Newsroom

Biloxi, MS— June 21, 2021 When we think of cancer prevention, we typically think of those we hear the most about, such as breast cancer or lung cancer. One of the most common cancers is actually colon cancer: cancer of the large intestine and lower part of the digestive system. It is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. – and early detection dramatically increases the survival rate. More than 145,000 new cases of colon cancer have been diagnosed in the U... ... Read More

Hattiesburg - Merit Health Wesley welcomes Rick Kolaczek as its new chief operating officer, overseeing hospital operations and clinical departments.   “With Rick’s knowledge and experience, we are confident that he will be a valuable addition to our leadership team," says CEO Matthew Banks. "We are excited to see the impact he makes on our organization and our community.” Kolaczek comes to Merit Health Wesley from Grandview Medical Center in Birmingham, AL, where he served as the assista... ... Read More

Study finds average weight gains of 1.5 pounds a month during pandemic NATCHEZ, Miss. – June 17, 2021 —– As the days get longer and community is opening up, a local physician is encouraging her patients to reverse the extra pounds they may have added over the past year of the pandemic. Dr. Barbara Smith, a primary care physician with Merit Health Medical Group Primary Care Clinic, says it’s a great time to get back on track with healthy habits and shed that extra weight. “The pandemic, especially early ... ... Read More

Merit Health is hosting a Nurse Career Social at the MS Braves’ First Responder Day on Wednesday, June 23, from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Trustmark Park Stadium, located at 1 Braves Boulevard in Pearl. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse graduates are invited. Game admission is FREE with work or student ID. Stop by the Merit Health tent by the ticket office for VIP access to this event on the Party Deck! Attendees will have an opportunity to learn first-hand about RN and LPN openings a... ... Read More

Stay on schedule with a full night of sleep for your best physical and mental health NATCHEZ, Miss. –June 14, 2021— We’ve all experienced the tiredness and lack of clarity that comes from a sleepless night, but a study published last year by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology Foundation found that sleep schedule inconsistency is also a risk factor for heart disease. Dr. Barbara Smith, primary care physician and Charla Knapp, Family Nurse Practitioner with Merit Health Medical Group Primar... ... Read More

Merit Health Biloxi now offers endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), a unique service for our community. Endoscopic ultrasound is a minimally invasive procedure that uses diagnostic ultrasound to produce detailed images of tissues and allows the doctor to reach organs that were difficult to access before such as the pancreas and the outside of the esophagus and stomach. These are highly specialized procedures so being able to provide our patients with the most comfortable experience and the most accurate possibl... ... Read More

Hattiesburg – While Spring brings sunshine, emerging greenery and longer days, many people dread this season for the sinus pressure, headaches, itchy eyes and respiratory problems it brings. More than 50 million people suffer with nasal allergies and half of those also have seasonal pollen allergies, according to The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). “With the warm climate of Mississippi, there is no single allergy season,” said Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy specialist Curtis Childress, ... ... Read More

Study finds average weight gains of 1.5 pounds a month during pandemic Biloxi, MS – As the days get longer and more of our community is opening up, we encourage you to reverse the extra pounds they may have added over the past year of the pandemic. A recent study by the University of California, San Francisco confirmed what many of our scales and wardrobes have already shown us – lower activity levels and increased snacking and overeating have added up, and not for the better. The study found significan... ... Read More

Merit Health Central has named David C. Henry, FACHE, as the new chief executive officer, effective May 24, 2021. “I am excited to work with and support the employees and medical staff as we continue the momentum of making Merit Health Central a great place for employees to work, physicians to practice and patients to receive compassionate, quality care in a safe and patient-focused environment,” said Henry. Henry’s healthcare background is diverse, as he has success in physician recruiting, patient exp... ... Read More

Hattiesburg - As part of their celebration of Nurses' Week, Merit Health Wesley awarded their top honors to two nurses during their 2021 Nursing Award Celebration.  Nurse of the Year was awarded to Karen Jones, R.N., who works in the hospital’s intensive care unit and has been with Merit Health Wesley since April of 2011.  "Karen was a rock for the department throughout the pandemic," said ICU Director Britton Mathis. “Her dedication and attention to detail is second-to-none. Even during the m... ... Read More