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Davis County Hospital & ClinicsNews

DCH Volunteer Receives Governor’s Volunteer Award

Bloomfield, IA – Sylvia Schlarbaum of Bloomfield received a Governor’s Volunteer Award from Governor Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg during a special recognition ceremony held August 21, 2019 in Ottumwa at the Bridge View Center.

Sylvia Schlarbaum was honored with an individual Governor’s Volunteer award, nominated by Davis County Hospital (DCH) in honor of her long-standing dedication to volunteering with the Davis County Hospital Foundation Board, the Davis County Hospital Auxiliary, as well as the Davis County Hospital Board of Trustees.

“Davis County Hospital is honored to nominate Sylvia as a recipient of the Iowa Volunteer Award,” commented Devyn Pitlick, Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator at DCH. “Throughout her career at Davis County Hospital (DCH) and throughout her personal life in Davis County, Sylvia has displayed the compassion and care for those she works with, as well as those she has come in contact with throughout her lifetime whether they be family members, peers or those she had served in her medical profession. Sylvia has lived an unselfish and courageous life throughout her years in Davis County and continues to showcase her willingness to help.”

Pitlick said, “Since retiring from DCH in 2010, Sylvia has jumped right into volunteering her time and efforts to continue to support healthcare in our community. Sylvia provides support through her active work on the DCH Foundation Board, the DCH Auxiliary, and the DCH Board of Trustees. Sylvia is genuine in her support and work for the hospital and the community. She has continued to display compassion and warmth in her roles on all three organization boards. Whether as a child, student, parent, family member, employee at DCH, or as a volunteer on the DCH Foundation, Auxiliary, and Hospital Boards, Sylvia has demonstrated an excellence of service over the years.”

“Sylvia is not only a leader but the kind of leader that gets involved hands on,” said Tierre Chickering, DCH Auxiliary Coordinator. “Leading by a lifestyle of willingness to work to achieve the goal.  She is always there with her understanding and unassuming way. She has a special knack of being involved without having to be the center of attention-a quality that cannot be underestimated. Sylvia is committed to helping Davis County thrive.”

“Neighbor helping neighbor is as Iowan as a pork tenderloin at the county fair — we’ve seen it time and time again,” said Governor Kim Reynolds. “Volunteerism is who we are as Iowans. I’m honored to recognize those who continue to give back and help their fellow Iowans.”

More than 540 awards are being presented this year during ceremonies held at several locations around the state. It is estimated that more than 27,000 hours of service, with an economic impact of more than $693,000, were contributed by this year’s honorees during the past twelve months.

“Volunteering of your time and talents has a positive impact on our communities and the people being helped,” said Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg. “The dedication of volunteers often encourages others to get involved, which is why Iowa continues to be a top state in volunteerism.”

Coordinated by Volunteer Iowa, the Governor’s Volunteer Award program—now in its 36th year—provides an easy way for Iowa nonprofits, charitable organizations, and government entities to honor their volunteers with a prestigious, state-level award. More information is available at volunteeriowa.org.

Davis County Continues to Monitor Whooping Cough Outbreak

PRESS RELEASE
June 28, 2019

Davis County Continues to Monitor Whooping Cough Outbreak

Bloomfield, IA – The Davis County Public Health Department continues to monitor and track cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis. Pertussis is a very contagious disease caused by a bacterium. Although it can be prevented through vaccination, pertussis is one of the most commonly occurring diseases in the U.S. The disease begins like a common cold, with runny nose or congestion, and maybe a mild cough or fever. After one to two weeks, however, pertussis can evolve into a series of coughing fits that continue for weeks.

“Adults often have a milder version of pertussis, and don’t realize they are spreading the disease – this can have serious and even deadly consequences if a child who is too young to be vaccinated, or is not properly vaccinated is infected,” said Davis County Public Health Director Lynn Fellinger. “Pertussis can also result in serious consequences for adults with underlying lung conditions, like asthma. This is why pregnant women (during each pregnancy) should receive a pertussis vaccination to protect their newborn, and why teenagers and adults (especially those who are around infants) should check with their health care provider to ensure their vaccinations, including those for pertussis, are up-to-date.”

