Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Welcome New ER Physician
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes Gregory Erickson, MD to our Emergency Medicine staff. He joins James Bear, MD, Elliott Filler, MD, and Leighton Singh, MD in the care of patients with emergent health conditions.
Dr. Erickson graduated from USD Sanford School of Medicine in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and completed his internship and internal medicine residency at the USD Sanford School of Medicine in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He has over 16 years of experience in emergency medicine serving patients in rural areas. He and his wife Teresa are long term South Dakota residents and have three children.
“I am proud to join the dedicated team of emergency personnel in Watertown and the region,” said Dr. Erickson. “I look forward to the opportunity to provide care for patients during what is often a very challenging situation.”
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Monday, June 19, 2017
Caring Club House Caretaker Position
An on-site caretaker is needed at the Prairie Lakes Caring Club House (CCH) in Watertown. We are looking for a compassionate and caring individial who will live on site and care for the CCH and assist it's guests.
Responsibilities:
- General oversight of the CCH
- Ensure cleaning supplies are on hand
- Ensure towels, washcloths and sheets are on hand
- Ensure the premises is kept clean and tidy
- Ensure the outdoors is well-kept and maintained
- Display and remove holiday decorations in a timely manner
- Notify Foundation Director when maintenance or guest issues arise
- Assist CCH volunteers to help check-in/check-out guests when needed
- Be available physically to the CCH within 1 hour of request when other arrangements are not made for coverage
- Provide light maintenance as needed
- Assure the guest rooms and common areas are clean and well-maintained
- Be responsive via CCH cell phone
- Interact with CCH guests
- Enforce guest responsibilities or guidelines when necessary
- Assist with recruitment and retention of CCH volunteers in conjunction with Volunteer Coordinator
- Other duties as assigned
Benefits:
- Private living quarters at the CCH provided
- Cell phone and land-line phone provided
- Utilities provided
- Cable television provided
- Internet access provided
- Monthly cash stipend of $350
This opportunity does not constitute employment with or benefits through Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, rather is a third party contract between the caretaker and the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation. Qualities of the ideal candidate(s) includes: reliability, flexibility, ability to proactively identify needs and address them as able, and the ability to display genuine compassion and care towards others. This opportunity is not suitable for people with children at home or who own a pet.
For more information or to apply, please contact Alison Gilbertson at 882-7631.
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Thursday, June 08, 2017
Cardiology Celebrates 10 Years
On May 8, 2007 Dr. Lunardi performed the first cath lab procedure for Prairie Lakes Cardiology. In ten years our Prairie Lakes Cardiology Program has touched 10,000 hearts. A few of the community members touched by our program came forward to tell their heart story. Let's listen in:
Today interventional cardiologists Dr. Evelio Garcia, Dr. Salem Maaliki, and Dr. Richard Howard provide residents in northeastern South Dakota and western Minnesota elite cardiology services. Our staff are always looking for new ways to offer innovative care to our region. Watch our story:
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Tuesday, June 27, 2017
PLHS Names New Quality and Risk Management Director
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) has named Watertown area native Heather Brewster as the new Director of Quality and Risk Management.
Brewster holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from SDSU and has worked in the Critical Care Unit at PLHS for ten years. She believes in safe and compassionate environments for patients. As a Critical Care Nurse she provided nursing care to patients for a variety of critical conditions, including respiratory compromise and diagnostic invasive monitoring.
“I am excited to take this next step in my career as Director of Quality and Risk Management,” said Brewster. “My staff and I are passionate about quality patient care and experience. We strive to support PLHS in providing safe and effective healthcare to the patients in our community and surrounding areas.”
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Saturday, June 24, 2017
Girl Scouts' Projects Help Patients
Three Girl Scouts recently completed two projects to comfort patients at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
Olivia Schaefers, Jillian Busch and Madison Park constructed “busy bags” for kids who are patients or visiting a patient long term. The bags, which are color coordinated for different age groups, include items to keep kids occupied. They also created more than 100 crosses as comfort items for PLHS’s pastoral care department. The work was part of the girls’ Silver Project.
Thank you Olivia, Jillian and Madison! Pictured below left to right.
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Monday, June 12, 2017
21st Annual Hospital Hill Run Results
The 21st Annual Hospital Hill Run on June 10th 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.
