2008 Archived Press Releases

Banner Thunderbird visitor restrictions
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Dec. 29, 2008) – Due to the increase in respiratory viruses in our community Banner Thunderbird Medical Center has instituted visitor restrictions to increase patient safety.

Banner Boswell hires new CNO
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Dec. 22, 2008) – Banner Boswell Medical Center has hired Julie Nunley, RN, as chief nursing officer. Nunley brings more than 18 years of nursing and nursing administration experience to Banner Boswell, most recently serving as vice president and chief nursing officer at Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center in Lafayette, Colo. Nunley earned her associate degree of nursing at New Mexico State University, and her BSN and MBA degrees from the University of Phoenix.

Generous donation creates Sterling cancer center
STERLING, Colo. (Dec.16, 2008) -- Sterling Regional MedCenter and Banner Health today announced the construction of a local Cancer Center made possible by the generosity of Sterling residents Frank and Gloria Walsh. The Walshes have provided Sterling Regional MedCenter and the Banner Health Foundation with a gift of $8.8 million to build the David Walsh Cancer Center at Sterling Regional MedCenter on the Sterling campus.

Boswell departments awarded reaccreditation
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Dec. 5, 2008) – Banner Boswell Medical Center’s Clinical Laboratory and Cardiopulmonary Services department have been awarded reaccreditation by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent on-site inspection.

Banner Health named Best Places to Work for second consecutive year
PHOENIX (Dec. 12, 2008) – Banner Health, one of the state’s largest employers, is also one of the state’s best.

NCMC welcomes new cardiologist to the CardioVascular Institute
GREELEY, Colo. (Dec. 11, 2008) — A name familiar to many heart patients in northern Colorado will join the CardioVascular Institute at North Colorado Medical Center later this month.

Banner Health’s Colorado hospitals receive water purifying system
BRUSH (Dec. 11, 2008) – All four Banner Health hospitals in Colorado are receiving $1,700 water purification systems in November and December, compliments of the Colorado Rural Health Center.

Keep your children out of the emergency room during the holidays
PHOENIX (Dec. 11, 2008) — As much as we love friendly visits during the holidays, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center and the Banner Poison Control Center would rather not see your children in need of our emergency services this holiday season. The holidays are known to bring a greater volume of emergency patients to Valley hospitals. What is unfortunate is that many visits are due to preventable poisonings.

NCMC Blood Donor Center plans donor recognition wall
GREELEY, Colo. (Dec. 5, 2008) — The Blood Donor Center at North Colorado Medical Center will honor high-volume blood donors with a new 14-foot display in the hospital.

McKee Medical Center welcomes new Associate Administrator
LOVELAND, Colo. (Dec. 4, 2008) – McKee Medical Center is pleased to announce that Anne Rydesky has been named Associate Administrator. She starts work in her new position Dec. 8.

Loveland Turkey Trot breaks record
LOVELAND, Colo., (Dec. 3, 2008) - The Loveland Turkey Trot 5K run/walk was held Thanksgiving morning at McKee Medical Center. Mild morning temperatures made for great running weather with over 1,100 participants and 75 volunteers – the most ever for this annual event.

Honorary chairman recognizes great experience at NCMC
GREELEY, Colo., (Nov. 21, 2008) — Greeley resident Dave Trussell says he doesn’t know what to expect from the North Colorado Medical Center’s 11th annual Turkey Trot on Thursday. He’s never attended it before, let alone served as an official starter for a road race.

New senior services manager joins McKee Medical Center
LOVELAND, Colo. (Nov. 19, 2008) – McKee Medical Center is pleased to announce the hiring of Phoebe Hawley as senior services manager and coordinator of The Seasons Club program for area seniors.

Banner Good Samaritan initiates new Vein Clinic for treatment of painful or unsightly veins in legs
PHOENIX (Nov. 17, 2008) – People choose to treat veins in their legs for a variety of reasons – from pain and swelling to varicosities and skin ulcers, to primarily cosmetic reasons. All of these needs can be managed by the new Vein Clinic at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center.

Candle lighting vigil to rmember children who have died
LOVELAND, Colo. (Nov. 13, 2008) - The Worldwide Candle Lighting Vigil to remember and honor the memory of beloved children who have died will be held at 6:30m p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14 at the McKee Conference & Wellness Center.

Ron Bunnell named CFO of year
PHOENIX (Nov. 14, 2008) -- Ron Bunnell, Banner Health’s executive vice president/chief administrative officer, has been named CFO of the Year in the nonprofit category by the Arizona Chapter of Financial Executives International (FEI).

McKee Medical Center experts offer counsel on Medicare Part D
LOVELAND, Colo. (Nov. 13, 2008) – If you rely on Medicare prescription drug coverage, consider a consultation with a professional at McKee Medical Center to ensure you are signed up for the best plan.

