GRMC Press Releases

GRMC Annual Fund Drive Garners New Anesthesia Units

2012-01-30T09:31:00.002-06:00

The generosity of area residents and businesses moved Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s 2011 Annual Fund Drive to a record high as well as funded the goal for four new anesthesia units.

GRMC’s annual fund drive raised $378,166, the largest annual drive in the medical center’s history. A significant component of this drive was the request for $140,000 to fund new anesthesia units for the four GRMC surgery suites.

“Because so many people have had surgery or knew someone who has had a surgery, the anesthesia unit campaign appealed to our employees,” says Barb Baker, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company advertising and community relations manager. “A core mission of Grinnell Mutual is to support the community. The medical center is an important entity in our community and we also need a strong hospital for our recruitment efforts. The surgery area is an important focus for a quality hospital and we want to support it.”

The Grinnell Mutual Foundation and Grinnell Mutual employees collaborated to raise more than $26,000 toward the $140,000 needed for the anesthesia units.

“This kind of campaign has a large appeal to many employees so our foundation provided an incentive to our employees to donate. Any one of us may need to use the surgical center and we want it to be there when needed,” Baker says.

For Eugene and Deloris Lang, they also wanted to ensure the medical center keeps improving and maintaining a strong program.

“Dr. Emge spoke at the Kiwanis meeting and explained the need for this equipment. So I went home and talked it over with Deloris. We consider the hospital a key community resource and want to keep it up,” says Eugene Lang.

Eugene Lang has lived and farmed in the area since 1933 and his connections with GRMC are plentiful. He and his wife of 60 years have used the medical center and had all three of their children at GRMC. They designated $10,000 to the anesthesia units.

“We understand that new technology and new equipment is needed to stay current and offer the best in care so we wanted to support this particular campaign. We were impressed with Dr. Emge and why he came to Grinnell. We’re getting the right people to keep the medical center moving forward,” Lang says.

The medical center reached its goal through generous support, including a $35,000 community challenge offered by Grinnell College, Grinnell State Bank, and Laser Resources; grants from Alliant Energy, Lincoln Savings Bank, Monsanto Iowa Foundation, and Poweshiek County Alliance; the annual golf outing proceeds; and individual supporters.

“As representatives of our community, Foundation Board members were eager to sponsor and contribute to this essential effort to provide state of the art surgical equipment for GRMC,” says George Drake, GRMC Foundation Board chair. “We had excellent participation by our boards and medical staff for the anesthesia units as well as the annual fund.”

Total giving to GRMC in 2011, through memorials, annual fund, and special events, reached $684,536 from 1,687 donors. A reception to thank all donors will be held Feb. 1 at GRMC. Tours and a demonstration of the anesthesia units will be provided.

In addition to fund raising activities, GRMC also supported its operating budget through grants. GRMC received 13 grants bringing in $47,063.

“All these funding sources are important to support GRMC’s mission of providing quality care to all in need. Residents value having excellent healthcare services close to home and they have supported the medical center at a record level, even during the current economic times,” says Denise Lamphier, GRMC director of communications and development. “We want to thank the generosity of our donors for standing strong with GRMC to support excellent care.”

For additional information about GRMC’s annual fund or development program, contact Lamphier at 641-236-2589 or dlamphier@grmc.us.

GRMC Welcomes New Staff

2012-01-27T16:27:00.004-06:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center announces Becky Pryor, RN, BS, began serving as the new combined home health and hospice director. GRMC also welcomes Keith Morrison as the new medical center chaplain, which includes serving as the hospice chaplain.

Pryor brings many years of experience working in home health as well as a leadership position in public health. She earned her nursing degree from Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Ill., and a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Greenville College, in Greenville, Ill.

For the past 15 years, Pryor has worked for the Fayette County Health Department in Vandalia, Ill, primarily in Home Health and Public Health. This was a large county health center serving a predominately rural area.

Pryor will provide leadership for the two well-established departments as they work together to provide high quality patient care and grow the number of patients. She will also provide administrative leadership to meet the requirements for state and federal licensing for home health and hospice programs.

“Both Home Health and Hospice already have well established and experienced staff. We will focus on high quality patient care and services,” Pryor says. “Hospice will celebrate its 30^th anniversary this year so we want to gear up to showcase the excellent care we provide our patients.”

“Becky’s strength comes from her background,” says Suzanne Cooner, GRMC Vice-president. “She came in on the ground floor in the business office of a home health department. She worked her way through nursing school and continued with her passion in nursing and administration. She understands the entire process of providing care to individuals in their homes and other care settings. She’ll be an excellent leader with our team as we focus on exceptional patient services.”

Morrison began in mid-January. He graduated from Grinnell High School and earned a bachelor’s in business administration degree from the University of Iowa. After working in manufacturing after college, he decided to become a minister. He served as a full time minister in Iowa and Indiana before returning to Grinnell. He worked at Montezuma Manufacturing for the past seven years while supporting local church programs.

“Meeting the spiritual needs of our patients is important for GRMC. Keith brings experience and personality to assist all patients of GRMC that includes the medical center and hospice program,” Cooner says. “He has served as a minister in the private sector and has experience that fits well with GRMC’s patient base. We revamped the chaplain position and Keith will be excellent in caring for our patients as well as working with the area faith organizations.”

The chaplain provides spiritual care to patients of GRMC. Chaplain care is available at GRMC 24/7, like other care services. Therefore, Morrison will also support and oversee the on-call chaplains who volunteer to serve patients. GRMC appreciates the on-call chaplains and will provide additional support and training to these individuals. Morrison will also be a liaison to the area ministerial association.

For more information on Grinnell Regional Home Health, call 641-236-2385; for Grinnell Regional Hospice, call 641-236-2418; or for the chaplain, call 641-236-2598.

GRMC Welcomes 2012 Officers and New Members

2012-01-27T16:22:00.002-06:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Board of Directors announced its 2012 officers and welcomed two new members during the first meeting of the year.

The 2012 GRMC Board of Director officers remained unchanged from last year with the chair – Ed Hatcher, Grinnell, long-time board member and area farmer; chair-elect – Bill Menner, Grinnell, the Iowa State Director for Rural Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture; past chair – Susan Witt, Grinnell, co-owner of Miraco, Corp., vice-president of Ahrens Foundation, and president of Ahrens Park Foundation; treasurer – Frank Brownell, Montezuma, owner of Brownells; and secretary – Stan Greenwald, MD, Grinnell, retired physician.

Dan Agnew becomes the newest member of the GRMC Board of Directors, starting a three-year term in January. Ryan P. Dahlby Albright, MD, will begin a two-year term on the board in his role as president of the GRMC Medical Staff. These new members join 14 area residents in providing direction, vision, and strategic planning for GRMC’s future.

New board members

Shifting from GMRC to GRMC, Agnew will offer his leadership experience and insights to the GRMC board as it shapes the future of healthcare in Poweshiek County. He retired from Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company in December 2009, after 40 years with the company. Agnew earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa as well as completed several national accreditation programs specific to advanced degrees in the insurance industry.

Agnew brings extensive experience to GRMC’s board. He had served on the GRMC board from 1986 to 1989, to fill a term that was vacated. He provides leadership to the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce as the current board chair. He has also served locally on the United Way board, as well as been a leader and member with the Lions and Boy Scouts of America. He recently served on the GRMC Foundation Board after he retired. Nationally, Agnew served on the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies and, at the state level, the Iowa Insurance Institute Board.

He agreed to serve on the board for two basic reasons. First, his family and extended family have used the emergency department as well as services over the years. So he wants to support the hospital. Second, he explains, “As a former CEO I understand the importance of a strong hospital in a company’s ability to recruit individuals to Grinnell. For a community this size, we impressed many new recruits and officers with the level of healthcare available, as well as the strong school system and the college. Now that I’m retired, my biggest effort will be working together with other board members and keeping the hospital strong.”

Agnew will focus his time on the GRMC Board with the vision for the future. “I think we have a very strong board right now. We can work together to develop the road map for the future and keep our hospital regional in focus and appeal.”

Agnew is married to Nancy and they have two children – Chad, who is married with two children, and Heather, who is married with two children.

Also joining the GRMC board of directors in January is Dahlby Albright, who was elected the GRMC Medical Staff president for 2012 – 2013. He began practicing medicine in Grinnell in 2005 at Family Medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa College of Medicine. Dahlby Albright completed his residency at Mercy Family Medicine, in Mason City, where he was selected as Chief Resident for 2004-2005.

Though this is Dahlby Albright’s first board experience, he has increased his involvement with the medical staff as an activist for healthcare.

Healthcare is changing and healthcare reform makes the future very uncertain. Dahlby Albright’s goal is to help the board and the organization make a smooth transition from the current structure and payment system to the future healthcare, while keeping the physicians’ perspective in mind.

“Serving on the board will provide a different view of medicine. The administrative side of medicine will be interesting in contrast to the diagnostic and treatment side of medicine,” explains Dahlby Albright.

He and his wife, Sarah, have four children. Though he practices medicine full time, Dahlby Albright and his wife make time to participate in a rock band called That Band. Anyone interested may find them on Facebook.

Board

“As our board fully understands, the healthcare industry is changing constantly and our future depends on strong individuals serving on the GRMC board of trustees,” explains Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “The uncertainty will likely not stabilize for several years. Our ability to remain flexible in a world of heavy regulations and requirements will challenge healthcare administrations across the country. This board will face challenges never experienced before as we balance options for optimal patient care and financial stability.”

GRMC and the residents served by the medical center have benefited from the diverse membership of the board and representation by community members as well as medical professionals. The GRMC Board of Trustees includes the officers and new members listed above as well as Karla Erickson; Laura Ferguson, MD; Wendy Kadner; JoAnn Manatt; Michelle Rebelsky, MD; Todd Reding; and Joanne Yuska. Ex officio members of the board in addition to Dahlby Albright, medical staff president, are Todd Linden, and George Drake, who will serve a second year in his two-year as GRMC Foundation Board chair.

Stepping off the GRMC board after serving since 2000 are Debby Pohlson and Wally Walker.

The board is responsible for overall governance of GRMC, a nonprofit, private medical center. Its primary roles include maintaining the mission and vision; strategic planning; appointing members of the medical and allied health staff; approving the annual budget and providing financial oversight; monitoring overall quality of services; and appointing the chief executive.

Healthcare Day at the State Capitol

2012-01-27T16:18:00.004-06:00

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary invites the public to participate in the annual Iowa Hospital Association’s Legislative Day, scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 29. Legislative Day allows area residents to be healthcare advocates about the government’s role in healthcare policy and funding.

This year’s Legislative Day will begin with lunch and program at the new Veterans Memorial Ballroom. The GRMC Auxiliary has reserved a motorcoach to transport area residents to Des Moines. The coach will leave Grinnell at 10 a.m. Iowa Governor Terry Branstad has been invited to be the keynote speaker. Greg Boattenhamer, IHA government relations senior vice president, will discuss the 2012 legislative agenda.

Another highlight of the day is meeting with legislators representing the Poweshiek County area. Plans are in the works to meet with State Senator Tom Rielly and State Representative Guy Vander Linden.

To sign up for this free event, please call the GRMC volunteer office at 641-236-2588, or email at kolson@grmc.us, by Monday, Feb. 6.

Legislative Day is the largest annual gathering of healthcare advocates during the year, with more than 1,000 in attendance. The event, sponsored by Iowa Hospital Association, is free to all hospital supporters across the state. The purpose of Legislative Day is to give hospital advocates the tools and skills needed to directly address issues facing Iowa hospitals, healthcare providers, and citizens with their legislators at the Iowa Statehouse. Grinnell Regional Medical Center has been a leader in this program with an average of 40 participants attending in recent years.

“Funding for Medicaid to hospitals and healthcare providers is always under scrutiny for Iowa’s budget,” explains Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “Preserving Iowa’s Medicaid program – both in terms of services to beneficiaries and payments to healthcare providers – must continue to be an important funding priority for our state government.”

The IHA provides legislative papers explaining current healthcare topics. Issues under consideration include behavioral health, health benefit exchanges, quality mandates, and oversight of ambulatory surgery centers.

First Baby of 2012

2012-01-05T11:16:00.000-06:00

Samantha Rae Payne, daughter of Tiffany and Scott Payne, was the first baby born in 2012 in the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Payne was born at 6:47 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012, weighing 6 pounds 11 ounces and measured 19.25 inches in length.

The first baby of the year was delivered by Roy Doorenbos, MD, Grinnell Regional Family Practice, Grinnell. Samantha joins an older brother, Brandon Payne, at home in Grinnell.

End of Year Gifts Help GRMC with Renovations

2011-12-15T10:22:00.000-06:00

A bequest and an anonymous gift to Grinnell Regional Medical Center will fund renovations in the first floor hallways and the cafeteria as well as complete a sprinkler system upgrade. The $25,000 bequest from Dale and Eylene Brush will be added to a $20,000 anonymous gift to complete the first floor construction and facelift.

“We’re just tickled to be able to make these renovations to what many consider our entrance hallway to patient wings and the cafeteria,” says Kris Gilman, GRMC director of nutrition services. “This area can make an important impression on our guests. We want the facility image to match the excellent care, service, and food at GRMC.”

Excellent care and compassion during end of life and kind words prompted the $25,000 bequest from Dale and Eylene Brush of rural Grinnell/Lynnville. GRMC cared for Dale Brush during his battle with cancer and offered many services to Eylene’s mother in her final years. After the positive experiences and compassion at GRMC, Eylene wanted to give back to the hospital, says Don Davis, who is married to Eylene’s niece, Carol Davis.

The Brushes were long-time farmers north of Lynnville. Dale was an avid horse lover and judged 4-H contests for years. Dale passed away in 2000 and Eylene in 2008.

“I had the honor of knowing Dale and Eylene and we are so thankful for these generous donations,” says Mark Doll, GRMC director of facilities management. “I’m excited about helping implement renovations to the medical center as a tribute to them. This combined donation will allow GRMC to complete the much needed renovations. This is a tremendous blessing as we end 2011.”

The Brush bequest will be combined with an anonymous $20,000 annual fund drive gift designated for hospital renovations. By combining these gifts, GRMC will make an upgrade to the final segment of the sprinkler system in the first floor hallway as well as resurface the entire area from floor to ceiling.

Bequests through a will serve as an important way that residents can express thanks and appreciation for services and staff at GRMC. For more information about this option, residents may work with their financial planners or call Denise Lamphier, GRMC director of communications and development.

GRMC is nearing the end of its 2011 annual fund drive campaign. The annual fund drive supports operating costs at the medical center. This year, a special focus of the annual fund is to raise $140,000 toward four new anesthesia units for the surgery department. The medical center has raised about $120,000 toward the $140,000 project to purchase updated and uniform anesthesia machines for the four surgery suites. Each anesthesia machine costs $35,000. Grinnell College, Grinnell State Bank, and Laser Resources have combined funds to offer a matching challenge to the community. By completing the challenge match, GRMC will close the funding gap needed to purchase all four machines.

“We’re so close to meeting the anesthesia goal. Our community is truly showing its support for this need. We need just $15,000 more to complete the match and fund all four units,” Lamphier says.

Donations to the annual fund drive may be given online, by phone, or by mail. For phone donations, call Lamphier in the GRMC Office of Communications and Development at 641-236-2589. Gifts may be made online by visiting www.grmc.us and clicking on “Make a Gift Online” under Quick Links. Or, mail donations to the Office of Communications and Development, Attn: Denise Lamphier, 210 4th Ave., Grinnell, IA 50112. Donations received or postmarked prior to January 1, 2012, are applied toward 2011 taxes.

New Cancer Support Group Meeting at GRMC

2011-12-12T11:50:00.001-06:00

A new cancer support group now meets at Grinnell Regional Medical Center every Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in room 204.

“It is an informal time of sharing and support for anyone with a cancer diagnosis,” says Linda Romero, LISW, social worker at GRMC. “We hope that patients will attend, learn from each other, and gain support.”

To learn more about this new cancer support group, call Linda Romero at 641-236-2568. To learn more about cancer care at GRMC, go to www.grmc.us.

Massage Therapy Services at Deer Creek

2011-12-12T11:48:00.003-06:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center massage therapist, Jamie Hodina, LMT, will begin offering massage therapy services at Deer Creek Health Center on December 5. Hodina will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every other Monday.

“Massage therapy has so many benefits for clients,” explains Hodina. “It can reduce stress; improve circulation; and enhance flexibility and range of motion, as well as other benefits. I’m happy to provide massages to area residents.”

Residents may schedule 30, 60, and 90-minute massages with Hodina in Toledo by calling the Postels Community Health Park office at 641-236-2953. The Deer Creek Health Center is located at 401 First Ave.

Dr. Roy Doorenbos Joins Victor Health Center

2011-12-12T11:45:00.001-06:00

The Victor Health Center welcomes Roy A. Doorenbos, MD, as the new medical director at the clinic. Doorenbos began seeing patients in the clinic on December 1. As the new medical director, he will oversee care at the Victor Health Center and see patients routinely in the clinic. He joins Wendi Beck, PA-C, who currently serves at the clinic.

Doorenbos currently is a primary care provider with Grinnell Regional Family Practice, located in the Ahrens Medical Arts Building. He joined the GRMC medical staff in 1986. He was born in Boyden, Iowa, and attended Iowa State University for his undergraduate degree and the University of Iowa for his medical degree.

Doorenbos accepted the medical director position following the retirement of David Cranston, MD, who had been at the clinic for more than five years.

“I grew up in a small town, like Victor, and I’m looking forward to helping meet the medical needs of area residents. Small town Iowa is a good place to live and I want to help support the Victor community and the quality of life,” says Doorenbos.

Beginning December 1, the Victor Health Center hours will be Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon; and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The clinic offers the spectrum of primary care services. To schedule an appointment, call the Victor Health Center at 319-647-7511.

Grinnell Clears First Hurdle to Becoming Blue Zones Community

2011-12-01T11:41:00.000-06:00

Grinnell has been invited to make a full application to Healthways to become a Blue Zones Community. Grinnell Blue Zones project co-leaders Jennifer Jacobsen, Grinnell College wellness coordinator, and Cory Jackson, director of Grinnell Regional Wellness and Fitness programs, announced the invitation.

“The Blue Zones” is a book written by Dan Buettner, a National Geographic researcher who studied communities all over the world to find those communities where residents lived well into their nineties and even longer. Buettner summarized his findings and created the Power 9™, a pyramid of nine different small changes in individual lifestyle habits that have a big impact on a community. Grinnell’s Drake Community Library has this book in its collection.

“The Blue Zones project in Iowa goes hand-in-hand with Governor Branstad’s Healthiest State Initiative,” says Jackson. “Right now, 58 communities across the state of Iowa have been invited to apply to become one of a few Iowa communities to be named ‘Blue Zones.’ We’re already doing great things in Grinnell. Becoming a Blue Zones community would take us to the next level.”

The next level includes a community-wide survey of needs by Healthways-Gallup, funding for a full-time project coordinator, and creating initiatives that are collaborative, sustainable, and accessible to all members of the community.

More than 80 Iowa communities applied to be invited to make a full application to become a Blue Zones Community. Grinnell is one of 58 communities selected to move on to the next step of the process.

"We are meeting with several community leaders from organizations that have incredible projects and plans for our quality of life in Grinnell," says Jacobsen. "We're putting our effort into establishing a plan that is sustainable, collaborative, and accessible for all residents. We are already doing some pretty amazing things. Being a Blue Zones Community would help us take it to the next level."

The full application is due in early January. Grinnell still needs residents to register their support at the Blue Zones website www.bluezonesproject.com/citizens/signup.

"Community involvement is really important for this process,” says Jackson. “It’s all about working together to make changes in our community making it easier for residents to live healthier, happier lives. We need residents to register their support and to ‘friend us’ on Facebook to get involved.”

For more information about Grinnell Blue Zones and local efforts, please contact Jacobsen, 641-269-3704 or Jackson, 641-236-2998.

Anonymous Donor Creates Endow Iowa Fund for GRMC

2011-11-23T16:15:00.003-06:00

An anonymous donor has created an Endow Iowa endowment fund at the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation to benefit Grinnell Regional Medical Center. This endowed fund will have a maximum annual distribution of 5 percent. Going forward, additional donors may contribute to this newly established fund with a gift of $100 or greater and also take advantage of the tax benefit.

“GRMC is grateful to the donor who made this all possible,” says Todd Linden, GRMC President and CEO. “We are pleased to be a part of this collaboration between the donor and the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation. Interest earned from the endowment provides the medical center with funds for annual operating needs.”

“We are pleased to have the medical center included in this wonderful program,” says Tom Marshall, GPCF vice-president and founding board member. “This collaboration provides another opportunity for donors to give to a great organization.”

This partnership provides donors who wish to support the important work of GRMC with State of Iowa tax credits in addition to any federal tax benefits. This opportunity exists because of a program called the Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program. Iowa citizens or businesses making a gift to a permanently endowed fund held by a qualified community foundation, such as GPCF, are eligible for a 25 percent State of Iowa tax credit.

The 25 percent Endow Iowa tax credit means that for every $100 contributed to this fund, the donor’s Iowa income tax bill is reduced by $25. The gift remains income tax-deductible for federal purposes, which produces additional savings for the donor consistent with their specific tax bracket.

The Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program was created to encourage individuals, businesses, and organizations to make lasting investments in their communities. To date, Iowans have donated $75 million by taking advantage of the Endow Iowa tax credit through endowments at community foundations across the state. Locally, donors have contributed more than $500,000 toward endowment funds through GPCF. The foundation manages local funds for the Endow Iowa tax credit as the area’s community foundation. Endow Iowa tax credits are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information about how to support Grinnell Regional Medical Center with the Endow Iowa program, please contact Denise Lamphier, GRMC director of communications and development at 641-236-2589 or dlamphier@grmc.us. Donors with questions about Endow Iowa, may contact Delphina Baumann, GPCF gift planning coordinator, at 641-236-5518 or delphina@greaterpcf.org.

Annual GRMC Auxiliary Wreath Raffle Ushers in the Holiday

2011-11-09T16:08:00.001-06:00

Welcome the holiday season with the annual wreath raffle sponsored by the Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary. This year, the auxiliary will sell raffle tickets for 40 holiday and winter wreaths, more than ever before. Wreaths are 24 inches in diameter and decorated by area businesses and volunteers in a wide variety of themes – from traditional, whimsical and contemporary.

Ticket sales begin Monday, November 28 at The Glass Gift Box at GRMC. Wreaths will be displayed in the hospital hallways by The Glass Gift Box, laboratory waiting, and physical therapy. The drawing for wreaths will be Friday, December 16, at 1 p.m.

“We are thrilled to have so many wreaths for the raffle this year,” says Donna German, committee chair. “It’s a fun event to kick off the holiday season.”

This fundraiser for the GRMC Auxiliary will go toward the Auxiliary’s effort to help GRMC with a new mobile hospital van. Overall, the GRMC Auxiliary supports various medical center and health education programs, including $5,000 in scholarships, major equipment gifts to the medical center, books and gifts to newborns at the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center, and health education such as the Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair.

