SGH Drive-Thru Clinic Now a Full-Service Clinic

April 19, 2023

Simpson General Hospital’s SGH Drive-Thru Clinic now offers a full range of primary care services as well as a drive-thru option for patients of all ages. The SGH Drive-Thru Clinic is located next to the SGH Medical Clinic on Simpson Hwy 149.

 When describing the practice, Monica Blakley, FNP-BC, the board-certified nurse practitioner at the SGH Drive-Thru Clinic, said, “We have merged the convenience of a drive-thru clinic with a traditional primary care clinic.”

 “Those who are in a hurry or don’t want to get the kids out of the car may prefer the drive-thru while others who enjoy the extra patient-provider time that comes with scheduling a typical in-office appointment will be able to have that choice as well.”

 Annual wellness visits, physicals, female wellness exams and sick visits are some of the services offered for in-office appointments.

 Injections, labs and urgent-care type visits are available in the drive-thru service.

 While the Clinic was initially opened in 2021 to provide Covid testing in a setting that allowed for patient social distancing, it has evolved into a full-service clinic with three exam rooms in addition to the drive-thru.

 The hours of the new clinic are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.); and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon. To schedule an appointment, call 601.847.8304.

 Located in Mendenhall, Mississippi, Simpson General Hospital is dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of its community. In addition to the main hospital, Simpson General offers family medical clinics in Mendenhall, Harrisville, and Puckett. Learn more at SimpsonGeneral.com.

SGH Drive-Thru Clinic Welcomes Monica Blakley

March 29, 2023

Simpson General Hospital welcomes Monica Blakley, FNP-BC, to the SGH Drive-Thru Clinic. She has been a nurse practitioner for 12 years and is currently seeing patients at the Drive-Thru Clinic.

 Blakley is originally from Waynesboro, Mississippi. She received her undergraduate degree as well as her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi and then worked in the Hattiesburg area until moving to SGH.

 “I am excited to be a part of the Simpson General Hospital family,” says Blakley. “I thoroughly enjoy providing care to patients and have enjoyed getting to know the people here in the Simpson County area.”

 The SGH Drive-Thru Clinic is located at 1827C Simpson Highway 149 in Mendenhall. Call 601.847.8304 for more information or visit www.simpsongeneral.com.

Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith Visits Magee and Simpson Hospitals

February 23, 2023

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith recognized the critical work of local hospital employees this week as she toured Magee General Hospital and Simpson General Hospital. During the visit, the Senator spoke with numerous physicians and staff and listened as they addressed issues the hospitals are facing.

 MGH and SGH CEO Gregg Gibbes says, “Senator Hyde-Smith has been, and continues to be, an advocate for rural healthcare, which has been proven time and time again and most recently through her work to establish the CDC Office of Rural Health.”

 The establishment of this office within the CDC stems from a bipartisan effort to bring attention to the critical need for health care services to rural communities around the country.

 “Improving the financial security of rural hospitals is key to improving the rural-urban disparities in health outcomes,” wrote Hyde-Smith in an op-ed for the Washington Times.

 “It was an honor and a privilege to have Senator Hyde-Smith take the time to meet with us and see what we are doing with our hospitals here in Simpson County.” Senator Hyde-Smith was shown the capabilities of each hospital as she viewed occupational and physical therapy areas, laboratories, emergency departments, and inpatient rooms. Gibbes discussed several issues with Senator Hyde-Smith regarding the planned growth of both facilities.

“Plenty of pressure on small, rural healthcare facilities these days, but I’m pleased with the good work at the Magee General Hospital and Simpson General Hospital…,” said Senator Hyde-Smith about the visit.

Medicaid Members Must Take Action to Remain Covered 

February 9, 2023

Attention Medicaid Members!

In December 2022, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA). Per the CAA, the continuous coverage condition that prohibited states from disenrolling members from Medicaid will expire on March 31, 2023. 

 This means that states will resume routine eligibility operations, and DOM will begin re-qualifying all Medicaid members this spring. 

 What Should you do?  

It is very important for Medicaid members to update their contact information by calling the Mississippi Division of Medicaid at 1-800-421-2408 or 601-359-6050. 

You can also update your contact information online at www.medicaid.ms.gov/update-contact-info/

Mississippi Medicaid members can keep up with the latest information, FAQs, alerts and other resources by visiting www.medicaid.ms.gov/staycovered/. 

SGH Hospitalist Jodi Miller Continues Family Tradition of Service at Simpson General 

January 23, 2023

MENDENHALL, MS – Patients of Simpson General Hospital may recognize the Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner Jodi Miller, who previously worked at SGH as an RN on the Medical-Surgical Floor, ER, and the Senior Care Unit for 17 years. Miller has now served as Simpson General’s Hospitalist for almost two years.

Miller is proud to continue her family’s service to the hospital, as her mother worked as an RN at Simpson General for over 20 years.

