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Read the latest updates from hospitals in the Lake Houston area. This list is not comprehensive.
1. Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital rolls out new programs, facilities
New and expanded medical programs have premiered at Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital in the last year, alongside a new retail pharmacy section expected to open this fall.
What’s changed
A new Heartburn and Reflux Program launched at this hospital within the last year. This program is expected to provide comprehensive care for diagnosing and treating adult and geriatric conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux.
Meanwhile, the hospital’s Neuro Program was expanded to offer thrombectomies—blood clot removal—and a Mobile Stroke Unit to serve the Humble area. Hospital leaders are also hoping to earn a “complex stroke designation” so that services can grow even further.
The projects
New facilities at Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital include the retail pharmacy, which is currently under construction. This new section of the hospital will offer on-campus medicine pickups for patients, visitors and staff.
Within the last year, the hospital’s chapel was also relocated and remodeled. The new chapel features more seating and new stained-glass windows.
HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood officials celebrated the hospital’s 35-year anniversary in May, according to a May 5 news release.
The details
Since opening its doors in 1991, the hospital has grown into a 551-bed acute care facility with roughly 2,500 employees and more than 1,000 physicians on staff offering a variety of advanced specialty services, per the release.
“This milestone reflects the dedication of our colleagues, physicians and caregivers who have made a difference in the lives of countless patients over the past 35 years,” HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood CEO John Corbeil said in a statement.
Also of note
Additionally, hospital officials said staff completed the hospital’s 100th robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedure in May, according to a May 18 news release.
Initially implemented at the hospital in August, robotic-assisted bronchoscopy uses 3D imaging and advanced navigation technology to help physicians evaluate and biopsy small or difficult-to-reach lung nodules with greater precision, per the release.
“This milestone reflects the expertise and dedication of our pulmonary specialists and care teams, who are committed to bringing innovative care options to our community,” Corbeil said in a statement.
Elite Hospital Kingwood officials partnered with Lone Star College-Kingwood in January to offer a scholarship covering a full year of tuition and fees for one student in the college’s nursing program, according to Lauren Cash, director of brand strategy and community engagement for Elite Hospital Kingwood.
The impact
Additionally, the partnership will include an emergency scholarship fund to assist students who experience unforeseen financial circumstances that may otherwise prevent them from continuing into the next semester of their education. Cash said the program totals $5,600 annually for both scholarships.
“It's important to us to support our community and those that are entering the medical field,” Cash said.
At PAM Health Rehabilitation of Humble, new inpatient and outpatient programs are being developed, CEO Johnny Bellew said in a June 7 emailed statement.
What's next
Facility leaders are working on creating a cardiac inpatient rehabilitation program as well as inpatient and outpatient lymphedema programs. Officials are also pursuing an amputee certification in July and a specialty certification for wound care.
The center also recently hired a slate of new leaders, among which are Chief Nursing Officer Anita Adeyinka, Director of Rehabilitation Lisa Lewis and Medical Director Dr. Bonny Ogar.
A $235,000 donation to LSC-Kingwood’s health care programs will be used to purchase new equipment and fund student scholarships, according to a May 28 news release from Lone Star College System.
Zooming in
Northeast Hospital Authority and Northeast Hospital Foundation made the donation, which will be used for LSC-Kingwood’s Respiratory Care and Polysomnographic Technology programs. Equipment to be purchased with the funding includes home sleep apnea tests, video laryngoscopes, a transcutaneous CO2 monitor and a simulation mannequin.
