Oxford, MS: A Hub for Quality Health Care
If you’re living in or around Oxford, Mississippi, you are in good hands when it comes to health care. Residents have easy access to top-notch services right in their own backyard thanks to the excellent facilities offered at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi. This hospital has been on a roll, earning the Platinum Performance Achievement Awards from the American College of Cardiology for four consecutive years. Talk about consistency!
Recognized Excellence
The hospital isn’t just locally recognized; it has received national acclaim as well. In fact, it’s been ranked among America’s Best Hospitals by a well-known organization and boasts an impressive “A” rating in the Care category from Leapfrog, a national safety organization. Operating under the larger umbrella of Baptist Memorial Health Care, which is one of the biggest not-for-profit health systems in the country, this institution is also the leading provider for Medicaid in the northern part of Mississippi.
Exciting Leadership Changes
This year, Oxford’s healthcare scene saw a leadership shift with the appointment of Brian Welton as CEO and administrator of the hospital. Welton, who took the reins in May 2023, brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as CEO of the Baptist Memorial Hospital-Crittenden in Arkansas, where he notably oversaw its opening in 2017. He steps into his new role following the retirement of the long-standing CEO Bill Henning, who had been at the helm for a decade.
“I appreciate transitioning from West Memphis to Oxford with the help of Bill and our leadership team here,” shares Welton. “Oxford is a great market for health care, especially with such a beautiful hospital. This medical facility is truly a gem in the state of Mississippi.”
A Focus on Community and Staff
Welton is ready to take on new challenges and emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs of both the community and the hospital staff. “My goal in this first year is to really get to know everyone on staff and listen closely to what they have to say. I’m not here to stir things up. The hospital leadership and staff are already doing a wonderful job,” he explains. This kind of approach can only build a stronger, more effective healthcare team.
Impressive Facilities
Now, for those who aren’t familiar, the Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi isn’t just some small clinic. Opened in November 2017 after eight years in the making, this impressive facility is a five-story, 600,000-square-foot marvel. It features 30 medical specialty services, including an emergency room, heart care, cancer care, women’s health, sleep disorders, and weight loss services, making it one of the fastest-growing hospitals in the area.
Addressing Staffing Challenges
Like many healthcare institutions across the country, Baptist Memorial Hospital is not immune to staffing challenges. A report shows that around 18% of healthcare workers nationwide decided to leave their jobs during the pandemic. To combat this, the hospital has rolled out programs like the New Graduate Nurse Fellowship and an Internal Medicine Residency program. These programs aim at attracting top talent by offering competitive pay, flexible schedules, and educational opportunities.
“Our graduate nurses get top-level training, and they can earn extra certifications, allowing them to specialize in whatever field of medicine they wish,” Welton explains. “And for doctors doing their residency here, Oxford is a wonderful community to live and work in. There’s so much to enjoy in this charming city.”
An Invitation to Explore
For anyone considering whether Oxford, MS, is the place to be – whether for health care, community, or simply enjoying life – it truly has a lot to offer. Want to dive deeper into what makes Oxford shine? Stay tuned to learn more about living and working in this vibrant community!
