Great River Health Systems - News

Great River Health Systems names excellence award winners

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Great River Health Systems presented Excellence in Practice Awards Thursday, May 10, to five employees and one physician who have demonstrated exemplary practice or performed specific deeds that exceed expectations to help patients, patients’ families, coworkers, the community or professions.

The Clinical Excellence Award recognizes outstanding clinical care. The winner was Tana Fourdyce, therapist, Great River Mental Health. Finalists were Laura Becze, radiologic technologist, Diagnostic Imaging, and Diana Shaw, laboratory information specialist, Laboratory.

The Community Excellence Award recognizes voluntary contributions of time and effort. The winner was Sara Borders, physical therapist assistant, Rehabilitation Services. Finalists were Sherry Blanchard, clinical educator, Corporate Education, and Amy Crowner, hospice community liaison, Great River Hospice.

The Leadership Excellence Award recognizes proven leadership skills. The winner was Diane Wykert, documentation education specialist, Great River Home Health and Hospice. Finalists were Angie Box, supervisor, Nursing Informatics, and Peggy Wilkinson, director, Health Information Management.

The Nursing Excellence Award recognizes a registered nurse who provides outstanding direct patient care. The winner was Brenda Coursey, staff nurse, Great River Heart and Vascular Center. Julie Werner, Emergency Department, and Kelly Willeford, staff nurse, Burlington Area Family Practice Center.

The Physician Excellence Award recognizes outstanding patient care, leadership and citizenship. The winner was Carl Hays, M.D., Great River Women’s Health. Finalists were Michael AbouAssaly, M.D., and Doug Peters, M.D., Burlington Area Family Practice Center.

The Service Excellence Award recognizes an employee who does not provide direct patient care but has an integral role in a health-system service. The winner was Sue Carnes, coordinator, Material Management. Finalists were Allen Grooms, network analyst, Information Systems, and Peggy Link, secretary, Great River Cancer Care Center.

Great River Center for Rehab and Clinics Offers Free Diabetic Foot Screenings

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Great River Center for Rehab and Clinics staff will provide free diabetic foot screenings from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, at the Center for Rehab and Clinics, 1401 W. Agency Road, West Burlington.

The screening is for people who have diabetes or loss of sensation in their feet. Appointments are required. Those interested in scheduling an appointment should call the Center for Rehab and Clinics at 319-768-4100.

Heritage Medical Equipment and Supplies offers May sales

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Heritage Medical Equipment and Supplies stores is recognizing Mother’s Day and National Nurses Week with two sales.

For Mother’s Day, a 15 percent discount on Rollators® and lift chairs will be offered from Tuesday, May 1 to Friday, May 18.

During National Nurses Week, nurses who show their nursing identification can save 15 percent on uniforms from Monday, May 7 to Saturday, May 12. They also may register for a door-prize basket at each store.

Heritage Medical Equipment and Supplies is at 624 S. Roosevelt, Burlington, and 1223 S. Gear Ave., Eastman Plaza, West Burlington. The stores provide durable medical equipment including breast pumps, hospital beds, oxygen equipment, manual and power mobility chairs and sleep therapy devices, and diabetic, incontinence, orthopedic, ostomy and wound care supplies. It holds the Exemplary Provider™ Certificate of Accreditation from The Compliance Team, the durable medical equipment industry’s first measured continuous quality improvement accreditation program. The program is approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Great River Friends sponsors book fair May 3, 4

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

In keeping with its mission to support Great River Health Systems, Great River Friends is sponsoring a book fair from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 3 and Friday, May 4, in the Mercy Plaza lobby, 1225 S. Gear Ave., West Burlington. Hundreds of books will be available at reduced prices.

Great River Friends is a community of donors and volunteers that supports Great River Health Systems with the gifts of time, talent and treasure. For more information, please call Great River Medical Center Volunteer Services at 319-768-3340.

Great River Health Systems to Offer Health-career Workshop May 3

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Great River Health Systems will offer a health-career workshop from Noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, May 3, for high-school students and displaced workers to help them decide whether health care is a possible career choice. The health-care industry appeals to people who are interested in becoming nurses, respiratory therapists, X-ray technologists, therapists and pharmacists. There are more than 100 careers in this field.

The workshop will include a brief tour of Great River Medical Center, discussions with a nurse, physical therapist, radiologic technologist and respiratory therapist, and a visit to the career area of interest.

For more information or to register, please call Great River Health System’s Corporate Education Department at 319-768-4070.

