You Can Help Prevent Measles in Powesheik County

The United States is currently experiencing a multi-state outbreak of measles. More than 100 people from 14 states have been confirmed as having measles. Fortunately, as of February 9, there are no confirmed measles cases in Iowa.  

“This national measles outbreak has brought the protection provided by vaccinations back into the spotlight,” said Patty Hinrichs, RN, Grinnell Regional Public Health director. “It’s always important to keep your vaccinations up-to-date, but during times like this, when we know a virus is circulating in many states, it’s especially critical to check with your healthcare provider to be sure you and your family’s vaccinations are current.”

Measles is spread through the air by droplets from the nose, throat, and mouth of an infected person by coughing, sneezing, or simply talking. The best way to prevent measles is to get the measles-mumps-rubella shot (called MMR). Two doses of MMR will provide more than 99 percent of people lifelong protection against measles. Two doses of MMR are required for elementary and secondary school entry in Iowa. The first dose should be given at 12 months of age and the second dose can be administered as soon as 28 days later (however, the second dose is usually administered as part of the kindergarten shots given between 4-6 years of age). Generally, persons who started elementary school in Iowa after 1991 and were up-to-date on all school-entry vaccine requirements have received two doses of MMR vaccine.

It is recommended that adults born in 1957 or later receive at least one dose of MMR vaccine, or have a laboratory test proving that they are immune and are protected. It is assumed that persons born in the United States prior to 1957 were likely infected with the measles virus and therefore have presumptive immunity. In addition, two doses of MMR is recommended for adults of all ages who work or volunteer in healthcare facilities, travel internationally, or are students in a post-secondary institution, if they do not have laboratory proof of immunity.

Giving vaccines to those who may have already had measles or may have already received the recommended vaccination is not harmful; it only boosts immunity. Therefore, if someone is unable to verify prior vaccination or history of illness, the easiest, quickest and most appropriate thing to do is to vaccinate the individual.

Measles starts with a high fever. Soon after, it causes a cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Three to seven days after the fever, a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It usually starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash can last for a week, and coughing can last for 10 days. Early symptoms of measles look and feel like a bad cold or even influenza. A person with measles can spread the virus to others for about eight days, starting four days before the rash appears and ending when the rash has been present for four days. This is why it is important to stay home when you are ill.

Measles is one of the most infectious diseases on earth; this is why Grinnell Regional Public Health and public health agencies statewide work with the Iowa Department of Public Health to immediately alert the public about possible exposure to measles if a person is confirmed to have this disease.

If you or a family member needs an MMR vaccination, call Grinnell Regional Public Health at 641-236-2385 to schedule an appointment. You may also check with your primary care provider.

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Poweshiek County Encourages HPV Vaccination – the Key to Cancer Prevention

Poweshiek County joins the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) in a new effort focused on improving human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates among Iowa’s teens and pre-teens. Among adolescents aged 11 to 18, 66 percent have received the Tdap vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis; by comparison, only 19 percent have received the three doses of HPV vaccine recommended for full protection. In Poweshiek County, 16% of females in 13-15 age group percent have received three doses of the HPV vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer.

The “You are the Key” campaign targets parents, the decision-makers when it comes to vaccinating their children. “About 79 million Americans are currently infected with HPV. About 14 million people become newly infected each year,” said Poweshiek County Public Health Director Patricia Hinrichs. “In most cases, HPV infection will go away and the individual will never know they had it; however, when HPV does not go away, it can cause a variety of cancers, including cervical cancer. Parents are encouraged to take action now to protect their child against a cancer that can be prevented with a simple vaccination.”

Approximately 33,000 HPV-associated cancers occur annually in the U.S., including 12,600 HPV-associated cancers in males. The HPV vaccine protects against the most common types of human papillomavirus, which are responsible for approximately 90 percent of cervical cancers. Cancer often takes years to develop after a person is infected with HPV and an infected individual can spread the virus even when they have no signs or symptoms. The HPV vaccine works best when given in early adolescence, as it allows for immunity to develop and offer better protection as a child matures. Both boys and girls are recommended to receive three doses of vaccine for full protection.

