Horn Physicians Clinics Making Transition to Serve Patients as a “Patient-Centered Medical Home”

Horn Physicians Clinic is in the transition of serving patients as a “Patient-Centered Medical Home” (PCMH).  The term “PCMH” is a new way of practice that promotes the patient to take active participation in their health.

Under the Patient Centered Medical Home concept, a stronger partnership is promoted between patient, healthcare provider, and the assigned care team.  This new model assists in delivering more coordinated, accessible, and higher quality healthcare experience by ensuring that patients’ preventive, acute, and chronic care needs are met.  This is done through enhanced communication and follow-up by the care team assigned to each patient.

Some key components of the Patient Centered Medical Home include a “healthcare coach”, a coordinated team approach, and the ability to communicate after hours with your provider.  Gedget Bauer, a long-time employee of HMH, was hired this fall as a Health Coach for the HPC Clinics.  Her vast responsibilities include working with “at risk” patient populations on chronic health management, preventative health, and education.  This is done in conjunction with the care team assigned to each patient.  As for the ability to reach a provider after hours, all providers at the HPC clinics will rotate on-call responsibilities, which includes responding to patients over the telephone to provide clinical advice, and/or arranging care during non-office hours.

Various responsibilities of the assigned care team include:  planning each appointment by reviewing medical records and making sure all required documents are in the chart upon each visit, follow-through to make sure testing is completed and results are obtained and shared with patients in a timely manner, follow-up on referrals to other healthcare specialists, making sure appointments are kept and that specialists have pertinent patient information before an appointment, and making sure that a patient’s regular provider receives the specialist’s recommendations.  The care team also makes sure that patients understand the instructions given by providers and are willing to work with patients in person or over the phone to ensure this.

As a Patient Centered Medical Home, there is more focus on prevention, education, and compliance based on a healthcare provider’s recommendations.  The overall goals and service at Horn Physicians Clinics will not change.  All staff are committed to compassionate, patient-centered care through education, promotion, and encouragement of healthy living, thereby improving quality of life within the communities HPC clinics serve.

Overall, the Patient-Centered Medical Home that HPC clinics is transitioning to will put the patient in the center of the healthcare system and ask them to take responsibility for their own health.  It will also enhance patients’ personalized care, serve as a guide through the complex health system, offer better access to care, and teach better problem-solving strategies for managing chronic health conditions.  For an appointment to any of the Horn Physician Clinics, please call: 364-2514 in Ida Grove, 668-2232 in Odebolt, and 881-4676 in Mapleton.

Extended Hours for Mammograms!

Ida County Healthcare Coalition Donates AEDs to Ida County School Districts

Jo Hayes, Larry Allen, Pat Miller, Terry Kenealy, Chris Nichols and Patti Andrews
Absent from photo: Ed Sohm, Ida County Emergency Manager, Jared Johnson, HMH  Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

Jo Hayes, Jon Weibers, and Chris Nichols

Absent from photo:  Ed Sohm, Ida County Emergency Manager, Jared Johnson, HMH  Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, and Patti Andrews, Public Health Nurse

The Ida County Healthcare Coalition recently donated four automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to each of the Ida County School Districts – OABCIG in Ida Grove and Ridgeview in Holstein.  A request to the Coalition for this potential life-saving equipment came from Athletic Director, Larry Allen, of OABCIG.  After it was discovered that there was similar interest from Ridgeview, the Coalition, which consists of Ida County Public Health, the Ida County Emergency Manager, and Horn Memorial Hospital, made a request to the state for the equipment.  The state approved the purchase of 8 AEDs through the hospital’s designated Hospital Preparedness and Emergency Preparedness grant funds.  The total for the 8 AEDs and associated equipment was a little over $15,000.00.

Chris Nichols, Horn Memorial Hospital CEO, stated, “This reflects great communication and coordination between the schools and the healthcare entities in Ida County.  I’m so pleased that the Coalition could play a role to facilitate this positive step in the health of our communities.”

