Novant Health Launches Advertising Campaign for Winter Olympics Linking Athletic Values to Its Approach to Patient Care

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

WINSTON-SALEM, NC -- Novant Health recently launched a new advertising campaign to coincide with the two-week broadcast of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The campaign includes five 30-second television commercials and 10 teaser ads involving 15 physicians and employees. The spots showcase Novant Health as a leading employer and provider of inpatient and outpatient care, and to promote Forsyth Medical Center as a destination for sports medicine and cardiovascular care.

Novant Health Facilities to Lift Visitor Restrictions

Monday, February 22, 2010

Forsyth Medical Center, Medical Park Hospital, Thomasville Medical Center and Novant Health's other acute care hospitals in North Carolina will lift visitor restrictions that temporarily prohibited children 18 and under from its hospitals during H1N1 and seasonal flu season.

Novant Health Board of Trustees Elects Evans as Chair

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Novant Health, a not-for-profit healthcare system serving the Carolinas, Virginia and Georgia, has announced the election of Dr. Lisa Evans as chair of the Board of Trustees.

Forsyth Medical Center Foundation Awarded Grant to Expand Breast Cancer Education and Screening Programs for Hispanic Women

Thursday, February 04, 2010

The Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund has awarded Forsyth Medical Center Foundation a one-year $32,000 grant for Forsyth Medical Center Imaging – The Breast Clinic to expand services and increase awareness of the life-saving benefits of early detection of breast cancer.  The Forsyth Medical Center Foundation was one of five first-time grantees across the country to receive funding.

Kernersville PrimeCare Recognized for Efforts to Make Doctor's Visits for Children Less Scary

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Kernersville PrimeCare has been awarded certification by CalmerKids^TM, a training program that helps medical staff of emergency and urgent care facilities improve care of children patients by reducing their fear and anxiety during treatment.

Novant Health PrimeCare Centers to Offer H1N1 Vaccines to Area Residents on Sunday, January 17

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Novant Health PrimeCare offices throughout the Triad area will be offering H1N1 vaccine to residents Sunday, January 17.  It is estimated that less than 30 percent of the U.S. population has received H1N1 vaccine.  Both CDC and World Health Organization officials are predicting that there likely may be a third wave of the H1N1 Virus in the coming weeks.

Novant Health and Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Resolve Issues Regarding The Provision of Healthcare Services in Western Forsyth County and in Davie County.

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

**Joint Announcement**

Novant Health and Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center said today they have resolved the issues regarding the provision of healthcare services in western Forsyth County and in Davie County.  The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Certificate of Need Section, has approved an agreement that will allow both organizations to obtain certificates of need to build hospitals and provide other medical services in those areas.

Gastroenterologists at Forsyth Medical Center Are First in the Area to Use Fiber Optic Probes to Help Diagnose Gallstones and Pancreatic Cancer

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Gastroenterologists at Forsyth Medical Center (FMC) became the first in the area last week to begin using a new micro-fiber optic system to help visualize, diagnose and treat conditions such as obstructions and stones within the biliary duct, which connects the liver to the small intestine. The new system, called the SpyGlass® Direct Visualization System, is expected to help improve biopsy success rates. 

Forsyth Medical Center launches region's first comprehensive teleneurology program, bringing 24/7 emergency stroke as well as neurology critical care to rural and small urban hospitals

Monday, October 26, 2009

Rural and small, suburban hospitals in North Carolina and Virginia can now provide a higher level of emergency stroke and critical neurology care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, as part of a new teleneurology medicine program announced by Forsyth Medical Center (FMC). The program, coordinated through the Forsyth Stroke and Neurosciences Center, allows medical staff at participating hospitals to rapidly connect with highly trained, board-certified neurologists using videoconferencing technology at the patient's bedside.

