Great River Health Systems - News

Great River Hospice to Host Grief-sharing Program

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 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, June 7 at Great River Hospice House, 1306 S. Washington Road, West Burlington. “First Friday Share” will include a short presentation followed by a potluck dinner, and visiting and sharing with others.

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 disburses Community Endowment Funds

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Great River Health Systems’ Community Endowment Foundation recently disbursed $119,720 to 24 area organizations. Recipients are selected based on community need and relevance to the foundation’s health care and health-improvement mission.

In 14 years, the Community Endowment Foundation has provided more than $1.5 million to help services that may otherwise not be available to the community. It was funded in 1999 by a $1 million grant from the Great River Health Systems Foundation.

Organizations/projects that received funding support this year from the Community Endowment Foundation were:

· Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services of Southeast Iowa, $2,500, nicotine patches for clients

· Alzheimer’s Association, $2,500, caregiver education and support services

· Biggsville Fire Protection District, $5,520, equipment for accident scenes

· Burlington Community School District, $1,000, bicycle helmets and Safety Town scholarships

· Burlington Noon Lions Club, $10,000, digital camera for eye examinations

· Burlington YMCA-YWCA, $5,000, fitness equipment

· Community Action of Southeast Iowa, $20,000, Medication Assistance Program

· Danville Lions Club, $2,500, digital vision screening camera and equipment

· Des Moines County Child Abuse Council, $600, educational material about shaken baby syndrome

· Des Moines/Louisa Early Childhood Iowa, $4,500, head lice program supplies

· Hope Haven Development Center, $20,000, van with wheelchair lift

· Lomax Fire Department, $4,000, equipment for accident scenes

· Media-Stronghurst-Terre Haute Fire Department, $3,000, rescue saw and first aid kits

· Montrose Fire Rescue, $2,700, emergency medical personnel extraction gear

· Morning Sun Community Ambulance Service, $2,000, two XPS side rails and power cot mattresses

· Nauvoo Fire Protection District Ambulance, $2,300, two blood pressure devices for ambulances

· Niota Fire Department, $2,000, patient-care items

· Oquawka Police Department, $2,000, automatic external defibrillator (AED), first aid kits and traffic-safety vests

· Quad-City Helicopter EMS/Med-Force, $6,500, flight helmets for medics and nurses

· Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Des Moines County, $4,500, mileage reimbursement for volunteers who drive people to medical appointments

· The Nest of Des Moines County, $4,000, health and safety items for babies

· Wapello Community School District, $4,600, three AEDs

· Wapello Fire and Rescue, $3,000, trauma kits, spinal immobilization equipment and airway supplies

· YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter and Sexual Assault Program, $5,000, health services for clients

For more information about the Community Endowment Foundation, please contact Mark Richardson, president and CEO, Great River Health Systems, 1221 S. Gear Avenue, West Burlington, IA 52655; 319-768-3250.

Great River Health Systems Recognizes Service Hero

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Pam Rudy, RN, Emergency Department, was named an EXCEL Service Hero at Great River Health Systems.

The health system recognizes employees who demonstrate actions that extend beyond routine, expected employee behavior. Criteria for the service hero award are based on the health system’s philosophy of care. EXCEL stands for Enthusiastically friendly, X-ceeding expectations, Caring and compassion, Energetic teamwork, and Leadership and professionalism.

Rudy’s EXCEL action was described as taking extra steps to make a patient feel as comfortable as possible during several trips to the Emergency Department. “Pam has been there every time . . . and gone out of her way to ease my mom’s pain and give her encouragement,” said the patient’s daughter.

Great River Health Systems offers diabetes-education classes

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

You can lead a full, active and successful life while living with diabetes. Get the information and support you need during the early weeks and months after diagnosis to help you learn how to cope with diabetes-related health issues.

The Great River Diabetes Education Program offers four-week group diabetes classes. Afternoon sessions are from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays beginning June 10. Morning classes are from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursdays beginning June 27.

Group outpatient diabetes classes are for those who are:

· Newly diagnosed and learning about diabetes management

· Making a change in treatment

· Having concerns or complications

Class topics include:

· Types of diabetes

· Proper eating for diabetes

· Carbohydrate counting

· Developing healthy habits

· Exercise

· Medicines

· Monitoring and understanding blood-sugar readings

· Managing blood sugars

· Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and weight

· Reducing risks for diabetes-related health problems

· Coping with chronic disease

A physician referral for diabetes education is required. Great River Health Systems’ 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. It 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 Road, 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 Sleep Disorders Center and EEG services accredited

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Three services at Great River Medical Center recently received accreditation or reaccreditation. Accreditation provides independent, objective verification of quality and enhances credibility.