Say thanks to nurse practitioners during National Nurse Practitioner Week
LOVELAND, Colo. (Nov. 13, 2008) – The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners encourages communities to thank their local nurse practitioners during National Nurse Practitioner Week, Nov. 9-15.

Community Town Halls
SUN CITY, SUN CITY WEST, Ariz. (Nov. 13, 2008) – Northwest Valley residents are invited to special Community Town Halls hosted by the chief executive officers of Banner Boswell and Banner Del E. Webb medical centers in November.

Banner Thunderbird hospital food wins national culinary awards
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Nov. 12, 2008) – If the hearing the words “hospital food,” conjures up visions of green Jell-O and mystery meat, then you haven’t been to Banner Thunderbird Medical Center.

Banner Thunderbird Medical Center earns Level III certification
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Nov. 11, 2008) – The Arizona Perinatal Trust this week designated Banner Thunderbird Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Women and Infant Services as a Level III facility – the only Level III facility in the West Valley.

Give back while giving thanks at the NCMC Blood Donor Center
GREELEY, Colo. (Nov. 11, 2008) — Donating blood during the month of November could put a little extra money in your pocket this holiday season with the “Give Back While Giving Thanks” promotion at the Blood Donor Center at North Colorado Medical Center.

Banner Healths Colorado hospitals receive water purifying system
LOVELAND (Nov. 7, 2008) – All four Banner Health hospitals in Colorado will receive $1,700 water purification systems in November compliments of the Colorado Rural Health Center.

NCMC Cancer Program hosts survivors luncheon
GREELEY, Colo. (Nov. 7, 2008) —North Colorado Medical Center’s cancer program was pleased to host a Cancer Survivors’ Luncheon earlier this month with national speaker Sharon Lee Parker.

NCMC Cancer Registry staff receives Gold Award
GREELEY, Colo. (Nov. 7, 2008) — The Cancer Registrars at North Colorado Medical Center have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to improving the quality of cancer data collection and the quality of patient care.

National association recertifies McKee Pulmonary Rehab program
LOVELAND, Colo. (Nov. 4, 2008) – McKee Medical Center’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation program has earned recertification by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Banner employees raise money for Race for the Cure
PHOENIX (Nov. 4, 2008) -- More than 2,850 Banner Health employees, their family members and friends, raised $81,000 for breast-cancer education, research and treatment by participating in the 16thth Annual Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure.

Banner Del E. Webb offers Hispanic Woman Day of Health
EL MIRAGE, Ariz. (Oct. 31, 2008) – Hispanic women and their families are invited to a free Hispanic Women’s Day of Health 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, in the Food City parking lot, 12321 NW Grand Ave., El Mirage. It is sponsored by Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center.

Renal cryoablation now offered at Banner Boswell and Banner Del E. Webb
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Oct. 28, 2008) – Patients in the northwest Valley with kidney cancer now have a new option to treat their tumors. This week, Banner Boswell and Banner Del E. Webb medical centers began offering interventional renal cryoablation, a minimally invasive treatment that freezes and kills tumors without surgery.

NCMC offers alternative yoga class
GREELEY, Colo. (Oct. 29, 2008) – North Colorado Medical Center’s Wellness Services invites students to join Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher Robin Briggs for a new series of yoga classes starting in December.

Banner Boswell earns ultrasound accreditation
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Oct. 24, 2008) – Banner Boswell Medical Center’s Ultrasound department recently became accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

Banner Boswell free lecture focuses on Medicare Part D
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Oct. 24, 2008) – Area residents interested in learning more about Medicare Part D are invited to a free community presentation on the topic celebrating the 38th anniversary of the founding of Banner Boswell Medical Center.

Banner Boswell Medical Center receives national award
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Oct. 24, 2008) – The Nursing Education Transition Unit (NET-U) at Banner Boswell Medical Center was awarded a Best Practice award from the American Society of Healthcare Human Resources Administrators at its annual convention in Texas on Oct. 14. The organization recognized NET-U as an innovative approach to increase nurse recruitment and nurse retention.

2008 Loveland Turkey Trot
LOVELAND, CO (Oct. 23, 2008) - The 7th Annual Loveland Turkey Trot will be held on Thanksgiving morning – a great way to start the Thanksgiving holiday.

Banner Good Sam receives second USHHS Medal of Honor for organ donation rates
PHOENIX (Oct. 20, 2008) – Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center will be awarded the Medal of Honor by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for its achievements in raising organ donation rates. This is Banner Good Samaritan’s second HHS Medal of Honor, having earned its previous medal in 2005.

Washakie Quality Award
WORLAND, Wyo. (Oct. 15, 2008) -- Washakie Medical Center has received the Mountain-Pacific Quality Health achievement award in recognition for its commitment to sustained performance and improvement in providing quality patient care.