Great River Hospice to Host Grief-sharing Program

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

A support program for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, at Great River Hospice House, 1306 S. Washington Rd., West Burlington. “First Friday Share” will include a short presentation followed by a potluck dinner, and visiting and sharing with others.

This month, Randy Langner, hospital chaplain, and his wife, Karen Langner, RN, Great River Hospice House, will present a program entitled “Loss of a Dream.” The program will focus on infant loss/fetal demise.

First Friday Share is not exclusive to families and friends of former Great River Hospice patients. Registration is not required.

For more information, please call Great River Home Health and Hospice at 319-768-3350 or toll-free 877-404-4766.

Great River Health Systems Offers Program About Macular Degeneration and Other Eye Conditions

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

A free program about macular degeneration and other eye conditions is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, in the Blackhawk Room at Great River Center for Rehab and Clinics, 1401 W. Agency Road, West Burlington, Iowa.

Ophthalmologist Norah Khangura, M.D., Great River Eye Specialists, will provide information and answer questions about treatment choices for patients who have symptoms of macular degeneration and other eye conditions.

A light meal will be provided. To register or for more information, call 319-768-4070, or visit www.greatrivermedical.org/events.

Great River Health Systems offers diabetes-education classes

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

You can live well with diabetes if you under-stand how to care for yourself. The Great River Diabetes Education Program offers four-week group diabetes classes. Afternoon classes are from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays beginning May 7. Morning sessions are from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursdays beginning May 24.

Group outpatient diabetes classes are for people who are:

Having concerns or complications
Making a change in treatment
Newly diagnosed and learning about diabetes management

Class topics:

Carbohydrate counting
Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and weight
Coping with chronic disease
Developing healthy habits
Exercise
Managing blood sugars
Medicines
Monitoring and understanding blood-sugar readings
Proper eating for diabetes
Reducing risks for diabetes-related health problems
Types of diabetes

A physician referral for diabetes education is required. Great River Medical Center’s certified diabetes educators - a registered nurse and a registered dietitian - will assess needs for specific information and skills, teach self-care and provide continuing help. The fee for the class series is covered by most insurance companies. A family member or friend is encouraged to attend at no additional cost.

The Great River Diabetes Education Program has been awarded the American Diabetes Association Education Recognition Certificate for a high-quality diabetes self-manage-ment program. Recognition assures that education programs meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self-management Education programs and are an essential component of effective diabetes treatment. The program also is accredited by the Iowa Department of Public Health.

The Great River Diabetes Education Program is offered through Great River Center for Rehab and Clinics, 1401 W. Agency Rd., West Burlington. Talk to your physician or other health-care provider about the benefits of diabetes education. For more information or to register, please call 319-768-4100.

Great River Health Systems offers sibling-preparation class in May

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Great River Health Systems is offering a sibling-preparation class from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 12.

Sibling-preparation class helps children develop realistic expectations about their new baby brother or baby sister, and helps reduce the anxiety about being separated from their mothers. Children ages 2 through 10 will learn how an additional child will change their families and how they can help with this adjustment. The free class includes:

A tour of the Obstetrics Unit, including the nursery
Dressing up in hospital gowns, masks and caps
Role-playing for children
Story time about having a baby

To register or receive more information, please call Great River Corporate Education at 319-768-4070, or toll-free, 866-297-9516, between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. You also may register online at www.GreatRiverMedical.org under the Classes and Events tab.

Great River Medical Center provides free prenatal series

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Great River Medical Center offers a free six-week series of prenatal education classes for women in their sixth or seventh months of pregnancy and their partners or birth coaches. The classes will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays beginning May 3. Mothers-to-be should come dressed in comfortable slacks.

The classes include:

Demonstrations of breathing and relaxation techniques
Helpful information from a childbirth educator
Opportunities to ask questions about labor, delivery and newborn care
Practice for controlling labor

An extensive tour of the Obstetrics Unit, including nurseries, also is provided. Registration is required. To register or receive more information, please call Great River Corporate Education at 319-768-4070, or toll-free, 866-297-9516, between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. You also may register online at www.GreatRiverMedical.org under the Classes and Events tab.

Great River Health Systemsâ Diabetes Support Group to meet May 1

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Great River Health Systems’ Diabetes Support Group is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, in the Maple Room on the Garden Level of Great River Medical Center, 1221 S. Gear Ave., West Burlington.

The support group is for people who are newly diagnosed and those who have had diabetes for years, and their family members. Its purpose is to share ideas, and discuss challenges and strategies for living with diabetes.

