Shelbyville, Tennessee · Tuesday, February 9, 2010
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Hospitals / Health Care

TennCare cuts could hit hospitals (02/09/10)
Gov. Phil Bredesen's proposed cuts to the state's expanded Medicaid program would cost state hospitals hundreds of millions of dollars and may force some of them to shut down, health care officials say. TennCare is the name for Tennessee's program using federal Medicaid dollars....
Crowd welcomes Spay & Neuter Clinic (01/31/10)
It's just as well there weren't actually any pets at the Middle Tennessee Spay & Neuter Clinic's ribbon cutting and open house Thursday afternoon -- even a teacup chihuahua would have had a hard time finding room. Hundreds of people, including County Mayor Eugene Ray and State Sen. Jim Tracy, turned out for the event. The opening marks more than a year of hard work, dedication, donations and volunteerism to bring spaying and neutering services to low-income families...
Inspection scores rise for local restaurants (01/05/10)
Follow-up health inspections for four Shelbyville restaurants shows improvement, according to the man who does the checking. Last week, the Times-Gazette published health inspection scores for Bedford County eatries, some of which had been graded only days ago...
Audit: Nursing home funds were stolen (12/23/09)
The last full-year audit of Bedford County Nursing Home before it was leased to an outside operator found serious deficiencies in financial control which allowed an employee to issue $1,100 in unauthorized payroll checks, according to discussion at Tuesday night's meeting of Bedford County Financial Management Committee...
Church sponsors events to help accident victim (12/16/09)
Fair Haven Baptist Church is hosting a benefit motorcycle ride, bake sale, chili supper, auction and gospel singing to help a man injured in a head-on collision Dec. 5. The wreck that took place on an ice-slick Fairfield Pike claimed the life of a woman and now threatens the livelihood of another man. ...
Gift drive nears end (12/15/09)
Packaging and delivery times for this year's Linda Hayes Nursing Home Gift Drive have been announced and there is still a little time left to get those presents in. The goal of the fourth annual drive is to make sure that all 310 nursing home residents in Bedford County are not forgotten during the Christmas season...
Gift drive benefits nursing home residents (12/02/09)
With a goal to deliver gifts to all 310 nursing home residents in Bedford County, organizers are again asking for help this year to make this happen again. Lindsey Sudberry and her mother Lorrie Dunn are spearheading the fourth annual Linda Hayes Nursing Home Gift Drive that makes sure that the county's elderly are not forgotten during the Christmas season...
Local residents to attend Nashville 'tea party' (11/06/09)
A number of Bedford County residents are planning to travel to Nashville Saturday to join others from across Tennessee to participate in what organizers are calling "the first ever statewide tea-party." The rally is scheduled to occur at Legislative Plaza from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, a date that organizers hold significant because it marks approximately one year from the 2010 Congressional elections...
Relay for Life campaign begins Monday (10/25/09)
Area volunteers are gearing up for the 2010 American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Bedford County campaign, beginning with a birthday kickoff Monday, Oct. 26 from 5:30 to 6:30. The party will be held at the Blue Ribbon Circle on the Celebration Grounds...
Golf tourney to benefit Community Clinic (10/23/09)
On an October morning a year ago, about 25 people called the Community Clinic for appointments, but Inda Browning, who does administrative work there, had to answer with bad news. "We don't have a doctor on tonight," she said, last October. "We only have doctors signed up for five nights in October ... Hard times are hitting us."...
Former ER worker arrested on rape charges in Alabama (10/23/09)
Harriet Neiman believes that if justice had been served in Bedford County 15 years ago, certain children might not have been abused in Alabama last year. Neiman is the mother of the teenage boy Dr. Michael Roy Sharpe allegedly slapped in the Bedford County Medical Center emergency room on Dec. 20, 1994...
Committee approves liability insurance plan (10/22/09)
Bedford County Financial Management Committee, at a special called meeting Tuesday night, approved purchase of five years of trailing liability coverage for the former Bedford County Nursing Home, acting on recommendation from their insurance agent, Joe Hunt of H.B. Cowan Insurance, and attorney John T. Bobo...
New medical building will break ground in November (10/22/09)
Groundbreaking for Bedford County's newest medical facility, Russell Plaza, has been set for November, according to its namesake. In August, plans were submitted to the city of Shelbyville for a 30,000-square-foot building that was believed at the time to be office space for local physicians...
Physician suggests local drug court (10/21/09)
Dr. Joseph Rupard suggested to Bedford County Board of Commissioners' law enforcement committee on Tuesday that the county consider starting a drug court, a judicial initiative that diverts some drug-related offenders from jail or prison into a court-supervised rehab program...
Workhouse inmate dies following collapse (10/21/09)
An inmate at Bedford County Workhouse died at a Nashville hospital after suffering an apparent heart attack Monday morning, officials said Tuesday. Larry Dale Byford, 54, of Shelbyville was rushed to Heritage Medical Center after collapsing Monday morning, then taken to Vanderbilt Medical Center, Lt. Tim Lokey, who supervises the workhouse, said...
Former local doctor in trouble (10/15/09)
A former Shelbyville physician is facing charges of rape and sodomy in Alabama. Dr. Michael Roy Sharpe was fired from three Tennessee hospitals -- twice when he was accused of sexual misconduct -- but was allowed to set up a pediatrics practice in Alabama, where he is now accused of having sex with a 15-year-old patient. The third Tennessee hospital that supposedly dismissed him was Bedford County General Hospital (now known as Heritage Medical Center)...
New cancer charity plans benefit horse show Saturday (10/14/09)
A new foundation has been formed to help local cancer patients, and its concept is different from the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. All money raised through the Bedford Cancer Foundation, formed last month, will directly benefit local cancer patients. Starting with Saturday night's Walking For Cancer Horse Show, the foundation will have two large benefits each year, said Jon' Jenné, board member of the foundation...
Trainer faces difficult times after brain aneurysm (10/14/09)
When Jerry Williams left the hospital, a baby in his mother's arms, it was 38 years before he'd ever have to go to a hospital again. In fact, you might even say the Tennessee walking horse trainer was as healthy as a horse. That changed Sept. 30. "I came home for lunch and I was getting ready to go back to the barn," said Jerry. "I got hot and broke out in a cold sweat, and got a bad headache -- a pain like I've never felt before. I was numb on one side and couldn't move. I yelled for Jamel."...
Hospital programs address breast cancer (10/08/09)
Heritage Medical Center is taking a head on approach toward fighting breast cancer with several educational and informational activities taking place through Oct. 14. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and with that comes the celebration of Heritage Medical Center's newly renovated digital mammography suite. Heritage officials say the environment and skilled doctors and nurses will make patients feel right at home...
Flu hits individual schools harder than system as a whole (09/29/09)
Although Bedford County schools' overall absenteeism rate is below the state guideline for a flu-related school shutdown, individual schools have shown spikes. The countywide absenteeism rate was 8.9 percent on Friday but East Side Elementary School had 23 percent of its 383 students absent that day...
Letters to the Editor, Sept. 27 (09/27/09)
To the Editor: I have had a very upsetting situation to happen recently. My great granddaughter, Rylei Hale, was put into developmental kindergarten at Community School by her mother, Amber Hale. She put her in Community School as we keep her during the week while her parents are at work at irregular hours and we live in the Community School district with the bus coming right by our house...
Cancer survivor Nita Carroll wins physical, emotional battle (09/27/09)
For some people, a cancer diagnosis reaches deep into one's soul and takes away life as a person once knew it. Not Nita Carroll. She had way too much to live for. "The night I found out I had breast cancer was the worst night of my life," said Nita, a mother, daughter, sister, wife and elementary school teacher...
Flu scare spreads, as H1N1 and seasonal variations strike area hard (09/15/09)
With Tennessee now being one of 11 states experiencing a widespread flu outbreak, the disease -- and the vaccines -- are growing concerns. "We're not in the peak time for seasonal flu," said Janet McAllister, with the South Central Regional Health Department in Tennessee. She said seasonal flu outbreaks usually start up in late October and early November and peak in January. "So most of the cases we're seeing now are thought to be the H1N1 'swine flu' virus."...
Wash those hands! School kids fight disease with good hygiene (09/15/09)
Bedford County kids are getting a head start on battling illness and the spread of germs. Dee Crabtree, registered nurse and director of Bedford County school nurses, is traveling the county teaching young children the importance of washing their hands -- and washing them properly...
Planning commission approves Russell Plaza (08/28/09)
A number of items being dropped from the agenda led to a short meeting for the Shelbyville Planning Commission, with site plans for one medical building approved and the other tabled until next month. The commission quickly gave approval for Russell Plaza, a 30,000-square foot, two-story medical office building to be located on Frank Martin Road across from the Bedford County Emergency Medical Service offices...
Corker urges bipartisanship at town hall meeting (08/26/09)
U.S. Sen. Bob Corker said during a town hall meeting Tuesday afternoon in Shelbyville that it will take a bipartisan approach to get health care reform, or anything else, passed by Congress. About 100 people attended the event, which was held in the Blue Ribbon Circle building on the Celebration grounds...
Gordon faces questioners on health care issues (08/25/09)
MURFREESBORO -- An open meeting Monday night with U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon on the issue of health care reform drew passionate responses from both sides, although opponents of the current health care proposal clearly had an edge in terms of number of people in attendance...
Video of Bart Gordon town hall meeting (08/24/09)
Video courtesy of the Daily News Journal, which is sponsoring the event.
Corker to visit for town hall meeting (08/23/09)
U.S. Sen. Bob Corker will hold a town hall meeting at the Blue Ribbon Circle on the Celebration grounds in Shelbyville this Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. to talk to citizens about health care reform and the economy. The event is open to the public. During the Senate's August recess, Corker's staff reports that he is visiting 30 counties across the state and holding 20 town hall meetings...
Medical offices to be built near hospital (08/21/09)
Shelbyville will soon see some growth near Heritage Medical Center with the planned construction of two new medical office buildings. Next week, Shelbyville's planning commission will consider site plans for two structures -- a 30,000-square foot, two-story medical office building to be located on Frank Martin Road across from the Bedford County Emergency Medical Service offices and a 16,000-square foot office building slated to be built on Airport Business Park Drive adjacent to Heritage Medical Center.. ...