According to the American Heart Association, 23% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests are "shockable" arrhythmias, or those that respond to a shock from an AED, making AEDs in public places highly valuable.  The use of an AED can increase the chance of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest by 70%.   Communities with comprehensive AED programs that include CPR and AED training for rescuers have achieved survival rates of nearly 40% for cardiac arrest victims. 

OA-BCIG Shared Superintendent, Terry Kenealy, added, “The Ida County Healthcare Coalition recognized the importance of having automated external defibrillators in our school buildings to help address cardiac arrests in our communities and potentially save lives. We are sincerely grateful for this life-saving gift to our schools and appreciate the cooperative spirit that exists between the Horn Memorial Hospital, Ida County Community Healthcare Coalition and the school district.”

Jon Wiebers, Superintendent of Ridge View Schools, also commented, “We want to thank the Ida County Health Care Coalition for the efforts in securing the AEDs. This is another great example of how school, community and business partners working together can provide necessary and vital services to our schools.” 

Horn Memorial Hospital Construction Update

Work continues on Horn Memorial’s 13,000 square foot inpatient addition that will provide modernization, all private rooms, and private bathrooms/showers.  In early December the foundation, basement, and footings were completed and the project transitioned to above ground to where progress is more visible.  Steel columns will all be set by mid-December and the goal is for the building to be enclosed with a roof by the end of December.  The building is set to be completed by July.  When completed, there will be a transition of patients and staff into the new Unit followed by demolition of the “North Wing” that is currently being used for Inpatient Care. After demolition of this original wing, work will start on the outdoor courtyard that will feature walking paths, outdoor seating and dining areas, two fountains, and a landscaping plan.  This work is scheduled to be completed by late Fall, 2017.

Community support has been tremendous for the project, with the fundraising goal of $1.5 million having nearly been met.  Currently, the total for community fundraising stands at $1,448,848.00.  Twenty three (23) out of twenty seven (27) rooms have been purchased for naming rights, and 85% of the Horn Memorial staff have contributed to the project.  Horn CEO, Chris Nichols, says that fundraising will continue until the completion of the project and that he expects that both the goal of $1.5 million and 100% staff participation will be met over the next several months.  If you are interested in purchasing one of the four remaining patient room naming rights or contributing at any level, please contact Public Relations Director, Sarah Harm at 712-364-7227.

Horn Welcomes New Dermatologist

You're Invited to an Open House for Horn Physicians Clinic's Newest Provider

Extended Hours Offered for Mammograms

Horn Memorial Hospital Requiring Photo Identification at Admission

Properly identifying patients is the first step in patient safety in any healthcare facility. Throughout the national healthcare industry, the improper identification of patients has resulted in medication errors, transfusion and testing errors, and wrong-person procedures.  Accurately identifying patients in healthcare facilities also reduces medical identity theft and insurance fraud.

Horn Memorial Hospital takes patient safety very seriously and has many systems in place to make sure that patients are properly identified from the point of admission to the time they are discharged.

The first opportunity to properly identify a patient is during the admission process.  “If you are a patient age 16 years or older, you will be asked to present photo identification during the admission process,” explains Carrie Arens, Horn Memorial Hospital Revenue Cycle Director. “If you do not have photo identification with you, we will continue with the admission process, and you will be asked to bring photo identification with you to your next visit.”  For patients unable to admit themselves, a family member will be asked to provide the patient’s photo identification and all other information required at admission.

Acceptable forms of photo identification include a state driver’s license, state identification card, tribal identification card, United States uniformed service identification card, a Passport, or a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).  In addition to a photo, the identification card should include your first and last name, middle initial, and date of birth.  Any Iowa resident may request a photo identification card at the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) service center; there is no age limit to apply for the card. Applicants will be asked to provide proof of name, identity and United States citizenship, as well as date of birth and social security number.

