WINTER 2024 3 Check out our new campus map! 5 Sweet dreams from the GCMH Sleep Center Inside Staying close-to-home for surgical care is easier than ever with the new surgery center opening next month at Grundy County Memorial Hospital (GCMH). “Patients and visitors can be confident in our emphasis on comfort, innovation and patient safety,” says GCMH Surgery Manager Jessica Eilers, BSN, RN. “All of the little touches that are included in our new department add up to make a big impact on our patients’ surgery experience.” Here, Eilers highlights five advantages the new addition offers patients: 1 Better access to care: Two operating rooms and two separate procedure rooms are available, which means more surgeries and procedures may be scheduled over the course of the day and week. “The increased flexibility leads to a decrease in wait time between learning you need care and the actual surgery or procedure being scheduled,” remarks Eilers. 2 Fully integrated infection control: Each operating room is equipped with an overhead lighting unit connected to a unique Indigo-Clean™ light disinfection device that constantly kills bacteria on surfaces and in the air, while ventilation units move circulating air away from the patient. These patient safety enhancements are among the first of their kind in use in Iowa and are clinically proven to reduce the potential for surgical-site infection.* 3 Comfort and privacy: With its own entrance, parking lot and convenient patient drop-off zone, the new surgery center is designed for convenience. Registration is just steps inside the entrance, and the family waiting area is a comfortable, relaxing environment. Ten spacious pre- and post-surgery bays offer patients comfortable and private surroundings. 4 Dedicated nursing team: With a combined 140 years of experience, the GCMH Surgery team works together to care for your needs. The department’s patient experience survey results rank in the top 5% of critical access hospitals nationally, with patients reporting they are “highly likely” to recommend the GCMH Surgery Department to others. 5 Experienced surgeons: “Our rural hospital is fortunate to welcome seven visiting surgeons who provide a wide range of surgery specialties weekly,” remarks Eilers. “The board-certified surgeons also see patients in the hospital’s Specialty Clinic, which offers convenience for pre- and post-surgery doctor visits.” *Indigo-Clean was shown to reduce surgical site infections by 73% and harmful bacteria by 85% in a recent AJIC peerreviewed study. Advanced surgery center opens soon The hospital’s new surgery center offers improved comfort and privacy and advanced infection control. Learn about the surgical services available and surgeons who perform surgery at GCMH by scanning the QR code. Jessica Eilers, BSN, RN Surgery Manager
INCREASED PRECISION Dr. Robert Bartelt explains how Mako SmartRoboticsTM benefits those in need of a new knee or hip. Scan here or visit gcmh.link/mako. There is a lot of excitement with the hospital’s new surgery center opening, but that’s not all that is new for the Grundy County Memorial Hospital (GCMH) Surgery Department. In November, the hospital implemented Mako SmartRobotics™ for total knee and total hip replacement surgeries. This advanced system allows for more precision, often with less pain and a quicker recovery for patients. Mako SmartRobotics™ combines three key components—3D CT-based planning, AccuStop™ haptic technology and insightful data analytics—into one platform that has shown better outcomes for total knee and total hip replacement patients. “The main advantage of the robotic arm-assisted surgery is the increased Robotic arm-assisted joint replacement now available precision,” says Dr. Robert Bartelt, board-certified orthopedic surgeon who performs robotic joint replacement surgeries at GCMH. “I have tremendous ability to dial in exactly what we want, and with millimeter precision, I can place the components properly.” The main difference is that each patient will have a CT scan as part of the presurgical process. “Mako’s 3D CT allows me to create a personalized plan based on each patient’s unique anatomy before entering the operating room,” explains Dr. Bartelt, who has performed more than 150 robotic arm-assisted surgeries. “During surgery, I can validate that plan and make any necessary adjustments while guiding the robotic arm.” GCMH has been offering total joint replacement surgeries since 2006 and has In Grundy County Memorial Hospital’s new imaging suite, the state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging unit (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scanner are not the only features patients are talking about. New environmental elements are also capturing people’s attention—such as the choice of lighting and music available to each patient or the video screen that’s part of the new MRI suite. Each of these features helps create an atmosphere that encourages relaxation and comfort while decreasing the time it takes to complete an optimal imaging exam. “Helping to make each patient comfortable while engaging their senses with a pleasant view or favorite music relaxes them and helps us achieve the best images possible,” says Craig Buskohl, BS, RT(R)(CT)(MR), Imaging Department Manager. In addition to offering the best possible CT and MRI units, the atmosphere gives each patient control of their environment. The new imaging suite is especially beneficial for those with healthNEWS 2 Craig Buskohl, BS, RT(R)(CT)(MR) helped hundreds of patients return to