Raffle tickets may be purchased at The Glass Gift Box, the Auxiliary’s gift shop inside the medical center, for $1 each or 6 for $5, beginning Monday, Nov. 28. While at The Glass Gift Box, shoppers can also purchase angels for the hospital angel tree in honor or memory of a loved one.

For more information on any of these events or to support the GRMC Auxiliary, call the GRMC volunteer coordinator at 236-2588.

Community Challenged to Fund Anesthesia Machines

2011-10-21T11:07:00.001-05:00

Three organizations have collaborated to offer Grinnell Regional Medical Center a $35,000 challenge to the community to fund the need for upgraded anesthesia machines in the surgery department.

Grinnell College, Grinnell State Bank, and Laser Resources will together match all donations to GRMC’s annual fund drive designated for the new anesthesia machines dollar for dollar up to $35,000.

“This effort is about so much more than medical equipment,” says Denise Lamphier, GRMC director of communications and development. “Last year, GRMC performed 2,800 surgeries. So far this year, GRMC has performed more than 2,560 surgeries. Included in this year’s patients were my sister and my best friend. For me, this effort is about providing the best medical care close to home for our friends, neighbors, and family members. An upgrade to our anesthesia machines will help ensure quality care for years to come. Because of that, I am both professionally and personally grateful to Grinnell College, Grinnell State Bank, and Laser Resources for offering this matching challenge.”

The medical center has already raised almost $70,000 toward the $140,000 project to purchase updated and uniform anesthesia machines for the four surgery suites. Each anesthesia machine costs $35,000. Completion of the challenge from Grinnell College, Grinnell State Bank, and Laser Resources will close the funding gap needed to purchase all four machines

“Grinnell is fortunate to have a facility like GRMC right here in town. We recognize that the medical center continually strives for improved quality of care and patient safety, and that this equipment is a step toward that goal,” says Raynard Kington, president of Grinnell College.

The anesthesia equipment upgrade will allow the GRMC surgery staff to deliver anesthetics with much more sophisticated ventilator capabilities in a safe and effective manner. Benefits for the patient include hands-free ventilation so the anesthesia provider can focus even more closely on the patient. In addition, improved technology advancements reduce the potential for errors.

“I imagine many of my family members, as well as myself, have been helped many times over by these machines. So, I imagine these new machines will be there for us many times into the future. Please join us in making such an important contribution to our own well-being,” says David Jones, president and CEO of Grinnell State Bank.

“As a locally owned and operated company, Laser Resources believes strongly in partnering with our Central Iowa customers. We hope our support of the anesthesia machine effort will help further the good work being done at GRMC,” says Bob Lashier, president of Laser Resources, a supplier of printing and copying technology to GRMC.

Donations to the anesthesia effort—online, by phone, or by mail—will be matched dollar for dollar. For more information, call Lamphier in the GRMC Office of Communications and Development at 641-236-2589. Gifts may be made online by visiting www.grmc.us and clicking on “Make a Gift Online” under Quick Links.

GRMC Volunteer Recognized as a Shining Star with IHA

2011-10-14T10:35:00.006-05:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center volunteer Shirley Broders was recognized by the Iowa Hospital Association as a Shining Star at their annual meeting on Oct. 6 in Des Moines.

Broders was nominated by GRMC Auxiliary for her length of volunteer service and her dedication. She began her involvement with the auxiliary more than 20 years ago through her employment with GRMC. She would work during the day and volunteered in the gift shop in the evenings.

“Shirley served as a dedicated employee of GRMC and has continued that commitment to the health in retirement as a volunteer. We are truly blessed to have such excellent volunteers at GRMC,” says Todd C. Linden, CEO and president of GRMC. “Shirley is a shining star for GRMC and the auxiliary. We want to thank her for her service for so many years.”

In 1990, Broders began maintaining the GRMC Auxiliary archives to preserve the rich history of the Auxiliary. In 2000, she started volunteering as a breakfast cashier. This is a valued service to our guests and employees and a fundraiser for the auxiliary. Broders also participates in the annual Iowa Hospital Association Legislative Day. Over the years, she has accumulated more than 2,000 hours volunteering for the Auxiliary and Grinnell Regional Medical Center.

Grinnell Regional Medical Center Receives $5,000 Grant

2011-10-14T07:27:00.003-05:00

Grinnell, Iowa Monsanto Site Helps Local Organization Purchase Anesthesia Equipment

GRINNELL, Iowa –The Grinnell Regional Medical Center, dedicated to the care of nearly 40,000 residents in greater Poweshiek County, received a $5,000 grant with the help of the Grinnell Monsanto Site.

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center (GRMC), a top rural medical center in Poweshiek County, was presented a $5,000 check from the Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company. The presentation took place at the GRMC’s Blue Jean Ball, on Saturday, Sept. 24.

The GRMC will utilize the grant to help fund the purchase of new anesthesia equipment. “This equipment is extremely expensive, and particular during tough economic times, we count ourselves blessed to have received this generous donation,” said Denise Lamphier, director of communications and development at GRMC. "On behalf of the Medical Center and the community, we are sincerely appreciative for the Monsanto Fund and this donation.”

Al Henderson, Monsanto Site lead, was also excited to play a part in the donation. "The support of the Grinnell Regional Medical Center is important to the local community, as it helps the hospital to maintain and provide a high level of service to local residents,” he said. “It is continually striving to improve equipment and facilities so that it can attract new physicians and staff along with providing Grinnell area residents with the latest advancements in medical care."

This grant is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund, which is focused on strengthening farming communities, as well as the communities where Monsanto’s employees live and work.

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About the Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

GRMC Auxiliary Member Meeting

2011-10-06T14:50:00.004-05:00

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary invites everyone to the annual fall luncheon scheduled for noon on Wednesday, Oct. 26. The regular gathering will again be held in the dining center at Buckley Hall on Park Street in the Mayflower Community, Grinnell.

“Our mission of the GRMC Auxiliary is to support the medical center through financial as well as volunteer services. We invite all members and the public to our luncheons where we share our successes and goals for the new year,” says Sheila Latcham, GRMC Auxiliary president. “For example, we are collecting items for the Stork’s Nest at this year’s fall luncheon to support a program for young mothers.”

The Stork’s Nest is launching a project for mothers in the program. They need plain colored T-shirts sized 0-3 months through 2T. In addition, the Stork’s Nest always needs items like diapers, bottles, pacifiers, wipes, and baby items. GRMC Auxiliary luncheon attendees are invited to bring an item for the Stork’s Nest.

The agenda for the meeting includes: the election of 2012 officers and board members, updates on projects at the hospital and auxiliary, and door prizes. Entertainment will be provided by the Four Tones.

Tickets are $8 and available in The Glass Gift Box – the GRMC gift shop, from any GRMC Auxiliary Board member, or call the GRMC volunteer office at 641-236-2588.

Protect Against the Flu with a Vaccine

2011-09-21T13:56:00.002-05:00

Grinnell Regional Public Health joins the Iowa Department of Public Health and the CDC in urging an annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older as the best way to protect against influenza. By getting a yearly influenza vaccine, you can protect yourself from illness, and protect those around you.

“The best way to protect you and your family is to receive an annual influenza vaccination,” said Patty Hinrichs, director of Grinnell Regional Public Health. Since the flu season begins in the fall, public health recommends residents receive the vaccine at an upcoming clinic.

This year, 170 million doses of influenza vaccine will be available in the United States. Manufacturers are currently shipping flu vaccines for the 2011-2012 season. The flu vaccine is plentiful this year, and is available in both the “shot in the arm” and “spray in the nose” formats.

Influenza is a respiratory illness that most often causes fever, headache, extreme tiredness, coughing, sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose. Occasionally, nausea and diarrhea can accompany the respiratory symptoms. The flu virus is spread when people who are ill cough or sneeze without covering their mouths and noses, sending tiny droplets of saliva into the air for others to breathe in and get sick. A person can also get the flu by touching a surface or object (such as a door handle) that has been touched by someone with the flu (who coughed into their hand), and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose.

Grinnell Regional Public Health will host public immunization clinics throughout the county. No appointment is necessary. Residents should bring their insurance card and information (including private, Medicare, and Medicaid). The schedule includes:

Monday, Oct. 3, 2 to 6 p.m. – Grinnell Athletic and Recreation Center, 1500 Penrose St., Grinnell

Thursday, Oct. 13, 10:30 to noon – Brookside South, 214 4th Ave. West, Grinnell

Tuesday, Oct. 18, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Grinnell Senior Center, 927 4th Ave., Grinnell

Thursday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m. to noon – St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 211 Jackson St., Brooklyn

Wednesday, Oct. 26, 3:45 to 6 p.m. – Grinnell High School media center, 1333 Sunset St., Grinnell

Thursday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to noon – Mayflower Community, 600 Park St., Grinnell

Monday, Oct. 31, 1 to 3 p.m. – Montezuma Presbyterian Church Family Center, 300 E. Washington, Montezuma

Wednesday, Nov. 2, 3 to 6 p.m. – BGM Elementary cafeteria, Brooklyn

Thursday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to noon – Seeland Park tenplex lobby, Orchard Dr., Grinnell

Thursday, Nov. 10, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Grinnell United Methodist Church, 916 5th Ave., Grinnell

Vaccine is also available at area physicians’ clinics as well as the GRMC affiliated clinics in Victor, Toledo, New Sharon, and Lynnville.

For more information, call Grinnell Regional Public Health at 641-236-2385.

New Pathologist Joins GRMC

2011-08-25T11:58:00.001-05:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center welcomes Soraya Rodriguez, MD, pathologist with Des Moines-based Pathology Associates of Central Iowa, PLC. Rodriguez began with Pathology Associates in early August and will begin providing clinical and anatomical pathology services in Grinnell in early September.

Rodriguez joins Dale Andres, DO, as pathologists at GRMC. Both provide anatomic and clinical pathology services. Clinical pathology includes the diagnosis of disease through the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids. Anatomical pathology involves the diagnosis of disease based on the microscopic evaluation of tissue specimens.

For the past 13 years Rodriguez has been working in the pathology field in the Miami area, with 11 of the 13 years at Jackson Memorial Hospital at the University of Miami, Fla. She earned her medical degree from the Higher Institute of Medical Science in La Habana, Cuba.

Rodriguez is board certified in clinical and anatomic pathology. She completed a cytopathology fellowship at Jackson Memorial in June. Cytopathology is a branch of pathology that studies and diagnoses diseases on the cellular level. A common application of cytopathology is the Pap smear, used as a screening tool, to detect precancerous cervical lesions and cervical cancer. Cytopathology is also commonly used to investigate thyroid lesions, lymph nodes, and salivary gland lesions and to find diseases in sterile body cavities, and a wide range of other body sites, including the deep organs such as liver, pancreas, lung, and kidney.

“The addition of Dr. Rodriguez to our pathology staff will bring expanded capabilities, especially in the area of surgical pathology and cytopathology,” says Gregg Hawkins, director of GRMC’s laboratory. “The addition of Dr. Rodriguez will allow rapid in-house testing of tissue samples by frozen section and fine needle aspiration biopsies. GRMC will now have expanded capabilities to perform rapid diagnostic tests on tissue while a patient may still be in surgery or through outpatient fine needle aspiration procedures. This will give all our physicians greater ability to triage patients, make diagnosis, and treat medical conditions.”

“Our relationship with Mercy connected GRMC with Pathology Associates of Central Iowa. Now we’re able to bring additional expertise to provide greater services for our patients,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC President and CEO. “We’re very pleased to welcome Dr. Rodriguez and her diagnostic skills and experience.”

Rodriguez moved to Grinnell this summer to start a new chapter in her life.

“Working in this smaller community will allow me to have a better relationship with the referring physicians and patients,” Rodriguez says. “Grinnell and the quality care performed at the medical center seem like a great fit for me.”

Rodriguez is married to Jerome Wehr, MD, Grinnell Family Care. She has one grown son. She enjoys biking and rode in her first RAGBRAI this summer.

GRMC Auxiliary to Host Tag Day

2011-08-24T11:54:00.001-05:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary will raise funds in a one-day blitz on Friday, Aug. 26. This annual Tag Day event has been a GRMC auxiliary tradition for more than 85 years where area residents are asked to make a donation in exchange for the bright yellow tags.

This year funds raised will go toward a second epidural pump for obstetrical patients in the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center. This specialized pump provides OB patients with a pain relief option that is safe and effective during labor. With the addition of OB/GYN specialist Seanna Thompson, MD, and more babies being delivered at GRMC, the OB unit needs two pumps available for patients.

Local residents may support the GRMC Auxiliary and this equipment purchase by making a donation on Tag Day. Watch for volunteers at tables throughout the GRMC service area communities. Or for more information call the volunteer office at 641-236-2588.

Untangle Life at Women’s Event

2011-08-12T10:07:00.000-05:00

In the busy lives that women lead, they might forget to take care of themselves. “You: Untangled,” this year’s Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair, brings together education, humor, and social time to help de-tangle life. Guest speaker Pat Wynn Brown will share her Hair Theater Beauty School perspective to find your inner beauty.

The fifth Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair sponsored by Grinnell Regional Medical Center and the GRMC Auxiliary will be Wednesday, Oct. 5. The event will be held in the Grinnell Newburg Community High School beginning at 4 p.m. with educational exhibits and retail therapy vendors.

“New this year, we will have several hair salons providing 10-minute hair style ‘up dos’ to participants,” explains Jennifer Cogley, past president of the GRMC Auxiliary. “We’re very excited to be able to offer several makeovers to individuals who register to attend the Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair.”

When individuals purchase a ticket they will indicate if they would be interested in receiving the makeover. To be considered for the makeover, please purchase tickets before Sept. 21, when individuals will be selected for the free makeovers. This could include hair, makeup, nails, all depending on each salon.

This will be a night focusing on inner beauty.

“Hair Theater Beauty School is a laughter and story-telling ‘conditioner’ for the tangles of life’s stresses and frets. Humor is an age-defier and a good giggle can erase years off our face,” Brown says. “The phases of our hair and lives share a common message for all women.”

Exhibitors and Retailers
The evening will begin at 4 p.m. with 40 educational booths covering everything from breast health, obstetrical services, childcare resources, sleep medicine, foot care, public health, hospice care, community resources, nutrition, wellness, and more. Participants will also have the opportunity to have five-minute chair massages, hand paraffin dips, and meet GRMC’s obstetrician/gynecologist —while also enjoying a girl’s night out.

Childcare will be provided for a small fee. Happy breastfeeding babies under six months of age may remain with their mothers. Due to the increased number of exhibitors, stroller access will be limited.

The GRMC Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair is a relaxed night out with the girls. The Mayflower Community chef and catering staff will do all the cooking. This year’s menu includes: angel hair pasta with Alfredo chicken or marinara and sausage, chicken breast with mango and pineapple salsa, steakhouse salad, vegetable stir-fry over rice, fresh vegetable salad, fresh fruit salad, cheese tray, bread basket, and a wonderful dessert table.

In addition to door prizes tailored to new and expecting mothers, the Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair will give away body wraps and massages from Postels Community Health Park, a three-month membership at GRMC Wellness Services, a Flip camera, gift certificates to The Glass Gift Box, and gift baskets from salons – Visions, Marcia’s Trim U, 1st Impressions, and Expressions. All women who attend will have their names entered for these drawings. In addition, many vendors and exhibitors will offer drawings for prizes.

The Retail Therapy area will be open with area vendors as part of the evening’s fun. Scheduled for the event are: Cory Hall Photography, Flower Connection, Jo Jones Photography, Mary Kay Cosmetics, and The Glass Gift Box. Salons include Expressions, Shear Delight, and Visions.

Ticket Information
Tickets to the event are $18 and financial assistance is available. On-site childcare is also available for $3 per child, which includes a meal for children over 2. Register for childcare at the time of ticket purchase. To purchase tickets, go online to http://tinyurl.com/2011whf. Tickets are also available at The Glass Gift Box located inside GRMC, Dori’s Fine Fashion and Shoes, and Postels Community Health Park. Women who cannot afford tickets may inquire with Amanda Bergman at 641-236-2567 or Jesse Johnson at jesseilert@yahoo.com or 641-236-2326.

This year’s Women’s Health Focus is co-sponsored by GRMC and the Grinnell Regional Auxiliary. Many other partners play a significant role in bringing this event to the community, including Grinnell College, Mayflower Community, Grinnell Eye Care, Grinnell Family Care, Iowa Radiology, Maytag Laundry and Tanning, Medela, and KGRN 1410 AM.

Fun with Fitness Youth Program

2011-08-12T09:34:00.000-05:00

Teaching youth about health and wellness at an early age can be easier with the Fun with Fitness program for area youth. The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Wellness Services department will offer this program for students in kindergarten to 8th grade.

The program will meet once a month on early-out Wednesdays from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Postels Community Health Park, in the activity room. This area has youth sized equipment, kid friendly nutrition activities, fitness education, and local field trips. The program runs from September 7 to May 2.

Free transportation is available from Grinnell elementary and middle schools.

“We developed the content to be a unique after-school option for kids and parents who want their children active and making healthy choices,” explains Jen Ness, GRMC Wellness Services and program coordinator. “We educate the students on why certain exercises work, how foods nourish our bodies, and why we want to make our bodies healthy – all in a fun, youth focused way.”

For families who have family membership to the GRMC Wellness Services, the program is free.

For more information or to register, call the GRMC Wellness Center at 641-236-2999.

GRMC Posts Its 2010 Annual Report Online

2011-08-09T11:51:00.002-05:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center released its annual report, “Recognized. Renowned. Remarkable. Why Choose GRMC?” that summarizes the hospital’s activities and finances during 2010. The annual report can be found online at www.grmc.us.

The past year welcomed several huge successes for the community hospital. Topping the list are the Leapfrog Group Top Hospital Award and the Bariatric Center of Excellence re-accreditation. Both awards earned GRMC national recognition for quality care.

“Success came in different forms this year. We welcomed seven healthcare providers and secured four others who began work in 2011. These providers filled specialty areas such as OB/GYN and internal medicine and increased our capabilities in anesthesia, family practice, general surgery urology, and orthopedics,” says Ed Hatcher, president of the GRMC Board of Directors. “We also enjoyed two TV news segments on Des Moines area stations.”

Another significant advancement was the installation of a new MRI inside the radiology department. GRMC also added high definition endoscopes and monitors, a Turis urology laser for stones, new beds in intensive care and the medical/surgical units, upgraded wireless network and IT security, and new testing units for advanced lab tests.

“Community support is so critical to the medical center’s success and in 2010 we’re very pleased to report broad community support for GRMC and our many programs,” Hatcher says. “I’m amazed and proud of the community we live and work in because of the commitment to support GRMC. The economy was difficult in 2010 and yet giving to support GRMC increased. We see perseverance to support our local non-profit hospital. We try to be transparent about what is happening financially and where donated money goes. I think our supporters appreciate that and understand the difficult situation we face.”

GRMC’s 2010 annual fund drive raised almost $264,000 from 765 donors. Simultaneously, 430 donors contributed $322,000 to upgrade the hospital’s magnetic resonance imaging unit (MRI) services. Giving to both efforts totaled $586,113—topping last year’s annual fund drive.

This support helps fund the operations of GRMC. In 2010, GRMC reduced its costs significantly over 2009. Total operating revenue from all sources totaled more than $70 million – this includes patient charges, grants, and other revenue. However, the medical center is not able to collect all the patient charges, primarily due to Medicare and Medicaid policy. Because of the size and location of the hospital, GRMC is severely disadvantaged compared to other rural hospitals. In 2010, GRMC had total deductions of $33.5 million, which allowed GRMC to end the year with a net revenue of $36.7 million. Total expenses were $39 million, leaving a total operating loss of $2.2 million. GRMC received other contributions and gain on investments so the overall loss in 2010 was slightly more than $1 million.

“In 2010, GRMC reduced its costs significantly over 2009, through expanded group purchasing, shifts in costs for services using our Mercy Health Network relationship, and personal sacrifices by staff with the hopes that a short-term forfeit of benefits provides a long-term benefit of the hospital,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “These cost reductions of nearly $1.4 million helped in reducing the expenses over revenues and the overall loss for the year.

“The past several years have been financially difficult primarily due to poor government reimbursement and patient volume decline resulting from the economic downturn and fewer physicians in a couple specialties. Fortunately, the future looks much better given the improvements to GRMC Medicare payment starting in 2012 as part of the healthcare reform legislation and our wonderful success recruiting physicians and mid-level providers. With more than a 20 percent reduction in our expenses the past several years and these improvements which will enhance revenues, I am confident we have turned the corner financially,” Linden says.

For the complete financial report, the lists of donors, and all the successes in 2010, go to www.grmc.us. Click on the “About Us” link, then the “Annual Reports” link.

For more information or a list of donors, please contact Jan Veach, GRMC office of communications and development, at jveach@grmc.us or 641-236-2946.

Locations to Purchase Blue Jean Ball Tickets

2011-08-08T09:11:00.002-05:00

Tickets may be purchased at the following locations:

www.grmc.us
Seaton’s Grocery, Brooklyn
Postels Community Health Park
Lynnville Medical Clinic
The Glass Gift Box
Victor Market
New Sharon Memorial Clinic
Victor Health Center
Deer Creek Health Center
Montezuma State Bank
Peoples Savings Bank, Montezuma

$25/person; $45/couple; or $30/person at the door

New Orthopedic Surgeon at GRMC

2011-08-03T09:04:00.000-05:00

Capital Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine announces William R. Boulden, MD, FAOSS, will begin providing general orthopedic services at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Boulden will see patients on Tuesday each week in the Ahrens Medical Arts Building beginning August 9.

Boulden is a general orthopedic surgeon with special interest in lumbar spine surgery, total knee replacement surgery, and total hip replacement surgery. Boulden was raised in Southwest Iowa. After graduating from high school in Lenox, Iowa, Boulden attended the University of Iowa and graduated with a B.S. in pharmacy. He went on to graduate from the University of Iowa Medical School. Boulden spent two years in general surgery residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. He completed an Orthopedic Residency Program at the University of Nebraska in Omaha.

He has provided orthopedic care in the Des Moines area since 1977. He is board certified in orthopedic surgery and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

“We’re extremely pleased to expand the orthopedic surgery options at GRMC,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “Dr. Boulden’s reputation for providing excellent orthopedic surgery to thousands of Iowans precedes his arrival to Grinnell.”

Both Capital Orthopeadics and Iowa Orthropeadics, groups based in Des Moines, have strong ties to Mercy Health Network.

“Our goal is to continue working with these groups to recruit a full-time orthopedic surgeon to Grinnell. Adding Capital Ortho at this time expands both our coverage currently and our opportunity to recruit a physician permanently to Grinnell,” Linden says.

Area residents may schedule consultations for surgeries through their primary care providers.

GRMC Hosts First-Ever Blue Jean Ball

2011-07-28T10:18:00.001-05:00

Get out your favorite jeans and make plans to attend the first-ever Blue Jean Ball hosted by Grinnell Regional Medical Center.