At Horn Memorial Hospital, once we have properly identified you during the admission process, the admitting staff will place an armband on your wrist. This armband includes unique patient identifying information such as: your name and date of birth, your admitting physician’s name, your unique medical record number, and the date of service.

The next step of proper patient identification occurs every time you come in contact with hospital personnel. The staff of Horn Memorial will ask your name and date of birth before administering any medical service or procedure, and before administering medications or blood products.

“We know that this process may seem cumbersome and unnecessary for a small town hospital, where we know so many of our patients,” says Arens. “However, the procedures are standard practices in all medical facilities throughout the country. The systems are in place to protect all patients and we train our staff to follow the steps with each and every person.”

“When you enter our hospital for services, be prepared to present your personal identification and be patient with our staff when they verify your identity throughout your care in our facility,” said Arens. “We strive to provide high quality, compassionate health care to all of our patients.  Patient safety is our highest priority.”

Horn Memorial Celebrates Hospital’s Overall Rating, Housekeeping Rating

The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems for Hospitals, or HCAHPS, is a series of patient surveys that focus on quality from the patient perspective.  Horn Memorial Hospital participates in the surveys because the feedback from patients and visitors is valuable and helps create programs and systems of care that better serve our patients.  Patients that are hospitalized are randomly chosen to participate in the surveys.  Horn Memorial has a 47% return rate, which is very strong in comparison to peers. 

There are many areas in which Horn Memorial outperforms its peers.  One such measure is the Overall Rating of Horn Memorial.  In 2015, 87% of patients surveyed rated Horn Memorial at a “9” or “10” on a 10 point scale, with “0” being the worst possible hospital and “10” being the best possible hospital.  In comparison, the state of Iowa’s hospitals collectively averaged 76%, and the national average was 72% for this measure.  Hospital CEO Chris Nichols comments, “This is a tremendous achievement and a credit to the entire HMH team.  It proves what we ALREADY know, that we provide great care to our patients.  But we’re also always looking for ways to improve what we do.  I think that commitment is why we stand out and will hopefully continue to do so.”

Another area where HMH stands out is the “cleanliness of the hospital environment.”  For that measure, so far in 2016, Horn ranks in the 98th percentile among its hospital peers.  Meaning, in the entire database of hospitals who use the same measurement tool (over 2000), Horn rated better than 98% of them.  There’s no doubt that the cleanliness of the hospital environment influences patient’s “overall” experience.  Visitors and vendors who do not frequent Horn on a regular basis often comment on the overall cleanliness of the facility.  The hospital is celebrating this achievement with a party for the entire housekeeping staff on September 14th.  Members of the HMH Environmental Services team as shown in the picture from the back row:  Zach Jepsen, Erin Hammond, Jessica Brown, Bev Roe; front row:  Kit Svendsen, Ingrid Ulven, Felisha Payne, and Kelly Harris.  Environmental Services staff who was absent at the time of the photo were Nona Engelke and John Burk.

Horn Updates Construction, Fundraising for Inpatient Project

Work has begun on Horn Memorial’s new 18-bed, 13,000 square foot inpatient unit that will feature all private rooms with bathrooms/showers and an outdoor courtyard with walking path and sitting areas for patients, families, guests, and employees.  Ground was broken by HMH leadership and the Board of Trustees on May 23, 2016.  Since then, the old “west wing” was abated and demolished.  After demolition was completed, crews spent about a week on shoring and trenching for utility lines.  Currently, the basement is being dug with plans for footings bring poured and basement walls put up throughout the month of August.  By September 1, steel columns will be visible. The whole project is slightly ahead of schedule with a completion date of October, 2017.

The community support and fundraising for this much needed update has been instrumental in getting the project off the ground. 

Less than a year ago, Horn Memorial began their venture to fundraise $1.5 million for a new Inpatient Unit that is estimated to cost $9 million.  Since November 2015 the hospital and a group of community members has successfully raised $1.4 million of that goal.   Efforts continue with the hope to meet and surpass the $1.5 million fundraising goal before completion of the project.

