Welcome

Welcome to Memorial Health System of East Texas. As the largest health care system in the deep East Texas area, Memorial Health System of East Texas provides care to almost a quarter of a million patients each year. Since its inception in 1949, Memorial Health System has paved the way for quality, innovative health care in East Texas. In fact, our hospitals consistently rank among the nation’s best for exceptional health care and patient satisfaction.

National Social Work Month

A need to help others cope with and solve issues in their everyday lives describes the mission of a social worker. The Social Workers at Memorial Health System of East Texas are being recognized during National Professional Social Work Month, March, for their invaluable services. Social workers, in a medical or public health setting advise family caregivers, counsel patients, and help plan for patients’ needs after leaving the hospital. They may arrange for at-home services, such as meals-on-wheels or home care. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for social workers is expected to grow faster then the average for all occupations. Pictured are (L to R) Minerva Palomino; Sarah Derryberry; Dora Barron; Deborah Walters, Director of Case Management at Memorial Health System of East Texas and Amy Varnado.
 

Memorial Health System of East Texas

Utilizing Technology for Patient Safety

With the ability to research and choose the best health care options, Americans are looking toward health care organizations that not only are utilizing technologically advanced equipment and procedures but also are centered on the patient’s care and safety.  Memorial Health System of East Texas is recognizing patient safety week, by raising safety awareness in the community.

As a Joint Commission Accredited Health Care Organization, Memorial Health System of East Texas monitors many factors that come together to provide a safe patient experience.  Some of the most recognized patient safety goals are listed as:

• Accuracy of patient identification 
• Effectiveness of communication among caregivers 
• Safety of using medications
• Reduce the risk of health care–associated infections
• Accurately and completely reconcile medications across the continuum

of care

• Reduce the risk of patient harm resulting from falls

• Prevent health care–associated pressure ulcers
• The organization identifies safety risks inherent in its patient population

Memorial Health System of East Texas Joins Registered Dietitians

 in Promoting Healthy Food Choices

Empowering people through healthy food choices is just one of the many goals of a registered dietitian. Memorial Health System of East Texas is recognizing registered dietitians on Registered Dietitian Day, March 10, and joining them in spreading the message of the importance of developing sound eating and physical activity habits throughout March, National Nutrition Month.

Registered dietitians are experts in food and nutrition. They are highly trained and are able to help people eat in such a way that they get the most vitamins, minerals and nutrients without too many calories. In a hospital setting, registered dietitians are known as clinical dietitians and provide nutritional services to patients.

“As registered dietitians, our goal is to help others realize the importance of their food choices,” said Tim Scallon, Director of Clinical Nutrition at Memorial Health System of East Texas. “In fact we need to recognize and celebrate good nutrition everyday because after all a healthy lifestyle is a lifelong pursuit.”   Read the Press Release.

Dr. Bill Shelton’s Totally Awesome Fishing Adventure Set for May 1

Start practicing your cast, it’s time for the 17th Annual Dr. Bill Shelton’s Totally Awesome Fishing Adventure on Lake Sam Rayburn. This year’s tournament will be held Saturday, May 1 at Cassels-Boykin Park. All tournament proceeds benefit indigent cancer patients at the Arthur Temple Sr. Regional Cancer Center.

Fishermen and women can start looking for registration forms in March. Registration forms will be available online at www.memorialhealth.org as well as at Memorial Health System of East Texas, the Arthur Temple Sr. Regional Cancer Center or by calling Lindsey Mott at 936-639-7613. Fishermen also can register at Cassels-Boykin from Noon to 8 p.m., Friday, April 30, and 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. the morning of the tournament. The entry fee is $200 per team, one or two-person teams. There is a three-fish limit with culling allowed. Weigh in for all fishermen will start at Noon and end promptly at 3 p.m. at Cassels-Boykin Park, Saturday,

May 1.  Read the press release.  Download the 2010 entry form.