The event will be Saturday, Sept. 24, from 8 p.m. to midnight at Grinnell Regional Airport/Billy Robinson Field. Advance tickets are $25 per person; $45 for two. Tickets go on sale Aug. 1 and can be purchased online or the following locations: The Glass Gift Box; Postels Community Health Park; in Brooklyn at Seaton’s; Lynnville Medical Clinic; New Sharon Memorial Clinic; Deer Creek Health Center; Victor Health Clinic; and Victor Market. Tickets at the door will cost $30 each.

Headlining the event’s entertainment is The Dweebs, a popular Wisconsin-based band that covers hits from the ‘70s to today.

Ben Latimer and Jeffrey Knobloch are the masters of ceremonies for the evening that will include celebrating GRMC CEO Todd Linden’s upcoming 50th birthday.

Proceeds from the event will go toward the purchase of a new anesthesia machine for the surgery department. An array of items are on offer for guests to bid on through a silent auction, live auction, and raffle. Silent auction items include handmade truffles, artwork by local artists, overnight stays at area bed and breakfasts, gift baskets, and more. Live auction items include a week’s stay at a condo in Estes Park, Colo., as well as a week-long stay in a high-rise condo overlooking Chicago’s Lake Michigan.

The raffle offers the chance to win an iPad 2 or a Flip camera at a great price. For $5, participants can buy two tickets; five tickets for $10.

“GRMC has a long-standing tradition of hosting beautiful gala events,” says Denise Lamphier, GRMC’s director of communications and development. “We wanted to keep the idea of a gala but make it more casual, so we came up with the idea of a Blue Jean Ball. There’s something for everyone. It’s really a celebration of the great relationship between GRMC and the community.”

In fact, the annual Optimist Fly-In Breakfast will be held earlier in the day, beginning at 7 a.m. at Grinnell Regional Airport.

“We want people to come out that morning and have a fun family time with the Optimists and then come back that night for some adult fun,” Lamphier says. “We are working with the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce, Grinnell College, and ASI Signage Innovations, as well as our sponsors, to make this a memorable event to celebrate quality healthcare.”

Sponsors for this event include: Designer Sponsors – Manatts and the Michael and Susan Witt Foundation; Boot Cut Sponsors – Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation and The Linden Family (Charles and Judith Linden; Erika Linden and Randy Thompson; Teresa and Mark Perrin; and Todd Linden and Angela Johnson); Stonewashed Sponsors – ASI Signage Innovations, Great Western Bank, Heishman Ag, VanderLinden Construction and the Villas at Prairie Pointe; and Dark Blue Sponsors – Axmear Farm, LLC, Bikes to You, Grinnell Family Care, Grandma’s House, KGRN, Dr. Matthew McKnight – Foot and Ankle of Iowa, The Phoenix Café and Market, and The University of Iowa Community Credit Union.

A team of volunteers and GRMC staff have partnered with GRMC’s office of Communications and Development to plan this event. They include Rachel Bly, Tiffany Bridgewater, Jennifer Collins, Casie Cooling, Mary Emge, Kris Gilman, Julie Gosselink, Valerie Hammond, Angela Harrington, Sheena Huls, Heidi Knobloch, Sharon Lahn, Sally Lang, Ben Latimer, Leila Maring, and Emily Schmidt.

For more information about tickets call 641-236-2954 or email llof@grmc.us.

22nd Annual GRMC Golf Outing a Success

2011-07-25T09:26:00.001-05:00

Golfers from around the area gathered at Grinnell Golf and Country Club on Friday, July 22 for the 22nd Annual Grinnell Regional Medical Center Golf Outing. Nearly $12,000 was raised for the medical center to use toward the purchase of a new anesthesia machine.

Bailey Thompson lines up a shot with help from teammates and

fellow co-workers Joe Fenner, Mary Duke, and Becky Froias.

“The heat did not keep golfers from having a great day on the course,” says Todd Linden, president and CEO. “I think everyone had a great time raising funds for a new anesthesia machine for our surgery department.”

This year’s eagle sponsors were Associated Computer Systems, Bernie Lowe and Associates, Grinnell State Bank, and JELD-WEN.

The GRMC golf outing is a best shot, four-person team format planned by a committee of community members and hospital employees. They are Becky Froias, Dr. Scott Collings, Mary Duke, Scott Gilbert, Dr. Jeff Knobloch, Darcy Swick, Jeanette Budding, Denise Lamphier, and Jan Veach.

In the morning teams played nine holes. Finishing in first place was GRMC (Becky Froias, Mary Duke, Bailey Thompson, and Joe Fenner) with a score of 30. The second place team, with a score of 32, was Priority Plastics (Morgan Pryor, Steve Crothers, Phil Gross, and Randy Masterson). Third place went to Lincoln Savings Bank (Rich Gogg, Mike Pearson, Gary McKay, and Al Frischmeyer).

During the afternoon session, teams played 18 holes and were divided into two flights. First place, first flight went to Grinnell State Bank's team of Mike Larson, Eric Smith, Greg Muckler, and Jeremy Muckler with a score of 55. In second place was Baldwin-White (Kevin White, John Stenberg, and Paul Kroger) with a score of 57. Wes Finch Auto Plaza (Wes Finch, Jeff Finch, Hugh German, and John German) took third place with a score of 57.

In the second afternoon flight, first place went to Cirks Financial (Tom Cirks, Jacob Crawford, Mike Winblade, and Scott Gilbert) with a score of 59. The second team in the flight, ACS (Tony Foth, Jamie Ridgeway, Heidi Thompson, and Tom Szary), posted a score of 60. Iowa Orthopaedics (Dan VandeLune, Scott Peery, Doug Bryant, and Jeff VanPelt) also came in with a 60.

The GRMC golf outing includes contests at each hole. At holes 1 and 10, golfers tried to see who could land closest to the pin in one shot. The winner was Russ Bandstra who picked up a $50 HyVee gift card, courtesy of HyVee Food Store.

Holes 2 and 11 were sponsored by Grinnell Golf and Country Club and Bernie Lowe and Associates. On hole 2, golfers competed to have a better tee-off than Grinnell Golf and Country Club pro Mitch Burr. Bernie Lowe and Associates put up $500 to the first golfer to get a hole-in-one. No one was able to earn the $500 prize.

Sheri Schulz and Jeff VanPelt each won $50 gift certificates to the Grinnell Golf and Country Club, courtesy of KJWW Engineering, for the longest drives on holes 3 and 12.

On holes 4 and 13, Mike Creary won $50 in Grinnell Chamber Bucks, sponsored by BSC Construction Services for sinking the longest putt.

At holes 5 and 14, Bailey Thompson and Ben Latimer claimed the contest landing their ball closest to the bedpan and each won $50 in Pagliai’s Pizza gift certificates.

Shannon Renze and Jack Matthews each won a $50 gift certificate to Michael’s for getting their shot closest to the line on holes 6 and 15. The prize was donated courtesy of Michael’s.

Sheri Schulz and Joe Fenner won the prize for the longest drives on holes 7 and 16. Winners received $50 Grinnell Chamber Bucks, sponsored by The Straub Corporation.

Sheri Schulz and Dan VandeLune each earned $50 in Grinnell Chamber Bucks for getting closest to the tiger on holes 8 and 17. Prizes were sponsored by ASI Signage Innovations.

On the 9th hole, golfers paid $5 to bet that they could land on the green with one shot. All golfers who landed on the green in one and paid to play were entered in a drawing for a Cleveland Driver 9 460 CC with the winner drawn from these golfers. This year’s winner was Dave Smith.

Sponsors and donors who made this event possible included: Ahrens Park Foundation; ASI Signage Innovations; Bernie Lowe and Associates; BSC Construction Services, LLC; Bourbon Street; Brown Shoe Fit; Casa Margarita; Cirks Financial Services; Cory Hall Photography; Dayton Meats; Electronic Engineering,The Glass Gift Box; Grinnell Chamber of Commerce; Grinnell Golf and Country Club; Grinnell Health Care Center; Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company; Grinnell Regional Medical Center; Grinnell Sporting Goods – Rees; Hy-Vee Food Store, Iowa Hospital Association; Jensen Optometrists; Julin Printing; KJWW Engineering Consultants; Lincoln Savings Bank; Todd Linden; Linder Tire Service Inc.; Lonnski’s Pub & Deli; Mercy Health Network; Michael’s; Montezuma Country Club; Montgomery Sandwich Shop; Pagliai’s Pizza; Pigott; Pizza Hut; Poweshiek Publications; Prairie Knolls Country Club; Priority Plastics; Russ’ All Sports Consignment; Steel Erectors of Iowa; The Straub Corporation; Total Choice Shipping & Printing; University of Iowa Community Credit Union.

Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic to Open

2011-07-21T13:08:00.002-05:00

Grinnell Regional Internal Medicine now accepts referrals for advance adult care. The internal medicine outpatient clinic is fully staffed, following the addition of Todd Janicki, MD, MBA, on July 1.

The internal medicine specialists at the clinic specialize in care for adults with uncontrolled chronic conditions, symptoms that don’t have a cause or treatment, or severe acute conditions. The clinic is located on the second floor of the Ahrens Medical Arts Building, 210 4th Ave., Grinnell. Clinic hours will be Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to noon.

“GRMC provides a full spectrum of care options and our clinic greatly expands the specialty care that area residents can receive close to home,” explains Christine Lindgren, MD, PhD. “We are specialists for the complicated and unsolved medical concerns of patients. We’re really looking forward to working with patients and their family care providers as a team to restore health.”

Providing outpatient care will be Christine Lindgren, MD, PhD; Ronald Collins, MD; and Todd Janicki, MD, MBA. The three internists will rotate their clinic hours as well as provide inpatient coverage as hospitalists.

The clinic operates on a referral and consult service basis only. Patients must be referred initially from their primary care provider and surgeons. Patients may also be referred to the clinic following hospitalization.

“GRMC’s internal medicine specialists primarily focus on inpatient care,” explains Lindgren. “We’re a hybrid practice with our priority on hospitalist activity and supporting inpatients with follow-up care after hospitalization. Outpatient care addresses specialized care for those areas that GRMC doesn’t have a full time specialist.”

GRMC recruited internal medicine specialists with strong clinical background for the hospitalist positions.

“These physicians have years of experience in diagnosing and treating challenging cases. They’re not straight out of residency,” explains Todd Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “Their backgrounds are extremely helpful for our service area and the individuals we care for at GRMC.”

For more information on Grinnell Regional Internal Medicine, call 641-236-2382.

Donor Gives $25,000 to GRMC: Donation will Fund Continuing Education

2011-07-14T11:58:00.000-05:00

An anonymous donor has given $25,000 to Grinnell Regional Medical Center to support continuing education for staff.

“To say that we are immensely grateful for this kindness would entirely understate the matter,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “Continuing education is absolutely critical to the mission of the medical center. Until now, we have never been able to meet all the continuing education needs of our staff right here in our own facility. In the past, our staff members have needed to drive and pay expensive course fees to meet the rigorous criteria necessary to maintain their certifications and licensure.”

GRMC will use the donation to subscribe to classes via Mercy Health Network’s Midwest Rural Telemedicine Consortium over the Iowa Communication Network. GRMC’s affiliation with Mercy gives the medical center the option to make this connection for an annual fee. The donation will give GRMC staff access to the many classes annually offered by Mercy’s MRTC for a 10-year period.
This type of distance learning allows for live audio/visual interaction between instructor and students throughout Mercy’s telemedicine consortium. Multiple members of GRMC staff can attend the courses through the ICN at one time, and staff will save time and travel costs when needing continuing education.

“This gift has the potential to benefit all GRMC employees and physicians,” says Alex Thompson, RN, GRMC clinical educator. “The staff at GRMC touches hundreds of lives a month. Because of this donor’s support, imagine how many patients will benefit from the knowledge our staff gains from this program over the next decade.”

Linden adds that the indirect benefits from this gift are also immense.

“In addition to helping us provide first-rate education to staff, we also believe the opportunity to receive continuing education credits right here at home will help us with recruitment and retention efforts,” he says.

For information about the new clinical education program or about making a donation to GRMC, contact Denise Lamphier, director of communications and development, at 641-236-2589 or dlamphier@grmc.us

Healing After the Death of a Loved One

2011-06-30T12:27:00.001-05:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center will offer a five-week grief support group designed for anyone in the community who has lost a loved one. The group will explore the challenges associated with loss as well as the opportunities that loss presents for healing and growth.

“The grief support group will be a safe place for participants to share their loss and fond memories of their loved,” explains Randy Svendsen, LBSW, GRMC social worker and group facilitator. “This will be a time for group members to explore ways to remember, heal, and grow.”

Gatherings will be held on Tuesdays, beginning August 2 and run through August 30. The support group will be held noon to 1 p.m. at Brooklyn’s Presbyterian Church, 503 Clay St.

There is no fee to participate, but interested persons must pre-register by calling Grinnell Regional Hospice at 641-236-2418. Childcare will be offered free of charge for those who may need it. Please request childcare when you register.

Child Safety Seat Inspection

2011-06-22T15:41:00.002-05:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center will host a car safety inspection at 4 p.m. on Monday, June 27, at the south employee parking lot, off of 3rd Ave. Staff of the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center will complete the inspections, which are free to anyone who transports children, including parents, grandparents, and childcare providers.

At the inspection the vehicle and seat are thoroughly evaluated to make sure the child safety seat is installed correctly based on age and weight of child. The certified technicians will also examine the car seat size and review whether the seat appears on a recall list. To make newborn seats more safe, technicians may install a noodle to properly fit the baby to the seat and not restrict the baby’s air pathway.

A certified technician instructor will also be available to answer questions. For more information on the free car safety seat inspection, call the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center, at 641-236-2324.

GRMC Auxiliary Hosting Kid Zone

2011-06-16T13:52:00.002-05:00

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary partnered with the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce offering a new service to Friday Fest activities all summer long. The Kid Zone is a safe and fun environment for youth during the first Friday of the month festivities in downtown.

The Kid Zone includes inflatable games, temporary tattoos and face painting, and minute to win it games. Parents may purchase a $10 wrist band that allows the youth unlimited participation for the evening in the Kid Zone and a free bottle of water. Individual tickets may be purchased for each activity as well. Hours are 7 to 9 p.m.

Jacob Lowe, son of Linda and Skip Lowe, tried his hand at a
Minute To Win It game during the Kid Zone activities.

“Our Auxiliary wanted to offer this service to allow youth a safe and fun environment during the Friday Fest activities. The community has really supported coming out on a Friday to meet their friends, family and neighbors downtown,” explains Shannon Reding, GRMC auxiliary vice chair. “We saw a great opportunity to supplement this social gathering. The Kid Zone is a service to the Friday Fest as well as a fundraiser for the auxiliary. Our first one went very well and we invite everyone to come to the next three Friday Fests on July 1, Aug. 5 and Aug. 26.”

The auxiliary will also sell bottled water, sports drinks, and soft drinks for Friday Fest and Kid Zone attendees. The Kid Zone activities are designed for youth over five years of age. Parental supervision is advised for youth eight and under as the auxiliary volunteers will run the games and activities.

The GRMC Auxiliary is a service organization dedicated to supporting the mission of Grinnell Regional Medical Center. To keep up to date on all the GRMC Auxiliary functions please stop by The Glass Gift Box and fill out our Challenge form. For as little as $5 a year, auxiliary friends can keep up on all the happenings. You may also sign up online at www.grmc.us/donate/auxiliary.html. Funds raised by the auxiliary support scholarships for healthcare, patient services and education, and medical equipment. For more information call the GRMC volunteer office at 641-236-2588.

Internal Medicine Specialist Joins GRMC

2011-06-13T10:43:00.000-05:00

Internal medicine services continue to expand as Grinnell Regional Medical Center welcomes Todd A. Janicki, MD, MBA, to the medical staff. Janicki will primarily provide hospitalist coverage for inpatients at GRMC as well as outpatient care at Grinnell Regional Internal Medicine.

Janicki moved to Grinnell from Dublin, Ohio, where he served as a hospitalist for Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. He earned his medical degree from the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, graduating magna cum laude. He received an MBA the same year from Niagara University, Lewiston, New York. His bachelor of arts degree is also from Niagara University.

“I had a strong interest in medical care so I became an EMT,” Janicki says. “I worked with good friends who were training to become physicians and that inspired me to go on to medical school. I really wanted to work with patients in the hospital setting.”

Janicki says he and his wife decided on Grinnell for a totally different practice style as well as life style.

“I’d been in the bigger city hospitals. At the large tertiary hospitals with my specialty, I didn’t really get the direct patient care that I wanted in a practice. It was a complex system so I really coordinated many other specialists. I wanted a smaller hospital setting so I can have direct hands-on care and responsibility with patients,” Janicki says.

“On a personal level, we were looking for a smaller community and plan to live on property outside of town. We hope to be able to have a recreational hobby farm once we get moved.”

Grinnell Regional Internal Medicine will be staffed with Christine Lindgren, DO, PhD, and Ronald Collins, Jr., MD. With the third internist, GRMC will expand hospitalist coverage for inpatients as well as re-launch the internal medicine outpatient clinic.

“We’re excited to welcome Dr. Janicki to our medical staff. He brings excellent diagnostic skills and experience that will be a great benefit for our patients and the complex cases we will see in the clinic as well as the hospital,” Lindgren says. “With three internists on staff, we will greatly expand the care options available to local residents for receiving healthcare close to home.”

Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO, adds, “Dr. Janicki adds dimension and depth to the internal medicine specialty care. We are pleased to round out the internal medicine team with this recruitment. We can offer a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services to our area residents. With three internists on staff along with our state of the art eICU, our sickest patients will have 24/7 advanced care coverage. We can offer follow-up care after discharge and assure the continuum of care for patients from hospital back to their primary care providers.”

Grinnell Regional Internal Medicine in a specialty clinic of Grinnell Regional Medical Center, located on the second floor of the Ahrens Medical Arts Building, 210 4th Ave., Grinnell. For information, call 641-236-2382.

GRMC Auxiliary Hosts Bridge and 500 Invitational

2011-06-03T13:05:00.001-05:00

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary invites all Bridge and 500 card players to its annual Invitational on Thursday, June 23, at the Drake Community Library, 930 Park St., Grinnell. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with the luncheon at noon and games to follow.

Men and women of all skill levels are welcome to this afternoon of fun, card playing, and socializing. A $10 fee is charged and covers the luncheon and prizes.

“This annual event brings together men and women in our area for a fun afternoon of card playing and socializing,” says Karen Voecks, GRMC auxiliary committee chair. “Participants do not need to find a foursome to play. We will match up tables during registration. Individuals will be given a tally and table information upon registration.”

Proceeds from the event will support the GRMC Auxiliary’s goals to purchase equipment for the hospital, fund scholarships, and host the Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair, among other projects.

For more information or to reserve your space at the annual Auxiliary Bridge and 500 Invitational, contact Natalie Dunn by June 20 at 641-236-3644 or email her at natk.jmdn@yahoo.com; or call Voecks at 641-236-4963 or email her at hlcch@iowatelecom.net.

GRMC Takes Reins at Deer Creek

2011-05-27T14:21:00.001-05:00

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.

22nd Annual GRMC Golf Outing on July 22

2011-05-26T14:57:00.002-05:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center will host its 22nd annual golf outing on Friday, July 22, at the Grinnell Golf and Country Club. This annual event brings together supporters from both the community and GRMC business partners. Participants in the four-person best ball scramble will enjoy raffle prizes, flight prizes, lunch, and beverages on the course as well as hole contests.

For 2011, GRMC will introduce new activities, return to a few traditions, and build a little friendly competition. The GRMC golf outing will return with two tee-off times. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., golfers will play 9 holes for a reduced price. The afternoon game will tee off at noon for 18 holes. GRMC will also offer a $500 cash prize to the first golfer to get a hole-in-one on Hole # 2 and #11, thanks to a sponsorship by Bernie Lowe and Associates. New for the outing, golfers will play Beat the Pro on Hole #2 with Golf Pro Mitch Burr, Move Up on Hole #6, and a new fashion judging contest for both the best dressed golfer and the most obnoxiously dressed golfer.

This year local golfers from Poweshiek County will compete for a best local team award. Area businesses will be able to compete for bragging rights and an award to prove their skills.

Golfers and teams may register by calling GRMC’s office of communications and development at 641-236-2946 or by going online at http://tinyurl.com/grmcgolf. Registration fees are $40 for 9 holes in the morning and $85 for 18-holes in the afternoon. Carts are $15 in the morning and $30 in the afternoon. Deadline for registration is July 15 or until the golf slots are filled.

Sponsors making this event possible include Associated Computer Systems, Bernie Lowe and Associates, Grinnell State Bank, and JELD-WEN at the Eagle level; Baldwin White Architects, Grinnell College, Grinnell Golf and Country Club, Great Western Bank, Health Enterprise, Mercy Health Network, and Todd Linden at the Birdie level; Electronic Engineering, HyVee, and Jensen Optometrists at the 19th Hole Sponsorship level; as well as flight and hole prizes by Ahrens Park Foundation, ASI, Cirks Financial, Gronwold Bell and Kyhnn & Co., HyVee, Julin Printing, KJWW Engineering Consultants, and Poweshiek Publications.

A group of community members are helping plan this year’s event including Scott Collings, OD; Mary Duke; Becky Froias; Scott Gilbert; Jeff Knobloch, DO; and Darcy Swick along with GRMC’s office of communications and development staff Jeanette Budding, Denise Lamphier, and Jan Veach.

Three Join GRMC Foundation Board

2011-05-19T10:01:00.001-05:00

Leonard Seda, Victor; Jan Hansen, Montezuma; and Carol Jordan, Grinnell; are new members of the GRMC Foundation Board.

Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Foundation Board added three new members at their May 12 meeting. Jan Hansen, Carol Jordan, and Leonard Seda joined the board that makes decisions about the hospital endowment and fund-raising efforts.

Hansen retired after working at Brownells for more than 25 years. She and her husband, Jim, are long-time Montezuma farmers. Jordan is the past-president of Grinnell Regional Auxiliary and is serving as an ex-officio member of the board for a two-year term. Jordan retired as the director of network services for the company formerly known as GTE. Seda is a retired veterinarian from Victor. He is a member of the Victor Community Development Association and was instrumental in helping GRMC establish the Victor Health Center.

“Every member of the GRMC foundation board provides valuable guidance and leadership for GRMC’s fundraising efforts and management of the foundation’s endowment,” says Denise Lamphier, director of communications and development. “They serve as a liaison within their communities on behalf of GRMC as well.”

The 2011 officers for the foundation board are George Drake, chair; Sally Lang, chair-elect; and Julie Gosselink, secretary/treasurer.

Other foundation board members are: Dan Agnew; Sig Barber; Orville Bloethe; Warren Bower, MD; Pete Brownell; Jenny Erickson; Jack Gustafson; Ed Hatcher; Joanie Heimsoth; Clark Jensen, OD; Mark Kennett, Dianne Latimer; Todd C. Linden; Leila Maring; Nancy Walters Smith; Sally Smith; Pat Supple; Dave Vander Linden; and Victor Wilson, MD.