Banner Thunderbird Sleep Disorder Center earns only American Academy of Sleep Medicine accreditation in West Valley
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Oct.14, 2008) – Are you tired of feeling tired? Well now the West Valley has an accredited sleep disorder center at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center where highly trained staff and physicians can help.

New rehab equipment gets patients on feet faster
LOVELAND, Colo. (Oct. 8, 2008) – A new piece of exercise equipment will help clients of McKee Rehabilitation Services get back on their feet faster.

Two Banner Facilities Receive Surgical Robots
PHOENIX & Gilbert, Ariz. (Oct. 8, 2008) – Banner Estrella Medical Center in Phoenix and Banner Gateway Medical Center in Gilbert will each begin offering minimally invasive robotic surgery this month.

Banner Heart plans expansion
MESA, Ariz. (Oct. 8, 2008) -- Banner Heart Hospital, the only heart hospital in the East Valley, is slated to expand by 2010.

Banner Heart Hospital now a Cardiac Arrest Center
MESA, Ariz. (Oct. 6, 2008) – Banner Heart Hospital, the only heart hospital in the East Valley, was certified as a Cardiac Arrest Center by the Bureau of EMS and Trauma System on Monday.

Banner Thunderbird first in Arizona, third in nation to get new cancer treatment machine
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Oct. 2, 2008) - Banner Thunderbird Medical Center will be the first hospital in Arizona and the third in the nation to offer cutting edge cancer treatment with an Elekta Axesse machine. The machine offers stereotactic radiosurgery and therapy as well as Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy – treatments for cancer that drastically decrease treatment time, and increase patient comfort and accuracy in targeting hard-to-treat tumors.

Banner Gateway wins Design Award
GILBERT, (Sept. 29, 2008) – Banner Gateway Medical Center, along with its architecture firm, has won an Award of Excellence for Healthcare Design from Modern Healthcare magazine. This prestigious award was bestowed upon only two hospitals in the country this year.

Imagine the difference: Candlelight Capers helps patients return to high quality of life following injury
PHOENIX (Sept. 26, 2008)—Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, part of the non-profit Banner Health, will host its 54th annual Candlelight Capers Ball, “Imagine the Difference,” at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008. This year’s beneficiary is a unique program that uses virtual reality gaming technology to further patient outcomes at the Banner Good Samaritan Rehabilitation Institute (BGSRI), an accredited center that cares for patients through all phases of rehabilitation.

Attend Annual Evergreen Evening
LOVELAND, Colo. (Sept. 24, 2008) – The 27th Annual Evergreen Evening gala presented by The Friends of the Hospital will be held Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Hilton Hotel in Fort Collins as a benefit for Banner Simulation System at McKee.

State of Colorado recertifies McKee Medical Center Trauma Services
LOVELAND (Sept. 18, 2008) – McKee Medical Center passed its first survey of the Trauma Services since the opening of the new Emergency department.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
MESA, Ariz. (Sept. 18, 2008) – In honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa is issuing a reminder that early detection leads not only to better treatment but higher chances of survival. Baywood is home to the latest in surgical technology when it comes to treating prostate cancer: robotic prostate surgery.

Banner Gateway turns one
GILBERT, Ariz. (Sept.18, 2008 )– Banner Gateway Medical Center at US 60 and Higley Road in Gilbert will celebrate its first birthday on Sept.18, 2008. As part of the birthday festivities, the hospital’s first baby, Lacy Kingsford, and her family will present the medical center with a special gift at noon on Thursday, Sept. 18.

Fight the Flu
LOVELAND, Colo. (Sept. 15, 2008) – The flu comes around every year affecting up to 20 percent of the population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. McKee Medical Center’s Wellness Services says immunization can help keep you out of the doctor’s office or hospital.

Banner and emergency preparedness
PHOENIX (Sept. 5, 2008) – Banner Health is one of a record number of national, regional, state and local organizations participating in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s fifth annual National Preparedness Month.

Banner Baywood sleep center nationally certified
MESA, Ariz. (Sept. 8, 2008) – The Banner Baywood Medical Center Sleep Disorders Program was reaccredited this month by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Accreditation.

Banner Heart cardiologist: Heart disease affects women differently
MESA, Ariz. (Sept. 4, 2008) – Women are more likely than men to present signs of heart disease with chest pain, rather than a definite event like a heart attack, according to Mark Starling, Chief Medical Officer at Banner Heart Hospital in Mesa.

Banner Estrella Medical Center Security Department first in Valley to use Segway
PHOENIX (Sept.3, 2008) –The Security Department at Banner Estrella Medical Center has found a new way of patrolling the exterior of the hospital’s campus with just two wheels—a Segway Personal Transporter. Banner Estrella, known for its high-tech facility, is the first hospital in the Valley to introduce a Segway to its campus. The Security Department will use the Segway as another measure to enhance security around the facility, while also being ecofriendly.

