News & Events

TRUELOCK NAMED CHIEF OF STAFF FOR PETERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

KERRVILLE, TX – Kerri L. Truelock, Gynecologist with Genesis Gynecology, is the new Chief of Staff at Peterson Regional Medical Center (PRMC).  Truelock began her two year term January 1^st, moving into the role served for two years by Tyson D. Hale, MD, Diagnostic Radiologist with Hill Country Imaging Associates. 

Dr. Truelock has been an active member of the PRMC Professional Staff since 2005. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio. She completed her internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colorado, where she served as Chief Resident in 2004-2005.

Dr. Truelock moved to Kerrville in 2005 and established her Genesis Gynecology group practice in 2008. She is recognized as a fellow in the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and is a member of both the Texas Medical Association and Kerr-Bandera County Medical Society. Dr. Truelock has previously served in other leadership positions at PRMC, serving on the Medical Executive Committee in 2008-2010 and acting as Chief of Surgery Department in 2009-2010.

Dr. Truelock is married to Randy and has two active boys, Garrett and Gavin. She enjoys playing tennis, spending time with family and friends and being active in our local community. She is an accomplished musician in our local Symphony of the Hills, playing both oboe and English horn, and has participated in many local organizations including Hill Country Charity Ball Association, Kerrville Junior Service Guild, Kerrville Under 40 and is an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Kerrville.

“We are very pleased that Dr. Truelock has been selected as Chief of Staff for Peterson Regional Medical Center”, said Pat Murray, President/CEO. “Her experience and commitment to excellence in caring for patients make her an ideal medical staff leader and we look forward to working with her as we continue to elevate the performance of our medical community.”

To become Chief of Staff, a physician must be nominated by the hospital’s medical staff and approved by its Board of Directors.  The Chief of Staff provides leadership for the organized medical staff, whose purpose is to ensure quality medical care in the hospital.  As chair of the hospital’s Medical Executive Committee, the Chief of Staff has a key role in credentialing new physicians, reviewing care processes and advising the hospital on how to best improve clinical policies, programs, and services.  The position is voluntary and physicians who serve in this capacity must juggle the demands of their medical practice, as well as those of this leadership position.  

Peterson Regional Medical Center Earns Triple Gold : September 25, 2013

Peterson Regional Medical Center (PRMC) has earned three Joint Commission Gold Seals of Approval^® for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission's national standard for health care quality and safely in hospitals and two more for their 'Back to Life' Total Knee and Total Hip Replacement Program. The hospital accreditation award recognizes Peterson's dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission's state-of-the-art standards and the gold seals for total knee and total hip recognizes Peterson's compliance with The Joint Commission's national standards for health care quality and safety in disease-specific care. Learn more : PRMC Earns Triple Gold

Flu Prevention

On Tuesday, September 17th, Peterson Regional Medical Center administrators took the lead in promoting the importance of getting the flu vaccine. Their motto, “No Flu For You!” the group was the very first to roll up their sleeves, get the vaccine, and support immunization for continued employee health and patient safety and awareness.

Peterson will begin their annual employee flu clinic on Monday, September 24th with the goal to have all employees immunized by October 1st.

KERRVILLE, TX - Peterson Regional Medical Center (PRMC) proudly announces the creation of a new Community Art Lending Program.