The medical center is currently engaged in a handful of fund-raising activities for which the board provides guidance, including the annual fund drive, the golf outing, this year’s Blue Jean Ball, and planned giving activities.

GRMC Auxiliary Announce Scholarship Recipients

2011-05-13T13:19:00.000-05:00

From left, Marisa Bushong and Amanda Albertsen.

Not pictured: Tilly Schmidt, Bailey Zegers, and Kali Montgomery.

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary introduced the five $1,000 scholarship winners at the annual membership spring luncheon on April 13. The GRMC auxiliary provides scholarships to new high school graduates as well as adults returning to advanced education in a healthcare field.

The 2011 GRMC Auxiliary Scholarship recipients are:

Amanda Albertsen, Tama. She will graduate from South Tama County High School in May. She has been accepted to attend the University of Iowa where she plans to major in biology and pre-med. Her parents are David and Nancy Albertsen.

Tilly Schmidt, South English. Schmidt is in her third year at Mt. Mercy College where she is studying nursing. She is the daughter of Richard Schmidt.

Bailey Zegers, Sully. She is a 2009 graduate of Lynnville-Sully High School and is currently a nursing student at Mt. Mercy College. She is the daughter of Brad Zegers and Denise Williams.

Kali Montgomery, Brooklyn. She will graduate from BGM High School in May, and will attend Luther College to study nursing. She is the daughter of Kyle and Marna Montgomery.

Marisa Bushong, Montezuma. Bushong will graduate from the Montezuma Community School in May, and will study nursing at DMACC and Allen College. She is the daughter of Rex and Kim Bushong.

Congratulations to these 2011 scholarship winners. For more information about the GRMC Auxiliary and scholarship program, call 641-236-2588.

GRMC Wins Gold in Competition

2011-05-13T13:13:00.001-05:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s 2010 Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair earned a gold award with the Aster Awards. The GRMC Office of Communications and Development entered the special event category for the competition and received notice of its gold rating.

The Aster Awards, one of the largest national competitions of its kind, is hosted by Marketing Healthcare Today Magazine and Creative Images, Inc. This elite program recognizes outstanding healthcare professionals for excellence in their advertising/marketing efforts for the calendar year 2010.

“Our Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair was a huge success last fall and this award for the promotional materials supports that success. Our committee for this event includes GRMC staff and GRMC Auxiliary members working to produce an event that women of all ages will love,” explains Denise Lamphier, GRMC director of communications and development. “This is a great honor to be recognized nationally for this event.”

All entries for each category are placed together for judging by a panel of design and healthcare marketing professionals with decades of combined experience. Entries are judged on: creativity, layout/design, typography, production, quality & overall effectiveness. Participant’s entries competed against similar-sized organizations in their category. Entries must score at least in the top 16 percent to receive an award.

All winners are posted on the Aster Awards website (www.AsterAwards.com), as well as published in Marketing Healthcare Today, a national healthcare marketing magazine.

GRMC to Distribute Bike Helmets

2011-05-02T09:35:00.000-05:00

Spring time brings out bicyclists and the annual bicycle helmet giveaway to more than 500 area third graders. Grinnell Regional Medical Center will once again lead the distribution of free helmets, provided by the GRMC medical staff along with GRMC, area businesses, and individuals.

Bicycling can be fun, healthy, and a great form of independence but it’s important to remember safety. GRMC and the area sponsors are commitment to avoiding head-injuries by teaming up to give a new bicycle helmet to each third grader in the GRMC service area. This year 520 helmets will be given away. Over the previous 15 years, 3,851 students in the GRMC service area have received a free bike helmet.

At each distribution an educational program is presented to emphasize the importance of wearing a helmet and to teach bicycle safety. Children who use helmets as soon as they begin riding are more likely to continue that healthy behavior throughout their lifetime.

Helmets are given out in 12 school districts covering – BGM, Central Iowa Christian Academy, East Marshall, GMG, Grinnell/Newburg, Lynnville/Sully, Meskwaki Settlement, Montezuma, North Mahaska, Sully Christian, South Tama, and Victor (HLV).

Craig Cooper of Bikes to You, GRMC employees and medical staff, and in some communities like Grinnell, the Grinnell Police department staff, will visit the schools and fit a helmet to each third-grade student as well as discuss the importance of preventing head injury and safety rules.

Financial supporters of the bike helmet distribution in addition to GRMC and the GRMC Medical staff include Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust, Grinnell Bicycle Club, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, Grinnell State Bank, Lion’s Club of Sully, State Bank of Toledo, Wes Finch Auto Plaza, and the Michael and Susan Witt Foundation.

Biking Safety Tips
Make bicycling safer for all by observing the following safety tips:

Always wear a helmet
Obey all traffic controls
Ride your bicycle near the right-hand edge of the road
Be seen so wear something that reflects light and avoid riding at night
Never carry another person on your bicycle
Always use hand signals when turning or stopping
Look out for cars at cross street, driveways, and parking places
Be careful when checking traffic and don’t swerve when looking over your shoulder
Give pedestrians the right-of-way
Keep your bicycle in good condition
Always ride carefully

Remember a bicycle is a vehicle. Bicyclists share the road with other larger forms of transportation. Children under 10 years old should not ride on the street.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Adventuresports.com

GRMC Board Announces 2011 Officers and New Members

2011-04-29T09:12:00.000-05:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Board of Directors welcomes three new members as it announces the 2011 officers.

The 2011 GRMC Board of Director officers are: chair – Ed Hatcher, Grinnell, long-time board member and area farmer; chair-elect – Bill Menner, Grinnell, the Iowa State Director for Rural Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture; past chair – Susan Witt, Grinnell, co-owner of Miraco, Corp., vice-president of Ahrens Foundation, and president of Ahrens Park Foundation; treasurer – Frank Brownell, Montezuma, owner of Brownells; and secretary – Stan Greenwald, MD, Grinnell, retired physician.

Wendy S. Kadner and Todd L. Reding began serving three-year terms on the GRMC Board of Directors in April. In addition, George Drake will serve a two-year term in an ex-officio role as the chair of the GRMC Foundation Board. These new members join 11 area residents in providing direction, vision, and strategic planning for GRMC’s future.

New board members

Kadner, senior vice-president and co-founder of Vitalize Consulting Solutions, has worked in healthcare for her entire career. She earned a master’s in health services administration, initially with the goal of becoming a hospital administrator. In 2002, she helped found a healthcare information technology and recruitment company.

“I’m excited to be able to share my career capabilities in a way that benefits the community where I live,” Kadner says. “I understand the operations, budgeting, and planning needs in healthcare and this board position allows me to use those skills to help our community hospital.”

Kadner earned a BA from Simpson College and a MHSA from University of Kansas. She moved to Grinnell in 2002. Her business, Vitalize Consulting Solutions, is a virtual company based out of Reading, Mass., which allows her to live in central Iowa while still serving as an executive in a national company.

Kadner fills her free time with supporting her daughter Makayla’s activities, helping at the Poweshiek Animal League Shelter, and enjoying concerts and travels.

“I’ve personally experienced GRMC’s inpatient and emergency department services. It is those experiences that make me really appreciate and value having a great community hospital. The staff were caring, knowledgeable people who created a positive experience,” Kadner says. “I see the value of having this hospital in the community and want to support it.”

The passion for quality healthcare intrigued Todd L. Reding to join the GRMC trustees as well.

“My family is involved in healthcare with several family members serving as physicians. It’s part of our family culture and I’m comfortable in the world of healthcare. I’m passionate about the positive changes in the future and the mission of our medical center,” explains Todd Reding, president and CEO, ASI of Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and Wyoming.

“These are exciting times in healthcare with so many changes coming at us. It’s always improving. So as I join this board, I want to gain a deep understanding of the healthcare governance structure. One area of emphasis for me on the board will be quality initiatives. Quality is essential to our mission and I want to work with the quality committee to continuously improve our community hospital,” Reding says.

Reding was already familiar with GRMC operations and quality focus as he served an ex-officio role on the board as the chair of the GRMC Foundation Board. He received a bachelor’s degree from Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Mo., and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He currently serves on the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce board as well.
George Drake, a long-standing icon in Grinnell, returns to the board as well. Drake served on the GRMC board in the early 1980s under the Michael Faas administration. He rejoined the board as another opportunity to serve the community in an organization that is such a vital part of the community.

“Issues from the early ‘80s were very different. It was a different world. Outpatient care was just beginning to take hold and we were still trying to keep certified beds as high as possible,” explains Drake. “Now, my goal is to understand the healthcare reform and make positive changes. Changes in the economic world affect how GRMC operates. The financial problem of underfunding is huge. We can work to resolve the payment issue.”

Drake graduated from Grinnell College in 1956. He went on to attend the University of Paris and Oxford University, as a Rhodes Scholar, before earning a PhD from the University of Chicago in 1965. Drake returned to Grinnell College as a professor of history and served as Grinnell College’s president from 1979 to 1991.

Community involvement remains an important part of Drake’s life. He serves on the Greater Poweshiek Community foundation, Mayflower Community Board, and GRMC Foundation. He also is the benefactor for the new Drake Community Library, named after him and his wife, Sue. He’s also seen performing in the Shults and Company sharing his musical talents.

Board

“These individuals all bring extraordinary experiences and strengths to the GRMC board of trustees,” explains Todd Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “With the uncertainty of how healthcare reform legislation will unfold, this board will face challenges never experienced before as we balance options for optimal patient care and financial stability.”

GRMC and the residents served by the medical center have benefited from the diverse membership of the board and representation by community members as well as medical professionals. The GRMC Board of Trustees includes the officers and new members listed above as well as Karla Erickson; Laura Ferguson, MD; JoAnn Manatt; Debby Pohlson; Michelle Rebelsky, MD; Wally Walker, and Joanne Yuska. Ex officio members of the board include Todd Linden; Laura Van Cleve, DO, medical staff president, and Drake.

The board is responsible for overall governance of GRMC, a nonprofit, private medical center. Its primary roles include maintaining the mission and vision; strategic planning; appointing members of the medical and allied health staff; approving the annual budget and providing financial oversight; monitoring overall quality of services; and appointing the chief executive.

GRMC Welcomes Internist Collins

2011-04-21T14:14:00.002-05:00

Ronald B. Collins, Jr., MD, will join Grinnell Regional Medical Center and the GRMC Medical Staff on April 25. Collins specializes in internal medicine and will provide inpatient care as a hospitalist at GRMC initially.

A hospitalist is a physician who provides care to individuals upon admission to the hospital, including the intensive care unit. He will work with Christine Lindgren, DO, PhD, providing inpatient and outpatient internal medicine care. The outpatient clinic is located on the second floor of the Ahrens Medical Arts Building.

Collins comes to Grinnell after serving as a hospitalist at Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Ill. He completed his residency at the same hospital, with the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria program. While there, he also served as an Associate Professor of Medicine. He earned his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine, Portsmouth, Dominica.

“I wanted to get into internal medicine for the diversity in patient base and illnesses. I really like the spectrum of cases,” Collins says. “Areas that I especially enjoy are pre-operative care – that being prior to a surgical procedure – as well as diabetes and cardiac care.”

“Dr. Collins brings excellent experience and skills plus familiarity with electronic medical records. With his rural upbringing, he will relate well with our patients,” says Christine Lindgren, DO, PhD. “I’m looking forward to having Dr. Collins join us at GRMC. He understands rural values and our patients will connect well to him.”

Prior to attending medical school, Collins was a paramedic for both Delta and Medic Ambulance companies in Maine. He earned an undergraduate degree from Norwich University Military College of Vermont. He also served six years in the United States Army Reserve as a combat medic.

Collins, his wife, Jennifer, and children Victoria and Broden, selected Grinnell for their new home because of the quality of life. Collins grew up in Russell, Iowa, and his wife also came from a small town in Massachusetts. They believe Grinnell has the small town values and culture that they appreciate.

Doctors of internal medicine focus on the prevention and treatment of adult diseases. At least three of their seven or more years of medical school and postgraduate training are dedicated to learning how to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases that affect adults. Because their patients are often seriously ill or require complex investigations, internists do much of their work in hospitals and then follow up care in an outpatient clinic.

At GRMC, Collins will be working with Lindgren for hospitalist coverage of inpatients and limited outpatient services. Todd A. Janicki, MD, MBA, internal medicine specialist, will join the team in July.
Once all three internists are on staff, GRMC plans to open an internal medicine outpatient clinic. The outpatient clinic is located on the second floor of the Ahrens Medical Arts Building.

For information on Grinnell Regional Internal Medicine services, call 641-236-2382.

GRMC Health Fair and Community Breakfast

2011-04-21T11:02:00.001-05:00

The public is invited to enjoy a “fresh approach to breakfast” on Saturday, May 14, when Grinnell Regional Medical Center will host a community-wide breakfast and health fair. This breakfast will feature made-to-order omelets, sausage, fresh fruit bar, mini-cinnamon rolls, and beverages. The health fair will include booths, health tips, balloon hats for children, and drawings for prizes.

“Our community is known for enjoying a great Saturday morning breakfast. This community breakfast and health fair welcomes the public to walk into our facility, become familiar with us, learn about the services available, and enjoy a great breakfast,” explains Denise Lamphier, director for the office of communications and development. “This will be a great morning for everyone to check out some of the services we have to offer and have a hearty yet healthy breakfast.”

Though GRMC is always open 24/7, the community breakfast and health fair will be served from 7 to 10 a.m. Breakfast will be dished up in the cafeteria and booths will be sprinkled around the hospital. GRMC partnered with the Iowa Egg Council for this event, which will provide the omelet making equipment, tools, and training. GRMC administrators, staff, and a few physicians will be the omelet makers for the morning.

Proceeds from the free-will donation breakfast will go toward the 2011 Annual Fund Drive to fund a new anesthesia unit. Guests may stop by one of the educational booths to learn about this unit. The new machine offers significant benefits for the patient as well as the anesthesia provider, such as hands-free ventilation so the provider can focus more closely on the patient; pressure-control ventilation that minimizes the potential for lung trauma; better calibration of dosing for all patients; and greater patient safety from technology advancements that reduce potential for errors.

Come enjoy National Hospital Week, May 8 to 14, at your community hospital. For more information, call GRMC at 641-236-2590.

GRMC Auxiliary Honors Volunteers

2011-04-14T10:02:00.000-05:00

During their annual spring luncheon, the GRMC Auxiliary recognized six individuals for a milestone achievement with the auxiliary. Individuals and years of service were: (front row) Shirley Broders, 20 years; and Bobbie Kahler, 15 years. In back row, Susan Hutchison, 10 years; Keith Briggs, 10 years; Jennifer Cogley, 5 years; and Carol Klein, 10 years.

Emergency Drill Set for Saturday

2011-04-12T15:29:00.002-05:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center will stage an emergency preparedness drill from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 16, at the medical center. Practicing for a real crisis ensures that staff and emergency responders are prepared. Visitors and patients may proceed to the normal GRMC entrances and service centers. Do not be alarmed by the emergency vehicles and increased activity on Saturday morning.

Public Health Releases Community Health Report

2011-04-06T11:34:00.000-05:00

Grinnell Regional Public Health and the Poweshiek County Board of Health completed the Community Health Needs Assessment and Health Improvement Plan based on the current health issues facing residents. The assessment was designed to identify changes in health status and barriers to care for Poweshiek County residents.

“Key findings of the report will help establish priorities, develop interventions, and commit resources to improve the health of our residents,” says Patty Hinrichs, RN, Grinnell Regional Public Health director. “This work will encourage collaboration with multiple agencies in the county and region to address the changing needs of residents in the county.”

The most significant barriers to healthcare, according to the Community Health Needs Assessment 2010 survey, were: Can’t pay for services/medications - 28.4 percent; lack of evening and weekend services - 26.3 percent; and long waiting times for services 23.3 percent.

A portion of this study identifies the leading causes of death in the county. Coronary Heart Disease lead the list with 295 per 100,000 (U.S. rate 154 per 100,000). Second leading cause of death is Strokes with 124 deaths per 100,000 residents (U.S. rate 47 per 100,000). Followed by breast cancer with 49 per 100,000 (U.S. rate 24 per 100,000), and colon cancer with 48 per 100,000 (U.S. rate 17 per 100,000).

In 2010, a county-wide Community Health Needs Assessment survey was distributed and completed by 330 residents. Results from this survey and a health survey sent to health and community resource stakeholders identified areas for improved health in the community. The task force prioritized four areas to be targeted in the five-year public health plan for Poweshiek County.

Promote healthy behaviors – improve access to healthcare system and referrals by making available resource information and financial assistance to become and stay healthy.
Improve access to healthcare in Poweshiek County. Area medical providers identified the lack of mental health services in the county as a priority for health.
Prevent spread of communicable disease, in particular sexually transmitted diseases, with programs to diagnosis and treat at low cost or no cost to reduce barriers of care and treatment.
Prepare, respond and recover from public health emergencies, especially at-risk residents who would need to be evacuated in a public health emergency. Poweshiek County will have a list of special needs residents with contact information in case the county has a public health emergency.

“Improving access to healthcare in Poweshiek County is a huge goal and will require collaboration with many volunteer groups, human service agencies, and health providers,” Hinrichs explains. “Everyone in the county could have a role in helping achieve this enormous goal. This is a major undertaking for a one-person public health office to coordinate. I believe residents in this county value health and wellbeing and will help their friends and neighbors as we move into a new era with changes in funding for healthcare.”

A complete summary of Poweshiek County Health is available to residents, and especially county human services providers, at www.grmc.us and look under the health and wellness tab.

Snapshot of Poweshiek County
Population 18,914 (2010)
94.9% whites; 2.7% other races; 2.4% Hispanic or Latino
10.8% of population living below poverty level (2008 data)
13% of children live below poverty level (2010)
10% of adult population uninsured (2008)
24% of households are a single parent (2010)
21% of adult population smokes (2010)
29% of adult population is obese (2010)
24 Motor Vehicle Deaths per 100,000 population; 1.6 times higher than the state ave. (2010)
90% of adults achieve high school graduation (2010)
18% of adults achieve college degree (2009)

GRMC Awarded Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program

2011-04-04T10:24:00.001-05:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center is one of 20 hospitals nationwide chosen to participate in a demonstration project offered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The purpose of the project, called the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Project, is to see how middle-sized rural hospitals would fare if they were reimbursed for their costs when caring for Medicare patients when they are hospitalized. This program does not include improving the payment for Medicare outpatient services.

“We’re pleased to be selected,” says Ed Hatcher, chair of GRMC’s board of directors. “For GRMC, this will improve reimbursement for Medicare inpatients and it helps the federal government gather information to see if cost-based reimbursement should be implemented on a wider scale for similar sized hospitals in America. We are proud to have been chosen to share what we know and to be a model for other hospitals.”

Jack Fritts, GRMC vice-president of finance and CFO, explains the change in reimbursement is helpful and positions GRMC for the future, but it’s not a windfall.

“The complete terms and conditions for the program are still being reviewed. It certainly puts GRMC in a better position going into all the changes which are part of healthcare reform,” Fritts says. “Under the current reimbursement system GRMC has been paid literally millions of dollars per year below our costs for providing care to Medicare patients. While we will see an increase in our Medicare reimbursement for inpatient care, the project is not a magic bullet that will solve all our financial issues.”

Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO, says, “One reason for our selection in this project is because of our high quality and low cost care. Just like our recognition by the Leap Frog Group as a ‘Top Hospital’ several months ago, I believe we were chosen to be an example to other hospitals across the country. That is exciting.”

Linden credits years of community advocacy and several members of Iowa’s Congressional delegation for their work to get Iowa included in the demonstration project so that hospitals like GRMC would be eligible to apply.

“We want to thank our Washington delegation,” Linden says. “Senators Harkin and Grassley, and Representatives Boswell and Braley worked especially hard on the concerns of the inequitable payment for hospitals our sized in the reform legislation. Through the work of the community, GRMC staff, and supporters, they know our ‘tweener’ issue well.”

Tweener hospitals are disadvantaged because they fall between two special hospital designations. With 49 beds, hospitals like GRMC are too large to be critical access hospitals like those in Pella or Oskaloosa, which currently enjoy cost-plus-one-percent reimbursement for all Medicare and Medicaid services. GRMC is also too small to be classified as a rural referral center like in Marshalltown, which also receives special added payment from Medicare and Medicaid.

In addition to better reimbursement, rural hospitals greatly depend on recruiting and retaining the right physicians and mid-level providers who can meet the healthcare needs locally. Linden believes GRMC is poised for growth given this improved reimbursement from Medicare and for recent additions to our medical staff.

“We have two outstanding new internal medicine physicians joining GRMC medical staff within the next several months,” Linden says. “These doctors are joining an already extraordinary medical staff so that folks can stay in the area to get the top-notch medical care they need.”

The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program will begin in January 2012 and continue for five years.

Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers

2011-03-31T10:42:00.001-05:00

Grinnell Regional Public Health continues to accept volunteers for the newly formed Medical Reserve Corps. This community-based volunteer group will respond to emergencies and promote healthy living throughout the year. Medical Reserve Corps volunteers supplement existing emergency and public health resources. The mission is to engage medically and nonmedically trained volunteers to strengthen public health, emergency response, and community resiliency in Poweshiek County.

“We are looking for volunteers from the community with varying backgrounds,” says Patty Hinrichs, Grinnell Regional Public Health director. “To promote healthy living and staying involved in the community, the MRC will be participating in events such as RAGBRAI, the marathon race, and distribution of vaccines in large clinics such with the H1N1 vaccine. We would like more volunteers who will be trained before these events this summer in Grinnell.”

During an emergency the MRC falls under the medical center’s emergency plan and would be assigned to appropriate locations as needed.

For more information or to sign up, call the Grinnell Regional Public Health office at 641-236-2385.

Physicians Assistant Beck Joins Victor Health Center Staff

2011-03-24T15:51:00.001-05:00

The Victor Health Center and Grinnell Medical Associates announce that Wendi Beck, PA-C, will shift her primary family care practice to the Victor Health Center, effective April 4.

Beck joined the GRMC Medical Staff in 2009 as part of the Grinnell Medical Associates clinic. She graduated from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine with a physician assistant advanced degree. She completed a bachelor’s degree at Simpson College in biology. Beck is a familiar with GRMC, where she worked from January 2005 to April 2007 as a patient care tech in med/surg and nursing technician in ICU. She grew up in Brooklyn and graduated from BGM High School.

“I’m excited to be working in Victor to help area residents. It’s closer to home and I grew up in the Brooklyn area,” explains Beck. “I hope to build long-term relationships with the residents. I plan to work with and support individuals to help achieve their optimal health and wellness.”

The Victor Health Center will be open five days a week. Beck will be in the clinic four days a week. David Cranston, MD, will continue as the rural health clinic director for the Victor clinic and will see patients three mornings a week. Hours for the clinic will be:

Monday: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to noon
Friday: 7:30 to 4:30 p.m.