Keeping Local Industries Healthy

Healthy employees mean productive employees. Pilgrim’s Pride is one of many local industries taking advantage of free health fairs offered by Memorial Health System of East Texas. The Lufkin hospital recently reached out to the Pilgrim’s Pride 1000 plus employees and offered valuable health care information from breast, colorectal and prostate cancer awareness, and back safety prevention to diabetes and stroke education. Participants also had an opportunity to get their blood pressure checked. To schedule a free health fair for your business, contact 936-639-7675.

New Medical Procedure Attributed to saving the lives of 20 East Texans

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are the 15th leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, even if a patient is fortunate enough to get to a nearby hospital when an aneurysm ruptures, there is only a 50% chance that the patient will survive. But a patient’s chance of survival increases significantly to almost 100% if the aneurysm is discovered prior to rupture. Last May Lufkin’s newest cardiovascular surgeon introduced a life-saving technique at Memorial Medical Center—Lufkin, Percutaneous Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair (AAA). This minimally-invasive technique that requires no incision or stitches is attributed to saving the lives of approximately 20 East Texans to date.

The device used is called a Gore Excluder stent graft by Gore Medical. Using a long, thin plastic tube, the Gore Excluder stent graft is inserted through the groin into the femoral artery until it reaches the aorta, the major artery in the stomach. The physician watches the stent graft travel in the aorta by a method known as fluoroscopy which is real time x-ray images. The stent graft is a single fabric tube with a main body that lines the aorta and two limbs that branch to the femoral arteries. Once in place, the graft allows blood to flow through the artery without collecting in the aneurysm.

“The staff at Memorial Medical Center—Lufkin and our patients are very excited about this new procedure. With no incision or stitches, our patients were immediately ambulatory and discharged within 24 hours,” said Dr. Taylor Pickett.

Read the press release.
 

Memorial Health System of East Texas Raises

 Awareness of Eating Disorders

Affecting 7-10 million women and 1 million men, eating disorders affect all segments of society and are widespread throughout the nation. Memorial Health System of East Texas is joining a nation wide effort to bring awareness of the dangers of eating disorders and the importance of early intervention and treatment during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, February 21-27.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, eating disorders are complex conditions that arise from a combination of long-standing behavioral, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, biological and social factors. As our natural body size and shape is largely determined by genetics, fighting natural size and shape can lead to unhealthy dieting practices, poor body image and decreased self-esteem. The three most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.  Read the press release.
 

Heart Attack Survivor Speaks Out
During Heart Month

Keeping people mobile and their engines running has long been the ambition of Al Meyer. But in August 2007, he was faced with his own form of decreased mobility and engine blockage. At that moment he didn’t look to his automobile dealership for repair but to a local hospital.

With coronary heart disease the number one cause of death in the United States, we recognize February as the American Heart Association’s designated Heart Month. Meyer and Memorial Health System of East Texas want to educate the community on the importance of knowing the warning signs of a heart attack and what to do when you notice the symptoms.

Meyer had just returned from visiting Louisiana and enjoying meals filled with spicy Cajun seafood, when he noticed his stomach felt a little uneasy. While visiting his physician, it was discovered he had high blood pressure and needed to begin taking medication. Thinking everything was fine, a week later Meyer began to feel nauseated, sweaty and weak with an unusual feeling. Instead of calling 9-1-1 as recommended, Meyer waited twenty-five minutes for his wife to pick him up from his office and take him to see a doctor.  Read the press release.
 

Pride in Food Services Week

Memorial Health System of East Texas is shining the spotlight on Café Memorial during national “Pride Food Services Week.” Café Memorial has many exciting plans in the works for 2010 including a newly renovated cafeteria and an updated menu.

“Café Memorial,” which is managed by Sodexo Marriott, will adopt the new Sodexo standard that includes new menu items that have a more flavorful approach,” said Manuel Marini, Café Memorial Executive Chef.

Additionally, Café Memorial celebrates different themes each month. For the month of February, Black History month is recognized in the Café with a favorite Southern dish every Wednesday until the end of the month. Some other special dates that will be celebrated during the month of February include the Chinese New Year on February 12 and Fat Tuesday February 16.  Read the press release.