The most common symptoms of pertussis in children are fits of coughing, followed by vomiting, a ‘whooping’ sound as air is inhaled, and difficulty sleeping. In adults, however, only a lingering cough that can last months is often seen. This is why many adults do not realize they have pertussis. While treatment with antibiotics will prevent an individual from spreading the disease further after being diagnosed with pertussis, the cough may continue to last for weeks.

Davis County residents who believe they or a family member may have pertussis should contact their health care provider. Individuals who believe they may have been in contact with someone with whooping cough can contact the Davis County Public Health Department at 641-664-3629 for additional guidance.

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Beth Saner, LPN

Beth Saner, LPN Receives 2019 DAISY Award

Beth Saner, LPN has been named Davis County Hospital’s 2019 DAISY Award recipient. She was recognized along with other nurses from across Iowa at the MercyOne Central Iowa Affiliates DAISY Award Ceremony on June 14, 2019, in Des Moines.

Nominations for Davis County Hospital’s (DCH) Daisy Award were submitted by patients and their families, colleagues, managers, physicians and community members, and then DCH team members and community members voted to select the recipient.

Beth is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the Medical Associates primary care clinic at Davis County Hospital.

Beth received three different nominations from patients, as well as internal DCH team members with numerous comments praising her hard work, as well as her commitment and passion for patient care. A comment from one anonymous customer, “Beth, you make coming to DCH worth every trip. I’m coming in thinking of all the bad news you have given me, but I smile at how comfortable I am discussing it with you. Thanks for everything you do!”

“Beth is incredibly deserving of the DAISY Award,” commented Carleena Brown, Director of the Davis County Medical Associates Clinic. “She is truly dedicated to her patients and it shows through her care. We are proud to have Beth on the Davis County Medical Associates team!”

A signature program of the DAISY Foundation, the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses recognizes individual nurses throughout the year for their extraordinary, compassionate care. More than 3,600 health care facilities and nursing schools across the US and in 21 other countries participate every year.

“We saw an incredibly diverse group of nominees with strong dedication to their patients and to providing safe health care,” said MaryJane Hunt, RN, MBL, Network Nurse Executive – MercyOne Central Iowa. “These honorees demonstrate nursing skill and expertise matched by compassionate care, collegiality with peers, and a commitment to advancing their profession.”

About the DAISY Award

“The DAISY Awards were created to express gratitude to nurses around the world for their compassion,” said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, Co-Founder and CEO of the DAISY Foundation. “This year’s honorees exemplify the professionalism and humanity that are hallmarks of outstanding nursing care.”

DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. The DAISY Award was established by the DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes who died at 33 of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP), an auto-immune disease. The Barnes Family was awestruck by the clinical skills, caring and compassion of the nurses who cared for Barnes, so they created this international award to say thank you to nurses everywhere.

For more information about the DAISY Award and Foundation, visit www.daisyfoundation.org

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Logo Senior Life Solutions

Senior Life Solutions Joining National Campaign for Mental Health

Davis County Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions Program JOINING National Campaign to Raise Awareness during Mental Health Month

Bloomfield, IA –   When you or someone you love is dealing with a mental health concern, sometimes it’s a lot to handle. It’s important to remember that mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, and mental illnesses are common and treatable.

May is Mental Health Month was started 70 years ago by national organization, Mental Health America (MHA).  Davis County Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program is joining this year’s national campaign to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of good mental health for everyone.

A healthy lifestyle can help to prevent the onset or worsening of mental health conditions, as well as chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It can also help people recover from these conditions. For those dealing with a chronic health condition and the people who care for them, it can be especially important to focus on mental health. That is why in 2019 we are expanding upon last year’s theme of 4Mind4Body and taking it to the next level, as we explore the topics of animal companionship, humor, work-life balance, and recreation and social connections as ways to boost mental health and general wellness.

“It is important to really look at your overall health, both physically and mentally, to achieve wellness,” said Kayla Miller, RN BSN Program Director of Senior Life Solutions. “Finding a reason to laugh, going for a walk with a friend, meditating, playing with a pet, or working from home once a week can go a long way in making you both physically and mentally healthy – it’s all about finding the right balance to benefit both the mind and body.”

