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Oaklawn

History

Hospital History Comes From Care

When Oaklawn Hospital opened, the world was a much different place. Health care was far removed from today’s advancements and technology. When opened in 1925, Oaklawn only had 12 beds. It was housed in a private residential home, not even 5,000 square feet, with the third floor accommodating operating, emergency and maternity rooms, a baby’s bath and a nursery. The building was furnished with draperies, sheets and pillowcases made by area churches.

The village of Marshall, incorporated in 1887, didn’t have its first stoplight until 1926. The hospital opened five years before the Brooks Fountain was dedicated. The village population was somewhere between 4,200 and 5,000.

Over a span of more than eight decades, Oaklawn has grown and evolved along with Marshall and surrounding communities.

The original Oaklawn Hospital building had been a private residence, built in 1837 by Sidney Ketchum, who, with his brother George, founded Marshall in 1831. In 1859, Charles P. Dibble acquired the property and named it “Oaklawn” because of the beautiful white oaks that adorned the grounds. Through his son, William J. Dibble, and later his grandson, Charles L. Dibble, the property was deeded to the Ella E. M. Brown Charitable Circle Association, created as a legacy of Charles P. Brown and named in memory of his wife. It is still the legal name of Oaklawn today.

At the time it was formed, the Charitable Circle comprised a group of women from local churches and was formed after Brown bequeathed his home and $37,000 – a value of about $400,000 today – for the purpose of starting a hospital. This association sparked the hospital movement in Marshall. The old Dibble home, known as The Mansion House, was converted to a hospital and paid for by a fund drive from 1923-25 that raised $45,000.

Oaklawn treated its first patient on July 25, 1925. During the late 1920s and the 1930s, donations to the hospital allowed it to purchase and fund staff and new equipment. Gertrude B. Smith willed the eastern part of the hospital property in 1932.

In 1948, a citizens committee recommended a fund drive to launch a campaign to build a new hospital. The fundraising effort, led by Samuel H. Leggitt and Harold C. Brooks, raised more than $350,000 and the new 47-bed hospital opened in September 1953. The building was expanded in 1962 to 69 beds.

Oaklawn Hospital Timeline

1925-2022

July 27, 1912

Date Legal Entity was Formed

1925

The original, 12-bed Oaklawn Hospital opened its doors on July 25, after 15 years of planning and effort by the Ella E.M. Brown Charitable Circle.

1948

A citizen’s committee recommended that a drive for funds be made to build a badly needed larger and more modern hospital.

1951

The women who had helped on the fund drive and other hospital activities formally organized to become the Oaklawn Hospital Auxiliary.

1952

The cornerstone of the new hospital was laid.

1953

Dedication ceremonies were held September 6 for the new 47-bed hospital, and patients were transferred from the “Mansion House” to the new Oaklawn Hospital on September 10.

1954

A new governing board for the hospital was formed, which included men for the first time.

1961

Ground was broken for the first expansion of the hospital. The number of beds was increased to 69, a new, larger laboratory was built, X-ray facilities were expanded, and the Medical-Surgical Department and kitchen were modernized. The expansion was dedicated in October 1962 and had full patient occupancy by January 1963.

1971

Oaklawn was faced with closing its doors and was on its third and final state license extension after two failures at getting a state license.

The Emergency Department was staffed by calling in doctors from home.

The hospital consisted of 48,000 square feet with 69 licensed beds and had nine active physicians on staff.

1972

The successful “Decision Now…” campaign raised money to begin a new addition.

1974

The new, 10,000 square-foot addition opened in January. Licensed beds increased to 77.

1975

Oaklawn celebrated 50 Years of Service.

The 12,000 square-foot original Wright Medical Building opened.

1976

State regulators threatened to close the obstetrics unit because its number of deliveries was under 500 annually.

1977

Oaklawn prevailed at the regional public hearing in Kalamazoo in November and the OB unit, which had 317 births that year, was allowed to remain open as were other OB units in the state who had similar circumstances.

1980

Oaklawn opened its Intensive Care Unit.

Physicians were now on-site weekends in the Emergency Department.

1982

Sub specialists began to join the family practitioners on staff.

The Cardiopulmonary Department went to 24-hour service.

1983

The number of active physicians on staff was up to 23.

The ED now had 24-hour, on-site physician staffing.

1984

Oaklawn’s initial Certificate of Need to build an $8.1 million expansion was denied by the state.

1985

Two birthing rooms were created, providing a more homelike environment for labor and delivery.

Oaklawn opened a clinic in Olivet.

Oaklawn Outpatient Psychological Services opened.

The first Hospitality Classic was held, tying in with a shift toward a focus on preventative health care.

1987

Oaklawn won approval to build a $6.2 million addition featuring new medical-surgical rooms, ED, radiology, laboratory, physician therapy, cardiopulmonary, and other facilities.

Work began on the old Wright Medical Building.

The Life Improvement Center on 15 Mile Road was acquired.

1988

The 35,000 –square foot Wright Medical Building opened, increasing the hospital’s total campus to 125,000 square feet.

1989

The lab began 24-hour service.

The first Development Department was established.

1991

The $5 million, 35,000-square foot addition opened, improving the emergency department, outpatient surgery, physical therapy, lab, radiology, medical-surgical facilities, and medical records and adding space for a mobile CT scanner at the hospital and the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at the Oaklawn Life Improvement Center (OLIC) site.

The new, 17-bed inpatient psychiatric center opened, increasing the number of licensed beds to 94.

1992

Oaklawn opened its Sports Rehabilitation Center at OLIC and added its first athletic trainer to the staff.

The hospital began offering chemotherapy services.

1993

X-Ray and CT scanning became available 24 hours a day.

The Quality Improvement Process was implemented.

Computerized Medical Record and Information System introduced.

1994

The Birth Center opened after its $1 million renovation with six of the nine birth center rooms now converted to Labor-Delivery-Recovery-Postpartum (LDRP) rooms.

Oaklawn was named a Top 100 Hospital by Modern Healthcare.

The Homer Medical Center was acquired.

1995

Oaklawn began offering Homecare Services.

The Cronin Imaging Center and the Fred Homann Jr. CT Suite were dedicated following a successful capital campaign.

All departments became electronically linked by computers.

The school nurse program began.

1996

The Bear Creek site opened, housing Psychiatric Partial Hospitalization and Oaklawn Psychological Services.

Oaklawn set the benchmark for patient satisfaction in the Arbor Associate’s Survey.

1997

Oaklawn again set the Patient Satisfaction benchmark, this time achieving the highest score ever in the history of the Arbor Associate’s Survey.

We added wireless bedside computers to our information system.

We became a teaching hospital, with several medical students and residents doing rotations here.

1998

Ground was broken at the Life Improvement Center to build a warm-water physical therapy pool and a lap-aerobic pool for the fitness center, as well as expand the locker rooms and add new separate men’s and women’s spa facilities.

Oaklawn again reached benchmark status in the Arbor Survey, tying for first place for overall patient satisfaction of 43 hospitals in a four-state area, and setting the benchmark for all emergency departments included in the survey.

We began providing sleep disorders testing through our Cardiopulmonary Department.

1999

Construction was begun on a 237-space parking ramp to solve a long-term parking problem in the neighborhoods around the hospital. Construction of the ramp opened the way for a major building project that began in 2001.

We once again received full, three-year accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and independent agency that audits the quality of patient care.

Oaklawn set the patient satisfaction benchmark for the fourth straight year in the Arbor Associates survey. Our Emergency and Medical Surgical departments also each set individual benchmarks for all such departments included in the survey of 46 hospitals in a four-state area.

We moved and remodeled our Sleep Disorders Testing area in response to growth of the program so that it is more private, quiet, and comfortable for the patients.