Forsyth Medical Center First in North Carolina to Receive American Heart Association and American Stroke Association’s National Award For Stroke Treatment

Monday, October 12, 2009

Forsyth Medical Center’s (FMC) stroke program is the first in North Carolina and the Mid-Atlantic Affiliate (Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Washington, D.C.) to receive national recognition from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) for its diagnosis and treatment of stroke.

Kirsten Royster Named Vice President of the Forsyth Cardiac & Vascular Center at Forsyth Medical Center

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

 Kirsten Royster, the senior director of support services at Forsyth Medical Center (FMC), has been named the new vice president of the Forsyth Cardiac & Vascular Center.

Novant and Prince William Complete Merger

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Prince William Health System (PWHS) of Manassas, Va., and Novant Health of North Carolina announced they have finalized an agreement to merge.

Nursing Team from Ghana To Train At Sara Lee Center for Women’s Health June 1-5 as Part of International Effort to Improve Childbirth Conditions

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Winston-Salem, N.C. – Hundreds of women die in Ghana each year while giving birth.  Most of the deaths are caused by excessive bleeding and pre-eclampsia, serious conditions that are usually considered treatable or even avoidable in the West.  In Ghana, however, overcrowded hospitals and a lack of access to specialized training make these high-risk conditions even more dangerous.

Novant Reports 2008 Financial Loss

Monday, April 20, 2009

In the past, most economists believed that it took a year or so for a bad overall economy to adversely affect healthcare.  Some even referred to healthcare as “recession-proof.”  After all, people still get sick and injured and need hospitals and physicians to take care of them.  That line of thinking, though, is no longer valid, having been contradicted by current events.

Novant Health experienced a $187 million loss in 2008. The health system still produced a positive operating margin, but it was not enough to offset large investment losses that have plagued the entire country and world.

The organization earned $23 million in operating income but lost $210 million in investment income, producing a 2008 net income loss of $187 million. In contrast, the health system had a positive net income in 2007 of $205 million.

Novant Health and Forsyth Medical Center dramatically improve hand hygiene and reduce MRSA infections: receive national award

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

WINSTON-SALEM - Novant Health and Forsyth Medical Center were recently named a national winner of the 2008 Ernest A. Codman Award from The Joint Commission. The prestigious Codman Award is presented to organizations that demonstrate exemplary performance to achieve healthcare quality improvement.

The health system was honored for its successful efforts to improve hand hygiene compliance and reducing the spread of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections.

Rowan Regional Medical Center Joins Novant Health

Saturday, August 30, 2008

The Board of Directors of Rowan Regional Medical Center voted unanimously last night to merge with Novant Health. This action follows a process begun by the board to consider an alliance with one of the state's major medical centers to strengthen the hospital's financial position and expand resources dedicated to its mission to provide quality health care services to a growing community.

Novant Refinances $198 Million of Bonds; Two of Three Agencies Confirm Ratings

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Novant Health, a not-for-profit healthcare system, refinanced $198 million of debt today. The refinancing will save approximately $17 million by taking advantage of lower interest rates.

Novant Health Forms Partnership with HMA and Seven Hospitals

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Novant Health has completed an agreement with Health Management Associates, Inc. (HMA) and purchased a 27 percent share of ownership of all seven HMA hospitals in North Carolina and South Carolina for $300 million. The parties completed the transaction on March 31, 2008.

Novant Health Leader Invited to World Health Congress in Germany

Monday, March 03, 2008

Rich McKnight, senior vice president and chief information officer at Novant Health, will be presenting insider details about Novant's adoption of Microsoft's Azyxxi software at the World Health Care Congress of Europe in Berlin, Germany on March 11, 2008.

Highland Oaks PrimeCare Extends Office Hours

Monday, February 18, 2008

Winston-Salem, NC - With flu cases approaching epidemic levels and a new strain of vaccine resistant flu infecting residents, the emergency department at Forsyth Medical Center as well as Novant Health physician practices throughout the area are seeing a significant increase in patients with respiratory illnesses.