Great River Sleep Disorders Center was granted five-year reaccreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Sleep testing helps identify the cause of restless sleep, such as chronic obstruction sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy and restless leg syndrome. Only 22 Iowa hospitals have AASM sleep-study accreditation

Great River Sleep Disorder Center received accreditation for out-of-center sleep testing, which allows limited sleep studies to be performed in the homes of people who meet specific criteria. This also is a five-year accreditation.

The Laboratory Accreditation Board of American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic (EEG) and Evoked Potential Technologists renewed its five-year accreditation of EEG services, which are provided through Great River Sleep Disorders Center. Great River Medical Center is one of only three hospitals in the state with this distinction.

EEG testing helps physicians diagnose a variety of neurological problems, such as:

· Degenerative brain disease

· Headaches

· Organic causes of psychiatric symptoms

· Seizure disorders

· Stroke

Great River Medical Center EEG technologists also are certified in intraoperative spinal-cord monitoring. They record and study the electric activity of the brain and nervous system during surgery to spot changes in brain, spinal-cord and peripheral-nerve function to help prevent irreversible damage.

Great River Sleep Disorders Center recently expanded and moved to the first floor of the hospital. Referral from a health care provider is required for sleep studies and EEG testing. For more information, visit www.greatrivermedical.org or call 319-768-4325.

Great River Health Systems Names Excellence Award Winners

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Great River Health Systems presented Excellence in Practice Awards Thursday, May 9, 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 their professions.

The Clinical Excellence Award recognizes outstanding clinical care. The winner was Julie Snavely, occupational therapist, Rehabilitation Services. Finalists were Char Cole, manager, Heritage Partners Pharmacy, and Cassie Schill, exercise specialist, Healthy Living Clinic.

The Community Excellence Award recognizes voluntary contributions of time and effort. The winner was Amy Burkhart, community liaison, Great River Hospice. Finalists were Melissa Jones, integration coordinator, Great River Clinics Administration, and Therese Lees, staff nurse, Pediatrics Unit.

The Leadership Excellence Award recognizes proven leadership skills. The winner was Greg Kirkman, supervisor, Acute Care Center. Finalists were Sarah Masden, manager, Surgery Scheduling and Preadmission, and Donna Wirt, director, Revenue Cycle.

The Nursing Excellence Award recognizes a registered nurse who provides outstanding direct patient care. The winner was Sue Simmons, staff nurse, Heart and Vascular Center. Finalists were Heather Poole, staff nurse, Pediatrics Unit, and Carol Vanderzwan, staff nurse, Burlington Area Family Practice Center.

The Physician Excellence Award recognizes outstanding patient care, leadership and citizenship. The winner was Michael Niehaus, M.D., Great River Surgeons. Finalists were Michael AbouAssaly, M.D., Burlington Area Family Practice Center, and Abdullah Alwahdani, M.D., Great River Cardiology.

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 Sarah Goff, librarian, Corporate Education. Finalists were Darcy Adams, executive assistant, Great River Clinics Administration, and Missy Allen, secretary, Home Health and Hospice.

Great River Friends sponsors book fair May 16, 17

Mon, 06 May 2013 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 5 p.m. Thursday, May 16 and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 17, in the Mercy Plaza lobby, 1225 S. Gear Ave., West Burlington.

Hundreds of items will be available at reduced prices. They include:

Books for all ages
Children’s educational products
Cookbooks
Music collections
Stationery and scrapbooking supplies

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 Hospice to Host Grief-sharing Program

Thu, 02 May 2013 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 3 at Great River Hospice House, 1306 S. Washington Road, West Burlington. “First Friday Share” will include a short presentation followed by a potluck dinner, and visiting and sharing with others.

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 Hospice Offers Free Program for Remembering Mothers

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Great River Hospice is offering a free program for women whose mothers have passed away. "Hats My Mother Wore" is scheduled from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at Great River Hospice House, 1306 S. Washington Road, West Burlington. A light breakfast will be served.

