HomeArchives May 2017

ALLISON SCHOENFELDER, MD, JOINS ORANGE CITY AREA HEALTH SYSTEM FAMILY PRACTICE

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://kpth130275site.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Allison-Schoenfelder-portrait-submitted-2017.jpeg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_margin=”22px|22px|22px|22px”] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_margin=”12px|12px|12px|12px”] Dr. Allison Schoenfelder will provide FertilityCare™, prenatal, birthcare, and family medicine services at Orange City Area Health System Marty Guthmiller, CEO of Orange City Area Health System, announced the signing of Allison Schoenfelder, MD, to its team of family medicine physicians. Dr. Schoenfelder, a resident of Akron, Iowa, joins the health system after serving at the Akron Mercy Medical Clinic since 2006. She is also currently serving as a physician at the Siouxland Medical Education Foundation in Sioux City, where she completed her family practice residency. Dr. Schoenfelder earned her Medical Doctorate from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, and received her undergraduate education at Iowa State University. “We are simply thrilled to welcome Dr. Schoenfelder into our healthcare community,” reported Guthmiller, “and adding to the wide range of services offered locally.” Dr. Schoenfelder joins Orange City Area Health System’s group of 19 family medicine providers that serve the health system’s four medical clinics, hospital, birth center, home health and hospice, and senior care facility. She will offer prenatal and birthing services, as well as comprehensive healthcare for all generations. Dr. Schoenfelder is a certified FertilityCare™ consultant. The Creighton Model FertilityCare System is a natural fertility tracking that enables women to achieve or avoid pregnancy effectively. It can be used with the NaProTechnology method to help diagnose and treat reproductive health problems. “Dr. Schoenfelder’s certification in FertilityCare, combined with her knowledge as a physician, is a much needed and sought after service that we can now offer patients throughout the region,” said Guthmiller. “I have been honored to treat patients from the Orange City area and their FertilityCare needs over the past years from my practice in Akron,” stated Schoenfelder. “I look forward to joining Orange City Area Health System and being able to offer full-scope family practice to patients throughout Northwest Iowa.” Dr. Schoenfelder will begin seeing patients in August. Appointments can be made by calling the Orange City Family Medicine Clinic at 712-737-2000. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Each year the American College of Emergency Physicians and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians celebrate National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) week. This year it is May 21-27 and the theme is EMS Strong: “Always in Service.” Most people assume they can pick up the phone, dial “911” and an ambulance will show up. Unfortunately, unlike our sister services of Law Enforcement and Fire, EMS is not considered an “essential service,” resulting in few tax dollars dedicated to EMS services. Most services hope that by charging insurance companies they can cover the minimum of their operational costs. To purchase new equipment they seek grants, community donations, or try to identify corporate funding. The board and administration of Orange City Area Health System has made a solid commitment to ensure the ambulance team is “Always in Service,” and a year ago approved the purchase of a new ambulance. A committee spent months designing a new ambulance and this past October it was put into service. What does a new ambulance mean? It means a significantly better ride for our patients through a new suspension system. Improved climate control with multiple vents allow the attendant to regulate air flow around the patient. Interior LED lights can make it feel like an operating room. Inset cabinet lights make it easier to see into cabinets and allow the interior to be dimmed for patient comfort. Improved safety for both the patient and attendants was considered when designing seating and equipment location. Attendants can now access most equipment without having to stand up and move around. The exterior has a new design and is enhanced with reflective materials. The back has a chevron design as it has been proven in multiple studies that people see this image both day and night. The bright exterior LED lights are visible both night and day. Remember “bright light, move to the right!” If you don’t, you will be the recipient of a loud noise and feel the ground vibrate from a device called the Howler that blasts wave forms into the ground. Fuel consumption was evaluated, leading to us placing a header over the front to increase efficiency. Idling technology allows the unit to automatically shut off and then start back up depending on the set temperature. Finally, security was upgraded, including a dash camera and a rear compartment camera, as well as new technology that allows the unit to remain running even if the keys have been removed and doors locked. All of this new technology will not just sit around. You can expect to see your Orange City Area Health System Ambulance Team to be on the move. Last year we ran 689 calls – which averages 1.9 per day. 2017 has already been filled with the lights and sirens of the OCAHS Ambulance. Remember, if you need us, Orange City Area Health System EMS is committed to being “Always In Service.” P.S. If we aren’t busy; stop in! We would love to show you around. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://kpth130275site.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/New-Ambulance-cropped.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” /][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://kpth130275site.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/New-Ambulance-night-cropped.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” /][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://kpth130275site.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Ambulance-squad-february-2017-smaller.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]
Orange City Area Health System (OCAHS) recently hosted its annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet to honor volunteers for another year of service in many areas throughout the health system. According to Mary Plathe, Volunteer Services Manager for OCAHS, the volunteer team consists of 195 individuals (43 men and 152 women) from the communities of Archer, Alton, Granville, Hawarden, Hospers, Ireton, Le Mars, Marcus, Maurice, Orange City, Paullina, Sheldon and Sioux Center.
