Carroll County General Hospital has named Patricia Higgins as assistant vice president for patient care, women's and children's and support services.

She will oversee inpatient and outpatient surgery and related units, the Family BirthPlace, pediatrics, shift coordinators and the staffing office, and nursing information systems.

A registered nurse with a bachelor's degree, Higgins began at the hospital as director of women's and children's services in September 1996. Prior to that, she worked at St. Joseph Medical Center for 19 years.

She also is a certified bereavement services counselor and coordinator.