Twenty nine areas/rooms were identified as opportunities for naming rights, and to date, 22 of the 29 areas/rooms have been reserved.  The areas left include one patient corridor and six patient rooms.  Hospital CEO Chris Nichols comments, “The support of this project has been remarkable.  Many of our donors and community partners have stepped up in huge way.  For our larger donors, many have chosen to honor or memorialize a loved one.  Several times I’ve been moved just hearing the stories that people share about who the room is dedicated to.  Others have chosen naming rights to a whole family or business.  The timelessness of the naming rights to a particular room or area, and the fact that those names will be displayed for at least the next 50 years, carry great meaning to people, as does Horn Memorial.” 

The HMH Inpatient Project remains a great opportunity to memorialize or honor loved ones, perhaps even someone who has benefited from the care at Horn Memorial.  All donations at and above $500 will be recognized on a new donor recognition wall that will be placed inside the new unit.  If interested in becoming a partner in HMH’s Inpatient project, please contact Marketing Director, Sarah Harm at 712-364-7227.

Horn Public Health Extends Immunization Clinic Hours in August

A new school year is fast approaching and now is the time to review your child’s immunization record to be sure their vaccinations are up-to-date.  It is especially important for children entering kindergarten, 7^th grade, and college. Students continuing on to post-secondary education need to check with their college or institution to see what vaccinations are required or recommended.

Horn Public Health will hold extended Vaccine for Children (VFC) clinics in August.  The clinics will be Tuesday, August 9 and Wednesday, August 10 from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. To be eligible for VFC clinics, a child must meet one of the eligibility requirements: is enrolled in Medicaid, does not have health insurance, is American Indian or Alaskan Native, or is underinsured (has health insurance that does not pay for vaccinations). Public Health is located in the upper level of the Medical Arts Building at 700 East 2^nd Street in Ida Grove.  Please bring your child’s new Medicaid/MCO cards. Parents can call 712-364-7311 with questions.

The Iowa school immunization law requires parents to vaccinate their children against diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, rubella, polio, hepatitis B and chickenpox as a condition of entry into kindergarten.  Booster immunizations can be given any time after a child’s fourth birthday.

Beginning with the 2013-2014 school year, Iowa requires a one-time booster dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) for students in grades 7 and above, if born on or after September 15, 2000.  In addition, there are adolescent vaccines available to help protect against meningitis, HPV, Hepatitis A, and chickenpox.

As a reminder, it is important to maintain immunization records in a safe place. Proof of immunizations may be necessary throughout life.

Horn Celebrates 50 Years with an Ice Cream Social

Back Row:   Angela Frank, Scott Forby, and Deb Jensen

Front Row:  Tina Madsen, Katrina Utterback and Kendy Zavala

Congratulations to these six employees who were recently awarded a scholarship from the HMH Auxiliary!

Lieutenant General, Susan Lawrence, pledges support to Horn Memorial’s Inpatient Building Project

Ida Grove native and retired Lieutenant General, Susan Lawrence, pledges her support to Horn Memorial Hospital’s $9 million Inpatient Building Project.  Susan recently purchased the naming rights to number 10 of the 17 patient rooms.  While visiting with the CEO, Chris Nichols, she commented, “I am proud of all of the new projects going on in my home town.  I’ve been following the hospital’s building project through the local papers and wanted to be part of it.  My grandmother, Evelyn Ferguson, was a donor to the original hospital 50 years ago, and I wanted to continue this legacy.” 

The project continues to remain on schedule with asbestos abatement to the West Wing beginning the week of June 6^th.  Community fundraising has been extremely successful thus far.  The “break ground goal” of $1-million was surpassed in April, and the project goal of $1.5 million is within reach.  To get involved and donate to the project, please contact Marketing Director, Sarah Harm, at 364.7227 or sharm@hornmemorialhospital.org.

