Covington County resident Mitchell Myers considers Mizell Memorial Hospital in Opp to be “full of incredible possibilities” while it is to make steps towards the future.
After having served in various leadership roles, Myers was promoted to CEO in December.
“It is a huge honor giving back to the community that has given me so much when I was a kid,” Myers said. “I enjoyed many Sunday meals in the laboratory of Mizell with my mother, when she worked weekends. I am looking forward to the chance to make improvements that will help propel Mizell to success today and into the future. I believe that the hospital is undergoing improvements and making progress towards growing. We are introducing pain management and a brand new orthopedic and a new podiatrist and we are actively recruiting new talent to help us meet the health requirements in Opp and Covington County. .”
A major one of the largest hospital projects in 2022 was a major overhaul of its cooling and heating systems.
“Some pieces of equipment that we used to run our cooling and heating systems was in the mid 1960s to early 1970s. The equipment lasted longer than its intended life span by a considerable amount. We began to experience issues with the system’s being unable to adequately to cool and heat the building. We’ll be able manage our heating and air conditioning more efficiently following this crucial work,” he said.
Mizell is also announcing a shift to its Anesthesia service change to Community Anesthesia Group, LLC and plans to add the pain management program. The program is comprised of two CRNAs on full-time basis and can improve the management of postoperative pain.
“This innovative program is expected to introduce more modern techniques and technology into the institution, providing top-quality care to patients and improved outcomes for patients. It will enable greater effectiveness in pain management and help fight the opioid epidemic we’re facing. It is a non-opioid method of pain management which will improve quality of life through recovering the capacity to handle the daily activities that .”
A number of new staff members were brought on to The Mizell team in the year 2022. These include an orthopedic surgeon. Doctor. Michael Maschek will be at the specialist clinic in the role of a podiatrist.
“One frequently mentioned need by our community members on Mizell’s Community Health Needs Assessment is podiatry,” Myers said. “We don’t have a full-time podiatrist available in the region. This specialization allows for better access to treatment for patients. He is able to provide surgical procedures that are specialized in podiatric medicine. The doctor. Maschek has a passion for wound healing, which is a common practice in our community due to the huge number of patients suffering from diabetes. We are delighted to provide these services. .”
A orthopedic doctor Dr. Sean Owen practices on the second floor.
“It is a huge blessing having an expertly trained and certified orthopedic surgeon in our region. This allows patients to remain within their own communities for treatment. If someone suffers a serious orthopedic injury, they’ll get treatment equal to or even better than the tertiary institution this is a big deal. This is beneficial financially, however our focus is on providing high-quality care before the revenues follow,” Myers said.
The majority of equipment was upgraded across the entire facility. Bedside monitors for critical care as well as telemetry equipment were upgraded as beds with older than two years were fitted with new mattresses for the inpatient units. In swing beds, the number of beds used for rehabilitation of short duration were also up.
The hospital also experienced a variety of innovations in technology. New stretchers designed to provide greater comfort were installed within the emergency room. A new system for calling lights was added to facilitate better communication between patients and healthcare teams. Televisions were upgraded to the room for inpatient care on medical/surgery and in ICU. A PCR machine was brought in to the lab to improve testing capabilities. Three new ventilators were added.
“Mizell has been in existence since 1949 and modernizations are essential to provide an atmosphere of comfort for employees as well as a relaxing location to receive medical care for patients. The upgrades enable us to use the latest equipment and methods within Opp,” he said.
The most significant improvements was the introduction of a brand new 3D mammogram machine from Hologic.
“The new mammogram technology provides greater comfort for patients and significantly higher detection rates. This can help in the detection of breast cancer earlier. The early intervention is essential for any cancer including breast cancer. It is not an exception. .”
Volumes of ER were increased up to levels pre-pandemic.
“This can be attributed to the fear of hospitalization being eliminated. When COVID was prevalent there was a fear of contracting COVID when they visited the hospital. In the meantime, as COVID has decreased and people feel more comfortable with seeking medical attention,” Myers said.
Mizell’s food and dietary department was has been open to the public since in the year 2000 with ovens, stoves, and fryers in the kitchen.
“Dietary offers a nutritious hot and hot meal at affordable prices to the people in the community. It also fosters interactions between hospital personnel as well as the residents. This creates a positive connection and comforts patients who see familiar faces despite fighting health issues .”
Speech therapy for outpatients and inpatients has seen a rise in the last two years. A center for outpatient infusions opened to offer specialty infusions, antibiotics for outpatients, hydrotherapy, and more.
The first primary-care clinic was opened in Elba. The CRNP Dylan McCollough is accepting new patients as well as walk-ins to Elba Healthcare. For more information, call 334-493-5713. appointment times.
The number of patients at the center for sleep disorders saw an increase in volume as the Dr. Geoffrey Lipscomb was brought into the center to conduct sleep studies.
“We have a wonderful staff at our sleep disorder center. We have an outstanding reputation for helpful customer service and fast turnaround times. James Anderson does a phenomenal job of keeping our certification current and directing a team of excellent employees. The employees are given every credit of the success we’ve seen in this sector,” Myers stated.
The Mizell Memorial Hospital Foundation held its inaugural gala within a couple of years. The hospital is also planning to revive it’s service auxiliary (volunteer) volunteer program.
“COVID affected our auxiliary since they could not help or meet the needs of the hospital. Inactivity affected membership, as we all know that out from sight and out of our minds. If we’re functioning properly there are enough members who can work within our facility,” said Human Resources Director Cheryl Hampton said.
Hampton said that the auxiliary is a part of the local culture.
“They could be a smiley face greeting visitors and patients and giving directions, or assist nurses by taking patients’ ice, filing offices as well as many other tasks. Through the years the auxiliary has offered items like new wheelchairs, activities supplies that we provide to our elderly behavioral health unit, as well as swing bed (rehab) patient, essential sign machines, and other things through their fundraising efforts. If you’re willing to volunteer, we will help you find a position for you. .”
Malori Mitchell is the auxiliary liaison to the hospital as well as Edmond Hudson is the current vice president of the auxiliary.
Mizell Memorial Hospital is located at 702 North Main Street in Opp. For more information, call 334-493-3541.
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