“I began my career at SGH right out of nursing school,” says Miller. “It means so much to me to work in the same hospital where my mother spent most of her career. The people here are truly like a family to me.”

She continues, “I love the small town feel here, and especially the fact that every patient receives the high quality of care and time they deserve.”

Miller graduated from Prentiss Academy and Copiah-Lincoln Community College, then went on to obtain her BSN from the University of Southern Mississippi. She continued her education at the University of South Alabama, graduating with a double Masters of Science in Nursing as an Acute Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and also as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Located in Mendenhall, Mississippi, Simpson General Hospital is dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of its community. In addition to the main hospital, Simpson General offers family medical clinics in Mendenhall, Harrisville, and Puckett as well as a drive-thru clinic in Mendenhall. Learn more at SimpsonGeneral.com.

Simpson General Now Offering Dry Needling

January 23, 2023

MENDENHALL, MS — Simpson General Hospital is pleased to now offer patients the service of dry needling, a procedure that treats pain and movement impairments. Dry needling can be used for a wide variety of musculoskeletal issues, such as shoulder, neck, heel, hip, and back pain.

 With dry needling, A thin needle penetrates the skin and treats underlying muscular trigger points. When dry needling is applied to a dysfunctional muscle or trigger point, it can decrease banding or tightness, increase blood flow, and reduce local and referred pain.

 Dry needling treatment will be administered by Hal Herrington, a licensed physical therapist who has been with SGH since 2016. Herrington was certified in the procedure through United Dry Needling Education.

 Herrington states, “Dry needling should not be confused with acupuncture, although the two treatments use similar tools. Dry needling is done in medical facilities by licensed therapists who have received specific training in this procedure.”

 Dry needling procedures will take place at SGH Outpatient Therapy, located across the street from the main hospital. A doctor referral is needed, but patients can call SGH Outpatient Therapy at 601-847-5547 for more information.

 Located in Mendenhall, Mississippi, Simpson General Hospital is dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of its community. In addition to the main hospital, Simpson General offers family medical clinics in Mendenhall, Harrisville, and Puckett and a drive-thru clinic in Mendenhall. Learn more at SimpsonGeneral.com.

SGH Awarded 2021 Mississippi Hospital Quality Award

November 8, 2021

Simpson General Hospital is one of 12 healthcare facilities in the state to be named a 2021 Mississippi Hospital Quality Award winner. This title is bestowed yearly by the Chartis Center of Rural Health and the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH).

 “We look at this as an important step towards a future that makes quality a cornerstone of the Simpson General experience,” said Shana Lane, SGH Quality Director. “Our intent is to continue to provide quality care to our patients and ensure that their safety is a top priority in our facility. We hope to keep on excelling in this area as our focus on quality evolves.”

 The criteria for selecting these award winners is based on the Chartis Group model which focuses on 50 individual indicators and eight pillars of performance. As stated on their website, the top performers are excelling in managing risk, achieving higher quality, securing better outcomes, increasing patient satisfaction, and operating at a lower cost than their peers. 

 SGH is a member of the Hospital Quality Improvement collaborative that works to improve quality measures and safety for its patients. The hospital has also joined the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network to track healthcare associated infections and improve outcomes for patients. Many different quality indicators are monitored by the hospital each month to ensure compliance with the organization’s standards.

 “This award means a great deal to us, as we continue to make efforts to increase our patient satisfaction while operating from a financially secure position,” said hospital CEO Gregg Gibbes. “We are blessed to have a devoted medical staff along with great employees who are passionate about serving others. This recognition would not be possible without their team effort.”

 An awards ceremony will take place on November 18, 2021, in Jackson, MS, as part of the Mississippi Rural Health Conference.

SGH Drive-Thru Clinic Open for Covid Vaccines and Testing

August 25, 2021

Simpson General Hospital now offers a drive-thru clinic located in the same building as the SGH Medical Clinic. This clinic will initially serve those needing Covid testing and Covid vaccinations.

 “The coronavirus has certainly caused all of us in the medical profession to rethink the way we interact with patients,” said Shana Lane, Simpson General’s Director of Infection Control. “We determined that a drive-thru clinic would be an excellent way to offer increased safety measures along with convenience.”

 The clinic is located at 1827 Simpson Highway 149, in the same building that houses the SGH Medical Clinic as well as other Simpson Hospital services. Patients will stay in their cars and providers will come to them to determine their needs. No appointment is needed.

 The hours of the new clinic are Monday – Thursday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm with a lunch break from 12:00 – 1:00 pm. The clinic is also open on Fridays from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. Moderna vaccines are given on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Pfizer vaccines are given on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Those with questions can call 601.847.8304.

Simpson General Offering Covid Booster Vaccines

August 9, 2021

Simpson General Hospital is offering Covid booster vaccines in its three clinics for patients who have previously received a Covid vaccine at one of the three clinic locations.