If you have an adolescent that has not received the HPV vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider about how it can benefit your child. For more information on the HPV vaccine, visit http://bit.ly/1yrhxU0. For more information about Poweshiek County Public Health, visit http://www.grmc.us/.

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Community Rises to Meet Grinnell State Bank Challenge $150,000 Matched for GRMC

It took only four months for area donors to meet the $150,000 challenge issued in September 2014 by Grinnell State Bank for all new gifts to Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Moving at the Speed of Life comprehensive campaign. Grinnell State Bank matched all new contributions to the campaign, dollar-for-dollar up to $150,000.

GRMC has raised nearly $3,200,000 for the Moving at the Speed of Life campaign. As funds have been donated, projects have been started and completed as possible. The GRMC Auxiliary Chemotherapy and Infusion Center, Manatt Family Urgent Care, and a new 64-slice CT scanner are just a few examples.

Most recently, GRMC opened the new Paul W. Ahrens Fitness Center at Postels Community Health Park. This project was fully funded by philanthropy.

“Year-end gifts to the campaign and this challenge by Grinnell State Bank has made a big difference in putting us over the $3 million threshold,” says Denise Lamphier, GRMC director of communications and development. “We know that donors in our area respond well to a challenge like this one from Grinnell State Bank.”

The matching challenge from Grinnell State Bank continues the legacy established by the late Marion A. Jones, a dedicated community leader and former chair of the hospital’s board of directors. In memory of Jones, GRMC named her as an honorary co-chair of the Moving at the Speed of Life campaign, a role that has been carried out by her husband, F. Addison Jones.

“Marion Jones believed that the community should be active and engaged supporters of the hospital. There’s no doubt she led by example in so many ways,” says Lamphier.

With other projects completed, fundraising efforts turn toward the complete renovation of the current emergency department.

“Our attention now turns to the emergency department and mental health,” says Dan Agnew, community co-chair of the Moving at the Speed of Life campaign. “We’re still raising funds for the some of the other initiatives, but our focus is now on the renovation of the emergency department and building an endowment for mental health.”

Agnew reports that the campaign needs an additional $1.5 million to begin work on the complete renovation of the emergency department.

“The Jones family and the employees of Grinnell State Bank have always been vital supporters and promoters of the hospital,” Agnew says. “They understand the importance of excellent healthcare to the entire area for quality of life, economic growth and development, and for our own families.”

For more information about making a gift to the Moving at the Speed of Life campaign, please contact Denise Lamphier, director of communications and development, at 641-236-2589 or dlamphier@grmc.us.

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Cesarean Rates at GRMC Drop Significantly

The Kintzinger Women’s Health Center staff and physicians report that the number of cesarean deliveries, commonly called c-section births, and inductions at Grinnell Regional Medical Center decreased in 2014. The rate of first-time mothers having a c-section at GRMC in 2014 was 12.10 percent. This is significantly below the national average of 20.1 percent and the Iowa average of 19.1 percent.

 Decreasing c-section rates across the country is a priority of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The team of physicians and staff at GRMC have set up policies and protocols that prohibit starting labor, also called induction, or performing c-sections prior to 39 weeks unless the health of the mother or baby are in jeopardy.

Because induced labors are more likely to lead to a c-section delivery, fewer inductions have led to fewer total c-section births. Fewer early births reduce the number of infants who need neonatal intensive care after birth. The induction rate at GRMC has been lowered significantly to 24 percent.

In 2014, GRMC’s Kintzinger Women’s Health Center staff and physicians were recognized by the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative for their work in reducing early elective deliveries overall. At GRMC, the standard for care is no early elective deliveries by induction of labor or scheduled cesarean sections prior to 39 weeks, 0 days, unless medically necessary for the health of the infant or the mother.

For more information on births at GRMC, call the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center ato 641-236-2324.