Horn Memorial Makes Preparations for Air Ambulance Service During Construction

Beginning June 1, Horn Memorial’s helipad will be closed through the duration of the Inpatient construction project.  Arrangements have been made between the hospital, helicopter services and local ambulance services to use the Ida Grove Airport to safely transport patients.  This is a common solution during hospital construction that other facilities have successfully implemented.  A small percentage of emergency transfers from Horn Memorial are helicopter transfers; this will not affect the majority of patient transfers from Horn as they are done by ground ambulance.  In the past several weeks, local ambulance services have practiced the new transport process and are prepared for this change.  When construction is complete in 2017, the helipad at Horn Memorial will be brought back into service.

Lewis Family Drug pledges support to the HMH Inpatient Building Project

Front Row: Linda Chase, Samantha Peterson, Haley Westphal, Peg Cowlham

Back Row: Jodi Snyder, Ellissa Bruns, Malinda Alm, and Chris Nichols 

Lewis Family Drug pledges their support to Horn Memorial Hospital’s $9 million Inpatient Building Project.  They recently donated $15,000 for naming rights to the Staff Lounge.  On behalf of Lewis Family Drug, Pharmacist, Samantha Peterson stated, “In an effort to support the further development of patient centered care, Lewis Family Drug stands by Horn Memorial Hospital as a partner to aid in the transition of care from hospital to pharmacy. We welcome the growth of our local community and proudly support the efforts of Horn Memorial to serve this dynamic community.” 

The project continues to remain on schedule with the demolition of the West Wing to begin early June.  Fundraising efforts will continue throughout the project.  If you are interested in contributing to this worthwhile community project or would like to learn more, please contact Sarah Harm, Public Relations Director, at Horn Memorial Hospital (364-7227). 

Lovett Family Pledges Support to the Inpatient Building Project

Mindi Mandernach, Terry Lovett, Kelli Lovett and Chris Nichols

Terry Lovett and his daughters recently pledged their support to the Inpatient Project by purchasing naming rights to a patient room in memory of Marilyn Lovett, wife, mother and long-time employee of Horn Memorial Hospital.  Marilyn worked as a Nurse and Compliance Office at Horn Memorial Hospital for 37 years.  Her hard work and dedication to Horn is fondly remembered by many staff.  Terri shared, “Marilyn was very dedicated to Horn Memorial for many years.  We felt it was only right to have her memory live on through support of this project.  It is nice to see the community get behind a project like this one, we need this hospital.”

Terry and his family join a growing list of supporters for the new Inpatient Wing.  There are still nine patient rooms available for naming rights.  Donations over the $500 amount will be included on a donor wall that will be displayed inside the new Inpatient Wing. If you are interested in contributing to this worthwhile community project or would like to learn more, please contact Sarah Harm, Public Relations Director, at Horn Memorial Hospital (364-7227). 

A Matter of Balance

Row 1: Dolores Meyer, Opal Harding, Joan Fries, Harlan Fries, Audrey Dittmer, Loren Dittmer

Row 2: Beth Ortner (MOB Coach), Dorothy Whitham, Sylvia Carstens, Keith Carstens, Becky Warren, Nadine Dutler (MOB Coach)  Absent from the picture: Marianne Heilman, Earl Heilman

Twelve participants recently completed “A Matter of Balance” Class which was held in Holstein throughout the month of April.  The class was led by certified volunteer coaches, Nadine Dutler and Beth Ortner.  A Matter of Balance is a fun, interactive, hands-on way to help reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels in older adults who have concerns with falling and their safety.  This program is available through Horn Memorial Public Health.   A Matter of Balance runs for two hours, twice a week, for four weeks.  For more information, contact Horn Public Health at 364.7311. 

Wayne and Geraldine Dankert pledge support to the hospital’s Inpatient Building Project

Wayne and Geraldine Dankert of Ida Grove recently pledged their support to the Inpatient Project by purchasing naming rights to 1 of the 17 patient rooms.  When presenting the check to us, Wayne shared, “The staff at Horn have been awful nice to us, and we are real happy to support this project.”  Geraldine went on to say, “The nurses are very accommodating, they are very thoughtful in little ways.  I have always felt comfortable as a patient in the hospital.”

