Woodward, Okla. — With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, it is exciting to see the leaves change and to smell fall in the air. I have just completed my first year working with the Board of Trustees, physicians, employees and volunteers that make Woodward Regional Hospital a great healthcare organization. I find myself reflecting on a few of our “Big Wins” this year; here is an abbreviated list:

We welcomed the following new physicians to our medical staff:

Dr. Troy Lehman, Obstetrician - Gynecologist

Dr. Zane Uhland and Dr. Corey Mayo-Orthopedic Surgeons

Dr. Tim Kaiser, Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist

Dr. Mark Palmer, Internist and Medical Director of our Hospitalist program

Dr. Susan Hull, Hospitalist and Internal Medicine Specialist from Waynoka

Dr. Jeffery Sparling, Cardiologist who begins his practice here on November 10th in our Clinic building

We also welcomed back General Surgeon Dr. Kevin Fisher and his partners Dr. Christopher Sutterfield, and Dr. Michael Griffin to provide some additional coverage when needed

Other improvements include:

Improved employee satisfaction to the top 3% in the nationally distributed employee survey.

Improved physician satisfaction to the highest level in the last 5 years.

Improved core measures (quality of care) scores to over 99% for the quarter.

Received a full 3 year accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

Participated and set recent year records for charitable fundraising for United Fund, March of Dimes, and Relay for life.

We purchased over $500,000 of new equipment updating our technology

Implemented the 30 Minute-or-less ER Service Pledge.

Purchased and installed a new stereotactic breast biopsy equipment

Made several access improvements to the Woodward Clinics including extended hours and centralized scheduling.  

In December we are making improvements to the Woodward Regional Hospital Sleep Center. Look for fast turnaround time in getting the study back to the patient and primary care providers.  We are adding new and more comfortable beds and creating a more home-like setting.  Sleep studies can be scheduled with referral from your doctor Monday through Thursday.  If you are experiencing snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, gasping or choking during sleep, restless sleep, irritability or poor concentration, depression or anxiety, you may be suffering from sleep apnea.  The majority of people with obstructive sleep apnea remain undiagnosed and untreated.  

Overall I am excited about the progress we have made and look forward to being able to make a difference in the lives of those we serve in and around Northwestern Oklahoma.



Dave Wallace,

CEO of Woodward Regional Hospital