Needles stolen from ambulance (08/18/09)
The theft of hypodermic needles from a Bedford County ambulance Friday wasn't discovered until their container was opened during an emergency call several hours later, officials said. But patient treatment wasn't compromised, said Chad Graham, director of Bedford County Emergency Medical Service...
Swine flu cases at two county schools (08/18/09)
Bedford County School Superintendent Ed Gray confirmed this morning that two cases of the H1N1 flu, formerly known as Swine flu, have been identified in Bedford County Schools, one at Shelbyville Central High School and the other at Thomas Magnet School...
Gordon feels the heat on phone open meetings plan (08/12/09)
A few days after Bedford County's congressman said he would only meet with his constituents over the phone, Sixth District Rep. Bart Gordon changed his mind Tuesday and said he will hold three town hall events in upcoming weeks Last Friday, Gordon announced that instead of meeting in person with citizens this year, he would hold two "telephone town hall events" on Aug. 21 to "discuss health care, the economy and other important issues."...
New operator begins leasing nursing home (08/04/09)
Christian Care Center of Shelbyville, a subsidiary of Johnson City-based Care Centers Management Consultants, took over operations of Bedford County Nursing Home on Saturday. The county commission met Monday night in a special called meeting to finalize the paperwork...
Local man is state's first swine flu victim (07/16/09)
A Shelbyville man became Tennessee's first fatality of the H1N1 virus, also known as the swine flu. According to a Nashville television station, Joey Woodruff, 48, of Shelbyville died a week ago Monday at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville. The Times-Gazette received information earlier this week that Woodruff may have been a victim of the swine flu, but was unable to confirm it through family members...
Bad debts to be written off before nursing home lease (07/15/09)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted to write off $279,782 in bad debts at Bedford County Nursing Home in preparation for leasing the nursing home to Johnson City-based Care Centers Management Consulting. Financial Management Committee chairman Joe Tillett said it's possible a few more bad debts might turn up as the county and CCMC work towards finalizing their lease agreement, which was approved in principle on June 30...
BCEMS ends fiscal year better than projections (07/15/09)
Bedford County Emergency Medical Services ended the 2008-2009 fiscal year above projected revenue and below projected expenses, although director Chad Graham told BCEMS board members Monday night that the under-spending was partly the result of personnel factors that are difficult to control from year to year...
Life-preserving choice makes Raby a new man (07/12/09)
Andy Raby, 27, of Shelbyville, suffered a lifetime of struggles related to his obesity before he decided to do something about it. Diets and exercise did not work for Raby, an employee of Bedford County Sheriff's Department. About a year ago, he was approved for gastric bypass surgery, a weight-loss surgery in which the stomach is made smaller and part of the small intestine is bypassed, reducing the amount of food a person can eat as well as the amount of calories that can be absorbed...
Nursing home lease, county budget approved (07/01/09)
Within 30 days, Bedford County Nursing Home will be under new management. In a special called meeting Tuesday evening, the county commission passed a resolution approving a lease agreement with Christian Care Center of Shelbyville, a subsidiary of Johnson City-based Care Centers Management Consultants...
No tax hike in county funding (06/24/09)
Bedford County will hold the line on county property tax rates, and employee salaries, this year, according to the budgets recommended Tuesday night by the Financial Management Committee. The budgets will now go to Bedford County Board of Commissioners for approval. ...
CORRECTED: Nursing home board recommends lease (06/19/09)
Bedford County Nursing Home Board of Trustees voted Thursday night to recommend that the county enter a five-year lease of the nursing home to a subsidiary of Johnson City-based Care Centers Management Consulting Inc. (CCMC). The lease would have to be approved by Bedford County Board of Commissioners in order to take effect...
Nursing home lease offer to be studied by board (06/17/09)
Bedford County Nursing Home's board of directors will discuss a lease proposal from Care Centers Management Group at its meeting 5 p.m. Thursday night at the county courthouse. Any lease agreement would ultimately have to be approved or denied by Bedford County Board of Commissioners...
Water safety event to honor drowning victim (06/14/09)
Tears streamed down Tiffany Young's cheeks as she recounted the horror of the day her son died. Two-year-old Matthew G. Woods drowned on Aug. 2, 2008, in a relative's pool in Chapel Hill. "I still don't know what happened," Young said. "I took his life jacket off when he went to the bathroom and was done swimming, and in a matter of minutes he was gone...
Above and beyond (06/14/09)
Kindergarten teacher Heather Conditt wasn't expecting any kind of award at Liberty School's Honor Day, just the joy of seeing her students rewarded for their hard work, but she was surprised by an award from the National Autism Society, naming her "Teacher of the Year."...
Relay for Life raises funds, celebrates hope (05/29/09)
The annual Relay for Life, which is the American Cancer Society's signature fundraising event, will be held from 6 p.m. tonight until 6 a.m. Saturday at the Bedford County Agriculture and Education Center. Twenty-two teams have signed up for the event thus far, according to Wendy Stacy, co-chair...
Economy adds to mental stress (05/27/09)
May is National Mental Health Month and the professionals in that field are trying to get the word out. This year, because of the downturn in the economy and so many lost jobs -- especially in Bedford County -- it has become even more important to recognize the signs of mental distress and treat them -- and prevent them...
A struggle with cancer (05/24/09)
James Clanton's voice is gravelly because he lost his voice box and vocal cords to cancer. His lungs are weak due to COPD and post polio syndrome. He can't walk more than 45 feet at once, but his spirit is not defeated. "Over the years, the Lord has answered my prayers and given me miracles," he said...
Clinic board feeds Tyson workers after donation (05/17/09)
At about noon on Thursday, Wally Taylor was about halfway through grilling 1,250 pieces of chicken for his employees at Tyson. Tyson employees weren't the only ones reaping the benefits of Taylor's master technique on the grill. Last week, Tyson pledged $25,000 to the Community Clinic of Bedford County over the next five years, reported the clinic's board chairman Kay Adcock...
Relay for Life preparations continue (05/07/09)
Twenty-two teams have signed up to participate in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life walk to be held May 29 at the Bedford County Agriculture and Education Center. "We have a couple of other teams that may come on," said organizer Wendy Stacy. "People can join any time. We hold sign-ups year round."...
New ambulance chassis request backed by committee (05/03/09)
A change in environmental standards for diesel engines may make the kind of truck chassis used for ambulances hard to come by during 2010, and so Bedford County Financial Management Committee voted Tuesday night to recommend that Bedford County Emergency Medical Services purchase a new chassis now, even if it can't be used right away...
Preparing for swine flu (04/28/09)
State epidemiologist Tim Jones said Monday that the swine flu, for most sufferers, may be no more serious than the regular seasonal flu strains that are felt every year -- but the problem is that there's no vaccine for this new strain yet, and that means people who are already at a health risk -- the very old, for example -- can't be protected from the disease...
Bikers hit the streets for autistic kids (04/28/09)
In one corner of H.V. Griffin Park, children -- most of them autistic -- were playing in an inflatable bounce room. A few feet away, leather-clad bikers with tattoos and pony tails were playing poker. Did someone need to call the law? "Oh, they all know," said Leta Frame, laughing, in a rare moment of peace Saturday morning. "We told them they were coming!"...
Pulmonologist speaks at TTCS meeting (04/24/09)
Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville held its General and Craft Advisory Council meetings Thursday night, with recognition of those involved in renovating the TTCS lobby, presentation of the distinguished alumnus award, and a guest speaker, Dr. Frederic Seifer, who discussed taking a proactive approach to health care...
Heart patients to benefit from new Internet technology (04/14/09)
A partnership between Bedford County Emergency Medical Services and Heritage Medical Center could make more and better cardiac information available to doctors while a patient is en route to the hospital. Over the past several years, BCEMS has been upgrading its cardiac monitors from older "three-lead" models to "12-lead" models, which use more electrodes to produce a much more detailed analysis of heart rhythms and function...
Pancake supper funds Caregiver Relief Program (04/02/09)
When people are in need, many folks in Bedford County are there to help in any way they can. Provide those helpers with pancakes, and they might even go the extra mile. The Caregiver Relief Program of Bedford County's annual pancake supper, held Tuesday in the First United Methodist Church fellowship hall, proved this...
Nursing home lease too short, say bidders (03/25/09)
Companies interested in leasing Bedford County Nursing Home have indicated that a two-year agreement may be too short, County Finance Director Robert Daniel told Bedford County Financial Management Committee during the committee's regular meeting Tuesday night...
New vision revives BCAES (03/25/09)
A local organization that has worked for the benefit of exceptional students in Bedford County for decades is being revitalized -- and refocused. "We have a new vision, a new mission," said Leta Frame, the new president of the Bedford County Association for Exceptional Students. "We're no longer just for special education students."...
Hee Haw & Howdy: a tradition of charity and fun (03/22/09)
The cast of Hee Haw and Howdy got together Thursday night for dress rehearsal in preparation for the group's opening performance Friday night. The show is scheduled to be performed at 7 p.m. this Friday and Saturday, and next Friday and Saturday, April 3-4, at Harris Middle School...
Second 'little miracle' arrives against all odds (03/22/09)
Death is a part of life, and so are miracles. Dr. Melita Bradley, a Shelbyville native, understands both concepts well. Melita's bittersweet journey with love, loss and renewed life began when she met Dr. Donald Hughes Bradley Jr. The perfect pair "We were a match," Melita said, of Don. "We were perfect for each other ... best friends and absolutely in love with each other."...
Support group formed for cancer survivors (03/18/09)
When Pat Peller learned of the grim diagnosis two years ago, he felt -- naturally -- scared. But Peller could deal with being scared -- scared of the treatments, the loss of work, and potentially the loss of his own life. What was most difficult about being diagnosed with Leukemia, Peller said, was the lack of local support from people with whom he could relate...
'Wheelbillies' dress up for cancer fundraiser (03/17/09)
Cindi Lauper once sang, "Girls just want to have fu-un ..." Well, a few local men and boys were no exception as they donned high heels and lipstick to raise money for a good cause Saturday night. The Wheelbilly's of Bedford County Miss Wheelbilly Pageant, held at Liberty School, raised funds for the Relay For Life Cancer Walk of Bedford County...
