Author: murrayhospital

Murray-Calloway County Hospital Recognizes Dr. David Koelsch

Murray-Calloway County Hospital recognizes Dr. David Koelsch for his commitment in providing care for 21 years to patients and families in our area.

Dr. Koelsch has been a part of West Kentucky Surgical, Inc., and is a board certified general surgeon who received his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University.  He completed his medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine where he also completed his surgery internship. He has specialized in colon and rectal cancer surgery, hernia repair, breast cancer, and breast reconstruction. Dr. Koelsch will be pursuing a new career in Oak Ridge, TN near both he and his wife, Peggy’s, family, as well as, close to one of their sons.

Dr. Koelsch left a message to the community and his patients as follows:

“It is with sadness I announce the ending of my time at MCCH.  I came to Murray fresh out of training.  My program director knew I wanted to practice a wide range of surgery and live on the lake.  In 1998, he connected me with Craig, whom he had said was looking for a partner of similar surgical upbringing for several years and the rest as they say is history.  

Murray was sold to me as a great place to raise a family, and it did not disappoint.  I am forever thankful to the teachers, church members, neighbors, scout masters, coaches and friends that helped me raise my boys into Christian young men to go out into the world and make it a better place.  

Peggy and I both tried to do that while we here in Murray, and felt we have accomplished that goal with our work in the schools, church, Needline, Angels Attic and of course the hospital both as a provider and a medical staff leader.

I am proud of our hospital.  Since I have been here we have advanced in women’s breast health and cancer care, we built a new hospital, we have added interventional cardiology, we have plans for a state of the art cancer center,” commented Dr. Koelsch.

Massey Named February Employee of the Month at MCCH

Murray-Calloway County Hospital recently named Brandy Massey as the February 2022 Employee of the Month. Massey is a Nursing Assistant in the Progressive Care Unit (PCU). She has been caring for patients at MCCH since February 2020.

Comments from a fellow employee:

Brandy goes above and beyond with her care towards patients. Not only does she do the standard car expected of a CNA, she is always willing to help any fellow staff member no matter their profession. I have witnessed her not only assisting with cleaning, dressing, and washing patients, but also assisting with ventilator patients in the CCU and having EKGs completed with print outs ready and waiting for providers as soon as they walk in the building. She also takes the time to learn about all of the equipment that is in use with her patients and asks questions about how an oxygen mask works or what alarms she should watch out for to contact Respiratory. Often times improving the patient’s speed of care by knowing when it is necessary to call Respiratory STAT or inform that a non-emergent alarm is sounding that can be fixed once our other patients are stable. Brandy is an asset to this hospital and a staple to night shift. That is what qualifies her to receive employee of the month.

Left to Right: Whitney Riddle, RN, Jeff Eye, Chief Nursing Officer, Scarlet Barnett, Director of CCU, PCU and the Emergency Department, Davy Vincent, RN, Brandy Massey, Nursing Assistant, Jerry Penner, CEO and Veronica Milburn, RN.

Murray-Calloway County Hospital Announces Milk Bank Donation

Murray-Calloway County Hospital (MCCH), and The Milk Bank (TMB) received a donation of nearly 24.14 pounds totaling 398.02 lbs. from Janna French of Paris, TN, to support the new program.

As a part of the program, Janna had to follow specific guidelines that included an initial screening, nutrition diary, and no medications in her regular routine.

A Milk Depot is a site where approved donor mothers can drop off frozen, surplus breast milk. The milk is transported to The Milk Bank in Indianapolis to be pasteurized and distributed to NICUs and outpatient families throughout the Midwest. Ideal candidates for milk donors are non-smoking women in good general health who take limited to no medications or herbal supplements. For clarification on eligibility, contact The Milk Bank at (317) 536-1670 or visit themilkbank.org/donate-milk.

In the absence of an infant’s own mother’s milk, pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) offers many of the same benefits, such as optimal nutrition, easy digestibility, and immunologic protection against organisms and diseases. The Milk Bank aims to encourage breastfeeding mothers and provide PDHM for any infant or child with medical necessity.

About The Milk Bank

The Milk Bank was established to improve health outcomes for premature and ill infants, foster better health for children and decrease health care expenditures. The Milk Bank receives human milk from carefully screened donors, pasteurizes, freezes, and distributes it throughout the United States. As a non-profit, community-supported entity, The Milk Bank is the first and only human milk bank in Indiana. The Milk Bank is a proud member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America.

Murray-Calloway County Hospital Now Offering Speech Pathology Services

Murray-Calloway County Hospital is pleased to welcome Carlie Bourland, SLP to the Center for Rehab & Sports Medicine.

She completed her Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Murray State University and has worked in various locations to further her experience including Sensory Solutions, LLC, Orthopedic Neurological Rehabilitation, and EmpowerMe Wellness.