MHA has developed a series of fact sheets (available at www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may) to help people understand how their lifestyle affects their health.

“We know that living a healthy lifestyle is not always easy, but it can be achieved by gradually making small changes and building on those successes,” concluded Miller. “Finding the balance between work and play, the ups and downs of life, physical health and mental health, can help you on the path towards focusing both 4Mind4Body.”

Davis County Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program is an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults suffering from symptoms of anxiety and depression often related to aging. For more information, call the Davis County Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program at 641-664-3851.

For more information on May is Mental Health Month, visit MHA’s website at www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may.

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ABOUT SENIOR LIFE SOLUTIONS

Founded in 2003, Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC) operates inpatient and outpatient programs located in rural communities across the country.  Founder and Chief Medical Officer, James A. Greene, M.D., a geriatric psychiatrist, was born and raised in a rural community, which today hosts a rural hospital.  He developed PMC with the sole mission to improve the quality of life of older adults living in rural communities.  PMC, which operates the Senior Life Solutions outpatient program, is one of the largest geriatric mental health management companies within rural hospitals across the United States.

Medical Associates Clinic Expanding Hours

Davis County Hospital Medical Associates clinic is expanding its hours to improve access to clinic services. Starting May 6th, 2019 the clinic will be open for appointments Monday – Thursday, 7am – 7pm and Friday 8am – 5pm, including lunch hours every week.

“As part of our commitment to the community, we are expanding hours of operation for the Davis County Medical Associates Clinic,” said Veronica Fuhs, CEO. “We are expanding our hours to ensure we’re doing what we can to be there for our customers when they need us.”

Beginning Monday, May 6th 2019, the expanded clinic hours are as follows:

Clinic Hours
Monday         7:00am – 7:00pm
Tuesday         7:00am – 7:00pm
Wednesday   7:00am – 7:00pm
Thursday       7:00am – 7:00pm
Friday            8:00am – 5:00pm

“It is important to us to be able to provide healthcare during non-working hours for patients who find it hard to come in during normal business hours,” said Carleena Brown, Medical Associates Clinic Director, “The change, which extends the hours to start earlier in the day, go later in the evening, including lunch hours every week, also provides opportunities for patients to receive care sooner rather than waiting two or three days.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, you can contact Davis County Hospital Medical Associates at 641-664-3832. Davis County Hospital Medical Associates is located within Davis County Hospital at 509 N Madison, Bloomfield.

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Dianne Knapp, ARNP

Dianne Knapp, ARNP Joins Medical Associates Clinic Provider Team

Davis County Hospital (DCH) is pleased to announce the signing of Dianne Knapp, ARNP as an employed provider in the Davis County Medical Associates Clinic located within Davis County Hospital. Dianne comes to DCH from Fenton Medical Clinic in Bloomfield, where she has worked for the past 21 years.

Dianne will begin to see patients within the Davis County Medical Associates Clinic on May 6th, 2019.

“We are very excited to welcome Dianne to our Davis County Medical Associates clinic provider team,” commented Veronica Fuhs, Chief Executive Officer at DCH. “She will provide a great blend of clinical education and knowledge with a strong passion for proving community-based care. Dianne’s addition plays a large part in our goal to expand and improve access to primary care to meet the needs of our customers.”

Dianne Knapp, ARNP, is a family practice nurse practitioner. Dianne received her Master’s in Nursing from Clarkson College in Omaha, Nebraska.

“I am pleased to become a member of the DCH Medical Associates Clinic provider team,” said Dianne. “I am looking forward to continuing to see patients within Davis County at a new location, with a great new team of providers.”

To schedule an appointment with Dianne Knapp after May 6th, 2019, please call 641-664-3832.

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DCH to Launch New Electronic Health Record System

Bloomfield, IA – Davis County Hospital (DCH) is pleased to announce the implementation of a new integrated electronic health record (EHR) system on April 15th, 2019.