Sides square off over nursing home bill (03/12/09)
State Sen. Jim Tracy says a bill he is co-sponsoring would help improve patient care by lowering liability insurance costs for nursing homes. Critics, however, say the bill would make it harder to hold nursing homes accountable for error and is backed by nursing home operators who made campaign contributions to its sponsors...
County moves toward leasing nursing home (03/11/09)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to issue a request for proposals (RFP) from companies interested in a two-year lease of Bedford County Nursing Home. At the end of the two years, both parties would decide what to do next -- which could mean continuing the lease, selling the facility outright to the leaseholder, or returning it to county control...
BCEMS budget options compared (03/10/09)
Bedford County Emergency Medical Services board approved three separate budget proposals Monday night, as requested by the county's finance department. It was the first board meeting held at BCEMS's new operations center at Airport Industrial Park. The center is still unoccupied; BCEMS office staff will move in soon, after telephone lines have been connected...
Child struck by rare brain disease (03/08/09)
In driving up to East Side Elementary School, it is evident that Eddy Ramirez has a lot of little friends pulling for him. "Pray for Eddy," reads a sign in front of the school's main entrance. "We love you, Eddy," could be read 100 times over on a poster inside the school made by East Side students...
Cancer benefit is anything but a 'drag' (03/04/09)
What do all these men -- truckers, farmers, businessmen, sons, fathers and husbands -- have in common? They look divine in Dior. Okay, maybe "divine" is stretching it a bit, almost as much as the Dior gets stretched. What these men, contestants in the Wheelbillys Relay For Life Womanless Pageant, have in common is they aren't afraid to sacrifice their dignity for a good cause -- and a lot of laughs. ...
Nursing home not profitable, committee told (02/25/09)
Bedford County Nursing Home's January financial report shows a profit of $31,123 for the month, and a profit of $52,888 for the fiscal year so far -- but county Finance Director Robert Daniel told members of Bedford County Financial Management Committee those figures are misleading...
Rare eye cancer strikes toddler (02/24/09)
She may have had a slightly lazy eye, according to her mom, but in looking at a picture of Madison Toombs -- innocent smile, bright eyes and golden locks -- one would have assumed she was the healthiest 2-year-old on the planet. The reality was quite the opposite...
Food Lion recalls peanut-related products (02/17/09)
The Food Lion grocery store chain is recalling several items containing peanuts. In a message to customers, Food Lion stated that the recall was announced by National Raisin, one of its suppliers. The message said the recall is due to an inspection by the Texas Department of Health at the Peanut Corporation of America's plant in Plainview, Texas...
State: Heritage OB unit must stay open (02/13/09)
A move by Heritage Medical Center to close its obstetrics unit due to financial necessity has been denied by the Tennessee Health Service Development Agency. In October, the hospital announced it intended to close its obstetrics department due to an insufficient volume of patients...
Gordon calls for reducing excessive health care costs (02/10/09)
U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon, visiting Heritage Medical Center Monday, said health care costs affect everyone and discussed ways to try to bring them under control. Gordon said he's come face-to-face with health care concerns in recent years. Last November, his mother had an aortic valve replacement, while his daughter had health problems six years ago...
Want a flu shot? They're stiil available (02/01/09)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, February is the hardest hitting month when it comes to influenza, and already, cases have been reported in Tennessee. The largest outbreak, the CDC report stated, usually comes about two weeks after the first cases are seen. ...
Go red and fight women's heart disease (01/29/09)
February often has people seeing red -- from the color of cold noses to the endless displays of valentine cards. But on Friday, Feb. 6, people will be seeing red for a different reason, especially around First Baptist Church. Heritage Medical Center is sponsoring its first "Go Red for Women" luncheon at noon, featuring guest speaker Dr. Jeffery Webber, a cardiologist with the Frist group, now associated with Heritage...
Cold weather health tips (01/15/09)
Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, your body is already working hard just to stay warm, so don't overdo it. The Wind Chill index is the temperature your body feels when the air temperature is combined with the wind speed. ...
Cancer survivor carves niche (01/06/09)
Lee Edward Warren of Flat Creek may have stopped his long-time hobby of hand-carving wooden animals for 18 months during his treatment for heart disease and cancer, but now that he's healthy again, he is trying to pick up right where he left off. His love of wood-carving started when he was just a child. His mother paid 50 cents along with a coupon for a "Hopalong Cassidy" knife, which he carried with him at all times. "I used it to whittle pieces of wood I would find," he said...
Death caused low BCNH rating: Schumann (12/31/08)
Bedford County Nursing Home received the worst rating possible in a study released Dec. 18 by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, mirroring the state as a whole's lower than average ratings. Wayne Schumann, nursing home administrator, said the death of a resident last May, which landed the facility on immediate jeopardy status with the state, was the main reason for the low rating. The death came as a result of a resident falling out of a lift chair...
Commission approves tax relief for hospital (12/11/08)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to create a Health Facilities Board, made up of the same members as the local Industrial Development Board, so that Heritage Medical Center can be taken off the county's property tax rolls. Commissioners, County Mayor Eugene Ray and County Attorney John T. ...
Funds sought for spay-neuter clinic (12/11/08)
For months now, committee members have been striving to raise $20,000 to open a spay-neuter clinic to help with the county's overwhelming stray dog and cat population. Approximately 75 to 80 percent of dogs and cats are euthanized locally as a result of this overpopulation, said Bedford County Animal Control Director Michael Gregory...
Vaccination could save pet from euthanasia (12/10/08)
Teresa Pendergrast of Unionville is calling herself "a very irresponsible pet owner." The day before Thanksgiving, her kids called her at work to tell her that their family dog, Little Bit, had something trapped in their garage and "was barking up a storm."...
Alzheimer's steals minds, creates burdens (12/09/08)
Imagine what life would be like if your brain began to gradually shut down, with no reason as to why. Living with an incurable disease provides many challenges affecting everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease is no exception....
Heritage may be taken off tax rolls (12/01/08)
A resolution to be considered at this month's Bedford County Board of Commissioners meeting may make it possible for Heritage Medical Center to be given an in-lieu-of-tax agreement and taken off the city and county's property tax rolls. Bedrod County Mayor Eugene Ray said this morning the in-lieu-of-tax agreement was agreed upon when the county sold what was then called Bedford County Medical Center to Brentwood-based Community Health Systems in 2005. ...
Red Cross provides disaster relief (10/28/08)
"Blood, military, and disasters -- that's what we do," said Greg King, of the American Red Cross Heart of Tennessee chapter, which is based in Murfreesboro and which includes Bedford County in its service area. The chapter, a United Way member agency, is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance and disaster relief....
First Heritage health fair draws good crowd (10/26/08)
Heritage Medical Center hosted its first health fair last week, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October. The fair was the monthly program for the hospital's Healthy Women group, and nearly 150 people showed up to take advantage of the free screenings and other important health-related information provided by the hospital...
Child's play is serious business at safety day (10/26/08)
There were fire engines, police cars, a Vanderbilt LifeFlight helicopter, and ambulances everywhere. Children ran around screaming and people snapped pictures of everything they could. A major disaster? On the contrary -- the United Way Child Safety Day was an overwhelming success...
Hospital volunteer 'retires' for second time (10/21/08)
As the jovial, elderly woman took her time walking through the hospital lobby, a hospital volunteer looked at her and asked, "Well, are you feeling retired yet?" The woman responded, with a laugh, "I ought to be feeling that way, hadn't I!" Thirty-two years ago, Mary Gray retired from her duties as a high school English teacher, a career she devoted her life to for nearly 40 years. About a month ago, she had a chance to retire all over again...
Beavers continues pre-natal care despite OB closure (10/16/08)
Local doctor Lana Beavers says her patients will continue to receive the care they need, despite Heritage Medical Center CEO Dan Buckner's recent announcement about the hospital's intent to close its obstetrics department. "There's nothing about my practice that has changed, except for the delivery of babies," said Beavers, who delivered 95 percent of babies born in Bedford County last year, according to Buckner. "My practice will continue to include pre-natal care."...
Heritage to close obstetrics department (10/09/08)
Heritage Medical Center announced Wednesday that it intends to close its obstetrics department due to an insufficient volume of patients, according to CEO Dan Buckner. "Myself, my board of trustees and the corporation (Community Health Systems) have been debating this decision for many months and the official decision was made, frankly, today," Buckner said. "Our decision (to close the OB) was a tough decision for the hospital, and for me personally, but the OB wasn't in demand."...
BREAKING: Heritage confirms closure of OB services (10/09/08)
Heritage Medical Center announced Wednesday afternoon its intent to close the hospital's obstetrics department, according to Dan Buckner, hospital CEO. Complete details will be included in Thursday's Times-Gazette
Nurse killed in accident (09/12/08)
A night shift nurse at Heritage Medical Center was killed in a accident on Interstate 24 Monday near exit 105, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. According to a report by Trooper Jason McGee, 42-year-old Melissa Grace Bennett, of Manchester died after her eastbound Ford F-150 truck swerved to miss being hit by a 2002 Ford Mustang driven by a Tullahoma woman, 19-year-old Stacie LeAnn Lowe...
'Wash for Life' to benefit local crisis pregnancy center (09/12/08)
Mark your calendar for this Saturday, because the "Wash for Life" car wash will be held with participants from churches across the Shelbyville area to benefit First Choice Pregnancy Counseling Center. First Choice offers free pregnancy tests, "Earn While You Learn" parenting classes, abstinence-only education, life-affirming alternatives to abortion and compassionate counsel, care and support to those who face pregnancy and abortion-related issues...
September marks suicide awareness (09/09/08)
Bedford County jumped on board with the nation's campaign of suicide prevention last week when County Mayor Eugene Ray and City Mayor Wallace Cartwright signed a proclamation declaring September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. "We all are aware that the national rate of suicide is increasing," said Cissy Gilbert, a health council facilitator for the Tennessee Department of Health. "And suicide is preventable ... if we're aware, we can prevent this from happening to our loved ones."...
Heritage evaluates OB unit (08/13/08)
Heritage Medical Center is evaluating its obstetrics unit to determine whether it will remain open, according to hospital and county officials. County Mayor Eugene Ray told the Times-Gazette this morning that Heritage CEO Dan Buckner is "looking at the possibility of closing it" because not enough babies are being born there...