“The Victor Health Center has been seeking a mid-level provider and Wendi is the natural fit. She comes from the area and knows many residents plus she’s had the benefit of working with GRMC physicians for the past two years. She’ll be able to step into the Victor clinic with ease,” says Clay Francis, MD, Grinnell Medical Associates physician. “We wish Wendi the best and will continue to collaborate with her as part of the GRMC Medical Staff.”

Beck and Cranston provide the spectrum of family care services at the Victor Health Center including acute and chronic diagnosis and treatments, as well as sports physicals, blood screenings, flu vaccinations, and preventive care services.

To request an appointment or for more information, call the Victor Health Center at 319-647-7511.

GRMC Auxiliary to Host Spring Luncheon

2011-03-24T15:50:00.002-05:00

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary invites the public to its annual spring luncheon, scheduled for Wednesday, April 13. The gathering will begin at noon in the Buckley Dining Hall, Mayflower Homes, in Grinnell.

“The auxiliary continual finds new ways to support the health of our community. At this year’s luncheon, we will collect monetary donations to support the Stork’s Nest,” explains Donna German, GRMC Auxiliary spring luncheon committee chair. “We’ll recognize the 2011 scholarship recipients as well as our milestone anniversary service awards to volunteers.”

Door prizes will be given away. The menu features a chicken and fruit salad on a bed of mixed greens, muffin, fruit torte, and drink. Tickets, $8, are available at the GRMC Glass Gift Box. For more information, call 641-236-2588.

Medical Practices Merge

2011-03-22T13:41:00.001-05:00

Grinnell Regional Family Practice will open on Friday, April 1, following the consolidation of Grinnell Health Alliance, Grinnell Medical Associates, and Rebelsky Family Practice. This newly formed family practice clinic will be located on the third floor of the Ahrens Medical Arts Building, 210 4th Ave., in Grinnell.

Providers at the clinic will be Roy Doorenbos, MD; Clayton Francis, MD; Michelle Rebelsky, MD; and Kristin Phelps, PA-C. David Cranston, MD, will see patients on a limited basis at the new clinic as he shares his time with the Victor Health Center. Wendi Beck, PA-C, will shift her practice and begin serving at the Victor Health Center on a full-time basis.

The providers offer the full spectrum of family medicine providing obstetrics, hospital, and nursing home care as well as normal outpatient visits. Same-day appointments will be available and the clinic is accepting new patients. The clinic’s spring and summer hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Grinnell Regional Family Practice is also adding up-to-date electronic health records and a health coach to assist patients with chronic conditions.

“All of these changes revolve around improved patient care and satisfaction,” explains Roy Doorenbos, MD, responding for the physicians. “This consolidation will allow us to spend more time with patients and less time on administrative and management responsibilities. Healthcare is changing but we don’t want the relationship with our patients to change. The newly merged clinic allows us to focus on our primary passion – caring for our friends and neighbors.”

To schedule an appointment or for more information on Grinnell Regional Family Practice call 641-236-2500.

Auxiliary Challenge Drive Launches

2011-03-17T14:30:00.001-05:00

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary launched its fundraising Challenge Drive on March 1, inviting anyone in the GRMC service area to take part. The auxiliary and its Challenge Drive support the medical center through volunteer, financial, and educational initiatives.

“Quality healthcare needs the strong support of the community and the auxiliary,” explains Char Ewan, the 2011 Challenge Drive chair. “Your involvement helps us provide this support that enhances quality healthcare. The auxiliary plans to donate $15,000 toward the hospital for equipment and $3,000 to support the Stork’s Nest this year. Plus, the auxiliary will again provide major scholarship funds to students in healthcare fields and co-sponsor the Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair, set for October 5, 2011.”

A new component of the 2011 Challenge Drive will be the addition of a business membership category. Area businesses who understand and appreciate the auxiliary’s purpose may now demonstrate their support with a membership pledge.

The auxiliary has two meetings each year. The public is welcome and anyone who makes a donation to the Challenge Drive will receive an invitation to these special gatherings. The auxiliary hosts activities such as coordinating an annual trip to Legislative Day at the state capitol; fund-raising activities that financially support the medical center; supplying gifts to all newborns at GRMC; and providing car seats to needy families.

The Challenge Drive has five individual giving levels: Bronze - $5; Silver - $15; Gold - $25; Platinum - $50; and Lifetime - $150. Business levels are $50 annually or $500 for a onetime Lifetime level. To accept the Auxiliary Challenge, stop by the Glass Gift Box, inside GRMC, and complete a Challenge card. Or mail your Challenge donation to the GRMC Auxiliary, 210 4th Ave., Grinnell, IA 50112

For more information on the GRMC Auxiliary, please call 641-236-2588.

Healing After the Death of a Loved One

2011-03-11T10:24:00.001-06:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center will offer a four-week grief support group designed for anyone in the community who has lost a loved one. The group will explore the challenges associated with loss as well as the opportunities that loss presents for healing and growth.

“We create a confidential setting where participants can share their memories, their experiences, and their feelings with others who have also experienced a loss,” explains Susan Sanning, group facilitator and GRMC chaplain. “This will be a time for group members to explore ways to remember, heal, and grow.”

Gatherings will be held on Tuesdays, beginning April 5 and run through April 26. The support group will be held 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Presbyterian Church, 303 E. Washington St, Montezuma.

There is no fee to participate, but interested persons must pre-register by calling Grinnell Regional Hospice at 641-236-2418. Childcare will be offered free of charge for those who may need it. Please request childcare when you register.

PayPal Now an Option at GRMC

2011-02-17T10:02:00.000-06:00

Patients who need to make payment on their accounts or patrons paying for a fitness center membership at Grinnell Regional Medical Center now have a new option. GRMC is now accepting payments via PayPal. PayPal allows payment with a credit card, debit card, or have a payment taken directly from a bank account safely and securely online.

“It’s also very convenient,” says Angie Spriggs, GRMC cashier/patient service representative. “It saves time, postage, and the payment is made immediately. We are seeing an increase in the number of patients who are using this online system to pay on their accounts with GRMC.”

Patients do not need to be a member of PayPal in order to use the system for payments made to GRMC.

“Right now we can accept credit cards and debit cards through PayPal,” Spriggs says. “We are looking into the option of accepting flexible medical account cards to see if that is something we can offer online, too.”

Accessing PayPal is easy. Visit the GRMC website, www.grmc.us. To pay a hospital bill, click on the link, “Pay Your Hospital Bill Online.” To pay a fitness center membership, click on the Health and Wellness tab on the GRMC website, and then click on Wellness Services to find the link to pay for a fitness center membership.

For any questions about hospital billing, accounts, or PayPal, please call 641-236-2483. For questions about wellness services, please call 641-236-2999.

Volunteers Needed for Medical Reserve Corps

2011-02-03T15:12:00.001-06:00

Community-wide emergencies arise without advance warning and in those cases medical support for residents is crucial. Grinnell Regional Public Health received a grant to develop a Medical Reserve Corps in Poweshiek County.

The Medical Reserve Corps is community-based volunteer group that can respond to emergencies and promote healthy living throughout the year. MRC volunteers supplement existing emergency and public health resources. The mission is to engage community volunteers to strengthen public health, emergency response, and community resiliency in Poweshiek County. MRC volunteers can include medical and public health professionals. Many community members can fill key support roles.

The MRC was founded nationally in 2002 as a way for individuals and organizations to volunteer in support of their communities. It is a specialized component of Citizen Corps, a national network of volunteers dedicated to ensuring hometown security.

“We are looking for residents who are interested in volunteering to help prepare and protect our community,” explains Patty Hinrichs, Grinnell Regional Public Health director. “We welcome anyone, especially those with medical background or training, who would not be required to work in other areas during a community emergency.”

To form this very important organization we need medical and non-medical personnel. We will have an informational meeting on Wednesday, March 9, at 3 PM in the Light Center. At this meeting, interested individuals will learn about the MRC roles and responsibilities, training available, time commitment, and examples of how MRCs provide support in communities.

For more information or to sign up, call the Grinnell Regional Public Health office at 641-236-2385.

GRMC 2010 Annual Fund Drive a Success

2011-01-27T10:40:00.001-06:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center announced this week that its 2010 annual fund drive raised almost $264,000 from 765 donors. GRMC simultaneously raised more than $322,000 from 436 donors to upgrade the hospital’s magnetic resonance imaging unit (MRI) services. Giving to both efforts totaled $586,113—topping last year’s annual fund drive total of $364,366.

“Time and again, the community supports the projects and programs at the medical center. This amazing support allows the medical center to fulfill its mission of serving the community and working daily to care for those in their time of need,” says Todd Reding, chair of GRMC’s foundation board and president and CEO of ASI Signs, Inc.

From $5 to $10,000, individuals in the community have contributed to the annual fund drive, which enhances the medical center’s operating budget by making certain programs possible. It also allows GRMC to purchase important equipment and support daily operations.

“We are so grateful to the many people who supported these two really important fund-raising efforts. What this shows is that people are committed to GRMC. Despite the fact that it is a tough economy out there, people believe in and choose to invest in GRMC,” says Denise Lamphier, GRMC director of communications and development.

Both the annual fund drive and the MRI campaign benefited from several donors who matched gifts to the campaigns through challenge grants. Because of these challenge grants, every gift had a greater impact.

Challenge fund donors to the annual fund were the Brownell Family Foundation, the Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation, and the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust. Challenge fund donors to the MRI campaign were the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust, Iowa Radiology, and Grinnell College.

Another success this year came in the form of online giving to the medical center. In August, GRMC began using PayPal to handle its online donations, offering donors a secure and convenient way to support GRMC. The addition increased the number of hits to the medical center’s development website and helped GRMC raise almost $1,400 online—the largest in online gifts in the hospital’s history. The online giving page can be accessed at www.grmc.us.

“Even though the hospital is not tax supported, it is truly a property of the community. As a nonprofit hospital, these donations make a major difference in the lives of our patients on a daily basis. We truly appreciate the generosity of everyone in the GRMC service area,” Lamphier says.

For additional information about GRMC’s annual fund or development program, contact Lamphier at 641-236-2589 or dlamphier@grmc.us.

Stork’s Nest Moves to Light Center

2011-01-20T11:53:00.001-06:00

The Stork’s Nest office and store will move on Tuesday, Feb. 1, to the Light Center for Community Health, 306 4th Ave., Grinnell. The Stork’s Nest works with qualified pregnant women and new mothers to encourage and support healthy behaviors. This incentive program provides classes related to pregnancy, child birth, infant care, and parenting topics.

A significant benefit to the women is the Stork’s Nest store. This move allows staff to open the store for additional hours. Previously the Stork’s Nest was located on the second floor of Postels Community Health Park. Public health staff operate the incentive program along with volunteers in the community.

“We work closely with staff from Kintzinger Women’s Health Center, Maternal Health, WIC, and MICA to identify low income women who can benefit from this incentive program. Being in close proximity to these departments will assist us in serving our clients,” explains Amanda Bergman, Stork’s Nest coordinator. “Having the store in the Light Center, where women often bring their children for immunizations and WIC services, will be more convenient for the women we serve.”

Participants earn points for various healthy behaviors and attending classes. These points are redeemed at the store for infant and child-related merchandise. The Stork’s Nest store is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3 to 6 p.m. After the move, the store will be open the third and fourth Tuesday of each month, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed to maintain these additional hours.

For more information on the Stork’s Nest or volunteering with the program, please call 641-236-2385.

MRI Ready for Open House on Feb. 7

2011-01-20T11:51:00.001-06:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center recently installed its first fixed-based Magnetic Resonance Imaging unit in January. With testing completed during the final weeks of January, the community and donors who helped fund the new equipment will get a chance to view it first hand.

GRMC will host an open house on Monday, Feb. 7, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Guests will gather in the Tomasek Conference Center on the first floor of GRMC. The radiology staff will lead tours of the new MRI suite, answer questions, and provide information about the technology and equipment.

The Hitachi Echelon 1.5T brings expanded MR imaging options to the physicians and surgeons serving area residents as well as added patient comforts and benefits. The significant enhancements include the location inside GRMC’s radiology, feet-first entry positioning for many tests, faster speeds of computers and scanning, additional testing options for the abdominal area, and a wider hole and shorter bore for greater comfort.

During the tours, Iowa Radiology’s Marvin Walker, MD, will be available for questions. Refreshments will be served. No RSVP required. For more information on the open house, call the office of communication and development at 641-236-2590.

Healthcare Day at the State Capitol

2011-01-13T11:51:00.001-06:00

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary invites the public to participate in the annual Iowa Hospital Association’s Legislative Day, scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 23. Legislative Day allows area residents to voice their opinion at the state capitol about the government’s role in healthcare policy and funding.

IHA Legislative Day, now in its 17th year, is the largest annual gathering of hospital advocates. The event, sponsored by Iowa Hospital Association, is free to all hospital supporters across the state. The mission is to give hospital advocates the tools and skills needed to directly address issues facing Iowa hospitals, healthcare providers, and citizens with their legislators at the Iowa Statehouse. Grinnell Regional Medical Center has been a leader in this program with an average of 40 individuals attending in recent years.

“With a new governor and change in House majority, funding for Medicare to hospitals and healthcare providers will be scrutinized,” explains Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “Preserving Iowa’s Medicaid program – both in terms of services to beneficiaries and payments to healthcare providers – must be a priority for state government.”

The IHA provides legislative papers explaining current health related topics. Issues under consideration include behavioral health delivery system, healthcare data mandates, and state-level health insurance reform related to standardized claims and payment and operations.

The GRMC Auxiliary has reserved a bus to transport area residents to Legislative Day that will leave Grinnell at 10 a.m. The event, at the Polk County Convention Complex, begins with lunch followed by presentations. This year’s keynote speaker will be quite different. Ben Franklin Live!, portrayed by Christopher Lowell, will address the Legislative Day participants. Franklin will share his insights on both current and historical issues. In addition, IHA Greg Boattenhamer, IHA government relations senior vice president, will discuss the 2011 legislative agenda.

At 1:15 p.m., the GRMC group plans to meet with State Senator Tom Rielly and State Representative Guy Vander Linden.

To sign up for this free event, please call the GRMC volunteer office at 641-236-2588, or email at kolson@grmc.us, by Tuesday, Feb. 15.

First Baby of 2011

2011-01-11T08:50:00.001-06:00

Kelley Davison OldBear, son of Elaine Youngbear and Zachary OldBear of Tama, was the first baby born in 2011 in the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Kelley was born at 12:29 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011, weighing 6.14 pounds and measured 20 inches in length, delivered by Michelle S. Rebelsky, MD, FAAFP.

MRI Installation Scheduled

2010-12-20T08:56:00.001-06:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center will begin installation of the new magnetic resonance imaging unit on Monday, Dec. 27, with the preparation for the magnets arrival on Tuesday morning.

“Installing an MRI magnet is a complex process that must happen within a narrow time frame,” explains Gina Fuller, GRMC director of radiology. “A special track will run from the emergency department entrance down the hall and to the magnet’s new home. For 48 hours, we will be closing down a portion of the hallway on second floor to install the magnet.”

The driveway ramp leading to the emergency department from Third Avenue will be closed to all traffic for about five hours on Tuesday, Dec. 28, from approximately 7 a.m. to noon. For emergencies, ambulance services and patients arriving by private car should come to the circle drive at the main entrance of the hospital, located on the south side of the hospital complex. Signs will be in place to assist emergency patients to the proper entrance.

A crane will lift the magnet from the transporter and place it on the track. Once this is completed, the crane can be moved and the emergency department will be able to receive patients.

“Our team has reviewed various scenarios to ensure access to services is not impacted and that our patient safety standards are maintained. All services will be available; however, patients may need to travel alternative routes to their destinations during this window. We hope our guests will forgive us for the inconvenience because this is such a significant equipment addition to GRMC,” Fuller says.

GRMC’s new MRI unit is scheduled to be operational by February 1. The current mobile unit will continue to be available for patients until then.

Hospital Patients Benefit from Healing Music

2010-12-13T10:10:00.003-06:00

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, patients, visitors, and staff at Grinnell Regional Medical Center in Grinnell, Iowa, hear the echoes of healing music throughout patient care areas.

You might hear the song, “Somewhere over the Rainbow” or “What a Wonderful World,” but the song you are most likely to hear is, “Amazing Grace.” And it is amazing and grace-filled when Chloe Yates, a first-year work-study student at Grinnell College, is making the rounds and taking requests from patients.

“She brings joy and relaxation for all of us, patients and caregivers,” says Gayle Johnson, RN. “I know she helps staff members as much as the patients.”

Yates goes into the emergency department, the intensive care unit, and the inpatient areas to ask if any patients or family members might benefit from a song of their choice. Without any accompaniment, she sings a few verses of a favorite song.

While Yates was looking at her options for community service through the Grinnell College Work-Study Program, she learned that GRMC was looking for people to do healing music.

“I love to sing,” Yates says. “It brings such joy and I have met so many wonderful people. It is very enjoyable for me, too.”

“We know that music can alter our emotions,” says Cory Jackson, GRMC director of wellness services. Jackson coordinates optimal healing therapies at GRMC and coordinates Chloe’s time at GRMC. “Music can be very therapeutic and fits in with all the other therapies we provide with pets, massage, essential oils, and spiritual care,” Jackson says. “It is a wonderful gift she provides.”

After singing, Yates records her activity with each patient in their chart. Her singing counts as an activity for skilled care patients. It also allows GRMC to track any benefits that may result for the patient such as a decreased need for pain medication and increases in patient satisfaction.
Even without hard data, it is clear that Yates is making a difference.

Yates recently visited a hospice patient in their home who had been unresponsive for some time. Before Yates sang, the family felt that they—and not the patient—would be getting the benefit of her music because they thought their loved one would be unaware of the music. While Yates sang, the patient squeezed a family member’s hand a couple of times.

Another time, Yates sang the ABCs with siblings in the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center to give the older children some special time.

Caregivers and support staff take a moment from their busy schedules to listen outside the door. That moment also offers GRMC staff a moment of tranquility.

“She brightens our day,” Johnson says. “Our patients love it. We all look forward to her time with us.”

Yates’ time at GRMC is made possible through the Federal Work-Study/Community Service Program at Grinnell College. This program is an opportunity for students to earn their financial aid award while working at a community non-profit organization or in the local schools.

Students on Work-Study can serve as a link between the non-profit organization and the campus to raise awareness of community needs and encourage participation from other students and campus groups.

“It is easy to get stuck in the bubble of a college campus,” Yates says. “This is a great opportunity for me to get involved in the community. I’m meeting people and having experiences I would not otherwise have. It has been really great.”

Watch the video from KCCI

Respectfully Sharing the Season – Blue Christmas

2010-12-13T10:04:00.001-06:00

Clergy from various Grinnell area churches and the chaplain with Grinnell Regional Hospice will hold a special Christmas service for those who feel less than merry this holiday season. “Blue Christmas” is a simple, ecumenical service at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec 21, at the First Presbyterian Church, 1025 5th Ave., Grinnell.

This service offers a message of comfort and hope to help individuals through times of struggle during the holidays. Blue Christmas acknowledges the pain and sadness many people feel at Christmas time, due to the loss of a loved one, struggles with illness or loneliness, financial struggles, or painful family dynamics that surface at Christmas time.

“Blue Christmas is a time for people to gather in community, to acknowledge their pain, to reflect and pray, and to find a message of comfort in the Christmas story,” explains Susan Sanning, GRMC chaplain. “Come on your own or invite family, friends, neighbors, or others for whom you might feel concern during this holiday season.”

The service will be led by GRMC Chaplain Susan Leathem Sanning. For more information contact Sanning at 641-236-2418 or email her at ssanning@grmc.us.

Community Meets Brownell Family Foundation Challenge Grant for GRMC Annual Fund Drive

2010-12-10T15:22:00.003-06:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s annual fund drive has collected $50,000 for 2010 thanks to the successful completion of a $25,000 challenge grant from the Brownell Family Foundation. The challenge was issued on Nov. 1, 2010, and has quickly been met by the community. To date, nearly $225,000 has been raised for the 2010 annual fund drive.

“This is really exciting,” says Frank Brownell, chairman and CEO of Brownells in Montezuma, and a member of the GRMC board of directors. “We are absolutely delighted that the community has stepped up to meet this challenge so quickly. It demonstrates the priority many of us place on having quality healthcare in our community.”

Todd Reding, GRMC Foundation Board president adds, “Money raised from the community for the annual fund drive does so much on a daily basis for patients at GRMC. We are grateful for every contribution, and the ongoing support of the Brownell family. Their commitment benefits everyone in our area who relies on this hospital.”

Donations continue to be accepted for this year’s annual drive. GRMC’s 2009 annual fund drive raised about $363,000. Annual fund drive donations have helped purchase an infant security system, infant warmers, comfortable chairs for patients receiving chemotherapy, and surgical equipment.

“Hospital income and federal and state reimbursement for uncompensated care are not enough to support a remarkable hospital dedicated to quality and cost-effective care,” says Denise Lamphier, GRMC director of communications and development. “This year, GRMC is expanding our care for the community through a new women’s health clinic and our first obstetrician/gynecologist. In addition, annual fund donations help support the Stork’s Nest, purchase wheelchairs, and so much more. The annual fund drive really makes a big difference in maintaining a healthier community.”

There is still time to make a gift or pledge to the 2010 annual fund drive. Go www.grmc.us and click the link “Make a Donation” or call Lamphier at 641-236-2589. Donations may also be mailed to the Office of Communications and Development, GRMC, 210 4th Ave., Grinnell, IA 50112.

Grinnell College $25,000 Challenge Met By Community

2010-12-08T13:26:00.002-06:00

Nearly 160 donors helped match a challenge from Grinnell College to raise a total of $50,000 to upgrade magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services at Grinnell Regional Medical Center.
Through this gift, Grinnell College matched dollar for dollar all new or additional donations to the MRI campaign up to $25,000. Area residents met this challenge in a matter of five weeks and surpassed the project’s $300,000 fund-raising goal, with a total of $317,000 raised. Grinnell College faculty and staff also contributed to the college’s challenge.

“It is remarkable to see how quickly this funding for the new MRI came together,” says Monica Chavez-Silva, director of community engagement and enhancement at Grinnell College. “Not only is it a testament to the community’s commitment to our local medical center, but it also speaks volumes about how much we can get done if we all pitch in together. The college is proud to be one of many who help make Grinnell a great place to live.”

Stanley Greenwald, MD, GRMC board member and Grinnell College alumnus agrees, “GRMC is truly a community hospital. It takes all of us working together to provide quality healthcare here at home. There are so many strong partnerships in our community, such as Grinnell College and GRMC, which positively affect all of us.”

The original $300,000 fund-raising goal is allowing the medical center to renovate the space to meet the new equipment’s rigorous safety requirements.

The additional funds raised will add a few features to the new unit. This will include equipment to perform angiographic studies. MR angiography is used to examine blood vessels in areas such as the brain, kidneys, pelvis, legs, lungs, heart, neck, and abdomen. These tests help in the diagnosis of various diseases, aneurysms, and atherosclerosis.