Fastest 5K male runner was Gabe Syhre with a time of 18.52 minutes. Fastest 5K female runner was Brooke Leibel with a time of 22.28 minutes. Read all results
The 21st Annual Hospital Hill Run was organized by its committee, Kris Munger, Tom Beaudry, Dr. Dan Reiffenberger, Jessi Eidson and Jennifer Bender. Sponsors include Brown Clinic, Glacial Lakes Orthopaedics, Drs. Dan and Sarah Reiffenberger, Consulting Radiologists Limited, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, Sanford Clinic - Watertown, Watertown Public Opinion, Innovative Pain and Procedural Center, and the Community Blood Bank.
The Prairie Lakes Caring Club House offers a home away from home for out of town patients, outpatients and family members with loved ones being treated at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
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Wednesday, May 03, 2017
Upcoming Summer Events
As the weather warms up PLHS has great educational courses, support groups, and community events in store. Here are some of the featured events happening through June. For a full list visit our Calendar.
Look Good, Feel Better – Look Good…Feel Better meets at 4:30 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center. Look Good…Feel Better is a non-medical, brand-neutral public service program that teaches beauty techniques to women cancer patients in active treatment to help them manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.
Pathway Through Grief – PLHS offers an ongoing monthly grief support group in where those who have experienced the death of a loved one can find comfort, support, and hope, the group meets at 4:00 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Prairie Lakes Hospital. You may attend meetings as you wish, for as long as you want. At these meetings informal presentations and roundtable discussions are used to support those grieving and offer hope for their future. The grief support group meetings are open to the community and are free of charge, but registration is required. RSVP by calling 605-882-7714.
Diabetes Support Group – This support group is for those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and their family. The Diabetes Support Group meets at 6:00 p.m. the second Thursday of the month (September – May) at Prairie Lakes Hospital. May’s topic is “Diabetic Foot Care” by Certified Foot Care and Wound-Ostomy Nurse, Jackie Loeschke. Learn healthy foot tips and how to watch for warning signs. RSVP online or call Prairie Lakes Nephrology Clinic at 882-5455.
Your Total Joint Journey – A free educational class for patients considering or scheduled for total joint replacement surgery and their caregiver or coach. The session is offered monthly at 5:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month and at noon on the third Wednesday of the month at Prairie Lakes Hospital. Upcoming dates are May 17th at noon and June 7th at 5:30 p.m. Your Total Joint Journey is designed to give attendees and their caregiver or coach the necessary tools and understanding of a total joint replacement. A light meal will be provided; each attendee will receive an informational booklet to take home. RSVP online or call 605-882-7700.
Expectant Parent(s) Classes – PLHS offers free expectant parent(s) classes year-round at Prairie Lakes Hospital presented by certified childbirth educators. Upcoming classes: Prenatal Breastfeeding Class at the WIC Office, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 13th. Sibling Preparation Class at Prairie Lakes Hospital, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 28th. View all expectant parent(s) classes.
Better Choices, Better Health® with Diabetes Workshop – A free six week diabetes workshop that meets at 1:00 p.m. on Thursdays May 25th – June 29th at Prairie Lakes Hospital. This workshop is for adults with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes (people with type 1 diabetes and caregivers welcome). Those who have taken the workshop show better health, improved A1C and blood sugar levels, decrease in hypo- and hyperglycemia, and fewer medical visits. Space is limited! Call 605-444-4121 to register.
Yellow Rose Week – Yellow Rose Week, June 5 – 9th, is the primary fundraiser for the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation’s Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund. Yellow roses and bouquets are sold by volunteers and businesses in the region. You can also order online a few weeks in advance at www.prairielakes.com. The Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund is a grant opportunity of people with a life threatening illness. Grants are given based on an applicant’s need to help pay for necessities like medications, transportation, groceries, and rent. Approximately $19,000 in grants is distributed each year. Learn more.
Prairie Lakes Cardiology Ten Year Anniversary – Celebrate our cardiology program’s ten year anniversary with Prairie Lakes Healthcare System staff and cardiologists Tuesday, June 6th 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Codington County Extension Complex. Visit booths and enjoy a complimentary BBQ, complete with chicken or hamburger, fruit, and more. Featured is the 10 Years, 10,000 Hearts Program, 6:00 - 6:30 pm. Learn more.
Hospital Hill Run –The 21st Annual Hospital Hill Run is scheduled for Saturday, June 10th. This fundraiser features 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. Download the registration form.
Memorial Butterfly Release – Honor a loved one June 22nd at the Memorial Butterfly Release. Staring at 6:00 p.m., the program will include a brief, nondenominational spiritual dedication, followed by the release of the butterflies. Releasing a butterfly symbolizes transformation, love and hope. For each gift of $5, participants will receive one butterfly. Learn more.
