On Saturday, June 7, 2014, Morrison Community Hospital Medical Director Duncan Dinkha, MD, was feted with a surprise cake, in honor of his 52nd birthday. He is seated on a bench with hospital CEO Pam Pfister on his right and hosts Peggy and Don Beswick on his left. Gathered around in celebration are MCH Board of Directors and MCH Foundation members, physicians, hospital staff, and family members. The casual afternoon event was designed to introduce MCH staff to the general public at the Beswick home, 15016 Henry Road, Morrison, IL.
MCH Marketing Director Mick Welding prepared photo displays to illustrate some of the current and new hospital staff. He stated, “We have 158 employees.” Later he supplied this list of departments who focus on comprehensive services and care.
They span nearly half the alphabet: Accounting, Administration, Admitting, Dietary, Doctors, Emergency, Family Care Clinic Staff, Four Seasons Living Center, Health Information, Housekeeping, Human Resources, Information Technology, Laboratory, Maintenance, Management, Nursing Staff, Patient Accounts, Pharmacy, Purchasing, Quality Improvement, Radiology, Rehabilitation, and Social Services.
Risha Raven, MD, below left, and colleague Nicky Eustace, MD, are both Family Practice Physicians Dr. Eustace works at KSB Hospital in Dixon, IL. Dr. Raven encouraged Dr. Eustace to interview at KSB, where the latter is in her final year of residency. Eight-year-old Hana Raven, whose twin is Nora, is in the front row.
Eighty-three years ago, the first baby born at Morrison Community Hospital entered the world on May 3, 1931. The last baby was delivered on the Obstetrics floor 23 years ago in 1991, when the eight-bed ward was closed after 60 years of service. Babies have been delivered at the local hospital since then–but only in the Emergency Room! Dr. Raven explained she offers complete prenatal care at the Morrison facility, but deliveries are scheduled in Dixon.
Last week Dr. Raven conducted the first prenatal ultrasound at MCH. This now-common imaging test uses sound waves to see how a fetus is developing in the womb. It is also used to check female pelvic organs during pregnancy. and, if desired, to determine the wee one’s gender. She will soon administer the first non-stress test on a fetus, which also monitors the mother’s contractions.
Babies will be in good hands–again–at Morrison Community Hospital, 303 N. Jackson Street, Morrison, IL.