Lisa Dempsey, RN, an oncology nurse at the Redmond Regional Medical Center in Rome, is a finalist for the Hospital Corporation of America's Frist Humanitarian Awards.

Dempsey is director of Camp Bluebird, an adult camp for cancer patients sponsored by Redmond Regional Medical Center. She's also active in breast cancer awareness and is her unit's team leader for the Relay for Life cancer fund-raiser.

Dempsey received $1,000 and another $1,000 to donate to the charity of her choice: Relay for Life.

Two national recipients (an employee and volunteer) and four national finalists are chosen from about 200 local honorees. The award is given in recognition of the late Dr. Thomas F. Frist, a founder of HCA.

CANCER NURSE LEADER: Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute has appointed Deena Gilland as its new director of nursing.

Gilland, RN, MSN, previously served as oncology services department director for Emory University Hospital. She joined the hospital in 1988 as a staff nurse in oncology and served as nurse manager in the hematology/leukemia unit from 1996 to 2005.

"Deena brings a wealth of experience, a tremendous focus on patient care and a wonderful style of leadership to this critical position within the Emory Winship Cancer Institute," said Dr. Brian Leyland-Jones, director of Emory Winship.

NEW DIRECTOR: Tammy Norbeck, RN, MSN, recently was named director of women's services at Piedmont Newnan Hospital. She is responsible for directing and promoting all women's and newborn services at the hospital.

"She brings a breadth and depth of experience and knowledge to the department that will help us grow our women's services," said Peggie Lawson, vice president of patient care services.

WI-FI AT MCG: With wireless Internet access available at restaurants, coffee shops and bookstores, can hospitals be far behind? Not at MCG Health in Augusta.

Members of the hospital system's patient advisory teams requested the amenity, saying that it fits the organization's mission of patient/family-centered care. Hospital leaders agreed.

Patients and visitors to MCG Health can bring laptops or handheld devices to the hospital. If they have a wireless card and a compatible browser, they can check e-mail, surf the Net or get some work done.

"If we can make guests feel more empowered and connected to their world while they are here, then we've accomplished our goal," said Kevin Smiley, director of information systems at MCG Health.

CARING COMPANY: The Center for Companies that Care has named WellStar Health System to its 2008 Honor Roll. Recipients are selected for their strong commitment to elevating the quality of life of their employees and of people in the community.

WellStar is one of seven health systems in the country to receive the honor.

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