so we can move them in and out. That’s a huge project,” Petersen said, adding that the way the temporary hospital is constructed makes it challenging. Some of the observations that Petersen has made over the last several months since being named interim CEO on July 1 when Phoebe Putney Health System took over management of the hospital, include the workforce, including the management team. “We have a tremendous workforce. We have many, many great employees who are very excited about not only us being here, but excited about the future…Our management team has really done a good job of stepping up as we’ve looked at a variety of issues over the last several months, from recruitment issues, staffing issues to management team issues, they’ve done a tremendous job…We’re looking at more effective, more efficient ways of doing things all the way from the emergency room to purchasing to buying smarter…just smarter in everything we do, and the whole team has stepped up,” he said. About the community, Petersen also has high praise. “The community has been tremendous. The support that we’ve received has been enthusiastic and at times, almost overwhelming,” he said, pointing out the turn-out at the recent groundbreaking. He said Phoebe is quite impressed with the number of citizens who attended. “It was awesome, the show of community support, from all across the community. Petersen says he encounters people all over town who are enthusiastic about Phoebe and the new hospital. He said he even runs into people whom he doesn’t know, who know who he is and they often ask meaningful and engaging questions. “They are very enthusiastic and very positive about our plans…they asks questions…This really shows me what king of community Americus is, that it’s an involved community, supportive, involved but curious in a good way,” he said, using the Chamber of Commerce as an example. “The Chamber is so enthusiastic, about everything, not just the hospital,” he said. As for the former site of Sumter Regional Hospital and the current site of the temporary Phoebe Sumter Medical Center , Petersen says hose properties are owned by the Americus-Sumter County Hospital Authority, which is “looking for alternatives”. He said discussions have begun on the possibility of a behavioral medicine program, and some desire to have a park on the former site or a building relating the Georgia Southwestern State University and the preservation of the Wheatley House, but there’s nothing concrete at this time. Petersen reiterated again and again his impressions of the community, the involvement and positivity, citing examples of Phoebe’s recent Men’s Health Fair which drew about 500 participants and the success of the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. “I’m excited about where we are here (at the current facility). The first challenge I faced here was dealing with the current operations, and not really focusing on the new building…My focus is more on the current operations while our Phoebe team is focused on the new construction.” Petersen said mock-ups of a patient room, ICU and CCU rooms will soon be available for inspection by the public in the former Baldwin Agency building downtown. Petersen and Marcus Johnson, director of public relations, said they are available to speak at civic organizations on the Phoebe Sumter partnership and noted their website www.phoebesumter.org. But Petersen sees more to the role of the Phoebe Sumter organization than just providing health care. He says the organization will be “a machine in economic development” for the area. “We’ll work together with Georgia Southwestern and South Georgia Tech to do our part to drive economic development.” Petersen said Phoebe Sumter currently employs 340 employees.
November is National Hospice/Palliative Care Month, and while many people are aware of hospice care very few know what it really entails. As a result, this year’s main effort is to inform and educate the public about what hospice care is all about. Many people think hospice care is just about dying. Hospice care is more than that- hospice brings comfort and support to people facing a life-limiting illness. It also reaches out to provide support for the family and friends who love and care for them. Hospice care honors life’s final journey, leaving a legacy of compassion and caring. Hospice brings comfort, dignity and peace to help people live every moment of life to the fullest, leaving loved ones with memories they can treasure. Last year, 1.4 million dying Americans were served by the nation’s hospice providers, reports the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Yet there are many facts about hospice that people are not aware of and may keep people from getting this compassionate care when they need it most. 1. Hospice is not a place but is a kind of high-quality care that brings the patient and family medical, emotional, and spiritual care and support focusing on comfort and quality of life. 2. Medicare beneficiaries pay nothing for hospice, and most insurance plans, HMOs and managed care plans include hospice coverage. 3. Hospice serves anyone facing a life-limiting illness, regardless of age or illness. 4. Research has shown that the majority of Americans do not want to die in a hospital; hospice treats pain and manages symptoms while allowing most patients to be at home. 5. Hospice also serves people living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. 6. Hospice patients and families can receive care for six months or longer, and the greatest benefits are gained by being in hospice care for more than just a few days. 7. Less than one percent of Medicare beneficiaries live in an area where hospice is not available. 8. A person may keep his or her referring physician involved while they receive hospice care. 9. Hospice serves people of all backgrounds and traditions; the core values of hospice—allowing the patient to be with family, including spiritual and emotional support, treating pain—cut across all cultures. 10. Hospice offers grief and bereavement services to family members and the community. If this information about hospice surprises you, take the time to find out more. The best time to learn about hospice is before someone in your family is facing a health care crisis. For more information, contact your local Hospice of Americus & Sumter County at (229) 928-4000.
