Wel­com­ing the New Year

January 30, 2018

If you were dreaming of a white Christmas and New Year, your dreams came true with a snow storm (that wreaked havoc on our daily routines of work, school, running errands, grocery shopping, etc.!) For many of the county's students, of course, it provided ample opportunity for playing in the snow and an excuse to warm up with some hot cocoa. Although the snow-covered landscapes and frozen rivers were masterpieces of nature's art, it was the camaraderie of how everyone came together that awed me. There are too many to even begin to mention, and I don't want to leave anyone out. I would like to say 'thank you' to our amazing staff, physicians, volunteers, patients, and the entire community for pulling together during the storm. It's times like these that warm my heart.

Speaking of hearts, I'm very excited to announce that our new Cath Lab is now open. This newly renovated area offers state-of-the-art technology coupled with our wonderful OMH staff and skilled physicians working in partnership from OMH and Carolina East.

In addition, we're currently working on an initiative that would open up SurgiCare to physicians in the community to perform procedures. This work-in-progress would reinforce that our community should be able to receive ALL their healthcare locally without the hardship of traveling out of town. More to follow on this initiative as it develops! Beginning this year, we invite other physicians from Wilmington Health, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Vidant and Carolina East to consider taking advantage of our great surgery center.

These expansions - both physically and clinically - are just one example of our commitment to coordinate and collaborate with other healthcare providers to meet the healthcare needs of our community. We believe that Onslow County citizens should have the right care, at the right time, and in the right place. We believe working together and receiving care at home is what's best for the patient.

These expansions would not have been possible without the support of our community. I'd especially like to thank the board members, volunteers and donors of the Onslow Memorial Hospital Foundation for their ongoing support, including funds for renovations to the Cath lab, Onslow Diagnostics, visitor waiting areas in the main tower, and the cafeteria.

In closing, this year's Foundation theme is "Building for Babies," and proceeds will help us make improvements to our Second Floor, which includes Labor and Delivery, Maternity, Nursery and Pediatrics. What a perfect way to celebrate the beginning of a new year! We love babies!

Sincerely,

Penney Burlingame Deal, DHA
President & Chief Executive Officer