New Month Brings New Opportunities

Oct. 1 is usually an interesting time here at Martin Memorial.

It’s the beginning of the new fiscal year, which means it’s something of a new start for the health system. Fall is in the air – according to the calendar at least – which means the snowbird season is just around the corner. And that means the holiday season isn’t far behind.

But this Oct. 1 also brings a couple of additional reasons to be excited.

First and foremost is the beginning of a new era. Oct. 1 marks the first day of Mark Robitaille’s tenure as president and chief executive officer of Martin Memorial. Mark, who has served as senior vice president and chief operating officer of the health system since 1991, was named to the position in September by the Martin Memorial Board of Directors.

Mark assumes the role as Martin Memorial is poised to continue building on the growth and accomplishments it has achieved in recent years. The health system is seeking to build a new hospital in the Tradition development and will open the Emergency Center at St. Lucie West in August 2009 to provide access to much-needed health care in western St. Lucie County.

Martin Memorial has also worked closely with institutions such as the Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies and Moffitt Cancer Center to develop clinical medical trials, as well as the Martin County Life Sciences Initiative to bring new opportunities in the burgeoning field of bioscience research. Mark has been at the forefront of these efforts and will continue to ensure that Martin Memorial is a valued partner in bringing medical research to the region.

Martin Memorial is also on the forefront of another health initiative on the Treasure Coast. Starting Oct. 1, the entire health system will be tobacco free. That means tobacco use is not permitted at any Martin Memorial facility – inside or out – by patients, Associates, physicians, volunteers, visitors or vendors.

Each year, tobacco use is linked to tens of thousands of deaths in the United States. Diseases related to smoking, including heart disease and cancer, are the most preventable causes of death around the world. That’s why numerous hospitals and healthcare providers across the state and the country have instituted smoke-free workplaces. Two other area hospitals – St. Lucie Medical Center and Lawnwood Regional Medical Center – are also planning to go tobacco free by Jan. 1, 2009.

Patients who smoke can consult their physician on whether a smoking cessation product – such as nicotine gum or patches – would be a viable alternative. Nicotine replacement products are available at the outpatient pharmacies at both Martin Memorial hospitals.

The Martin Memorial Center for Health and Healing also offers an outstanding smoking cessation program, called Living Tobacco Free, for anyone who wishes to quit.

--Scott Samples
Public Information Coordinator