Starting March 1st, the PRMC Outpatient Rehabilitation Department at the Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) located at 260 Cully Drive, adjacent to the main hospital, will accept art for the walls and halls to artists in the area interested in lending the department art for quarterly rotations.
The idea was instigated with excitement by the staff at the Outpatient Rehab Unit. Shares Occupational Therapist Martha Davis, “Art is used in many ways in our workplace. Here at the ACC, the colors have been changed to create a calming atmosphere. The hallway beside the pool has been repainted from white to teal which creates an optical illusion that the walk is not as long. Resting areas along the corridor now feature colorful cushions. To further the restfulness of the seating along the hallway, we would now like to feature the work of local artists on a rotating basis for both our patients and staff to enjoy daily.”
Open to all Hill Country artists, including high school and university students, the Peterson Community Art Lending Program assists in the promotion of talented artists and offers the patients receiving care in the unit, along with their supportive families and the staff, the stimulation and energy and inspiration of an artistic environment while in our facility for healing.
Shares Marketing and Community Relations Director Lisa Winters, “We are blessed to be surrounded by an abundance of amazing artists. Peterson recognizes that we have this wonderful wall space at the ACC and we know there is no better way to utilize that space than by featuring the special touches and beauty our Hill Country artists can add. Our artists can be showcased and our patients can be inspired. What a win-win!”
Peterson is calling all interested artist to join the inaugural program. Entries will be selected for rotation starting March 1st for display staring April 1st. ACC staff will select new pieces each quarter to feature. There is no limit to how many times an artist can apply. All of the required forms, selection schedule and information can be foundat www.petersonrmc.com, select Community page, or call Lisa Winters, Marketing and Community Relations at (830)258-7628.
First rotation will be April 1 – June 30.

Hospital Board of Directors Welcomes New Members : September 19, 2012

Peterson Regional Medical Center (PRMC) announces the election of Sarah Fontenot, Royce Itschner, and Dr. Eileen Toloza to the hospital board of directors. They will serve three-year terms. Learn More : Hospital Board of Directors Welcomes New Members

Peterson Nurse Recognized for 20 Years of Certification : September 19, 2012

Registered Nurse Nina Stople at Peterson Regional Medical Center recently received national recognition for reaching a significant milestone in the nursing profession. Since 1992, she has consistently maintained CCRN certification offered through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Corporation. Nina is one of only 1,611 CCRNs being honored this year by the corporation and the AACN for 20 years of continuous certification. Learn more: Peterson Nurse Recognized for 20 Years of Certification

Peterson Regional Medical Center Hosts First Ever San Antonio Spurs Wheelchair Basketball Game : September 18, 2012

Peterson Regional Medical Center hosted the first ever San Antonio Spurs Wheelchair Basketball challenge on Tuesday, September 18th as part of their celebration of National Rehabilitation Week. Traveling from San Antonio, the Spurs Wheelchair Basketball team challenged Peterson physicians and surgeons in two twenty minute halves inside the B.T. Wilson Sixth Grade Gym. Learn more: Peterson Hosts First Annual Wheelchair Basketball Challenge

Peterson Regional Medical Center Announces Activities for the 2012 National Rehabilitation Awareness Celebration : September 7, 2012

Joining the National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation, sponsor of the event, and more than 6,500 facilities nationwide in observing the occasion, National Rehabilitation Awareness Month is a time to promote the value of rehabiltation; highlight the capabilities of people with disabilities; to salute the professionals who provide service to people with disabilities; and to renew our nation's commitment to fulfill the unmet needs of people with disabilities. Learn more: link

Peterson Regional Medical Center Launches Comprehensive Study to Evaluate the Health Needs of the Community : August 16, 2012
Hospital and other community stakeholders to create road map to health for the people of Kerr County

Peterson Regional Medical Center, with collaboration from other local health professionals and stakeholders, is working on a road map to health for people of Kerr County, identifying public health needs, goals, objectives and priorities. The hospital has launched a comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessment, which will provide the foundation for improving and promoting the health of each community member. Learn more: Community Health Needs Assessment

Peterson Hosts New Event Geared Toward Men's Health : June 18, 2012

June is Men's Health Month and Peterson Regional Medical Center (PRMC) joins other health care providers, public policy makers, and organizations in the effort to heighten awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of health issues relevant to men. For the very first time, PRMC creates an event geared toward men but open to both men and women interested in the slated topics. Learn more: Peterson Hosts New Event Geared Toward Men's Health

Peterson's Ultrasound Departments Receive Vascular Testing Accreditation : May 24, 2012

Cardiovascular diseases are the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. On average, one American dies every 39 seconds of cardiovascular disease - disorders of the heart and blood vessels. Stroke, a disorder of the blood supply to the brain, is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the country, with nearly 800,000 new strokes occurring annually. According to the American Heart Association, the total direct and indirect cost of cardiovascular disease and stroke in the U.S. for 2010 was an estimated $503.2 billion. Learn more: Peterson Ultrasound Departments Receives Vascular Testing Accreditation

