Newsroom

Children’s Christmas Tree Fund Receives Donation NATCHEZ, Miss. –December 20, 2018 –Merit Health Natchez recently made a donation of $1,000.00 to The Children’s Christmas Tree Fund in honor of the hospital’s Medical Staff. “This is a tradition started several years ago as a way of recognizing our physicians during the holiday season and helping those in our community who need it most during this time of the year,” said Lance Boyd, CEO of Merit Health Natchez. Natchez is full of traditions, and The Child... ... Read More

NATCHEZ, Miss. –December 11, 2018 – A milestone was recently reached at Merit Health Natchez when the hospital performed its 1,000th robotic surgery. “This is an exciting time for our hospital, and the progress and growth in the use of this technology is a testament to the commitment, vision, and passion of our surgeons and our outstanding surgery team,” said Lance Boyd, CEO of Merit Health Natchez. Dr. Geoffrey Flattmann, General Surgeon, performed the 1,000th surgery, an inguinal (groin) hernia repair... ... Read More

First in State to Achieve Certification in Sepsis Care Know the risks. Spot the signs. Act fast. Merit Health Wesley has worked for the past few years to integrate evidence-based clinical practices into the medical management of sepsis and reduce risk in the community by educating the public about the illness. Merit Health Wesley is the first in Mississippi to achieve The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Sepsis Care. “This achievement is a symbol of quality that reflects our hospital’s ongo... ... Read More

Smart planning and healthy eating strategies this holiday season can help reduce symptoms of common gastrointestinal conditions. A gastrointestinal (GI) disorder can make holiday buffets and dinners seem like an arsenal of potential stomach problems. Avoiding these food triggers can help you eat, drink and be merry. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) To help keep the burning sensation of GERD from spoiling your celebration, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)... ... Read More

Merit Health Medical Group welcomes Mike Bird, FNP-BC to its Walthall primary care clinic. A native of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Bird completed prerequisites at Idaho State University before attending New Mexico State University, where he received a bachelor of science in nursing. He received a master of science in nursing from Walden University. He has worked at Merit Health Wesley since 2006, serving as both an emergency department nurse and intensive care nurse. Prior to his work at Merit Health Wesley... ... Read More

This flu season is striking hard and wide across the country, creating anxiety for individuals who are vulnerable to serious complications. As with any illness, it’s important to learn and follow steps that can protect you and your loved ones from contracting the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists four important steps to reduce your risk of infection: Wash your hands consistently throughout the day. Hand washing is still one of the most effective and easiest ways to preven... ... Read More

November is “National Family Caregivers Month.” For caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease, the disease can take a toll. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, here are some tips to help support those who have relatives coping with Alzheimer’s Disease: Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease. Learn about its effects and how to respond. Stay in touch. A card, call or visit can show you care. Be patient. Adjusting to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is an ongoing process and each person reacts diff... ... Read More

Dreading the next episode of severe facial pain that comes and goes without warning is no way to spend your time. A one-time, incisionless procedure may relieve discomfort so you can focus on the joys life has to offer. The pain starts out of nowhere—sharp, searing, almost breathtaking. It stops after several seconds, and after a few minutes, begins again. This pattern may continue for nearly an hour before stopping and can begin again without warning. This is what life can be like for persons with the ... ... Read More

You may be familiar with type A personalities, but how much do you know about type D? In this case, the “D” stands for “distressed.” Type D personalities have a combination of traits that lead to high levels of stress, such as experiencing a lot of negative emotions, an inability to express those emotions well, and a tendency to avoid social interactions, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). In addition, Harvard Health states, unlike “type A” people, who are more likely to be perfe... ... Read More

Hattiesburg, MS - Merit Health Wesley welcomes Matthew Banks as Chief Executive Officer. Banks has most recently served as Chief Executive Officer at Davis Regional Medical Center, a 144-bed CHS affiliated hospital in Statesville, NC. “Matthew has a proven track record of success,” said Gardner Fletcher, M.D., Board of Trustees Chairman. “We look forward to seeing his enthusiasm and experience continue to strengthen the quality care we provide our patients in the Pine Belt.” Prior to his work at Davis R... ... Read More