Author: murrayhospital

The Geriatric Behavioral Health Unit at Murray-Calloway County Hospital  (MCCH) joins with NAMI to recognize Mental Health Awareness Week.  This year we’ve seen the numbers of Americans impacted by mental health conditions on the rise as a result of the pandemic and more people than ever need help. In honor of Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) on Oct. 4-10, 2020, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and participants across the country are raising awareness and educating about mental illness warning signs and symptoms.

This year’s theme for MIAW is “What People with Mental Illness Want You to Know.” Too often, people with mental illness are marginalized, isolated and discriminated against because their conditions are misunderstood by the general public. 

One in five adults experience mental illness every year. Although many people today understand that mental illness is a medical condition, there are still many stigmatizing misconceptions and stereotypes at large. By amplifying the voices of people with lived experience during MIAW, NAMI hopes to increase awareness, empathy and compassion for those with mental illness.

The Geriatric Behavioral Health Unit at Murray-Calloway County Hospital works with variations of those with a mental illness. It is an inpatient geriatric-psychiatric program for short-term care. It is a hospital-based program for individuals 55+ who are experiencing emotional or behavioral problems. The 12-bed inpatient unit is on the 2nd Floor of the North Towers and was specially designed to meet the needs of geriatric-psychiatric patients with a separate dining area, a recreational therapy room, and comfortable patient rooms. The program provides compassionate, short-term, comprehensive care for older patients in a secure, caring setting.

The unit admits patients who are 55 years of age or older and whose primary diagnosis is psychiatric. Signs and symptoms that may indicated treatment is needed include:

• Major Depression
• Psychotic episodes
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Mood instability
• Mania
• Verbal or physical aggression
• Hallucinations
• Increased confusion
• Behavioral issues related to dementia
• Delusions or paranoia

Features of the behavioral health unit include:
• Nurses’ station
• Recreational therapy room
• Group and community dining area
• Quiet room

Learn more about Mental Illness Awareness Week and NAMI offers information about mental illness conditions, symptoms and treatment through the NAMI HelpLine at 800-950-NAMI (6264).

For more information about the Geriatric Behavioral Health Unit at MCCH, call 270.762.1220.

Murray-Calloway County Hospital announces the retirement of two long time physicians, Dr. Richard Crouch, Family Medicine at Murray Medical Associates and Dr. Ray Charette, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Murray Orthopaedics.

Dr. Ray Charette has served our community for over 40 years. He is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon and a fellow in Total Joint Replacement and a member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. Charette graduated Magna cum Laude and completed his medical degree from the University of Ottowa in 1974, followed by a residency in General Orthopaedics at the University of Ottowa Faculty of Health Sciences at Montreal General Hospital. He also completed a Total Joint Replacement fellowship at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Ind.

Dr. Crouch received his medical degree from the University of Kentucky and has cared for the families of our community for over 42 years. He will continue serving on the Murray Independent School District Board of Education after 30+ years and during retirement plans on taking some classes at Murray State University.

“Dr. Crouch and Dr. Charette have been pillars to providing healthcare to our community for many years,” said Jerry Penner, CEO. “Their dedication to our patients has been first-class. We wish them the best in retirement.”

THANK YOU doesn’t say enough for this group of Murray Masketeers and Corrie Johnson for coordinating this group who made over 4,300 masks and donated many to MCCH and other healthcare facilities. We appreciate your dedication to our employees, our patients, and our community as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Dan Miller recently donated several historical works of art to Murray-Calloway County Hospital. Dr. Miller formerly had the pieces displayed in his medical office. Pictured are photos of the Mason Memorial Hospital, Murray Surgical Hospital and a watercolor of Mason Memorial Hospital. MCCH plans to display the works of art throughout the hospital.

For more information, please call the Marketing Dept. at 270.762-1381.

Pictured left to right – Jerry Penner, CEO, MCCH & Dr. Dan Miller, Retired Physician

Murray-Calloway County Hospital recently recognized Jillian B. Stiles-Wells, RN, with the Interventional Cardiology team honored by Strathmore’s Who’s Who for her demonstrated leadership and achievement in her profession.

“We are honored to have Jillian on our Cath Lab team at MCCH, we are extremely excited for her to receive this award in her area of expertise,” said Charlene Barnes, Director of Cardiopulmonary.

For more information, please call the Marketing Dept. at 270.762-1381.

Peel and Holland Insurance recently donated meals for 125 employees at Murray-Calloway County Hospital. This effort was organized by their employee-led Caring Committee as part of a regional initiative to support and recognize various local organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their meals donation to MCCH was also designed to support the business of a local restaurant, The Big Apple Café.

“We’ve always set aside budget to support the communities where we work and do business, however this year our team has really ramped up that effort given the many challenges that have hit our region hard. Many businesses are suffering due to quarantine measures, and our public safety and healthcare professionals are feeling more stress than ever,” said president of Peel & Holland Roy Riley. “Peel & Holland is fortunate to be in a position to share our support. I am extremely proud of our employees who make up our Caring Committee. Their goal has been to spread positivity and gratitude during a very rough time. Providing a meal for MCCH employees is just one more way we can show how much we care and appreciate our local healthcare professionals.”

For more information about other positive stories like these during the COVID-19 pandemic, please call the Marketing Dept. at 270.762-1381.

Pictured are employees from The Big Apple Café delivering meals donated by Peel and Holland.

Murray-Calloway County Hospital and Murray Medical Associates will end FREE Covid-19 testing beginning Monday, June 8^th. Testing will continue to be available Monday – Friday from 9 am – 4 pm at the drive thru location on the West Side Entrance of the Hospital (Parking lot is marked by a sign with the state of Kentucky). Saturday testing will take place in the Murray Medical Associates Walk In Clinic located in Suite 180 West of the Medical Arts Building.

Individuals who would like to be tested should present their insurance card and have proper identification available. Most insurances will pay for the testing.

Some symptoms for Covid-19 may include the following:

• Fever, chills, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Patients will be notified of the results and recommended appropriate treatment. For more information on COVID-19 Curbside Testing, please call 270.753.0704.

The Center for Health & Wellness has re-opened.

The Center for Health and Wellness has implemented a resumption of services based on the guidelines provided by the state of Kentucky and the CDC. This phased reopening began on June 1st.  While no one knows exactly when we will be able to return to “normal” operations, we look forward to seeing our members.

Some of the guidelines will be the same as those for many businesses that are re-opening in addition to some specific requirements that will protect our members and staff. The Wellness Center will enforce strict social distancing in all areas of the facility.

Floor signage will be in place to indicate appropriate social distancing. It is critical to emphasize that maintaining social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus.

Exercise equipment will be clearly marked on availability to maintain these guidelines and members will be asked to help us by cleaning the equipment after each use. 

Everyone who comes to the Center for Health & Wellness will be required to wear a mask upon entering the facility, undergo a brief health screening and sanitize hands.

The pool will re-open on June 7 for lap swimming.

If you have any questions, please contact the Marketing Department at 270.762.1381 or visit www.murrayhospital.org.

We understand the importance of having family and loved ones nearby while being in the hospital, we are updating our visitor policy and will be allowing one visitor at a time in phases beginning June 1. We are asking everyone to bring a mask with them, and it is to be worn at all times. THANK YOU for your cooperation as we continue to navigate our way through this pandemic.