Summarized below are key initiatives/plans occurring during the weeks of Aug. 29 and Sept. 5 regarding progress at Hutcheson Medical Center in Ft. Oglethorpe under the management agreement with Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga, which became effective May 26, 2011.

At Hutcheson’s joint meeting of the Hospital Authority, Health Enterprises and Medical Center Boards Aug. 31, Joe Winick, Erlanger Chief Strategic Planner presented the overall strategic outline to the members along with Bill Cowen, planning committee chair. “Many hours of collaborate effort represented from Hutcheson board members and physicians went into this development, and their knowledge and experience played a dynamic role in the success of this plan,” Winick told the group. The approval of this document was granted and now sets Hutcheson with a forward momentum to collaborate on goals surrounding the plan for the new fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.

Service line strategy meetings continue as key representatives from Erlanger make visits to the Hutcheson campus. The main initiatives are to target specific needs and set clinical pathways for better patient care in areas such as emergency medicine, cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, cancer, women’s services and surgery.

Erlanger sponsored the North Georgia Medical Society’s monthly dinner Aug. 30 at Apocalypse restaurant in Ft. Oglethorpe. Officials from Erlanger and 12 active and retired area physicians discussed developments in the partnership agreement, along with updates on physician coverage and the current needs in north Georgia.

Beginning Sept. 15, cardiology services at Hutcheson are to be provided by UT Erlanger Cardiology Group. “We are excited to welcome this dedicated team of cardiologists,” said Debbie Reeves, Erlanger Administrator at Hutcheson. “I know our patients will have access to the highest standards of cardiology care provided through their leadership and our excellent staff.” The group was scheduled to host a “Meet and Greet” event Sept. 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Georgia Winery. All physicians in Catoosa, Walker and Dade counties were invited to meet the cardiology team who will begin providing services at Hutcheson. This meeting will allow North Georgia physicians to meet and develop relationships as the cardiologists join the Fort Oglethorpe facility in the coming weeks.

In the area of physician recruitment, plans are being finalized for complete 24/7 orthopedic coverage for Hutcheson’s Emergency Department. Dr. Peter Mulhern is currently covering call with additional physician support to be announced in the coming weeks. All of these efforts are targeted towards bolstering emergency and inpatient care at Hutcheson.

The Hutcheson Health Foundation will be hosting its annual Foundation Ball Oct. 29 at the Chattanoogan Hotel. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with dinner at 7, followed by dancing to The Splitz Band. The yearly awards for “Physician of the Year” and “Lifetime Achievement” will be presented. Proceeds from the event help to support the mission of Hutcheson Medical Center. Call 706-858-2126 for information.

Representatives from Children’s Hospital at Erlanger have been conducting an assessment of pediatric care capabilities at Hutcheson Emergency Room in an effort to build a stronger affiliation with Children’s Hospital, and strengthen the level of pediatric care and capabilities at Hutcheson.

The Hutcheson and Erlanger trauma teams continue to meet to work on guidelines for upgrading the trauma center designation at Hutcheson’s ER.

Representatives from Erlanger’s stroke team and Southeast Regional Stroke Center are looking at telemedicine for enhancing stroke initiatives and treatment at Hutcheson.

Article submitted by Hutcheson Medical Center.