Methodist Healthcare System | Keeping Well | Winter 2018

Methodist Children’s Hospital, a campus of Methodist Hospital, is going to the dogs! In Septem- ber, hospital staff welcomed to the hospital Hazel, the first certified facility dog in Central and South Texas. Methodist Children’s Hospital is the only hospital in South and Central Texas to have an on-site certi- fied facility dog for its patients. Hazel was trained as a service dog and then received additional training to become a facility dog. With facility dogs, bond-based training is used, which focuses on the relationship between the handler and the dog. Facility dogs provide special support for young patients in a number of situations, such as dealing with anxiety over a long or uncomfortable procedure, needing motivation during physical therapy, or com- bating loneliness when parents go home or to work. Hazel trained in four healthcare facilities, learning to handle large crowds, heightened emotions, alarms and other aspects of the hospital setting. A 2-year-old golden retriever, Hazel was the top dog in her training class, graduating as valedictorian of her litter. She reported for work with her lunchbox and name tag, and just like any other employee, she participated in a staff meeting to learn the ropes and understand not to bite off more than she can chew. Her animal magnetism is sure to make her a favorite with staff as well as patients. Methodist Healthcare System, a partnership be- tween HCA and Methodist Healthcare Ministries, has acquired South Texas Regional Medical Center from Community Health Systems. The 67-bed hospital is located in Jourdanton, Texas. “The new name of the hospital is Methodist Hospital South, linking the hospital to the Methodist Healthcare family, which is driven by its faith-based foundation and mission of serving humanity to honor God by providing exceptional and cost-effective healthcare, accessible to all,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President and CEO of Methodist Healthcare System. “Methodist is the market leader in healthcare services throughout South Texas,” he added. “This acquisition allows the ownership of South Texas Regional Medical Center to remain local while expanding the network of care to all of the 26 fa- cilities within the Methodist Healthcare System.” That network includes medical professionals, innovative resources and equipment, as well as a complete range of services that include pediat- rics, cardiology, oncology, transplant and many more services. Methodist’s core value is building relationships in community, and the System plans to follow this core value at Methodist Hospital South as well as to extend its faith-based mission. F I RST CERT I F I ED FACI L I T Y DOG IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH TEXAS JOINS THE METHODI ST CHI LDREN’ S HOSPI TAL STAFF With lunchbox and employee name badge, golden retriever Hazel reports for work Methodist Healthcare Systempurchases Jourdanton Hospital W I N T E R 2 0 1 8 K E E P I N G W E L L 7 N E W S , V I E W S & T I P S M E T H O D I S T H E A L T H C A R E