Since we restructured our oncology services and relocated them to a more comfortable, pleasant, and private area, the number of Oncology visits in 1999 nearly doubled those of 1998.

A Code Alert infant monitoring system was installed in the Birth Center to protect against infant abduction.

The Birth Center became one of the first in the state to begin screening every newborn for hearing impairment in the hopes of catching problems early and providing early intervention.

2000

Oaklawn’s Pyxis RX 2000 Pharmacy System, a complex computerized drug storage system that interfaces with the Pharmacy’s computer was fully implemented.

We created a new Pain Management Center, a multi disciplinary program for dealing with chronic pain.

Our new Total Joint Center opened, offering an innovative program for patients undergoing joint replacement surgery.

Our Birth Center had a record number of births, with 578 babies making their entrance into the world here.

Oaklawn has 59 physicians on active medical staff.

2001

The hospital is Marshall’s third largest employer with more than 615 full time, part time and pool employees.

We began a $14.7 million construction project that included a new, 45,000-square-foot medical office building and a total of 22,000 square feet of existing areas of the hospital was remodeled.

Areas expanded or remodeled included the Birth Center, Outpatient Surgery, Endoscopy, the Pain Management Center, the Intensive Care Unit, and the Oncology Clinic.

2002

Oaklawn has 82 physicians on active staff.

The hospital remains Marshall’s third largest employer, with more than 620 employees.

Oaklawn experienced a 15 to 20 percent overall increase in volume following February’s closure of Albion’s Trillium Hospital.

The closure led to unforeseen additional expansion in the Emergency Department and the addition of laboratory services in Albion.

Oaklawn also purchased two physician practices as a result of the Trillium closure, two in Albion and one of which had a satellite operation in Parma.

Major equipment purchases included digital mammography and eight-slice CT scanning, both state-of-the-art equipment additions that were the first in this side of the state.

The hospital also added Computer Aided Diagnostics (CAD) to digital mammography equipment, a technology that offers more viewing options and acts as a second set of “eyes” that works with the board certified radiologist.

We completed the bulk of some major construction projects, including a 45,000-square-foot medical office building and 22,000 square feet of additions to the hospital. Another 14,000-square-foot remodeling project is nearly complete, which will result in expanded areas for the Birth Center, Outpatient Surgery, Endoscopy, the Pain Clinic, Intensive Care (and the addition of an Intermediate Care Unit) and the Oncology Clinic.

A parking ramp addition was completed, adding a total of 112 spaces to better serve the needs of patients and visitors.

We once again received full, three-year accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and independent agency that audits the quality of patient care.

In the Arbor Survey we once again achieved high score, coming in a close second, which was truly remarkable considering we were in the middle of construction and dealing with the extremely sudden volume increases as a result of Trillium’s closure.

A record 616 babies were born in the Birth Center.

2003

A 1½-floor addition to the parking ramp was completed. The 4½–story ramp now has 350 parking spaces.

A boulevard was created in front of the hospital, making street crossing safer for patients, visitors and employees.

Oaklawn finished second in the annual Arbor survey of patient satisfaction, a prestigious recognition that surveys inpatients and outpatients at 47 Midwest hospitals.

Oaklawn experienced substantial growth in several service areas, including a 34 percent increase in radiology procedures, 58 percent increase in laboratory procedures and a 29.7 increase in cardiopulmonary services.

Oaklawn recruited five new physicians to the area, each in high-demand specialties.
The hospital has 77 physicians on its active medical staff, and 78 on courtesy and consulting staff.

A record 643 babies were delivered in the Birth Center.

The hospital implemented advance wireless technology that improves response time with real-time patient information access, and reduces medical errors by allowing all clinical staff to work from the same electronic data.

Oaklawn provided more than $4.7 million in charity care, which includes caring for the uninsured and underinsured, as well as the gap between Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements and actual cost.

2004

Oaklawn recruited five new physicians to the area, including the county’s only full-time endocrinologist and hematologist/oncologist, and a family practitioner who returned to Marshall.

The hospital has 85 physicians on its active medical staff, and 82 courtesy and consulting physicians.

Oaklawn invested in a major information systems upgrade that improves patient care and allows the hospital to offer the most advanced information technology for years to come.

Oaklawn became Marshall’s largest employer, with 650 employees, due to downsizing at former top employers, State Farm and Eaton.

The hospital performed the most outpatient procedures ever in the Lab, Radiology, Cardiopulmonary Services and Surgery.

The hospital began the remodeling of a new Sleep Center at 401 E. Michigan Ave. in Marshall. The center is doubling in size and moving from the main campus.

Oaklawn now offers 27 percent of its services off of the main campus, including mental health services at Bear Creek, Sports Rehabilitation and fitness facilities at the Oaklawn Life Improvement Center, and physician offices in Albion, Homer, Parma and Olivet.

Oaklawn awarded the first two recipients of the Pat DeVera Nursing Scholarship, named after long-time Nursing Director Pat DeVera, who retired in 2003.

Colleen Koppenhaver joined Oaklawn’s executive team as Chief Financial Officer.

Former Birth Center Director Kristin Sims became the hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer.

Remodeling began on the Oncology Clinic while it moved to a temporary location in the hospital. The clinic returned to its remodeled location in early 2005.

Oaklawn received the Governor’s Award of Excellence for care in the Emergency Department and hospital settings.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services moved Oaklawn into a new Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), meaning a drastic cut in Medicare reimbursements that could result in about a $7 million annual loss to Calhoun County.

The hospital sought the creation of a Health Care and Human Services District (HCHSD) that would allow it to grow in a timely, efficient and cost-effective manner. Although the City Council approved this district, and Oaklawn’s inclusion in it, a small group of Marshall residents received enough petition signatures to force a February 2005 referendum.

2005

Oaklawn celebrated 80 years of caring.

The community of Marshall demonstrated its support of the hospital by overwhelmingly passing a referendum creating a Health Care and Human Services District.

The newly renovated Sleep Center opened at 401 E. Michigan Avenue in Marshall.

Oaklawn became the first hospital in West Michigan to offer robotic technology with the da Vinci robotic surgery system.

We once again received a three-year accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), a national independent agency that audits the quality of patient care.

Ginger Williams, M.D. was named the hospital’s first Chief Medical Officer.

Oaklawn launched the 80 Years of Caring Capital Campaign, with a goal of $3 million for renovations to Registration, Laboratory, the Cronin Imaging Center (Radiology) and the Emergency Department.

Oaklawn completed construction on the new and expanded Laboratory, also adding point-of-service registration.

Oaklawn was statistically tied for the benchmark in patient satisfaction in an independent regional survey of more than 50 hospitals.

Oaklawn was one of two hospitals nationwide to win 12 awards in a nationwide independent survey on physician satisfaction.

Oaklawn again won the Governor’s Award of Excellence for care in the Emergency Department and hospital settings.

Oaklawn Homecare won the prestigious Michigan Award of Excellence for improving care in the home health setting.

Oaklawn was moved into the Lansing Metropolitan Statistical Area by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, lessening the loss in reimbursements.

Several physicians joined Oaklawn’s active medical staff, including Dr. David Komasara, medical director of the Emergency Department; Dr. Sidney Heisler, psychiatrist at Oaklawn Psychological Services; Dr. Miguel De La Torre, family practice; and Dr. Lauren Piper, family practice.

Oaklawn renovated the exterior of the historic Brooks Building.

The new Oaklawn Physical Rehabilitation Center opened in Albion.

Oaklawn launched an initiative to earn Magnet Recognition, a prestigious honor indicating a culture of nursing excellence within an organization.

The hospital has 92 active staff and 64 courtesy and consulting physicians representing 29 specialties.

Oaklawn remains Marshall’s largest employer with 670 employees.