North Colorado Medical Center Foundation hosts healthy living speaker
GREELEY, Colo. (Aug. 25 2008) – North Colorado Medical Center Foundation is sponsoring a guest presentation that will feature Joe Piscatella, one of the country’s most respected experts on how to live a healthy lifestyle in the real world. The presentation is free and open to the public, but reservations are required.

NCMC welcomes new physician to neurology clinic
GREELEY, Colo. (Aug. 25, 2008) – Neurologist Jeffery Siegel, M.D., recently joined the North Colorado Medical Center Neurology Clinic, which will celebrate its opening at an upcoming open house.

National breast health group recongnizes NCMC Breast Center
GREELEY, Colo. (Aug. 18, 2008) — North Colorado Medical Center has been recognized as a Certified Participant of the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers Program.

Banner Health names new CEO at McKee
LOVELAND, Colo. (August 18, 2008) – Banner Health Western Region President Jim Ferando has announced that Christopher M. Cornue, MSHSA, FACHE, will become the new Chief Executive Officer at McKee Medical Center. Cornue begins his duties at McKee on Sept. 15.

Test drive the Baywood robot
MESA, Ariz. (Aug. 8, 2008) - Can you do the robot? Take a spin on the Banner Baywood da Vinci robot at Superstition Springs Mall in September.

Baywood campus names new administrator
MESA, Ariz. (Aug. 14, 2008) -- Sometimes, all it takes to make a difference in people’s lives is changing the color of the paint on the wall. That’s Chad Hatfield’s philosophy.

Mendoza twins are “born together” at Banner Good Samaritan
PHOENIX (Aug. 14, 2008) — On Wednesday, Aug. 13, a perinatal team at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center delivered conjoined twin babies to a Kingman, Ariz., family by Caesarian section at 10:38 a.m. after a 32-week, 4-day pregnancy.

McKee welcomes new Service Excellence director
LOVELAND, Colo. (August 7, 2008) – Amy Searls started Aug. 4 at McKee Medical Center as the new Service Excellence Director.

Two new cardiologists join CardioVascular Institute at North Colorado Medical Center
GREELEY, Colo. (July 28, 2008) – North Colorado Medical Center welcomes two new cardiologists to the CardioVascular Institute of North Colorado.

Cardiovascular clinic opens in Loveland
LOVELAND, Colo. (July 31, 2008) -- Loveland and surrounding community members now have a greater choice of providers for heart care services in their own back yard. The CardioVascular Institute of North Colorado, in partnership with McKee Medical Center, will open a cardiovascular clinic in Loveland on Sept. 2.

Heart Hospital hosts study aimed at women with chest pain
MESA, Ariz. (July 31, 2008) -- A clinical trial aimed at women with recurring heart disease is being tested at Banner Heart Hospital as part of a fast-track to Food and Drug Administration approval.

Cool down and donate blood at Banner Thunderbird on Sept 24
IGLENDALE (Aug. 5, 2008) –In partnership with United Blood Services, Banner Thunderbird Medical Center will be hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008. Banner Thunderbird employees and community residents are invited to donate blood from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in conference rooms 1, 2 and 3, located at the east end, lower level of the hospital.

Baywood now a nationally certified Primary Stroke Center
MESA, Ariz. (July 30, 2008) – Banner Baywood Medical Center is pleased to announce it has earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers. The East Valley Stroke Center at Banner Baywood earned this distinction after the Joint Commission conducted an on-site review in July.

Back to School and Feeling Good for teens at Banner Thunderbird
GLENDALE ( July 28, 2008) Banner Thunderbird Medical Center’s Women and Infants Services department and Banner Thunderbird Children’s Center are hosting “Back to School, Feelin’ Good” on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

NCMC Hospitality House gets new furniture
GREELEY (July 22, 2008) – Furniture valued at more than $46,000 will round out renovations to North Colorado Medical Center’s Hospitality House just in time for National Hospitality House Week.

2 Baywood nurses named as finalists in Nurses of the Year Awards
MESA, Ariz. (July 22, 2008) -- Two Banner Baywood Medical Center nurses have been named as finalists in the March of Dimes Arizona Nurses of the Year Awards.

McKee Golf Tournament benefits prostate cancer campaign
LOVELAND, Colo. (July 19, 2008) -- The McKee Masters Golf Tournament will be held Friday, Sept. 12 at Mariana Butte Golf Course in Loveland. Players will tee off for 18 holes at 8 a.m. in a scramble format.

Banner Heart's Cardiac Alert brings care to patients in record time
MESA, Ariz. (July 17, 2008) -- East Valley residents suffering from heart attacks would be better off dialing 911 and requesting Banner Heart Hospital than driving to the nearest emergency room, recent results from the Cardiac Alert program show.

McKee partners with new limo service
LOVELAND, Colo. (July 18, 2008) – McKee Medical Center has announced a new partnership with Summit Limousines Inc. of Loveland as the new provider of limo rides home for mothers and babies in the VIP Suite of the Family Birthing Center.

