Newsroom

Hattiesburg, MS – Each year Merit Health Wesley recognizes the efforts and contributions of volunteers, as well as awards the Volunteer of the Year, the Spirit of Merit Health Wesley award and the volunteer with the most hours accumulated. “We have great champions of service in our volunteers,” said Traci Rouse, vice president. “We appreciate the time, the smiles and the heart-felt gestures they give to our hospital and our community.” Alma Wohlhueter was named 2019 Volunteer of the Year. Wohlhueter has... ... Read More

Hattiesburg, MS – Merit Health Wesley recently honored the recipients of the 2019 Nurse of the Year Award and 2019 Patient Choice Award. Natalie Stringer, R.N., BSN, was named the 2019 Nurse of the Year. Stringer, a Columbia, MS native, graduated with her Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree from William Carey University in 2017 and began her career at Merit Health Wesley as a new graduate. She has been with the hospital serving in the intensive care unit for more than two years. “Natalie’s commi... ... Read More

Merit Health Wesley has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Heart Failure Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring heart failure patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines founded in the latest scientific evidence. This is the seventh year that Merit Health Wesley has been recognized with a quality achievement award. “Heart failure patients, like all pa... ... Read More

Celebrate Easter by doing a quick mind, body, and spirit health check! Try some spring cleaning in your diet! These fruits and vegetables are in season in April: Oranges Strawberries Limes Asparagus Peas Onions Collard greens Spring is in the air, so get outside! Outdoor exercise is proven to make you more energetic, healthier, and happier. Sunshine is good for the soul, but if you are hiding Easter eggs this year, don't forget to apply sunscreen! A good night's sleep can help you spring forward every m... ... Read More

You always hear the bad news: heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. But the good news is many of these deaths and risk factors are preventable. Symptoms like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, excess weight and obesity can be improved with lifestyle changes and healthful eating. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends these small changes in diet for a big impact on your health: Eat more fruits and vegetables. One good goal is to fill half your plate with colorful fruits a... ... Read More

Merit Health Wesley welcomes David Muns as its new Chief Operating Officer, overseeing hospital operations and clinical departments. Muns has been with Memorial Hospital at Gulfport since 2008, most recently serving as the Vice President of System Development. He also served as the Director of Inpatient Physician Services and the Program Manager for the Hospitalist Service. Prior to 2008, he served in the U.S. Air Force for 23 years and was stationed at Keesler Air Force base. Muns is a Past Chairman of... ... Read More

Merit Health Wesley has been awarded the American Heart Association’s Cardiovascular Center of Excellence accreditation, a comprehensive level of designation for cardiovascular care. It recognizes hospitals committed to following proven treatment guidelines, providing a comprehensive system of care to fully address the needs of patients with complex cardiac conditions. Hospitals accredited as Cardiovascular Centers of Excellence must meet or exceed standards established using multidisciplinary treatment... ... Read More

Merit Health Medical Group is happy to welcome Scott E. Henry, M.D., PhD, as a cardiothoracic surgeon at Merit Health Medical Group, located on the second floor of Tower B. Dr. Henry joins Merit Health Medical Group after working at Glenwood Regional Medical Center’s Heart and Vascular Institute in Monroe, Louisiana. A native of Anderson, Indiana, Dr. Henry received a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Indiana University and attended medical school at Washington University School of Medicine. He als... ... Read More

Merit Health Medical Group recently welcomed long-time Merit Health Wesley employee, David Snodgrass, FNP-C, to its Primary Care clinic located at 1146 Evelyn Gandy Parkway in Petal. Snodgrass received both a bachelor and a master of science in nursing from The University of Southern Mississippi. He has worked at Merit Health Wesley since 2011, serving as a Nurse Educator, Core Measure Abstractor, Clinical Manager of the Medical/Surgical department, and most recently as Cardiac Data Abstractor. Prior to... ... Read More

Taking just a few minutes to stretch could mean the difference between a stressful or a peaceful day. People who are stressed often have contracted muscles. In turn, contracted muscles can make you feel stressed and can affect how well your body moves throughout the day. When you stretch and release the tension in your muscles, you can break this cycle. Stretching when you wake up is a great way to start your day and stretching before bed can optimize your sleep. Stretching is also a great midday pick-m... ... Read More