Auxiliary Announces New Members at Meeting

At their monthly meeting held on Monday, February 2, the Uvalde Memorial Hospital Auxiliary heard a brief presentation, introduced by Pat McFarland, from Uvalde Memorial Hospital cardiopulmonary director David Green. Green briefed the group on the general happenings of his department and provided information on the new, top of the line Life Support Systems that the department is in the process of acquiring. Green also reminded the group that the cardiopulmonary department is now staffed 24/7 and their operations are 98% electronic. David Green talked about his 15 years of experience in the Airforce, including air life rescue operations and general cardiology, and how that experience has helped him implement efficient processes in hospital settings.

In other business, Jeanne Leake, chief nursing officer, discussed high patient satisfaction scores in the emergency room and outpatient surgery that were seen in the last quarter. Tom Nordwick, hospital administrator, informed the group about recruitment efforts that have been launched for internal medicine.

Nordwick also addressed praises received for the previous year’s positive bottom line by saying, “I’d love to take credit for it but the truth is the administrative team has done a fantastic job, historically, managing the hospital’s finances. Their diligent efforts certainly paid off.”

Eddie McKinney read the thought of the day; Cleo Lemon shared the treasurer’s report; Barbara Hogan read January’s meeting minutes; and Ann Regan gave the correspondence report. Shirley Grigg reported an update on gift shop happenings and Glenda Swink gave the scheduling report.

Sissy Parham shared the membership report and those present unanimously voted for 5 past members to be moved to honorary and life membership status in accordance with their bylaws. New life-members are Evelyn Hutchinson who joined the Auxiliary in 1986 and worked 10,533 hours; Emma Jean Everrett who joined in 2001 and worked 3,712 hours; and Alda and Frank Carrasco. Mary Dirksen was recognized as a honorary-member with 1,681 hours since 2006. Parham also announced new members were Ann Flemming, Barbara Blair, and Pat Pena.

President Charles Lemon announced the group’s annual luncheon would be May 4 at 11:30am in the Wrather Holmgreen Conference Room.

The Auxiliary will meet again on Monday, March 2, at 10a.m. in the Wrather Holmgreen Conference Room at Uvalde Memorial Hospital.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the UMH Auxiliary, please contact Charla Carter, director of volunteer services, at 830-278-6251 ext. 1435.