Dr. Charles P. Essex Joins West Valley Hospital Medical Staff; New patients welcome at his Monmouth Medical Center office
December 9, 2008
Demand for Flu Shots High; Flu Clinic Added on November 19
November 10, 2008
Community Health Forum Focuses on Diabetes and Heart Disease
October 23, 2008
Flu Shots Available on November 5
October 23, 2008
West Valley Hospital Hosts Free Women's Health and Wellness Fair on October 21; Surgeon Alison Smith, M.D., to Discuss "Breast Cancer Detection and Treatment"
October 15, 2008
New day and time for blood pressure checks
February 22, 2008
This Valentine's Day Do Something Good for your Heart
February 7, 2008
New medical center opens in Monmouth
January 24, 2008
Certified nurse midwives join Salem Hospital
January 7, 2008
Dr. Charles P. Essex Joins West Valley Hospital Medical Staff; New patients welcome at his Monmouth Medical Center office
December 9, 2008
Charles P. Essex, M.D. has opened a new family practice at West Valley Hospital’s Monmouth Medical Center and is accepting new patients. To inquire about becoming a patient of Dr. Essex, call 503-838-1182.
Dr. Essex comes to Oregon from North Carolina, where he spent 11 years in private family practice. Prior to that, he had practices in Idaho and Alaska. While in Alaska, he served as an aviation examiner for air traffic controllers. He has an undergraduate degree in wildlife ecology from the University of Wisconsin and a medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. After graduation, he served as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy on a Marine base providing medical care to Marine Corp. pilots.
“I want to encourage the younger population to think about their health,” says Essex. “There are so many things you can do to prevent problems if you take time to learn about them.”
“Dr. Essex listens,” says Eric Buckland, West Valley Hospital administrator. “He takes time with patients and educates them so they understand their situation. We are very fortunate he chose this area to call home.”
As part of his family practice, Dr. Essex offers comprehensive health care for all ages from preventative care to the treatment of illness. His services include minor surgical processes such as vasectomies and skin procedures, injury care, cardiopulmonary testing, cancer screening, sutures, wart removal and more. He integrates biological, clinical and behavioral sciences in his treatment of patients.
“The more patients learn about their conditions, the more they can be co-managers in their personal health care,” says Dr. Essex. “I encourage people to take an active interest in their health and ask questions!”
The Monmouth Medical Center is located at 512 Main Street, Suite 300, in Monmouth, Oregon. The phone number is 503-838-1182.
West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.
Demand for Flu Shots High; Flu Clinic Added on November 19
November 10, 2008
With more than 100 people obtaining flu shots at the last flu clinic, West Valley Hospital is adding another flu clinic on Wednesday, November 19 from 2-4 p.m. at 525 SE Washington St. in Dallas, Oregon.
The shots are $20 each. Those receiving shots must be 18 years and older. No appointment is necessary.
Medicare is accepted; however, West Valley Hospital is unable to bill Medicare HMOs for this flu clinic. If you have insurance billing questions, please call 503-623-7345.
“Getting a flu shot can help limit the spread of influenza and we encourage people to take advantage of this local opportunity to get vaccinated,” says Shari Bruce, R.N.
Getting a shot typically takes under 10 minutes and no fasting is required. If you are unable to attend the flu clinic, please check with your local physician about getting a flu shot. Patients of Dr. John Hadley, of the West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, can call 503-623-7301 the day they wish to get a flu shot.
West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area.
A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.
Community Health Forum Focuses on Diabetes and Heart Disease
October 23, 2008
In acknowledgement of National Diabetes Month, Salem Hospital is sponsoring a free Community Health Forum on Thursday, November 20 from 6-8 p.m. in the hospital’s Wedel Auditorium located at 665 Winter Street SE, Salem.
The event will feature a presentation by Cardiologist Matthew Fedor, M.D. and Endocrinologist Cort Garrison, M.D., on “Taking Diabetes to Heart” from 6:30-8 p.m. Prior to the presentation, attendees will be able to browse displays with information about local services and programs related to diabetes and heart disease.
To register, call the Health Education department at 503-561-5138. Free valet parking at the Salem Hospital entrance and a shuttle service from the Salem Hospital parking structure are available if desired.
The Campbell Diabetes Lecture is presented in honor of Charles Campbell, M.D., who practiced medicine in Salem for 58 years. The presentation is sponsored by the Salem Hospital Foundation.
Flu Shots Available on November 5
October 23, 2008
The West Valley Hospital is hosting a Flu Clinic on Wednesday, November 5 from 2-4 p.m. at the hospital on 525 SE Washington St., Dallas, Oregon. The shots are $20 each and Medicare is accepted. Those receiving shots must be 18 years and older. No appointment is necessary.
West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as in-patient and out-patient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.
West Valley Hospital Hosts Free Women's Health and Wellness Fair on October 21; Surgeon Alison Smith, M.D., to Discuss "Breast Cancer Detection and Treatment"
October 15, 2008
Coinciding with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, West Valley Hospital is sponsoring a free Women's Health and Wellness Fair on Tuesday, October 21 from 6-8 p.m. in the hospital Conference Room at 525 SE Washington St., Dallas, Oregon.
