We are saddened to report that Dr. Bumper “T” Clown, George Edward, passed away this morning. He touched the lives of many Cooper employees, patients and their families through his unique style of caring and healing though humor.

These prestigious, peer-nominated awards honor the work of the recipients, whose leadership and practice promote the delivery of quality healthcare at Cooper. Each award, together with Nurse of the Year, has its own set of criteria for eligibility, including three letters of recommendation from staff within each nominee’s clinical discipline.

Cooper University Hospital is the recipient of a $10,000 grant on behalf of TD Bank, through the TD Charitable Foundation. This generous donation will be used to support the Palliative Care Program at Cooper and its ongoing programs and services within the Cooper Cancer Institute (CCI).

We are pleased to announce that for the third year in a row, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons has recognized the Cooper cardiac surgery program for outstanding performance. Cooper is among the top 13 percent in the nation for overall performance.

This morning, representatives from the U.S. Department of Defense's Employer Support of Guard and Reserve program (ESGR) presented Cooper University Hospital with two special awards for its support of employee participation in the Guard and Reserve: the "Patriot Award" and the "Above and Beyond Award."

Almost a year ago today, a team of 74 staff nurses, together with nursing leadership, set out to develop a new shared governance model at Cooper that allows direct care nurses the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process on all issues affecting the nursing profession including practice standards, policies and procedures, education and operation.

The single largest construction project in the City of Camden this year took a significant step forward today when the final girder for Cooper Medical School of Rowan University’s (CMSRU) building was raised into place. In what is traditionally a major milestone in any construction project, the placing of the final beam was the highlight of a “topping off” ceremony.

The Ripa Center for Women’s Health and Wellness is now an approved site for the AmeriHealth Fitness Reimbursement Program. What that means is, if you are enrolled in the AmeriHealth Plan, the classes you take at the Ripa Center can qualify toward the 120 classes per year you must participate in to receive up to $300 reimbursement.

On Friday, May 6, 2011, The Lauren Rose Albert Foundation/Mother’s Matter Program marked Mother’s Day by donating gift baskets to mothers, grandmothers and caregivers who are hospitalized or have family members hospitalized at Cooper University Hospital.

New wall mounted white boards are being installed in each of the patient rooms at the foot of the bed. The installation began late February and will continue until all the patient rooms are completed. Additionally, gripper strips are being placed on patient doors and in patient rooms above the heads of the bed. The gripper strips are excellent places to post pertinent information regarding patient care and can be shared with all caregivers.