Health briefs

__LAGUARDIA JOINS SOUTHEAST HEALTH__

Dr. James J. LaGuardia joined SoutheastHEALTH's medical staff. He is affiliated with Southeast Neurology. He is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves and before coming to Cape Girardeau served as a neurologist at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Marion, Illinois, according to a news release.

__AREA HOSPITALS EARN STROKE DESIGNATIONS__

Saint Francis Medical Center and SoutheastHEALTH in March received Level II Stroke Center designation from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The designation recognizes the hospitals' participation in a state-developed quick response system that involves 911 and ambulance services, leading to better chances of surviving and recovering from a stroke. The hospitals were among 43 designated in the state as various-level stroke centers by the department of health and senior services. The designation, which is valid for five years, is voluntary and requires hospitals to apply and undergo a review. Additionally, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, received Level II Stroke Center designation, and Perry County Memorial Hospital in Perryville, Missouri, received Level III Stroke Center designation.

__SLOAN NAMED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR__

KENNETT, Mo. -- Jill Sloan was named 2014 Employee of the Year at Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center; it is the highest honor a hospital employee can receive. Employees are nominated for the award by their colleagues based on their commitment to patient care, their professionalism and their contributions on the job. Sloan was chosen from among 315 employees for the recognition. She has worked at the hospital since October 2003 and has been a clinical documentation specialist since 2011.