Ron is a season healthcare leader, having spent over 30 years in hospital leadership and mentoring experiences. His most interesting assignment  was a placement in Ethiopia for Global Health Administration Partners. Paynesville Area Health Care is pleased to have this breadth of experience during this interim period.

Ron originates from the small town of Fulda, MN and he and his wife now live near Pequot Lakes. They have two grown daughters and four grandchildren.

Mr. Ommen enjoys new opportunities and learning new situations. He loves to fish, bicycle, hike and enjoy the outdoors. He is looking forward to laying the ground work to ensure a successful transition for the new permanent CEO placement.

Welcome to Paynesville Ron!

Salads and sanwiches will be served. This is a 30th anniversary celebration- please come and join us!

The Paynesville Area Health Care System’s District Board of Directors authorized Bobbe Teigen, CEO, after their Wednesday, January 25th board meeting to move forward with the recent offer they have received for the purchase of Hilltop Care Center. Members of the Executive Team for Paynesville Area Health Care System (PAHCS) will be meeting with the anticipated buyers to develop a timeline and plan for a smooth transition.

 The transition will take several months and the new buyer must meet the requirements and undergo the due diligence process involved in the sale of a governmental facility. The name of the interested party is not being disclosed at this time. Once all information is agreed upon, the process will begin and more information will be released.

 It is the PAHCS Board of Director’s intent to keep all residents, families, employees and connected community members updated with clear, timely information. Paynesville Area Health Care System has assured all resident and resident families of their commitment to continuing outstanding care throughout this process and no residents will be asked to relocate or leave their home.

The excitement over the AutoPulse® was more than evident at a recent training session held at the Paynesville Ambulance training facility. The final members to be trained on the AutoPulse were holding practice drills and discussing the equipment that will aid them in most cardiac arrest rescue calls. “I truly believe that patients of our area are going to have a better survival rate,” commented Dave Schutz, squad member and certified CPR trainer. 

Steve Stang, Manager of the Paynesville Ambulance Services for Paynesville Area Health Care System, said that the AutoPulse was an anonymous gift to the department, through the Paynesville Area Hospital Foundation. “It’s really given our entire department a boost,” commented Stang. “To know that someone in our service area cared enough about not only our work, but the people that we serve, it’s very exciting. This is a perfect example of how a gift can really keep on giving.”

Steve said that after receiving a phone call from the potential donor, they met to discuss possible equipment needs that could make the most impact for the department, and for the community. Steve said that he had seen the AutoPulse equipment at a conference and was impressed with its capabilities and quality. The AutoPulse, produced by ZOLL®, is the same company that manufactures the defibrillator used by the department. “After speaking with the company representative, we were able to secure a demo unit that was still like new, but saved a considerable amount of money when considering the AutoPulse purchase can be up to $15,000. We were also able to demonstrate the use of the equipment for the donator, which made the decision making a comfortable fit for everyone. They were very involved in the research of the equipment and knowledge of it’s use.

Now ready for use and stored in the Paynesville ambulance, the AutoPulse is a computerized non-invasive cardiac support pump, placed underneath the patient with a LifeBand® belt that squeezes the entire chest and provides nearly perfect compressions to the heart. It can relieve the rescue squad from the fatigue of long periods of manual CPR and assist them in situations where it is not possible to provide a patient with continuous compressions, such as going up or down stairs, or carrying a person in and out of buildings. The AutoPulse also helps keep more air in a patient’s lungs with computer generated compressions, by holding more pressure than manual efforts over long periods of time. “It sizes up each individual patient’s chest size during the start-up phase and the compressions that it produces increases the blood flow and volume. Not only does it do a great job, it frees up the hands of our rescue teams to assist the patient in other ways, and increases safety during transport. In a cardiac scenario there are certain steps and techniques that you want to maintain with tremendous consistency. It’s an amazing piece of equipment and we are feeling very blessed that someone in our community felt so strongly about assisting us in our work. We’re anxious to use it to assist others,” said Steve.

Not only will the new equipment be used on rescue calls, physicians and nurses in the emergency room of Paynesville Hospital will call for the equipment in any cardiac situations arriving on the scene. “We want the AutoPulse available to save lives in every cardiac situation,” said Angie Tschida, ambulance member. It’s causing us to evaluate each cardiac emergency situation in a whole new way. We also want to remind people never to second guess whether or not to place a call if a person feels there is potential for cardiac arrest. We are here to assist, and we would much rather show up to a call earlier than later.”