The hospital announced that it will add 48 jobs in 2006, a 7 percent increase in its workforce.

Oaklawn planned throughout the year for an expansion that will result in 38 private rooms.

A record-setting 694 babies were born in the Oaklawn Birth Center.

2006

Oaklawn is named the leader in patient satisfaction in a survey of more than 40 regional hospitals by independent researcher Arbor and Associates.

Oaklawn is named a Low Back Pain Center of Excellence by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Oaklawn is the first hospital in Michigan to offer Definium 8000 direct-capture radiographic technology with faster exams, superior images and quicker results.

For the third year in a row, Oaklawn receives the Governor’s Award of Excellence for Improving Care in the Emergency Department Setting and the Award of Excellence for Improving Care in the Hospital Setting.

Several new physicians join Oaklawn’s active medical staff, including general surgeon Thomas Casale, M.D., pathologist Zarius Drummond, M.D., neurologist Ryan Yoder, M.D. and otolaryngologist Martin Goins, III, M.D.

The Cronin Imaging Center is renovated and expanded and begins offering point-of-service registration.

The Emergency Department expansion is complete, now offering a new nurses’ station, a family conference room, new triage area and five new beds for less serious illnesses and injuries. The completion of the ED wraps up the first-floor renovation that also included the expansion of the Franke Family Laboratory and Cronin Imaging Center.

Oaklawn’s joint replacement care is rated among the top 5 percent in the nation by HealthGrades, the nation’s leading provider of independent hospital ratings.

The 80 Years of Caring Capital Campaign exceeded its $3 million goal, raising more than $3.6 million for the first-floor renovation project.

Oaklawn embarks on its largest ever expansion project in April. The $27 million project will add third and fourth floors to the hospital and will renovate the existing second floor. When complete in late 2007, all acute care rooms will be private.

Oaklawn was rated “BBB-” by Standard and Poor’s, allowing it to issue bonds at a much lower interest rate on its expansion project.

The hospital made major strides in upgrading its information systems technology, moving even closer to becoming entirely paperless—an important goal in reducing medical errors.

Oaklawn began renovating the interior of the Brooks Building.

2007

Oaklawn Hospital Dialysis Center opened in the Brooks Rupture Appliance Building in the spring to meet an increasing patient need. As an adjunct to the outpatient dialysis center, we also have capabilities for inpatient dialysis on the newly build third and fourth floors.

In the spring of 2007, our Sleep Center received accreditation from the American Association of Sleep Labs. In the state of Michigan we are one of only 30 sleep labs that have this distinctive accreditation.

New physicians joining Oaklawn include family practice Matthew Woods, M.D. and Summer Liston, M.D., internal medicine David Gunnerson, nephrologists Joon Park, M.D. and Tarek Elshaarawy, M.D., vascular surgeon Peter Manring, M.D., OB/GYN Matthew Maynard, D.O., orthopedic surgeon Christina Sheely, D.O., anesthesiologist, Brian Atkins, M.D. psychiatrist Joseph Gluski, M.D. and Princewell Onwere, D.O.

Opened 38 private inpatient rooms as part of a $27 million project. This added two floors to the hospital and also as part of the project, the second floor is being remodeled.

Added two additional Labor/Delivery Postpartum/Recovery rooms in the Birth Center bringing our total number to eleven.

Opened cesarean section suite in the Birth Center so that patients would not have to be transported to the first floor surgical suites from the Birth Center for a c-section.

Received a total of eight National Excellence Awards in Healthcare. Out of 265 hospitals across the country, Oaklawn was one of 31 Five-Star Awards winners in Administration, one of 20 Five-Star Award Winners in Patient Safety, and one of 36 Five-Star Award winners in Surgical Services. Oaklawn also received Four-Star Awards as a Place to Practice Medicine and in Anesthesia Services, Emergency Services, Nursing, and Overall Quality of Care.

Once again received CAP accreditation in the Franke Family Laboratory. This is recognition that has extremely stringent standards and only a small percentage of hospitals achieve this distinction.

Made major strides in increasing our use of an electronic information system to broaden our capabilities towards being totally paperless.

Received accreditation of the sleep Center from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the largest professional medical society for sleep centers. Only 39 of the hundreds of sleep centers in Michigan hold this accreditation.

Once again received 5 Star rating from HealthGrades for joint replacement.

Opened the new all-private room Critical Care Unit on the remodeled 2nd floor, along with the new Chapel.

Received prestigious Governor’s Award for Excellence for Improving Safety and Quality of Care from MPRO/Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Michigan.

2008

Opened Wound Care Clinic.

Remodeled and expanded Sports Rehabilitation Center.

Remodeled and expanded OLIC (fitness club).

Received Quality Respiratory Care Recognition Award for 2007 and 2008 from the American Association of Respiratory Care.

Received hospital accreditation from the Joint Commission for 3-year period.

(Franke Family Laboratory) Lab Recognition for Participation, National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System from the Center for Disease Control.

Certificate of Recognition from American Red Cross for Emergency Response with the Maple Grove fire in Albion.

Service Accreditation for MRI from the American College of Radiology.

Recognition of Michigan 5th District from the Center for Disease Control for being a Model Community for Emergency Preparedness.

Building Michigan’s Healthcare Workforce Award for Workforce Retention from the Michigan Health Council.

MarCom Award: 2008 Gold Winner for Oaklawn direct marketing/print/outdoor ads, “Babe Magnet” and “One Hip Joint.”

Named by HealthGrades as one of the “Top five” hospitals in Michigan and “Top 5%” in the nation for joint replacement.

Oaklawn Hospital selected as one of the 100 Best Places to Work in Healthcare as determined by Modern Healthcare magazine for this first annual competition.

Oaklawn placed in the top 5% nationwide (95th percentile) for Patient Satisfaction as determined by HealthGrades after conducting a proprietary analysis of CMS-published HCAHPS results.

Recognized as a Benchmark Hospital for “Care and Treatment Better than Expected” as determined by Arbor Associates, Inc.

2009

Following three years of preparation, Oaklawn completed and submitted its Magnet Hospital application to the ANCC in April.

New Oaklawn Hospital website launched in April.

Oaklawn Hospice successfully surveyed and accredited by The Joint Commission (June 2009).

Nationwide recognition for Patient Friendly Billing System from the Hospital Financial Management Association (September 2009).

Following a biannual survey of Oaklawn’s Medical Staff, Professional Research Consultants recognized Oaklawn with several Excellence in Healthcare awards:
5-Star (top 10% nationally):

Overall Quality of Care
As a Place to Practice Medicine
Patient Safety
Nursing Care
Laboratory Services
Anesthesia Services
4-Star (top 25% nationally):
Surgical Services
Emergency Services
Administration

On September 16, the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) honored Oaklawn with MAGNET Hospital recognition – 4th smallest, independent acute care hospital nationwide to achieve distinction and only the 6th hospital in Michigan.

Home Medical Equipment accredited by HQAA (October 2009).

For the first time Oaklawn successfully lobbies State CON to revise standards to enable Oaklawn to qualify for fixed MRI.

Awarded CON approval by MDCH (December 2009) to implement Fixed MRI services and to upgrade to 64-slice CT unit from 8-slice; both to be operative in 2010.

Oaklawn lands in the top 5% nationwide (95th percentile) for “Rating Hospital Experience 9-10” according to the HCAHPS Survey from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (12/2009 Release 8)

Oaklawn further rates in the top 5% of hospitals nationwide (95th percentile) for patients’ “Willingness to Recommend the Hospital to Family and Friends.” (12/2009 Release 8)

2010

Oaklawn integrates ownership of Marshall Internal and Family Medicine practice, bringing physicians on board as part of new Oaklawn Medical Group (January 2010).

