Hospital Wins Wired Award

SALISBURY — Peninsula Regional Medical Center (PRMC) has been recognized as one of the nation’s Most Wired hospitals, according to the results of the 2011 Most Wired Survey released in the July issue of the American Hospital Association’s Hospitals & Health Networks magazine.

PRMC was one of just 205 United States hospitals to win the award and was the only recipient on the Delmarva Peninsula. Just three Maryland hospitals were presented with this distinguished honor.

The nation’s Most Wired hospitals are making progress towards greater health information technology (IT) adoption, according to Hospitals & Health Networks’ 2011 Most Wired Survey.  As a field, hospitals are focused on expanding and adopting certain kinds of IT, such as computerized physician order entry (CPOE), to promote improved patient care and data collection.

“Delivering the highest quality care at the very safest level is a cornerstone of our Medical Center mission,” said Ray Adkins, Chief Information Officer. “Being selected for recognition among the nation’s top digital hospitals is not only a significant honor but also a validation of the leadership role that Peninsula Regional has taken in the use of IT to support our goal of becoming one of America’s safest hospitals and one of the most accessible hospitals for our patients, staff and physicians.”

National Honor Awarded

WILLARDS — The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research has announced that Michelle Smith is the 2011 Outstanding CSR of the Year recipient for the state of Maryland.

To qualify for this top state honor, Smith submitted the winning essay on the topic designation by the organization. Additionally, Smith was selected for having demonstrated outstanding service and professionalism within the insurance community. She is now one of 40 individuals eligible to win the national honor of National Outstanding CSR of the Year Award.

She began her career with Atlantic/Smith, Cropper & Deeley in September 1998. She started her career in the Personal Lines Department and now as a Commercial Lines Customer Service Agent. Michelle earned her CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative) designation on October 7, 2010.

Pharmacy Recognized

FRUITLAND – Apple Discount Drugs, a locally owned Health Mart pharmacy, has been selected as a 2011 McKesson Pharmacy of the Year winner in the category of Outstanding Effectiveness. McKesson’s annual awards program recognizes leading independent pharmacies for the exceptional healthcare contributions they have made to their communities over the past 12 months.

McKesson selected the Pharmacy of the Year award winners based on performance against several key criteria, including customer educational programs; use of technology to increase efficiencies and ensure accuracy; product selection; in-store programs and design; local marketing and advertisement; and community involvement.

“Our Pharmacy of the Year winners were chosen because they exemplify the values and qualities all Health Mart pharmacies strive to achieve,” said Rex Catton, senior vice president, McKesson U.S. Pharmaceutical. “Their commitment to delivering the highest-quality service, while maximizing and enhancing their capabilities as a business ensures that Health Mart continues to be a valued healthcare resource in local communities. Apple is part of the fastest growing pharmacy network in the country, which stands for the highest level of patient care and community wellness.”

Board Appointments

SALISBURY — Morgan Hazel of Salisbury was recently named chairperson and Russell W. Blake of Pocomoke City was named vice chair of the board of trustees at Wor-Wic Community College.

Hazel was appointed to the board in 1996 and served as vice chairman from 1997-1998 and as chairman from 1998-2001.

Hazel is co-owner of the Westwood Commerce Park in Salisbury. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Delaware and is enrolled in the exercise science program at Salisbury University.

Blake, who was appointed to the board in 1996, served as the vice chair from 2001-03 and as chair from 2003-06.

Blake has been city manager of Pocomoke City for more than 30 years. He received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Michigan and his master’s degree in business management from Western Michigan University.

In addition to Hazel and Blake, Wor-Wic board of trustees members include Velda E. Henry of Berlin, William H. Kerbin of Pocomoke City, and D. Gary Boggs, Andrew W. Booth and Martin T. Neat of Salisbury.