November 25, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: ELIZABETH CURLEE

(662) 377-2371

Visit www.nmhs.net for an online version of this article.

EUPORA RESIDENT BENEFITS FROM NMMC HOSPICE PROGRAM

EUPORA, Miss.—Earnestine Robinson of Eupora is quick to tell you that the North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice Program has made a difference in her life.

“Hospice is my life,” Robinson said. “They mean everything to me.”

After undergoing surgery for cancer, Robinson was referred to the NMMC Home Health Agency for follow-up care. Home care allows patients like Robinson to remain in their home and familiar surroundings with family members participating in their care.

“I was not eating, rarely sleeping and very depressed. I had lost all hope,” she said. “It was more than I could bear.”

Robinson talked to her family physician, Charles Ozborn, M.D., with Eupora Medical Clinic, about options to further manage her symptoms of pain, anxiety and depression. Dr. Ozborn referred her to the NMMC Hospice Program.

Hospice is a specialized program of care that emphasizes the management of pain and other symptoms, including psychological, emotional, social and spiritual, associated with terminal illness. Hospice, which is often less costly than the traditional cycle of hospitalization and home health care typically used by terminally ill patients, is unique because it centers much of the caring process in the home.

“Hospice gave me the hope I needed to continue living. They gave me control of my pain and helped me achieve more independence,” Robinson said. “They taught me about medications, and wound and colostomy care. They carefully monitor my pain and work closely with Dr. Ozborn to manage my symptoms.”

The Hospice staff, which includes chaplains, dietitians, aides, pharmacists, physicians, registered nurses, social workers, therapists and volunteers, strives to help terminally ill patients and their families live each day as fully as possible.

Robinson describes the hospice staff as “a hospital team, more like a family.”

“They are in and out of my home and available whenever I need help managing my symptoms,” she said. “I no longer worry about dying, just enjoying life one day at a time with my family around me.”

Hospice services are available by physician referral and include nursing care, family counseling, pastoral care for spiritual support, prescription drugs related to terminal illness, medical equipment for comfort, volunteer services and bereavement care for up to 13 months following the patient’s death.

The NMMC Home Health Agency Hospice Program provides services in Alcorn, Benton, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Clay, Itawamba, Lafayette, Lee, Lowdnes, Monroe, Oktibbeha, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo, Union and Webster counties.

For more information on Hospice services provided by the NMMC Home Health Agency, call (662) 377-3612 or 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375).

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