To help handle these cases and provide faster care to patients, Novant Health will extend the hours of its PrimeCare Highland Oaks practice to 11:30 p.m., seven days a week for the next six to eight weeks. The PrimeCare practice normally closes at 7:30 p.m.

Novant and Rowan Regional Finalize Merger

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Charlotte, NC -- Novant Health and Rowan Regional Medical Center (RRMC) finalized their merger. In August 2007, the Board of Directors of RRMC voted unanimously to merge with Novant Health. This action followed a process the board used to study an alliance with one of the state's major medical centers and health systems to strengthen RRMC's financial position and expand resources dedicated to its mission to provide quality health care services to a growing community.

Forsyth Medical Center Opens New State-of-the-Art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Monday, October 29, 2007

Winston-Salem, N.C. - Forsyth Medical Center's smallest patients are getting a bigger home. On Tuesday morning, the Sara Lee Center for Women's Health's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) will expand into a larger, more private, 30,274-square-foot department in the new North Tower. The new NICU, which will be about three times larger than the current unit, will be the first department to move into the new wing of the hospital.

Robert Dillard, M.D., a neonatologist and medical director of the NICU, says the new 40-bed unit will offer parents and patients a quieter, more homelike environment with increased privacy and a more individualized model of care.

Novant Health Celebrates 10th Anniversary by Building Habitat Homes

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Presbyterian Hospital and its parent organization Novant Health solicited feedback from its managers and employees on how to best celebrate the healthcare system's tenth anniversary. After considering several good ideas, the organization chose the option that its employees overwhelmingly recommended - give something to its communities around the region.

Fourth Annual Cowgirl Rodeo to Raise Funds to Provide Free Mammograms for Uninsured Women

Monday, October 01, 2007

Harmony, NC - Rodeo rider Amanda Stewart will vie for her third-consecutive Debby Burgess Memorial Roping and Barrel Race championship on Saturday, October 6, as area cowgirls saddle up to help fight breast cancer in our region. The event will be held at the Diamond V Arena in Harmony, NC.
Organized by Cowgirls with a Cause, the event honors Debby Burgess, a rodeo rider who competed in numerous events during her career and died of breast cancer in 2003. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Forsyth Medical Center Foundation to fund free or reduced-cost mammograms and treatment for women who either don't have health insurance or need financial assistance. Last year's event raised more than $16,000 that helped 122 women in seven counties.

Village of Clemmons Passes Resolution of Support for Medical Park Hospital Clemmons

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Clemmons, NC - The Village of Clemmons Town Council unanimously passed a resolution of support for Medical Park Hospital Clemmons at its Monday, September 24 Council Meeting. The resolution expressed support for Medical Park Hospitals application with the State of North Carolina to build a new 50-bed hospital to serve residents of the Clemmons area, western Forsyth and Davie Counties.

"We believe this proposed facility will be a significant asset for our community because it will enhance the public health and welfare and improve the quality of life for our communitys residents," says Mayor Ed Brewer.

Medical Park Hospital announces 4 community meetings to gather community ideas on proposed Medical Park Hospital Clemmons

Monday, September 24, 2007

Winston-Salem, NC - Medical Park Hospital (MPH), an affiliate of Forsyth Medical Center (FMC), announced four meeting dates to present plans for the proposed Medical Park Hospital Clemmons and to gather community reaction. The four meetings will be held during the month of October across western Forsyth and Davie Counties to involve as many residents as possible in the community discussion on the proposed hospital.

"We feel it is important to hold meetings in all the communities to make it as convenient as possible for residents to attend," says Tim Shelton, president of Medical Park Hospital. "We know there will be a lot of questions about the proposed hospital and we want to be sure all residents have an opportunity to participate in the planning of their hospital."