Future uncertain for BCNH (07/23/08)
Heritage Medical Center may have settled into its new location on U.S. 231 North, but the skeleton of Bedford County Medical Center remains on Union Street in Shelbyville, and right next door sits its sister, Bedford County Nursing Home. Over the last several months, questions have been raised at county meetings and around town, as well as comments being posted on the Times-Gazette web site, as to what's next for the county-owned buildings...
Marking memories on the wall (07/20/08)
Some were long and sentimental, while others were short and sweet. Some were funny, and some consisted of only a signature. Regardless of the length or tone of the messages written in marker on Pam Fisher's former office wall, they all said, in one form or another, the same thing...
New hospital has its first delivery (07/18/08)
It may have been the fact that it was child number two, but the peaceful room -- which she had all to herself -- the great food, and the welcoming staff certainly made it so much easier than the first time. "The delivery was wonderful," said Misty Lee. "The first one was really rough."...
Nursing home admissions suspension lifted (07/15/08)
Tennessee Department of Health announced Monday its decision to lift a 15-day admissions suspension at Bedford County Nursing Home. "I find, based upon the follow-up survey report that the deficient practices and conditions detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of the residents were corrected and the facility has returned to substantial compliance," said Susan Cooper, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Health, in a letter to BCNH administrator Wayne Schumann...
Hospital makes its move (07/13/08)
Heritage Medical Center completed its scheduled move Saturday without any problems, said Pam Fisher, public relations and marketing director, in a Saturday afternoon telephone interview. The patient move process was begun at 7:02 a.m. and the last patient was received at 11:26 a.m., she said...
Nursing home awaits inspection results (07/13/08)
State health officials left Shelbyville Thursday after completing a reinspection of Bedford County Nursing Home, but results of the inspection have not yet been announced. The inspection will determine whether the nursing home's status of "immediate jeopardy" following the May 25 death of a resident will be lifted...
Hospital set for big move (07/10/08)
Patients at Bedford County Medical Center, located on Union Street, will be moved Saturday to the new Heritage Medical Center on U.S. 231 North. "The move is right on schedule with all the new equipment in place, tested and approved," said Pam Fisher, public relations and marketing director. "The final state survey was conducted on Monday, July 7, and our license for operations was granted with zero deficiencies."...
BCNH awaits inspection (07/08/08)
Bedford County Nursing Home is still waiting for health officials to inspect the facility to determine whether its status of "immediate jeopardy" following the May 25 death of a resident will be lifted. "We anticipated them last week, but they have yet to show up," said Susan McGee, marketing director for the nursing home...
Nursing home responds to deaths (07/02/08)
Government officials were scheduled to re-evaluate Bedford County Nursing Home today to determine whether its status of "immediate jeopardy" may be lifted. Admissions to the nursing home were suspended June 25 following an investigation into the May 25 death of a resident who fell out of a lift chair while under the watch of a certified nursing assistant, who has since been terminated...
Nursing home admissions suspended (06/27/08)
Tennessee Commissioner of Health Susan Cooper on Wednesday suspended new admissions to Bedford County Nursing Home and fined the nursing home $3,000 following the death last month of a resident. The resident had been taken in for a bath on May 25. The technician did not have her properly restrained, according to BCNH Director Wayne Schumann, and she fell out of her lift chair onto a tile floor and hit her head. ...
'Terrific' day at Heritage preview (06/14/08)
The rain dampened the grass but not the excitement as hundreds showed up for Heritage Medical Center's Community Preview Day Saturday. "It is terrific!" exclaimed Mildred Markum after touring the hospital with her granddaughter, Haylee Faulk. "I am so impressed with it. I think everyone in Bedford County should be here looking at it, because it is a wonderful facility."...
Heritage to host community (06/13/08)
Heritage Medical Center is finishing its final preparations today for its Community Preview day, to be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday. Massive white awnings stretch in front of the hospital's main entrance and a bouncing playground for the children waits to be inflated...
New hospital's CEO hopes to win local trust (06/07/08)
Heritage Medical Center CEO Dan Buckner has thrown down the gauntlet. "There are people in our community who don't trust our hospital," he said Friday at a special media event, the last official guided tour until the Community Preview Day June 14. "Too many. It is time to put the kibosh on that right now...
Relay for Life begins tonight (05/30/08)
The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life kicks off this evening at the Bedford County Agriculture and Education Center and will run until 6 a.m. Satuday. The opening ceremonies will start at 6 p.m. with the National Anthem, prayer, and a welcome from this year's chairperson, Wendy Stacy. A Survivor's Walk will start at 6:20 for participants who have been afflicted with the disease, and the parade of teams will start at 6:45...
Survivor gets her special space (05/30/08)
After months of anticipation, Hailee Green can finally take comfort in a new bedroom designed especially for her. And, like any 9-year-old child, she'll take great pleasure in the entertainment that will be provided by the 42-inch flat screen television that now hangs on her bedroom wall...
Cancer survivor lives life to the full (05/28/08)
Pat Peller has learned to look at life in a totally different way since he found out he had cancer. He was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small cell Non-Hodgkins lymphoma in August 2006. It's in his bone marrow and affects his immune system...
New Glen Oaks administrator says he's 'here to serve' (05/27/08)
Wanting to do "something good for others everyday" is what drove Colin Chesley to go into health care administration. Today he finds himself fulfilling that desire as the new administrator of Glen Oaks Convalescent Center. Chesley assumed the helm at Glen Oaks in mid-May, and is thrilled to be undertaking this new role. ...
Bird flu's potential impact could be massive (05/20/08)
Bedford County Emergency Management Director Scott Johnson and Avian Influenza Planning Project Manager Dr. Carl Bailey have been examining what difficulties the county will likely face in the event of an Avian Flu pandemic. The pair stressed they do not want to frighten the public about what an outbreak of the deadly virus could mean, but encourage preparedness for everyone -- no matter if they are involved in government, business, civic groups or just protecting their families...
Emergency planners brace for bird flu pandemic (05/19/08)
"We're not trying to be paranoid, we're trying to be prudent." Those are the words of Scott Johnson, director of Bedford County Emergency Agency, about the planning his department is doing to prepare for the day when the avian flu, or "bird flu", becomes pandemic...
Avian flu: a primer (05/19/08)
Many people have heard the terms "pandemic," "avian flu" and "bird flu" over the past few years, but may be confused about what they mean and about the difference between the flu outbreaks seen many years and the deadly H5N1 virus. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), seasonal (or common) flu is a respiratory illness which can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity to it, and a vaccine is available...
Commission seeks bids on hospital, school buildings (05/14/08)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to put out a request for proposals from parties interested in buying the old Harris Middle School building and from those interested in buying the soon-to-be-vacant Bedford County Medical Center...
New ambulance station may go unstaffed (05/13/08)
The alternative austerity budget proposals being asked for by county officials, if adopted, could mean that a brand new BCEMS station now under construction in Airport Industrial Park, behind the new Heritage Medical Center, would go unstaffed. BCEMS board member Whitney Neeley, at the board's regular monthly meeting Monday night, said that the budget would be a step backwards from BCEMS's efforts to reduce response time in rapidly-growing or heavily-populated rural areas...
Health, safety festival planned for October (05/09/08)
United Way of Bedford County will partner with Bedford County Health Council to turn its annual child safety day into a health and safety festival including a health fair and a 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) run. The plan was discussed at the United Way Board of Directors meeting Wednesday...
Couple raises autistic grandson (05/08/08)
Life changed considerably for Ed and Tina Ruth when Ed's job brought him from Lebanon to Shelbyville. They had barely settled into their new home when their 5-year-old granddaughter, Eileen, came to live with them a month later. Soon Eileen was joined by her brother, Aidan, 8, who had been diagnosed with autism...
Teen pregnancy problems discussed (05/06/08)
Bedford County Health Department is joining other areas Wednesday in recognizing the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. The health observance was established in 2002 to focus the attention of teens on the importance of avoiding pregnancy, parenthood and other serious consequences of sex...
Autism hits family doubly hard (04/30/08)
If there are challenges in having an autistic child, those challenges more than double when there are two. Ronnie and Jeanne Edwards' two older children, Mark, 14, and Jonathan, 11, were diagnosed with autism when they were toddlers -- and while Jeanne was pregnant with their third child, Mary Margaret....
New EMS hall rises near new hospital (04/28/08)
Walls have risen at the new Bedford County Emergency Medical Services station in Airport Industrial Park. The station, built on land donated by Wal-Mart Distribution Center, will become the new headquarters and administrative offices of BCEMS, a short distance away from the new Heritage Medical Center which opens this summer. BCEMS's existing headquarters on Union Street will remain open as an ambulance station...
Utility plan for BCNH will cut costs (04/24/08)
Bedford County Nursing Home presented a plan Tuesday night to the county's Financial Management Committee which will allow it to separate its utility services from the Bedford County Medical Center building. Earlier this year, some county officials, hearing that it would cost up to $50,000 per month to operate the boiler which serves both buildings, were concerned that the nursing home would become a drain on county finances once the hospital moves to a new location this summer. ...
A year later, Odom's license revoked (04/17/08)
Over a year after a Bedford County paramedic was sentenced to 35 years in prison after nearly 200 sex crimes charges, Tennessee's Board of Emergency Medical Services finally revoked his license. Edward Raven Odom, 31, accepted a negotiated sentence of 35 years in February after he was charged in April 2006 with child rape, rape and statutory rape over a period of several years...
Legendary sheriff's daughter to speak (04/17/08)
Friday evening's "It's in the Bag" fundraiser, which benefits Community Clinic of Bedford County, will feature special guest speaker Dwana Pusser. The event will feature a silent auction at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Dress is casual. Community Clinic of Bedford County serves the working uninsured...
Local woman convicted of TennCare fraud (04/17/08)
A Bedford County woman has been convicted on TennCare fraud charges, state officials reported Tuesday. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) said Deborah Ann Jewell, 51, of Shelbyville, pleaded guilty to one count of TennCare fraud and was ordered to repay TennCare $4,686...
Commissioners call nursing home survey too hasty (04/09/08)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night against a public opinion survey to determine the fate of Bedford County Nursing Home, saying it is premature until the county has more facts about the situation. The county Financial Management Committee had recommended the survey after an unscientific Times-Gazette web poll showed a majority of participants in favor of selling the nursing home. ...
