Building Trade Students from Northeast Technical High School had a firsthand look at a safe construction site at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) recently. PLHS and building construction manager McGough toured the students through the active construction site to show the students how the safety practices they learn in class are applied on the job. 

Prairie Lakes Facilities Director Rick Masloski has 42 years of construction experience. With his variety of experiences in mind, he saw a prime opportunity to show local students a clean and safe worksite and motivate them to keep those practices in mind. “I’ve had past personal experiences with people I know getting hurt on worksites,” said Masloski. “Seeing McGough’s safety practices, I thought it was a great opportunity to show young people entering this profession on how to be safe.”

The students had a rare opportunity to see the progress of the expansion project. They toured all levels of the future Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic and saw features including the helipad on the roof, halls connecting the hospital to the new building, HVAC systems, tubing that will transport information and specimens for testing, and the warm water therapy pool.

Chad Flemming, Building Trades Instructor at Northeast Tech brought three different classes to tour the facility. “This was a great opportunity for the Building Trades students at Northeast Technical High School,” said Flemming. “Seeing everything the students have learned about first hand was a great experience. I have been on hundreds of construction sites, and never seen one this safe. This experience demonstrates that the construction industry does not have to be a dangerous workplace.”

The Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors is activating a search for the successor of Jill Fuller, President and CEO.  The search will ensure a smooth leadership transition aligned with Fuller’s planned retirement.  Fuller plans to remain in the leadership position until a new CEO is recruited. 

“This is a good time for Prairie Lakes to start a leadership transition,” said Fuller who has been CEO for the past eight years. She started her Prairie Lakes career in 2000 when she was named the organization’s Chief Nursing Officer.  “I’m proud of our achievements.   In the last eight years, we have developed seven new service lines which improved access and medical outcomes for the people we serve. Our growth has been impressive and good for our community.  I have been honored to serve with incredibly dedicated and talented professionals who take our healthcare mission seriously.  They have achieved outstanding improvements in quality and patient safety.” 

Prairie Lakes has a planned succession process for leadership transitions.  When it was observed that Fuller’s retirement plans coincided with board turnover related to term limits, options to assure a smooth leadership transition were explored and it was decided to activate the CEO succession plan.   

“Prairie Lakes has thrived under Jill’s leadership and we look forward to her continued guidance over the next months as we search for the best possible candidates,” said Board Chairman Jim Redlinger.  “Because Jill’s retirement date is flexible, we have more time than usual to conduct a search for the individual who will be here for the next chapter in our service as a regional medical center.”

Fuller plans to be available to on-board a new CEO if needed.  “I think we have a good plan and I look forward to working with the board to assure a thoughtful and orderly succession process.”

The Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is honored to introduce a campaign that will enhance the lives of rehabilitation and sports medicine patients. Therapy Pool Campaign proceeds will help purchase a HydroWorx 2000 Series aquatic therapy pool. The therapy pool will be part of Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services, in the new location fall 2018.

The HydroWorx 2000 Series warm water aquatic therapy pool is designed to reduce pain, improve range of motion and enhance rehabilitation outcomes. The pool’s technology and low impact environment will benefit patients young and old. Therapy Pool Features:

• Adjustable Water Depth with the Moveable Floor
• Resistance Jet Technology
• Underwater Camera Monitoring System
• Underwater Treadmill
• Zero Depth Entry with the Moveable Floor

Photos above illustrate the moveable floor feature.

"The therapy pool will bring aquatic therapy to a new level in this region," said Alison Gilbertson, Foundation Director. "The community can help enhance the lives of many by contributing to the Therapy Pool Campaign."

Generosity and good works allows the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation to enhance the quality of life of many who benefit from the regional reach of care of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. "Make a splash" by contributing to our Therapy Pool Campaign through a tax deductible gift. You may donate online by credit card to this campaign by selecting "Make a Splash (Therapy Pool Campaign)" when completing the form, available by clicking the button below.

Donate by Credit Card

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) proudly announces its approval of accreditation status by Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for sleep studies.

Achieving accreditation is a process where healthcare organizations demonstrate compliance with national standards. Accreditation by ACHC reflects PLHS’s dedication and commitment to meeting standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care.

Sleep studies determine how well you sleep and how your body responds to problems in your sleep. If you have symptoms such as day time sleepiness and interruptive snoring, your primary physician can order a sleep study at PLHS.

“This service meets a need for over 400 people per year in the region”, said Deb Pederson, Director of CCU, Telemetry, and Respiratory Therapy. “ACHC Accreditation of the Sleep Lab demonstrates that PLHS strives to provide the highest quality service through compliance with national regulations and industry best practices.”

ACHC is a not-for-profit organization that has stood as a symbol of quality and excellence since 1986. ACHC is ISO 9001:2008 certified and has CMS Deeming Authority for Home Health, Hospice and DMEPOS.