Sports physicals more than just paperwork
LOVELAND, COLO. (July 16, 2008) -- Before students test their physical skills on the field, they need to pass a whole different kind of exam.

Banner Baywood commuters go green
MESA, Ariz. (July 11, 2008) -- Banner Baywood surgeon Daniel Rowland, MD, has been on a roll lately. Literally. Rowland is just one of the many Banner Baywood Campus commuters who are “going green.”

McKee Foundation welcomes new event coordinator
LOVELAND, Colo (July 9, 2008) – Dawn Paepke has joined the McKee Medical Center Foundation as event coordinator providing assistance with the organization’s major annual events.

Banner Occupational Health Services hours change in Loveland
LOVELAND, Colo. (July 9, 2008) --The Banner Occupational Health Services clinic located just south of McKee Medical Center will extend clinic hours beginning Aug. 1, 2008.

Banner Baywood to break ground on new emergency room Aug. 7
MESA, Ariz. (July 17, 2008) -- Banner Baywood Medical Center is pleased to announce it will break ground on its new Emergency department on Aug. 7, 2008 with a ceremony and reception for the community and invited guests.

Banner opens Harmony Clinic
Banner Health will continue to make it easier for Northern Colorado residents to see a physician by opening Banner Medical Clinic-Harmony Road in Fort Collins on July 30.

Get Fuel for Giving Life
GREELEY, Colo. (July 1, 2008) -- Donating blood this summer can last for miles with “Get Fuel for Giving Life.” Donate blood at the Blood Donor Center at North Colorado Medical Center or on one of their mobile blood drives through and Aug. 30, and you can register to win a $50 gasoline card from ConocoPhillips. Two winners will be drawn weekly.

FTC approves Sun Health merger
PHOENIX (June 30, 2008) -- The Federal Trade Commission approved the proposed transaction between Sun Health and Banner Health Friday.

Houston couple welcome quintuplets at Banner Good Samaritan
PHOENIX (June 27, 2008) – July 4 is a day to celebrate the birth of a nation, but you can forgive Ellen and Stephen Howell for celebrating the birth of five little firecrackers a week early. The Houston couple welcomed their quintuplets to the world at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix.

Banner Thunderbird dog safety workshop for kids
GLENDALE (June 21, 2008) –Do your children know enough about dog safety to determine whether Rover’s bark is worse than his bite? According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 800,000 Americans reported being bitten last year. Of these, 600,000 were children.

Banner Health partners with College Network
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (June 21, 2008) — Banner Health has joined forces with The College Network, Inc. to offer educational opportunities for nurses. Banner Health is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health care systems with more than 29,000 employees providing health care services in communities throughout seven western states.

McKee Volunteer wins award
LOVELAND, Colo. (June 20, 2008) -- Marie Stroyan, a volunteer for Stepping Stones Adult Day Program, which is operated by McKee Medical Center, recently was awarded the 2008 Volunteer of the Year for the Memories in the Making program. The award was presented by the Northern Colorado chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Banner Thunderbird nurses go above and beyond
GLENDALE (June 14, 2008)- Congratulations to Critical Care Unit West RNs Stephanie Cralley, Sara Cutting and Barbara Reinhardt, Clinical Manager; and Critical Care Unit East RN, Carmen Lombardo, for attaining national certification by exam in adult critical care nursing (CCRN).

Banner Thunderbird Steps Up for Cancer Patients
GLENDALE (June 12, 2008) On Thursday, May 8, 2008, volunteers were invited to come out to the JCPenney Court at Arrowhead Mall to participate in the Step Out Step Up event to create over 500 wellness bags for local cancer patients at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center. Individuals who helped stuff these special bags included employees and volunteers of the Radiation Oncology department and Stroke Team.

Baywood OB presents Fatherhood 101
MESA, Ariz.. (June 12, 2008) – With Father’s Day just around the corner, Banner Baywood Medical Center (BBMC) has presented Fatherhood 101 for new dads…and current dads who might need a refresher course.

McKee wins Premier Quality Award
LOVELAND, Colo. (June 12, 2008) – A national healthcare organization that helps hospitals improve performance has recognized McKee Medical Center for efficiently providing outstanding patient care and setting standards in clinical excellence. McKee was one of 26 winners out of more than 3,800 considered for the awards.

Baywood surgical department adopts Mesa park
MESA, Ariz. (June 5, 2008) – The Perioperative Services Department at Banner Baywood Medical Center will be recognized at an event on Saturday for their work in sponsoring a City of Mesa park.

Mobilizing Resources and Support at Banner Thunderbird
GLENDALE (June 3, 2008) – On Monday, June 23, Banner Thunderbird Medical Center’s Mandy Smith, RN, Banner Home Care; Patrice Al-Shatti, MSW, Hospice of the Valley; Barbara Erickson, cancer survivor; and Patti Jensen, ACSW, will be presenting “Mobilizing Resources and Support” as part of an educational series for Banner Thunderbird Medical Center’s “I Can Cope” program.