October, 2011

KERRVILLE - Peterson Regional Medical Center unveiled the new da Vinci^® Surgical System and introduced the Peterson daVinci Surgical Team at the ‘meet the da Vinci reception’ held on Monday, October 17, 2011. “We are pleased that this innovative technology is now available for our very capable surgeons to help create an even better experience for our patients.” said Pat Murray, CEO of PRMC. ‘It is an exciting time to celebrate the implementation of the da Vinci Surgical Program and the success of the Campaign for the da Vinci Surgery.”

Dozens of daVinci cases have already been performed at Peterson by five OB/GYN physicians having received specialized robotic surgery training.  Urology physicians will begin training soon, and we expect other surgical specialties in the coming year.

Mary Berry, Kerrville resident for 21 years, was Peterson’s first daVinci patient. Her physician, Dr. Melissa Wampler, OB/GYN & Associates, encouraged her to use the daVinci Surgical System for her surgical procedure. Two weeks after her surgery, Mary has little to no pain, and is excited to share that she is up to walking for 15 minutes on the treadmill. “It was kind of like a miracle to be able to leave the very next day. I didn’t want to have to stay in the hospital very long at all, and Peterson was true to their word, I was able to leave after my 23 hours of observation” said Berry. “I would recommend the daVinci to anyone!”

Board President, Cecil Atkission, stated, “thanks to the generosity of this community and the dedication of our medical community, board and staff leadership, we are extremely pleased to be able to introduce this new health care service and program to the Hill Country.  Making the decision to acquire the da Vinci^® Surgical System was a bold and proactive step designed to keep Peterson Regional Medical Center on the leading edge of advanced medical technology.

The da Vinci^® Surgical System combines computer and robotic technologies to create a new category of minimally invasive surgery options. The robotic system allows the surgeon to work in a smaller space with a better view of the area they are operating on. The da Vinci doesn’t do the surgery; it allows the trained surgeon to manipulate robotic “arms” with his/her thumb and forefinger.  The result is an extremely steady and precise surgery with an extraordinary view of the surgical field.

This system will enhance the patient experience with less after-surgery pain and a shorter patient recovery time.  “The da Vinci^® Surgical System should also have a positive economic impact on Kerrville since patients who want this type of minimally invasive surgery will not have to travel to San Antonio or Austin for da Vinci surgery.” explained Pat Murray, CEO of PRMC.

The initial surgical focus of the da Vinci at Peterson will be urology and gynecology – two areas that research shows will best serve our population.  In addition,   “Peterson is one of the best equipped and most advanced hospitals of it’s size” stated Dr. Eileen Toloza, Peterson’s Chief of Staff. “Most of the hospitals who have this system are much larger.  It speaks volumes that our administration and board are so committed to keeping this hospital on the leading edge of medical technology.”

Campaign for da Vinci Surgery Exceeds $1.5 Million Campaign Goal

KERRVILLE - Campaign Leadership announced at the recent “Meet da Vinci reception” this past Fall, 2011, that the Campaign for da Vinci Surgery had raised over $1,595,000 to help Peterson Regional Medical Center (PRMC) acquire the da Vinci^®  Surgical System.  

Campaign Tri-chairs, Melissa Pevehouse Hoelscher, R. E. “Ed” Warren, Jr. and James E. Wilson, CPA, stated, “we are very excited that this community has been so generous in supporting this campaign effort.  Our campaign committee and the boards and leadership of PRMC have made personal sacrifices and have helped us encourage hundreds of gifts to his campaign.  This was truly a broad-based, success story as we have received hundreds of campaign gifts from $1 to more than $200,000.”

Recently, PRMC announced that a gift of $88,000 from the Hal & Charlie Peterson Foundation helped the organization exceed the fund raising goal to receive a challenge grant from the J. E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation.