Keith Petersen has been named Chief Executive Officer of Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. The appointment was approved unanimously today by the hospital’s board of directors and announced to the community at groundbreaking ceremonies for the construction of the new hospital and medical complex on Highway 280. Petersen had been serving as interim CEO since July. “We conducted a nationwide search for a candidate to lead this hospital and the healthcare delivery here to the next level,” said Joel Wernick, president/CEO of Phoebe Putney Health System and chairman of the Phoebe Sumter Hospital Board. “Keith Petersen has a proven record in the board’s required skill sets as we begin rebuilding our medical staff and our facilities. He has done an outstanding job in his months as the interim at Phoebe Sumter.” Petersen joined Phoebe in 1998 to manage Southwest Georgia Regional Medical Center , which was designated the first critical access hospital in Georgia . In 2002, he became CEO of Phoebe Worth Medical Center and has continued in that role. “It is gratifying and exciting to be a part of the rebuilding of the healthcare system in Americus and Sumter County ,” said Petersen. “I have had a unique opportunity to see first hand the enthusiasm this community has for its hospital. The support is incredible.” A St.Paul, Minn. , native, Petersen served as CEO of Douglas General Hospital in Douglasville , Ga. He worked for two national consulting companies and focused on operation and financial turnaround and hospital mergers in the eastern U.S. He earned an undergraduate degree in history and a master’s degree in hospital administration from the University of Minnesota . The construction of three medical office buildings and the 76-bed hospital will be completed in mid-2011.
Click Here to View Photos of New Construction Phoebe Sumter Medical Center will be one step closer to construction with a Nov. 3 groundbreaking ceremony, planned for 2 p.m. at the new building site. Groundbreaking for the much-awaited, planned development will occur at 126 Highway 280. A Medical Village will be constructed, featuring a four-story, 76-bed hospital. Three free-standing medical office buildings will house oncology, surgery, women and children’s services, wellness and orthopedics. The 40-acre construction area will also feature a running/walking track. Parking for the celebration will be available at Perry Brothers Oil on Highway 280. Architectural renderings and display rooms will be available soon for viewing at a downtown Americus storefront at 214 West Lamar Street. The medical office buildings will be constructed first to provide access to physicians. The new hospital will be completed in mid-2011. All media is invited to attend this event. For more information, contact Marcus Johnson, Phoebe Sumter Medical Center Public Relations Director, at 229-942-5102 or 229-924-6011, or Valerie Benton, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Public Relations Manager, at 229-312-7106 or 229-894-2140.
More than 300 people turned out for the 6th edition of Phoebe Sumter Medical Center ’s Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. “We were a little worried about rain before the event started, but in the end the weather was great and once again we had a great turnout,” said Marcus Johnson, Director of Marketing & PR at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center . “I always think that this is one of the most important events that we do, and to see so many people from all different backgrounds come out really shows how important it is to continue to bring attention to breast cancer and how it affects our community.” “As always, our goal for the walk was to raise awareness for breast cancer and hopefully prompt people into action in regards to self-breast examinations, mammograms or just supporting a friend or loved one who has been diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Johnson. “We want to continue to urge all wo me n over 35 and those with family history of breast cancer to sign up for a mammogram, and if you are not in the risk category to continue to do self-breast examinations. Prevention is the best defense against breast cancer, and these are the best ways to do just that.” Johnson stated that the hospital wanted to thank of all of their volunteers, sponsors, law enforcement officials, school groups and everyone who ca me out for the walk. “Without them and the participants this event would not be a success six years running, and we definitely appreciate them. Most important, we thank the breast cancer survivors and their families for coming out and showing us that we can win this fight against breast cancer. We all look forward to the day where this walk won’t be necessary, but until then we will continue to gather and show support for everyone fighting this disease” Phoebe Sumter Medical Center is currently offering mammograms for a reduced price for the month of October. If you would like to schedule a mammogram for the reduced price of $75 (cash only) or a mammogram & bone density scan for $150 (cash only), please call (229) 931-1375. 
