2009 GRMC Annual Report Shows Financial Improvement and Recovery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.