Summarized here are key initiatives/plans occurring during the week of July 11 regarding progress at Hutcheson Medical Center under the management agreement with Erlanger Health System, which became effective on May 26, 2011.

· In an effort to provide direct engagement with the physicians, Erlanger committed to the Hutcheson Board of Trustees and medical staff, the scheduling of bi-monthly physician forums. These sessions, held at Hutcheson's main campus and Hutcheson on the Parkway, would be centered around updates on new initiatives and potential plans associated with the Erlanger management agreement. On July 12, Dr. Cy Huffman, Erlanger's chief medical officer, along with Hutcheson Administrator Debbie Reeves facilitated the first July meeting. Among those attending was Dr. Lori Emerson, medical director of Hutcheson’s laboratory.

· The Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce’s business leaders and staff have been a vital source of information recently to Erlanger and Hutcheson. Through a recent focus group at the Chamber, the hospitals gained valuable knowledge into the county’s current needs, setting pathways to offer better ideas toward community health care. Supporting the mission of the Chamber and local business, Erlanger and Hutcheson agreed to sponsor and participate in the upcoming Chamber Golf Classic, set for Aug. 25.

· “Paramedics with the Walker County Emergency Services are currently undergoing part of their clinical training at Erlanger’s Emergency Department/Trauma Center,” according to Scott Radeker, director of regional operations at Erlanger and onsite coordinator of emergency services at Hutcheson. This exercise is part of the effort by Erlanger to collaborate with the north Georgia emergency responders and Hutcheson to build stronger and more comprehensive access to emergency care.

· Dr. John Hemphill, the newest member of the UT Erlanger Cardiology practice, will begin providing cardiology coverage at Hutcheson this week. A specialist in interventional and general cardiology, Hemphill was formerly associated with the Augusta Cardiology Clinic in Augusta, Ga.

· Agreements for additional orthopedic coverage at Hutcheson are expected to be approved this week, and efforts are also underway to bolster general surgery services at Hutcheson.

Article submitted by Hutcheson Medical Center.