Also, a metal detector will be installed as an additional safety measure. The equipment uses a large and powerful magnet that is highly sensitive. These metal detectors are important to help ensure patient and staff safety as well as protecting the magnet from damage that can be unintentionally caused.

“We are thrilled with the level of support we have received from the entire community for this project,” says Gina Fuller, GRMC director of radiology. “Every gift makes a difference to benefit our patients. We are especially grateful to Grinnell College for their leadership.”

The initial gift for the MRI project comes from the estate of Margaret Wheeler. Other major donors include Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company Foundation and employees, Jewel Kintzinger Day and Burt Day, the Grinnell Regional Auxiliary, and matching community challenges from the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust, Iowa Radiology, and Grinnell College.
Remodeling is underway on an area inside the hospital to accommodate the new, permanent MRI unit that is scheduled to be operational by February 1.

Anyone interested in more details about the MRI campaign is encouraged to call the Office of Development at 641-236-2589 or visit http://tinyurl.com/grmcmri.

GRMC Named Top Hospital by Leapfrog Group

2010-12-01T11:09:00.003-06:00

One of Just 65 Hospitals to Achieve Prestigious National Designation

Grinnell Regional Medical Center has been named a top rural hospital by the Leapfrog Group in its annual class of top hospitals. GRMC was one of just 65 hospitals—from a field of nearly 1,200—to earn the designation, which was announced at Leapfrog’s 10th anniversary meeting on December 1 in Washington, D.C.

GRMC was also just one of five rural hospitals and the only Iowa hospital on the list.

“Earning the top hospital designation is a testament to the work of everyone in the hospital—the governing body, management, physicians, caregivers, employees, and volunteers,” says Leah Binder, chief executive of Leapfrog.

Susan Witt, chair of GRMC’s board; Laura Van Cleve, DO, president of the medical staff; and Todd Linden, president and CEO, accept GRMC’s top rural hospital award from David Knowlton, board chair of Leapfrog.

Leapfrog’s 2010 list includes university and other teaching hospitals, children’s hospitals, and community hospitals in rural, suburban, and urban settings. The selection is based on the results of the Leapfrog Group’s national survey that measures hospitals’ performance in crucial areas of patient safety, quality, and costs. The results are posted on a website open to the patients and families, the public, employers, and other purchasers of healthcare. It is the most complete picture available of a hospital’s quality and safety. The website is www.leapfroggroup.org. A complete list of all top hospitals is also available at the site.

“We are extremely honored to be recognized by the Leapfrog Group for our diligent work to provide the best possible value for our patients in providing both high quality and low cost,” says Susan Witt, GRMC board chair. “Our board, medical staff, and employees have been working very hard to find added efficiencies while making quality and safety a priority. I am so proud that these efforts have been acknowledged.”

Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO, adds: “It is a real tribute to the caring team of people associated with GRMC to overcome poor Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement and still be identified as one of America’s best rural hospitals.”

GRMC has voluntarily adopted the Institute of Healthcare Improvement 5 Million Lives best practices since its inception as well as the Hospital Quality Alliance and the Surgical Care Improvement / Surgical Infection Prevention Care best practices. Nationally, these care standards and communication processes greatly reduce risks and improve quality in hospitals.

“Our medical center participated in a two-year TeamSTEPPS pilot program, which is an evidence-based teamwork system designed to improve patient outcomes by enhancing communication and teamwork skills among healthcare professionals. This type of program, along with others such as Condition H and Rapid Response teams, creates an environment for the best care to take place,” says Suzanne Cooner, GRMC vice-president of operations who oversees GRMC’s quality initiatives.

The 1,200 hospitals that publicly report their performance via the Leapfrog survey do so voluntarily. “In a way, that makes all of them top hospitals,” Binder says. “It represents an enormous commitment by the institution to not only measure what they do against tough standards, but also to work for change and be transparent about it.”

“A big part of GRMC’s success is the outstanding medical staff,” says Laura Van Cleve, DO. “As the current president of the medical staff I get the privilege of working closely with all the physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. They are truly an exceptional group of caring professionals dedicated to providing the best care possible each and every day. This award is evidence of this effort.”

The Leapfrog Group is a coalition of public and private purchasers of employee health coverage founded a decade ago to work for improvements in healthcare safety, quality, and affordability. It is an independent advocacy group working with a broad range of partners, including hospitals and insurers. Members include Chrysler, FedEx Corporation, IBM, and Motorola, among many others. Leapfrog’s annual survey is the only voluntary effort of its kind. Leapfrog officials say they plan to expand their efforts in the months ahead to work with consumer groups.

The survey, which launched in 2001, focuses on four critical areas of patient safety:

The prevention of medication errors
Standards for doing high-risk procedures
Protocols and policies to reduce medical errors and other safe practices recommended by the National Quality Forum
Adequate nurse and physician staffing

In addition, hospitals are measured on their progress in preventing infections and other hospital-acquired conditions and adopting policies on the handling of serious medical errors, among other things.

Leapfrog Board Chair David Knowlton, president of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, says that qualifying for the top hospital rank grows more difficult each year as Leapfrog’s standards evolve and new standards are added.

“Leapfrog’s members, as purchasers of care, and our partners and supporters believe that the challenges for American healthcare go far beyond just keeping costs down. Making certain that patients get the right care at the right time—value-–is an equal part of the equation,” he says.

Grinnell Regional Auxiliary Donates $22,000 to Support MRI Project at GRMC

2010-11-30T13:21:00.000-06:00

Throughout 2010, Grinnell Regional Medical Center has received $22,000 in donations from the Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary to help fund an upgrade to the hospital’s magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services.

“We appreciate everything the auxiliary does for us,” says Gina Fuller, RT (R)(M), director of radiology at GRMC. “Auxiliary members do so much for GRMC every single day. They are our partners.”

The new MRI will perform several exams not available with the current mobile unit. The new unit will also take less time to complete an exam, making it more convenient for patients. The new location of the unit inside GRMC’s radiology department will add to the patient experience.

“The auxiliary exists to support GRMC,” says Carol Jordan, GRMC auxiliary president. “Every year, we sit down with GRMC administration to determine where the funds are needed most, and then the auxiliary chooses the projects we would like to support. Auxiliary members want a new MRI to become a reality at GRMC. The convenience and accessibility is so important for patients.”

Since 2005, the GRMC auxiliary has raised $163,000 for capital campaigns, services, programs, and equipment purchases at GRMC. They also support scholarships for students pursuing healthcare careers and continuing education.

Construction is underway within the radiology department to ready the space for the installation of the new MRI unit, projected to be ready in late January.

Grinnell College recently announced it would match dollar for dollar any new or additional gifts to the MRI project up to $25,000. This follows the successful community challenge issued by Iowa Radiology and the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust. A portion of the auxiliary’s gift was matched by Iowa Radiology and the Ahrens Charitable Trust.

Anyone interested in more details about the MRI campaign may call Denise Lamphier, director of communication and development for GRMC, at 641-236-2589 or visit http://tinyurl.com/grmcmri.

Healing Music Workshops Offered

2010-11-29T12:30:00.001-06:00

The power of music transcends all ages. Grinnell Regional Medical Center offers healing music as part of its optimal healing environment. To broaden the program, GRMC will welcome Robert Bluestone, classical guitarist, to Grinnell for workshops on healing music.

The workshops will be geared toward musicians to begin or expand sharing their talents with individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, and those who find it hard to leave their homes. Bluestone will offer tips and techniques about performing for individuals facing times of distress or discomfort.

GRMC’s healing music currently features Grinnell College’s Chloe Yates, a first-year work-study student. She can be heard singing healing music throughout patient care areas. Bluestone will join her in the medical center on Tuesday, Dec. 7. They will make the rounds and take requests from patients.

Healing music workshops will also be held over the three days to reach different target groups. Bluestone will focus a program for college students, on Monday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m. in Room 152 of Bucksbaum Center for the Arts on Grinnell College campus.

On Tuesday, Dec. 7, at 3:15 p.m. Bluestone will work with Grinnell High School students at the high school. In the evening, the Grinnell Ministerial Association along with area church choirs will have the opportunity to attend a workshop targeted at sharing music for healing and spiritual enrichment. It will be at 7 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the First Presbyterian Church, 1025 5th Ave., in Grinnell. The public is welcome to this event.

The public is also invited to attend a session with GRMC employees on Wednesday, Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. to noon, in the Tomasek Conference Room, at GRMC.

Bluestone, and his wife, Rebecca, performed in Grinnell in late April 2010. When Robert planned to return to Iowa for other business, he offered to come back to Grinnell to lead small workshops to support the optimal healing environment.

The Bluestones have worked in hospitals and healthcare settings across the country giving audiences their message of hope in difficult times. Robert and Rebecca share a profound and inspiring story of how they faced Rebecca’s ovarian cancer. Robert will work with area residents during the workshops pulling techniques from his experiences as a professional musician and as a caregiver.

The workshops are free thanks to support from community sponsor Grinnell College. For more information, call 641-236-2998.

GRMC Announces OB/GYN Specialist

2010-11-23T13:28:00.002-06:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center announces the addition of its first OB/GYN specialist serving the area. Seanna (pronounced Shaw-na) Thompson, MD, FACOG, joins the GRMC staff in early December.

Thompson will practice medicine in the Grinnell Regional Women’s Health Clinic, located on the second floor of the Ahrens Medical Arts Building. As an obstetrician/gynecologist, Thompson provides medical and surgical care to women. Her medical practice will focus on pre-conception, obstetrical care, gynecology, and women’s wellness from adolescents to seniors.

Thompson received a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. She earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her obstetrics and gynecological residency was completed at New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, N.Y.

Thompson will provide outpatient, inpatient, and surgical obstetrical and gynecological care. She works with women prior to conception through delivery and back to contraception. She also focuses her practice on family planning and menopause as well as diseases and conditions of the female reproductive system.

Residents in the GRMC service area have in the past and will continue to receive obstetrical and gynecological care from family practice physicians. Adding the OB/GYN specialty broadens the services and options for women in the area.

“I am excited and fortunate to work with a group of family practitioners that are dedicated to providing the community with excellent comprehensive care. I see our roles as collaborative in providing the women of Grinnell and the surrounding area with comprehensive care at all stages of life,” explains Thompson.

Thompson is conversant in Spanish and can meet an underserved need with Hispanic residents.

“We know that some women have left our area to seek an OB/GYN specialist for their care,” says Suzanne Cooner, GRMC vice-president. “Dr. Thompson will help us meet this niche. She will perform the routine as well as high-risk medical procedures related to women’s health in all ages and stages of life for patients.”

Thompson and her husband, Timothy Niewold, an MD in rheumatology, have two children. She spends her free time with her children and enjoys classical ballet.

Grinnell Regional Women’s Health Clinic staff are accepting appointments for Thompson. Area residents may call 641-236-2905 for more information on Thompson or to schedule an appointment.

Emergency Physician, Ellestad, Joins GRMC Team

2010-11-11T16:26:00.003-06:00

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center emergency department welcomes Stephen M. Ellestad, DO, in December. Ellestad will join the emergency department as the fifth full-time physician, who rotates with the other emergency medicine physicians providing 365-day coverage for emergencies. He replaces Philip D. Sundquist, MD, who left in August.

Ellestad has more than 20 years of experience in emergency medicine and family practice care. He most recently worked with Ankeny-based Acute Care, Inc., in hospital emergency department contract coverage. Before moving to Iowa, he was in family practice in Plainsville, Kan., for seven years. Prior to that, he was a contract emergency department physician in various locations in Kansas.

After high school graduation, Ellestad enlisted in the Navy where he originally planned to become a physical or occupational therapist. However, in the service, he met several doctors of osteopathy who encouraged him to consider medical school. Ellestad enrolled in Coe College, Cedar Rapids, after the Navy to earn his bachelor’s degree. He then attended the Des Moines University – Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences to earn his medical degree. His internship residency was at Womack Army Community Hospital in Ft. Bragg, N.C. Following his training, he took a position as the general medical officer in the outpatient and emergency room at Munson Army Community Hospital in Ft. Leavenworth, Kan, where he also served as a flight surgeon.

Ellestad has spent the majority of his career in emergency medicine and he enjoys that environment.

“I like the variety of patients. Every shift has new patients and challenging diseases or injuries coming through the door,” Ellestad says.

This fervor for high intensity work environment like an ER is why GRMC recruited Ellestad.

“The volume of patients who use the GRMC emergency department continues to grow each year,” explains John Bambara, MD, director of the GRMC emergency department. “With our proximity to the interstate and the agricultural industry of the county, we see a wide spectrum of accidents and emergency health conditions. Dr. Ellestad will be an excellent provider for GRMC patients. His compassion and bedside manner is great. He has a calm demeanor to confidently comfort our patients in an emergency and with many years of medical experience and expertise.”

Ellestad and his wife of 36 years, Stephanie, have two grown children. Emergency departments typically work 12-hour shifts so his free time is limited. To relax, Ellestad enjoys weight training and reading.

Annual GRMC Auxiliary Wreath Raffle Sales Begin

2010-11-11T10:47:00.000-06:00

Welcome the holiday season with the annual holiday wreath raffle sponsored by the Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary. The auxiliary will sell raffle tickets for more than 30 holiday and winter wreaths, decorated by area businesses and volunteers. Wreaths measure 24 inches in diameter and will fashion a wide variety of themes – from traditional, whimsical and contemporary.

Beginning November 29, wreaths will be displayed at GRMC in the entrance hallways by The Glass Gift Box and laboratory waiting area. The drawing for wreaths will be Monday, Dec. 13.

This fundraiser for the GRMC Auxiliary supports its various medical center and health education programs, including $10,000 in scholarships, major equipment gifts to the medical center, books and gifts to newborns at the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center, and health education such as the Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair.

“This year we've had a tremendous response from talented individuals who have donated their time to create festive wreaths,” says Sheila Latcham, auxiliary wreath raffle committee chair. “This wreath display inside GRMC will be a cheerful addition during this holiday season.”

Raffle tickets may be purchased at The Glass Gift Box, the auxiliary’s gift shop inside the medical center, for $1 each or 6 for $5, beginning Monday, Nov. 29.

For more information call the auxiliary wreath raffle chair, Sheila Latcham, at 236-4481 or the GRMC volunteer coordinator at 236-2588.

Brownell Family Foundation Issues Challenge Grant for GRMC Annual Fund Drive

2010-11-11T08:49:00.002-06:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center has received a $25,000 challenge grant from the Brownell Family Foundation that will allow gifts to the annual fund drive to be matched dollar for dollar. New and additional donations made through Dec. 31, 2010, are eligible for the match.

“Great things are happening at GRMC right now,” says Pete Brownell, president of Brownells, Inc., in Montezuma. “Several new physicians are joining the talented medical staff, new services and specialties are being added, and renovations are underway to bring in a new MRI. We want to be a part of all of this because we see it as a good investment.”

Gifts to the annual fund drive support the everyday operation of running a hospital, for things such as services, programs, and medical equipment at GRMC. Over the years, annual fund drive donations have helped purchase an infant security system and infant warmers, comfortable chairs for patients receiving chemotherapy, surgical equipment, and more.

“There’s no question that the annual fund drive makes a difference for GRMC patients,” says Todd L. Reding, chair of GRMC’s Foundation Board. “We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Brownell Family Foundation with this challenge grant. Every gift is important and this match doubles the impact of donor support. This is especially helpful this year with the hospital’s campaign for a new MRI occurring simultaneously. It is important for donors to support both of these campaigns. The support from the Brownell family encourages that.”

To make a gift or pledge to the 2010 annual fund drive, go to the website at www.grmc.us and click the link “Make a Donation” or call Denise Lamphier at 641-236-2589. Donations may also be mailed to the Office of Communications and Development, GRMC, 210 4th Ave., Grinnell, IA 50112.

Cogley Named to IHA Auxiliary Board

2010-11-09T11:36:00.003-06:00

Jennifer Cogley, Grinnell, has been invited to serve on the Iowa Hospital Association Auxiliary/Volunteer Board. The board is comprised of volunteers and auxilians from hospitals across the state of Iowa. Members are selected for their leadership roles, abilities, and service to a hospital auxiliary or volunteer program.

Cogley recently served a two-year term as president of the Grinnell Regional Auxiliary and is an active volunteer at Grinnell Regional Medical Center.

The IHA Auxiliary/Volunteer Board plans and facilitates educational programs for hospital auxilians/volunteers and mobilizes support for IHA legislative initiatives through the annual Legislative Day. Additionally, the board recruits applicants and seeks support and donations for the Iowa Hospital Education and Research Foundation Healthcare Career Scholarship Fund. They also help auxilians /volunteers and their organizations to succeed with changes in Iowa’s healthcare environment.

Grinnell College Awards GRMC Challenge for MRI

2010-11-08T08:26:00.000-06:00

Grinnell College has awarded Grinnell Regional Medical Center a $25,000 community challenge to upgrade the hospital’s magnetic resonance imaging unit (MRI) services.

Under the stipulations of the challenge, the college will match all new gifts to the MRI project dollar for dollar. Approximately $250,000 has been raised so far toward the $300,000 project. Completion of the challenge from the college will fully close the funding gap needed to bring first-rate diagnostic equipment to GRMC.

“The MRI project fits well with the college’s core value of social responsibility by expanding access to quality healthcare in our rural area,” says Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, and president of Grinnell College. “It’s a credit to the medical center and the community that the campaign has progressed so quickly. The college is pleased to assist in bringing this new level of service to the greater Grinnell community.”

The medical center is remodeling an area inside the hospital to accommodate a new, permanent MRI and the specialized construction needed to house the sensitive equipment. The new MRI will bring with it reduced exam times for patients, a convenient location within the radiology department, and a patient-friendly design.

“Grinnell College’s generosity leads GRMC’s MRI campaign into its final leg,” says Ed Hatcher, a member of the medical center’s Foundation Board and chair elect of the GRMC Board of Directors. “Technology is key to maintaining quality care for future generations of Grinnell area residents and students alike. We are grateful to the college for this special challenge and making every dollar count for quality patient care.”

Anyone interested in more details about the MRI campaign is encouraged to call the GRMC Office of Communications and Development at 641-236-2589 or visit http://tinyurl.com/grmcmri. Gifts may be made online by visiting www.grmc.us and clicking on “Make a Gift Online” under Quick Links.

Community Rises to Challenge for New MRI at GRMC

2010-11-03T16:28:00.002-05:00

Area residents accepted and met the challenge from Iowa Radiology and the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust and have raised $100,000 toward the goal of $300,000 to upgrade a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit for Grinnell Regional Medical Center. A total of $250,000 has been raised so far toward the $300,000 goal.

The original challenge from Iowa Radiology and the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust was to match dollar for dollar any new contributions up to $50,000.

“As a trustee of the Ahrens Charitable Trust and chair of the GRMC Board of Trustees, I am delighted that this matching campaign has been successful,” says Susan Witt. “We are grateful to our partners, Iowa Radiology, and to the community for working together on this project.”

In addition to wide community support of the challenge, 100 percent of GRMC’s radiology department participated in the challenge in some form.

“I felt very good about giving to the MRI project,” says Monica Kellogg, GRMC radiology technologist. “The new MRI magnet will benefit our staff, our physicians, but most importantly our patients. Keeping up with current technology is another way of providing great patient care.”

Iowa Radiology provides radiology physicians to GRMC for diagnostic imaging services for physicians and healthcare providers.

“Our organization is proud to be in Grinnell and to partner with the Ahrens Charitable Trust to provide these matching funds for the new MRI,” says Rick Portel, chief operating officer of Iowa Radiology.

Remodeling is underway on an area inside the hospital to accommodate a new, permanent MRI and to create the specialized construction needed to house the sensitive equipment. The new unit is scheduled to be operational by mid-January.

“GRMC is truly a community hospital and projects like this reinforce the importance of this medical center to our area,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “This is important to keeping needed medical services here in Grinnell. We are grateful to the community, to Iowa Radiology, and the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust for their generous support.”

Anyone interested in more details about the MRI campaign is encouraged to call the Office of Development at 641-236-2589 or visit http://tinyurl.com/grmcmri.

Simulation Training for Infant Emergencies

2010-10-29T09:48:00.001-05:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center and Blank Children’s Hospital hosted a state-of-the-art medical simulation to train staff for emergencies in the littlest patients. The mobile simulation program imitates a real-life patient care setting where participants learn and master skills essential for infant and pediatric emergencies.

The simulation uses computerized infant and child size mannequins, along with actual equipment, to reproduce a clinical environment that provides similar physical challenges and mental stressors that would occur in a real emergency.

“This is a new option for our emergency, obstetrical, ICU, and medical staff to train with each other, like a real emergency, yet with the mannequins,” explains Amy Kramer, RN, clinical educator with GRMC’s staff development.

GRMC hosts continuing education courses for clinical staff to ensure they provide excellent care to patients.

“All GRMC clinical employees attend courses to maintain their licensure requirements. We help them learn the latest information and techniques to ensure quality patient care. We’re fortunate to partner with Blank Children’s Hospital for this training,” Kramer says.

Gift to GRMC Commemorates Wendt and JELD-WEN

2010-10-25T09:44:00.000-05:00

Jewel Kintzinger Day and Burtwin Day have given a generous $25,000 gift to Grinnell Regional Medical Center. The couple made the gift in memory of Jewel’s brother, Dick Wendt, and in honor of the 50th anniversary of JELD-WEN.

Fifty years ago, in October of 1960, Wendt was one of five founders of the now international door and window manufacturer. For many years, he served as the company’s CEO. Dick, who died in August, served as chairman of JELD-WEN’s board when his son, Rod Wendt, took over as JELD-WEN’s president and CEO. Jewel’s late husband, John Kintzinger, started a window plant in Grinnell in 1969 for JELD-WEN, which at that time was called Wenco.

“Since I have lived in Grinnell, I’ve always appreciated what GRMC has done for our family and the community,” says Kintzinger Day about the decision to support the medical center with a gift in memory of her brother.

GRMC will use the gift to upgrade the hospital’s magnetic resonance imaging unit (MRI) services. The medical center is remodeling an area inside the hospital to accommodate a new, permanent MRI and the specialized construction needed to house the sensitive equipment. With this gift, approximately $245,000 has been raised toward the estimated $300,000 project.

“We are thrilled to add Jewel and Burt to our supporters for this important diagnostic tool,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “Jewel and Burt have always been very generous to the medical center. We are deeply grateful to the Kintzinger Day family for making such an exceptional gift in support of this project. The fact that it honors Jewel’s brother and JELD-WEN makes it all the more meaningful.”

GRMC is planning to have the new MRI installed and ready for patient use by early 2011. To help meet this goal, Iowa Radiology and the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust are offering a challenge to the community for this technology investment. Under the challenge, all new or additional gifts to the MRI campaign will be matched dollar for dollar.

To learn more about the MRI campaign, call Denise Lamphier in the Office of Communications and Development at 641-236-2589 or visit http://tinyurl.com/grmcmri.

