Newsroom

Hattiesburg, MS (08/26/25) – Merit Health Wesley has developed an exciting new initiative designed to empower our community to live longer, healthier lives. Enjoy the Ride: Navigating a Longer, Healthier Life is a FREE 12-day, longevity-focused email series launching on Sept. 15. According to the CDC, Americans’ average lifespan is longer than ever – 74.8 years for men and 80 for women. But Americans’ healthspan – how long a person is healthy and free of disease – is decreasing. Baby Boomers are more li... ... Read More

Merit Health Wesley officials, joined by nursing school leaders from the University of Southern Mississippi, William Carey University and Pearl River Community College, celebrate the opening of the new Clinical Education Center for nursing students at the hospital. "Our partners in nursing education are vital for creating a strong, well-prepared, and innovative nursing workforce that can effectively meet the evolving needs of the healthcare system," said Travis Sisson, chief executive officer of Merit H... ... Read More

The summer heat is on, and many experts predict that 2025 could surpass 2024 as the hottest year on record in the United States. According to Matthew Wiggins, M.D., emergency department physician at Merit Health Wesley, warmer temperatures often bring more patients to the ER with symptoms of heat-related illnesses. “An increase in outdoor activity is one of the reasons we all enjoy the summer months, but heat waves can create dangerous conditions for anyone spending a prolonged amount of time outside,” ... ... Read More

HATTIESBURG, MS – The recent diagnosis of former President Joe Biden with an aggressive form of prostate cancer underscores the importance of routine screening for men as they age. However, according to a recent poll from the American Cancer Society, nearly two-thirds of men aged 55-69 have not been screened for prostate cancer. Robert Watson, D.O., with Merit Health in Purvis, located at 5808 US Hwy 11, says those at average risk of prostate cancer should talk with their provider about screening around... ... Read More

Hospital Sets New Record for Donation to Extra Table Hattiesburg, MS – Access to nutritious food can have a significant impact on an individual’s overall health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, around 1 in 5 Mississippians are struggling to put food on their tables. Merit Health Wesley wants to change in the Pine Belt. After four weeks of collecting peanut butter through their Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive, Merit Health Wesley has donated more than 2,000 jars to Extra Table. "We are pleased to announce ... ... Read More

As we celebrate Doctors’ Day this year, I want to thank the skilled physicians, along with the talented and energetic employees of Merit Health Wesley. When patients come through our doors, it is our privilege to provide quality, compassionate medical care to help them get well and live healthier. And we are proud to play an important part in the health of the Pine Belt with a collective impact in 2024 of approximately $189 million. Delivering Medical Care Across our hospital and clinical care sites, we... ... Read More

Hattiesburg, Miss. - Today, Merit Health Wesley celebrated Doctors’ Day, thanking the women and men who made the decision to travel down that long road to becoming a physician. In honor of our medical staff and the impact they make on the Pine Belt, the hospital made a charitable contribution of $5,000 to Habitat for Humanity of the Pine Belt. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families in need by providing affordable housing. "We are grateful for the 300 physicians w... ... Read More

Small, consistent changes create healthier habits to last a lifetime HATTIESBURG, MS – The new year often reignites an interest in health and wellness – in a 2024 poll, 79% of respondents said their New Years’ resolutions involved health. While sweeping resolutions are notoriously hard to keep, there are small, simple steps that you can take every day to make a lasting improvement in your health. “Even small lifestyle changes can increase longevity, reduce the risk associated with chronic disease, impro... ... Read More

HATTIESBURG, MS – The midpoint of the year is a good time to review health insurance policies to ensure you will get the most out of plan benefits, especially if you have already met the annual deductible. Many insurance plans will cover most, if not all, costs for eligible medical procedures and treatments once an individual meets the deductible and out of pocket maximum, making the second half of the year an opportune time to schedule any necessary or elective medical procedures that may have been pos... ... Read More

The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines® - Heart Failure Gold Plus award for proven dedication to ensuring all heart failure patients have access to best practices and life-saving care  HATTIESBURG, MS, July 29, 2024 — Merit Health Wesley has received the American Heart Association’s  Get With The Guidelines® - Heart Failure Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to improving outcomes for patients with heart failure, meaning reduced readmissions and more... ... Read More