 “Every vaccinated person does NOT need a booster at this point,” said Shana Lane, Simpson General’s Director of Infection Control. “There are only certain people who fit into the high-risk category, and these people should think seriously about boosting their immunity through another shot.”

 For patients who have received a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, the booster will involve administering a third round of the same vaccine. For those who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, it is recommended that their next dose be the Pfizer vaccine. Patients should bring their vaccination card with them to their appointment and discuss with their provider the recommended vaccine treatment.

 At this point, Simpson General clinics are only giving booster vaccines to patients in the high-risk category, those who have factors associated with an immunocompromised condition.

These include:

• Active or recent treatment for solid tumor or hematologic malignancies
• Receipt of solid-organ or recent hematopoietic stem cell transplant
• Severe primary immunodeficiency
• Advanced or untreated HIV
• Treatment with immunosuppressive medications such as cancer chemotherapeutic agents, TNF blockers, certain biologic agents (e.g., rituximab), and high-dose corticosteroids
• History of Diabetes
• Chronic conditions associated with varying degrees of immune deficit, such as asplenia or chronic renal disease.
• Other underlying medical conditions and treatments that may lead to immunosuppression based on the physician or clinical team assessment.

 Those who believe they are eligible should wait at least four weeks after their final dose of their first round of vaccinations. After this time, they can call 601-847-3969 to schedule an appointment, or visit the SGH Drive-Thru Clinic located at 1827C Simpson Highway 149.

 Visit simpsongeneral.com for more information.

Simpson General Providing Covid-19 Treatment 

July 30, 2021

Simpson General Hospital is providing Regen-Cov™ infusions to patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 and meet other criteria for treatment. These infusions are being administered on an outpatient basis in the main hospital only.

In addition to testing positive for the virus, patients must also meet one of the following criteria to be eligible for a Regen-Cov treatment:

• Have a BMI of over 25 kg
• Have chronic kidney disease
• Have diabetes
• Have immunosuppressive disease
• Are currently receiving immunosuppressive treatment
• Are 65 years of age or more
• Are age 12-17 with BMI greater than 85th percentile for their age and gender based on the CDC growth charts
• Are pregnant
• Have cardiovascular disease
• Have hypertension
• Have chronic lung disease
• Have Sickle cell disease
• Have neurodevelopmental disorders (ex: cerebral palsy) or other conditions that confer medical complexity
• Have a medical-related technological dependence (ex. Tracheostomy, gastrostomy, or positive pressure ventilation) not related to Covid-19

Regen-Cov is a medicine used to treat mild to moderate symptoms of Covid-19 in non-hospitalized adults and adolescents who are at high risk for developing severe Covid-19 symptoms or the need for hospitalization. It has been authorized for emergency use by the FDA. It is given through an infusion in a medical setting and usually takes 1 ½ to 2 hours to administer.

Anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19 and is interested in this treatment should call 601-847-8226. A provider will speak with patients to determine eligibility and offer more information on side effects, exclusions for treatment, and what to expect during the infusion. Patients will not be charged for this procedure. Visit simpsongeneral.com for more information.

Simpson General Named a COVID-19 Center of Excellence!

March 18, 2021

COVID-19/Flu Rapid Tests Available at our Clinics!

January 21, 2021

All three of our clinics are now offering a combination COVID-19/Flu rapid test! Results are usually given within two hours. Call our SGH, Harrisville, or Puckett Clinic to make an appointment.

Flu Shots Available at Our Clinics!

January 21, 2021

This year, it’s more important than ever to make sure you and your family are protected against the flu. Flu shots are available now at all three of our clinics. Call the clinic directly to make your appointment.

SGH Drive-Thru Clinic Open for Covid Vaccines and Testing

August 25, 2021

Simpson General Hospital now offers a drive-thru clinic located in the same building as the SGH Medical Clinic. This clinic will initially serve those needing Covid testing and Covid vaccinations.

 “The coronavirus has certainly caused all of us in the medical profession to rethink the way we interact with patients,” said Shana Lane, Simpson General’s Director of Infection Control. “We determined that a drive-thru clinic would be an excellent way to offer increased safety measures along with convenience.”

 The clinic is located at 1827 Simpson Highway 149, in the same building that houses the SGH Medical Clinic as well as other Simpson Hospital services. Patients will stay in their cars and providers will come to them to determine their needs. No appointment is needed.

 The hours of the new clinic are Monday – Thursday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm with a lunch break from 12:00 – 1:00 pm. The clinic is also open on Fridays from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. Moderna vaccines are given on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Pfizer vaccines are given on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Those with questions can call 601.847.8304.

Simpson General Offering Covid Booster Vaccines

August 9, 2021

Simpson General Hospital is offering Covid booster vaccines in its three clinics for patients who have previously received a Covid vaccine at one of the three clinic locations.