Angel Tree Adorns Hospital Lobby

2010-10-21T12:42:00.003-05:00

Honor a loved one this holiday season with a glimmering angel ornament. The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary will sell large angel ornaments for the holidays. An “Angel Tree” will be located in the front lobby of the medical center. Angel ornaments in honor of loved ones or in memory of loved ones will cover the tree on display in the hospital until Dec. 17.

This year’s angel is a six-inch mother of pearl ornament that glimmers in the light. Each ornament will have a tag to honor or remember a loved one. These are placed on a Christmas tree in the medical center after Thanksgiving. The angels may be picked up by the person who purchased it anytime after Dec. 17 and taken home or given to the honoree. The tree will remain on display until after Dec. 25.

Funds raised will be divided between the hospital’s magnetic resonance imaging unit (MRI) upgrade and the auxiliary scholarship fund that supports individuals pursuing a healthcare degree. Each year the auxiliary provides $10,000 in scholarships to area residents entering or continuing a healthcare education.

To purchase an angel and support the scholarship program or MRI upgrade, stop by the GRMC Auxiliary’s gift shop, The Glass Gift Box. Ornaments will be sold from Nov. 1 through Dec. 17. Angels are $10. For more information, contact the GRMC volunteer coordinator at 641-236-2588.

GRMC Bariatric Center of Excellence Earns Reaccreditation from American College of Surgeons

2010-09-30T16:06:00.000-05:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Bariatric Center of Excellence has been awarded full re-accreditation at a Level 1A by the American College of Surgeons. The bariatric program in Grinnell remains the first and only bariatric surgery program in Iowa to earn the national distinction from ACS. Fewer than 55 hospitals nationwide have achieved this level of excellence, which is the highest level achievable. GRMC is one of the few rural hospitals in the country to achieve this designation.

The ACS developed the accreditation program to foster high-quality surgical care for patients who undergo bariatric surgery. Grinnell Regional’s Bariatric Center of Excellence received the highest level designation originally in 2006 and has again met the essential criteria of an excellent bariatric surgery care program. It also means that Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s institutional performance meets the requirements outlined by the ACS Bariatric Surgery Center Network Accreditation Program.

At the core of the bariatric program is Grinnell Bariatrics, a part of Surgical Associates of Grinnell. Its board certified surgeons, David D. Coster, MD, and Stephen M. Sundberg, MD, perform bariatric surgeries. Stefanie H. Noun, PA-C, serves as the program coordinator.

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational association of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical education and practice and to improve the care of the surgical patient. Its achievements have placed it at the forefront of American surgery and have made the ACS an important advocate for all surgical patients. The ACS has more than 70,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world.

For more information about GRMC’s bariatric services, please visit www.grmc.us.

GRMC Auxiliary Member Meeting

2010-09-30T16:05:00.002-05:00

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary invites everyone to the annual fall luncheon scheduled for noon on Wednesday, Oct. 27. The regular gathering will again be held in the dining center at Buckley Hall on Park Street in the Mayflower Community, Grinnell.

“This will be a lovely luncheon for our members to catch up on all the auxiliary activities as well as enjoy a wonderful meal and entertainment,” explains Maralee Kruse, GRMC Auxiliary luncheon chair. “Following the luncheon will be a style show provided by Bon Worth Fashions from Tanger Outlet Mall in Williamsburg. Four models will display this fall’s fashions and two lucky winners will enjoy a $25 gift certificate to the outlet store.”

The agenda for the meeting includes: the election of 2011 officers and board members, updates on projects at the hospital and auxiliary, and door prizes by The Glass Gift Box. Tickets will be $8 and available after October 11 in The Glass Gift Box – the GRMC gift shop, from any GRMC Auxiliary Board member, or call the GRMC volunteer office at 641-236-2588.

Avoid the Flu: Get Vaccinated

2010-09-30T16:05:00.001-05:00

Grinnell Regional Public Health encourages individuals age six months and older to get vaccinated against seasonal flu. Grinnell Regional Public Health has scheduled community clinics in Brooklyn, Grinnell, and Montezuma. No appointment is required. Fee is $25.

For schedule updates or other information related to seasonal flu, call the GRMC Update Hotline, 641-236-2918, or go to the GRMC website, www.grmc.us.

Public health will begin administering vaccine in October to ensure individuals have peak immunity in place when the virus is most active, during and after the holidays.

Members of the public may also schedule an appointment to receive seasonal influenza vaccine. Please call 641-236-2385 to schedule an appointment after October 13 at the GRPH office in the Light Center for Community Health, 4th Ave. and Reed St., Grinnell.

Nurse Anesthetist Joins GRMC Surgery Team

2010-09-23T15:11:00.001-05:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center announces the addition of Troy Anderson, CRNA, to the surgical services department. He began in the OR on September 13. Anderson performs all anesthesia services in the surgical suite for all ages and procedures. Areas where he will often be overseeing anesthesia care include obstetrical, surgical, and trauma stabilization.

Prior to joining GRMC, Anderson worked at Skiff Medical Center for four years and Community Hospital in Muster, Ind., for three years. He earned a bachelor’s at Iowa State University, a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Iowa, and a master of science in nursing anesthesia from Rush University in Chicago, Ill.

A motivated individual, Anderson choose to become a nurse anesthetist because of the high degree of autonomy and responsibility demanded on the profession.

He explains, “I’ve always been focused on caring for people. I looked at the nursing profession and wanted the most challenging area of specialty. I wanted to operate at a skill level that was consistent with me. The OR is where I enjoy caring for patients.”

“Troy brings nearly nine years of experience in the OR plus excellent training to GRMC,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “He also brings such a caring and professional approach to his work. Following the addition of Nick Kuiper, DO, surgeon, this summer, we’re expanding the surgery schedule and needed more anesthesia coverage. Troy will be an excellent addition.”

His wife, Alexzandra, has been a contract nurse anesthetist for GRMC for two years. She will continue to work as a locum tenen for GRMC as needed. The couple has two children, William, 3, and Abigail, 1.

Anderson will join anesthesiologists Kevin Emge, DO, and Ken Whipple, DO, and Alexzandra Anderson, CRNA, in GRMC’s Warren H. Bower Surgical Suite.

Hospice Remembrance Service

2010-09-23T15:10:00.000-05:00

Grinnell Regional Hospice will hold a Memorial Service on Tuesday, Oct. 19. This remembrance service, beginning at 7 p.m., will be held in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church, 1025 5th Ave, Grinnell.

The annual service, which is open to the general public, honors hospice patients and residents of the Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s service area who have passed away between Sept. 1, 2009, and Aug. 31, 2010. Members of the Grinnell Regional Hospice staff will facilitate a ceremony and provide reflections, poetry, and musical selections.

“The service offers a time to pause and reflect on the meaning and significance of the life of someone we’ve recently lost,” says Susan Sanning, M.Div, Th.M., Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s chaplain and organizer of the event. “It allows us to remember and find ways to honor those memories. We look forward to seeing the families of patients we’ve served as well as others in the community who wish to join us for the evening.”

“We welcome receiving photos of the loved one being remembered. The photos will be included with those of hospice patients in a slide presentation at the close of the service,” Sanning says.

Refreshments will be served following the program. Persons interested in participating, submitting a photo, and/or recognizing a loved one should call the Grinnell Regional Hospice office at 641-236-2418 by Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010; however no one will be turned away.

GRMC Provided $8.5 Million in Community Benefit

2010-09-16T11:54:00.000-05:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center provided $8,515,639 in community benefits to Poweshiek County and surrounding service area, according to a recently completed assessment of those programs and services. That amount, based on 2009 figures, includes community health improvement services, subsidized health services, in-kind gifts, traditional charity care, government sponsored health care, bad debt, and unpaid costs for Medicaid and Medicare. GRMC reported $1.3 million in subsided health services and $497,574 in charity care that GRMC specifically implemented to help area residents.

Community benefits are activities designed to improve health status and increase access to health care. Along with uncompensated care (which includes both charity care and bad debt), community benefits include such services and programs such as the Community Care Clinic, Stork’s Nest, health screenings, health education programs, counseling, immunizations, nutritional services, and emergency and trauma services.

The results for GRMC are included in a statewide report by the Iowa Hospital Association that shows Iowa hospitals provided community benefits in 2009 valued at more than $1.2 billion. All 118 of Iowa’s community hospitals participated in the survey.

“GRMC reaches out to help so many residents,” explains Jack Fritts, GRMC chief financial officer and vice-president. “The hospital subsidized the H1N1 immunization clinics last year that helped protect residents from the flu. We also supported our outreach clinics that allow residents convenient access to healthcare services.”

“The programs and services accounted for in the survey were implemented in direct response to the needs of individual communities, as well as entire counties and regions. Many of these programs and services simply would not exist without hospital support and leadership,” said IHA president Kirk Norris.

But the ability of Iowa hospitals to respond to such needs is being hindered by the current economic downturn, as well as by losses caused by Medicare and Medicaid.

Total uncompensated care in 2009 in Iowa, including charity care and bad debt, was valued at more than $796.4 million, an increase of $85.9 million (12 percent) over 2008.

GRMC has weathered poor reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid for many years. Fortunately, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 brings a long awaited fix to create a special payment category for tweener hospitals like GRMC.

Though we recorded a record total for unpaid cost of Medicare and Medicaid of $4.8 million in 2009, a higher level of reimbursement will begin in October 2010 to begin to bring reimbursement closer to cost.

Federal health care reform legislation passed earlier this year moved Medicare several steps toward a payment system that recognizes and rewards high-quality, low-cost providers like Iowa hospitals. Studies have shown that as much as 30 percent of health care is wasted by either being duplicative or ineffective and that some states, including Iowa, do a much better job of providing efficient care. Reducing that waste would save billions of dollars, which could be directed toward providing coverage for the uninsured.

GRMC is a not for profit community hospital. It does not receive funds from taxes but counts on revenues from services provided and donations from the community to sustain itself.

“The recent additions of physicians and surgeons as well as a better reimbursement rate for Medicare and Medicaid and continued strong financial support from individuals in our service area allow GRMC to be poised for the future. We are an integral part of the community and giving back to the people we serve is key to our future,” Fritts says.

Flu Prevention Begins

2010-09-09T16:11:00.004-05:00

Grinnell Regional Public Health will offer influenza vaccination clinics for the public. For the winter 2010-2011 influenza season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease.

While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine this year is designed to protect against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season, according to CDC sources. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus, and the H1N1 virus that caused illness last season.

“As with all illnesses, prevention remains the best tactic to avoid becoming ill,” says Patty Hinrichs, RN, coordinator for Grinnell Regional Public Health. “The first step is to receive a flu vaccination. Our infection prevention committee reviewed the CDC data and influenza recommendations to determine the appropriate time to vaccinate residents. Public health will begin administering vaccine in October to ensure individuals have peak immunity in place when the virus is most active, during and after the holidays. Last year the vaccination schedule was accelerated due to the H1N1 outbreak. This year we can return to the normal vaccination schedule that gives the best protection throughout the full influenza season.”

Grinnell Regional Public Health orders vaccine for all age groups. Nasal-spray flu vaccine is an option for healthy people 2 to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.

Who Should be Vaccinated

In February, vaccine experts voted that everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine each year starting with the 2010-2011 influenza season. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for “universal” flu vaccination in the United States to expand protection against the flu to more people.

While public health recommends everyone receive a flu vaccine, certain groups of individuals are identified as a higher risk either due to their own high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications. Individuals at higher risk and recommended for flu vaccination include:

Pregnant women
Children six months of age and older
People 50 years of age and older
People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
Health care workers
Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than six months of age, as these children are too young to be vaccinated.

Call Grinnell Regional Public Health at 641-236-2385 for information on the flu vaccine.

Grinnell Regional Public Health flu vaccine clinics will be held on the following dates and locations. No appointment is required for these. Fee is $25.

Oct. 13 – Grinnell Athletic and Recreation Center, 1500 Penrose, Grinnell, 9 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.
Oct. 18 – Grinnell Newburg High School, Media Center, 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Oct. 19 – Brookside South, 214 4th Ave., West, Grinnell, 10:30 a.m. to noon
Oct. 20 – Grinnell Senior Center, 927 4th Ave., 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Oct. 21 – Michael J. Manatt Community Center, 105 Jackson St., Brooklyn, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Nov. 2 – Seeland Park, Ten-plex lobby on Orchard Dr., Grinnell, 10 a.m. to noon
Nov. 3 – Grinnell United Methodist Church, 916 5th Ave., Grinnell, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Nov. 4 – Montezuma Presbyterian Church Family Center, 300 E. Washington, Montezuma, 1 to 3 p.m.
Nov. 10 – BGM School, Elementary Cafeteria, Brooklyn, 3 to 6 p.m.
Nov. 11 – Mayflower Community, Carman Center, 600 Park St., Grinnell, 1 to 3 p.m.

Area physician’s offices and the outreach clinics affiliated with GRMC will also offer influenza vaccines.

For more information on the vaccination or public clinics, call Grinnell Regional Public Health at 641-236-2385.

Child Safety Seat Inspection Day

2010-09-09T16:11:00.001-05:00

Grinnell Police Department and Grinnell Regional Medical Center will host a car safety inspection on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Grinnell Public Safety Building, 1020 Spring St. The inspection for infant and child car seats is free to anyone who transports children, including parents, grandparents, and childcare providers.

At the inspection the vehicle and seat are thoroughly evaluated to make sure the child safety seat is installed correctly based on age and weight of child. The certified technicians will also examine the car seat size and review whether the seat appears on a recall list. To make newborn seats more safe, technicians may install a noodle to properly fit the baby to the seat and not restrict the baby’s air pathway.

Certified technicians from the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center perform the inspection. Grinnell Police Department and GRMC staff teamed up to help educate parents on baby and child safety as part of the National Baby Safety Month.

“Our obstetrical team focuses on the health and wellness of all the infants and children we help bring into the world. The inspection is for all vehicles that transport children and a great way to assure that the safety seat is doing what it should, protecting the child,” says Sheryl Baarda, RN, nurse manager at Kintzinger Women’s Health Center. “We adjust the car seat to the infant when they leave GRMC at birth. This inspection allows parents to come back and make sure the seat is still safe and fitting properly as the child grows.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nearly 3 out o 4 child safety seats are not used properly. For a child safety seat to do its job right, it has to be:

Appropriate for your child’s age and size
Installed properly in your vehicle; and
Adjusted to fit your child securely.

For more information on the free car safety seat inspection, call the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center, at 641-236-2324.

2009 GRMC Annual Report Shows Financial Improvement and Recovery

2010-09-02T15:08:00.000-05:00

The 2009 Grinnell Regional Medical Center annual report, “Everyday Superheroes,” illustrates the events and achievements of the past year at GRMC. The theme is a tribute to the men and women who work together at GRMC to protect, heal, and care for those who rely on GRMC for healthcare. Illustrations of super heroes in the online report were drawn by elementary students at BGM schools.

“The theme of the report is light-hearted,” says Todd C. Linden, president and CEO of GRMC. “But the message is very true. There are many heroes among us here at GRMC who do extraordinary things everyday that make a real difference in people’s lives. Everyone on our team plays an important role, from those who make sure the building is clean and running properly to those who perform life-saving surgery. The children’s artwork illustrates the example of an everyday hero, like the people who work at GRMC.”

In 2009, GRMC was ranked the 11th best hospital in the state of Iowa based on the national survey scores in Consumer Reports healthcare comparison.

The team of “super heroes” at GRMC grew with the additions of Dale Andres, DO, (pathology); Gene Gessner, MD, (pain management); Christine Lindgren, DO (internal medicine); Emil Pecholt, DO, (family practice); and Philip Sundquist, MD, (emergency medicine). Allied health professionals new to GRMC include Wendi Beck, PA-C; Diane Nutter, ARNP; and Kenna Willey, PA-C. Cardiologists Michael Kienzle, MD, and Allan Latcham, MD, joined the visiting specialists at GRMC.

During 2009, GRMC and Mercy Health Network in Des Moines, partnered to create an eICU. This model brings around-the-clock physician coverage to the GRMC intensive care unit through two-way computer monitoring.
H1N1 was one of the public’s enemies in the past year. GRMC and Grinnell Regional Public Health vaccinated nearly 30 percent of Poweshiek County against the H1N1 virus. They report 5,676 vaccinations given just for H1N1.
GRMC advances in chemotherapy now offer greater options for patients fighting cancer and their increased comfort.
Digital mammography now at GRMC provides state-of-the-art diagnostic screening for breast cancer detection.

Also featured in the 2009 Annual Report are “the hero’s heroes,” the donors who overcame the recession to break the record for giving to the Annual Fund Drive. Even with the challenging economy, community members increased giving by $50,000 over 2008, contributing $363,000 from 1,032 donors.

“The community support of GRMC is extraordinary,” says Denise Lamphier, director of communications and development. “Our donors truly are our heroes and have a substantial effect on what this medical center can accomplish.”

The report notes that GRMC finished 2009 with a $938,300 loss, which is a significant improvement compared to a loss of more than $3 million in 2008. This is nearly a 70 percent improvement in financial performance.

Over the past two years, GRMC has reduced costs by $8 million, or nearly 20 percent. This was accomplished through active expense management and cost reductions. GRMC notes their costs were already well below the national average before expense reduction began.

How is 2010 shaping up?
GRMC reports that the many years of advocacy work by other super heroes, those community volunteers and board members who traveled with GRMC administration to Washington, D.C., has finally paid off. Payment relief for Medicare and Medicaid services for “tweener” sized hospitals like GRMC was included in the healthcare reform legislation passed earlier this year. GRMC could see up to a $1 million per year improved payment for the next two years as a result.
GRMC points to the addition of new physicians to its staff as positive indicators for the future. Nicolas Kuiper, DO, (general surgery), and Aaron Smith, DO, (urology), began employment with Surgical Associates in July. Nurse anesthetist Troy Anderson has also joined the GRMC staff.

Additionally, GRMC has recruited its first obstetrics/gynecology physician, Seanna Thompson, MD, FACOG, who will arrive in Grinnell at the end of the year. Stephen Ellestad, DO, will join the medical staff in the emergency department later this year.

The 2009 GRMC Annual Report, “Everyday Superheroes,” can be viewed online at www.grmc.us. If you have any questions, please call the office of communications and development at 641-236-2961.

Former Grinnellian to Share Insights on Aging with Grace and Dignity

2010-09-02T15:06:00.003-05:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Hospice department welcomes Cory Ingram, MD, as he presents a lecture series entitled, “Aging with Grace and Dignity,” on Monday, Sept. 20. Ingram, an assistant professor, physician, and Grinnell High School alumnus, will address a variety of issues individuals face during aging.

The lecture series will be an informative opportunity for educators, healthcare professionals, and the public to discuss issues related to the challenges of maturing adults.

Ingram’s first lecture, “Old Age Ain’t for Sissies,” will be at the GRMC Senior Education program, beginning at 10 a.m., in the Drake Community Library. Following an introduction with current statistics on aging in rural locations, his program will address how to prepare for a doctor visit, geriatric myths, geriatric syndromes, and end-of-life preparations and planning.

Ingram will host a lunch and learn session on caring for seriously ill patients and their families at noon in the Tomasek Conference Center at GRMC. He will share practical information for those providing palliative and end-of-life care. He will also explore newer models of concurrent curative and palliative treatments. This lecture will target healthcare providers. Those interested in registering for this lunch and learn or information on CEU and CME credit may call 641-236-2418.

Following the afternoon program for healthcare professionals and educators, Ingram’s final public lecture will be at 7 p.m. at the Grinnell United Methodist Church. During “Watch Over Me: A Family’s Dementia Journey,” Ingram will use patient narratives to walk the audience through the complex journey of dementia and the care required by both the patients and families.

Ingram is currently assistant professor of family and palliative medicine at the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, and medical director of palliative care and the regional director of the practice based research network at the Andreas Cancer Center of Immanuel-Joseph Medical Center, Mayo Health System, in Mankato, Minn.

He is a native of Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell Senior High School in 1987. He pursued his liberal arts education at Central College in Pella, Iowa, and finished his bachelors, masters, and medical studies in Western Europe at Leiden University in Holland. Ingram has trained in hospice and palliative medicine under the mentorship of world-renowned Ira Byock, MD, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. He also studied at St. Christopher’s Hospice in London and visited other hospices throughout the United States and Western Europe. Ingram completed his residency at the University of Nebraska. Following his residency he completed a geriatric fellowship at the Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency program.

Sara Wray, RN, Grinnell Regional Hospice patient care coordinator, spearheaded Ingram’s return to his hometown for a program following their class reunion a few years ago.

“When Cory found out that I was a hospice nurse here, he immediately offered to do seminars for the people in his hometown,” Wray says. “This subject is very near and dear to him. He knows how much family members and patients can benefit from the information he often presents to groups. We started looking at times when he could come to Grinnell. Finding a time was a challenge because he was entering a fellowship with a well-known physician for palliative and end-of-life care in New Hampshire. We were able to secure a date and he’s very excited to be coming to the community and giving back to the residents.”

For information on the three programs or to pre-register for the free continuing education units, please call Grinnell Regional Hospice at 641-236-2418.

Healing After the Death of a Loved One

2010-09-02T15:06:00.001-05:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center will offer a five-week grief support group designed for anyone in the community who has lost a loved one. The group will explore the challenges associated with loss as well as the opportunities that loss presents for healing and growth.

“We create a confidential setting where participants can share their memories, their experiences, and their feelings with others who have also experienced a loss,” explains Susan Sanning, group facilitator and GRMC chaplain. “This will be a time for group members to explore ways to remember, heal, and grow.”

Gatherings will be held on Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 21 and run through Oct. 19. The support group will be held 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the conference room of the Light Center for Community Health, 306 4th Ave., Grinnell.

There is no fee to participate, but interested persons must pre-register by calling Grinnell Regional Hospice at 641-236-2418. Childcare will be offered free of charge for those who may need it. Please request childcare when you register.

Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair Scholarships Available

2010-08-30T08:41:00.000-05:00

The annual Grinnell Regional Medical Center Baby Fair has merged with the annual Women’s Health Focus to create an evening full of activities for women of all ages. The Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair will be Wednesday, Oct. 6. GRMC and event co-sponsor the Grinnell Regional Auxiliary have teamed up with area businesses and the Grinnell Ministerial Association to help fund tickets for women who do not have the financial means to purchase a ticket.

“As we’ve evolved the Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair event, we worked to reduce barriers to attending, such as cost and childcare,” explains Denise Lamphier, director of communications and development and event committee member. “We understand that some women may need financial and childcare assistance to attend and we are very grateful that the ministerial association, the auxiliary, and local businesses have decided to help fund tickets. This event has so much to offer all women who want to learn about their health and well being.”

To apply for a scholarship to attend the Women’s Health Focus, call the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center 641-236-2324. A brief application process will be completed. Scholarships will only be accepted until seating is sold out.

The Women’s Health Focus will be held at Grinnell Community High School, Wednesday, Oct. 6. The educational exhibits and the Market Place will be open from 4:30 to 6:45 p.m. A buffet dinner catered by the Mayflower Community will be available from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Colette Carlson, keynote speaker, will begin her presentation at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.

