News

Dr. Cruz Opens New Allergy and Asthma Practice

Dr. Cruz Opens New Allergy and Asthma PracticeNarlito V. Cruz, M.D., has returned to Bainbridge after completing a two-year Fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. Dr. Cruz manages and treats adults and children with allergic diseases at his practice, Bainbridge Allergy and Asthma Center, located at 509 Wheat Avenue in Bainbridge. Before pursuing further training in Allergy and Immunology at LSU, Dr. Cruz worked as a Pediatrician in Bainbridge from 1999 to 2005 at Memorial Pediatrics with his wife, Alicia V. Estillore, M.D. Dr. Cruz is Board Certified in Allergy and Immunology and in Pediatrics.

As one of the few allergists in this area, Dr. Cruz evaluates and manages patients with allergic disorders including asthma, allergic rhinitis or hay fever, sinusitis, food and drug allergies, urticaria (hives) and angioedema (swelling), anaphylaxis, and allergic reactions from insects stings. He also evaluates and treats patients with atopic dermatitis, or eczema, which is usually seen in young infants, and could be associated with food hypersensitivity/allergy.

A specialist in allergy and immunology completes at least nine years of medical training. With such extensive training, an allergist is well-qualified to supervise the needs of patients with allergic disease. Dr. Cruz can work with you to provide an appropriate diagnosis and make subsequent modification in your environment and medications.

Services provided at Bainbridge Allergy and Asthma clinic include:

allergy testing and immunotherapy (allergy shots)
pulmonary function tests
food allergy testing and oral challenge
respiratory device instructions
patch skin testing
insect allergy testing and immunotherapy.

Appointments may be made with Dr. Cruz by calling (229) 246-6334.

New Licensed Massage Therapist Joins Staff

Memorial Hospital and Manor is pleased to announce the addition of Sheila Brantly, Licensed Massage Therapist, to our Rehabilitation Department staff. A native of Virginia, Sheila has over eight years of experience as a massage therapist, specializing in various types of massage techniques, including Medical, Trigger Point, Sports / Deep Tissue, Swedish / Relaxation, Pregnancy, Hot Stone Therapy and Reflexology. Sheila was a former instructor for the profession of Massage Therapy and currently holds both a state and national license to practice therapeutic massage. Sheila and her husband, David, are owners of the Bainbridge / Flint River KOA (formerly known as "The Place To Be RV Park"). Sheila will be offering appointments during lunch time and after 5 p.m., as well as other times. Please call the Rehab Department at (229) 243-8124 to schedule an appointment.

Memorial Hospital and Manor Wins GACH Award

Memorial Hospital and Manor was recognized as one of the best hospitals in Georgia by the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals (GACH) during the organization's 2007 annual meeting at Callaway Gardens. The Alliance presented Memorial Hospital and Manor with the award for first runner-up in the small hospital category for "Hospital of the Year." The "Hospital of the Year" Award is given annually to healthcare facilities that have made extraordinary strides and exhibited exceptional achievement within their health system and community. The Alliance recognized Memorial Hospital and Manor's outstanding record during the past decade for innovative community programs that improve access for those who otherwise couldn't afford care. Programs cited for the award were Memorial Hospital and Manor's "Team Lean" community weight loss competition, and "Camp Joy," a two-week summer camp for children ages 5 to 17 with cerebral palsy, autism, spinal muscular atrophy, sensory integration dysfunction, or developmental delay. Memorial Hospital and Manor won the "Hospital of the Year Award" in 1999 and 2004, as well as the award for first runner-up in 1997.