Press Releases and Blogs

Keep up with the latest news updates and press releases from Southwest Health System.

photo of a pharmacy tech filling a prescription in the retail pharmacy at SHS

An opioid safety measure, one pill at a time

Southwest Health System pharmacy seeks SWORD funds to cover a new Eyecon 9430 automated pill counter, costing about $18K

Photo that shows the outside of the Emergency Department at Southwest Memorial Hospital

Southwest Health System bolsters cardiology services in Cortez

Southwest Health System announced the enhancement of its cardiology services by introducing cutting-edge echocardiogram and stress testing technology to Southwest Memorial Hospital.

Praising Cortez’s Southwest Health System

On July 10, I crashed my motorcycle riding in Echo Basin. After driving myself 30 miles to the ER, I discovered my left lung had collapsed

photo of Karen who is a member of the Southwest Memorial Hospital Foundation

Southwest Health System welcomes back Dr. Kameo Smith and introduces Dr. Nathan Clyde

Southwest Health System has expanded its medical team with the return of Dr. Kameo Smith to Southwest Medical Group and the addition of Dr. Nathan Clyde to its roster of providers. Smith is a primary care provider, and Clyde is a podiatric medicine specialist.

Eleven people pose indoors in front of a glass railing, with large windows behind them revealing trees and buildings. The group stands beneath circular ceiling lights. Most are dressed in blue shirts, while two individuals wear distinct outfits—one in red pants with a patterned top, and another in green pants with a green shirt.

Students thrive in health care internship at Southwest Health System

A group of high school students from across the region is gaining valuable health care experience through a summer internship at Southwest Health System.

Photo show the outside of the Southwest Medical Group Medical Office Building during the day.

CEO of Southwest Health System talks rural health care, federal cuts

As Medicaid cuts work their way through the Senate, Southwest Health System is in fairly good standing, said CEO Joe Theine, but uncertainty remains.

Southwest Health System seeks community input for 2025 Health Needs Survey

A survey will help the health system identify health needs in the community

Southwest Health System’s kitchen staff serves up community support

Karen Hubley has worked at Southwest Health System for almost 11 years. She’s a certified dietary manager, working in the hospital’s kitchen as the director of food and nutrition, though she and her team have helped people in the broader community.

photo of chief nursing officer, Lisa Gates

Southwest Health System marks hospital week with 5K, staff events and fiesta

Southwest Health System will celebrate National Hospital Week from May 10 to May 16.

Southwest Health System’s chief nurse appointed to Colorado Organization of Nurse Leaders

Southwest Health System’s Chief Nursing Officer, Lisa Gates, was recently appointed to the board of directors for a statewide group of nurse leaders who aim to transform health care collaboratively.

Southwest Health System hires new doctor

On Jan. 27, Southwest Health System announced the addition of Dr. Eve Bruneau to its “esteemed team of healthcare professionals.”

Photo of the outside of the Southwest Health System Medical Office Building. photo shows the north end of the building and shows

Are you over 60 and like lunch?

Those in the community who are at least 60 years old are eligible – and welcome – to get a $5 meal from Southwest Health System.

Southwest Medical Group’s clinic in Mancos now open Fridays

For the first time since April 2023, the Southwest Medical Group’s clinic in Mancos will be open on Fridays.

Chief nursing officer at Southwest Health System completes Rural Hospital Certification Program

The chief nursing officer of Southwest Health System recently completed a “rigorous six-month program” that’s designed specifically for chief nursing officers who work in rural hospitals.

Southwest Health System pharmacist Marc Meyer retires after 35 years

After 35 years at Southwest Health Systems, pharmacist Marc Meyer is retiring.

Southwest Health Systems hires new doctor with OB training

On Nov. 4, Southwest Health Systems in Cortez announced its addition of a new doctor to its hospital staff.

Trouble swallowing? Southwest Memorial Hospital provides a clearer picture

Southwest Memorial Hospital in Cortez recently got new equipment that allows doctors to clearly see into a patient’s throat.

Southwest Health System welcomes a new physician

Southwest Health System hired a new physician, and she started on Monday, Oct. 21. Her name is Dr. Megan Viquez.

Southwest Health board has openings

The Southwest Health System Board of Directors is looking to fill its open positions.

Southwest Health System welcomes new doctor

Southwest Health System recently hired Dr. Jameson Laub, a new family medical doctor.