Tickets are on sale for $18 until Sept. 24, and $25 after Sept. 24. Tickets are available online at www.grmc.us or http://tinyurl.com/2010whf; and at The Glass Gift Box in GRMC.

Herbers Rejoins Lynnville Medical Clinic

2010-08-20T08:32:00.002-05:00

The Lynnville Medical Clinic, a Grinnell Regional Medical Center Clinic, welcomes back Kasey Herbers, PA-C, as a full-time healthcare provider. Herbers provides primary care services to all ages of patients. Her scope of practice includes preventive and diagnostic services for chronic and acute care, women’s health, well-child exams, sports physicals, annual wellness physicals, DOT physicals, and workers compensation.

Herbers originally joined the GRMC Medical Staff in March 2004 as the primary provider at the New Sharon Memorial Clinic. She also provided care at the Lynnville Medical Clinic as needed.

“We are very excited to have Kasey back at the Lynnville Medical Clinic full time,” explains Todd C. Linden, president and CEO of GRMC. “Her professional experience and gentle, caring personality contribute to her excellent reputation as a healthcare provider. With a full time provider, we can have the clinic open every day and for longer hours.”

The Lynnville Medical Clinic will be open Monday through Friday. Kasey will have clinic hours 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Guy McCaw, MD, will be in the clinic each week on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

Herbers earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at Iowa State University and a physician assistant degree from the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD.

The Lynnville Medical Clinic is located at 303 East St., Lynnville. To schedule an appointment or for information, you may call the Lynnville Medical Clinic at 641-527-2929.

Annual GRMC Auxiliary Fund Raiser Set

2010-08-19T14:00:00.001-05:00

Yellow tags will flutter everywhere on Friday, Aug. 27, when the Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary hosts its one-day Tag Day blitz. This annual event has been a GRMC auxiliary tradition for nearly 90 years where area residents are asked to make a donation in exchange for the bright yellow tags.

“Our auxiliary and the hospital continue to be strong because of the exceptional support from the communities we serve,” says Shannon Reding, GRMC Auxiliary Tag Day co-chair. “This fund-raising activity, along with other fundraisers, allows the auxiliary to make significant contributions to hospital that can positively influence patient care. We hope the community again chooses to support the auxiliary and our work for healthcare. Last year we collected more than $2,000 and we hope to exceed that goal. These funds are more important than ever.”

Tag Day supports the auxiliary’s projects every year. For 2010, funds collected will go toward the $10,000 pledge to scholarships for students entering college and advancing their degrees in the healthcare field. Other goals for the auxiliary’s fundraising efforts during the year include donating $7,000 toward the physical therapy rooms at Postels Community Health Park and $8,000 for hospital equipment, as well as support the Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair on October 6.

Area residents from all the communities in the GRMC service area are encouraged to stop at participating businesses or collection places to make a donation. Tables will be set up in Brooklyn, Grinnell, Montezuma, and New Sharon. In Grinnell look for auxiliary members at GRMC, Beckman's Gallery, Brown’s Shoe, Fareway, HyVee, Marketplace on Main, McNally’s, Pioneer Bookstore, Post Office, Saints Rest, Wal-Mart and Yumi’s. A table will also be located at the farmer’s market in Grinnell on Thursday, Aug. 26, from 4 to 6 p.m.

For more information or to be an auxiliary Tag Day volunteer, call 641-236-2588.

Annual Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair Set

2010-08-18T09:03:00.002-05:00

Stress less and laugh more. Learn how you can balance life at the Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair, co-sponsored by Grinnell Regional Medical Center and the Grinnell Regional Auxiliary. The fourth annual women’s event will be from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 6, at the Grinnell Community High School.

This year’s keynote speaker, Colette Carlson, will discuss “The Truth about Balance: How to Stress Less and Laugh More.” She promises to take us on a heartfelt, humorous journey into our own lives and help us bring about the self-awareness that begins long-lasting change.

“In our crazy-busy world, people often think they must have more, do more, and be more, but the truth is that mantra only leads to more mayhem and stress,” Carlson says.

The theme “No More Nylons” plays into Carlson’s presentation as she shares with us how clear boundaries and thoughtful choices lead to greater satisfaction and stronger results, whether we are never-been mothers, expecting mothers, new mothers, been-around-the-block mothers, or grandmothers.

Record Number of Exhibitors and Retailers at Event

The evening will begin at 4:30 p.m. with a record number of educational booths covering everything from breast health, heart health, obstetrical services, childcare resources, public health, hospice care, community resources, and more – 45 in all. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet GRMC’s new obstetrician/gynecologist, Seanna Thompson, M.D., FACOG, who will join the medical staff in December.

New at this year’s Women’s Health Focus is the inclusion of the GRMC Baby Fair. This combination provides a special night out for women of all ages and access to educational booths that cover the spectrum of health and wellness—while also enjoying a girl’s night out.

Childcare will be provided for a small fee. Happy breastfeeding babies under six months of age may remain with their mothers. Due to the increased number of exhibitors, stroller access will be limited.

The GRMC Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair is a relaxed night out with the girls. The Mayflower Community chef and catering services staff will do all the cooking. This year’s menu includes: Pasta primavera, stuffed chicken breast, steakhouse salad, sweet and sour pork stir fry, fresh vegetable salad, fruit and cheese tray, assorted breads, and a wonderful dessert table.

In addition to door prizes tailored to new and expecting mothers, the Women’s Health Focus will give away body wraps and massages from Postels Community Health Park, a three-month membership at GRMC Wellness Services, a Flip camera, jewelry from Bill’s Jewelry, chocolates from Storybook Chocolates, and gift certificates to The Glass Gift Box. All women who attend will have their names entered for these drawings. In addition, many vendors and exhibitors will offer drawings for prizes and raffles.

The MarketPlace will also open with 11 area vendors offering our guests “retail therapy” as part of the evening’s fun. Scheduled for the event are: Aiyana Tanning and Day Spa, Cory Hall Photography, Dori’s Fashions and More, Flower Connection, Jo Jones Photography, Jockey Person to Person, Mary Kay Cosmetics, The Pampered Chef – Inc. Sales Director Susan Ross, Scentsy, The Glass Gift Box, and The Mixing Studio.

Ticket Information

Tickets are $18 and financial assistance is available. On-site childcare is also available for $3 per child, including a meal for those over two. Register for childcare at the time of ticket purchase. To purchase tickets, go online to http://tinyurl.com/2010whf. As a special reward, all who purchase tickets online will be entered in a drawing for a $50 gift certificate at The Glass Gift Box. Tickets are also available at The Glass Gift Box located inside GRMC. Women who cannot afford tickets may inquire with Sheryl Baarda, OB nurse manager, at 641-236-2326 or at sbaarda@grmc.us.

This year’s Women’s Health Focus is co-sponsored by GRMC and the Grinnell Regional Auxiliary. Many other partners play a significant role in bringing this event to the community, including a direct source award sponsored by Sen. Harkin and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Family Medicine, Grinnell College, Mercy Health Network, Woodard Hearing Services, Grinnell Eye Care, Grinnell Family Care, Iowa Radiology, Maytag Laundry and Tanning, and WindStream Communications.

GRMC Receives $10,000 from Monsanto Fund to Support MRI Project

2010-08-13T14:41:00.001-05:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center has received a $10,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund, a private foundation and the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Company, to help fund an upgrade to the hospital’s magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit services.

“GRMC is pleased to team up with the Monsanto Fund to address the needs of our community,” says Denise Lamphier, director of communications and development at GRMC. “This grant will go toward renovating the radiology department to house our new MRI unit within the hospital.”

“Our philosophy has been to provide the highest quality care to our patients through excellent staff and current technology,” Lamphier says. “This latest commitment to upgrade our MRI services is no exception.”

“GRMC is a great community partner for Monsanto Company. They have been there for us as a company and for our employees who live in the area. We know this project will be a benefit for all,” says Al Henderson, plant manager at Grinnell Monsanto Company.

Iowa Radiology and the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust are also offering a challenge for this technology investment. Under the challenge from Iowa Radiology and the Ahrens Charitable Trust, all new or additional gifts to the MRI campaign will be matched dollar for dollar up to $50,000.

Anyone interested in more details about the MRI campaign is encouraged to call Lamphier at GRMC’s office of communication and development at 641-236-2589 or visit http://tinyurl.com/grmcmri.

About Monsanto Fund:

The Monsanto Fund is the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company. Incorporated in 1964, the Fund’s primary objective is to improve the lives of people by bridging the gap between their needs and their resources. The Monsanto Fund is focused on grant-making in four main areas: nutritional well-being through agriculture; science education, primarily on professional development for teachers; healthy environment, which includes conservation, protection of biodiversity, clean water and restoration of wildlife habitat; and improving the quality of life in communities where Monsanto employees live and work.

Visit the Monsanto Fund at http://www.monsantofund.org/asp/welcome.asp.

Talks Underway to Bring Pharmacy Services Back to Victor

2010-08-09T16:08:00.000-05:00

Last week, members of the Victor Health Center board, the Victor Community Development Association board, and Grinnell Regional Medical Center, met with a pharmacist/entrepreneur to talk about the possibility of bringing pharmacy services back to Victor.

Earlier this summer, Phillip Pharmacy closed its Victor location and relocated all its activity at its other pharmacy in Brooklyn. Since then the Brooklyn pharmacy has obtained a new owner. Todd Thompson, pharmacist and owner of Remedy Drug in Montezuma, just purchased the Brooklyn pharmacy from Phillip Pharmacy. Thompson is considering the possibility of expanding to offer pharmacy coverage in Victor again.

“Our focus is working with small communities to keep pharmacy service available locally,” Thompson says. “I was really happy to hire Erin Riffel, Pharm.D., when I purchased the Brooklyn Pharmacy. She is a top notch pharmacist and has such strong local ties.”

Thompson, the VCDA, the health center board, and GRMC are exploring various options to bring a pharmacy back to Victor. The groups are examining locations, possible services and hours, and staffing needs. The largest obstacle to overcome is approval from the state pharmacy board.

“Todd Thompson has been a great partner in Montezuma working with Dr. J.B. Paulson and GRMC to provide outstanding pharmacy services there,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO, which manages the Victor Health Center. “Having a pharmacy in Victor is important to the viability of the Victor clinic. We stand ready to assist Todd in any way in retuning pharmacy service to Victor.”

Leonard Seda, president of the VCD agrees. “We are thrilled to be working with Todd Thompson to make the Victor Pharmacy a real community asset. Many people have commented on what a loss it was when Phillips closed the pharmacy. VCD has been working hard to make sure we get back this vital downtown business.”

Bill Lynch, chair of the Victor Health Center board, says: “We are excited that Todd Thompson has such a focus on working with smaller communities to bring pharmaceutical service back to Victor and help make sure patients at the Victor clinic have access to their needed medications. It is also exciting to be exploring other services such as home oxygen.”

Thompson is working with the board of pharmacy to obtain the appropriate licensure.

“I hope to get a time frame established very soon for re-opening a pharmacy in Victor. In the meantime, we will gladly deliver prescriptions to Victor residents,” Thompson says.

Victor residents may use the old Philips Pharmacy number to call the Brooklyn Pharmacy for prescriptions. The number is 319-647-3322. It will be listed under Victor Pharmacy in the new phone books this fall.

Hospital Merges Public Relations and Development Offices

2010-08-04T15:57:00.005-05:00

(Left to Right) Laura Lof, Ashley Grundler, Conni Gause, Denise Lamphier,
Jan Veach, Barbara Hansen, and Jeanette Budding.

Denise Lamphier will serve as the director of the newly merged Communications and Development Office at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Lamphier has been the director of public relations at GRMC for the past 13 years.

“Denise has always been an integral part of the fund-raising team at GRMC. She has done excellent work in developing annual campaign materials, fund-raising materials, and proposals. She already knows the organization inside and out, so moving her into this role to oversee both departments makes logical sense for GRMC,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO.

“The medical center has benefited over the years from Denise’s leadership in the areas of communication and community relations. With the current economy and the unfair healthcare reimbursement that GRMC has faced, this merger of departments saves the hospital money and improves efficiency by cross training staff in the two areas. Plus, Denise will continue to build upon the solid relationships with donors we already have and expand our connections as we look to future fund-raising campaigns,” Linden says.

Lamphier will begin a transition immediately into assuming the responsibilities of fund raising. With the departmental merger as well as changes in the public relations industry, GRMC decided to change the name of the department to communications and development, giving it a broader scope than just public relations. Managing all communications such as social media, community relationship building, and patient relations all influence the success of a business and this broader scope reflects the department’s activities.

“Denise will be able to step into this position in a seamless manner. We had an opportunity to combine the departments following the decisions by the development office’s Mindy Uitermarkt and Leslie McKnight to pursue their life’s dreams,” Linden adds. Uitermarkt, the former director of the development department, is now working full-time at her two retail stores in Marshalltown and Grinnell. She will remain on the GRMC staff through December to help with the transition. McKnight is working with her husband, Matthew McKnight, DPM, in his podiatry office.

“This move is a further testament of the medical center’s commitment to continually improving its structure and efficiency, and developing excellent leadership to pursue even higher goals. Denise brings a depth of knowledge and a sincere passion for the medical center and community to the new structure,” says Todd Reding, chair of the GRMC Foundation Board and president/CEO of ASI in Grinnell.

Lamphier joined GRMC in 1998. Prior to joining the medical center, she served as the editor of Grinnell College’s alumni magazine and as the editorial director/assistant director of public relations. She also was a daily newspaper reporter. She earned her master’s degree in journalism from the University of Iowa. Lamphier has served the Grinnell community in several volunteer roles. She is currently the vice-president of the Drake Community Library board and has served on the board since March 2006. She has been a volunteer board member with Imagine Grinnell since November 2005, and just completed a two-year term as the president.

“Change is the one constant. We all know that,” Lamphier says. “I’ve always thought that if you say ‘This is how we’ve always done it’ then it’s probably time to rethink it. Over the years, GRMC has built a strong fund-raising department because of the great support from the community we serve. Now is great time to reflect on the accomplishments of our community as we transition into this new role. I want to build upon GRMC’s wonderful relationships with individuals. So if we have never met, please introduce yourself to me. I look forward to talking to everyone about supporting quality healthcare close to home.”

The Office of Communications and Development is located on the third floor of the Ahrens Medical Arts Building. Working along with Lamphier in the department are Jeanette Budding, Conni Gause, Ashley Grundler, Barbara Hansen, Laura Lof, and Jan Veach.

For information about fund raising or communication, contact Lamphier at 641-236-2589.

Surgical Associates Welcomes New Urologist

2010-07-30T08:32:00.003-05:00

Surgical Associates, LLP of Grinnell, announces the arrival of Aaron C. Smith, DO, urologist. Smith completed his urology residency program in Detroit, Mich., in June and began seeing patients at Surgical Associates on July 22.

Smith is a native Iowan who grew up in Pella and received his degrees in Iowa, including a medical degree from Des Moines University and bachelor’s degree from Central College. He completed a general surgery residency at Ingham Regional Medical Center, Lansing, Mich., and a urology residency at Michigan State – College of Osteopathic Medicine, Detroit campus.

In an announcement on July 28, the Awards Committee of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons selected Smith to receive one of the five 2010 ACOS Resident Achievement Awards for outstanding clinical ability, patient/resident manner, resident/staff relationships, resident/community involvement and academic activities.

Todd Linden, Grinnell Regional Medical Center CEO and president, applauded Smith saying, “Dr. Smith comes to our area with excellent skills as recognized by this award. Our market data shows an increased need for urology services in the area. Dr. Smith is a great addition to Surgical Associates and will complement the excellent care of Dr. Bandstra.”

Russell Bandstra, MD, president of Surgical Associates, says, “It is great to have Dr. Smith join the team. He has been trained in the latest techniques and has special training in robotic surgery. Robotics is really the future for certain surgeries. Our practice can now offer these.”

When asked about practicing in Pella and Grinnell, Smith replied, “I always knew I would come home to practice. This is where my wife is from and where I want to raise my family. Surgical Associates is a well run practice that lets the doctor focus on patient care and not worry about the business side. I am thrilled to be joining them.”

Smith will practice in Grinnell as well as Pella. Robert Kroese, Pella Regional Health Center CEO, adds: “I’ve known Dr. Smith and his family since he was in high school. He has the character, integrity, and skills that make an excellent surgeon. We are excited that Dr. Smith will be joining Surgical Associates and working for both hospitals.”

Smith will provide expert surgical care for the full range of urological needs. He has extensive training and experience including the treatment of prostate cancer, kidney stones, bladder disease, incontinence, and erectile dysfunction.

When Smith is not practicing medicine, he is spending time with his wife and three sons.

Appointments may be scheduled in Grinnell and Pella by calling 641-236-4323.

Heads Up on Construction

2010-07-30T08:32:00.001-05:00

Grinnell Regional Medical Center announces it has begun repairing storm damaged areas of the hospital, Ahrens Medical Arts Building, and Postels Community Health Park. Repair construction will last approximately four weeks, as weather permits.

In the interest of safety and convenience, GRMC patients and guests should not be affected except for closure of the medical arts building underpass and reassigning a few handicapped parking spaces on certain days. For your convenience, GRMC encourages guests and visitors to use the Third Avenue entrance to the parking lot. The work crews anticipant the underpass to be closed from August 2 to 10.

GRMC offers valet parking, free of change, to all patients any time of year. Please use this service during this construction and any time for your convenience and comfort. If you have questions, please feel free to call the GRMC resource desk at 641-236-2922.

Community Challenged to Raise Funds for MRI

2010-07-28T08:27:00.001-05:00

Two organizations with strong ties to Grinnell Regional Medical Center have collaborated to create a $50,000 community challenge to upgrade the hospital’s magnetic resonance imaging unit (MRI) services.

Iowa Radiology and the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust are offering the challenge for this technology investment. The goal is to remodel an area inside the hospital to accommodate a new, permanent MRI and the specialized construction needed to house the sensitive equipment. GRMC’s current MRI is housed in a mobile unit adjacent to the medical center.

Approximately $120,000 has been raised so far toward the estimated $300,000 project. Earlier this year, GRMC received a generous estate gift from Gail and Margaret Wheeler. The GRMC Board of Directors designated a portion of that gift toward the MRI project. To honor this legacy gift, the new room will be named the Gail and Margaret Wheeler MRI Suite.

“We are thrilled to have such a great start to this campaign effort,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “GRMC is fortunate to have partners like Iowa Radiology and the Ahrens Charitable Trust. We are grateful to them and to the Wheeler family for their legacy gift.”

Under the challenge from Iowa Radiology and the Ahrens Charitable Trust, all new or additional gifts to the MRI campaign will be matched dollar for dollar up to $50,000.

“The new MRI technology offers a wonderful balance between patient-friendly design and advanced diagnostic MRI imaging,” says Rick Portel, chief operating officer of Iowa Radiology. “We are pleased to help bring this state-of-the-art technology to the area. It is important to helping medical services remain in the community.”

Susan Witt, a trustee of the Ahrens Charitable Trust and chair of the GRMC Board of Trustees, agrees.

“This campaign is about more than funding vital medical equipment,” she says. “It’s about providing the best comprehensive medical care close to home for residents of Grinnell and the surrounding communities. An upgrade to the MRI will provide opportunity for more diagnostic testing options so people won’t need to travel out of Grinnell for these life-saving services.”

Gina Fuller, GRMC’s director of radiology, says the new MRI will offer a patient friendly design.

“Unlike traditional MRIs that have a long narrow tunnel, GRMC’s MRI will have a larger bore design. It will also be faster and more comfortable. The new technology will also allow our staff and radiologists to perform diagnostic exams here in Grinnell, such as abdominal scans, which our current mobile scanner cannot do. That means there is no reason for people to have to travel to Des Moines or Iowa City for these important tests.”

Anyone interested in more details about the MRI campaign is encouraged to call the Office of Development at 641-236-2589 or visit http://tinyurl.com/grmcmri.

Skype Brings Military Dad to Birth of Child

2010-07-20T14:21:00.003-05:00

The video conferencing technology, called Skype, allowed Corporal Alexander Moore to witness firsthand the birth of his son from the Middle East. Skype permitted Moore to watch while Jeffrey Knobloch, DO, and Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Kintzinger Women’s Health Center staff delivered the couple’s first child on Sunday, July 18. Moore’s wife, Lené Moore, 22, gave birth to their son, Gabriel James.

“It’s really amazing that Alex could be so far away and still be a part of the birth of our son,” Lené says. “He was so encouraging and telling me I was doing a great job, even when he was in a time zone nine hours ahead of us.”

Cpl. Moore, 22, serves in the U.S. Army. He was deployed to the Middle East in June, just a month before the baby’s due date. The couple was stationed in Lawton, Okla. Upon Moore’s deployment, his wife returned to her hometown of Brooklyn to be with her parents, Rusty and Marie Hedlund.

Cpl. Moore watched during the six-plus-hour labor of the delivery. Gabrielle weighted 7 pounds, 5 ounces. GRMC’s labor, delivery, postpartum large rooms allowed Lené’s mother, Marie, the space and wireless internet connection to keep dad up to date with the Skype technology.

“With today’s technology in our personal lives, the use of Skype seemed like a logical thing. I haven’t delivered with a father watching via Skype before,” says Knobloch, Grinnell Family Care. “I just kept hoping the technology would work. A few times connection was dropped. Lené’s mother took care of the computer and connections.”

The GRMC nursing staff took the technology all in stride.

“We embrace technology with every delivery to ensure the baby and mother are progressing and delivering well. This technology has new meaning by allowing someone who is serving our country to also experience being a part of his child’s birth. This was a special delivery,” says GRMC Nurse Manager Sheryl Baarda, RN.

Alexander Moore is originally from Marshalltown. Paternal grandparents are Paul and Vera Peglow and Dann and Diana Moore, Marshalltown.

Here is the video that appeared on KCCI.

Community Input Needed on Health Concerns

2010-07-16T09:04:00.001-05:00

Grinnell Regional Public Health will launch the Community Health Needs Assessment survey on July 19 to gather input from county residents on the top health concerns. This survey provides direction for the Poweshiek County Board of Health and Grinnell Regional Public Health when allocating resources within the county.

“Every five years the Iowa Department of Public Health has all counties complete an assessment to collect information about the county’s greatest health concerns. That data is used to create the county’s Health Improvement Plan,” explains Patty Hinrichs, Grinnell Regional Public Health director. “Our goal with this survey is to gather feedback from a large cross-section of residents in the county – all ages and income levels – so that our plan truly reflects the health needs of Poweshiek County.”

The mission of the Community Health Needs Assessment task force is: To work as community partners to develop and promote an integrated, dynamic, yet sustainable Health Improvement Plan for Poweshiek County.

All Poweshiek County residents are encouraged to participate in the Community Health Needs Assessment. You may voice your opinion about important health concerns by logging onto the survey at http://tinyurl.com/PowCounty.

Print copies of the survey are available at area medical clinics, banks, grocery stores, post offices and local gathering places throughout Poweshiek County. For information on where to find the survey, call 641-236-2385. Surveys will be accepted until Friday, Oct. 8.