Ammon Announces Retirement

In early spring, Donald R. Ammon, president and CEO of Adventist Health, announced his retirement, according to Thomas J. Mostert, Jr., chairman of the board. Ammon will conclude his 42-year career with the system by the end of the year.

"Don has made a tremendous contribution to Adventist Health and has assembled an accomplished leadership team to continue this legacy of service," stated Mostert.

During his nine-year tenure as president, Ammon championed Project IntelliCare, the system's clinical information system and largest single initiative in terms of capital investment and lives impacted. However, the most visible legacy of Ammon's leadership are the numerous building projects throughout the 19-hospital system, which bring health care services to dozens of communities across four states.

Northern California Hospital Recognized for Workplace Excellence

Feather River Hospital received a 2006 California Awards for Performance Excellence (CAPE) from the California Council for Excellence.

Based upon Malcolm Baldridge criteria, the awards are given to companies and organizations that demonstrate continuous improvement and superior performance in several key business areas including leadership, customer focus and business results. The CAPE program consists of a three-tier award system. The highest award is the Eureka Award, which the hospital won at the silver level. The facility also won the Eureka bronze award in 2005.

North Hawaii Community Hospital Receives National Recognition

Recently the hospital received the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease Annual Performance Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital's commitment to quality and success in implementing the highest standards of cardiac care shown to effectively improve the treatment of patients hospitalized with coronary artery disease. The facility is the first hospital on the Big Island and one of only 67 nationwide to receive this distinction.

Highly Acclaimed Chef Joins Central California Hospital

Chef Juan Aguirre recently joined San Joaquin Community Hospital's Nutritional Services Department where he oversees production and customer service. Aguirre has worked for some of Bakersfield's most recognized restaurants and also helped open several eateries and catering businesses. The hospital is hopeful that Aguirre will help with its goal of improving the quality of food for patients and staff.

Northern California Hospital Featured on PBS

When a young boy was rushed to the Emergency Department at Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital, doctors determined that he had slipped into a diabetic coma. Unfortunately, the patient was so dehydrated it was hard to start an IV. So, physicians called on the help of a surgeon at UC Davis Medical Center. Via telemonitor, the UC Davis doctor was able to instruct on-site medical staff how to administer a femoral IV, saving the young boy's life. The PBS segment aired in early February.