Clinic fund-raiser to feature Pusser's daughter (04/07/08)
Community Clinic of Bedford County has gone country! The clinic, which provides medical care to the working uninsured, announced its annual fundraiser event, "It's In The Bag (Goes Country)," will be held April 18 at the Blue Ribbon Circle. Dwana Pusser-Garrison, daughter of the late McNairy County sheriff, Buford Pusser, will be the guest speaker...
County panel wants survey on nursing home issue (04/02/08)
Inspired in part by the results of an unscientific Times-Gazette web poll, Bedford County Financial Management Committee said Tuesday night it would like to conduct a more scientific poll of local attitudes towards selling Bedford County Nursing Home...
Tracy bill promotes health insurance (03/31/08)
The Tennessee State Senate has given final approval to legislation to let more small business owners join together to negotiate lower health insurance rates. Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) is one of the sponsors of the bill, SB 4014, which is designed to encourage more small employers to purchase health insurance, and give them predictability and stability in health-insurance rates...
Bredesen pushes long-term care plan (03/28/08)
Gov. Phil Bredesen said that his own mother, last year, was in a position where she was too sick to be home alone and yet not disabled enough to be in a nursing home. Fortunately, she had "a son who knows a little bit about the system," in the governor's words, and he was able to arrange for her needs to be met...
Shelbyville man to lead Marshall EMS (03/26/08)
LEWISBURG -- A Shelbyville man has been named interim director for Marshall County Emergency Medical Service by the county's emergency medical services committee. James Whorley, 42, of Candlewood Estates, is one of three shift supervisors for MCEMS, headquartered at offices in the ambulance station on South Ellington Parkway in Lewisburg...
Learn CPR; you could save a life (03/26/08)
On Saturday, you have a chance to learn a skill that could save someone's life. The Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold "Save a Life Saturday," with free CPR training this weekend at five locations including Shelbyville Recreation Center. The training will be from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday at each location...
Poll respondents split on selling nursing home (03/25/08)
Participants in a non-scientific poll on the Times-Gazette web site are divided on the issue of whether the county should sell Bedford County Nursing Home, but a majority support the idea. The question was worded simply: "Should Bedford County sell Bedford County Nursing Home?"...
'I just want to have a normal life,' says teen on dialysis (03/22/08)
Shana Mosavi is like any 17-year-old girl. She loves to talk on the phone with her friends, dreams of going to college and would love to get married and have a family one day. But unlike most teenage girls, Shana was born with a rare physical disorder, Vater Syndrome -- and doctors didn't expect her to live beyond age 5...
Interest shown in nursing home (03/19/08)
A representative of a company which might be interested in buying Bedford County Nursing Home appeared Tuesday night before Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and county property committee. County commissioners are deeply divided on the issue of selling the home. ...
Commission gets update on new hospital (03/13/08)
Dan Buckner, CEO of Bedford County Medical Center and its replacement hospital, Heritage Medical Center, briefed Bedford County Board of Commissioners on the progress being made towards opening the new hospital on July 12. Commissioners voted several years ago to sell the county-owned hospital to Brentwood-based Community Health Systems, with one of the conditions being that a new facility, considered essential for the hospital's survival, be constructed. ...
Type 'O' donors needed during blood drive (03/10/08)
Blood donors are desperately needed -- especially those with type O -- according to the American Red Cross, which will hold a blood drive Tuesday from noon until 6 p.m. at the Regions Bank location on Elm Street (at the corner of Elm, Madison and Main)...
Hospital CEO says new facility will draw patients (03/06/08)
An estimated 60 percent of Bedford County residents go elsewhere for their hospitalization needs, but the new CEO of Bedford County Medical Center told city officials that the new Heritage Medical Center should turn that trend around. That was the message Dan Buckner had for Shelbyville City Council Tuesday as he briefed them on what to expect when the new facility opens on July 12...
Motlow nursing grads beat the averages (03/05/08)
Motlow State Community College nursing graduates last year did measurably better than the state and national average on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses, according to Marian Stewart, interim director of nursing at the college...
Nursing home loss explained (02/28/08)
Bedford County Nursing Home had an operating loss in the 2006-2007 fiscal year which ended last June, but non-operating income made up the difference and kept taxpayers from having to foot the bill. That was the report during discussion of the nursing home's 2006-2007 audit at Tuesday night's meeting of Bedford County Financial Management Committee...
County could save on medications (02/28/08)
Bedford County may consider participating in a new program which would let county agencies like the jail and EMS buy medications at a greatly reduced cost -- but the county must find a local pharmacist who is willing to serve as a contact point. The program was discussed Tuesday evening by Bedford County Financial Management Committee...
Physicians tour new hospital facility (02/27/08)
Buckner offers healthy view of new hospital (02/23/08)
A new era of health care is on its way for Bedford County, an official of the new Heritage Medical Center proclaimed Friday. Dan Buckner, Bedford County Medical Center's CEO, hosted a "town hall" meeting Friday in which he promised Bedford County a new hospital of which it can be proud...
Community Clinic marks 5th year (02/21/08)
Imagine this: You're working hard during tight times to provide for your family, you get sick, and can't afford to go to the doctor. You don't have insurance so the expense of a doctor's visit might mean your family doesn't eat dinner that week. You also can't justify taking time off work to make that trip to the doctor...
Hospital wants a new image with its new name (02/15/08)
"We're not moving into this hospital as who we were," said Dan Buckner, as he showed a reporter around what will be called Heritage Medical Center, now under construction in Airport Industrial Park. The changes which occur this July will be both real and cosmetic, as Bedford County Medical Center renames itself Heritage and moves into a new 104,000-square-foot facility...
New hospital to be Heritage Medical Center (02/15/08)
Bedford County Medical Center will be re-named Heritage Medical Center when it moves into its new $40 million, 104,000-square-foot facility in Airport Industrial Park in mid-July, according to new CEO Dan Buckner. Buckner was named interim CEO of the hospital in December, and became its permanent CEO on Monday...
Hospice offers relief in life's final days (02/09/08)
Most people have heard of hospice care, but it's something people don't really become informed about until they need it -- and, often, they need it much earlier than they become informed about it. Hospice of the Highland Rim has served Bedford and surrounding counties including Cannon, Coffee, Franklin, Grundy and Moore for 12 years...
Tracy nursing home bill draws fire from consumer group (02/06/08)
A consumer watchdog organization is slamming State Sen. Jim Tracy of Shelbyville for his introduction of a bill that that critics claim would restrict the rights of nursing home victims and their families. However, Tracy and proponents of the bill say that a large number of nursing home lawsuits and their verdicts have driven the liability cost per bed here in the Volunteer State to second highest in the nation...
Tracy bill would ban health care for convicted lawmakers (02/05/08)
A bill sponsored by State Sen. Jim Tracy that would keep former members of the General Assembly from receiving healthcare benefits if they are convicted of a felony for misuse of their office has been approved by the Senate State and Local Government Committee...
'Philly girl' finds a second home (02/04/08)
Obstetrician Jan Crean started practicing with the Bedford County Medical Center in August 2007, becoming the second board certified OB-GYN to join the medical staff since Community Health Services bought the hospital. "BCMC and CHS are committed to making it possible for people not to have to leave the county to get the care they need," Crean said. ...
Jack of all trades now a delivery expert (02/02/08)
Local obstetrician Dr. Dennis Wieck loves the joy involved in delivering babies. "People are so happy and upbeat when it comes to having babies; there are just a lot of ups," Wieck said. That's what drew him to obstetrics when he was in medical school...
A special space for Hailee (01/25/08)
Hailee Green is in for a real treat thanks to Special Spaces, a Knoxville-based charitable organization that's giving the 8-year-old Shelbyville girl a palace all her own. A palace in the form of a special bedroom, that is, decorated to perfection based on Hailee's needs and wants...
Young cancer patient to appear on TV (01/19/08)
Local woman charged with TennCare fraud (01/14/08)
A Bedford County woman is accused of TennCare fraud for trying to use benefits to pay for an altered prescription for the addictive painkiller Hydrocodone, a state spokeswoman said Friday. Christine A. Sullenger, 28, of Shelbyville is being prosecuted by Coffee County District Attorney Mickey Layne, according to the state Office of Inspector General. Sullenger's arrest was a result of joint efforts by the Bedford and Coffee counties' sheriff's departments...
Two staph cases at Post Office (12/15/07)
Shelbyville's post office is taking precautions to make sure the potentially deadly MRSA or "staph" infection isn't spread through the mail after two employees became infected with the bacteria. The T-G received a call Thursday from a concerned citizen who claimed that Shelbyville's postmaster Larry Ellis was allowing a postal employee with a staph infection to continue to work, possibly exposing the public to the bug...
Saving Chloe's heart (12/15/07)
Since birth, Chloe Taylor has fought her way through 27 bouts of pneumonia, three open heart surgeries, 15 catheterizations and 15 artery dilations. She's only three. "We're still looking at several more surgeries," said Sandra Taylor, Chloe's mother, who hopes doctors will someday be able to correct her daughter's serious heart defects...
Macri leaves as hospital CEO (12/06/07)
Bedford County Medical Center announced Wednesday that Bill Macri has resigned as chief executive officer. He had served as BCMC's administrator since February 2003 and was CEO during the sale of the hospital by Bedford County to Community Health Systems...
Flu season light so far, but shots still timely (12/06/07)
Tennessee has had only scattered cases of flu and flu-like illnesses reported across the state so far this flu season. The flu season, which can last from October through May, often peaks in Tennessee in January and February. So, is it too late to get a flu shot? Local health officials say no...
Local resident charged with TennCare fraud (11/29/07)
A resident of Bedford County has been charged with a felony count of TennCare fraud. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) Monday announced the arrest of Deborah Ann Jewell, 51, of Bedford County. Jewell is accused of fraudulently obtaining benefits she was not entitled to and theft of TennCare services less than $10,000. ...
For young cancer patient, it's time to give thanks (11/20/07)
Isaiah Travers, his parents, and his siblings know what Thanksgiving means. After a tumultuous few months, they're beginning to see light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. The dark tunnel began with Isaiah being diagnosed with a brain tumor. But he finished his last of 31 radiation treatments last week, and the family is seeing plenty of light as Thanksgiving approaches...
