Saturday, June 08, 2019
Hospital Hill Run Results
The 23rd Annual Hospital Hill Run on June 8 featured a 5K run, 5K walk and a one-mile walk for all ages. Proceeds from the Hospital Hill Run benefit the Prairie Lakes Caring Club House and Watertown DASH.
Fastest 5K male runner was Owen McElroy with a time of 19.26 minutes. Fastest 5K female runner was Tanelle Steichen with a time of 21.00 minutes.
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Wednesday, May 29, 2019
New Management of Nutritional and Environmental Services
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) and Sodexo, the provider of nutritional and environmental services at PLHS, are pleased to announce a new General Manager, Rob Haddad and a new Nutritional Services Manager, Caitlin Bach.
Rob Haddad grew up in Michigan and moved to Watertown from Virginia five years ago. He has over forty years of service industry experience; ranging from fast food to upscale restaurants. After serving PLHS and Sodexo for five years as the Nutritional Services Manager, Haddad will now oversee both Nutritional and Environmental Services.
“I look forward to the challenges this new role provides,” said Haddad. “My goal is to continue excellent service to those at Prairie Lakes for years to come.”
Caitlin Bach grew up in the area and currently resides in Florence with her husband and two children. Bach recently graduated from Lake Area Technical Institute with her marketing and business management degree and brings eleven years of food service experience at PLHS to her new role as Nutritional Services Manager. The Nutritional Service Manager oversees the operations of the Café, room service, and internal catering.
“I am excited to take this next step in my career as Nutritional Services Manager,” said Bach. “I am grateful for this opportunity to serve patients and lead nutritional staff. The staff in the Café is knowledgeable and the team looks forward to continuing our reputation of providing delicious and nutritious foods for patients and PLHS staff.”
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Wednesday, May 15, 2019
PLHS Volunteer Receives Award
Sharon Herman is a long time volunteer at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. She even helped pass out bags at the Specialty Clinic Grand Opening! The Watertown Community Foundation honored Sharon at an annual fundraiser for all of her amazing contributions to the community through the gift of her volunteered time and talents.
From the Watertown Community Foundation:Sharon Herman has been named the 2019 Watertown Adult Celebrate! Award winner. The honor was announced at the Watertown Volunteer Center’s annual fund raiser Tuesday night. In recognition of Herman’s service she is now entitled to designate a $1,000 grant from the Watertown Area Community Foundation to a local charity. Herman has volunteered 2,383 hours to various organizations in Watertown through the Watertown Volunteer Center since 2010. That’s 315 hours per year. Some of the areas she has volunteered include athletic tournaments, the lunch counter at the Farm Show even helping with Bingo at Jenkins Living Center or helping at the same-day surgery desk at Prairie Lakes Health Care Center. You can also find her at the annual Special Olympics and Senior Games either registering volunteers, recording statistics or wherever they need her. Her volunteering is a year-round job. She has stuffed packets for CVB, drove golf carts at Joy Ranch and helped children shop during the Jaycee Christmas Shopping tour and has been with Environmental Days at the Bramble Park Zoo. She was described as always smiling during her volunteering which shows how unselfish and caring, says her nominator Char Torgerson who heads the Volunteer Center.
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Thursday, May 09, 2019
Prairie Lakes Welcomes Occupational Therapist
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes Occupational Therapist, Lynae Petersen to the Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Staff. Petersen serves patients of all ages needing inpatient, outpatient, and in-home occupational therapy.
Petersen received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Mary. She enjoys being outdoors, assisting on the farm, riding horse, and spending time with friends and family.
Occupational therapists develop individualized treatment plans to help increase strength, endurance and independence in activities of daily living. “It gives me great pleasure to be able to help patients so they can develop, recover, and maintain needed skills to reach their fullest potential,” said Petersen.
The Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services are located in the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic. Patients can make appointments by calling 605-882-7700.
