Hospital to open high-risk pregnancy clinic

A new clinic designed to diagnose and treat mothers with high-risk pregnancies will open on the campus of Southeast Missouri Hospital in June, it was announced Thursday night at the hospital's annual dinner.

"This is another piece for the full spectrum of services that we will be able to provide to the region," said Southeast president and CEO James W. Wente.

About 900 hospital association members and guests came to the dinner at the Show Me Center to review the past year and look ahead.

The new perinatology clinic, in cooperation with St. Joseph's Health Center in St. Charles, Mo., will open close to June 1, Wente said. St. Joseph's will send two physicians who specialize in maternal and fetal medicine to operate a clinic here twice a month, Wente said.

"We recognized the need and are doing this with the full support of the OB-GYNs in the area," Wente said. "It's an example of what an incredible year for what the hospital has been able to add, which better provides for the needs of our patients."

Also highlighting the event was the presentation of an outstanding service award and two special service awards to thank those who have helped advance the quality of health services in the area.

The Outstanding Service Award, established by the board of trustees in 1982, was given to Dr. Thomas Sparkman, who has been a local physician for more than four decades and who has been a member of the hospital's board of trustees for 19 years.

"I always felt it was great to work with the hospital, representing the medical doctors to share their concerns with the hospital," said Sparkman, 72. "I feel very honored to be acknowledged. It has been four beautiful decades."

The hospital lauded Sparkman's "countless hours of service and valuable contributions" to dozens of committees.

The Special Service Award, also established by the board in 1982, was presented to both the Southeast Missourian, which is observing its 100th anniversary, and KFVS12, this year observing its 50th anniversary.

"It's a great honor for Oscar Hirsch and his family," said KFVS12 general manager Mike Smythe, referring to the TV station's founder.

The award recognizes Hirsch, who made broadcast history and brought regional and national attention to Cape Girardeau as it became the first small community in Missouri to have a radio station in 1925 and to be the point of origin for television when KFVS went on the air in 1954.

The Southeast Missourian was given for the award because it has "visionary leaders who became powerful voices for progress" who were also instrumental in the founding, building, financing and leadership of Southeast Missouri Hospital.

Jon Rust, publisher and co-president of the Southeast Missourian, said his company was also honored to be recognized by the hospital.

"The newspaper and Southeast Hospital have a long partnership together," Rust said. "... Southeast Hospital is one of the most dynamic enterprises in our area, and the entire region benefits from its high-quality medical services."

In addition to the award winners, newly elected members of the hospital's board of trustees were introduced. Mary Burton, Larry Dillon, Cliff Ford, Dr. Gregg Hallman, Mike Jennewein, Mary Kasten and Dr. David Law will join the board. Its new officers are Michael Kohlfeld, chairman; James A. Rust, first vice chairman; James P. Limbaugh, second vice chairman; and A.M. Spradling III, secretary-treasurer.

smoyers@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137