“Hats My Mother Wore" will be a time for honoring and remembering mothers. Great River Hospice social worker Barbara Miller, B.S.W., will discuss the unique feelings associated with the loss of a mother and strategies for coping with grief. The group will reminisce on the varied roles mothers play in their children’s lives during this creative and thought-provoking presentation.

Seating is limited; registration is required. For more information or to register, please call Great River Hospice at 319-768-3350, 319-986-6325 or toll-free 877-404-4766.

Skin care, makeup workshop offered for women with cancer

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

A free workshop for women being treated for cancer is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, May 6, at Great River Medical Center, 1221 S. Gear Ave., West Burlington. Look Good … Feel Better is a nonmedical, brand-neutral public service program that teaches beauty techniques to manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.

Look Good … Feel Better workshops include a 12-step skin-care and makeup lesson, nail-care techniques, and professional advice on coping with hair loss, and using wigs, scarves, hats, hairpieces and other accessories. Local volunteer cosmetologists and participants use products donated by the cosmetic industry.

Registration is required. To register or receive more information, please call the American Cancer Society at 866-460-6550. For comfort and confidentiality, only participants may attend the workshop.

Great River Health Systems provides free prenatal series

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Childbirth Preparation is a free, four-week series of prenatal education classes that help take the mystery out of the birth process, alleviate fear and help expectant parents prepare for the memorable event. The classes are for women in their sixth or seventh months of pregnancy and their husbands or birth coaches. The classes will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays beginning May 2. Mothers-to-be should come dressed in comfortable pants. Registration is required.

The series includes:

An extensive tour of the Women and Family Center
Discussion, questions and answers about labor and delivery
Pain-relief options
Breathing and relaxation techniques
Completing preadmission paperwork

To register or for more information, please call Great River Corporate Education at 319-768-4070 or toll-free at 866-297-9516, between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You may also register online at www.GreatRiverMedical.org/events.

Great River Health Systemsâ Diabetes Support Group to meet May 7

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Great River Health Systems’ Diabetes Support Group is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, 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 Great River Diabetes Education Program at 319-768-4100.

Great River Health Systems offers diabetes-education classes

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Great River Diabetes Education Program offers four-week group diabetes classes. Afternoon sessions are from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays beginning May 6. Morning classes are from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursdays beginning May 23.

Group outpatient diabetes classes are for those who are:

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

Class topics include:

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

Great River Health Systems offers sibling-preparation class in May

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Great River Health Systems is offering a sibling-preparation class from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4.

The class helps children develop realistic expectations about their new baby brother or baby sister and helps reduce 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 Health Systemsâ Summit Focuses on Health-care Reform and the Workplace

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Next month, Great River Health Systems will present a health-care summit about health-care reform and the workplace. The half-day summit is scheduled Thursday, May 16, at the Pzazz! Convention and Event Center, 3001 Winegard Dr., Burlington, Iowa. Attendees may choose to attend a morning or afternoon session.

The purpose of the summit is to explain the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and explore how the act and other health-care reform initiatives affect businesses and their employees. The summit is geared for small- and medium-sized businesses. Key decision makers at these businesses who would find the summit beneficial include:

· Business owners

· Company presidents and CEOs

· Employee benefits and health coordinators

· Human resources professionals

The summit’s keynote speaker is Steve Flood, Senior Vice President and Shareholder at Holmes Murphy and Associates. Flood will provide a summary of health-care reform’s impact on businesses, and how to use programs to improve employee health and reduce employer costs.

Great River Health Systems - News

Great River Hospice to Host Grief-sharing Program

Great River Health Systems disburses Community Endowment Funds

Great River Health Systems Recognizes Service Hero

Great River Health Systems offers diabetes-education classes

Great River Sleep Disorders Center and EEG services accredited

Great River Health Systems Names Excellence Award Winners

Great River Friends sponsors book fair May 16, 17

Great River Hospice to Host Grief-sharing Program

Great River Hospice Offers Free Program for Remembering Mothers

Skin care, makeup workshop offered for women with cancer

Great River Health Systems provides free prenatal series

Great River Health Systemsâ Diabetes Support Group to meet May 7

Great River Health Systems offers diabetes-education classes

Great River Health Systems offers sibling-preparation class in May

Great River Health Systemsâ Summit Focuses on Health-care Reform and the Workplace

Great River Health Systemsâ Diabetes Support Group to meet May 7

Great River Health Systemsâ Summit Focuses on Health-care Reform and the Workplace