Wayne and Geraldine join a growing list of supporters for the new Inpatient Wing.  If you are interested in contributing to this worthwhile community project or would like to learn more, please contact Sarah Harm, Public Relations Director, at Horn Memorial Hospital (364-7227). 

Welcome to Medicare Seminar coming to Horn

Connections Area Agency on Aging and Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove announce a Welcome to Medicare seminar for new beneficiaries and those interested in learning more about Medicare. The seminar will be held on Tuesday, April 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Horn Memorial’s Conference Center, rooms 101 and 102, 701 E. 2^nd Street, Ida Grove, Iowa. Pre-registration is recommended.

Discussion topics for this event will include who is eligible for benefits and time frames for applying, understanding Medicare’s benefits and options, supplements, Medicare Advantage plans, prescription drug plans and protecting Medicare benefits. There will be ample time for questions.

Assisting new beneficiaries to increase their understanding of Medicare is a combined effort of SHIIP programs (Senior Health Insurance Information Program), sponsored by Horn Memorial Hospital and Connections Area Agency on Aging. There is no cost to attend. For more information or to register, contact Horn Memorial Hospital at 712-364-3311.

Roger Frank pledges support to the Inpatient Building Project

Roger Frank of Ida Grove recently pledged his support to the Inpatient Project in memory of his late wife, Sandra Dee.  Roger purchased naming rights to one of the 17 patient rooms.  Roger commented, “Sandra was a long-time supporter of Horn Memorial, she knitted baby hats for the hospital for many years.  Horn is a great asset to our community, we are fortunate to have such good, local healthcare.”

Roger Frank joins a growing list of supporters for the new Inpatient Wing.  An Inpatient Project mailing recently went out to the community asking for support.  All contributions of $10 or greater will be considered payment for 2016 membership dues and these funds will support the building project.  The annual corporate meeting will be held on Monday, April 25^th where the community can learn about Horn’s 2015 accomplishments as well as their commitment to the surrounding communities.

If you are interested in contributing to this worthwhile community project or would like to learn more, please contact Sarah Harm, Public Relations Director, at Horn Memorial Hospital (364-7227). 

Iris Witt and Family pledge support to the hospital’s Inpatient Building Project

Chris Nichols, Marylin Kuyper, Larry Witt, Lorraine Davis and Iris Witt

Iris Witt and her children recently pledged their support to the Inpatient Project in memory of the late Jim Witt.  The Witt Family purchased naming rights to the smaller courtyard as well as one of the 17 patient rooms.  Iris commented, “Our family feels so fortunate to have the convenience of such a quality local hospital that keeps us from driving the distance to the city for healthcare.  We chose the naming rights to these two areas knowing that the patients will benefit from the view from their room as well as visitors who walk through the hallway past the smaller courtyard.  It is something everyone can enjoy.”

The Witt Family joins a growing list of supporters for the new Inpatient Wing.  The project will begin in June with the demolition of the East Wing.  Fundraising efforts will continue throughout the project.  If you are interested in contributing to this worthwhile community project or would like to learn more, please contact Sarah Harm, Public Relations Director, at Horn Memorial Hospital (364-7227). 

Horn Hospice Receives New Flags

Bonnie VanHouten of Battle Creek shows the hand-painted Horn Hospice flags that she made and donated for the Horn Hospice Garden.  Bonnie is a long-time supporter of Horn Memorial Hospital and has a special place in her heart for the Hospice program.  She enjoys doing crafts to keep her busy and took the time to make six of these flags for Horn Hospice so they can be exchanged when they show wear from the weather.  Cindy Mildenstein commented, “This is a beautiful tribute to our program and gives our garden a special touch.  We are all grateful that she thought of us.”

