GRMC Takes Reins at Deer Creek

Following six months of planning and transition work, the Deer Creek Family Care clinic will begin operation under the management of Grinnell Regional Medical Center on Wednesday, June 1.

“Through this transition we have focused on the patients’ experience and our employees,” explains Dave Ness, GRMC vice-president. “We’re maintaining services and hours to make the transition seamless to our patients. For example, in the future a patient’s statement will come from Deer Creek instead of the University of Iowa Community Medical Services Professional Office Services.”

The majority of employees decided to join GRMC in the transition. GRMC welcomes Tracey Bradley, RN; Julie Breya, LPN; Donna Fish, LPN; Sherry Parks, PA; and Cindy Steuhm. Emil Pecholt, DO, and Kenne Hoskey will not continue with GRMC. Sherry Parks will serve as the primary provider and GRMC will make available medical staff support to meet the needs of patients.

To complete the conversion, the Deer Creek Family Care office will need to close for one day – Wednesday, June 1 – for computer and records transfers. The clinic hours will remain the same for the summer, Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. The Deer Creek Family Care clinic will continue as a primary care clinic addressing general medicine, women’s health, preventive healthcare and screenings for adults, health promotion, and wellness services. The staff provides care such as an annual physical, well-baby check, broken bones, cuts, pneumonia, or managing a chronic illness. The clinic accepts same-day appointments for urgent care needs and provides vaccinations including flu vaccines.

GRMC also announces that Sheryl Rutledge, a Tama resident who has worked for GRMC for 14 years, has been selected to serve as the Rural Health Clinics director. She will oversee Deer Creek Health Center and GRMC’s other three rural clinics.

The Deer Creek Family Care is located at the Deer Creek Health Center, 401 First Ave., Toledo. The Deer Creek Health Center also houses Deer Creek Specialty Clinic with visiting specialists, Deer Creek Dental, and Deer Creek Wellness and Rehab.  For more information on Deer Creek Health Center or any of the health services call 641-484-2602.