Side bar:

Best for Babies

The National Institute for Healthcare Management reports the potential negative health consequences of early elective delivery, along with the associated costs, are placing an unnecessary burden on infants, mothers, and the healthcare system as a whole.

Infants face an increased risk of:

·         Lower brain mass – the brain at 35 weeks weighs only two-thirds of what it does at 39-40 weeks.

·         Low birth weight – the average preterm baby weighs less than 5 pounds while the average full-term baby weighs between 7 and 8 pounds.

·         Feeding problems.

·         Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) – one in ten premature babies develops RDS.

·         Longer hospital stays – the average newborn stay is two days versus 14 days for preterm infants.

Mothers face an increased risk of:

·         Postpartum depression.

·         Cesarean delivery – elective inductions are two times more likely to result in cesarean delivery.

·         Complications requiring longer hospital stay – the average vaginal delivery stay is two days versus four days for a cesarean delivery with complications.

Source: The National Institute for Healthcare Management 

GRMC Opens New PT and OT Center

The F.A. Jones Physical and Occupational Therapy Center will open on February 16. This new combined outpatient physical and occupational therapy center at Grinnell Regional Medical Center moves into the first floor of the Ahrens Medical Arts Building, previously home to GRMC’s Paul W. Ahrens Fitness Center.

“This location will be very convenient for patients to access,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “Our patients will benefit from the location as well as the private exam rooms, expanded space, and equipment. Now, the quality of the space will match the quality of the amazing therapists and staff members of these two departments.”

The F.A. Jones Physical and Occupational Therapy expands to 3,600 square feet; the previous location had 2,500 square feet. The center will include six private therapy rooms, strengthening equipment, expanded floor space, and the therapy pool. Staffing the center are 10 occupational therapists, physical therapists and physical therapy assistants.

The physical therapy department in GRMC had been in the same location, first floor in the medical center, since the 1980s. Thousands of individuals have benefited from the skilled staff who have made a positive difference in their health. Now, the staff will move into a state-of-the-art facility that complements their skills. Patients will also have greater access to the therapy pool located in the area.

“This is another example of the wonderful benefits of philanthropy in making awesome facilities available for the benefit of our patients,” Linden says.

The construction was dependent on moving the GRMC wellness department and the PWA Fitness Center into another location. Once the PWA Fitness Center opened in October in the Postels Community Health Park, renovations began.

The occupational therapy services were located in the spac

GRMC Outlines Plans for Complete Emergency Department Renovation

Eggman Family Supports Efforts for Personal Reasons

Grinnell Regional Medical Center is seeking funds to completely renovate and upgrade the emergency department. More than 10,000 patient visits happen annually in this certified Level III/Area trauma center. Significant improvements are needed and planned for GRMC’s emergency services to continue to meet the needs of area residents and all who come to the emergency department for medical care.

“The emergency department is really the front line for the community in times of crisis - from hazardous material spills, trauma, and everyday accidents,” says Doris Rindels, BA, RN, GRMC vice-president and former team lead and trauma coordinator in the emergency department at GRMC. “Our ER is pretty much the same as it has been for the past 30 years or more. We have extraordinary nursing and medical staff providing outstanding medical care. Our facility needs to be upgraded to meet the level of care being provided.”

For Ken and Verleen Eggman, access to emergency medical care in Grinnell is something they are very grateful for. Over the years, GRMC and its emergency department have helped the family tackle and triumph over several life-threatening situations.

In April 2014, the Eggman’s daughter-in-law, Shirley Parrott, had not been feeling well for several weeks. Between jobs, she did not have insurance coverage and didn’t have the resources to go see a doctor. Her symptoms, it turned out, were that of a pending heart attack.

When the attack happened on April 12, Parrott was brought to GRMC by ambulance. Her heart stopped beating—twice. The emergency team at GRMC kept Parrott alive and prepped her to fly by air ambulance to Mercy Des Moines. On her way to the helicopter, her heart stopped again. Within 11 minutes, she was at Mercy. The specific blockage she had caused a massive heart attack that typically has a 5 to 10 percent survival rate and is often referred to as a widow maker.

