A Week In Business

Safety Center Recognized

BERLIN – The Maryland Patient Safety Center announced that Atlantic General Hospital has been recognized in the “Circle of Honor” for Patient Safety and Innovation for submitting a solution that contributed to a significant reduction of hospital acquired pressure ulcers.

This solution is just one example of why Atlantic General Hospital continues to be one of the best hospitals in the state of Maryland when it comes to reducing the risk of potentially preventable complications.

Atlantic General Hospital was recognized at the annual Minouge Award festivities that took place at the National Harbor this spring. A panel of independent judges who are leaders in the Maryland healthcare community selected the winners from 79 total submissions.

The Patient Safety Innovation Award was created by the Center Board of Directors to recognize an organization within the state that has made a demonstrable difference in patient safety through an innovative solution. It aims to honor an organization’s contributions to and passion for improving patient care and safety.

Medical Staff Addition

BERLIN – Atlantic General Hospital and Health System have announced that Andrea Matthews, M.D., has joined the medical staff to provide family medicine care at the new West Fenwick Medical Center.

Matthews provided care at Beebe Family Practice in Millville, Del., for nearly four years before coming to Atlantic General Health System. She earned her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and completed her residency at Trident Medical Center with the Medical University of South Carolina.

Matthews provides care for newborns, seniors and everyone in between.

“I really embraced the traditional role of a family doctor when I completed my training,” said Matthews. “I enjoy caring for people at every stage of life and look forward to watching my younger patients grow up and start families of their own.”

“We’re very pleased that Dr. Matthews has chosen to come to Atlantic General Health System,” said James Brannon, vice president of professional services. “There is a great need for physicians who can provide care our community’s young children.”

Matthews will begin seeing patients at West Fenwick Medical Center on June 23. Consultations can be scheduled by calling 302-564-0004.

Tractor Supply Store

Coming To Berlin

BERLIN — Construction is underway on a new Tractor Supply Company store in Berlin, the company’s 16th Maryland location.

Tractor Supply is the largest retail farm and ranch supply store chain in the United States and has been operating in Maryland since 1975.

The Berlin Tractor Supply store will be located in the former Ames space at 10452 Old Ocean City Blvd., Unit 2, and will employ 12 to 17 full- and part-time team members. The store will include sales floor and support service space. A fenced exterior space will be used for storage and displaying items such as fencing, sprayers and livestock equipment.

“Tractor Supply looks forward to being a member of the Berlin community,” said District Manager Alex Strange. “Berlin is a great fit due to the part-time and hobby farmers and horse owners in the area. And many of our new customers are surprised to find we also offer pet supplies and clothing items for the entire family.”

The contractor for the project, Simmons Construction of New Tazewell, began construction on May 19. A completion date has been tentatively set for late August.

New Board Member

SALISBURY — The Peninsula Regional Health System and Peninsula Regional Medical Center have announced the addition of Mark W. Higdon, a resident of Baltimore and Ocean City, as its newest member to the Board of Trustees.

Higdon, who recently retired as a Partner in the MidAtlantic Healthcare Advisory Practice at KPMG LLP in Baltimore, immediately joins the board.

Higdon has over 35 years’ experience in healthcare advisory at both the state and national levels. In his role at KPMG, he provided financial management and health planning services to a number of major health systems in the MidAtlantic region including Johns Hopkins Health System, the University of Maryland Medical System, Mercy Medical Center and the University of Virginia Medical Center in the areas of risk management, strategic planning, healthcare transformation, population health management planning and development of accountable care organizations. Higdon is also well known and respected for his knowledge and role in developing the Maryland Waiver System.

“We’re very fortunate to have Mark, a recognized expert in his field, joining our Board of Trustees and helping us to design PRMC’s future under Maryland’s new global budgeted revenue reimbursement system and to provide his strategic knowledge as we continue to define and enhance our Medical Center’s role in population health management,” said William McCain, PRMC’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “Few in the nation bring to the table a broader working knowledge of healthcare planning and financial management than Mark.”

Firm Wins Award

SALISBURY — Becker Morgan Group recently received the Home Builders Association of Delaware Regal Awards for Best Custom Home and Best Delaware Home 2013 for the design of the South Point Residence. The Regal Awards recognize the achievements and excellence of Home Builders Association members as well as exceptional projects.

This home previously received a Best in American Living Award (BALA) from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and was featured in Builder magazine (builderonline.com). Additionally, the builder, Joseph T. Dashiell, was honored with a Professional Builder Design Award for the project and was featured in Professional Builder magazine.