The event will feature presentations by Alison Smith, M.D., on "Breast Cancer Detection and Treatment" from 6:30-7 p.m. and 7:30-8 p.m. Dr. Smith is a board-certified general surgeon who cares for patients at West Valley Hospital and has 19 years of surgical experience. Previously, Dr. Smith served as medical director of the Breast Health Program at Marin General Hospital in Marin County, California.
"The earlier you realize you have breast cancer, the more options for treatment and better success rate you have," says Dr. Smith. "Taking time for yourself to get up-to-date on the latest detection techniques is one of the best things you can do for your health."
Dr. Smith will be covering early detection methods, non-invasive diagnosis techniques and current breast cancer treatments during her presentations. She will also explain the team approach to patient care so attendees will understand the role of surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and primary physicians in the healthcare process.
At the health fair, attendees will have opportunities to learn about physical therapy, lymphedema treatment, nutrition, diabetes, mammography, bone density, medical records and advanced directives, surgery and emergency services.
Space is limited and registration is required. Call 503-623-7323 to attend the event.
West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as in-patient and out-patient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.
New day and time for blood pressure checks
February 22, 2008
West Valley Hospital will offer free blood pressure checks on a new day and time, beginning in March.
Blood pressure checks are available on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, from 2 to 3 p.m., in the surgery department of West Valley Hospital, 525 Washington Street, Dallas.
The hospital had offered the blood pressure checks weekly.
"We hope that having this blood pressure check once a month won't cause an inconvenience to our community," says Eric Buckland, West Valley Hospital administrator. "We needed to make this change because the community's use of the hospital has increased. The hospital has become busier in large part due to the additional physicians that the hospital and Salem Health have brought to the Polk County area in an effort to make healthcare more readily available close to home."
To learn more about the hospital's blood pressure check clinic, call 503-623-8301.
This Valentine's Day Do Something Good for your Heart
February 7, 2008
West Valley Hospital is marking the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign with a free heart-healthy event for women.
The event is Thursday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Valley Hospital conference room, 525 SE Washington Street, Dallas.
This event offers information about women and heart disease.
Those who attend will learn the signs and symptoms of heart attack from a West Valley Hospital emergency room nurse, get their blood pressure checked and pick up heart-healthy recipes.
New medical center opens in Monmouth
January 24, 2008
On Monday, Jan. 28, the Monmouth Rehabilitation Clinic of West Valley Hospital changes its name to Monmouth Medical Center, and opens at its new location at 512 Main Street, Suite 300, Monmouth.
The clinic initially will provide occupational and physical therapy. "Family medicine physicians are being recruited to staff the clinic in the future, in an effort to increase access to primary care for residents of Monmouth and Independence," says Eric Buckland, administrator of West Valley Hospital.
The clinic will be open Mondays through Thursdays, 9 am to 6:30 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays. To schedule an appointment, call (503) 838-1388.
The first staff at the clinic will be Phillip Segura, physical therapist, and Diane Rocak, occupational therapist. Segura is a Spanish-speaking therapist who provides a wealth of experience in work injury and musculoskeletal disorders. Rocak specializes in the treatment of upper extremity injuries and arthritis, adaptive-equipment training, and has a strong background in ergonomic assessments.
The physician recruitment is being conducted by Salem Health, the parent corporation for the Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Hospital. During the last several years, Salem Health has brought more than 60 physicians to the mid-Willamette Valley, including several new physicians to the Dallas area. Those are John Hadley, D.O., Family Medicine; and Alison Smith, M.D., General Surgeon; and William D. Peffley, D.O., Family Medicine.
Certified nurse midwives join Salem Hospital
January 7, 2008
On January 7, four certified nurse midwives became employees of Salem Hospital. The certified nurse midwives are Margaret Egeland, Patricia "Happy" Barnes, Kathryn "Kitty" Nielsen and Elenie Smith.
The midwives will provide comprehensive obstetrical care to low-risk pregnant women as Willamette Valley Midwives, a part of Salem Health. Their phone number will be (503) 562-4040.
"During the past 11 months, we have worked closely with the Salem Hospital OB hospitalists to make sure that women who desire midwifery deliveries have that service," says Happy Barnes, CNM. "That partnership has worked well for our patients and for us as practitioners. We are pleased that our work together laid a solid foundation for this evolution in our practice"
"The nurse midwives and Salem Hospital are committed to ensuring that adequate prenatal and obstetrical care is available in the community, and believe that midwifery care is an important element in that delivery of care," says Mittie Hinz, the new senior director of Women's and Children's Services for Salem Hospital. "One of the things I noticed when I came here was the administration's positive attitude and desire to build services to meet the needs of women in the community; one of those services is midwifery care, which provides women with more maternity-care options."
Certified nurse midwives provide comprehensive maternity care, including prenatal care, delivery and post-partum care. Midwives provide holistic care for the entire family. Their workload is structured so it allows more time with patients.
Salem Hospital's OB hospitalists (a group of obstetricians who are at the birth center around the clock) will continue their collaboration with the midwives as their supporting physician. This collaboration provides a spectrum of care from low to high risk and allows for a seamless transition as higher levels of care become necessary.
The midwives and hospitalists have developed a strong working relationship during the past year. When Salem Women's Clinic terminated the midwives' employment the midwives decided to continue their collaboration with the OB hospitalists.