Paynesville Area Hospital Foundation Coordinator, Jennifer Engen, praised the example of giving that this couple has provided. “Giving comes from the heart,” said Engen. “Donations are best fitted when a donator can meet a need that truly provides a difference for others. Our foundation is working hard to increase it’s exposure to the many exciting rewards of giving, large or small. Together, we are making a significant difference in resident and patient care.”

Christmas came in mid December for members of the Paynesville Ambulance, and just like a kids with a new toy, they are all smiles and ready to utilize the life saving capabilities of AutoPulse thanks to an anonymous donor that provided a new way to help save a life in central Minnesota. For more information on the Paynesville Area Hospital Foundation, contact Jennifer Engen or visit www.pahcs.com.

"We understand the harships today's economic factors place on a prospective buyer," stated CEO, Bobbe Teigen. "ElderCare of Minnesota holds and excellent reputation in Minnesota in caring for seniors and we were pleased to have them in consideration for continuing quality care for seniors in Watkins. the tough reality of lower medical reimbursments on both a state and federal level make any type of sale process quite demanding."

The PAHCS Board of Directors will consider their next course of action and what is in the best interest for the future of Hilltop Care Center, its residents, its employees and for the Paynesville Area Health Care System. Hilltop Care Center is still under the ownership of PAHCS, which is committed to continuing quality care to all residents and patients.

The Minnesota Department of Health issued a deficiency free report to Hilltop Care Center, Watkins following its April 2011 on-site visit and health inspection.

Hilltop Care Center, along with all skilled nursing facilities, is surveyed annually by the State of Minnesota’s Department of Health. This is an unannounced visit with trained surveyors doing an onsite comprehensive review of all areas, including quality of resident care and services, along with facility policies, procedures and operational management.

“This deficiency free report is a tribute of our commitment to quality by our employees,” stated Annette Schroeder, Director of Nursing for Hilltop Care Center. “Since the Minnesota Department of Health implemented the 5 star rating scale in 2008 we have maintained our 5 star designation which is a huge accomplishment and one we are extremely proud of.”

The Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed over 400 Federal and State standards for surveyors to evaluate for facility compliance. When a facility fails to meet any of these standards, they are issued a deficiency. The average number of deficiencies issued to facilities in Minnesota is 10.

“Hilltop Care Center takes great pride in their facility and the total well being of each and every resident. From nursing care to social activities, dietary, housekeeping and maintenance- a 5 star rating requires a total team effort,” said Beverly Mueller, Long Term Care Director for Paynesville Area Health Care System.

Hilltop Care Center, Watkins is an entity of the Paynesville Area Health Care System.

40 members from the Watkins community, Hilltop Care Center and Paynesville Area Health Care System traveled to the Minnesota State Capitol on March 21, 2011 to provide testimony in support of Bill #SF87. This bill would allow for an operating rate adjustment, effective October 1, for a nursing facility if it is located within a quarter mile from another county who receives a higher per diem per resident bed.

Hilltop Care Center, located in Meeker County, has continually received a Five Star Facility rating and is ranked 34 out of 386 in the Quality of Life Survey for nursing home facilities in Minnesota. However, despite its excellent reputation and rankings, it receives lower reimbursement rates based solely on its location. Long term care facilities in Stearns County receive $18 to $35 higher reimbursement per day for each resident than facilities in Meeker County, Representative’s Dean Urdahl and Larry Hoesch, along with Senators Scott Newman and Michele Fishbach have been instrumental in authoring, and co-authoring the bills for nursing home rate adjustments. Administration from Hilltop Care Center and Paynesville Area Health Care System appreciate the strong support from members of the Watkins City Council along with concerned members from the community who are committed to fair reimbursement for the care given to residents of Meeker County.

If you would like to share your comments or support for this bill, we encourage you to contact your MN State representative or senator.

 Jennifer Dean-Dwyer
Physician Assistant

Jackie Osterhaus,
Physician Assistant

Jennifer Dean-Dwyer and Jackie Osterhaus, Physician Assistants for Paynesville Area Health Care System, were recently honored by the Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants with the Physician Assistant of the Year Award and Presidents Award, respectively, at their annual association meeting in Bloomington March 2nd – 4th, 2011.

Dean-Dwyer, who has 32 years of experience as a Physician Assistant (PA), accepted her award from MAPA’s President-Elect, Terence Panvica. The Physician Assistant of the Year Award is presented to a PA who exemplifies the commitment of the profession to quality patient care and community service. Dean-Dwyer, a medical provider for Paynesville Area Health Care System at the Chain of Lakes Medical Clinic in Cold Spring, has given many years of volunteer work in her community, international medical mission work, and assisting with language skills for immigrants. She has served as a Girl Scout leader, PTA president, mentoring students entering the PA profession, and other leadership opportunities on a local, state, and national level. Jennifer has served as the President of the MAPA for 3 previous terms, and is currently serving as the chairperson of the Public Relations committee for the association.

