SILOAM SPRINGS -- The year 2014 was a record breaker -- 627 babies were born at Siloam Springs Regional Hospital.
Previously, the record was set in 2011, with 585 newborns. The first milestone was reached on Dec. 5 when a small bundle of joy brought a big number to the Women's and Children's Department -- the 600th baby was born.
"When we knew the 600th baby was on his way everyone in the department was excited and ready to meet him," said Dr. S. Kyle Thompson, the family's physician. "I was just really happy for the family and it was something special to be part of this moment."
"We've been trying to reach this goal for a long time," said Loretta Jordan, director of Women's and Children's Services. "Because of the high number of births, we were anticipating a record-breaking year. And now, it's incredible to reach that goal and celebrate all of the babies born at our hospital this year."
The major factor in achieving the record-breaking number is Dr. Chad Hill; Dr. Thompson; director of Women's and Children's Services Loretta Jordan, RN; and the dedicated staff at Siloam Springs Regional Hospital.
"Dr. Hill and his partner Dr. Thompson are an invaluable part of SSRH," said Kevin Clement, SSRH chief executive officer. "Dr. Hill has been delivering newborns in our community for 16 years. And, along with Dr. Thompson who came to the area in 2012, we are seeing more and more deliveries every year. We are honored to have their leadership."
Dr. Hill is no stranger to breaking records, either. In 2012, he was honored as SSRH Physician of the Year because of his dedication to patient care throughout that year, delivering 530 of the 593 babies born at SSRH. According to Clement, after Dr. David Crownover left the Siloam Springs area in December 2011, Dr. Hill worked almost single-handedly for eight months to ensure area infants and mothers were well taken care of. He also was instrumental in promoting patient safety during the move from Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital to SSRH in April 2012. During the transition, Dr. Hill ensured every mother and newborn were safely transported from the former hospital to the new location on Progress Avenue.
Community on 01/21/2015