Health department seeking new nurse manager

Published 7:01 am Friday, January 6, 2012

The Whitfield County Health Department’s loss could be Hamilton Medical Center’s gain.

Cheryl Wheeler, the county nurse manager for the past 11 years, has retired from that position and accepted a job at the hospital. The county nurse manager is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the health department and gives periodic reports to the board of health.

Angie Callaway, who works in the children’s clinic, is the interim county nurse manager. The health department has received five applications and should have the position filled within the next six weeks, said Louise Hamrick, North Georgia Health District deputy director.

“Cheryl had an opportunity she really couldn’t turn down,” Bruce Broadrick, chairman of the board of health, said at the group’s meeting Thursday. “She has really been an asset to us. I know that her heart will always be here at the health department.”

Wheeler could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Board of health members will have input into the next director, but the decision rests with Dr. Harold Pitts, the district health director.

In fall 2010, Wheeler resigned from the health department to take a job in Wyoming. She later reconsidered and stayed in Whitfield County. Wheeler previously worked for the hospital for more than 20 years.

She helped steer the health department through lean budget times.

In December, the health department laid off 10 staff members. And due to budget cuts, all staff will be furloughed — required days off without pay — on two Fridays each month from January through June. The health department will be closed on the second and fourth Fridays of each month.

The moves will save $521,288 in fiscal year 2012, which runs from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012. The moves are expected to save $583,040 in fiscal year 2013.

As part of the layoffs that were effective Dec. 1, there will be four cuts at the Medical Access Clinic — two registered nurses, one clerk and one program tech — and six cuts in the Women’s and Children’s program — two licensed practical nurses, one lab tech, one medical records clerk and two clerks. Those cuts will save $431,880 in fiscal year 2012 and $583,040 in fiscal year 2013.