Reservations are not required. People who cannot attend but are interested in future meetings may call the Great River Diabetes Education Program at 319-768-4100.

Great River Medical Center recertified as area trauma facility

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Great River Medical Center has received three-year recertification as an area trauma-care facility by the Iowa Trauma Care System. The system ensures that people throughout the state receive the appropriate level of care for traumatic injuries. It also helps ambulance services determine where to take patients for treatment.

Based on their resources, Iowa’s 119 hospitals are classified into four types of trauma-care facilities:

· A resource facility provides all surgical and critical-care services for traumas. It also has extensive research capabilities. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is the only resource trauma-care facility in Iowa.

· Regional facilities provide many surgical and critical-care services, but may transfer patients to a resource facility for specialized treatment such as burns. There are six regional trauma-care facilities in Iowa.

· Area facilities have resources to provide initial stabilization for trauma patients. They may provide surgical or critical care. Patients may be transferred for specialized surgery or care. Besides Great River Medical Center, there are 18 other area trauma-care facilities in Iowa.

· Community facilities have the resources to provide initial stabilization for all trauma patients while preparing patients for transfer when needed. Some have surgical capabilities. Most Iowa hospitals are community trauma-care facilities.

Traumatic injury is the leading cause of death for people in Iowa from 1 to 44 years old, and it is one of the most-common causes of hospitalization. An estimated 30,000 Iowans are evaluated and treated for injuries each year.

Learn to hear better at May 7 Great River Medical Center program

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Baby boomers have a higher incidence of hearing loss than previous generations. But technology to improve hearing is better than ever. On Monday, May 7, Great River Audiology will offer a program featuring:

How to pick a cellphone when you have a hearing loss
Ways to hear cellphone conversations better with a hearing aid
How Relay Iowa guarantees all qualified Iowans with hearing loss the use of specialized devices for telephone communication

The program will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Blackhawk Room, lower level, Center for Rehab and Clinics, 1401 W. Agency Rd., West Burlington, Iowa. A free, light lunch will be available. Registration is limited; the deadline is Thursday, May 3. Call Great River Corporate Education at 319-768-4070.

Participants may register to win TV Ears^®, a lightweight, wireless headset that amplifies television volume for the wearer.

Great River Audiology is a service of Great River Medical Center. Its doctors of audiology are health-care professionals who are trained to diagnose hearing problems that can be improved with a hearing aid and those that require medical treatment. Besides having a large selection of hearing aids, Great River Audiology also offers special services, including a program to reduce tinnitus, or “ringing in the ears.”

For more information about Great River Audiology, please call Great River Center for Rehab and Clinics, 319-768-4100.

Great River Center for Rehab and Clinics Offers Free Diabetic Foot Screenings

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Great River Center for Rehab and Clinics staff will provide free diabetic foot screenings from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, at the Center for Rehab and Clinics, 1401 W. Agency Rd., West Burlington.

Great River Hospice to Host Grief-sharing Program

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

A support program for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 6, at Great River Hospice House, 1306 S. Washington Rd., West Burlington. “First Friday Share” will include a short presentation followed by a potluck dinner, and visiting and sharing with others.

Great River Hospice social worker Barb Miller will present the program on coping with grief during holidays and special celebrations. First Friday Share is not exclusive to families and friends of former Great River Hospice patients. Registration is not required.

For more information, please call Great River Home Health and Hospice at 319-768-3350 or toll-free 877-404-4766.

Great River Health Systems - News

Great River Health Systems names excellence award winners

Great River Center for Rehab and Clinics Offers Free Diabetic Foot Screenings

Heritage Medical Equipment and Supplies offers May sales

Great River Friends sponsors book fair May 3, 4

Great River Health Systems to Offer Health-career Workshop May 3

Great River Hospice to Host Grief-sharing Program

Great River Health Systems Offers Program About Macular Degeneration and Other Eye Conditions

Great River Health Systems offers diabetes-education classes

Great River Health Systems offers sibling-preparation class in May

Great River Medical Center provides free prenatal series

Great River Health Systemsâ Diabetes Support Group to meet May 1

Great River Medical Center recertified as area trauma facility

Learn to hear better at May 7 Great River Medical Center program

Great River Center for Rehab and Clinics Offers Free Diabetic Foot Screenings

Great River Hospice to Host Grief-sharing Program

Great River Health Systemsâ Diabetes Support Group to meet May 1