McKee scholarship winners
LOVELAND, Colo. (May 30, 2008) – McKee Medical Center awarded $22,000 in scholarships to area residents who plan to study for a career in health care. Seven people received the awards for 2008.

LSVT LOUD Treatment
MESA, Ariz (May 27, 2008) - It is estimated that 89 percent of people with Parkinson’s disease suffer from speech and other voice disorders. At Banner Baywood Medical Center, these patients are benefiting from a ‘LOUD’ therapy program designed to improve their communication.

Legacy Award at Banner Baywood Medical Center
MESA, Ariz. (May 28, 2008) -- Since 1984, Banner Baywood Medical Center has been building a legacy in the East Valley. In addition to a full range of clinical and specialty programs we are embarking on our 2010 vision of being Banner Health’s leader in innovative and comprehensive adult care.

New CFO at Banner Baywood
MESA, Ariz. (May 26, 2008) – The Banner Baywood Campus has named Sam Patterson the new Chief Financial Officer to serve both Banner Baywood Medical Center and Banner Heart Hospital .

Banner Baywood Memorial Day celebration
MESA, Ariz. (May 21, 2008) – With Memorial Day right around the corner, Banner Baywood Medical Center and Banner Heart Hospital will start the weekend right with a patriotic ceremony on Thursday, May 22.

Are rattlesnake bites becoming more dangerous?
PHOENIX (May 19, 2008) – Toxicologists with the Banner Poison Control Center have noted a disturbing trend with rattlesnake bites over the past few years, and took additional steps this week to warn emergency physicians and hospital emergency departments in Maricopa County and outlying Arizona hospitals.

Banner Thunderbird volunteers provide time and opportunities for others
GLENDALE (May 16, 2008) — Banner Thunderbird Medical Center’s Volunteer Services department reached an all time record for volunteer hours during the month of April. The medical center has been experiencing a steady increase in volunteers over the last year, culminating in over 4,000 hours—a first-time record.

Pediatric outdoor play area at Banner Thunderbird Childrens Center June 12
GLENDALE, Ariz. (May 14, 2008)—On June 12, 2008, Banner Thunderbird Children’s Center will celebrate its newest addition to the various specialty programs and services provided to pediatric patients—a pediatric outdoor play area.

Topping off ceremony at Banner Childrens
MESA, Ariz. (May 6, 2008) A “topping off” ceremony was held to mark placement of the final structural beams atop the seven-story pediatric patient tower being built to house Banner Children’s Hospital at Banner Desert Medical Center.

Banner Home Care gets state award
GILBERT, Ariz. (May 7, 2008) – Banner Home Care has been designated as an HHQI (Home Health Quality Initiative) Leader by the Health Services Advisory Group (HSAG). Banner Home Care’s Gold designation is one of just four awarded in the state of Arizona. In

Echo lab at Banner Thunderbird granted accreditation
GLENDALE (May 5, 2008) – Banner Thunderbird Medical Center’s Echocardiography Laboratory was granted accreditation by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL). Banner Thunderbird’s Echo laboratory is one of the first one thousand echocardiography laboratories in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico to be so recognized for it’s commitment to high quality patient care and its provision of quality diagnostic testing.

Banner Thunderbird Childrens Center expands private room neonatal unit
GLENDALE, Ariz. (May 23, 2008) – On Wednesday, May 21, 2008, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Banner Thunderbird Children’s Center celebrated the grand opening of its private room neonatal unit, increasing the quality of care available to premature babies and their families.

Banner makes leadership changes in Colorado
PHOENIX (April 29, 2008) – Banner Health President and CEO Peter Fine announced today top executive changes at both North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC) in Greeley, Colo., and McKee Medical Center in Loveland, Colo. NCMC’s CEO Gene O’Hara will leave his post Friday, May 2nd , and will become CEO of the developing medical campus of Banner Ironwood Medical Center in Arizona’s Pinal County. On May 5th, McKee Medical Center CEO Rick Sutton will leave that post for the CEO role at NCMC.

McKee Volunteers Fashion Show
LOVELAND (April 22, 2008) – The second annual McKee Volunteers Fashion Show and Luncheon will be Saturday, May 3 at the McKee Conference and Wellness Center.

Banner Mesa Medical Center to be simulation education training center
PHOENIX, (April 18, 2008) – The Banner Health board of directors today approved the creation of a 202,000-square-foot office center on the campus of the former Banner Mesa Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona.

Health Fair sets new record
LOVELAND – More than 1,404 individuals had their blood drawn in preparation for the Loveland Community Health Fair setting a record for participation in the annual event. The Loveland Community Health Fair is April 26 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the McKee Conference and Wellness Center.