Nursing home gift drive enters second year (11/15/07)
Last year, Lindsey Sudberry and Kecia Johnson came up with an idea to provide Christmas gifts to residents of Bedford County's nursing homes. It went far better than they ever imagined, with over 1,900 gifts donated, far beyond the 237 that had been requested...
County to retain nursing home for now (11/14/07)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners, in a narrow 8-9 vote, chose Tuesday night not to seek proposals from companies interested in buying the county-owned Bedford County Nursing Home. The commissioners who supported the measure said it was just a first step which would have given the county an idea of what the nursing home is worth, and that it is only financially prudent for the county to explore its options considering existing debt and capital expenses looming in the future...
Centerstone opens new high-tech facility (11/09/07)
A state-of-the-art behavioral health care facility serving Bedford County was formally introduced to the community Thursday morning. Centerstone's offices on South Wall Street off Madison Street in Shelbyville serve as a prototype for future facilities, officials emphasized...
Doctor's building breaks ground (11/06/07)
A ceremonial groundbreaking was held Monday for Bedford Physicians Plaza, a medical office building on the campus of the new Bedford County Medical Center. Henry Trost of Franklin-based First Colony Healthcare, which is developing the project, noted during the ceremonies that ground has already been broken. But the company, as well as BCMC, took the opportunity to celebrate anyway, sticking their shovels into a pile of dirt at the corner of the already-prepared pad...
Courts could move from courthouse (10/31/07)
During a study session Tuesday night, members of Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and county property committee discussed the idea of moving courts and judicial offices out of the county courthouse -- and moving the non-judicial fee offices back in...
Schools brief parents on staph (10/29/07)
Bedford County schools are educating parents about steps to take to prevent an infection of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), also known as staph, following recent cases reported in Tennessee schools. Schools around the county have been hit with the drug-resistant bacterium, with recent infections in this state involving a Dickson County High School student and at a Rutherford County kindergarten...
Yoes grateful for life, supportive of Heart Walk (10/18/07)
It was two days after Thanksgiving in 1999, and Jeff Yoes had just finished watching the Tennessee college football game on TV. He went out to sweep the driveway and it wasn't long until he started feeling sick. The more he swept, the worse he started feeling...
Corker defends S-CHIP vote (10/10/07)
U.S. Sen. Bob Corker told an open meeting audience in Shelbyville on Tuesday that he voted for the recent S-CHIP health care bill, not because it was perfect, but because it helped provide health care to children living in poverty or near-poverty. "I'm going to err on the side of them having health care," said Corker, a Republican who was formerly the mayor of Chattanooga...
Riders fight MS (10/08/07)
Over 800 bikers took to the road on Saturday to raise money and awareness for the fight against Multiple Sclerosis (MS). They stopped for lunch at the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy on Unionville Deason Road before heading towards Motlow State Community College, where they camped overnight. ...
Clinic robber's next stop: prison (10/05/07)
LEWISBURG -- A Hohenwald man was sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison Wednesday for robbing a Chapel Hill medical clinic last year; he pepper-sprayed the proprietor during the crime. In a Bedford County-related development, Dr. Robert W. Delaplane, 81, previously of Thompson Road, surrendered his medical license last summer because of state Health Department findings. He was one of North Medical Clinic's two physicians when it was robbed Dec. 20...
Flu shots readily available this year (10/05/07)
Flu season is right around the corner and the Bedford County Health Department is ready to offer flu vaccine to area residents. There is no shortage of vaccine this year and the health department says supplies will be available to anyone wishing to be protected from the flu this season...
Heart Walk planned Oct. 28 (10/02/07)
Whether making deals or cutting costs, businesses know that what happens today can shape tomorrow. That's why local companies will take steps toward stronger, healthier lives at the American Heart Association's annual Heart Walk at 1 p.m. on Oct. 28 at the Fly Arts Center on South Main Street...
Native returns to save local hearts (09/29/07)
A woman who grew up in Shelbyville is returning twice a month as a heart doctor to treat patients at a clinic which was established by Vanderbilt University Medical Center a couple of years after she graduated from Central High. Dr. Julie Boyd Damp, 32, now lives in the Green Hills area of Nashville, with her husband, Pete, who's an emergency room physician at St. Thomas Hospital. Their daughter, Anna Claire, will be a year old in two weeks. She was born at Vanderbilt, where her parents met...
State hopes smoking ban is a motivator (09/26/07)
Tennessee Commissioner of Health Susan R. Cooper said the statewide ban on smoking in public places which takes effect Monday may be just the impetus some people need to kick the tobacco habit. Cooper spoke by telephone with the Times-Gazette on Tuesday afternoon from her office in Nashville...
Flu shots are just around the corner (09/20/07)
With fall rapidly approaching, local health officials want to remind everyone that flu vaccination time is just around the corner as well. According to Sherry Adams, public information officer for the region state health department in Columbia, area clinics are not expected to experience a shortage as was the case in previous years...
Emergency response volunteer meeting planned (09/08/07)
Tennessee Department of Health's South Central Regional Office is conducting emergency response volunteer meetings throughout the region during September. The purpose is to train or retrain persons who have volunteered to assist in the seven Points of Dispensing (mass clinics or PODs) that will be put into operation if an emergency situation occurs to make that action necessary...
Hospital topped out, doctors honored at ceremony (09/07/07)
Bedford County Medical Center held a topping-out ceremony at its new facility on U.S. 231 North on Thursday, honoring the facility's long-time doctors before hoisting the final girder into place. CEO William Macri compared the two, saying that just as a building's framework and foundation determine its shape, a hospital is shaped by its staff...
Bliss battles obesity with cross-country walk (09/06/07)
With obesity becoming a growing concern for people across the country, various weight loss methods like pills, diets and exercise programs are becoming more and more popular. Or you can try what Jason Bliss is doing -- walk across the country. Bliss, or Jaybo as his friends call him, has seen hard times as of late, suffering from deep depression following the collapse of his marriage, as well as declaring bankruptcy due to those problems. ...
Product recall involves Shelbyville (09/04/07)
A voluntary recall involving pies sold at Shelbyville's Kroger store was announced over the weekend. American Pie, LLC, has voluntarily recalling 1440 cases of its Marie Callender Turtle Pies with date codes 07 (from military time 11:45 up to and including 16:00) 143 because the product was inadvertently shipped prior to the company obtaining satisfactory microbial test results...
State health officials urge caution (08/24/07)
As the heat wave continues, state Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper encourages Tennesseans to stay cautious; meanwhile, Bedford County Emergency Medical Services reported only one heat-related complaint during the first night of the Celebration on Thursday...
Benefit battles breast cancer (08/17/07)
Sunday afternoon is for reclining, reflecting and basically catching up for the week ahead. "This Sunday afternoon," said Tamara Smith, the co-hostess of the event, "is for awareness, education and spreading hometown support to those with cancer." The Horizons of Hope is an annual event in Bedford County. ...
Blanton retires ... again (08/16/07)
For the second time now, Dr. Ted Blanton is retiring. In 1997, Blanton retired from his medical practice as an ear, nose and throat specialist in Mississippi and moved to Shelbyville with his wife Barbara to be close to their daughter, Dr. Diane Watson, and her expanding family...
Blood donations fall short (08/10/07)
"We don't know where our donors have gone," said Linda Decker. Decker works with the blood services department of the American Red Cross's Tennessee Valley Region. Over the past year, Shelbyville's support of American Red Cross blood drives has plummeted from 50 units of blood each month to fewer than 30. Some months, as few as 15 units have been collected...
Keep your horses safe from high heat (08/08/07)
There is no doubt that Bedford County is horse country. As temperatures soar, many people may know to take care of themselves and pets but often don't consider what variables calculate together to equal extreme heat conditions for horses as well. According to State Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, temperatures at or near 100 degrees demand people to take extra caution...
Wyatt is new administrator at Glen Oaks (08/02/07)
As the new administrator at Glen Oaks Convalescent Center, Brad Wyatt is committed to caring for the elderly and helping to "make their golden years golden. Vanguard Healthcare Services of Brentwood is the new owner of Glen Oaks, having purchased the facility from the Walker family of Murfreesboro in June. ...
Take hot weather precautions (07/30/07)
The dog days of summer have arrived and with the heat index soaring, folks need to take precautions to avoid trouble. According to forecasters, temperatures for this week are expected to stay in the mid 90s with a very little chance for thunderstorm activity. The heat index may rise to 100 degrees and above since the dew point expected to rise through the upper 60s to low 70s this week...
New therapy makes swallowing easier (07/12/07)
People with dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, now have help available to them thanks to the new outpatient therapy program at Glen Oaks Convalescent Center. Speech pathologist Rebecca Lancaster oversees the VitalStim Therapy program that was started earlier this year and helps people with dysphagia learn how to swallow once again...
Therapy available for problems swallowing (07/12/07)
People with dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, now have help available to them thanks to the new outpatient therapy program at Glen Oaks Convalescent Center. Speech pathologist Rebecca Lancaster oversees the VitalStim Therapy program that was started earlier this year and helps people with dysphagia learn how to swallow once again...
Skin cancer lurks behind sunshine (07/03/07)
Even as early as 5:30 a.m., the sun is bright and shiny. Its golden light awakens the earth to the delightful adventures of summer days, especially for those working and playing outside. The sun is critical to life, acting as both an energy renewal process for plants and as a heating element of the planet. For living creatures, the sun is a vital part of the health cycle that keeps all things in balance...
'Check for ticks' a good song -- and a good suggestion (06/23/07)
In Brad Paisley's country song he very politely sings, "I'd like to kiss you way back in the sticks, I'd like to walk you through a field of wild flowers," and then moves on to singing, "I'd like to check you for ticks." That would probably be an odd statement if it came from anyone besides a young, country star, however, with a few cases of Lyme disease popping up around the community checking for ticks may not seem like such a crazy idea...
Local woman among TennCare fraud suspects (06/21/07)
A Shelbyville woman is facing TennCare drug fraud charges along with five others following a Coffee County investigation. Sharane Vandergriff, 35, of Shelbyville has been charged with three counts of TennCare fraud and three counts of attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud...