DCH will transition to Cerner Millennium®, a health care IT platform designed to support an individual’s care journey – from the doctor’s office to the hospital and outpatient clinics – with consistent patient engagement. The Cerner Millennium system will provide DCH staff with a digital record of their patients’ health history. Doctors and nurses will have a more complete, near real-time view of an individual’s heath. Through the new online patient portal, customers will be able to securely message doctors, request appointments, view and settle balances and access their health history. The new EHR will also support improved interoperability and communication between DCH and other providers and health systems in the region, including MercyOne of which it is an affiliate hospital.

“It was important for us to choose a system that could provide a truly integrated platform that makes it easier for our providers to view patient information to improve care for residents of Bloomfield and the surrounding communities,” said Christopher Hickie, Information Technology Director at DCH. “Not only will Cerner help our providers give an improved patient experience, but the system will also support improved communication and flow of information within our hospital and beyond to other providers in the area.”

Cerner CommunityWorks leverages cloud technology to deliver the power of Cerner Millennium, tailored to support the unique needs of community, critical access and specialty hospitals. CommunityWorks, the new EHR, will support DCH’s 25-bed critical access hospital as it works to improve the overall health of the community.

“DCH providers want to continue to serve the community by providing high-quality care in a location that keeps patients close to home, and Cerner will support the hospital in doing so,” said Veronica Fuhs, Chief Executive Officer at Davis County Hospital. “As the facility makes this transition, we ask for our customers patience while our providers and staff learn the new system. Patients will be asked to sign new forms at their next appointment, following the April 15th EHR launch date, as well as some extended time confirming health history; everyone’s patience is greatly appreciated.”

Accepting Nominations for 2019 DAISY Award

Know an extraordinary nurse at Davis County Hospital (DCH)? DCH invites you to nominate them today for the 2019 DAISY Award! The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day.

DCH invites all community members to nominate an extraordinary DCH nurse. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, April 12th at noon. Paper nomination forms can also be found in various departments throughout Davis County Hospital.

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family.  Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.)  The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues.  The award recipient is then chosen by a voting process by DCH team members & community remembers to receive The DAISY Award. The award is presented in May attended by DCH colleagues, patients, and visitors.  Each nominee receives a certificate commending her or him as an “Extraordinary Nurse.”  The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.”  The 2019 DAISY Award Honoree will receive a DAISY Award pin and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.

Said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, President and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation, “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human, extraordinary, compassionate work they do.  The kind of work the nurses at [hospital] are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”

Chief Nursing Officer Sue Pankey commented, “We are proud to be among the healthcare organizations participating in The DAISY Award program.  Nurses are heroes every day.  It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that.”

This is one initiative of The DAISY Foundation to express gratitude to the nursing profession.  Additionally, DAISY offers J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects, The DAISY Faculty Award to honor inspiring faculty members in schools and colleges of nursing, and The DAISY in Training Award for nursing students. More information is available at https://DAISYfoundation.org.

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New Doctor of Physical Therapy: Katie Kincart, DPT

Kincart Physical Therapy Services welcomes Katie (Appler) Kincart, DPT to the department team. Katie Kincart will join fellow Doctor of Physical Therapy Jackie Wells along with Physical Therapists Brian Sharp and Karen Kincart.

Katie is a graduate of Centerville, High School in 2012. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Physiology from the University of Iowa in 2016. Soon after, she began the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Iowa Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science. During her time there Katie received the Tracy Dahl Family Scholarship for dedication to physical therapy and a desire to provide the highest level of care. Her clinical experience includes: acute care, inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient orthopedics with a heavy emphasis on manual therapy, and neuromuscular physical therapy. She also has experience in traumatic brain injuries and cardiopulmonary conditions including congestive heart failure, post-cardiac events, and cystic fibrosis.

“We are excited to have Katie join the experienced professionals at Kincart Physical Therapy Services. Her advanced credentials and exceptional training from the University of Iowa Physical Therapy Program has more than prepared her to serve the Davis County Hospital and community at large,” said Karen Sloan-Kincart, PT, LAT.

Kincart Physical Therapy Services is now also offering Speech Therapy on their roster of services provided by Speech Therapist, Trinity Davis, CCC-SLP. Along with occupational therapy and physical therapy, patients who come to Kincart Physical Therapy Services in the Davis County Hospital can receive well-rounded care addressing multiple medical problems all in the same place.