Horn Auxiliary pledges support to the hospital’s Inpatient Building Project

Chris Nichols, Robin Thornhill, Jane O'Tool, and Susan Miller

The Horn Memorial Hospital Auxiliary recently pledged their support to the Inpatient Project by purchasing naming rights to 1 of the 17 patient rooms.  The Auxiliary volunteers work hard each year to support the hospital.  The Horn Gift Gallery and annual Bazaar reflect the largest time commitment from this group of volunteers.  Chris Nichols, CEO, commented “Horn is extremely fortunate to have such a great group of dedicated volunteers that reflect the mission of Horn. Their support of our hospital and the Inpatient Project speaks to their longtime support of Horn.”  The Auxiliary continues to be a viable part of Horn Memorial with numerous volunteers committed to serving the Auxiliary and Hospital.   Over 100 volunteers give their time and talents to our local hospital each year, and their support of the Inpatient Project is just one of the ways they make a difference.

A mass mailing with a letter and brochure about the Inpatient Building Project recently went out to the community asking for support.  This request was in lieu of the yearly “membership drive” mailing.  Horn Memorial asks that you consider supporting this worthwhile cause in any way you can.  As a non-tax supported entity, Horn appreciates all donations for this project. 

If you are interested in contributing to this worthwhile community project or would like to learn more, please contact Sarah Harm, Public Relations Director, at Horn Memorial Hospital (364-7227). 

Carolyn Young pledges support to the hospital’s Inpatient Building Project

Carolyn Young of Galva recently pledged her support to the Inpatient Project by purchasing naming rights to 1 of the 17 patient rooms.  Carolyn’s support of the project was done in memory of her late husband, James M. Young.  While presenting her check to us, Carolyn shared, “Our family decided this was the perfect project.  Jim always said, I got the best care in Ida Grove!”

Carolyn Young and her family joins a growing list of supporters for the new Inpatient Wing.  If you are interested in contributing to this worthwhile community project or would like to learn more, please contact Sarah Harm, Public Relations Director, at Horn Memorial Hospital (364-7227). 

Horn Hospice to Offer a Hospice Volunteer Training

Horn Hospice defines its role as a “special kind of care; bringing comfort, support, and compassion to the terminally ill and their families.” The Horn Hospice program is designed to meet the physical, emotional, spiritual and economical needs of each individual.  At this time we are looking for caring people to join our team of volunteers to use their wonderful talents and skills to help people when they need it most.

Interested individuals must attend the eight scheduled training classes to receive the Hospice Volunteer Certificate in order to qualify to be a Horn Hospice Volunteer. The training will teach individuals about the hospice philosophy, purpose and goals, concepts on death and dying, communication, personal care, and the grieving process. 

Volunteer training has been set for Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning March 15th and going through April 7 from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. in the Horn Memorial Conference Center.

If you are interested in joining our Hospice Volunteer Team or have questions, please call the Horn Hospice office at 712.364.7311.   Questions can be directed to Cindy Mildenstein, RN, Hospice Director, or Nancy Schoen, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator

Hultgren Family pledges support to the hospital’s Inpatient Building Project

Larry and Tappy Hultgren recently pledged their support to the Inpatient Project by purchasing naming rights to 1 of the 17 patient rooms.  Larry commented, “My family has been involved with the hospital from the very beginning.  My father, Russell Hultgren, along with Harold Godbersen, donated the land that the hospital was built on.  It only seems fit to continue our support by contributing to a patient room.  We’re very fortunate to have a hospital in our town.”

The Hultgren family joins a growing list of family supporters for the new Inpatient Wing.  A mass mailing about the project is expected to be delivered to the community the first part of March.  If you are interested in contributing to this worthwhile community project or would like to learn more, please contact Sarah Harm, Public Relations Director, at Horn Memorial Hospital (364-7227). 

Horn Memorial Hospital Emergency Services Play Important Role in Community

Horn Memorial Hospital has been offering emergency services to the community for the past 50 years.  The variation of services have changed over the years, but the focus remains constant, and that focus is the patient. 

