Pam Alpaugh of Community Hospitals & Wellness Centers-Bryan Radiology Department & Imaging Center was guest speaker for the regular meeting of CHWC-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary held Monday, May 13th at 1 p.m. at the Montpelier Public Library conference room. She was introduced by Past President Ruth Smethurst.
Pam started working in the department in 1979 when Bryan Hospital received its first ultrasound and she was appointed as tech to learn to use the equipment under the direction of Dr. Roebuck. In 1980 the department received its first CT scanner in Bryan and in 1999, the first MRI. Since then the department has been very busy with these and expanded hours to serve the increasing demand and now includes evening appointments.
Bryan’s radiology department has a staff of 30 and does an average of 30,000 imaging procedures each year. Three radiologists cover sites at Bryan, Montpelier and Archbold and MCHA clinic at Bryan. Ultrasound and CT scans are also used with performing biopsies and the department has access to an intervention radiologist at UTMC in Toledo for specialized procedures.
Regular screening mammograms are not performed at the Bryan radiology department at this time, since digital screening mammographies are now done at MCHA-Bryan clinic-Parkview Physicians Group. Pam advised women to follow their doctor’s advice regarding how often to have a mammogram, with the standard being once a year.
The radiology department has the ability to computer images of screenings directly to Parkview & Lutheran Hospitals in Ft. Wayne. Pam also explained procedures and options involving osteoporosis and needle biopsies. Her department continues to evaluate new services for patients. The auxiliary thanked Pam for her information.
The auxiliary’s regular meeting followed with Vice President Joyce Schelling presiding in the absence of President Deanna Gipe who was ill. A card was signed for Deanna. Roll call was sharing “A Mother’s Day Remembrance”. Reports were given by the secretary, treasurer, gift shop assistant manager, and various committees. Auxiliary members were thanked for volunteering to help with the recent Book Fair and Montpelier hospital staff appreciation tea. Flowers for patients were delivered this month by the auxiliary executive board. Janet Bennett has patient favors for the month of June.
Discussion was held on preliminary plans for the luminaries and memorial program planned for December, sponsored by the auxiliary with Barb Dietsch in charge.
A 60th anniversary celebration honoring the hospital and auxiliary is planned for the June 10th luncheon at 12 noon at the Thaman Building at the Williams County Fairgrounds. The Fair Foundation will cater the dinner, which is free courtesy of the auxiliary. A candlelight memorial service will also be included. Roll call will be “Where did you attend your last graduation party and for whom?”. Reservations should be made as soon as possible by contacting Barb Dietsch 419-485-3229.