Photo #1: Breast cancer survivor Deatrice Harris and her husband Reggie Harris were one of more than 300 people who attended Phoebe Sumter Medical Center ’s 6th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. 
Photo #2: Breast cancer survivor Betty Hargrove was joined by family and friends at 6th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. 
Click on photo to enlarge.  Activities will include distributing breast cancer information and placing pink ribbons throughout downtown and other local businesses. Everyone is encouraged to wear some form of pink every Friday in October. Phoebe Sumter Medical Center will have its 6th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Saturday, October 24th at 9 am. A flyer and registration form has been attached as well as the three walking routes, and if you have any questions regarding the walk please call (229) 924-6011 and ask for Marketing. In addition to the walk, PSMC is offering discounts on mammograms ($75 cash only) and a mammo/dexascan combo ($150 cash only) for the entire month of October. Please call (229) 931-1375 to schedule an appointment.     
Employees of Wachovia in Americus recently showed their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing pink shirts on Friday. Wachovia is just one of many businesses supporting Paint the Town Pink as Americus joins cities across the nation in creating awareness for Breast Cancer and promoting self-breast exams and mammograms for early detection. 
Here (l-r): Wachovia employees Mercedes Aldridge, Jamie Campbell, Rachel Sutters and Lindsay Hall show they are ready for a battle in this very important fight against breast cancer. In addition to everyone wearing pink every Friday, the community is invited to participate in Phoebe Sumter Medical Center's 6th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, which is scheduled for Saturday, Oct 24th at 9 am. For more information, please call (229) 924-6011 and ask for the Marketing department.
In 1991, the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer awareness/research handed out pink ribbons to participants in a road race for breast cancer survivors in New York City. Since that day, the color pink or a pink ribbon has been an international symbol of breast cancer awareness. During the month of October, area citizens, businesses, schools and more are encouraged to “paint the town pink” by displaying the color in ribbons, bows, hangings, banners or however unique a way they would like. Every Friday, citizens are asked to wear something pink, even the men. According to Marcus Johnson, director of public relations and marketing for Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, “This year, as always, the major focus for us with the breast cancer awareness project is on early detection and prevention.” The whole “paint the town pink idea started probably last year, when we had a meeting with representatives from the hospital, the Zetas, City of Americus, AKAs and the Pink Pals. We wanted to do something to enhance the breast cancer awareness idea. We wanted to create a community wide commitment to the cause,” he said. The annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk will be held on Oct. 24 with registration beginning at 8 a.m. at Phoebe-Sumter Medical Center. T-shirts and registration for adults are $10, kids for $5, and survivors are free. “We have had the walk for six years. We have always participated in the Relay for Life, and had several of our employees who had breast cancer, so we wanted to do something of special significance, and what with the month of October being deemed Breast Cancer Awareness Month, that is what we did,” said Johnson. Other activities during the month of October will include special events at local retail stores where information will be handed out, restaurants will be serving pink lemonade, and Johnson said he thought local pizza parlor, Roman Oven, was going to create a “Pink Pizza.”