The accessibility of having a physician available 24/7 with highly trained support staff in the community is invaluable.  Horn Memorial is certified as a level IV Trauma Center which means that their role is to provide evaluation, stabilization, and diagnostic services prior to either admitting or transferring patients to a higher level trauma center.  Horn staff takes this role seriously by maintaining their trauma training, and constantly evaluating areas for improvement.  Once such area that was a recent focus was the “door to ECG time.”

The door to ECG time was identified as an opportunity for improvement to more consistently meet the quality measure of obtaining an electrocardiogram (ECG) within 10 minutes of the patient presenting to the Emergency Department (ED).  An ECG is something Horn does on every patient who presents with chest pain or symptoms related to a heart attack.  After strategically evaluating the current process, the team implemented a “Cardiac Alert” overhead page that is heard throughout the hospital.  The Cardiac Alert page brings together key staff from the laboratory, radiology, and Medical/Surgical/Pediatric unit to perform specific tasks in an efficient manner.  This team approach allows several steps to be completed simultaneously, and ultimately has made the difference in consistently meeting the goal of ECG completion within 10 minutes of the patient’s arrival.

The Horn Quality staff stated, “Time is of the essence for cardiac patients and improving our ECG time is a definite benefit. The sooner a patient can be identified as having a cardiac event, the sooner necessary treatment can be provided. The improvement on this quality measure would not have been possible without the teamwork we have at Horn Memorial.  Bringing together key personnel from each department to break down the process and gathering input from frontline professionals is what brought us to a successful outcome.”

Joe Nicholson, had first-hand experience of this process when he presented to the ED at Horn Memorial Hospital in July of last year.  Nicholson commented, “The emergency staff took fast and sound measures; their actions saved my life that day.”  Luckily for Nicholson, Horn Memorial Hospital was there to diagnose and stabilize him in the Emergency Department before transferring him to the city for more specialized care.  He further stated, “I thought my life was over at the age of 40, but upon completing cardiac rehab, I know my life has many great years to come, and I owe it to the ED and Cardiac Rehab staff at Horn Memorial Hospital.”

Bogue Family pledges support to the hospital’s Inpatient Building Project

Mark and Jaclyn Bogue recently pledged their support to the Inpatient Project by purchasing naming rights to the Nurses’ Station.  Mark commented, “My family spent a lot of time at Horn Memorial during my father’s illness.  We always received excellent care, and the nurses were so good with my dad.  We chose the naming rights to the nurses’ station because we felt a connection to this great group of people.”  

The Bogues join a growing list of family supporters for the new Inpatient Wing.  Naming rights remain for several areas.  If you are interested in contributing to this worthwhile community project or would like to learn more, please contact Sarah Harm, Public Relations Director, at Horn Memorial Hospital (364-7227). 

Schultz Family pledges support to the hospital’s Inpatient Building Project

Chris Nichols, Crystal Endrulat, Don and Sue Schultz, Chandra Bender

Horn Memorial Hospital has been steadily engaging the communities’ support of the planned Inpatient Building Project.  Pictured above is Chris Nichols, CEO, with Don and Sue Schultz, and two of their three daughters; Crystal Endrulat (Tim) and Chandra Bender (Roger), absent from the photo is Carrie Baden (Mark).  The Schultz Family recently pledged their commitment by purchasing the naming rights to the Doctors’ Dictation room, which is one of several naming opportunities available.  With this pledge, the Schultz family joins the growing list of supporters who have partnered with the Hospital to make this project become a reality.  A direct mailing to the communities will be distributed the first week in March and will share more information about the hospital’s plans and how you too can become involved.  Currently, donor naming rights remain available for 13 patient rooms, a nursing staff lounge, the smaller of the two courtyards, and four corridors/hallways in the new addition.

Horn Memorial Hospital Unveils Plans for New Inpatient Unit

Horn Memorial Hospital Unveils Plans for New Inpatient Unit