HJNO Sep/Oct 2020

58 SEP / OCT 2020  I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS Hospital Rounds Singing River Health System, Ochsner Health Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement Singing River Health System and Ochsner Health have signed a strategic partnership agreement to expand access to high-quality, cost effective care in the communities the organizations serve. “We have worked with Ochsner on a num- ber of successful clinical and operational initia- tives, and this strengthened partnership is a nat- ural next step,” said Singing River Health System CEO, Lee Bond. “We have a lot of things in com- mon, including strong reputations as leaders in providing high-quality, compassionate care. Och- sner is also leading the way in technology and care advancements that we are excited to bring here. This is truly a win-win for our communities and the patients we serve. We are better and stron- ger together.” Singing River and Ochsner have worked together successfully for a number of years on several initiatives to enhance patient care in Pas- cagoula and Ocean Springs. Ochsner’s Telestroke program has provided life-saving treatment for nearly 100 patients at Singing River’s two cam- puses since 2016, allowing them to receive the critical care they need close to home. Last year, Ochsner and Singing River established a Physi- cian Leadership Advisory Council with the goals to network, determine where clinical collabora- tion could benefit patients, and work together on existing clinical protocols to improve quality. Most recently, Ochsner has worked with Sing- ing River throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to share education tools and best practices. This strengthened partnership will allow the systems to work together in new and exciting ways with a focus on expanding access to critical services and advanced technology. “We have tremendous respect for Singing River Health System, its board of trustees and CEO Lee Bond. We admire what they have done to advance healthcare in coastal Mississippi, and we are hon- ored and excited to work together to expand ser- vices and improve the health and wellness of the communities along the Gulf Coast. This partner- ship is a natural progression of Ochsner’s rela- tionship with Singing River, and we look forward to enhancing access to high-quality, cost-effec- tive, and innovative care,” said Warner Thomas, president and CEO of Ochsner Health.  A Strategy and Oversight Committee will be formed to manage the Singing River and Och- sner partnership, composed of leaders from both health systems. The names of Singing Riv- er’s locations will continue and will be co-branded to reflect the partnership with Ochsner. David Grizzard is Slidell Memorial Hospital’s Chief Financial Officer Slidell Memorial Hospital (SMH) has selected David Grizzard as its chief financial officer. Griz- zard, who has served as the chief operating offi- cer at SMH since August of 2019, begins his new position immediately. Under terms of the partnership between SMH and Ochsner Health, Grizzard is now the CFO of the Slidell division, including SMH, Ochsner Med- ical Center – Northshore, and related clinics and outpatient facilities. In this position, Grizzard will report to Chief Executive Officer Sandy Badinger. “Being a part of the team at SMH and working closely with Ochsner has given me a unique per- spective into all the inventive things we are doing as partners,” said Grizzard. Grizzard, who has nearly 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, most recently served as the chief financial officer since 2013 at Baptist Medical Center East, a 150-bed, not-for-profit, acute care hospital in Montgomery. “David’s prior experience as chief financial offi- cer and his current knowledge of the SMH-Och- sner partnership give him a great understanding of our collaborative strategy here in Slidell,” said Badinger, CEO of SMH and Ochsner Medical Cen- ter – Northshore. “We are confident that he can successfully help our hospitals and clinics grow sustainably, and ultimately, bring more innova- tion, providers, and services to our patients on the Northshore.” In addition to being a certified public accoun- tant (CPA), Grizzard also earned a Master of Accounting degree from the University of Ala- bama at Birmingham and a bachelor’s degree in commerce and business administration from the University of Alabama Culverhouse College of Commerce in Tuscaloosa, Ala.  After beginning his career as an accountant in private firms, Grizzard moved into the healthcare finance arena as controller, assistant CFO and CFO at various hospitals in Mississippi and Ala- bama, ranging from 101-bed to 534-bed facilities. North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology Graduates 51stClass The 51st graduating class of the North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology recently held a commencement program, which was socially dis- tanced due to COVID-19. Graduates included Thomas Luc Badon of Lor- anger, Melissa Mizell Besse of Bush, Kayla Enola Ann Braud St. Amant, Thomas Gerard Cooke of Metairie, Rebecca Rose Davis of Amite, Kelly Rose Fontenot of Ponchatoula, Raymond Louis Holt of Hammond, Mallory Nicole Magliolo of Poncha- toula, Lindsay Carol Ruggles of Luling, and Eliza- beth Catherine Schenck of Chalmette. Commencement was held at the E. Brent Dufreche Conference Center with social distanc- ing measures in place. North Oaks Health Sys- tem’s Pastoral Care Director Keith Kincaid deliv- ered the invocation. The health system’s Chief Human Resources Officer Jeff Jarreau presided over the ceremony that concluded two years of study for the students, involving 2,000 clinical hours and more than 1,200 classroom hours and 400 exams and quizzes. The commencement address was delivered by Melissa Ridgedell, who is radiology supervisor for North Oaks Health System and a 1993 graduate of North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology. Before the presentation of diplomas by Pro- gram Director Heather Koepp, outstanding achievement awards were given. Ben Raney, didactic instructor for the school, presented the Academic Achievement Award to Badon for obtaining the highest overall scholastic average. David Grizzard