    “Our volunteer team members choose from 64 volunteer opportunities offered by the health system,” Plathe explained. “Of our active volunteers, 129 individuals serve in more than one area, facility, or department.”
    At the banquet, 22 volunteers were honored for giving more than 200 hours of service last year. In 2016, the volunteer team tallied up 16,053 service hours – which is valued at $370,021 in volunteer labor for the health system. That is over 309 hours of volunteer service each week, which equates to nearly 10 full-time workers.
    “Through the past 10 years of our volunteer program,” Plathe continued, “there is a dedicated group of volunteers that have been inducted into the ‘Hero’s Club’ at Orange City Area Health System. These individuals have each given more than 1,000 hours of their time to benefit the patients and families served by our health system.”
     The 30 inaugural members of the Hero’s Club are:
1,000 Hours
Robert Boonstra (1,256)
Pam J. De Haan (1,185)
Marvin De Jong (1,135
Arlene Feekes (1,326)
Tami Guthmiller (1,080)
Sandy Harmelink (1,184)
LaDonna Huisman (1,416)
Priscilla Huizenga (1,333)
Kim Oolman (1,315)
Helen Pas (1,142)
Doris Pottebaum (1,470)
Mary Pottebaum (1,370)
Karen Richter (1,168)
Lori Rowenhorst (1,436)
Lois Russell (1,368)
J.R. Siebersma (1,392)
Star Van Gelder (1,117)
Dorothy Vanden Brink (1,312)
1,500 Hours
Brian De Jong (1,837)
Lorie Foreman (1,897)
Fran Koets (1,807)
Joan Spronk (1,531)
2,000 Hours
Bev De Jager (2,060)
Kathy McKinstrey (2,138)
Lynnette Schuller (2,131)
Eleanor Van Roekel (2,017)
Wanda Wichers (2,401)
2,500 Hours
Wanda Kuiken (2,792)
3,000 Hours
Jen Vogel (3,328)
4,000 Hours
Nan Reinking (4,162)
    Plathe also reported that from 2006-2016, volunteer hours have totaled 157,454 — a value of $3,277,182. The Orange City Area Health System Auxiliary has contributed $1,113,469 to the health system since 1960.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_gallery admin_label=”Gallery” gallery_ids=”13269,13270,13271,13272,13273,13274″ fullwidth=”on” show_title_and_caption=”on” show_pagination=”on” background_layout=”light” auto=”on” auto_speed=”1700″ hover_overlay_color=”rgba(130,171,184,0.46)” caption_all_caps=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_gallery][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_padding=”12px|12px|12px|12px”] By, Stacy Wernimont-Diehl, OTD,OTR/L, Occupational Therapist at Orange City Area Health System As the weather gets warmer and the days are longer, many of us find ourselves outside. For some it is about enjoying the beautiful day, while for others it means spending time working on projects in the yard. Often those first few times outside, we are eager to get things done and work at length to accomplish our list of tasks. It is during this initial time, our hands can take a beating as they are not used to this type and/or length of activity. The following are ways you can help your hands and keep your green thumb:
  • Keep open areas covered with occlusive bandages and/or gloves to prevent from becoming dirty and/or infected.
  • Protect hands from chemical exposure by wearing gloves.
  • Gloves with textured grip help with holding gardening tools.
  • Select gardening tools with large or foam handles.
  • Refrain from a continuous firm grasp on tools when not in use.
  • Carry sharp tools pointed down to prevent injury from falling directly on the tool.
