Published: January 28, 2008 10:27 pm      

Three people replacing one at Windber Medical Center

WINDBER — It is taking three people to replace Windber Medical Center executive Diane Pringle.

Best known as executive director at the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center, Pringle wore several hats at Windber.

The hospital’s decision not to renew her contract has led to a reshuffling of jobs designed to boost Windber Medical Center’s operations, hospital Chief Executive Officer F. Nicholas Jacobs said Monday.

After cutting ties with Conemaugh Health System in July, Windber finds itself in an increasingly competitive environment with minimal population growth, Jacobs said.

“Consequently, all of our leadership positions are challenged on a daily basis,” Jacobs said.

“There are bound to be changes periodically.”

In addition to breast care center director, Pringle was director of nursing and corporate compliance officer. Replacements have been named to each post.

Patricia M. Felton is the new executive director of the breast care center. Lynda M. Dube is the director of nursing. And Susan Ott is corporate compliance officer.

All three are familiar faces in Windber. Dube and Ott were promoted from within the organization: Dube from assistant director of nursing and Ott from director of medical records.

Felton was program manager for Windber’s Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease until August 2006 when she left to take a job as sales representative for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.

“There were a lot of internal changes, and it all worked out,” Jacobs said.

Felton said she is happy to be back at Windber.

“It is really an exciting time,” Felton said in a statement. “The Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center provides top-notch comprehensive breast care services.

“With its unique relationship with Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the women of our community have access to state-of-the-art technology for diagnosis and treatment of breast disorders, and the opportunity to take part in research that would not be available elsewhere.”

As the daughter and great-granddaughter of breast disease victims, Felton understands how such illness affects the lives of women and their families.

“I am thrilled to be a part of a team working to change the prevention, detection and treatment of this terrible disease,” she said.

Dube started at Windber in 1986 as a staff nurse. She was named assistant nursing director in July 2003.

As corporate compliance officer, Ott will oversee the hospital’s adherence to state and federal regulations and review credential status for all employees.

Ott’s former assistant, Cynthia Cassat, was promoted to director of medical records.

Windber’s focus on efficiency and patient care will continue at all levels, Jacobs said.

“Numerous changes are occurring and will occur to provide jobs for 600 people and serve the patients with the utmost compassion and skill,” he said.