Medical Park Hospital announces plans for new $96 million, 50-bed hospital in Clemmons

Monday, September 17, 2007

Village of Clemmons, N.C. - Medical Park Hospital (MPH), an affiliate of Forsyth Medical Center (FMC), announced today it has filed for state approval to build a new $96 million, 50-bed acute care hospital in the Village of Clemmons. The proposed hospital, called Medical Park Hospital - Clemmons, will be a second campus for Medical Park Hospital and will be located near Interstate 40 and Harper Road. Hospital officials also said they plan to modernize Medical Park Hospitals current campus on Hawthorne Road as an outpatient surgery facility that can accommodate overnight stays for patients in private rooms.

Novant Health Selects Microsoft Azyxxi to Improve Healthcare Delivery

Thursday, August 30, 2007

REDMOND, Wash., and WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Aug. 30, 2007 - Novant Health has joined the growing list of leading health institutions that want to get the most out of existing IT investments by improving organizationwide access to clinical, administrative and financial data. Novant will implement Azyxxi®, the Microsoft® unified health enterprise platform, throughout the enterprise, initially focusing on intensive care units and emergency departments and then expanding throughout its eight acute care hospitals and an 800-physician medical group.

Forsyth Medical Center Receives State Approval To Move Forward With New $84 Million, 50-Bed Acute Care Hospital in Kernersville

Friday, July 27, 2007

Kernersville, NC - Forsyth Medical Center (FMC) will announce today it has received approval from the State of North Carolina to move forward with construction of its new $84 million, 50-bed acute care hospital in Kernersville. The proposed site being purchased by FMC for the hospital is on approximately 70 acres near the Forsyth/Guilford County line bordered by Interstate 40 on the south and Macy Grove and Wishbone Farm roads on the east. The location will be accessible from both Macy Grove Road and Highway 66.

Forsyth Medical Centers Physician Practices Improve Diabetes Patient Care in First Year of National Medicare Study

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

WINSTON-SALEM, NC, July 11, 2007 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced today that Forsyth Medical Group and nine other participating physician groups improved the clinical management of diabetes patients in the first year of the three-year CMS-sponsored Physician Group Practice (PGP) Demonstration project. Forsyth Medical Group was one of only two groups to score 100 percent on all 10 diabetes care measures, while all 10 groups achieved benchmarks on at least seven of the measures.

Forsyth Medical Group's 254 primary-care and specialty physicians treat about 15,000 Medicare patients annually.

Forsyth Medical Center Announces Annual EMS Award for Excellence

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Center recently announced that Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Professional Wayne Tilley has received the 2nd Annual "Honoring Dedication to the Community" Award for Excellence in EMS. The recipient of the annual award is selected by EMS professionals. Mr. Tilley has been a paramedic since 1974, and has been with the Stokes County EMS Service since it was established.

Novant Health Forms Physician Malpractice Insurance Company

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Winston-Salem Novant Health announced today that it has formed a new physician malpractice insurance company to help the health system's doctors better control their medical malpractice premium costs. The company's name is New Star, Inc. and its operational offices will be based in Winston-Salem. New Star is licensed by the South Carolina Department of Insurance and also approved by the North Carolina Department of Insurance.

Forsyth Medical Center and Novant Health Ranked Seventh in Nation as Most Integrated Health System

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Forsyth Medical Center and Novant Health rank seventh among the Top 100 integrated healthcare networks in the United States, according to Verispan, a research firm that evaluates healthcare systems. The tenth annual survey was recently released in the national publication, Modern Healthcare, this week. Novant ranked eighth last year and is now the highest nationally ranked health system in North Carolina.

Forsyth Medical Center and Novant Health Join National Initiative to Reduce Prescriptions Errors

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Forsyth Medical Center (FMC) and Novant Health have joined a national coalition to provide free electronic prescribing capabilities for every physician in America. The coalition consists of prominent national technology companies and leading healthcare organizations who announced today the National ePrescribing Patient Safety Initiative (NEPSI). It's considered the first nationwide effort to improve patient safety by offering a solution to the medication errors that harm millions of people each year.