The Sumter Regional Hospital Foundation, Inc. (SRH Foundation) recently announced the transfer of funds donated after the devastating tornado of March 1, 2007 to in the amount of $1,454,989 to the Americus & Sumter Hospital Authority. These designated donations have been placed in a construction fund with the Americus & Sumter Hospital Authority to be used in the building of the new Phoebe Sumter Medical Center . In 2007, the SRH Foundation transferred grants of over $135,000 to assist towards the relief of debt in the construction of Sumter Regional East. Dr. Gatewood Dudley, Chairman of the SRH Foundation said, "We were truly overwhelmed by the generosity of community support and deeply grateful for many incredible donations to rebuild a state of art hospital facility here in Americus . We are proud of the hospital’s legacy and look forward to building on that legacy to continue to provide the highest quality health care to the current and future residents of the community. This transfer of donors’ contributions is a significant step towards that goal." "On behalf of everyone at Phoebe Health System and Phoebe Sumter Medical Center , I would like to thank everyone who made a charitable contribution to this worthy cause,” said Keith Petersen, Interim CEO of Phoebe Sumter Medical Center . “These funds will help us in our efforts to enhance the medical care for the health and well-being of those we are privileged to serve.” Sumter Regional Hospital Foundation, Inc. (SRH Foundation) is a Georgia nonprofit corporation that is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is operated exclusively for charitable, medical, educational and scientific purposes that enhance services of the local hospital and local medical community. For more information about Sumter Regional Hospital and its Foundation, contact Foundation Director, Nyla Franklin or visit www.phoebesumter.org.
More than 500 men came out for a Men’s Health Fair sponsored by Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. The event was one of the first community events for the new entity, which came about after Sumter Regional Hospital signed an agreement with the Phoebe Health System and officially opened on July 1st of this year. September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and this event was held in conjunction with this recognition to promote awareness and overall health for men. “We are extremely pleased by the turnout, to say the least,” said Marcus Johnson, Phoebe Sumter Medical Center Director of Marketing & Public Relations. “We figured it would be between 200-300, so to have almost twice as many men come out shows that the community is pleased with our affiliation with Phoebe and that they understand that being healthy is very important.” This event was held at the Rees Park Economic Development Building, and Johnson said that men arrived as early as 6 am. Participants were given the opportunity to have a number of free screenings, including PSA, Cholesterol, Diabetes and Blood Pressure. In addition to the screenings, many participants stayed to hear a very informative and entertaining lecture from Urologist Rex Ajayi, M.D., who discussed ways for men to improve their sex life. Lunch was served and vendors were also on hand to give out information and door prizes. “It definitely had the feeling of a big family reunion,” said Johnson. “It was great to see, and we look forward to having more events specifically for men in the future.” Johnson said that it took a cast of characters to make this event a success. “It was a total team effort, especially with the turnout being what it was,” said Johnson. “Darrell Sabbs has coordinated this type of event in Albany for Phoebe Putney the past 8 years, and his help was invaluable. We had more than 60 volunteers, including many of my coworkers at Phoebe Sumter and our friends at Phoebe Putney, and a number of sororities, fraternities and other civic clubs.” Said Johnson. “I want to give a special thanks to our physicians: Dr. Fleming Burroughs, Dr. Patrick Omess and Dr. Michael Busman. We can call on them each year and they are always there. Without them we could not be successful in doing this event. Dr. Ajayi also did a great job and he had a packed house during his session. Last but not least, thanks to the community for coming out and showing your support!” Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men, other than skin cancer. Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in men, after lung cancer. 
Photo Caption #1: Phoebe Sumter employees Deatrice Harris, Belinda Bond and Brandee Snider sign up men for the event. 
Photo Caption #2: Local physicians Michael Busman, MD; Patrick Omess, MD and Fleming Burroughs, MD were on hand to perform close to 400 DRE's (Digital Rectal Exams). 
Photo Caption #3: The halls of the Rees Park Economic Development Center was packed throughout the morning as more than 500 men participated in the Health Fair. 
Photo Caption #4: Phoebe Sumter Medical Center Nurse Paula Hester draws blood from Americus resident Sonny Owens. 
