KWSO News for Tue., May 9, 2017

Phase 2 of the St. Charles Madras expansion and remodel, including the new Emergency Department, operating suite and Imaging Department, are set to open June 18, hospital officials announced Monday. The Emergency Department at the current east entrance location will close at 4 a.m. that day. After that, those seeking emergency treatment should go to the new Emergency Department entrance, on the north side of the hospital. The expanded and enhanced Emergency Department includes a new patient check-in and waiting area, a two-patient trauma room, a large exam room capable of caring for two patients, a flex room with an in-room shower and restroom for extended Emergency Department stays or caring for two patients, an enhanced triage room and eight exam rooms.

A presentation on Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Screening will be held in Warm Springs next week at the Health & Wellness Center. Speaking will be Dr. Durado Brooks. Dr. Brooks has worked for the American Cancer Society’s national headquarters since 2000.  He is involved in the creation and implementation of strategies to improve the prevention and early detection of cancer and to reduce cancer disparities.  In 2015 Dr. Brooks was honored with the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Laurel Award for National Leadership in cancer prevention and early detection. Anyone interested in attending is welcome – it’s Tuesday, May 16th at 4pm at the clinic.

Fuels specialists plan to ignite a 119 acre prescribed burn in the Metolius Basin area today. The planned burn area is located two miles to the north of Camp Sherman. Ignitions are planned for mid-morning. You can expect to see residual smoke impacts. Fire crews will continue to patrol and monitor all burns for several days after ignitions. In a news release officials say, as part of the Metolius Basin Forest Management Project, this prescribed burn will help to restore the forest to healthier conditions, reduce and remove dense vegetation that contributes to high intensity wildfires and protect communities and watershed.