Sen. Hickenlooper visits Southwest Memorial Hospital in Cortez

U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper visited Southwest Memorial Hospital Wednesday to learn from local providers and officials in Cortez about challenges to rural health care.

Community donations fund new ambulance equipment in Cortez area

Residents of Montezuma and Dolores counties raised $53,000 to match a state grant that funds automatic stretchers and CPR devices in Southwest Health System’s ambulances.

Southwest Health System announces hire of two doctors

On Wednesday, Southwest Health Systems announced the hire of two doctors at Southwest Memorial Hospital

Southwest Health System announces ‘Walk with a Doc’

Southwest Health System on Saturday will host its first monthly Walk with a Doc, an event to help people who are “taking steps for a healthier lifestyle” get to know healthcare providers on a more personal level.

Lunch program to help local senior citizens connect in Cortez

The LOR Foundation and Southwest Health System announced Wednesday that they are collaborating to offer lunches and social gatherings for local adults who are age 60 or older.

Southwest Memorial honors veteran nurse with OR dedication

Southwest Memorial Hospital nurse Lil Bostrom, 80, was honored by her colleagues Monday at the beginning of Nurse Appreciation Week with the announcement that an operating room would be dedicated to her.

Southwest Memorial Hospital gears up for National Hospital Week

From May 12-19, Southwest Memorial Hospital will be participating in National Hospital Week, celebrating those who work in health care and who are “dedicated to providing quality care to patients who visit health care facilities,” and are inviting the community to participate.

Southwest Health System Partners With Peak Health Alliance

Southwest Health System in Cortez will join the Peak Health Alliance network and will accept Elevate Health Plans insurance beginning in 2024, Peak CEO Anne Ladd announced today.

Southwest Health System Announces New CEO Joe Theine

The Southwest Health System (SHS) Board of Directors announces Joseph (Joe) Theine as the incoming Chief Executive Officer, effective July 24, 2023.

Southwest Health System Family Birthing Center Remains Open

After careful reconsideration, Southwest Health System (SHS) announced today that the Family Birthing Center at Southwest Memorial Hospital will remain open. Full Family Birthing Center services, including labor and delivery, remain available to serve the local community.

Southwest Health System Announces Relocation of SMG Park Street and the Discontinuation of Interventional Spine Services

After careful consideration, Southwest Health System (SHS) has
announced the planned relocation of Southwest Medical Group (SMG) Park Street (Internal Medicine), and the discontinuation of Interventional Spine services.

Southwest Health System Announces Interim Chief Executive Officer David Faulkner

David Faulkner will become Southwest Health System’s (SHS) Interim Chief Executive Officer effective February 2, 2023.

Blogs

February is Heart Month

February is Heart Month. Time to scrutinize your habits and align them with a heart-healthy lifestyle. Heart-healthy lifestyle changes made during the year’s shortest month can deliver long-term dividends. Some important areas that influence heart-health include diet, movement, stress levels, and existing health conditions.

Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

Party-size platters groaning with tempting arrays of mouth-watering holiday foods are stressful if you want to maintain your weight and your waistline. Knowing what and how much to eat during holidays can help you stay slim, healthy, and active.

Safeguarding Health Through Vaccinations

Vaccinations have been pivotal in preventing and controlling diseases that once wreaked havoc on communities. The significance of vaccinations, particularly in the context of both seasonal flu and the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19, cannot be overstated.

Taking Charge of Your Gut Health

Our digestive system plays a crucial role in our overall well-being, impacting everything from nutrient absorption to immune function. However, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are prevalent and can significantly affect our quality of life.

Press Releases and Blogs

Are you over 60 and like lunch?

Southwest Medical Group’s clinic in Mancos now open Fridays

Southwest Health Systems hires new doctor with OB training

Trouble swallowing? Southwest Memorial Hospital provides a clearer picture

Southwest Health System welcomes new doctor

Sen. Hickenlooper visits Southwest Memorial Hospital in Cortez

Southwest Health System announces ‘Walk with a Doc’

Lunch program to help local senior citizens connect in Cortez

Southwest Health System Partners With Peak Health Alliance

Southwest Health System Announces New CEO Joe Theine

Blogs

Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

Safeguarding Health Through Vaccinations

Taking Charge of Your Gut Health

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