Mississippi News
UMMC says it will fill burn care void
UMMC says it will fill burn care void
The University of Mississippi Medical Center announced Thursday it will increase its capabilities for treatment of burn victims following the closure of the JMS Burn and Reconstruction Center at Merit Health Central in Jackson.
Merit Health Central announced in September that the JMS Burn and Reconstruction Center, the state's only accredited burn program, would close on Oct. 14 due to staffing and financial challenges. Staff at the burn center told Mississippi Today that hospital administrators didn't inform them of the decision until just over a month before the closure date, which left them scrambling to determine next steps and find care for the center's current patients.
“It's essential that burn patients in the area receive care in a timely manner, so we are stepping in to fill this need,” said Dr. Alan Jones, associate vice chancellor for clinical affairs, in a press release.
Burn patients who require a higher level of care will either be accepted and cared for at UMMC or transferred to a regional burn center for treatment, the release stated. The care will be coordinated by Mississippi MED-COM, the emergency communications center for UMMC and hospitals and emergency providers throughout the state.
Although the University of Mississippi Medical Center has been out of network with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi since April 1, Blue Cross members are still able to receive emergency care at the in-network rate.
UMMC is Mississippi's only Level 1 trauma center and academic medical center.
UMMC officials did not answer specific questions about whether caring for these patients will require hiring additional staff and physicians, purchasing additional equipment or what the timeline is.
They also did not answer whether the hospital would be using resources from the state's Trauma Care Trust Fund. The Fund is used to cover administrative expenses of the statewide Trauma Care System and to fund trauma centers, ambulance districts and burn centers.
“There's no additional information to provide at this time,” said Patrice Guilfoyle, director of communications for UMMC. “I'm sure there will be updates as it progresses.”
Editor's note: Kate Royals, Mississippi Today's community health editor since January 2022, worked as a writer/editor for UMMC's Office of Communications from November 2018 through August 2020, writing press releases and features about the medical center's schools of dentistry and nursing. A longtime journalist in major Mississippi newsrooms, Royals had served as a Mississippi Today reporter for two years before her stint at UMMC. At UMMC, Royals was in no way involved in management decisions or anything related to the medical center's relationship or contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Retrial for Beth Ann White begins Monday
SUMMARY: In Hinds County, Mississippi, Beth Ann White is facing her second trial for a crash that killed a mother and her six-month-old son in November 2021. During the first trial, it was alleged that White had a blood alcohol content level more than three times the legal limit. The defense questioned the right of way during the crash, resulting in a mistrial due to the jury's inability to reach a consensus on a verdict. White was indicted on four counts of aggravated DUI and has pled not guilty. After the trial ended with a hung jury, the county re-indicted White for the charges.
The post Retrial for Beth Ann White begins Monday appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Mississippi lawmakers send education, PERS bills to governor
SUMMARY: Mississippi lawmakers settled contentious issues, sending a new public education funding formula to Governor Tate Reeves. The Mississippi Student Funding Formula would replace MAEP, bringing in $220 million more to public schools. The compromise was well-received by lawmakers and educators, providing a more understandable and predictable funding mechanism. Additionally, a deal was reached on the Public Employees' Retirement System, which mandates an increase in contributions but will not impact current benefits. House Speaker Jason White emphasized the importance of prioritizing education funding, PERS, and healthcare access in Mississippi, expressing hope for further compromises in the future.
The post Mississippi lawmakers send education, PERS bills to governor appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Hunter Hines leads MSU baseball to series win at Vanderbilt
SUMMARY: Mississippi State baseball defeated Vanderbilt 8-7 in game three to clinch the series. Despite Vanderbilt tying the game with six runs in the sixth inning and taking the lead in the seventh, Mississippi State rallied in the ninth with a two-run homer by Hunter Hines. Pitcher Tyson Hardin closed out the game with a scoreless ninth inning. The win improved Mississippi State's SEC record to 12-9.
The post Hunter Hines leads MSU baseball to series win at Vanderbilt appeared first on www.wcbi.com
-
Local News3 days ago
Sister of Mississippi man who died after police pulled him from car rejects lawsuit settlement
-
Mississippi Today3 days ago
At Lake High School in Scott County, the Un-Team will never be forgotten
-
Mississippi News2 days ago
One injured in Mississippi officer-involved shooting after chase
-
Mississippi Today14 hours ago
On this day in 1951
-
Mississippi News6 days ago
Cicadas expected to takeover north Mississippi counties soon
-
Mississippi News5 days ago
Viewers make allegations against Hatley teacher, school district releases statement – Home – WCBI TV
-
Mississippi News Video4 days ago
Vehicle struck and killed man lying in the road, Alcorn County sheriff says
-
Mississippi Today7 days ago
On this day in 1892