Highlands Hospital board announces advancements in health care
CONNELLSVILLE – Highlands Hospital board members and the public learned Wednesday that administrators have moved forward with advancements in health care at the local facility over the past year. Chief Executive Officer Michelle Cunningham said Highlands is the only hospital in Fayette County with an adult inpatient behavioral health unit.
She also said a new group of psychiatrists, Psychiatric Care Systems, P.C., will be operating out of the hospital under the watchful eye of Medical Director Dr. Oscar Urrea.
In addition, four new Pittsburgh cardiologists have joined the Highlands Hospital staff. Kenneth D. Vesio, M.D.; B.V. Rao, M.D.; John R. Ward, D.O.; and Krishan V. Tummalapalli, M.D. will be located on the first floor of the hospital on a full-time basis.
Cunningham said that Dr. Rachel Fasson, a graduate of Connellsville Area High School, will be joining the family practice staff in September. She also said that appointments are being taken for those seeking a physician.
Under emergency services, Dr. Murty Ganti has joined the staff as new emergency room director and has experience at both large and small emergency departments. Cunningham said Ganti has past experience as a medical director and has worked for a large HMO.
Dr. David Lemonick, who has more than 18 years experience in emergency medicine, has also joined the emergency services staff, according to Cunningham.
Cunningham said Highlands has installed two new general chemistry analyzers, a new immunochemistry analyzer and new IT equipment in the lab that now allows for immediate viewing of lab results via computer.
The hospital’s Wellness Center has new equipment thanks to proceeds from last year’s Golf Outing. Cunningham said a lat pull, leg press and shoulder press were bought for the Wellness Center and a new Yoga class was added.
Reflexology, hot stone massage, aroma therapy massage, deep tissue massage, Swedish massage and pregnancy massage have been added to the Wellness Center list of services. In order to take advantage of the new services, residents do not have to be a member of the Wellness Center.
Cunningham said the Century Club would restart their program by accepting $100 donations. Anyone donating $100 will have his or her name added to a plaque. Cunningham said funds would be used to set up a trust fund for the hospital.
It was also reported that Highlands Hospital Auxiliary donated a Gastroscope and a commercial toaster with a total value of both at $20,000. An additional donation of $5,000 was received from the Marilyn K. Kiefer Foundation.
Cunningham said upcoming events include the Francis “Bud” Murphy Memorial race on May 26 and the Highlands Hospital 16th annual Golf Outing on Aug. 15.
Highlands Financial Officer John Andursky said the hospital provides more than 350 jobs within the city of Connellsville, many of them well paying professional positions.
He also said that total salaries, benefits, and contracted fees paid for staff services exceed $13 million annually. It is estimated the total benefit to the regions economy is about $51.1 million, according to Andursky.
Andursky said the current year outlook has shown significant decreases in health insurance cost due to changing to Highmark for all employees. Pension costs have also ebbed due to positive investment market returns and the easing of federal regulations.