doing the things they love. “We are proud to bring this highly advanced SmartRobotics™ technology to the rural communities served by the hospital,” says Adam Scherling, MHA, GCMH Administrator. “This addition to our orthopedic services demonstrates our commitment to provide our patients with outstanding health care.” claustrophobia or for young children, who often need anesthesia to relax and remain still for an imaging exam. “We hope to avoid that for our young patients who can instead focus on what color light they want in the room and which cartoon video they will watch during their exam,” states Buskohl. CUSTOM COMFORT When your provider recommends an MRI or CT scan for you, ask to be scheduled at GCMH, where advanced imaging is available and you’ll experience a comfortable atmosphere for your diagnostic exam. Contact Scheduling at 319-824-5081 for appointment information. Lighting, music and video improve patient comfort, reduce anxiety New MRI, CT available in GCMH Imaging Department
Upcoming classes and events 3 Diabetes Self-Management Education Talk with your doctor or call 319-824-5081 or 888-8245081 to schedule a session. Diabetes Education & Support Group Mondays, Jan. 22, April 29 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. GCMH Live Well Diabetes Prevention Program FREE preview. Tuesday, Feb. 20 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Love Your Heart FREE Heart Disease Risk Screening Event Wednesday, Feb. 14 6 to 8 a.m. Grundy Family YMCA Heartsaver CPR First Aid Class Thursday, Feb. 8; Monday, April 8; Thursday, June 6 5 to 7 p.m. Just What the Dr. Ordered Live Well Cooking Series Mondays, Feb. 26, March 25, April 22 5:30 to 7 p.m. All classes and events are in the GCMH Education Room unless otherwise noted. Registration is requested for education programs. Learn more and sign up today at gcmh.link/events or by scanning the QR code. With the opening of our Surgery and Imaging addition, we’ve added a new hospital entrance, Entrance 4. Refer to this map and list of services to prepare for your next visit! ● Imaging ● Lab ● Specialty Clinic 1 ENTRANCE ● GCMH Therapy Services ● Physical and Occupational Therapy ● Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation ● Speech Therapy ● UnityPoint Clinic–Family Medicine 2 ENTRANCE ● Emergency Department ● Patient rooms ● Sleep Center 3 ENTRANCE ● Surgery ● Infusion ● Respiratory Care 4 ENTRANCE Rest assured that even with all the changes, you’ll be greeted with the same welcoming environment and compassionate care experience that you expect with each visit to Grundy County Memorial Hospital. Parking lot Parking lot Parking lot Parking lot Outpatient Services: Imaging, Lab, Specialty Clinic Surgery Emergency Department GCMH Therapy Services Medical/ Surgical Dept. and patient rooms UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine 1 2 3 4 East J Avenue NEW ENTRANCE! East 1st Street 1st Street Introducing…our new campus map
Specialty Clinic At Grundy County Memorial Hospital (GCMH), we understand that surgery needs are often urgent and you don’t have time to wait to get back to living your best life. The experienced and board-certified general surgeons at GCMH see you as a person, not a diagnosis. The hospital’s new surgery department will offer enhanced infection control and additional operating rooms, allowing for improved access to the care you need. Highly trained, experienced team Three general surgeons see patients at GCMH: Paul Burgett, MD, FACS; Alison Wilson, MD, FACS; and Stephen Van Buren, MD, FACS. General surgeons are trained to diagnose and manage a wide range of diseases and disorders that may require surgery. These experts, along with the hospital’s experienced team of nurses and surgical techs, bring a wealth of knowledge and dedication to making a difference for each and every patient. The team offers more than high-quality care; they are members of the community committed to making a difference in your surgery experience. You are not just another number—you are Visiting Specialists Audiology Seema Arab Wilson, AuD 800-728-4327 Cardiology Kari Haislet, DNP Micaela Rahm, ARNP 319-236-1911 Dermatology Angela Buttjer, PA-C 800-245-6246 Diabetes & Endocrinology Chitra Reddy, MD Deb Van Dyke, DNP, ARNP 319-222-2750 Ear Nose & Throat/ Skin Cancer David J. Congdon, MD, MPH, FACS Karen Sadler, ARNP 319-888-8044 Gastroenterology/ Hepatology Srinivas Kalala, MD Tracy Elliott, ARNP 319-234-5990 General Surgery/Colonoscopy Paul Burgett, MD, FACS 319-824-5081 Stephen Van Buren, MD, FACS Alison Wilson, MD, FACS 641-752-6391 Maternal Health & Family Planning Allen Women’s Health— Kathi Bower, ARNP, FNP-C 319-235-5090 Mental Wellness Megan Heise, ARNP, PMHNP Carly Pollack, LMCH 319-299-2864 Nephrology T. Michel Daoud, MD Vinay K. Kantamneni, MD 888-397-4575 Oncology Zoe Johanns, ARNP 319-233-2701 Ophthalmology/ Cataract Surgery Benjamin Mason, MD 319-277-0103 Orthopedics Robert Bartelt, MD 319-833-5381 Douglas Cooper, MD 319-824-5081 Podiatry Stephen Solomon, DPM 319-824-5081 4 Make GCMH your choice for general surgery a valued patient who will receive the compassionate and personalized care you deserve. General surgeons perform a variety of surgeries and procedures, including minimally invasive surgeries. Surgical services and procedures at GCMH include gallbladder surgery, appendix removal, breast surgery, hernia repairs, mole removals, colonoscopies, biopsies and endoscopic procedures. PERSONALIZED CARE For more information about general surgery at GCMH, visit gcmh.link/generalsurgery.
