Joslin Adds New Affiliates in Massachusetts and West Virginia
BOSTON — October, 1999 — Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MA, and St. Mary's Hospital in Huntington, WV, are the two newest affiliates of Joslin Diabetes Center, bringing Joslin's latest in diabetes diagnosis and treatment services to Western Massachusetts and, for the first time, to West Virginia residents.
Mercy Hospital
The new Joslin Diabetes Center affiliate at Mercy Hospital will offer extensive outpatient services for adults with diabetes and their families. Services will include one-on-one and group consultations, as well as education on topics such as blood glucose monitoring, insulin therapy, nutrition, exercise, foot care, and managing the emotional and social aspects of diabetes. In addition, Mercy Hospital's medical staff and state-of-the-art facilities will be available for patients requiring treatment for diabetes-related complications.
Endocrinologist Catherine M. Hegarty, M.D., is Medical Director of the new Joslin affiliate at Mercy Hospital. Dr. Hegarty heads a team of nurse educators, dietitians, and rehabilitation and exercise professionals, all specially trained and certified in diabetes care. Dr. Hegarty also continues to see patients with general endocrine disorders.
Mercy Hospital, a 284-bed, full-service health care facility, is a member of the Sisters of Providence Health System (SPHS). Renowned for its tradition of a high touch, holistic approach to health care, combined with the latest technology, the hospital's commitment to health care goes beyond treating illness and injuries, to include wellness programs, support groups, and educational programs.
"The name Joslin is synonymous with the most advanced research, education, and treatment in the care of diabetes," says Edmond L. Plummer Jr., chief executive officer at Mercy Hospital. "This relationship recognizes Mercy Hospital as a center for excellence in diabetes treatment and care. The innovative programs and services once found only in Boston will be available here in our own community."
St. Mary's Hospital
St. Mary's Comprehensive Regional Diabetes Center will be the first Joslin affiliate to open in West Virginia. According to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, the state ranks ninth in the nation in diabetes prevalence. In 1993, the state ranked second in the nation in diabetes deaths, which was 46 percent higher than the national average.
"We are pleased to bring Joslin's expertise and resources to such a critical population of individuals with diabetes in this area," said J. Thomas Jones, St. Mary's Executive Director/CEO.
"The combination of St. Mary's reputation for aggressive development of outpatient services and the quality of its medical staff made it a natural choice for a Joslin affiliate," said Joslin President Kenneth E. Quickel, Jr., M.D. "St. Mary's standards of medical excellence combined with Joslin's expertise will enable St. Mary's to provide a comprehensive program that will be a high-quality resource for physicians and for people with diabetes in the Huntington and Tri-State area."
St. Mary's provides advanced medical treatment through its Centers of Excellence in cardiac care, cancer treatment (in affiliation with the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center), emergency/trauma services, psychiatric services and women's health services. St. Mary's, which is affiliated with Marshall University Medical School, has provided compassionate, individualized care for the past 75 years.