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Monday, May 06, 2019
Increased Security for OB Patients
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System recognizes the vital importance of keeping our OB patients safe and secure. The Maternal Child Health (MCH) department is increasing security by installing an intercom system outside of it's west doors. Patients and guests will need to utilize the new 2nd floor intercom system outside of MCH’s west doors to enter the department. The west entrance can be accessed by using the elevators in the Redlinger Atrium (where the Terry Redlin prints are located). Guests are asked to then proceed to the Nurses’ Station for a name tag. We appreciate our patients' and guests' understanding of this change as we keep our region’s newest residents, and their loved ones, safe and secure.
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Thursday, April 11, 2019
Prairie Lakes Celebrates Volunteers Gift of Time
When you see a person in the hallways at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System with a bright blue coat on, be sure to say hello. They are a member of our volunteer department who collectively and selflessly donated 21,542 hours of service to Prairie Lakes Healthcare System in 2018. Departments which utilize volunteers at Prairie Lakes consist of Hospice, Pastoral Care, Information and Same Day Surgery Desk staffing, Cancer Center, Gift Shop, the Caring Club House, various specialty clinics, and the supply department.
Prairie Lakes volunteers were once teachers, businessmen and women, healthcare administrators, law officers of the court, and friendly neighbors. Today they proudly serve our community as volunteers at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System who frequently express their gratitude for the doctors, nurses and staff at Prairie Lakes who keep Watertown and those in our region healthy. Conversely, Prairie Lakes is extremely grateful for them.
Volunteers play a critical role in the daily work at Prairie Lakes. Not only do they work in the Gift Shop and bring patients to dialysis or surgery, but they also sit with patients and their families, lending an ear—and sometimes a laugh—during moments of healing and recovery.
An annual Volunteer Appreciation Event, highlighting our super heroes, was held at the Terry Redlin Pavilion, Tuesday, April 9, 2019. It was a delight to recognize those who do so much by donating their Gift of Time to Prairie Lakes.
If you are interested in providing a Gift of Time through the volunteer program at Prairie Lakes, contact Krista McGillivary, Volunteer Coordinator at 882-7716.
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Thursday, March 14, 2019
We're a Top 20 Hospital!
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) is among the Top 20 Rural Community Hospitals in the nation as determined by iVantage Health Analytics. PLHS was recently notified of the designation by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA).
The determining factors for the top 20 rural community hospitals were based on eight indices: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspectives, costs, charge, and financial stability. NRHA’s Top 20 Rural Community Hospitals Winners are the highest ranked of the aggregate scores across these indices.
“I am proud that the excellent care our employees and providers offer to the community of Watertown and surrounding region is being recognized by the NRHA for the third time in recent history,” said K.C. DeBoer, President & CEO. “It is an immense honor to be included in this group of hospitals. We have a talented and dedicated team, and I am proud of their accomplishments.”
PLHS serves a ten county region in eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota. PLHS provides care at its hospital in Watertown as well as specialty services that are uncommon in similar rural settings. The improvement of services to meet the needs of the region is a continuing focus of PLHS.
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Monday, February 25, 2019
“An Enchanted Forest Gala” at BASH 2019
Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is excited to announce BASH (Building A Superior Healthcare System) 2019 will be held Saturday May 11 at the Watertown Event Center. BASH is an annual gala fundraising event hosted by the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, with much support from donors and volunteers.
BASH 2019 will have an enchanted forest theme, encouraging guests to “see the forest through the trees”. Proceeds from the event will be used to carry on the mission of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, looking past supporting the smaller items BASH typically funds (trees) and thinking of the bigger picture of supporting the healthcare system (forest) for years to come.
Elton Trueblood stated, “It takes a noble man to plant a seed for a tree that will someday give shade to people he may never meet”. If you or a loved one have enjoyed the “shade” Prairie Lakes Healthcare System has provided by way of medical services, business partnerships, employment or other ways- support BASH 2019.
Invitations to past attendees will be mailed in mid March. Visit the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation’s Facebook page for updates on packages and other event details.
Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships are appreciated as the Foundation works to cover the cost of the event so all dollars raised may be used towards the cause. Sponsorship inquiries may be made by calling the foundation office at 882-7631 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Vacation Raffle: Raffle tickets will be sold for $10 each or buy ten and get one free, for a chance to win a $3,300 travel voucher for your dream vacation to anywhere (few restrictions apply). Redlinger Bros. is a $3,000 sponsor with Pederson Travel Service being a supporting sponsor contributing $300. The winner will be drawn the night of BASH. Visit www.prairielakes.com/bash to purchase your tickets.