As a result of this special grant commitment, representatives from the Board of Directors of the J. E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, Inc., were also on hand at the reception to present the challenge grant check in the amount of $300,000 to PRMC

“The challenge grant from the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation has been a wonderful incentive to encourage individuals, businesses, organizations, and other foundations across the Hill Country to join us and bring this new technology to the Hill Country, said Melissa Pevehouse Hoelscher, Tri-Chair of The Campaign for da Vinci Robotic Surgery!

“The PRMC Foundation was given until December 31, 2011 to meet the Mabee Challenge, but, thanks to our family and friends from across our nine-county service area, we have been able to achieve this milestone months ahead of our deadline, said James E. Wilson, Campaign Tri-Chair.  “We are extremely grateful to the Board of Directors of the Mabee Foundation for making such a significant investment in our community, added R. E. “Ed” Warren, Jr., Campaign Tri-chair.

 “Peterson Regional Medical Center is our community hospital” stated Robert C. Fairchild, President of the PRMC Foundation Board.  “We are thrilled for the incredible outpouring of support for the da Vinci project as well as the dedication and commitment of the boards and leadership of PRMC to provide quality health care for our region.

Leading the campaign effort were:  Tri-chairs, Melissa Pevehouse Hoelscher, R. E. “Ed” Warren, Jr and James E. Wilson, CPA.  Other members of the Campaign Steering Committee are:  R. H. “Sonny” Baldwin, Kathy Camp Casper, Robert C. Fairchild, Frank W. Maresh, CPA, Louis Romero, Jr., Shirley and Robert L. Schmerbeck, III, A. L. “Curg” Starkey, III, M. Scott Stehling, Edgar A. Wallace, L. Bryant Williams, and William Womack.

The Campaign for da Vinci Surgery will be open to additional donations to help support training of staff and physicians on the system through December 31, 2011 and those who wish to help are encouraged to call 830-258-7411.

Ribbon Cutting for Peterson Regional Medical Center's Acute Therapy Walking Path

May 27, 2011

KERRVILLE - On Tuesday, May 31st at 10am patients, families and hospital staff gathered for the official ribbon cutting of the Peterson Acute Rehab Unit's newly created acute therapy walking path.

This multi-surface outdoor path was created to help Acute Rehab patients become familiar with the challenge of walking on uneven surfaces. Patients practice navigating this multi-surface path which allows them to experience some of the surfaces they will encounter when returning to their home and though out the community.

The Acute Rehab Unit at Peterson is the only Hill Country facility to offer a therapeutic walking path to its patients.

Peterson Regional Medical Center Announces Plans to Acquire State-Of-The-Art daVinci® Surgical System

April 15, 2011

KERRVILLE - Peterson Regional Medical Center is committed to providing the highest quality and most advanced healthcare to everyone in the Hill Country. Making the decision to acquire a da Vinci® Surgical System is a bold and proactive step designed to keep Peterson Regional Medical Center on the leading edge of advanced medical technology.

The da Vinci® Surgical System combines computer and robotic technologies to create a new category of minimally invasive surgery options. The robotic system allows the surgeon to work in a smaller space with a better visual of the area they are operating on. The da Vinci doesn't do the surgery, it allows the trained surgeon to manipulate robotic "arms" with his/her thumb and forefinger. The result is an extremely steady and precise surgery.

This system will enhance the patient experience with less after-surgery pain and a shorter patient recovery time. The da Vinci® Surgical System will also have a positive economic impact on Kerrville. Patients who want this type of minimally invasive surgery will not have to travel to San Antonio or Austin where daVinci surgery is available. "Having this advanced technology will also help us recruit physicians to the area", explained Pat Murray, CEO of PRMC. "There are physicians all over the country who are familiar with the daVinci and being able to offer it to their patients is a extra incentive as they consider bringing their practice to Kerrville."

The initial surgical focus of the da Vinci at Peterson will be urology and gynecology - two areas that research shows will best serve our population. "Peterson is one of the best equipped and most advanced hospitals of it's size" stated Dr. Toloza, Peterson's Chief of Staff. "Most of the hospitals who have this system are much larger. It speaks volumes that our administration and board are so committed to keeping this hospital on the leading edge of medical technology."