Speech therapy involves the evaluation and treatment of those with difficulties swallowing, speaking, as well as cognitive impairment, and is helpful for adults as well as children.

“Adding speech therapy was a natural move to get patients back to 100 percent, not only with how they’re feeling but in all aspects of their lives,” said Karen Sloan-Kincart, PT, LAT.

Striving to be a leader in wellness and rehabilitation, Kincart Physical Therapy Services has provided over 30 years of service to Davis County Hospital. For more information, visit https://www.dchc.org/services/physical-therapy/.

Davis County Hospital affiliate partner, Mercy Health Network, introduces MercyOne as new statewide name and unified brand

The new brand initiative will better serve Davis County Hospital and other affiliated partners

Bloomfield, Iowa ­— Davis County Hospital affiliation partner, Mercy Health Network (MHN), a leading health care system, today announced it will soon become MercyOne. With the name change set to officially launch Feb. 1, 2019, the system will unify its statewide footprint by implementing a strategic brand initiative to connect the many points of care across the state and surrounding regions to better enable consumers to recognize the strength and to navigate its vast network of services.

“Over the past 20 years, Mercy Health Network has grown significantly, expanding our network of locations, clinical capabilities, services and geographic reach,” said Bob Ritz, MHN president and CEO. “This is a key step in progressing from an individual location to a more visible, integrated health system working together to provide statewide access and expertise.”

Currently, MHN’s system of hospitals and facilities are represented by dozens of different brand names, logos and messages. Given this challenge, MHN completed important strategic planning work, conducted consumer research, and engaged with more than 4,000 physician partners and colleagues through discussions, focus groups surveys and interviews over the last 18 months. The new name, MercyOne, was selected after a comprehensive external review and selection process.

“The new name acknowledges our history and carries on our legacy, which is grounded in faith,” said Ritz. “This effort to unify under the MercyOne brand is a part of our journey to unite around one mission and guides us in serving our patients and communities.”

Davis County Hospital contracts with MHN for management support and enjoys being part of an extensive network offering a wide range of health services for the benefit of its patients.

“We are excited about the steps Mercy Health Network is taking to unify its approach to promoting its services,” said Veronica Fuhs, CEO at Davis County Hospital. “While there will be no major changes to Davis County Hospital, we look forward to the benefits of our continued partnership with this strong network of expertise.”

As an affiliate of MHN, the Davis County Hospital name will not change as a result of the system’s rebranding. However, MHN’s wholly owned hospitals and care sites will adopt the MercyOne name, logo and brand identity, which will be unveiled on Feb. 1, 2019.

While MHN’s name and brand are changing, the system’s leadership and ownership structure remains the same. The founders, two of the country’s foremost not-for-profit Catholic health organizations – Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Trinity Health – continue to work together through Mercy Health Network.

Formed in 1998, MHN has grown into a leading provider of hospital and related health services. The system consists of more than 43 owned, joint venture and affiliated medical centers and hospital campuses, along with more than 230 primary care clinics and other health facilities, all generating more than $3 billion in combined revenue and employing more than 20,000 people.

“While the name of our organization will change to reflect our focus on coming together as one system of care, we will continue to deliver compassionate care with the best outcomes for each and every patient we serve,” Ritz said. “The name MercyOne is a reflection of our past and the promise of our future.”

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About Davis County Hospital

Davis County Hospital is a 25-bed, critical access hospital located in Bloomfield, Iowa, committed to providing dedicated, compassionate, health care to the community. In addition, the Davis County Hospital Medical Associates Clinic provides care for the entire family and is located at Davis County Hospital. For more information about Davis County Hospital, please visit www.dchc.org.

About Mercy Health Network

Mercy Health Network was founded in 1998 through a collaboration between Catholic Health Initiatives and Trinity Health – two of the country’s foremost not-for-profit Catholic health organizations. As a connected system of health care facilities and services, our more than 20,000 colleagues are dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communities throughout Iowa and surrounding areas. To learn more, please visit www.mercyhealthnetwork.com.