DCH News
Awards & Recognitions
Ribbon-cutting ceremony held naming building in honor of champion of children's healthcare
June 04, 2012
Cutting the ribbon for the C. Ivan Wilson Patient Support Center June 4 were (from left) Steve Woerner, Driscoll president & CEO; Joe Fulton, Driscoll Foundation trustee; Lenora Keas, Driscoll Children's Hospital governing board member; Loyd Neal, chairman of the governing board; Sam L. Susser, president & CEO of Susser Holdings Corp. & Driscoll Foundation trustee; C. Ivan Wilson, governing board member; his wife, Lola Wilson; and Corpus Christi Mayor Joe Adame.
CORPUS CHRISTI - A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held today at Driscoll Children's Hospital's newly renovated C. Ivan Wilson Patient Support Center. Attendees saw beautifully landscaped grounds, freshly painted, tan stucco exterior walls with blue and brown trim and a shaded, covered entrance. Driscoll officials were joined by Corpus Christi Mayor Joe Adame, Loyd Neal and C. Ivan Wilson for the ceremony, which included the unveiling of a bronze bust of Wilson that is displayed in the foyer.
The building is a fitting testament to the man who has been actively involved with Driscoll Children's Hospital for decades, said Steve Woerner, Driscoll president and chief executive officer.
"Ivan has been an instrumental part of the Driscoll team for 30 years. Our organization has flourished due in large part to his selfless efforts. He has never lost sight of Driscoll's mission - to offer hope and healing to children in an environment of trust, compassion and care."
Wilson became a trustee of the Robert Driscoll and Julia Driscoll and Robert Driscoll Jr. Foundation in 1982 and a member of the hospital's governing board in 1983. He has served as treasurer of the board and was its chairman from January 2001 to September 2011. He remains a board member. Wilson has long been a champion of high-quality healthcare for the children of South Texas, and his dedication to Driscoll has inspired many people.
The C. Ivan Wilson Patient Support Center was formerly a synagogue. Renovation of the 13,700 square-foot building began in August 2011. Marble flooring in the entryway, high ceilings and solid wood paneling are some of its new features. Once all renovations are complete, Driscoll will provide a variety of patient support services in the building.
What: Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the C. Ivan Wilson Patient Support Center at Driscoll Children's Hospital
When: 10 a.m. Monday, June 4
Where: 3434 Fort Worth St. (next to the Ronald McDonald House behind Driscoll Children's Hospital, 3533 S. Alameda St.)
Ribbon cutting for C. Ivan Wilson Patient Support Center will be June 4
June 01, 2012
WHAT: Driscoll Children's Hospital officials will be joined by local dignitaries for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly renovated C. Ivan Wilson Patient Support Center. The event will include the unveiling of a surprise tribute to Wilson.
WHEN: 10 a.m. Monday, June 4
WHERE: 3434 Fort Worth St. (next to the Ronald McDonald House behind Driscoll Children's Hospital, 3533 S. Alameda St.)
Driscoll Children's Hospital achieves Joint Commission accreditation with flying colors
May 29, 2012
CORPUS CHRISTI - Driscoll Children's Hospital has earned the Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with the organization's national standards for healthcare quality and safety in hospitals. The accreditation award recognizes the hospital's dedication to continuous compliance with the Joint Commission's state-of-the-art standards.
Driscoll underwent a rigorous, unannounced, on-site survey in April. A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated the hospital for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.
"In achieving Joint Commission accreditation, Driscoll Children's Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients," said Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, executive director, Hospital Programs, Accreditation and Certification Services for the Joint Commission. "Accreditation is a voluntary process and I commend Driscoll for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves."
Joint Commission accreditation reflects Driscoll's investment in quality on a day-to-day basis and helps the hospital further pursue a culture of excellence, said Donna Quinn, Driscoll vice president of Operations & Quality.
"To be re accredited speaks to the quality of care and service we provide to our patients and pride in what we do."
The Joint Commission's hospital standards address important functions relating to the care of patients and the management of hospitals. The standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts, providers, measurement experts and patients.
Driscoll underwent a rigorous, unannounced, on-site survey in April. A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated the hospital for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.
"In achieving Joint Commission accreditation, Driscoll Children's Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients," said Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, executive director, Hospital Programs, Accreditation and Certification Services for the Joint Commission. "Accreditation is a voluntary process and I commend Driscoll for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves."