Toloza Assumes Role as 2011 Chief of Staff at Peterson Regional Medical Center

March 1, 2011

KERRVILLE, TX - Eileen Toloza, MD, Emergency Department Physician and Medical Director has been elected Chief of Staff at Peterson Regional Medical Center. Toloza replaces outgoing Chief of Staff, Dr. Robert M. Reynolds who served as Chief of Staff in 2010.

"I am honored to serve as Chief of Staff at Peterson Regional Medical Center this year," said Toloza, "I look forward to working closely with my fellow physicians and the hospital as we continue to provide quality healthcare to our community."

Toloza earned her medical degree from University of California College of Medicine at Irvine. She completed her internship and residency in Emergency Medicine at University of Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas. Toloza is certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine, is a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians and has been a member of the Peterson Medical staff since 2004.

"Dr. Toloza has demonstrated the strong leadership qualities necessary to be an effective Chief of Staff", said Pat Murray, CEO of Peterson Regional Medical Center. "She brings a high level of enthusiasm and energy to the position and we are grateful for her commitment to our hospital and our patients."

To become Chief of Staff, a physician must be nominated by the hospital's medical staff and approved by its Board of Directors. The Chief of Staff assumes the leadership role for the medical staff, whose purpose is to ensure quality medical care in the hospital. As chair of the hospital's Medical Executive Committee, the Chief of Staff also takes the lead on credentialing new physicians, reviewing care processes and advising the hospital on how best to improve clinical policies, programs and services. The position is voluntary and physicians who assume this critically important role must juggle the demands of their patients as well as those of their new position. Physicians who serve in this capacity see it as an opportunity to have an impact on their hospital, their peers and their community.

Peterson Regional Medical Center Teams Up with Johns Hopkins

February 24, 2011

KERRVILLE - Peterson Regional Medical Center hasn't had a central line associated bloodstream infection in over 13 months and has teamed up with Johns Hopkins Quality and Safety Research Group and the Texas Hospital Association (THA) to be sure it stays that way.

Central line associated bloodstream infections can occur when bacteria is introduced into the bloodstream during line insertion, maintenance or infusion. This type of infection can cause serious complications and even death. Peterson's connection with the Johns Hopkins Quality and Safety Group and THA demonstrates a commitment to keeping our infection rate at zero and to making sure all ICU patients are getting the best care possible. Peterson's CEO, Pat Murray is credited with bringing the program to the hospital when he became aware of the initiative through the Texas Center for Quality and Patient Safety.

This program works by creating a protocol and check list that is followed on each and every central line patient. "The nurses are empowered to be able to speak up if they see something that doesn't follow the protocol" explained Theresa Hickman RN and ICU Team Leader for the collaboration. "We have a cart with prepackaged kits and other supplies that we use so that everything needed is at hand. The checklist is on the computer and is completed as the procedure progresses."

Another patient safety tool which has been implemented into Peterson's ICU in conjunction with the Johns Hopkins collaboration is the Comprehensive Unit-Based Safety Program - or CUSP for short. Johns Hopkins believes that the front line nurses not only know the issues or potential issues that could affect patient safety, but they also know how to fix them. Each month nursing staff communicate any issues to nursing management along with their recommendation on how to address it. Nursing management is then responsible for acting on the recommendations and providing regular updates to the nursing staff. According to Johns Hopkins the CUSP is a powerful tool that allows nurses to directly change/improve things that influence patient care. Implementing CUSP has been also been credited with improving nursing satisfaction in the ICU units which have adopted it.

"Another important tool is the Daily Goal Sheet", explained Hickman. "The nurse identifies daily goals to be met with in the next 12 hours of each patient's care. The benefit of the Daily Goals Sheet is the communication between all the caregivers. The primary nurse keeps the goal sheet and shares it with others involved in the patient's care. The goals are specific to each individual patient to promote his/her improvement."

"The goal of all these initiatives is patient safety and quality patient care" said Kaeli Dressler, Chief Nursing Officer at Peterson Regional Medical Center. "This program is fostering excellent teamwork in our ICU and benefits all our patients."