Cardiovascular Professionals Dedicate
Themselves to Treating Heart Disease
 

Chances are you might know someone with heart disease. After all it is estimated that one out of three Americans have heart disease, which is equivalent to 61 million Americans. This disease includes a variety of problems, including high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, chest pain, heart attacks, and strokes.

During “Heart Month” and “Cardiovascular Professionals Week,” Memorial Health System of East Texas is recognizing the talented team of professionals who dedicate their lives each day to saving the lives of those who suffer from cardiovascular disease. From routine and specialized catheterizations to valve repair utilizing the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System and open heart surgery, Memorial’s cardiac team challenges themselves to learn new procedure techniques and adapt to the most advanced technology on the market. Recognized by the American Heart Association, these highly skilled individuals provide East Texans with exceptional care right here at home. Front row: Erica Proctor, Surgical Tech; Brenda King, RN; Mark Bryan, RTR/RCIS; Janis Parcon, RN, BSN, CNOR; Jairo Monroy, Scrub Tech; Middle row: Mary Beier, Scrub Tech; Amy King, RN; Tim Morgan, Surgical Tech; John Brink, RN, Nurse Manager; Rebecca Wells, Clinical Assistant; Tom Carrington, RN; Melissa Taylor, RT(R); Brenda Greer, RN, CNOR; Stephanie Dilday, LVN Scrub Nurse; Ann Dupree, RN; Back row: Bobby Sims, RT(R); Jarrad Grumbles, RN, BSN, Cath Lab Nurse.
 

Memorial Volunteers Provide Technology to Help

 Newborn Babies with Jaundice

Jaundice is one of the most common problems with newborn babies. The Volunteer Auxiliary at Memorial Health System of East Texas is helping the Nursery to better care and treat newborns that experience jaundice. The Volunteers recently donated three neoBLUE LED Phototherapy lights to the Memorial Nursery. These Blue LED lights emit most of their light in the range that corresponds to the peak absorption at which bilirubin, the chemical that builds up in the blood causing jaundice, is broken down. Phototherapy has been the standard of care for the treatment of neonatal jaundice for several decades. Pictured with the neoBLUE LED Phototherapy lights are Yvette Compean, Director of Women's & Children's Services; Heather Warner, LVN; Sandy Williams, RN; Misti Lowe, RNC; Dr. Jeffrey Glass, Pediatrician; Don Newland, President of Memorial Health System of East Texas Volunteer Auxiliary and Robyn Devore, RN. 

In addition to purchasing equipment and supplies for the hospital, the money volunteers raise throughout the year helps fund academic scholarships for students pursuing health care careers. For more information on becoming a volunteer, visit www.memorialhealth.org or call 936-639-7237.  Watch the KTRE Video.

Memorial Medical Center – Livingston

 Receives Exemplary Performance Recognition

Memorial Medical Center – Livingston has been recognized for Exemplary Performance by the Texas Department of State Health Services for contributing to the health of Texas children through outstanding implementation of the newborn consent process for ImmTrac, the Texas Immunization Registry.

ImmTrac is the Texas immunization registry. It is a secure, confidential registry that stores children’s immunization information electronically, in one centralized system. Authorized professionals such as doctors, nurses and public health providers can access vaccination history at anytime which aids in avoiding unnecessary vaccinations as well as making sure children receive vaccines needed. Parents are also able to get their child’s immunization information at any time. Read the press release.

Memorial holds ribbon cutting for new Cardiovascular & Stroke Center; facility creates 60 new jobs

Memorial Health System of East Texas introduced its new facility to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday night.

The Cardiovascular & Stroke Center, 18 months in the making, could not have been completed without community support, hospital employee dedication and the generosity of the T.L.L. Temple Foundation, Memorial President and CEO Bryant Krenek said. The facility will work in conjunction with the Methodist Health System of Houston to provide state-of-the-art care to East Texans.

"We have come so far and can go further still," Memorial Chief of Staff Dr. Abraham F. Cheriyan said.

"What East Texans can dream East Texans can do," added state Rep. Jim McReynolds (D-Lufkin), who spoke during the dedication.

• Read the entire story in the Lufkin Daily News.

• Watch the video.

• Watch our slide show!