Bolivar Medical Center Celebrates Achievements in 2024

Bolivar Medical Center (BMC) is proud to announce a year filled with significant accomplishments across its departments, showcasing commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare services to the community. Through innovation, collaboration, and dedication, BMC has achieved advancements in emergency care, patient safety, quality improvement, and community engagement.

The Emergency Department at Bolivar Medical Center made significant strides in 2024, focusing on enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. Staff members completed Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training, equipping them to provide compassionate, specialized care to vulnerable patients. Efforts to reduce Emergency Room (ER) wait times and lengths of stay resulted in marked improvements in patient satisfaction, showcasing the team’s commitment to a better patient experience.

“The emergency team’s dedication to providing exceptional care and improving patient outcomes has been truly inspiring,” said JoAnn McCollum, CNO at Bolivar Medical Center. “From reducing wait times to enhancing trauma and cardiac care, every accomplishment reflects the hard work and commitment of our staff. Their focus on continuous improvement and compassionate service ensures that our patients receive the best care possible when they need it most. I am incredibly proud to lead such a talented and devoted team.”

A partnership with a leading company was established to provide orthopedic supplies for patients at discharge, ensuring continuity of care beyond their visit. Additionally, collaborations with major medical centers were developed to expedite patient transfers, improving outcomes for critical cases. The department also continued to advance care for cardiac, stroke, and trauma patients while maintaining its participation in the Chest Pain Center Accreditation program.

The Quality Department at Bolivar Medical Center achieved several milestones in 2024, further solidifying its commitment to quality and safety. Leadership attended the Mississippi Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MSPQC), prioritizing advancements in maternal and neonatal care. The team also participated in the Mississippi Cyber Initiative tabletop exercise, enhancing cybersecurity preparedness for the hospital. Renewing and maintaining certifications such as CPHQ (Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality) and CPPS (Certified Professional in Patient Safety), directors focus on upholding high standards in healthcare quality and safety.

"Certifications like CPHQ, CPPS, and CPHRM represent more than just credentials—they reflect a deep commitment to excellence, patient safety, and continuous improvement," said Teresa Grissette, Director of Quality at Bolivar Medical Center. "By maintaining these certifications, our staff demonstrate their dedication to staying at the forefront of healthcare quality standards, ensuring that every patient receives the highest level of care. These achievements are not just professional milestones—they are vital to fostering trust, improving outcomes, and advancing the overall quality of our services."

Nine hospital employees served as board members of the Mississippi Nurses Association, with several attending its annual conference, reflecting the team’s active role in the professional nursing community. Additionally, the Director of Plant Operations and Security and the Risk Director attended the Delta Strong Conference on Human Trafficking, demonstrating their commitment to addressing critical social issues. The Quality Director’s selection for the Mississippi Nursing Foundation Leadership Training, combined with her speech at the 2024 MNA Conference in Biloxi, MS, further highlights the department’s dedication to leadership and advocacy.

Other Milestones:

• Launched the Worksteps program in Outpatient Therapy, enhancing occupational medicine services.
• Hired two new general surgeons to meet community needs.
• Opened a new women’s clinic and employed OB/GYN physician, expanding access to specialized care.
• Upgraded and relocated the Bolivar Urology Clinic for enhanced patient experience.
• Hosted or participated in over 20 community events to raise awareness for health observances and give back to Bolivar County residents.
• Foundations Behavioral Health received the Excellence in Advocacy Award from Signet Health.
• The lab earned the prestigious 2024 Biosafety Champion Certificate from the Mississippi Public Health Laboratory.
• Long Term Care maintained its Five-Star Facility rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

“Our team’s dedication to innovation and excellence in patient care drives everything we do,” said Jimmy Young, CEO of Bolivar Medical Center. “These accomplishments reflect the unwavering commitment of our staff to improving health outcomes and enhancing the overall patient experience. By working together, we’re building a stronger and healthier Bolivar County.”

As Bolivar Medical Center looks toward the future, it remains committed to advancing healthcare services and making a positive impact in the lives of the community it serves.