Anti-Coagulation Lisa Veit, PharmD GCMH Orthopedics Douglas Cooper, MD Pain Management Rich Jacobson, CRNA Hospital services 5 Struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep or waking up much earlier than you plan can be very stressful and frustrating. These sleepless nights could be a result of many factors—including health problems. The team at Grundy County Memorial Hospital (GCMH) Sleep Center works to get to the bottom of these issues and help you get back to a full night of sleep. If you have trouble getting to sleep or sleeping through the night, if you wake up too early or have difficulty waking up, or if you are overly tired during the day, you may have a sleep problem. If sleepless nights are disturbing your sleep regularly, serious health problems can be the result. Sleep studies GCMH offers both at-home and in-lab sleep studies. For at-home sleep studies, you will work with the hospital’s respiratory therapists to be set up and monitored with specialized equipment that records specific data and physical activities while you sleep. You will take this equipment home so that you can sleep in the environment you are most used to. You will then bring the monitors back to the hospital to be read. The data is analyzed by a UnityPoint Health pulmonologist to determine what problems may be causing your sleep disturbance. If a diagnosis or issue is found, you will do an in-lab sleep study at GCMH to determine next steps. Sweet dreams from the GCMH Sleep Center Featured SERVICE One of the most common sleep-related diagnoses is sleep apnea. If it is determined that you have sleep apnea, there are several treatment options available. It may simply mean getting a dental appliance or a positional pillow that keeps you off your back. In other cases, you may need a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine. This machine delivers air pressure to ensure that you breathe enough oxygen through the night. A mask is worn that connects to a hose and the machine. Most people adjust to wearing a mask with no problem, and in most cases, symptoms improve or resolve if the mask is worn each night. If you believe you have sleep apnea or another sleep disorder, talk to your doctor about referring you for a sleep study at GCMH. CONVENIENT ACCESS TO CARE For a complete list of GCMH services, visit gcmh.link/services or scan the QR code. Call 319-824-5081 or 888-824-5081 for scheduling information. Wound Healing Mandy Vervaecke, ARNP Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Sleep Center Infusion Therapy Physical Therapy Diabetes Education
Standard U.S. Postage PAID Grundy County Memorial Hospital 201 E. J Ave. Grundy Center, IA 50638 2024 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Information in LIVE WELL comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. By Crystal Petersen, RDN, LD GCMH Wellness Program Manager Many people associate healthy food with a bland and boring eating experience. Prepared correctly, however, nutritious foods can be both delicious and satisfying! The way you prepare and season foods makes all the difference when it comes to bringing out the best flavors. Preparing foods My favorite way to cook vegetables is by roasting them in a hot oven instead of steaming or boiling. Toss them with a little oil and herbs and spices, place them in a single layer on a sheet pan, and roast at 400 degrees. Roasting allows vegetables’ natural sugars to intensify, making them taste sweeter. Really punch up the flavor by adding a splash of lemon juice or a light spritz of balsamic vinegar after roasting. Seasoning Cooking with herbs and spices enhances the flavor of food without adding fat, sugar or salt. Onion and garlic powders, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon are just a few great choices. Salt-free seasoning blends are convenient options too. Marinades Acids are a secret weapon when it comes to building flavor. Lemon juice, vinegar, yogurt, tomatoes and wine help to brighten foods, tenderize meat and allow flavor to soak into foods. Don’t let herbs and spices simply sit on top of your food; immerse them in a marinade before cooking. Meats can marinate for hours or overnight, while soft vegetables only need 30 minutes or so. Home cooking Remember, the majority of unwanted added sugars, salt and saturated fats come in packages and convenience foods, not from home cooking. A pinch of salt; a drizzle of honey; and a moderate amount of healthy fats, such as olive oil or toasted nuts, go a long way in making healthy foods taste good. Making ‘good for you’ foods good to eat COOKING TIPS AND TRICKS Here’s another way you can continue to learn about cooking tasty, healthy options at home: Our next Just What the Dr. Ordered series is a cooking series! Look for more information at gcmh.link/ events. You can also find a list of healthy recipes and a list of spices and best ways to use them by scanning the QR code at right. Happy cooking! LIVE WELL is published as a community service for the residents of the service area of Grundy County Memorial Hospital, 201 East J Ave., Grundy Center, IA 50638, grundycountyhospital.org, 319-824-5421 Adam Scherling Administrator Keely Harken Communication & Foundation Program Manager Kelly Jans Community Outreach Specialist Crystal Petersen Wellness Program Manager Robotic arm- assisted orthopedic surgery is here! Learn what this means for you on page 2.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2MTU5NA==