Oaklawn Medical Group – Beadle Lake opens brand new office, bringing two new primary care physicians to the hospital. (January 2010)

Oaklawn’s surgery expansion/fourth OR project CON was approved by Michigan Department of Community Health – CON Division. (April 29, 2010)

Oaklawn’s fixed MRI was put into service on May 3, 2010.

Application for certification of outpatient diabetes education program was approved through the American Association of Diabetes Educators (May 2010)

Oaklawn Hospital received three-year accreditation effective May 27, 2010 through May 27, 2013 from DNV Healthcare, Inc.

City of Marshall Hospital & Neighborhood Committee formed to provide cooperative guidance for future service line growth and facilities expansion (June 2010).

Hospitalist Program is launched at Oaklawn in conjunction with Bronson Methodist Hospital of Kalamazoo (July 2010).

In partnership with the Heart Center for Excellence cardiologists, an Arrhythmia Clinic is opened in the Wright Medical Building to provide Oaklawn’s patients with on-site, local electro-physiology services (July 2010).

Oaklawn Hospital’s new Winston George Ricketson Medical Building, located directly west of the hospital, opened September 7. The renovated structure serves as home to Oaklawn Medical Group/Pulmonology, as well as a new Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center and a Women’s Diagnostics Center. A grand opening dedication took place September 29.

Oaklawn Dialysis Center’s operator, Fresenius Medical Care, recognizes the facility with its national Center of Excellence Award for achieving the highest standards in patient care in 2009. Centers of Excellence are noteworthy in their high achievement of clinical quality outcomes and highest levels of quality patient care, based on objective measurements of the patients’ status. (October 2010)

Oaklawn Homecare and Hospice services received three-year accreditation effective September 27, 2010 through September 26, 2013 from the Accreditation Commission for Healthcare, Inc. (ACHC).

2011

Oaklawn’s eight-slice CT (Computed Tomography) instrument, purchased in 2000, was replaced with advanced-technology sixty-four slice scanner. (January 2011)

Surgical Expansion Project initiated as of December 31, 2010, with excavation fully underway.

Oaklawn Hospital initiated complimentary Valet Parking Service from the Wright Medical Building entrance (January 17, 2011).

Olivet PT opened January 17, 2011.

New Oncology Clinic opened February 7, 2011, replacing the former Oncology office in the Wright Medical Building.

· Oaklawn Hospital recognized for providing quality respiratory care services by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). Currently one of only nine Michigan hospitals recognized for the Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) honor (February, 2011)
· Oaklawn’s new electronic health records (EHR) system, produced by a company called Cerner, went live around 0310 on April 12. The system replaces legacy patient records system from Keane and qualifies Oaklawn for the government’s Meaningful Use incentives for EHR technology.
· Overall Patient Satisfaction achieved for the month of December was 100%. This is first time since 2000 that Oaklawn has achieved total satisfaction for a representative measurement period.
· For CY 2011, 47.7% of all patients said their care and treatment was better than expected. This is the highest annual value ever recorded in the seventeen-year history of Oaklawn’s Patient Expectations Project (aka Arbor Study).
· Oaklawn adds Cardiology service line to its roster of specialty practices. (November 2011)

2012

On February 6th, the new surgery unit opened its doors and performed 23 surgical procedures consisting of Orthopedic, Gynecological, Cataract, Urological, and General Surgical cases.

Oaklawn received two 2012 5-Star Excellence Awards from Professional Research Consultants – Nursing Care and Patient Safety – scoring in the top 10% nationally for “Excellent” responses by physicians, based on PRC’s 2011 medical staff database. (March 2012)

Oaklawn Hospital Hospitality Classic again received recognition and endorsement for annual event by the Michigan Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness. (March 2012)

Oaklawn Hospital opened new Holistic Care Center in Marshall. (April 2012)

New front entrance opened for business including Ella’s Café and Auxiliary Gift Shop. (May 2012)

Oaklawn Home Medical Equipment achieved the Award of Accreditation from the Healthcare Quality Association on Accreditation (HQAA), based in Waterloo, Iowa. Oaklawn Home Medical Equipment earned the three-year accreditation after completing a comprehensive review process that focuses on meeting quality standards and a commitment to quality operational practices and procedures in the areas of financial stability, human resource training, patient care, delivery services, billing practices and maintenance of products and equipment. (May 2012)

Organization celebrated the 100th anniversary of the date Ella E. M. Brown Charitable Circle was formed as a legal entity in the State of Michigan. (July 27, 2012)

Surgical Expansion and New Front Entrance Project completed. (August 3, 2012)

Arbor Associates conferred benchmark status on Oaklawn for “care and treatment better than expected.” (June 2012)

Oaklawn adds Allergy/Immunology to its roster of specialty practices. (August 2012)

Oaklawn adds Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery and Physiatry to its roster of specialty practices. (September 2012)

Modalities including Mammography, MRI, CT, and Nuclear Medicine were re-accredited by the American College of Radiology.

The cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs were awarded certification through the American Association for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).

Oaklawn’s Echo lab received ICAEL accreditation in early November through the IAC (Intersocietal Accreditation Commission); this process took 14 months to complete, and the closest other Echo lab with this accreditation is Kalamazoo.

2013

Chief Medical Officer Ginger Williams, M.D., became Oaklawn’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding President and CEO Rob Covert, who is retiring after 40 years with Oaklawn. (January 2013)

In January, Oaklawn’s newly renovated Birth Center debuted with increased nursery space, more patient rooms, and more storage space for the unit.

In March, Oaklawn’s 23rd annual Benefit Auction was held at the Marshall Activities Center, and Oaklawn personnel continued their annual participation in a region-wide Senior Health Fair for Calhoun County residents.

In March, the staff of the Oaklawn Wound Care Center held an open house marking the center’s fifth anniversary.

In May, Oaklawn sponsored its 31st annual Oaklawn Hospital Hospitality Classic, drawing about 1,000 regional and national runners and walkers.

In May, DNV reaccredited Oaklawn following a three-day inspection of facilities, service, and processes, also conferring recommendation for ISO certification to its corporate parent.

In August, Oaklawn added Vascular Health/Surgery to its roster of OMG specialty practices.

In September, Consumer Reports ranked Oaklawn among Michigan’s most trustworthy hospitals for safe surgical services. Oaklawn was among the top 20 percent of Michigan hospitals for surgical safety.

In September, the Marshall City Council approved the Hospital Campus Overlay District, culminating a three-year effort to establish an acceptable growth plan for Oaklawn.

In the fall, Oaklawn launched a new Spiritual Care outreach program to allow patients seeking such assistance to meet with area ministers and spiritual advisers at any time of the day or night.

By 2013, Oaklawn was providing 27 percent of its services off its main campus, including physician offices in Albion, Tekonsha, Homer, Bellevue, Beadle Lake and Olivet.

2014

In January, Oaklawn received the 2013 Key Member Award from by the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce, in recognition of Oaklawn’s support of chamber and community events.

In March, Oaklawn Physical Rehabilitation – Beadle Lake opens its new office at Oaklawn Medical Group’s expanded Beadle Lake site near Battle Creek.

In May, Oaklawn sponsored its 32nd annual Oaklawn Hospital Hospitality Classic, which is attended by approximately 1,000 runners and walkers from the region as well as nationwide.

The Oaklawn Hospital Auxiliary continues its long-standing practice of providing scholarships to area residents to apply to their educational advancement in medical fields. In April, six such students receive financial assistance.

In May, the national magazine Consumer Reports declared that Oaklawn was Michigan’s safest hospital as well as the second-best in the nation for its efforts to keep patients as safe as possible.

In late May, a state report showed Oaklawn spent $19.1 million from April 1, 2011, through March 31, 2012, in benefits to the communities it serves. The report is a requirement for hospitals to be tax-exempt charitable organizations.

