The Tribune Democrat, Johnstown, PA

Local News

January 28, 2008

Three people replacing one at Windber Medical Center

WINDBER — It is taking three people to replace Windber Medical Center executive Diane Pringle.

Best known as executive director at the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center, Pringle wore several hats at Windber.

The hospital’s decision not to renew her contract has led to a reshuffling of jobs designed to boost Windber Medical Center’s operations, hospital Chief Executive Officer F. Nicholas Jacobs said Monday.

After cutting ties with Conemaugh Health System in July, Windber finds itself in an increasingly competitive environment with minimal population growth, Jacobs said.

“Consequently, all of our leadership positions are challenged on a daily basis,” Jacobs said.

“There are bound to be changes periodically.”

In addition to breast care center director, Pringle was director of nursing and corporate compliance officer. Replacements have been named to each post.

Patricia M. Felton is the new executive director of the breast care center. Lynda M. Dube is the director of nursing. And Susan Ott is corporate compliance officer.

All three are familiar faces in Windber. Dube and Ott were promoted from within the organization: Dube from assistant director of nursing and Ott from director of medical records.

Felton was program manager for Windber’s Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease until August 2006 when she left to take a job as sales representative for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.

“There were a lot of internal changes, and it all worked out,” Jacobs said.

Felton said she is happy to be back at Windber.

“It is really an exciting time,” Felton said in a statement. “The Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center provides top-notch comprehensive breast care services.

“With its unique relationship with Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the women of our community have access to state-of-the-art technology for diagnosis and treatment of breast disorders, and the opportunity to take part in research that would not be available elsewhere.”

As the daughter and great-granddaughter of breast disease victims, Felton understands how such illness affects the lives of women and their families.

“I am thrilled to be a part of a team working to change the prevention, detection and treatment of this terrible disease,” she said.

Dube started at Windber in 1986 as a staff nurse. She was named assistant nursing director in July 2003.

As corporate compliance officer, Ott will oversee the hospital’s adherence to state and federal regulations and review credential status for all employees.

Ott’s former assistant, Cynthia Cassat, was promoted to director of medical records.

Windber’s focus on efficiency and patient care will continue at all levels, Jacobs said.

“Numerous changes are occurring and will occur to provide jobs for 600 people and serve the patients with the utmost compassion and skill,” he said.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local News
Poll

Should the speed limit on sections of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and related highways be raised to 70 mph from 65 mph.

Yes.
No.
I don't care because I never travel on those tolled roadways.
     View Results
AP Video
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium 50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
House Ads
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com