Get fit with the T-G (06/18/07)
There is no doubt that most Americans are well blessed with food. According to the American Obesity Association, 30 percent of children in our school systems are considered overweight. Fifteen percent are obese. The average American has at least 10-15 pounds that they would like to lose yet, over 30 percent of those same people have admitted to eating something everyday that they regret...
Wound care center opens at BCMC (06/16/07)
Focusing on the purpose of his chosen profession, Dr. Jeremy Gray, Physical Therapist, MSHA, has joined the Bedford County Medical Center (BCMC) as Director of Rehabilitation. In addition to gaining Gray, the hospital has also gained a Wound Care Clinic...
City picks Blue Cross (06/07/07)
The Shelbyville City Council held a brief called meeting Tuesday to award the medical insurance plan for city employees, picking BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. Last month, the council learned that HealthSpring, the current policy holder for the city, paid out $727,000 last year and only took in $559,000. City Manger Ed Craig said at the time that their proposed rate increase of 47 percent was "unacceptable."...
Health care providers get Safety Net grants (06/07/07)
Four Bedford County health care providers have been awarded a total of more than $346,000 in Safety Net funding to provide services for uninsured Tennesseans. State officials say the funding is part of Gov. Phil Bredesen's efforts to strengthen the state's health care Safety Net and make primary care services more accessible to uninsured and underinsured Tennesseans...
Blood supply is critically low (06/07/07)
The Tennessee Valley Region of the American Red Cross, along with other Red Cross blood programs across the nation, has a "critically low" blood supply, with less than one day's supply on hand, compared to the 72-hour supply which is considered a desired minimum level...
Construction begins on new hospital (05/31/07)
It's a small first step, but a large beginning -- that is the thought of the day at Bedford County Medical Center, where news of machinery on the building site for the new hospital created a stir. In a memo sent by CEO Bill Macri to the staff, the news was announced, "For those of you who do not routinely travel up (U.S.) 231 North, I wanted to let you know that construction has begun in earnest...
Groundbreaking surgery at BCMC (05/31/07)
In a groundbreaking surgery for Bedford County Medical Center (BCMC), Dr. William Russell performed a less invasive endovascular abdominal aneurysm replacement on William Chester last week, saving his life and reducing his recovery time extensively...
EMS seeks agreement with TennCare MCOs (05/15/07)
Bedford County Emergency Medical Service (BCEMS) officials believe new county standards for non-emergency ambulance service passed earlier this month will force the insurance companies that manage TennCare to negotiate a contract with BCEMS and help eliminate long waits for non-emergency ambulance transfers...
Four named to Who's Who in Nursing Homes (05/14/07)
Four local residents will be honored this week with inclusion into the Who's Who in Nursing Homes. James Caperton, Lillian Kitchens, Arthur Dacosta Correia and Mattie Stewart will be recognized for the achievements during their lifetime. The four will be presented certificates acknowledging their achievement during National Nursing Home Week, May 13-19. ...
BCMC site plans get city's nod (04/27/07)
Site plans for the new Bedford County Medical Center were approved Thursday by the Shelbyville Municipal Planning Commission. The 60 bed, 100,002 square foot building is to be located on U.S. 231 North across from the Shelbyville Municipal Airport in the Airport Business Subdivision...
How to revive an injured plant (04/25/07)
Kevin Williams of Williams' Nursery enlightened members and guests at the April edition of the Healthy Woman meeting on the best care for damaged plants. He also exhibited a variety of red knock-out roses, Kimberly and Boston ferns and wave petunia baskets...
Hospital breaks ground on $35M facility (04/19/07)
Bedford County Medical Center broke ground Wednesday on a new $35 million hospital which officials say will serve as an economic development tool for the community. Construction on the hospital is expected to begin in two to four weeks and take 15-18 months to complete, with the hospital to open in the second half of 2008...
Home Health won't move (04/19/07)
The new Bedford County Medical Center will apparently not include space for Bedford Home Health, members of the county commission's courthouse and county property learned Tuesday night. County Mayor Eugene Ray discussed details of the meeting with the Times-Gazette on Wednesday...
Thompson has lymphoma, in remission (04/11/07)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republican Fred Thompson, the actor-politician who is considering a bid for president, said Wednesday he has lymphoma, a form of cancer. In an interview with Fox News, the former Tennessee senator said he is in remission and the diagnosis shouldn't affect his life expectancy...
Orr addresses 'In The Bag' audience (04/04/07)
"It's In The Bag," the third annual springtime fund-raiser sponsored by the Community Clinic of Shelbyville & Bedford County, took place with a festive flair Tuesday evening at Blue Ribbon Circle. In keeping with the event theme, handbags and related items were available for silent bidding as the evening began...
HealthSpring seeks contract with BCNH (03/26/07)
Bedford County Nursing Home is one of three facilities in Tennessee approached by a company that hopes to succeed Medicare as the health care underwriter for residents at the home, officials have explained. Wayne Schumann, administrator of the county-owned medical residence on Union Street, advised the nursing home's trustees late last week that recently he'd been approached by a representative of HealthSpring...
Couple avoids jail time for TennCare fraud (03/26/07)
A Shelbyville couple charged with TennCare fraud pleaded guilty on Friday when a jail sentence was converted to probation and restitution ordered. Barbara Jean and David Michael Westmoreland of Robinson Lane were sentenced on two counts of fraud each and placed on probation for two years and six months...
Show goes on following talks (03/24/07)
Negotiations between officials of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Walking Horse Trainers' Association (WHTA) delayed the Friday night edition of the National Trainers' Show by one hour. The show was scheduled to begin at Calsonic Arena at 6:30 but a meeting between the two entities and the National Horse Show Commission (NHSC), which governs and enforces the show rules of the industry, kept spectators and contenders in a holding pattern that even Jet Blue could envy...
'It's In The Bag' supports clinic (03/23/07)
Following two successful luncheon programs, the third annual fund-raiser for the Community Clinic of Shelbyville & Bedford County, "It's In The Bag," is making a change. Instead of a lunch, this year's event will be a dinner program. The silent auction, featuring a wide assortment of donated handbags or related items, and dinner program will be held Tuesday, April 3. The auction will begin at 5 p.m., followed with dinner at 6. Taking place again at Blue Ribbon Circle, tickets are $10 each...
Clinic meets local need with local support (03/23/07)
Its astounding success can be attributed to two essential factors: ingenuous need and overwhelming support. The Community Clinic of Shelbyville and Bedford County, now in its fourth year providing free health services for working uninsured residents, served 1,390 patients in 2006...
Health Department needs space again (03/21/07)
The State of Tennessee has required Bedford County Health Department, like other local health departments, to provide primary care services for the uninsured. The state provides funding for personnel and equipment, but not space, for this relatively new program. The state now wants to add two nurse-practitioners to the local department's staff, and that means that its offices on Dover Street -- which were expanded just a few years ago -- are once again bursting at the seams...
Local paramedic gets statewide honor (03/20/07)
Jon Riddle of Bedford County Emergency Medical Services has been named the Paramedic of the Year by Tennessee Ambulance Service Association. The statewide peer-nominated award, which recognizes outstanding service and commitment to emergency medical services, was announced during TASA's mid-winter conference, Feb. 28 through March 2 in Gatlinburg...
Arriaga's attorney counters violation claim (03/20/07)
Religious freedom and drug avoidance are issues mentioned by a Shelbyville woman and her lawyer while explaining their side of allegations that she violated the terms of her probation from a TennCare fraud conviction. Even the prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney General Mike Randles, has acknowledged that the probation violation hearing to be conducted for Nellie Arriaga, 29, won't include incontrovertible evidence -- typically another crime or a failed drug test...
Merger will create hospital giant (03/20/07)
Community Health Systems, Inc., the Franklin-based health care chain that owns Bedford County Medical Center, announced Monday that it has agreed to acquire Triad Hospitals, Inc. of Plano, Texas, a merger which the company says will create the largest publicly-traded hospital company in the U.S...
Doctor, nurse separated from hospital in lawsuit (03/12/07)
A doctor and a nurse were separated from Bedford County Medical Center as defendants in a medical malpractice case that's sought at least $2.5 million over the death of a man who sought treatment at the hospital's emergency room. The ruling came Thursday from Bedford County Circuit Court Judge Lee Russell in the case brought by the widow and children of Samuel Harrison Butcher III, who died on Sept. ...
Governor touts insurance plan for small business (03/09/07)
Saying that it was "a long time coming," Gov. Phil Bredesen helped kick off a new, state-subsidized health insurance plan for low-income working adults Thursday. CoverTN calls for the state, employees and participating businesses to each pay one-third of the average monthly premium of $150...
'False statement' leads to probation for Schumann (03/07/07)
Bedford County Nursing Home's administrator has been placed on probation for this year by the Tennessee Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators. Wayne Schumann made a "false statement" in 2003 when he applied for a state license to be a nursing home administrator by not disclosing that he'd pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while impaired in 1994, according to the board's order...
Healthy Woman program kicks off (02/22/07)
A new Healthy Woman program, sponsored by Bedford County Medical Center, kicked-off Tuesday night at Calsonic Arena's Hall of Fame Club with a free health and vendor fair. The fair was followed with a dinner program at Blue Ribbon Circle with Dr. Suzanne Metzger as keynote speaker...
Fighting a brave battle (02/21/07)
Mommy, my head hurts ... Kristy and Chad Napper never imagined the gravity of those words until a few days later when they were told that their beautiful little red-haired daughter had brain cancer. On Jan. 7, Caitlyn Napper celebrated her fifth birthday at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital where she had undergone surgery to remove the cancerous mass from the base of her neck...
Program helps pregnant Hispanic women (02/17/07)
Help is on the way for Hispanic women who are expecting a child through a new program to be offered by The Center for Family Development. The Center is one of seven agencies to recently receive the March of Dimes Chapter Community Grant Award. It will be used to implement the Comenzando bien curriculum, described as a bilingual culturally appropriate, prenatal education curriculum for Hispanic women...
Women's health fair planned (01/31/07)
A "Women's Expo and Health Fair," focusing on women's health issues, will be held Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Blue Ribbon Circle. A dinner program, featuring a guest speaker and special music, will immediately follow. Open to the public, this community event will kick off a new Bedford County Medical Center program called "Healthy Woman."...