ACL C.A.M.P - The next open session of ACL C.A.M.P. begins June 26th. This six week program for middle and high school athletes is currently free. Lead by physical therapists Eric Fjeldheim and Tyler Turbak, their intention is to decrease the incidence of knee and other lower extremity injuries. Participants must commit to attend the 20 - 30 minute training sessions at 7:00 am three days a week for six weeks. Parents may register their child here.
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Wednesday, April 05, 2017
PLHS & CEO Nationally Recognized
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) was recently named one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the United States by iVantage Health Analytics and The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This is the second 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. It provides the data foundation for the annual Rural Relevance Study and its results are the basis for many of rural healthcare’s most prominent awards, advocacy efforts and legislative initiatives.
“It’s more important than ever that rural hospitals proactively understand and address performance in the areas of cost, quality, outcomes and patient perspective. iVantage’s INDEX was designed to serve as this industry model,” said Michael Topchik, national leader of the Chartis Center for Rural Health. “Across the spectrum of performance indicators, there are rural providers that are writing the blueprint for success as they transition to value-based healthcare. Our analysis shows that this group of top performers exhibits a focused concern for their community needs.”
The Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals play a key role in providing a safety net to communities across America – and the INDEX measures them across eight pillars of hospital strength: Inpatient Share Ranking, Outpatient Share Ranking, Cost, Charge, Quality, Outcomes, Patient Perspectives, and Financial Stability.
“This achievement is very gratifying and represents the unwavering dedication to our mission and the quality of work of our board, medical staff, and employees,” said Jill Fuller, President & CEO. “Receiving this recognition for the second year validates our commitment to develop quality healthcare services that are accessible to our rural region.”
Because of PLHS’s national recognitions, like the Top 100, and Jill Fuller’s commitment to accessible, innovative rural healthcare, PLHS is also proud to announce Jill Fuller was recently recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of “60 Rural Hospital CEO’s to Know”. This recognition is a compilation of CEOs who run some of the top-performing rural hospitals in the nation. To make the selections, Becker’s analyzes compilations by ranking and award agencies. PLHS board, staff and volunteers congratulate Jill on this great achievement!
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Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Welcome New CNP
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System announces staff nurse Megan Merkel has advanced to a Certified Nurse Practitioner. Merkel will work with hospitalists and care for inpatients at the hospital. Hospitalists are medical doctors with advanced expertise in fields such as internal medicine. They work closely with Merkel and other staff to treat inpatients.
Merkel graduated with her MSN-nurse practitioner degree from South University. She has twelve years experience being a nurse, ten years was spent caring for patients in the CCU. A Clark native, Merkel currently resides there with her husband and four children.
“I am excited continue the career I love,” said Merkel. “I have learned so much during my time at Prairie Lakes. Now that I will be able to work collaboratively with the physicians and other advanced practitioners I hope to bring not only my nurse practitioner education, but also my years of nursing experience to this position. I will strive to provide exceptional patient care that focuses not only on the disease process, but more importantly on the patient."
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Wednesday, March 01, 2017
Expansion Project Preview
The current Prairie Lakes Healthcare System expansion project is steadily progressing forward. The expansion includes a new east entrance canopy, helipad relocation and the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic, a new 65,000 square foot, two-story clinic building. Thank you for your patience during construction. The expansion project will be completed by fall of 2018. View the detour map.
Future Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic Directory:
2nd floor:
Urology
General Surgery
Space for expansion
1st floor:
Cardiology
Nephrology
Pulmonology
Dermatology
Space for expansion
Conference Center
Lower Level:
Glacial Lakes Orthopaedics
Rehabilitation Services
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Therapy
Preview Photos:
Looking west to the east entrance and the future Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic. The helipad will relocate to the roof of the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic, which will attach adjacent to the emergency department and radiology services. From this view you can see the future canopy, it will be a welcome addition at the hospital.
The future Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic, looking north. You can see the current hospital main entrance to the left. A glass walk way will connect the clinic to the hospital, shown in more detail below.
The future Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic.
Preview of the walk way and waiting area of the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic.
Preview the interior with these panoramic views (finishings subject to change):
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Tuesday, March 07, 2017
Prairie Lakes Wellness Center Opening Soon
The Prairie Lakes Wellness Center is opening March 20th! Public tours will be available Noon - 5:00 p.m., Saturday, March 18th and Sunday, March 19th. Current members and non-members can sign up for the chance to win giveaways March 18 - 24 at the Prairie Lakes Wellness Center. Giveaway prizes include an hour with a personal trainer (membership required), a pool birthday party, a PLHS gift basket, $25 toward a new membership (or 1 month free for current members), and more!