Photo Caption #5: Urologist Rex Ajayi, MD entertained and informed the men about ways to improve their sex life. Note: The information contained in this message and any attachments may be privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any reading, dissemination, distribution, copying, or other use of this communication or any of its attachments is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by replying to this message and deleting this message, any attachments, and all copies and backups from your computer. If you have received this communication in error and are unable to reply to this message, please notify the sender immediately by telephone at (229) 924-6011. Thank you. Phoebe Sumter Medical Center.
Americus Mayor Barry Blount recently declared Saturday, September 19th as "Prostate Cancer Awareness" Day in conjunction with the Men's Health Fair that is being sponsored by Phoebe Sumter Medical Center that same day. The event, which will take place from 8 am to Noon at the Rees Park Economic Development Center on Elm Avenue, will have a number of free screenings, including PSA, Cholesterol, Diabetes and Blood Pressure, and a number of other activities. The event is free, and alll men are encouraged to attend. For more information, please call the Marketing and PR Department at 924-6011. 
Here, Mayor Blount displays this year's t-shirt for all participants who complete all of the screenings. Also pictured is Marcus Johnson, Director of Marketing & PR at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center.
“This not only means a lot to those of us who travel to Albany each year, but it means even more for those who were not able to,” said Americus resident Mike Poke when asked what it means for Phoebe Sumter Medical Center to host a Men’s Health Fair on Sept. 19. Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital has been hosting a Men’s Health Fair in Albany for eight years. The attendance increases each year and includes many residents of Americus and surrounding counties. “This is going to help so many people who need a check up, but do not have the means,” said Phoebe Community Benefits Coordinator Darrell Sabbs. The health fair will provide free health screening, educate men on preventative healthcare measures and encourage men to utilize a physician between health fairs. The health screenings include PSA, cholesterol, diabetes and blood pressure. “I keep track of my numbers every year,” said Poke. “I compare them to the year before to see what I need to improve.” The most important component of the health fair is to provide the men with an avenue to a primary physician. “It is important that these men understand the need for a primary healthcare physician,” said Sabbs. “We have seen overwhelming support from community businesses, including Dr. Ajay Gehlot, who will see any man that attends the fair and does not have a primary care doctor.” About 300 men are expected to show up for the health fair. The fair will be at Rees Park, 409 Elm Street, from 8 a.m.-noon and is sponsored by Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Harvey’s Supermarket of Americus, Mix 94.7 WDEC, Sumter County Health Department, WISK 98.7 and Sumter Convenient Care, Americus. Free breakfast and lunch will be provided. For more information, contact Marcus Johnson at (229) 942-5102. Note: The information contained in this message and any attachments may be privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any reading, dissemination, distribution, copying, or other use of this communication or any of its attachments is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by replying to this message and deleting this message, any attachments, and all copies and backups from your computer. If you have received this communication in error and are unable to reply to this message, please notify the sender immediately by telephone at (229) 924-6011. Thank you. Phoebe Sumter Medical Center.  
Phoebe Sumter Medical Center Interim President Keith Petersen recently addressed the Rotary Club of Americus regarding the latest news regarding the hospital and its future. Petersen, who was been President of the newly formed Phoebe Sumter since it officially opened on July 1st, told the members that groundbreaking for the new facility is scheduled for November 1st of this year. He also gave updates on incoming physicians and a number of other topics regarding the future of healthcare here in Southwest Georgia. If you would like Mr. Petersen or someone from the hospital to address your club or organization, please call 924-6011 and ask for the Marketing Department. 
Posted 08/31/2009 Phoebe Sumter Medical Center is pleased to announce that Jeremy Joyner, MD, General Surgery, has joined the Phoebe Sumter Physician Group and is now a member of the medical staff. Dr. Joyner will join his father, Dr. Douglas Joyner, and is currently accepting patients. He will begin seeing patients on Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 at 151 E Mayo Street in the Mayo Medical Plaza , across from the site of the old hospital. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm, and Fridays 8 am to Noon. To schedule an appointment, please call (229) 931-1159. A native of Americus, Dr. Joyner returns to Southwest Georgia after completing a Fellowship at the Minnesota Institute, which is located in Crosby, Minnesota . He completed both an Internship and Residency in General Surgery at the Medical College of Georgia (Augusta). Dr. Joyner earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology (Pre-Med) from Taylor University, located in Upland, Indiana, before moving on to earn his Doctorate of Medicine from the aforementioned Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Joyner is excited about returning home and is looking forward to becoming an active member of the community. When he is not working, he likes to play tennis and listen to music. He also likes spending time with his family: his wife, Laura (Sullivan) Joyner, also a native of Americus and children Tyler (7 years old), Cayce (5) and Anna Katherine (1). 