West Valley physicians now performing robotic hysterectomy
GLENDALE, ARIZ. (April. 16, 2008)— West Valley gynecologists Lisa Jaacks, MD, and Lee Koon, MD, have successfully completed training to perform a new, less invasive hysterectomy using the da Vinci Surgical System. The physicians, who practice at Desert West Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ltd., will be performing the procedures at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center.

Todd S. Werner named Banner Desert CEO
MESA (April 15, 2008) -- Todd S. Werner has been appointed CEO of Banner Desert Medical Center and will begin serving in his new post May 12. His responsibilities will include leadership of adult and pediatric patient care at Banner Desert and Banner Children’s Hospital at Banner Desert Medical Center.

McKee earns Banner Best award
LOVELAND (April 15, 2008) – The owners of McKee Medical Center recognized the Loveland hospital for leading the way in financial performance, patient satisfaction, clinical excellence and people and learning and named it Banner’s Best of the Best during Banner’s annual Leadership Conference in Phoenix on April 8.

Topping Out at Banner Thunderbird
GLENDALE, Ariz. (April 12, 2008) – The construction of Banner Thunderbird Medical Center’s 200-bed patient tower has been well underway since July 2007 and is nearing completion of its structural phase. On Monday, April 21, 2008, Banner Thunderbird employees are invited to sign the final piece of steel before it is put into place in the new South tower.

Cancer support group finds healing through laughter and helping others
GLENDALE, Ariz. (April 12, 2008) – For the members of Banner Thunderbird's Cancer Support Group, finding humor in their lives and through each other is essential. And, being able to help other people who have been diagnosed, are undergoing treatment and/or are dealing with the disease in a friend or family member is part of the group’s mission.

Employee Wellness programs recognized
LOVELAND, Colo. (April 11, 2008) - Employee Wellness programs at McKee Medical Center and North Colorado Medical Center win Gold Awards from the Wellness Councils of America.

Banner Estrella Medical Center names new Chief Nursing Officer
PHOENIX (March 24, 2008) – Karin Toci, RN, has accepted the position of chief nursing officer (CNO) at Banner Estrella Medical Center. Toci, who has served as director of Quality Management at Banner Estrella since March 2007, has served as interim CNO since Jan. 1, when former CNO Diane Drexler resigned to pursue other opportunities. Banner Estrella has immediately begun the search for a new Quality Management director.

New physician liaison
Loveland, Colo. (April 11, 2008) McKee Medical Center has introduced the position of facility physician resources consultant. Traci Oddy started working at McKee in that role April 7.

NCMC Inc files medical campus development plan
GREELEY, Colo. (April 11, 2008) — NCMC, Inc., the Board of Directors for North Colorado Medical Center, has contracted with the Frederick Development Group to purchase 50 acres of land near the intersection of I25 and SH-52 in Frederick in southern Weld County for development as a medical campus. Closing on the land purchase is anticipated by mid-summer 2008.

Banner Childrens Hosptial increases Arizonas neonatal capacity
MESA (April 9, 2008) – Arizona’s tiniest and sickest patients now have more room to receive the complex medical care they need to grow and develop into healthy children and adults. Banner Children’s Hospital at Banner Desert Medical Center is expanding its Neonatal IntensiveCare Unit to 104 beds as part of a larger $350 million expansion that will drastically improve thelevel of women’s and pediatrics services at the medical campus in Mesa.

Banner Estrella launches new surgery program
PHOENIX (April 8, 2008) – An innovative new program at Banner Estrella Medical Center helps surgical patients feel less anxious before surgery, feel less pain during surgery and heal faster after surgery.

Banner partners to offer cancer navigators
MESA (April 2, 2008) – Phoenix cancer patients now have a new ally in their fight against cancer. The American Cancer Society launched its Patient Navigator Program at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, thanks to support received from AstraZeneca.

Access to outdoors is good medicine for hospitalized children
GLENDALE, Ariz. (March 31, 2008) – By the beginning of the summer, Banner Thunderbird Children’s Center will have a new addition to the various specialty programs and services provided to pediatric patients—a pediatric outdoor play area.

Banner Estrella Medical Center launches new program designed to improve patients’ surgical experience and speed up recovery time
PHOENIX (March 28, 2008) – Banner Estrella Medical Center launches new program designed to improve patients’ surgical experience and speed up recovery time.

Stopping crystal meth will take community effort
PHOENIX (March 19, 2008) – Arizona has a growing methamphetamine problem and it’s going to take widespread community involvement to stop it, say Banner Health behavioral health experts who participated in a groundbreaking documentary on the subject.

Banner Health fields largest Heart Walk team
PHOENIX (March 6, 2008) -- Nearly 1,900 Banner Health employees, their family members and friends participated in the American Heart Association’s annual 2008 Start! Phoenix Heart Walk.