In May, Oaklawn’s Chief Nursing Officer, Kristin Sims RNC, MSN, NEA-BC, was among statewide nursing leaders recognized at an observance in Lansing in connection with National Nurses Week. The selection was made by the Office of Nursing Policy, a division of the Michigan Department of Community Health.

Throughout the year, Oaklawn’s staff undertook an extensive streamlining effort through a variety of efficiency techniques and incorporating the results of LEAN studies. The result is an organization that follows specific, ongoing cost- and time-saving methodologies.

Oaklawn received the latest in a series of annual quality-incentive payment from Grand Rapids-based insurer Priority Health because of the hospital’s high quality scores. The funds are to be used to support educational opportunities for hospital staff.

On June 25, the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) honored Oaklawn with a renewal of its MAGNET Hospital recognition for nursing excellence, joining only 13 organizations in Michigan selected by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Oaklawn launched its Oaklawn Patient Portal, an online service permitting registered patients to access personal medical information securely at any time. The service allows registered users to view their hospital information, send medical histories to a provider, send messages to hospital departments and to pay bills online. (May 2014)

Oaklawn’s HealthYou program held its annual Family Health & Fitness Day Aug. 23 at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds.

New medical providers joining Oaklawn during 2014 include general surgeon Candace Moody, M.D.; and pediatric surgeon Kurt R. Piatkowski, D.O.

2015

Oaklawn acquired Marshall-based South Central Ear, Nose & Throat PC, a local provider of otolaryngology and audiology services since 1994. The practice became Oaklawn Medical Group – Ear, Nose & Throat and Oaklawn Medical Group – Audiology. (February 2015)

The annual Oaklawn Hospital Benefit Auction marked its 25th year during a silver-anniversary event Feb. 28 at FireKeepers Casino Hotel. Over the years, the auction has raised more than $1.5 million for the health-care organization.

In May, Oaklawn became the first Michigan provider of Invenia automated breast ultrasound — also called ABUS — a process that provides mammography patients with supplemental three-dimensional breast screening as well as information about breast density. The process uses ultrasound technology developed by GE Healthcare.

In May, Oaklawn sponsored its 33rd annual Oaklawn Hospital Hospitality Classic, which is attended by approximately a thousand runners and walkers from the region as well as nationwide.

Oaklawn announced the opening in early July of Oaklawn After Hours Express at 111 S. Hamilton St., one block south of Marshall’s business district. The new service is developed to treat individuals who experience minor injuries and illnesses at times that don’t conform with ‘normal business hours. By October, patient demand requires the service to expand its hours of operation.

In July, Oaklawn was ranked among Michigan’s best hospitals in a report by U.S. News & World Report ranking 5,000 of the nation’s hospitals. The news organization issued a “Best Regional Hospital” report for 2015-16, ranking Oaklawn as No. 16 among 175 hospitals in Michigan.

In August, ground was broken for a new, 8,800-square-foot, 12-chair dialysis center to serve patients in the Albion region. The Oaklawn Dialysis Center of Albion is made possible through a joint venture in which Oaklawn Hospital is the majority stakeholder. The facility is constructed on property at Oaklawn’s existing Albion location at 300 B Drive North.

In September, Oaklawn Medical Group-Olivet received a 2014 Priority Health Quality Award for top patient care.

In October, Oaklawn became the first Michigan hospital recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program as “Gold Safe Sleep Champions” for its commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep.

In November, Albion’s Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum opens a new exhibit created with Oaklawn’s support and designed to generate wellness-based conversations between parents and their young children.

In November, Oaklawn was recognized by Portland, Maine-based iVantage Health Analytics and the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health for overall excellence in quality, outcomes and patient perspectives.

In November, Oaklawn Home Medical Equipment relocated from its Marshall storefront at 413 E. Michigan Ave. to a central first-floor site in Oaklawn Hospital.

New medical providers joining Oaklawn during 2015 include vascular surgeon Subhash Thakur, M.D.; Primary care physician Jackalyn M. Govier, D.O.; general surgeon Catherine Burtrum, D.O.; and gastroenterologist James D. Van Popering, D.O.

2016

In January, the Marshall City Council approved a plan for the Marshall Area Farmers Market to begin winter hours in Oaklawn Hospital’s front lobby from February through May. The market is to operate on Wednesdays with a goal of creating a year-round weekly market in the community, and later in the year expands to include once-a-month evening hours. The summer market eventually becomes a community institution at sites on Green Street and elsewhere in the city.

In April, the Oaklawn Medical Group took over the medical practice of Mark Richardson, M.D., as Richardson prepared to leave the region. George Seifert, M.D., will continue to see Richardson’s patients in the practice’s Wright Medical Building office.

In April, Oaklawn After Hours Express — which opened in July 2015 at 111 S. Hamilton St. in Marshall — again expanded its hours of operation to include service for all ages seven days a week, every day of the year.

In May, the new Oaklawn Dialysis Center of Albion, LLC opened its doors at 350 B Drive North, Albion, adjacent to the Oaklawn Medical Group’s existing facility at 300 B Drive North. The center is to operate as a joint venture of Fresenius Medical Care Albion, LLC, Albion J.V., LLC, and Oaklawn Hospital, which will be the majority stakeholder. Albion community leaders hailed the 8,800-square-foot, 12-chair facility as a major advance for local residents’ health needs and the region’s economic outlook.

In May, more than 825 runners and walkers registered in the annual Oaklawn Hospital Hospitality Classic. Eaton Corp. was the event’s top corporate sponsor.

It was announced in June that Oaklawn and Kalamazoo-based Borgess Health had agreed to create a new organization called THINK Health LLC to allow them to collaborate and design innovative approaches to improve patient care. Each hospital is to remain independent, with collaboration made through a 50/50 partnership between Oaklawn and Borgess. “THINK” reflects the concepts of transformation, healing, inspiration, nurture and knowledge.

In June, Robert S. Schaefer, M.D., returned to orthopedic work in Marshall, assisting Kurt Piatkowski, D.O., with patients in Oaklawn’s Emergency Room. That signaled a broad-based expansion of orthopedic services, with the subsequent hiring of orthopedic surgeon Kimberly McLean, D.O., and physician assistant Tracy A. Smith.

In June, Oaklawn entered into a formal affiliation agreement with the West Michigan Cancer Center & Institute for Blood Disorders, creating a new campus for the center through services by Oaklawn Oncology and Hematology at the Wright Medical Building.

In July, Oaklawn Hospital was recognized as one of just four hospitals in Michigan and 102 U.S. hospitals to earn five stars – the highest possible – in a new ranking by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

In August, a General Electric Innova IGS 540 imaging system was purchased to enhance Oaklawn Medical Group’s Heart & Vascular Institute’s ability to provide surgical vascular imaging at a reduced dose and time for vascular surgery patients.

In October, Oaklawn became Calhoun County’s only hospital to be designated officially as one of Michigan’s trauma centers. The state’s designation of Oaklawn as a Level III Trauma Center was based primarily on criteria set by the American College of Surgeons, reflecting that specialists are available to respond to emergencies at any time quickly and effectively.

New medical providers joining Oaklawn during 2016 include osteopathic physician Kimberly G. McLean, D.O.; OB/GYN team member JT Thomas, M.D.; medical oncologist Muhammad Rafi, M.D.; Internal medicine physician Stacey E. Watson, M.D.; family-practice physician Sami Ahmed, M.D.; family practice and obstetrics physician Tiffany Burns, M.D.; psychiatric physician Michelle L. Kachman, M.D.; pediatric nurse practitioner Kayleigh M. Schwartz; physician assistant Tracy A. Smith; family-practice physician David L. Lambrix Jr., M.D.; physician’s assistant Sundos Fadel; pediatric occupational therapist Ashley R. Widrig; and gastroenterologist Urvish Shah, M.D.