“The doctors at Mercy said that they saved her life in Grinnell,” says Verleen Eggman. “She would not be here today without GRMC.”

“Honestly, I had not been to GRMC in a long time. I wasn’t happy with them,” Parrott says. “But I am astounded at what they did to save my life and, obviously, very happy that things worked out the way they did.”

Parrott’s experience in the GRMC emergency department isn’t the only one that has made a difference to the Eggmans.

In 1987, Ken Eggman was driving a truck pulling a trailer filled with lumber when the vehicle was hit head on. Emergency first responders brought him back to life at the scene and transported him to GRMC. He suffered numerous physical injuries. And in recent months he has suffered from a stroke. He believes that in both these situations that GRMC saved his life as well.

As a way of giving back to GRMC, the Eggmans have donated $5,000 to the Moving at the Speed of Life campaign and designated their gift for the emergency department renovation.

“It’s been here for me and our family so many times,” says Ken Eggman. “The tax benefit is a bonus to supporting what is important to us.”

“The area needs this ER,” adds Verleen Eggman. “They are doing a good job.”

A renovation and upgrade of the emergency department will improve flow, efficiency, and privacy – all with the idea of becoming more patient-friendly. To accommodate this, a newly designed entrance and nursing station will be created. New upgrades in the emergency department will include monitors, beds, lighting, HVAC/automated controls, safety features, and upgrades in the cable for increased technology needs.

Plans for the new emergency department design also include:

• Two new trauma bays with sliding walls and doors for patient privacy and increased treatment capacity by providing more room for medical staff and equipment.

• A total of five exam rooms and a triage room, in addition to the two trauma bays.

• Creating a centrally located nurses’ station for greater access and monitoring capability along with a new call system.  

• Constructing a new decontamination suite to treat patients exposed to hazardous materials to be located outside and adjacent to the emergency department within a new ambulance bay. This new suite would be able to handle several patients at once.

• An exterior canopy added to the entrance for patients and visitors walking into the facility through the emergency department door from the parking area.

• New access controls for greater security for staff and patients. Rural hospitals and emergency departments in particular, are increasingly at risk for incidents of violence. 

GRMC needs a fully-functioning emergency department during renovation. A temporary ED will be in place in the second floor east medical/surgical patient wing. This area is within steps of the radiology department, surgery, and obstetrics. 

GRMC is the closest Level III/Area trauma center within 35 miles, or greater depending on a patient’s location. There are 19 Level III/Area trauma centers in Iowa with the resources to provide stabilization for all trauma patients. In order for hospitals to be certified with this trauma level, there must be appropriate surgical and/or critical care available, including surgeons and anesthesiologists, to keep patients at our own facility. Iowa has 19 area trauma centers mainly in larger communities.

Higher levels of trauma care than what is available at GRMC are found in Des Moines, Waterloo, Davenport, Mason City, Sioux City, and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

With urgent care services now available at GRMC, the emergency room renovation project does not require expansion beyond the existing footprint of the department. Due to the emergency department location on the second floor of the hospital, space is a premium. Any expansion would require an addition or a complete relocation of the department, which would dramatically add to the cost of the project.

The medical center has raised almost $900,000 toward the $2.3 million project for a new emergency department and urgent care.

For more information about the GRMC emergency department renovation project or to make a donation toward this effort, please contact Denise Lamphier, GRMC director of communications and development, at 641-236-2589.

Photo cutline: The Grinnell Regional Medical Center emergency department has been there for Ken and Verleen Eggman, front. They are shown here with their son, Dennis Parrott, and daughter-in-law, Shirley, in back.

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GRMC Weather Cancellations

Grinnell Regional Medical Center announces the following closures today, Monday, February 2:

Deer Creek Family Care in Tama/Toledo is closed today.

Lynnville Medical Clinic is closed today.

Victor Health Center will open at 10 a.m. today.

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