Members of the Prairie Lakes Wellness Center will have access to the open concept space; including a walking track, leisure pool, racquet ball courts, basketball courts, expanded cardio and weight area, larger fitness class areas, and a social area with fireplaces. There will be activities available for all ages.
Available through a seperate entrance are four full-size courts and an eight-lane pool. These spaces host competitive events managed by the Watertown Park & Rec.
Prairie Lakes Wellness Center Contact Information:
Phone Number: 605-882-6250
Address: 1515 15th Street Northeast Watertown, SD
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Friday, January 27, 2017
Women’s Choice Award®
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System has been named a recipient of the Women’s Choice Award® as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Emergency Care for a fourth consecutive year.
The methodology for America’s Best Hospitals for Emergency Care award is unique because it combines Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey results with primary research about women’s healthcare preferences. The award recognizes excellence in emergency care based on several process of care measures focused on time patients spent in the emergency department, including:
- Time to admission
- Time from admission to room
- Door to diagnosis
Criteria for selecting Prairie Lakes Healthcare System as one of America’s best also included the average time before outpatients with chest pain or a possible heart attack received an EKG, and the average time patients with broken bones had to wait before getting pain medication.
“Receiving the Women’s Choice Award® for the fourth consecutive year distinguishes our team’s commitment to provide life saving care in emergent situations,” said Jill Fuller, President and CEO. “This award recognizes the quality of the overall ER experience by grading our timeliness and responsiveness to the 12,000 patients who enter the ER annually.”
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System scored in the top 8% nationally and is one of 320 award recipients representing the hospitals that have met the highest standards for emergency care in the U.S. by the Women’s Choice Award. Awarded hospitals represent those with emergency departments with average measure times in the highest 25th to 50th percentile in the country.
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Friday, January 20, 2017
2000th Blood Donation
Community Blood Bank will host a blood drive on Monday, January 30 from 8:00am to 10:30am and 12:00pm to 3:00pm at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. The blood mobile will be located west of the Cancer Center. This blood drive will benefit the local blood supply. To celebrate PLHS's 2000th blood donation every donor during this blood drive will receive a t-shirt.
“Prairie Lakes Healthcare System will reach a milestone blood donation with Community Blood Bank at this special blood drive event,” states Ken Versteeg, Executive Director, Community Blood Bank. “The staff, volunteers, faculty and community of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System have donated 2000 donations with Community Blood Bank throughout the years which equates to impacting nearly 6000 patients lives within our community. We are very grateful to Prairie Lakes Healthcare System for hosting the many blood drive events and the commitment from blood donors in the community that have saved so many lives.”
January is National Blood Donor month. Blood is needed daily for use in surgeries, cancer treatment, traumas and burn treatment. Community Blood Bank uses 550 units per week to meet the needs of local hospitals. Donating blood only requires 30- 40 minutes of your time.
Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with signed parent consent form found at www.cbblifeblood.org), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good general health the day of the donation. Please bring an ID with you. It is recommended that you eat and drink plenty of fluids before donating blood. It only takes 30 to 35 minutes to donate with Community Blood Bank. For more information call 882-7750. Walk-ins are always welcome. All who donate will receive a special t-shirt to help celebrate the milestone donation event.
Community Blood Bank is not affiliated with other blood bank organizations and takes pride in being a self-sufficient organization, thanks to the generosity of our local blood donors.
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Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Save the Date for BASH
Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is excited to announce BASH (Building A Superior Hospital) 2017 will be held Saturday, April 1st at the Watertown Event Center! The Black Diamond Empire band will be the featured entertainment for the evening. Their array of music and fervent performance will keep guests moving on the dance floor.
BASH is an annual gala fundraising event hosted by the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, with support from donors and volunteers. BASH guests will “light up the night” in 2017. All proceeds from the event will be used will to purchase clinical phototherapy (light therapy) equipment to enhance dermatology services at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. Phototherapy services enables Prairie Lakes Dermatology to help patients who suffer from psoriasis, dermatitis, generalized itching and lymphoma of the skin. Phototherapy treatment is safer and more cost effective for patients and may free them from potential medication side effects.
BASH 2017 kicks off at 5:00 pm with a social hour featuring signature drinks, a wine bar and silent auction bidding. The evening continues with a gourmet dinner at 6:00 pm and the live auction with four unique packages. The band will take the stage following the live auction at approximately 8:00 pm. The event will have a “Moroccan type” feel.
Reservations are required and will be accepted beginning February 20th online at www.prairielakes.com/bash or by calling the foundation office at 605-882-7631. Visit the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation’s Facebook page for updates on packages and other event details.
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 at BASH 2017 and help us make our mission possible!
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