2017

In January, Lady Anne, a 7-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel, begins delivering smiles and comfort to patients through the recently launched Oaklawn Pet Therapy program. Lady Anne’s handler is Leta Morris of Marshall.

In March, Oaklawn was recognized as one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals as ranked by Michigan-based Truven Health Analytics, part of the IBM Watson Health business. Oaklawn was the only independent community hospital in Michigan listed in the category of small community hospitals, in which 20 recipients were ranked nationwide. It also was one of only two independent Michigan hospitals to receive the honor. The recognition was published in the March 6 edition of Modern Healthcare magazine.

In May, a new estimate suggested the economic impact of Oaklawn’s health-care services in the community is about $250 million annually. The assessment by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, based on data from 2015, demonstrated the broad economic impact of Michigan’s hospitals on the state’s economy. Oaklawn is a member of the state association.

In a unique event for the region, in May three sets of twins were born within two days of each other at Oaklawn’s Birth Center. The six newborns are Benjamin James and Emma Grace Cole, son and daughter, respectively, of Jake and Nancy Cole of Battle Creek; Cash and Kennedy Fox, son and daughter, respectively, of Troy and Heidi Fox of Battle Creek; and Arya Fay and Grace Irene Brayton, son and daughter, respectively, of Derek and Rachael Brayton of Coldwater.

A fifth operating room with more than 900 square feet of space was established in July at Oaklawn. The new facility was a result of a process that began four years before, when Oaklawn adopted a system-wide process called “lean workflow analysis.” The expansion will make it quicker and easier for patients and their surgeons to schedule much-needed procedures.

New medical providers joining Oaklawn during 2017 include physician assistant Hatim Elhady, P.A..; family-practice physician Teleah Phillips, D.O.; nurse practitioner Amy D. Babcock, RN, FNP; family nurse practitioner Holly Tuyls, N.P.; physician assistant Kevin Kelch, PA; family nurse practitioner Yolanda Cobley, R.N., FNP; osteopathic physician Melissa Gates, D.O.; family nurse practitioner Melinda White, FNP-BC ; family-practice physician Jamie Kantola, M.D.; pulmonary specialist Carlos Martinez, M.D.; nurse practitioner Hardik Gandhi, NP-C; and physician assistant Woodrow Holder III, PA-C.

2018

In April, Oaklawn’s involvement in a new community-exchange store was announced, providing a boost to area residents who may not be able to afford new clothes, shoes, appliances and housewares. The store, called “There’s Enough,” subsequently opens during the summer at 413 E. Michigan Ave. and provides all items free of charge. The project, based in the downtown building just east of the Oaklawn Sleep Center, stems from a partnership among Marshall United Methodist Church, Oaklawn and other Marshall-area churches, organizations and businesses.

It’s announced in May that Oaklawn will partner with Albion College to create a new urgent-care-level clinic on the renovated ground floor of Munger Place Apartments in central Albion at 301 E. Michigan Ave. The clinic is to open in 2019 and will improve access to medical services for Albion residents and Albion College students. The project grew from discussions between Oaklawn and college officials, who determined that Oaklawn’s clinic on B Drive North on the city’s northern outskirts was an inconvenient site for students and Albion residents in need of urgent care who may have limited access to transportation.

In June, a plan was announced to create a more efficient hub in Oaklawn Hospital’s central lobby. Albion-based Gordon Martin Builder Inc. began work on the project in mid-May in the wake of the annual Oaklawn Auxiliary Student Spring Art Show and the conclusion of the winter Marshall Area Farmers Market. By year’s end, the effort — past of a $1.5 million improvement project — eliminates confined waiting areas on the first floor and creates a simpler, speedier patient-registration system through the installation of five registration booths.

In August, Ginger Williams, M.D., stepped down as Oaklawn’s president and CEO, leadership roles she had assumed in 2013. The Board of Directors announced a new leadership search and appoints as interim president and CEO Gregg Beeg, Oaklawn’s chief financial officer and a nationally recognized healthcare financial administration expert.

In August, Oaklawn officials announced a new program designed to help recently discharged patients avoid medicine-related errors through coaching and support provided by the Care-Connection Health Intervention Program, funded by a Michigan Health Endowment Fund grant and administered through Battle Creek-based CareWell Services Area Agency on Aging and Marshall-based Hemmingsen Drug Store.

In August, Oaklawn Medical Group’s Beadle Lake facility at Battle Creek was recognized as a Patient-Centered Medical Home, a designation established by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, a Washington, D.C.-based credentialing organization. The development was the latest upgrade since an extensive construction project in 2012 that doubled the facility’s size and increased efficiency.

An expansion of Oaklawn’s regional health services to Coldwater takes shape in October as a new medical center opens at 375 N. Willowbrook Road, offering primary care, occupational health and physical rehabilitation services through a partnership between Kalamazoo-based Ascension Borgess and Marshall-based Oaklawn. The partnership between Ascension Borgess and Oaklawn had been launched in mid-2016.

In October, the Oaklawn Fitness Center at 13697 15-Mile Road west of Marshall completed a $60,000 improvement project, including installation of modern exercise equipment and upgrades to various areas of the center.

In October, Oaklawn initiated a new program to improve patient outcome after surgery. The program is based on the Perioperative Surgical Home model developed in 2015 by the American Society of Anesthesiologists in association with Charlotte, N.C.-based Premier Inc. By communicating directly and repeatedly with each new patient before and after surgery through a “nurse navigator,” the newly coordinated system focuses on the patient’s care in a uniform, streamlined fashion.

New medical providers joining Oaklawn during 2018 include William J. Comai, D.O.; registered nurse Amanda L. Bergan, R.N., BSN, MSN, FNP-C; physician assistant Tara E. Jock, PA; family physician Joshua Munro, M.D.; gastroenterologist Ziad Kanaan, M.D., Ph.D.; physician assistant Lori A. Kopulos, PA; pain-management specialist Khurram Khan, M.D.; and registered nurse Jennifer Eilola, MSN, R.N.

2019

In early February, Oaklawn launched a new primary and express care clinic in central Albion. The handicap-accessible facility is called Oaklawn Express Care – Albion and occupies the renovated ground floor of 302 N. Monroe St. The effort was the result of a partnership between Albion College and Oaklawn, which transferred its medical services from its former Albion office at 300 B Drive North to the college-owned Munger Place. Oaklawn’s Physical Rehabilitation Services are to remain at the B Drive location, the chief source of medical services to the Albion community since Albion Health Services’ Trillium Hospital closed in 2002. In March, the site begins providing help to local residents lacking full medical insurance. That service is offered through a partnership with the Marshall-based Fountain Clinic, which assists those whose yearly income is below 250 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, and who are uninsured or underinsured.

In March, the Oaklawn Board of Directors appoints Gregg Beeg as president and CEO.

In March, Oaklawn completed renovation of its main-campus entrance at 200 N. Madison St., Marshall. The work includes a spacious lobby with wide-open waiting areas surrounding a central registration hub, two new registration booths, new blood-draw stations and more direct access to the hospital’s Radiology Department.

In March, Oaklawn became the first hospital in its region to offer Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology to its patients. The system was created by Stryker Corp. to perform joint surgeries, including full and partial knee replacements.

In April, Oaklawn Physical Rehabilitation – Coldwater began to offer a new aquatic-therapy program for patients facing arthritis and joint issue. The program is held twice weekly at the community’s Robert W. Browne Aquatic Center.

In May, more than 500 runners and walkers registered in the annual Oaklawn Hospitality Classic. Organizers called the turnout gratifying despite early rainy weather and a chill in the air.