Phoebe Sumter Medical Center is in the planning stages of its upcoming Men’s Health Day in September, and is currently looking for volunteers to help plan and coordinate this huge event. The volunteers will help with all areas of this monumental event, which will offer a variety of screenings for men in the community, including PSA, Diabetes and Blood Pressure just to name a few. The first meeting will take place on Thursday, August 6th at 6:30 pm in the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center Conference Room. This will be the first in a series of event for the new “Men on the Move” initiative, which is designed to promote overall health and fitness for men in the community. If you would like to be a part of this event or need additional information, please call Marcus Johnson at 942-5102 or Darrell Sabbs at 942-1850.
Click here to see the pictures.
Robert Griffin The Americus Times-Recorder AMERICUS July 07, 2009 In the upstairs meeting room of the Rees Park Economic Development Center, the board of the newly named Phoebe Sumter Medical Center held its first open meeting Tuesday. The meeting started with an introduction from Phoebe Health Systems CEO Joel Wernick, who welcomed everyone. “We welcome all members of the community, and members of the media into our first meeting,” Wernick said. After Wernick’s introduction, interim CEO Keith Petersen gave his report, in which he commented on the July 1 celebration of the first official day of operation as Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. “We celebrated the coming of existence of Phoebe Sumter,” said Petersen, “and we had a great show of support from our employees, volunteers and the community.” Petersen also gave an update on when the public might see land being broken on the newly acquired hospital property. According to Petersen, some time this month the board should receive a finalized plan for the hospital from Gresham Smith, the architects of the project. “These plans will include the hospital and three walk-up buildings,” Petersen said, “which will include a Women’s Center, Multi-Specialty Clinic and a Wellness/Fitness Center.” Peterson went on to say that the plans were presented to the Hospital Authority of Sumter County, and that the review was quite positive. Also at the meeting the board ratified the lease and transfer agreements between the health system and the Americus and Sumter County Hospital Authority. After committee reports, the board voted to go into closed session to discuss personnel. When the board came back into open session it voted to approve a resolution to grant the following people credentials to work at the new hospital: Nilofer Ahsan, Bryan Shiver and Neil Stern. The board also reappointed the following for credentials: David Methany, Edwin Achu, Philip Tsolakis and Michele Womble.
ALBANY, Ga. – The Georgia Attorney General Office has approved the lease agreement between the Americus and Sumter County Hospital Authority and Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, an affiliate of Phoebe Putney Health System. The approval follows a public hearing last month. Senior Assistant Attorney General Hearing Officer Shereen M. Walls wrote the Report of Findings approving the 40-year lease agreement, which is effective July 1. In her ruling, Walls said that the Americus and Sumter County Hospital Authority and Phoebe Putney Health System have taken the appropriate steps to ensure the transaction is authorized, that the value of the charitable assets is safeguarded, and that any proceeds of the transaction are used for appropriate charitable health purposes. “We look forward to building a medical destination that provides for the health and wellness of the community and attracting a medical community of expert physicians and clinicians,” said Joel Wernick, president and CEO of Phoebe Putney Health System. The Phoebe Sumter Medical Center will be a medical village on 40 acres behind Granny’s Kitchen, at the intersection of Highway 19 and 280. Wernick said a two-story medical office building will be first on the construction list to accommodate the needs of physicians who will be moving to the community. A second medical office building will also be constructed adjoining the hospital. A 76-bed replacement hospital is expected to be completed in 2011. On March 1, 2007, Phoebe Sumter Medical Center was destroyed by a tornado and much of the medical community was forced to leave. In October 2008, Phoebe Putney Health System responded to a request from the Americus and Sumter County Hospital Authority to be a partner in rebuilding the Sumter hospital, which will be renamed Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. In the approved lease agreement, Phoebe Putney Health System agrees to pay no less than $25 million toward the construction of a replacement hospital and the re-building of the physician community. The approved agreement also requires Phoebe Putney Health System to guarantee the financial obligations and commitments of Phoebe Sumter. “We are encouraged by this decision in moving forward with a progressive new medical destination,” Wernick said. “A great board of local community volunteers is in place and everyone is ready to begin the work of rebuilding.” Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital is a part of Phoebe Putney Health System, which has several other affiliated entities, including Phoebe Worth Medical Center, Southwest Georgia Regional Medical Center, Morningside of Albany, and several health clinics and medical outreach programs over Southwest Georgia.” 