Ms. Bourland will work with patients to complete an evaluation and create a treatment plan for those with communication disorders and swallowing disorders. Speech-language pathologists, such as Bourland, work with people of all ages to assess, diagnose, treat and help prevent many types of communication and swallowing disorders.

Diagnosis May Include:

  • Speech sounds: Articulation, phonological
    disorders, apraxia of speech, or dysarthria
  • Language: Comprehension of written or verbal language or aphasia in adults
  • Social communication: Social cues, use of social space or pragmatics
  • Voice: Ability to speak and make sounds
  • Fluency: Stuttering
  • Cognitive communication: Memory, attention problem solving, organization, and other thinking skills
  • Feeding and swallowing: Dysphagia

These Disorders May be Caused By:

  • Brain damage, due to stroke or head injury
  • Diseases that progress over time, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease
  • Head, neck or mouth cancer
  • Dementia
  • Developmental disorders

If you believe you or a family member might benefit from speech therapy, talk to your doctor about a referral to the Center for Rehab and Sports Medicine at Murray Hospital.

If you have any additional questions regarding speech therapy services, please contact the Center for Rehab and Sports Medicine at 270.762.1854 or visit www.murrayhospital.org.

Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Ali Homayuni Named Top Doctor by Castle Connolly

Murray-Calloway County Hospital is pleased to announce that Castle Connolly chose Dr. Ali Homayuni, Interventional Cardiologist, as a Top Doctor since 1991.

Castle Connolly’s physician-led team of researchers follow a rigorous screening process to select top doctors on both the national and regional levels. Doctors do not and cannot pay to be selected and profiled as Castle Connolly Top Doctors. Its online nomination process is open to all licensed physicians in America who are able to nominate physicians in any medical specialty and in any part of the country, as well as indicate whether the nominated physician is among the best in their region in their medical specialty or among the best in the nation in their medical specialty. Careful screening of doctors’ educational and professional experience is essential before final selection is made among those physicians most highly regarded by their peers.

Dr. Homayuni completed his medical degree at State University of New York Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, and completed his residency at Staten Island University Hospital in Internal Medicine. He continued his education by becoming Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Interventional Cardiology, Vascular Medicine/Endovascular Medicine and Echocardiography.

He previously worked as an Interventional Cardiologist with Cardiosolutions in Hazard, KY, and prior to his most recent role worked as the Director of Interventional Cardiology at the Cardiovascular Institute of Mississippi in McComb, MS for ten years.

He was instrumental in the start of the Interventional Cardiology service line at MCCH that began in February 2020 and has since completed over 745 heart caths and 281 interventions. The program currently has a 30 minute door to balloon time.

He is married to his wife, Alexandra, for 37 years and they have four children. During his spare time he enjoys biking, hunting, fishing and working out at the gym.

Dr. Homayuni has joined Murray-Calloway County Hospital and the practice of Murray Cardiology Associates to lead the Murray Heart and Vascular program.  If you have any questions, please contact the Marketing Department at 270.762.1381 or visit www.murrayhospital.org.

Murray-Calloway County Hospital Recognizes American Heart Month in February

February is National American Heart Month and Murray-Calloway County Hospital is joining in the national effort to educate communities on the importance of being heart healthy. Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds.  Fortunately, we can change that because 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education and action. Five numbers that all women should know to take control of their heart health are: Total Cholesterol, HDL (good) Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar and Body Mass Index (BMI). Knowing these numbers can help women and their healthcare provider determine their risk for developing cardiovascular diseases.

During American Heart Month, Murray-Calloway County Hospital is celebrating the two year anniversary of starting the Interventional Cardiology Program.

MCCH cardiologists began providing services at Murray-Calloway County Hospital in the Murray Cardiology practice located in the Medical Arts Building on campus. This has included inpatient care, emergency consults, invasive procedures and outpatient cardiology care.

Dr. Ali Homayuni, one of the interventional cardiologists with the program has over 25 years of experience and has been with MCCH since the program began. Dr. Homayuni completed his medical degree at State University of New York Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, and completed his residency at Staten Island University Hospital in Internal Medicine. He continued his education by becoming Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Interventional Cardiology, Vascular Medicine/Endovascular Medicine and Echocardiography.

Due to the size of Calloway County, people would expect that our hospital would have a low volume of advanced cardiac procedures, however, MCCH experiences many patients who currently are transferred when signs of a cardiac episode happen. The expertise of this physician has led to a specialized heart team to focus on patients in our area. The program has completed 745 Heart Caths since its inception, 281 Interventions, and is currently at 30 minutes door to balloon time when patients enter the Emergency Department.

For more information on the Interventional Cardiology program at MCCH, contact the Marketing Department at 270.762.1381 or visit us online at www.murrayhospital.org.