BCNH urged to cut overime spending (01/27/07)
Spending on overtime for employees at the Bedford County Nursing Home should be reduced, according to members of the home's board of trustees, and last week they received results of their directive. Apparently some employees have checked in 15 minutes before and after their scheduled work hours, thereby increasing their income with overtime pay, BCNH Director Wayne Schumann reported Thursday night...
Couple accused of defrauding TennCare (01/23/07)
A Bedford County couple indicted Monday on TennCare fraud charges as a result of allegations that they used the government health insurance when they could have bought a commercial policy. Kelly Wilson, a Shelbyville-based attorney who's served Barbara J. and David Michael "Mike" Westmoreland, explained this morning, "I believe the allegations involve whether they were eligible for TennCare when they could have had private insurance had they simply applied for it...
New doctor's offices will adjoin new hospital (01/19/07)
Doctors' offices are planned on U.S. 231 where a replacement hospital is to be built just west of Shelbyville's airport and Thursday night about a dozen physicians seemed favorably impressed. Some spoke about due diligence before investing in the $5.5 million project, but it's clear, doctors want offices close to what Community Health Systems will build to replace Bedford County Medical Center...
New device helps stroke victims at BCNH (01/18/07)
Bedford County Nursing Home now has a device to help stroke victims regain their ability to swallow and the treatment was demonstrated Wednesday at the county-owned home on Union Street with the first resident to receive the therapy. Electrical stimulation was administered by speech pathologist Rebecca Lancaster from a battery-operated, hand-held Vital Stim machine that sent the current through wires to electrodes held in place on Charles "Nicky" Peacock's skin with custom tape placed on his neck.. ...
Committee endorses Wal-Mart site for EMS station (01/17/07)
Bedford County Emergency Medical Services would like to locate its new headquarters and station on property which would be donated to the county by Wal-Mart Distribution Center, and the county commission's courthouse and county property committee added its endorsement to the proposal Tuesday night...
Hospital sign doesn't indicate new name (01/06/07)
The new sign erected Thursday on U.S. 231 (Murfreesboro Highway) reads "Future home of Bedford Medical Center," but passers by shouldn't read too much into the name, said Bedford County Medical Center CEO William Macri on Friday. The omission of the word "county" is not a name change, just a matter of achieving a bold, visible layout for the sign...
Chair donated to nursing home (12/27/06)
Bedford County Nursing Home has received a chair that can double as a stretcher if an emergency requiring evacuation occurs. It will help staffers move residents down stairs which are otherwise difficult to negotiate, but along the required evacuation route, according to BCNH Administrator Wayne Schumann...
Bedford ranks 53rd in health (12/13/06)
The health of Bedford County's citizens ranks 53rd out of 95 counties in Tennessee, according to a report released Tuesday by a new state agency -- but since the Volunteer State ranks 47th in the U.S. in overall health, it's debatable whether any county in the state has much to crow about...
County hires law firm for Medicare case (12/13/06)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to hire specialized legal counsel to investigate claims of Medicare overpayment for which the county may owe nearly a million dollars. The claims related to money paid by Medicare to Bedford County Medical Center. Since that time, the county sold the hospital to Brentwood-based Community Health Systems (CHS) while retaining ownership of the nursing home...
$2M road plan requested (11/29/06)
Bedford County Highway Superintendent Stanley Smotherman requested a $2 million road resurfacing program during a presentation Tuesday night to Bedford County Board of Commissioners' budget and finance committee. It's common practice for the highway department to request such a large road program every few years; it allows the department to lock in prices for paving work and materials. ...
Dr. Aubrey Thomas Richards (11/28/06)
A memorial service for Dr. Aubrey Thomas Richards, 71, of Shelbyville, who died Sunday evening at Bedford County Medical Center after a prolonged illness, will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Fairlane Church of Christ. His body was donated to Vanderbilt University Medical School...
Hospital staff consulted on BCMC designs (11/15/06)
Architects, engineers and technicians are at Bedford County Medical Center this week consulting with department directors on how they're designing the planned $35 million replacement hospital to be built next year on U.S. 231 North. "It's really a collaborative effort to take practical day-to-day knowledge that department heads and employees have and put it together with architects and technicians to help us provide great services and meet patient needs," said Bill Macri, administrator of the hospital.. ...
Orr receives lung transplant (11/13/06)
Shelbyville's David Orr received his long-awaited lung transplant over the weekend, according to posts by his wife Donna at the web site david-orr.livejournal.com. Orr, who was profiled by the Times-Gazette in October, suffered from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a disease in which progressive scarring in the lungs occurs from an unknown cause. ...
BCMC closes on new hospital site (11/02/06)
Bedford County Medical Center has closed on the sale of its new site, on U.S. 231 across from Shelbyville Municipal Airport. The sale closed about two weeks ago, according to hospital CEO William Macri. "We're real excited about it," said Macri. He said a formal groundbreaking will be held in spring 2007 with the new $35 million facility, which is licensed for 60 beds, expected to open in late summer 2008. ...
Flu shots available at Health Department (10/28/06)
Flu season is just around the corner and the Bedford County Health Department is ready to begin offering flu shots to area residents. No shortage of vaccine is expected this year and the health department says vaccine will not be restricted to certain groups...
Rabid skunk reported (10/19/06)
A 4-year-old girl was bitten by a rabid skunk in Normandy last week in what officials say was the seventh confirmed case of rabies in Bedford County this year. P.J. Simmons of Normandy said her daughter was playing in the yard during the day lastThursday when the bite happened. Simmons' husband shot the skunk and Bedford County Health Department sent the head away for testing. Rabies was confirmed and the girl began treatments...
Changes will be considered to nursing home board (10/18/06)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee has asked the full commission to discuss whether or not the Bedford County Nursing Home board of directors should be changed to a nine-member system, with one member representing each commission district...
Flu season is on the way (10/18/06)
Mother Nature's transformation from a retched rainy day to an Indian Summer's afternoon should be a big reminder that flu season has arrived and shots are available all across town. Some chain stores have had clinics from a contract service. Others are to repeat the service while a grocery is accepting appointments, and Bedford County Health Department officials hope to start taking appointments on Monday...
Clinic seeks EKG donation (10/16/06)
Community Clinic of Shelbyville & Bedford County, a non-profit facility serving the uninsured working poor, is looking for a sponsor to donate money for an electrocardiograph (EKG) machine, according to board chair Valerie McConnell. The clinic operates with the help of volunteer medical personnel. A cardiologist has offered to begin seeing patients at the clinic, but in order to do so, the facility would need an EKG machine. That would cost about $3,500, said McConnell...
Orr keeps up hope as transplant nears (10/11/06)
It was the spring of 2004, and David Orr was enjoying his favorite pastime. As he walked up to the first green at Blackberry Ridge Golf Club, he found himself unexpectedly out of breath. "I attributed it to being out of shape," said Orr. Or perhaps allergies...
EMS prepares for Unionville renovation (09/12/06)
Bedford County Emergency Medical Services board approved a bid document Monday night for renovation of the old Unionville fire hall as an EMS station, as provided for in BCEMS's growth plan. The new Unionville station will, in effect, take the place of the station currently located on the grounds of the Clarence "Pete" Phillips Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy. ...
No bids received on health department (08/31/06)
Bedford County Health Department official Amy Mitchell says the department needs major renovations to be able to provide newly-required state pre-natal and primary care programs. But, for the second time, Mitchell has failed to get even a single bid on the renovation project...
State inspects county nursing home (08/22/06)
Bedford County Nursing Home was inspected by Tennessee Health Department officials Sunday, Monday and this morning, starting just two days after a managers meeting resolved issues raised at a meeting of nursing home trustees on Thursday. "They are asking about the events, the drinking (by unidentified people in the parking lot) and other things mentioned during the meeting, so they must have been called," Gay Shoffner, director of nursing, said Monday afternoon when asked about the Medicare/Medicaid Inspection Survey.. ...
New surgeon starts at BCMC (08/01/06)
Dr. Navid Monajjem, a surgeon from Emporia, Va., where Community Health Systems (CHS) has a hospital there as it does here, is now practicing in Shelbyville. "That hospital and its community are going through growing pains, but they are smaller than Shelbyville," the new Bedford countian said...
City approves site plan for new hospital (07/28/06)
Shelbyville's municipal planning commission gave the thumbs up to a site plan for the new Bedford County Medical Center [BCMC] Thursday but not before some questions were asked. Several commission members asked about what the impact of the noise from aircraft traffic might have on patients...
Arguments rage over nursing home (07/27/06)
The battle among county commissioners and Bedford County Nursing Home chief executive Wayne Schumann heated up Tuesday night, with raised voices and accusations during the meeting of the commission's budget and finance committee. At one point, the committee deadlocked 2-2 on a proposal that the county take bids on selling the nursing home. Commissioner J.D. "Bo" Wilson threatened to seek an injunction against the county for mismanagement of the facility...
Committees disagree over old HMS annex (07/27/06)
Two committees from Bedford County Board of Commissioners are taking different positions on whether the school system should be allowed to keep the former Harris Middle School annex. The commission's budget and finance committee had previously recommended that the school system be allowed to keep only the annex, which it would like to use for the alternative school program. ...
Rezoning sought for BCMC site (07/19/06)
A rezoning request for the site of the new Bedford County Medical Center [BCMC] will be before the Shelbyville Municipal Planning Commission next week. The request is for Lot #5 of the Airport Business Park, described at Parcel 38.01 of Tax Map 50, a total of 25 acres located on Highway 231 North...
Blood supply is critically low (07/15/06)
Middle Tennessee, including Bedford County, is headed for a blood shortage of emergency proportions if nothing changes. An adequate supply of blood at American Red Cross is a stock to last for five days. For instance, the local Red Cross needs to have a minimum of 1,695 pints of O-positive blood on its shelves to be prepared. Currently there are only 137 units. There should be 430 pints of O-negative but as of last report there were none...
Commissioners turn up heat on Schumann (07/13/06)
Some county commissioners, during their meeting Tuesday night, increased their criticism of Bedford County Nursing Home director Wayne Schumann for hiring his wife Iris as a consultant, especially since Wayne Schumann indicated that Iris Schumann might stay on after her contract runs out at the end of this month...