BASH 2019 Committee members include: Sherri Brindle, Audra Dornbusch, Jessi Eidson, Alison Gilbertson, Tina Mancell, Dot McAreavey, Jannelle Olson, Shantel Reis, Donna Schoenbeck, Lisa Stydel, and Phyllis Wiles.
The mission of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is, “Healthcare is a vital component of a community’s quality of life. Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation exists to raise funds with which to support and advance the health services available to the Watertown area through Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.” Join us for an Enchanted Forest Gala at BASH 2019 on May 11th and “see the forest through the trees”.
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Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Prairie Lakes Named Top 100 Hospital Featured
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) was recently named one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the United States by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. Regarded as one of the industry’s most significant designations of performance excellence, the annual Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals award is based upon the results of the Hospital Strength INDEX® from iVantage Health Analytics. This is the fourth year PLHS received this prestigious honor.
PLHS scored in the top 100 of rural and community hospitals on iVantage Health Analytics’ Hospital Strength INDEX®. The INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive rating of rural providers. Hospitals recognized as a Top 100 facility scored in the top 100 among all rural and community hospitals nationally.
“In an era of increased complexity and uncertainty, Top 100 hospitals have established themselves as a bellwether for rural provider performance,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader of The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “Top 100 status is a real indicator of how proactive these hospitals are when it comes to pushing for performance improvement in areas such as quality, outcomes, patient safety, market share and finance.”
Now in its ninth year, the INDEX leverages 50 rural-relevant indicators across eight pillars of hospital strength (i.e. Inpatient Market Share, Outpatient Market Chare, Cost, Charge, Quality, Outcomes, Patient Perspective and Financial Stability) to determine an overall score for each hospital. Each of the INDEX’s 50 indicators is culled from publicly-available data sources.
“This honor represents the dedication and quality of work of our board, medical staff, and employees,” said K.C. DeBoer, PLHS President & CEO. “It is very gratifying for PLHS to receive the designation of a Top 100 hospital for the fourth consecutive year; it is a testament of our unwavering support to the health of our patients, community, and the region we serve.”
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Monday, February 11, 2019
Prairie Lakes Names New Director of Medical/Surgical/Pediatrics
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) is pleased to announce the new Director of Medical/Surgical/Pediatrics, Jennifer Briggs. Briggs’s position oversees the unit that cares for adult and pediatric patients staying in the hospital, often receiving treatment for an illness or recovering from a surgical procedure.
Briggs grew up near Henry, SD and currently resides in rural Watertown with her family. She and her husband Ron have four children and enjoy spending time with family and friends. Briggs holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and has worked at PLHS for 31 years, with 29 of those years as a registered nurse.
“I look forward to continuing my career at Prairie Lakes as the new Director of Med/Sug/Peds,” said Briggs. “I am excited and honored to be a part of the leadership team here at Prairie Lakes. Patient satisfaction and great customer service is a priority, and I look forward to this opportunity to keep moving Prairie Lakes forward.”
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Monday, January 14, 2019
Prairie Lakes Names New Directors
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) named new directors Karna Stroschein as the new Director of Coding, Amanda Johannsen as the Director of the Business Office, Jenna Hulscher as the Director of Radiology, and Jennifer Sieck as the Laboratory Director.
Stroschein grew up in Clear Lake, SD and resides in Watertown with her husband. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with family, reading, attending craft fairs, camping trips and relaxing at the lake. She holds a Bachelors degree in Health Information Administration and a Masters degree in Health Informatics. Prior to her new role, Stroschein was the Director of the Business Office at PLHS and has thirty years of healthcare experience.
“I am ready to take on the role of the Director of Coding; it feels like I am coming home as I have spent the majority of my working career in the Health Information and Coding arena,” said Stroschein. “As the Director of the Business Office for the past five years I gained expertise. This knowledge will benefit the entire Prairie Lakes facility as I continue to collaborate with the leadership team and my peers in this new role.”
