Suffolk News-Herald

Officially, she is vice president of patient care services at Obici Hospital.

Unofficially, Phyllis Stoneburner, who joined Obici’s administrative team in November, is the hospital’s newest cheerleader.

&uot;I’m really enjoying it here,&uot; said Stoneburner, a Hampton native. &uot;This is a true community hospital, a place where family takes care of family.

&uot;The staff here is so committed to this organization and the community it serves.&uot;

Stoneburner assumed a position left vacant by the July 2003 retirement of former vice president Barbara Ridenhour. Before coming to Suffolk, she was vice president of nursing of Warren Memorial Hospital in Front Royal.

Like Obici, Warren Memorial has implemented the Plantree model of holistic health care, a program that involves helping people heal physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Through the Plantree program, Obici stresses patient and staff education; welcomes complementary therapies such as massage; encourages family members to be involved in a loved one’s care; and offers opportunities for patients and guests to enjoy art, music and nature.

&uot;It’s looking at the whole healthcare experience through the patient’s eye and asking yourself how you would want care to be delivered,&uot; Stoneburner said. &uot;It’s so important to me to have that philosophical match.&uot;

Stoneburner received the 2003 Spirit of Caring Award from the national Plantree organization for her work at Warren Memorial.

Stoneburner is working to develop educational programs to help attract children and adults making career changes into the healthcare industry.

This year, she is planning to organize a meeting to help adults considering a health career get more information on medical-related careers and how to pursue the necessary education. By the summer of 2005, Stoneburner wants to develop a summer career camp for children interested in healthcare industry.

&uot;I’m really big on what needs to be done to enhance long-time recruitment efforts in healthcare,&uot; she said.

Stoneburner has a bachelor of science in nursing degree from Christopher Newport University and a master of business administration degree from West Virginia University.

Prior to working in Front Royal, she was chief nurse executive at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News.