Pictured: Dr. Homayuni, Interventional Cardiologist, Charlie Barnes, Director of Cardiopulmonary along with team members of the Cath Lab.

Murray-Calloway County Hospital Announces Milk Bank Donation

Murray-Calloway County Hospital (MCCH), and The Milk Bank (TMB) received a donation of nearly 90 ounces from Angela Taylor of Murray to support the new program.

“As a mother of eight children ranging from 18 years to 1 year in age, this is something that I have wanted to do for years.  However, until recently there have been no milk bank donating sites in our area.  I wanted to give my support to others by giving back…giving at risk babies something that might give them that extra boost that they need to thrive.  I have known so many women that have wanted to breastfeed and for various reasons couldn’t. I’ve been blessed to be able to do so easily, so why not share my blessing with others,” Angela commented.

She wanted to give back to the community and she had great experiences with the delivery of seven of her eight children at Murray Hospital.

As a part of the program, Angela had to follow specific guidelines that included an initial screening, nutrition diary, and inform the program about any medications in her regular routine. Any routine medication has to meet the standards and approval of The Milk Bank.  She also completed specific blood work established by the organization. After receiving approval, she then received a donor number and is responsible for providing updates on any illnesses or changes in medication.

A Milk Depot is a site where approved donor mothers can drop off frozen, surplus breast milk. The milk is transported to The Milk Bank in Indianapolis to be pasteurized and distributed to NICUs and outpatient families throughout the Midwest. Ideal candidates for milk donors are non-smoking women in good general health who take limited to no medications or herbal supplements. For clarification on eligibility, contact The Milk Bank at (317) 536-1670 or visit themilkbank.org/donate-milk.

In the absence of an infant’s own mother’s milk, pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) offers many of the same benefits, such as optimal nutrition, easy digestibility, and immunologic protection against organisms and diseases. The Milk Bank aims to encourage breastfeeding mothers and provide PDHM for any infant or child with medical necessity.

About The Milk Bank

The Milk Bank was established to improve health outcomes for premature and ill infants, foster better health for children and decrease health care expenditures. The Milk Bank receives human milk from carefully screened donors, pasteurizes, freezes, and distributes it throughout the United States. As a non-profit, community-supported entity, The Milk Bank is the first and only human milk bank in Indiana. The Milk Bank is a proud member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America.

Murray Medical Associates and MCCH Sponsor MSU Racer Basketball Game Against UT Martin

Murray Medical Associates and Murray-Calloway County Hospital were the title sponsors for Saturday night’s Racer basketball game against UT Martin.

Providers, staff, and their family members were recognized on the court during the first time-out of the game. Dr. Richard Crouch, Dr. Alison Ford, APRNs, Erica Bazzell, Melissa Johnson, Dana Alexander and Kathy Crawford were among those represented, along with MCCH Chief Operating Officer John Wilson.

The game ball was presented to Dr. Alison Ford  by MSU Director of Athletics, Allen Ward, for her excellent care and outstanding service to the Murray community. During the recognition, MMA staff threw t-shirts into the crowd.

It was great night for a Racer win!

Pictured: Providers and staff of MMA, along with their family members.

Murray-Calloway County Hospital Welcomes Karen Ellis, Community Education Manager

Murray-Calloway County Hospital is pleased to welcome Karen Ellis, Community Education Manager for the Geriatric Behavioral Health Unit. She will be educating the community and area providers about the GBH program.

Ellis obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Union University in Religion and Sociology. She is currently working on her Master’s in Human Services. She has worked in various healthcare settings including Home Health, Long Term Care, and has 21 years of experience in Hospice.

She is married and the mother of five kids, two grandkids, and five dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, spending time with family, and playing the piano. She is also a VOLS fan.

For more information on the Geriatric Behavioral Health program affiliated with MCCH, please contact the Marketing Department at 270.762.1381 or visit www.murrayhospital.org.

MCCH Miracle Moments Maternity Center Now Offering Online Childbirth Classes

Murray-Calloway County Hospital’s Miracle Moments program now has free online childbirth classes for expecting parents that range from labor and delivery to the mother and her postpartum period.

In the first class, new parents will learn about pregnancy when to go to the hospital, the laboring process and more. The second class will teach parents about medical interventions, pain relief options, fetal monitoring, C-sections and more. New parents will explore postpartum and baby safety in the third class. The last class is on how to care for a newborn.

There is a breastfeeding class offered virtual as well. Expectant parents can also schedule a prenatal breastfeeding consult with Victoria Adams, RN, BSN, CLC, Lactation Educator, by calling 270-762-1940.

For more information, contact the Marketing Department at 270.762.1381 or visit www.murrayhospital.org