In May, Marshall police and Calhoun County sheriff’s deputies received updated emergency equipment that could help save lives, through the grant-funded “Stop the Bleed” program designed by the American College of Surgeons and arranged by Oaklawn staff.

In June, the staff of Oaklawn Hospice received a SHPBest Premier Performer family-satisfaction award for 2018, issued by Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Strategic Healthcare Programs LLC. The award was one of 133 presented to hospice organizations nationwide for the 2018 calendar year.

In July, renovation work began on the first-floor office suites in Oaklawn’s Wright Medical Building to improve patient efficiency and accommodate an expansion of medical services. As work continues, temporary facilities are set up for Oaklawn Medical Group’s Heart & Vascular Institute and Marshall Primary Care.The project is completed in early 2020.

In July, a plan was announced to create a new facility in Albion to provide daytime supervision and health care for elderly area residents. The facility, to open in spring 2020, is to be based at 300 B Drive North, former site of Oaklawn medical services that were moved earlier in the year to a new site in the city’s central area. The facility is to be operated by Senior Care Partners, a private nonprofit Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) organization.

In August, Oaklawn installed four electronic screens in its main-campus entrance lobby. The screens feature scrolling displays that celebrate the health-care organization’s supporters and provide additional information about Oaklawn associates. Two of the specialized screens introduce onlookers to the current physician and employee of the year. The installation was prepared by Blufish Consulting of Marshall.

In September, the staff of Marshall Internal & Family Medicine received a 2018 Priority Health Quality Award, recognizing the practice’s primary-care physicians for providing exceptional patient care. The award, presented by Michigan-based Priority Health, recognizes the practice’s overall scores in a wide range of measures, including preventive care and control of chronic diseases.

In September, Oaklawn installs a $1.8 million upgrade in its magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment. The new SIGNA™ Premier system manufactured by General Electric Healthcare offers the latest advancements in diagnostic technology, and features a larger chamber for the patient, more detailed and consistent imaging as well as quicker and quieter tests.

New medical providers joining Oaklawn during 2019 include OB/GYN physician Shelley Sue Binkley, M.D., FACOG; physician assistant Matthew Griffiths, P.A.; nurse practitioner Tiffany Stealy, N.P.; physician assistant Kimberly L. Chrisman, PA; physician assistant Erin Grabowski, PA; Nurse practitioner Jennifer Burnham, NP-C; physician assistant Brielle McDougall, PA-C, MSPA; registered nurse Kari Scarbrough, FNP-C, RNFA, CNOR; and outpatient psychiatrist Andrea Landesman, M.D.

2020

In March, hundreds of people filled the FireKeepers Casino Hotel ballroom for the 30th annual Oaklawn Hospital Benefit Auction, which helped raise funds to support Oaklawn’s pediatric rehabilitation services and to purchase equipment for lead testing in pediatric patients at all Oaklawn primary-care offices.

By spring, growing concern about the potential spread of COVID-19 leads to multiple cancellations of traditional Oaklawn events during this year and 2021, including various fundraisers, the annual Hospitality Classic and such events as the Oaklawn-sponsored Bike, Pet and Wagon Parade on the Fourth of July. As the year went on and the number of coronavirus victims expanded, the pandemic drew public attention statewide to the Oaklawn staff’s dedication of service and to the needs of patients for appropriate medical equipment and ancillary supplies.

In June it was announced that, for the second year in a row, the Oaklawn Hospice staff received a SHPBest Premier Performer family-satisfaction award, issued by Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Strategic Healthcare Programs LLC. The award for work in 2019 indicates that the hospice team is in the top five percent in the nation when it comes to family satisfaction.

Oaklawn announced in June the recent acquisition of the GE Senographe Pristina, developed by GE Healthcare as a three-dimensional mammogram system to increase patient comfort and technologist accuracy and provide more accurate imaging for radiologists without increased radiation exposure to the patient.

In an effort to keep food on the tables of hundreds of local residents in need, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Oaklawn announced in October its new partnership with a coalition of nonprofit organizations. The effort, to be overseen by Oaklawn staff, is meant to reinforce and augment a food-distribution system formerly overseen by the Albion Food Hub.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancellation of the annual Oaklawn Hospitality Classic, the region’s runners and walkers got a new chance during October to join in an online exercise event called the “What the Sam Hill!? 2020 Virtual Run.” The Oaklawn-organized event takes place via the Internet from Oct. 17 through 31, and participants exercise wherever they wish to exercise in any form for any distance desired.

In December, Oaklawn announced a partnership with CareWell Services Southwest to make it easier for Calhoun County residents 60 and older to receive audiology services, particularly in the county’s easternmost communities. The service – which provides free hearing exams as well as hearing aids – is made possible by a grant from Calhoun County Senior Services using funds from the county’s senior millage.

New medical providers joining Oaklawn during 2020 include orthopedic surgeon Paul Aschmetat, D.O.; family physician Shaena F. Freeman, M.D.; family physician Carrie B. Nicholson, M.D.; general surgeon Theresa L. Klee, D.O.; nurse practitioner Bethany M. Hoffman, N.P.; internal medicine and pediatric physician Adrienne M. Aschmetat, D.O.; physician assistant Rachel M. Miller, PA-C; family nurse practitioner Stacy Gronowski, RN, FNP; gastroenterologist Rajvinder Sidhu, M.D.; general surgeon Matthew Ralph, D.O.; nurse practitioner Amy Howell, NP; and family nurse practitioner Jason R. Johnson, FNP.

2021

At the start of the year, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a coordinated effort to vaccinate high-risk residents against the virus through partnerships among area medical organizations — including Oaklawn — in coordination with Calhoun County and state officials. Approximately 200 health-care personnel from regional dental, chiropractic and optometrist offices and mental health providers received the coronavirus vaccine Jan. 16 at a clinic at Marshall Internal & Family Medicine. The Calhoun County Public Health Department’s partnership with Oaklawn was expected to continue as Michigan state officials handled distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to the general population.

Because of the pandemic, Oaklawn also rescheduled two popular annual events — its “Birdies for Babies” no-frills golf outing and its annual Hospitality Classic, both to be held in late August, and the annual Tour of Tables fundraiser was replaced with a virtual event called “Stay Home for Hospice.”

During late February and early March, volunteers and staffers vowed to keep Oaklawn’s annual benefit-auction tradition alive by bringing community supporters together online. The virtual event was held Feb. 24-March 5 to raise funds for regional COVID-19 relief efforts.

In May, Oaklawn became one of 21 hospitals and health systems in Michigan and 455 such institutions nationwide to earn five stars – the highest possible – in a new ranking from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It was the second year in a row that Oaklawn had received the distinction, first awarded to Oaklawn in 2016 when the federal agency initiated the star-rating system. The single composite grade reflected a broad range of measures of quality in five categories – patient experience, readmission rates, safety of care, mortality and timely and effective care.

In May, J. Summer Liston-Crandall, M.D., was appointed Oaklawn’s new chief medical officer. Liston-Crandall, a family-medicine physician, is a Kalamazoo-area native who joined Oaklawn’s active medical staff in July 2007.

By November, as the COVID-19 pandemic continued in Michigan..medical staff at Oaklawn and nearby hospitals were facing burnout and insufficient patient beds even as they worked to provide complete care to afflicted patients. Regional healthcare coalitions renewed a statewide effort to urge Michigan residents to join the fight against the virus.