Joint Commission accreditation reflects Driscoll's investment in quality on a day-to-day basis and helps the hospital further pursue a culture of excellence, said Donna Quinn, Driscoll vice president of Operations & Quality.
"To be re accredited speaks to the quality of care and service we provide to our patients and pride in what we do."
The Joint Commission's hospital standards address important functions relating to the care of patients and the management of hospitals. The standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts, providers, measurement experts and patients.
Driscoll's child abuse team receives $280,000 state grant
May 29, 2012
Harper
Eddleman
"The grant has enabled the CARE Team to expand services and hire a second physician trained in child abuse pediatrics," said Dr. Harper, medical director of the CARE Team. "It has allowed us to take our mission further into the communities of South Texas where there are high rates of poverty and child maltreatment to ensure more accurate identification of neglect or abuse. The CARE Team also emphasizes through strengthened investigation the importance of recognizing when a child's injuries are not the result of maltreatment."
The MEDCARES Grant Program was established by the Texas legislature in 2008. Its purpose is to fund development and support regional programs that address child abuse and neglect. The grants are earmarked for hospitals or academic health centers with expertise in pediatric healthcare and a demonstrated commitment to developing basic programs in the field.
Eddleman, clinical coordinator for the CARE Team, is one of nine appointed members of the MEDCARES Advisory Committee. The role of the committee is to advise the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Health and Human Services Commission's executive commissioner in establishing rules and priorities for the use of MEDCARES grant funds.
Goodman to oversee Driscoll's Transport & Outreach Services
May 02, 2012
Goodman
Driscoll residents use grant to help families at women's shelter
April 30, 2012
Wu
Encalada
Shuya Wu, MD and Santiago Encalada, MD received a prestigious Community Access to Child Health (CATCH) grant for $3,000 from the AAP to implement the project.
"We noticed that children at the Women's Shelter oftentimes had not received required vaccinations, leaving them vulnerable to disease," Dr. Wu said.
Lori Anderson, MD, pediatrician at Amistad Community Health Center, served as the continuity clinic physician and mentor for the project, Dr. Wu said. Dr. Anderson also helped by providing supplies for the immunizations and obtaining vaccines from the state. Through their partnership with the Women's Shelter, doctors Wu and Encalada administered questionnaires to families to learn about the barriers they were experiencing in getting vaccinations for their children.
CATCH grants of up to $3,000 are awarded twice a year on a competitive basis to pediatric residents to address the needs of children in their communities. Applicants for the grants must include planning activities for their projects and in some cases implementation activities, according to the AAP.
Advisory Council recognizes Driscoll trauma coordinator
April 26, 2012
Pointer
Fergie promoted to professor at A&M College of Medicine
April 16, 2012
Fergie
His promotion is based on the quality and importance of his contribution to research, education and clinical care missions. Dr. Fergie, who has practiced at Driscoll Children's Hospital since 1994, is a member of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Pointer awarded for efforts to improve Texas trauma systems
February 13, 2012
Pointer
Pointer has been instrumental in building Driscoll's trauma program and represents the hospital in regional and state activities to promote knowledge and pursue its designation by the TETAF as a level III trauma facility. Driscoll expects to receive the designation this spring. Pointer has been involved with the TETAF since 2006. She is also actively involved in Gov. Rick Perry's EMS and Trauma Advisory Council as a member of the Pediatric Committee.
Harper appointed by governor to Task Force to Reduce Child Abuse and Neglect and Improve Child Welfare
February 02, 2012
Harper
Dr. Harper is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and board certified in child abuse pediatrics. She is a member of the Ray E. Helfer Society, American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children and the International Professional Society on Child Abuse and Neglect. She is also a member of the Texas and Corpus Christi Pediatric societies and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Child Safety Review Committee. She is a past board member of the Nueces County Children's Advocacy Center and a past member of the Pediatric Centers of Excellence Committee of the 79th Legislature. Dr. Harper has served as a general pediatrician for the U.S. Navy. She received a bachelor's degree from Amherst College in Massachusetts, a medical degree from Dartmouth University Medical School in Hanover, N.H., and she completed her forensic pediatrics fellowship at Brown University School of Medicine in Providence, R.I.