With 96-patient beds at OCH Regional Medical Center, it might seem that the county-owned and operated hospital would provide little more than emergency care. However, at this primary care facility, nothing could be further from the truth. Each year, thousands of patients from a seven-county area rely on OCH for their health care needs. Because of its local ownership, OCH invests its resources back into its facilities, its medical technology and equipment, and its communities in order to impact virtually every facet of life for the region's residents.

With more than 600 employees, this progressive, rural hospital provides capable, compassionate care for its inpatients - as well as for its almost 20,000 annual emergency room visitors and its more than 18,000 outpatients. It has six ICU beds and one of the lowest nosocomial (hospital acquired infection) rates in the country. OCH provides state-of-the-art services through its almost 100 staff physicians, most of whom are board-certified and some of whom are even fellowship-trained.

The hospital's more than 12 medical specialties include urology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, radiology, internal medicine, pediatrics, orthopedic surgery, and otolaryngology (ENT). Local patients also can receive care in sports medicine, sleep medicine, speech therapy, and physical therapy. Since its founding 35 years ago, OCH has continued to invest in advancing medical technology. As a result, it can provide in-house MRIs, bone densitometry (for osteoporosis diagnosis and evaluation), laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (advanced treatment for gastroesophogeal reflux disease) and lithotripsy (for non-surgical removal of kidney and urethral stones) and many other advanced medical procedures and services.

The OCH Center for Sleep Medicine features a board-certified pulmonologist and staff available for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders and respiratory function. The Center offers polysomnograms (sleep studies) to determine the underlying causes of headaches, muscle tremors, snoring, neuropathy, seizures, paralysis, loss of sensation, sleep disorders and other such problems.

Expectant parents receive extra special attention at OCH. The hospital has five beautifully decorated birthing suites, which are decorated and furnished like home, to help make the labor and delivery process more relaxing. Through its "Special Beginnings" program, OCH provides soon-to-be parents with helpful programs and services, like childbirth classes, sibling education classes, breast-feeding classes; a "Cradle Call" infant information phone line; community lactation clinic; Special Beginnings Gift Shop, with items like breast pumps, nursing bras, and preemie clothing. Each Spring, OCH also hosts the Special Beginnings Maternity and Infant Fair, a one-stop shop for those who are pregnant or who have new babies. During the Fair, tours of the hospital's labor and delivery facilities are conducted; community resource groups provide information, products, and demonstrations; and carseat inspections/installations are performed.

The hospital's imaging department offers wide range of services utilizing some of the most advanced technology available. The department has as a 64 slice CT scanner, 1.5T MRI, ultrasound, digital stereotactic breast biopsy and digital mammography units, as well as a nuclear medicine scanner. (For information related to radiology care and procedures visit radiologyinfo.org.)

Numerous surgical procedures are performed in OCH's OR suite, including routine ones such as appendectomy, hysterectomy, carpal tunnel release, total joint replacement, laparascopic hernia repair, laparascopic gallbladder removal and arthroscopy, as well as specialized ones including those for the eyes and palate. And, due to the skill of staff surgeons and support of advanced equipment, many of these are done on an outpatient basis.

OCH Regional Medical Center also provides paramedic ambulance services for area residents; CPR, First Aid and Safe Sitter classes; a physician referral service (323-MDMD), and diabetes, arthritis and stroke support group meetings.

OCH completed the South Tower in 2007 which houses a new emergency services suite and to increase the number of surgery rooms, where several hundred procedures are performed each month. Enhancements and cosmetic modernization were also completed in pharmacy, x-ray, recovery, laboratory and sterile supply areas, along with a new outpatient admissions and waiting area. 

In 1998, the hospital created the OCH HealthPlex, a more than 30,000 square foot facility that houses the hospital's rehab services department, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and the Wellness Connection, a total fitness center dedicated to improving the health and well-being of area residents.

With seven licensed therapists, the rehab services department provides wound care, hand therapy, speech/language therapy, manual therapy, aquatic therapy, prenatal therapy, pediatric therapy, postpartum therapy, occupational therapy, neck and back therapy, urinary incontinence therapy, and general orthopedic rehab. Sports medicine rehab services are also offered and are just one component of the hospital's overall sports medicine program, which boasts certified athletic trainers who regularly attend the practices and games of many area schools to treat injuries and help prevent them. Free sports physicals are performed each year for these athletes and, during football season, Saturday morning clinics are held each week so that players can have Friday night's game injuries evaluated and treated by a board certified orthopedist.

The Wellness Connection offers new members a full fitness test and health assessment along with a customized exercise regimen to meet their individual needs. One-on-one nutritional counseling is available in addition to personal training services. The facility offers an array of modern equipment and services including cardiovascular fitness equipment, machine weights and free weights, walking and jogging track, many types and levels of land and aquatic aerobics classes, along with a lap pool and hydrotherapy pool. A variety of special interest and lifestyle modification classes and services are offered such as Tai Chi, yoga, golf conditioning, swimming lessons, ballroom dance, massage therapy, SmokeStoppers and SlimSmart. Special exercise classes for those with arthritis, osteoporosis and other physical limitations are also offered. In addition, the Wellness Connection provides a licensed activity center for children age two months to 14 years. Childcare and youth programs including many fun and unique events--like wellness-focused birthday parties and specially designed classes are available.

Other unique services that the hospital provides include an annual flu vaccine clinic through its active auxiliary group. Each fall, more than 200 flu shots are given away to area residents on a first-come, first served basis. During the Christmas holidays, Santa comes to an OCH Sweet Shoppe, where area children are treated to cookies and punch and can share their wish lists with Santa as well as have their picture taken with him.  The Easter Bunny comes to visit OCH during Easter as well and shares cookies, punch, pictures with the Bunny and many more treats. 

OCH is licensed for operation by the Mississippi State Department of Health and maintains accreditation from DNV Healthcare Accreditation Organization. However, at OCH Regional Medical Center quality healthcare is more than just highly skilled caregivers and the finest equipment and buildings - it's physicians and staff members who care enough to show it coupled with a genuine commitment to the health and well-being of those we serve.

Our Mission Statement

The mission of OCH Regional Medical Center is basic: the provision of high quality health care to the people of the hospital's seven-county service area of Mississippi's Golden Triangle, responding to changing community needs.