New medical providers joining Oaklawn during 2021 include family physician Mehmiya Z. Raghid, M.D.; physician Timothy D. Kwiecien, M.D.; OB/GYN physician Jovana Koscica Spreitzer, D.O.; family nurse practitioner Pa-Nhia Yang-Murray, FNP; physician assistant Aaron M. Brown, PA; nurse practitioner Amy Traxler MSN, RN, FNP; rheumatologist Hirenkumar “Hiren” Patel, M.D.; nurse practitioner Jeannette M. Sullivan, NP; general surgeon Andrew P. Worden, M.D.; family nurse practitioner Christine Nault, FNP; OB/GYN physician Sara Smith, D.O.; physician Erin Rockwell, D.O.; family nurse practitioner Marcia French, RN, FNP; family nurse practitioner Lynette Robinson, FNP; doctor of osteopathic medicine Judean J. Johnson-Morgan, D.O.; and nurse practitioner Nora McCord, NP.

2022

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Oaklawn conducted its second virtual benefit auction online from March 17 to 25. The 32nd annual event raised enough money to purchase two new Dräger medical ventilators for the hospital.

In April, Oaklawn’s audiology service line expanded in Calhoun County as Dr. Michael Thompson began providing audiology services at the Cram Building in downtown Albion. The service is part of Oaklawn’s ongoing effort to provide health-care services in the Albion area.

On June 11, nearly 1,000 runners and walkers gathered for the Oaklawn Color Classic 5k & Fun Run, a new event that grew out of the longtime annual Hospitality Classic. It was largest such gathering since 2015.

It was announced in July that Oaklawn was one of 18 hospitals and health systems in Michigan and 429 such institutions nationwide to earn five stars – the highest possible – in a new ranking from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The ranking placed Oaklawn in the top 12.5 percent of Michigan hospitals for quality. Oaklawn was the only hospital in Calhoun County to be singled out for the honor.

In July, the staff of Oaklawn Hospice received a SHPBest Premier Performer family-satisfaction award for calendar year 2021, issued by Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Strategic Healthcare Programs LLC. The award for work during 2021 ranked the hospice team is in the top five percent in the nation when it comes to family satisfaction, and was the third time Oaklawn Hospice staff were so honored since 2018.

In September, construction gets under way at the Ricketson Medical Building to expand therapeutic services inside the facility.

In October, the Oaklawn Medical Group announced it will expand its presence in Battle Creek during 2023, at a new service location at 5352 Beckley Road. Oaklawn took over the lease of a facility formerly operated by a Kalamazoo-based medical organization, with a goal of opening an express-care facility during early 2023. Oaklawn CEO and President Gregg Been said services eventually are to include express care, family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology and orthopedics.

New medical providers joining Oaklawn during 2022 include physician assistant Alexandria I. Bower-Nelson, PA; family nurse practitioner Cecilia Stahlhood, MSN, APRN, FNP; nurse practitioner Ting-Wan Y. Worden, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC; family nurse practitioner Tamora VanWasshnova MSN, APRN, FNP-BC; physician assistant Dakota J. Yeaster, PA; certified nurse midwife GiGi Sutton, CNM; family medicine physician Rick Arias, M.D.; family medicine with obstetrics physician Marie Brown, M.D.; family medicine with obstetrics physician Kaitlyn M. Hite, M.D.; family nurse practitioner Yolanda Cobley, R.N., FNP; family medicine with obstetrics physician Tess Meklir, M.D.; gynecologist Travis Terrell, M.D.; internal medicine/pediatrics physician Rick Semones, M.D.; and physician assistant Austin Lutz, PA-C.

2023

Oaklawn conducted its 33rd annual benefit auction, updating the format to feature a hybrid event, both online and in-person. The event was held from March 8 to 16, concluding with an in-person event at Eastend Studio & Gallery in downtown Marshall. The auction surpassed its goal, raising a record $125,000 for Oaklawn Hospice and its programs.

It was announced in March that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services had awarded Oaklawn Hospice’s staff its highest rating for family and patient support and satisfaction. The five-star award was based on scores compiled through the agency’s Hospice Quality Reporting Program during 2021. Oaklawn was the only hospice in its seven-county region to receive the five-star designation, and one of six such agencies in Michigan to receive the rating.

On June 1, Oaklawn Express Care – Beckley Road, opened its doors in Suite B at 5352 Beckley Road, Battle Creek. The facility will be open for walk-in appointments from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, including weekends. Medical providers at the site will include family nurse practitioners Cherie Craft, Shannon Hepler, Robin Kuiper, Jeffrey C. Lee and Rebecca Weyer, as well as physician assistants Mark Boyd, John Green, Austin Lutz and Nicholas Nowak. As a result, Battle Creek area residents now may expect increased access to express care and other health services in the region.

Jack Bidwell and Meghan Currie were named the first-place male and female winners June 10 during the 2023 Color Classic 5k & Fun Run, which brought 872 participants to this community’s downtown. With a time of 16 minutes and 47 seconds, Bidwell – a 16-year-old resident of Marshall – scored the top speed during the 5k race. Bidwell was the first-place winner during the 2022 event as well. Currie, a 37-year-old Albion resident, came in at the end of the 5k race with a time of 20 minutes and 45 seconds.

After more than three years of restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Oaklawn Auxiliary members began work to restore services to patients and visitors. Auxiliary leaders worked to upgrade volunteer efforts among medical and support services. Since 1951, the Auxiliary’s duties have included welcoming patients and visitors at the information desks; staffing the gift shop; aiding staff and patients in departments such as the Oncology Clinic and Dialysis; making stuffed toys and tray favors; fund-raising; and at special events.

In June, Oaklawn’s orthopedics team reached a milestone with the completion of 750 cases completed using its Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology. In early 2019, Oaklawn became the first hospital in its region to offer the technology, created by Stryker Corp. to perform joint surgeries, including full and partial knee replacements.

Oaklawn’s Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery team completed 750 joint cases with its Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology, it was announced in July. Oaklawn became the first hospital in its region to offer the technology beginning in 2019.

About 140 youngsters participated in the 2023 Oaklawn Hospital Pet, Bike & Wagon Parade on Tuesday, July 4.

A new collaboration began Aug. 1 with the multi-specialty health-care partnership Vituity, guaranteeing highest-quality service for patients in Oaklawn’s emergency department. Emeryville, California-based Vituity is a partnership among 3,500 physicians and 1,800 advance-practice providers nationwide. The partnership is the same type of vendor agreement Oaklawn had with its previous service provider, American Physician Partners.

A total of 140 golfers turned out Aug. 11 for the “Birdies for Babies” fundraiser to benefit the Oaklawn Birth Center, achieving its goal of raising more than $87,000 to support capital projects. The Marshall Country Club hosted 35 teams of golfers for the event.

It was announced in September that the Oaklawn Hospice staff had received a SHPBest Premier Performer family-satisfaction award for calendar year 2022, issued by Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Strategic Healthcare Programs LLC. It was the fourth such honor since 2018.

It was announced in December that Byrens Family Practice – operated by David M. Byrens, M.D. – would merge in January 2024 with the Oaklawn Medical Group. The practice is to be known as Oaklawn Medical Group – Wright Medical Primary Care.

New medical providers joining Oaklawn during 2023 included physician assistant Nicholas “Nick” Nowak; family nurse practitioner Shannon Hepler, FNP-C; family nurse practitioner Cherie D. Craft, MSN, FNP-BC; family nurse practitioner Jeffrey C. Lee, MSN, FNP-C; family-medicine physician Petra Toutanji, M.D.; family nurse practitioner Rebecca Weyer, MSN, FNP; physician assistant Robert “Mark” Boyd, PA-C; family nurse practitioner Robin Kuiper, FNP-C; physician assistant John Green, MS, PA-C; otolaryngologist Christopher Gaffga, M.D.; gastroenterologist Mohamed Noureldin, MBBS, MS; family nurse practitioner Jenifer Stansell, FNP-C; and physician assistant Ron Applebey, PA-C.