Effingham Health System soon will implement a new inpatient service called: hospitalist medicine. Hospitalist medicine is a subspecialty of medicine and training is focused on the care and treatment of patients while they are in the hospital.

Hospitalists play an integral role in a patient’s hospital experience and outcomes. They work closely with the patient’s primary care provider or other specialists on the care team, reporting changes and progress until discharge. Once a patient’s care team determines that he or she is ready to return home, the hospitalist arranges for their discharge.

To introduce women in the community to this new service at Effingham Health System beginning in August, the July 24 Girls Night Out event will provide answers to the most frequently asked questions about hospitalists.

Dr. Claude Sanks, who will serve as Effingham’s hospitalist, will present the program. Dr. Sanks will discuss the benefits of having a hospitalist become involved with patient care including:

• Enhanced patient safety

• Faster recovery times and shorter hospital stays

• Reduced hospitalization costs

• Improved patient satisfaction

Girls Night Out will be held July 24 from 7-9 p.m. at the Effingham Imaging Center, 110 Goshen Road in Rincon.

Following Dr. Sanks’ presentation, professional photographer Jennifer Spence of Photography by Jennifer will share expert tips on how to create and preserve life’s memorable moments and the perfect family pictures.

Girls Night Out is a monthly event presented by Effingham Health System and features valuable health information, light refreshments, friendship, fun conversation and opportunities to win free gifts.

Reservations are not needed to attend Girls Night Out and mammograms can always be scheduled in advance. For questions, call 826-1427 or 754-0421.