  • Carry heavy gardening items with two hands versus everything in one hand.
  • Use sharp tools in motions away from the body versus towards the body to prevent injury.
  • Position yourself so your hands can work in close proximity to your body.
  • Avoid positions that require weight bearing through your hands.
  • Soften any hard ground with water prior to working it.
  • Thoroughly wash your hands after work is complete or if any chemicals are handled.
  • Gently remove any dirt from cuticles and under your nails with an old tooth brush.
Click here for more information about our Physical and Occupational Therapy services   [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://kpth130275site.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/occupational-therapy-hand-two-stacy-2017-small.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_margin=”22px|22px|22px|22px” url=”https://www.ochealthsystem.org/physical-therapy/”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_padding=”5px|22px|22px|22px” text_font=”||on||” text_font_size=”12″] Our occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. An injured hand can benefit from an orthosis made by Stacy, one of our occupational therapists. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_padding=”12px|12px|12px|12px”]
From Nic and Christine Smit … with baby Maddox …
“Orange City Area Health System will forever be a special place for our family. As first time parents, we walked in a bit nervous, a bit excited, and a bit scared. While we had never been to OCAHS, we felt welcome immediately. When we met the nursing staff and Dr. Millard, we knew this was the group of people we wanted to be with when we met our daughter for the first time. “Over the next months, we truly looked forward to going to the hospital to check up on our little girl. We felt comfort in meeting with the staff, and reassured in that there were no stupid questions. It was a the perfect blend of allowing us to do the things we felt comfortable with, and keeping us comfortable with the decisions we were making during the pregnancy. “Seven months after we first walked into Orange City Area Health System, we experienced the best day of our lives, the birth of Maddox Janine. The staff was truly great, Dr. Millard was the best guy you could want in the delivery room, and the nurses were just absolutely wonderful. “As Maddox inches toward walking, we’ve come to realize the issues and obstacles of raising a child. Whether it be an ear infection or an immunization, we feel more than blessed to have Dr. Millard and the rest of the staff at Orange City Area Health System along for the ride in raising our baby girl.” P.S.  The food was amazing! [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://kpth130275site.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Maddox-Pig-Pic.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”fade_in” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_margin=”22px|22px|22px|22px”] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_padding=”12px|12px|12px|12px”] Orange City Area Health System has been named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Patient Experience by the Women’s Choice Award, America’s trusted referral source for the best in healthcare. The award signifies that Orange City Area Health System (OCAHS) has been ranked within the top 100 hospitals of similar size. This is the third year in a row that OCAHS has received this distinction. The methodology used to select Orange City Area Health System as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Patient Experience is unique in that it evaluates specific Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey results along with primary research about women’s healthcare preferences. The Women’s Choice Award collects the data for the following HCAHPS survey measures and uses a weighted average to award the best hospitals for patient experience:
  • Effective communication with nurses and doctors
  • Responsiveness to requests for help
  • Pain management
  • Explanation about medications before being administered
  • Bathroom and room cleanliness
  • Patient recommendation rating
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, good patient experience positively correlates to disease management, adherence to treatment plans, and health outcomes. “This hospital was awarded because it is one of the best at treating their patients the way their patients want to be treated,” said Delia Passi, founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award. “Hospital choice is a critical decision, particularly for women, who make over 80% of healthcare decisions. Our designation makes it easier for them to choose a hospital where they and their families are more likely to have a better experience and outcome.” Orange City Area Health System is one of 400 award recipients representing the hospitals that have met the highest standards for patient experience in the U.S. by the Women’s Choice Award. “We are pleased to have earned this recognition for the third year in a row,” stated Marty Guthmiller, CEO of Orange City Area Health System. “It is a true testament to our staff and the care they provide to others. To be a healing environment for families is at the heart of what we set out to do in fulfilling our mission at Orange City Area Health System.” . For more information on America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Patient Experience, please visit https://www.womenschoiceaward.com/best-hospitals/ [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_video admin_label=”Video” src=”http://kpth130275site.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/14-OCH-7013-Womens-Choice-Award-2017.mp4″ src_webm=”http://kpth130275site.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/14-OCH-7013-Womens-Choice-Award-2017.webm” image_src=”http://kpth130275site.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Olivia-and-patient-2017-small.jpg”] [/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]