Officials at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center have been monitoring the situation and want the public to know that steps are in place to actively deal with a potential outbreak in Georgia. “As a result of intense planning over the past few years, Georgia hospitals are better prepared than ever before to respond to a potential swine flu outbreak,” said David Seagraves, President & CEO of Phoebe Sumter Medical Center . “In fact, through the leadership of the Georgia Hospital Association, in the past three years, every hospital in Georgia has developed a comprehensive flu plan. We are currently in constant communication with the Georgia Division of Public Health and we are also receiving regular updates and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in order to remain current with this evolving situation.” “The swine flu virus is not unlike other strains of flu in that its symptoms are similar and it is transmitted the same way as other influenza viruses,” said Dr. Sandra Zornes, Chairman of Infection Control Committee at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. “The major problem is that this strain is relatively new to public health officials and humans have little or no immunity to the virus. Consequently, there are currently no vaccines for it.” “Individuals who have flu-like symptoms (which could be defined as fever greater than 100 degrees plus one or more of the following: nasal congestion, sore throat, cough) and meet current CDC criteria, listed below, should be screened for possible swine flu (H1N1) virus,” said Zornes.  Close contact with a person who is confirmed, probable, or suspected case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, within the past 7 days ORTravel to a community either within the United States or internationally where there are one or more confirmed swine influenza A (H1N1) cases within 7 daysHospital officials, the CDC and the Georgia Division of Public Health all urge local citizens to follow normal precautions when dealing the flu or other contagious diseases. Wash your hands oftenUtilize alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water is not availableCover your mouth when sneezing or coughingAvoid touching nose, mouth, face or eyesIf you are sick, stay home from work or schoolIf you do develop flu-like symptoms, visit your primary physicianSeagraves said that Georgia has been proactive when it comes to disasters and other threats, and this instance would be no different. “Years ago, all Georgia hospitals signed a Mutual Aid Compact in which hospitals agree to assist each other in a public health crisis,” said Seagraves. “This agreement is unique in the country and underlines the spirit of collaboration within the Georgia hospital community. It puts the state’s hospital community in a much better position to save lives in a public health crisis.” As part of the Mutual Aid Compact, the Georgia Hospital Association created an innovative 911 Web Site which allows hospitals throughout the state to communicate and assist each other in times of crisis. Seagraves says the site also provides access to a wide variety of emergency preparedness resources that are designed to assist hospital caregivers in a crisis. “We have seen this system in action during Hurricane Katrina and of course our own personal situation with the March 1 tornado,” said Seagraves. “No one has to tell our staff that anything can happen, and just as before we will continue to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. We know how important planning and being prepared can be, and we will continue to have that type of thinking during these times.” Seagraves said that right now everyone is taking it day by day and monitoring the virus closely. “This is a fluid situation that has the potential to change rapidly. Neither the CDC nor the Georgia Division of Public Health really knows what to expect in the coming days,” said Seagraves. “The same is true for hospitals and other health care providers. While we don’t know how bad this could get or how many patients may n |
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| 1048 E. Forsyth Street, Americus, Georgia 31709, (229) 924-6011 | |||||||||||