New Chief of Staff and Vice Chief at Banner Thunderbird
In February, Banner Thunderbird Medical Center’s Medical Staff Services held an election for the general medical staff. Cecil Michael, MD, has been elected chief of staff and Trina Bogart, MD, vice chief of staff.

McKee Thrift Avenue
McKee Thrift Avenue opens at temporary location

Partnership to expand clinical trials
(PHOENIX, March 4, 2008) Banner Health and Premiere Oncology of Arizona announced today the establishment of a new collaboration to promote the expansion of cancer clinical research in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.

Courtney Ophaug named new associate administrator at Banner Thunderbird
GLENDALE (March 3, 2008) Banner Thunderbird Medical Center congratulates Courtney Ophaug in her promotion to associate administrator for Banner Thunderbird Medical Center.

Banner Health to START at the heart of the matter
PHOENIX (Feb. 20, 2008) - As a presenting sponsor for the American Heart Association’s 2008 Phoenix Heart Walk & one-mile Stroke Walk, Banner Health has set an organizational fundraising goal of $100,000 and 2,000 participants. In 2007, Banner Health received the Corporate Pride award for the team with the most walkers (over 1,500) and the Corporate Excellence award for the most dollars raised (more than $96,000).

Banner Thunderbird welcomes new director of patient financial services
Glendale, Ariz.— (Feb.18, 2008) – Banner Thunderbird welcomes Jeni Erikson to her new position of Director of Patient Financial Services.

Heart healthy recipes
PHOENIX (Feb. 6, 2008) – Everyday, they come up with thousands of meals designed to help sick patients get better and now chefs at Banner Health hospitals have whipped up some delicious recipes to help keep everyone healthy

Banner Thunderbird welcomes new director of perioperative services
GLENDALE, Ariz. – Jan. 29, 2008 – On Mon. Jan. 28, Deborah Roberts began her career at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center as director of perioperative services.

Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center to launch new molecular imaging program
PHOENIX (Jan. 21, 2008) — Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center is developing a new radiopharmaceutical production facility that will serve as the foundation for expanding clinical and research imaging in cancer, heart disease, and neurology. The cornerstone of this molecular imaging program is the nearly $2 million investment of a new cyclotron that will produce positron emission tomography (PET) imaging tracers. The cyclotron will enhance the ability of physicians to do research, and to diagnose and treat disease.

Banner Thunderbird and Glendale Fire partner to save more lives
(GLENDALE, Ariz.--Jan. 21, 2008) If you are in an ambulance with Glendale Fire Department paramedics, your EKG will be immediately faxed from the ambulance to Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, thanks to new Blue Tooth technology where a fax line is installed from the ambulance to the ED Department. An ED nurse will receive your EKG from the ambulance to start a “chest pain rapid response” and the cardiac response team will be initiated—before you even arrive at the ED.

Get Wired for Success and discover how infants and toddlers learn at Banner Thunderbird
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 16, 2008) — New Directions Institute for Infant Brain Development is presenting the latest information and techniques to “wire up” your young child’s brain for a successful future in a FREE four-hour workshop. S*CCEEDS (Statewide Child Care and Early Education Development System) credit is available.

Banner Childrens receives $600,000 in donations
PHOENIX ( Jan. 14, 2008) – Banner Health Foundation announced today that three local corporations have committed significant funding to the Through the Eyes of a Child Capital Campaign, to support the expansion of Banner Children’s Hospital at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa. The contributions, totaling $600,000, will be invested in the seven-story children’s hospital tower being constructed on the campus of Banner Desert.

Banner adds pediatric pulmonology to West Valley
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 9, 2008) Alan Adler, MD, a pediatric pulmonologist, has joined Banner Children’s Medical Group at Banner Thunderbird Children’s Center. Dr. Adler will be seeing patients at the group’s clinic, located at 5757 W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale.

Banner Estrella growing
PHOENIX (Jan. 9, 2008) – Banner Estrella Medical Center is opening a sixth patient floor to meet the growing health care needs of the community. The $13.8 million expansion project adds 36 beds – 12 dedicated to obstetrics patients and 24 to orthopedics and medical and surgical patients. This brings the total hospital bed count from 172 to 208. An eight-bed well baby nursery is also being added.

Banner Thunderbird names new chief medical officer
GLENDALE, Az. (Jan. 8, 2008) Kathryn M. Perkins, MD, FACEP, a 21-year member of Banner Thunderbird Medical Center’s Emergency Department medical staff, has accepted the position of Chief Medical Officer most recently held by Ted Laughlin, MD. Dr. Perkins has also been the hospital’s Chief of Staff since 2006.

Baby boom at Estrella
PHOENIX (Jan. 7, 2008) – Banner Estrella Medical Center delivered a record number of babies in 2007 and to meet the demand will add a second nursery, four more labor and delivery rooms, and eight more postpartum beds. Additionally, the hospital will be launching a teen parent education program.