Missouri Delta Medical Center Focuses on the Future of Healthcare

SIKESTON, MO – Missouri Delta Medical Center will soon offer the latest in spine surgery with the addition of the PARE Minimally Invasive Neurospine Institute, led by Joel W. Ray, MD, FACS, a neurosurgeon with Cape Neurosurgical Associates, PC, in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Providing the latest in surgical innovations, Dr. Ray and the medical center’s team of qualified healthcare professionals can help reduce pain associated with back and spinal conditions through minimally invasive techniques.

Chronic back pain is a serious health concern for adults in the U.S. Each year, nearly 75 million physician office visits and more than 125 million hospital visits occur due to musculoskeletal and spine conditions. In fact, four out of every five U.S. adults report having had back pain at some point in their adult life, and approximately 4.6 million Americans will need back surgery.

“Back pain is a frustrating ailment and is the leading cause of missed work days for adults under the age of 45,”says Missouri Delta Medical Center’s CEO, Mr. Charles Ancell. “At Missouri Delta Medical Center, we remain focused on the healthcare needs of our patients, and work to ensure the medical services most needed are available today and for the future.”

“I am pleased to be joining the team at Missouri Delta Medical Center,” says Joel W. Ray, MD, FACS. “The hospital is committed to assuring the best clinical outcomes for patients in a compassionate, caring environment. Coupled with the advancements in minimally invasive surgery, Missouri Delta Medical Center offers an excellent resource for those suffering from back pain.”

There are many non-surgical, or conservative, and surgical treatment options for conditions of the back and spine. The PARE Minimally Invasive Neurospine Institute will implement the most appropriate course of treatment for the patient and their condition, utilizing a multi-disciplinary team approach to medicine. “The concept of PARE is visualized in a team of professionals all working in unison to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient,” explains Dr. Ray. “If physical therapy is a viable option that could positively impact the patient’s condition, it will be prescribed. If the patient needs surgery, we will work diligently to get the pain resolved, and the patient will be educated and consulted about their options each step of the way.”

The focus of the PARE Minimally Invasive Neurospine Institute is on the patient and their positive outcomes. “The small incisions used during surgery, the expansive education of the patient prior to and following surgery, the quality rehabilitation programming, and the hospital’s dedicated staff all equate to positive outcomes for the patient,” adds Dr. Ray.

Jim Henson, Vice President of Human Resources, says, “With the first case scheduled for early October, our team is working diligently to prepare the state-of-the-art operating room and clinic area.”

Following the minimally invasive surgery, patients will recover in one of the newly designed rooms on our patient care floors. “If you haven’t visited one of these renovated patient floors lately, you will find the focus on the future of healthcare is evident throughout Missouri Delta Medical Center,” says Henson.

Each of the patient care rooms on floors 2F and 3H are private with flat panel TVs and new furniture. The décor provides a calming atmosphere, and the central nurses stations add to the enhanced efficiencies on each unit. In addition, the newly renovated surgical services floor offers private rooms for both inpatient and outpatient guests.

“At Missouri Delta Medical Center, we are committed to providing excellent care for our patients, and the addition of the spine program is a true testament to that commitment,” adds Ancell. “We welcome Dr. Ray to our medical team at Missouri Delta and are confident in the spine care alternative that area residents now have at our facility.”

For more information on the Missouri Delta PARE Minimally Invasive Neurospine Institute, call Sharon Urhahn, Marketing Director, at 573-472-7329.