 “Every vaccinated person does NOT need a booster at this point,” said Shana Lane, Simpson General’s Director of Infection Control. “There are only certain people who fit into the high-risk category, and these people should think seriously about boosting their immunity through another shot.”

 For patients who have received a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, the booster will involve administering a third round of the same vaccine. For those who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, it is recommended that their next dose be the Pfizer vaccine. Patients should bring their vaccination card with them to their appointment and discuss with their provider the recommended vaccine treatment.

 At this point, Simpson General clinics are only giving booster vaccines to patients in the high-risk category, those who have factors associated with an immunocompromised condition.

These include:

• Active or recent treatment for solid tumor or hematologic malignancies
• Receipt of solid-organ or recent hematopoietic stem cell transplant
• Severe primary immunodeficiency
• Advanced or untreated HIV
• Treatment with immunosuppressive medications such as cancer chemotherapeutic agents, TNF blockers, certain biologic agents (e.g., rituximab), and high-dose corticosteroids
• History of Diabetes
• Chronic conditions associated with varying degrees of immune deficit, such as asplenia or chronic renal disease.
• Other underlying medical conditions and treatments that may lead to immunosuppression based on the physician or clinical team assessment.

 Those who believe they are eligible should wait at least four weeks after their final dose of their first round of vaccinations. After this time, they can call 601-847-3969 to schedule an appointment, or visit the SGH Drive-Thru Clinic located at 1827C Simpson Highway 149.

 Visit simpsongeneral.com for more information.

Nurse Practitioner Michelle Windham Now Practicing at SGH Medical Clinic

August 2, 2021

Simpson General Hospital welcomes Michelle Windham, MSN, APRN, CNM, FNP-C, to its SGH Medical Clinic. Windham is returning to her roots in Simpson County after practicing across the country as a travel nurse and nurse midwife.

 Windham holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi. She went on to earn her Master of Science degree in Nursing with Emphasis in Certified Nurse Midwifery from Frontier Nursing University. She has also received a Post-Master’s Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner from Frontier Nursing University.

 Windham has worked as a registered nurse on staff in various locations including Forrest General Hospital, the Department of Veteran Affairs, and East Texas Medical Center. She has also served as a travel nurse all across the country and in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her most recent stint was in Alaska, where she served as a nurse midwife, before returning to Mississippi where she grew up.

 “Since becoming an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, my desire has been to return home to provide care to my home community. When the opportunity to become part of the Simpson General family presented itself, it was an answer to prayers. I look forward to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to the community we serve at SGH,” says Windham.

 To schedule an appointment with Windham, contact SGH Medical Clinic at 601.847.2424.

Simpson General Providing Covid-19 Treatment 

July 30, 2021

Simpson General Hospital is providing Regen-Cov™ infusions to patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 and meet other criteria for treatment. These infusions are being administered on an outpatient basis in the main hospital only.

In addition to testing positive for the virus, patients must also meet one of the following criteria to be eligible for a Regen-Cov treatment:

• Have a BMI of over 25 kg
• Have chronic kidney disease
• Have diabetes
• Have immunosuppressive disease
• Are currently receiving immunosuppressive treatment
• Are 65 years of age or more
• Are age 12-17 with BMI greater than 85th percentile for their age and gender based on the CDC growth charts
• Are pregnant
• Have cardiovascular disease
• Have hypertension
• Have chronic lung disease
• Have Sickle cell disease
• Have neurodevelopmental disorders (ex: cerebral palsy) or other conditions that confer medical complexity
• Have a medical-related technological dependence (ex. Tracheostomy, gastrostomy, or positive pressure ventilation) not related to Covid-19

Regen-Cov is a medicine used to treat mild to moderate symptoms of Covid-19 in non-hospitalized adults and adolescents who are at high risk for developing severe Covid-19 symptoms or the need for hospitalization. It has been authorized for emergency use by the FDA. It is given through an infusion in a medical setting and usually takes 1 ½ to 2 hours to administer.

Anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19 and is interested in this treatment should call 601-847-8226. A provider will speak with patients to determine eligibility and offer more information on side effects, exclusions for treatment, and what to expect during the infusion. Patients will not be charged for this procedure. Visit simpsongeneral.com for more information.

Simpson General Named a COVID-19 Center of Excellence!

March 18, 2021

COVID-19/Flu Rapid Tests Available at our Clinics!

January 21, 2021

All three of our clinics are now offering a combination COVID-19/Flu rapid test! Results are usually given within two hours. Call our SGH, Harrisville, or Puckett Clinic to make an appointment.

Flu Shots Available at Our Clinics!

January 21, 2021

This year, it’s more important than ever to make sure you and your family are protected against the flu. Flu shots are available now at all three of our clinics. Call the clinic directly to make your appointment.