Stroschein's previous role as Director of the Business Office was filled by Amanda Johannsen. Johannsen grew up in Clark, SD and now resides in Watertown with her husband Darin and son Sloan. She has worked for Prairie Lakes since 1999 and holds a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. In her spare time Amanda enjoys spending time watching Sloan wrestle and water skiing, hunting, hanging out at the lake, and spending time with friends and family.
“I am excited to take this next step in my career as the Director of the Business Office,” said Johannsen. “As Prairie Lakes continues to grow and advance in healthcare services, I am honored to be a part of the leadership team. Continuing to provide great customer service to each and every patient will be the focus of me and my team.”
Jenna Hulscher accepted the Director of Radiology position with over 13 years of experience. Hulscher holds an Associate's degree from Mitchell Technical Institute along with advanced certifications in Radiologic Technology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Certified Radiology Administration. She grew up near Henry, SD and now resides in Watertown with her two children. In her spare time she enjoys home remodeling projects, repurposing furniture, camping, sporting activities with her kids, and spending time with friends and family.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Director of Radiology at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System”, said Hulscher. “We have a great team in our department and I look forward to continue working with them in this new role. The radiology department has made considerable advances in technology in recent years, and I am excited for the continued growth, opportunities and challenges that lie ahead."
Jennifer Sieck accepted the Laboratory Director position with 10 years of experience in the clinical laboratory. Sieck holds a Bachelors degree in Microbiology. She grew up in Atkinson, NE and now resides in Badger, SD with her husband (Andy) and 3 young children. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, fishing, camping, being at the lake, and cooking.
"I look forward to continue my career as Laboratory Director”, said Sieck. “Prairie Lakes has many exciting things happening right now and I am honored to be a part of it. I have a knowledgeable team to help provide the best patient care that we can give. I look forward to the challenges ahead.”
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Tuesday, January 01, 2019
1st Baby of 2019
Jessica and Ken Williams of Estelline welcomed their new baby girl Violet Grace at 8:30 a.m. on January 1, 2018, weighing 9 lbs 1 oz. Violet is the first baby to be born at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System in Watertown for the 2019 year. Her big brother Jack is excited to meet her!
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Tuesday, January 01, 2019
Introducing the Acid Reflux Center
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is proud to announce the Specialty Clinic is enhancing services to manage the care of patients with acid reflux. Patients can now make appointments with the Acid Reflux Center at Prairie Lakes.
The Acid Reflux Center is an option for those suffering from heartburn or acid reflux to receive diagnosis and treatment. Acid reflux specialists Dr. Gerrish and Dr. Schaeffer are dedicated to expand acid reflux services for community members suffering with this condition. Treatment is tailored to each patient’s need and could start with simple measures like diet changes.
Advanced solutions are available to diagnose disorders like chronic acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Technology like the Bravo™ Reflux Testing System and ManoScan™ ESO high-resolution manometry system is available through The Acid Reflux Center. This technology allows for a more accurate diagnosis, leading to better treatment. Additionally, Dr. Gerrish and Dr. Schaeffer are trained in a new treatment option called the LINX® System.
The LINX® System is a treatment option for patients with chronic acid reflux or GERD. It is a small, flexible ring of magnetic, titanium beads placed around a patient’s existing weak esophageal sphincter. The beads pull together to inhibit reflux by helping to close the esophageal sphincter and restore the body’s natural reflux barrier. For eating, swallowing, belching, or vomiting, the beads expand and separate to allow passage.
To schedule an acid reflux appointment, please call the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic at 605-882-7777.
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Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Generous Sixth-Grader Donates Toys
Generous sixth-grader, Nolan Adams donated toys for our pediatric inpatients. Nolan’s Project started five years ago he heard a radio story about children being in the hospital and wondered, “What do the kids get for Christmas when they are in the hospital over Christmas?” Nolan believes it is better to give than to receive. He raises money and now gives gifts to children not just at Christmas time, but all year long.
We are very thankful for Nolan's kind and thoughtful gifts. Thank you!
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