Dean-Dwyer was praised by her children for the role model standards she set, which has had a major influence in their lives. “She has consistently demonstrated to us the need for balancing professional aspirations, a successful career, and our personal life. Our mother reinforced the need to work hard, excel at what you do and nurture hobbies and passions.” In conclusion, Dean-Dwyer summarized her career experience by stating, “As a Physician Assistant, we are team members with Physicians to provide a broad range of medical care, including diagnosis and management of medical conditions. I am so honored to be recognized and I love being a PA.”

Osterhaus, a 1997 Augsburg graduate, was selected to receive the Presidents Award from Past President, Gene Beavers for her outstanding contributions to her patients, military, family and MAPA. Jackie, who has 14 years of experience as a PA , has held the roles of President, newsletter editor, and human resources committee chairperson for the MAPA association along with being active in various community health events, American Heart and Diabetes Association speaking opportunities and cancer research fundraising. Osterhaus, Captain for the US Army, joined the military in 1999 and has served in medical deployments to Iraq. She is currently serving as the president of the MN Chapter of the Reserve Officers Association.

Osterhaus, Physician Assistant with the Paynesville Area Health Care System at the Eastside Medical Clinic, Belgrade, was praised for her courage, grace and commitment in all areas of her life while exemplifying the dedicated service of the PA profession. “It is an honor to receive such an award from my peers who I regard with such high esteem. Practicing as a physician assistant in Minnesota is truly a privilege that I don’t take lightly, and I enjoy serving in leadership positions as a way of giving back to a profession and an academy that has given so much to me”, stated Osterhaus.

The Mission of the Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants is to promote quality, cost-effective, accessible health care, and to promote the professional and personal growth of Physician Assistants.

Jennifer Klocker (far left) and Lora Eisenschenk (standing) assisted over 30 community members fill out medication cards and answer questions following a presentation entitled — "Know your medications" on Feb. 22. Dr. Ray Lindeman also participated in this presentation. PAHCS Pharmacy is launching a medication safety campaign as part of the Cardinal Health grant that was received, aimed to reduce medication errors in our clinic communities.

Dr. Kurt Habben was recently inducted into the River Lakes Stars Hockey Hall of Fame. Habben, a defenseman, helped the Stars to 8-7-1 in their first varsity season (1997-98) and 6-15 in 1998-1999. He was named the top defensive player for the team as a senior. "It's a nice honor," said Kurt. "It's just a fun sport and it's nice to see the progress with the association." Habben added that he hopes to become a hockey dad with his own children someday. Congratulations Kurt!

The PAHCS Emergency Department is pleased to announce that we now have a physician on-site at all times, day or night. This news has been well received by patients and their families. It is comforting to know that we provide professional emergency medical care in our community that is available anytime it is needed, with no worrying about what time of day it is!

Dr. Mariola Czapiewska, Dr. Julie Youngs, and Jennifer Dean-Dwyer PA-C are proud to announce their certification with Implanon®.

IMPLANON® is a type of birth control for women. It is a flexible plastic rod the size of a matchstick that is put under the skin of your arm.

IMPLANON® contains a hormone called etonogestrel. You can use a single IMPLANON® rod for up to three years. Because IMPLANON® does not contain estrogen, your healthcare provider may recommend IMPLANON® even if you cannot use estrogen.

Established worldwide
Since 1998, there have been more than 4.5 million IMPLANON® units sold worldwide. It is a progestin-only method of birth control and does not contain estrogen. IMPLANON® does not contain latex or silicone and will not dissolve.

Indication
IMPLANON® (etonogestrel implant) is for the prevention of pregnancy in women.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
IMPLANON® does not protect against HIV (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases.

To learn more about Implanon® log on to www.implanon-usa.com or call to schedule an appointment with one of our certified providers.

Paynesville Area Health Care System
200 West First Street • Paynesville
320-243-3767

Flu Shots are available at any of our locations!

For the health and convenience of our patients, we have vaccine available to protect against influenza and the H1N1. Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, we highly encourage certain people to get vaccinated because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for high-risk persons.

We are proud to announce the following flu clinic dates.

Call the triage nurse at any of our locations to schedule your flu shot or mist. High risk categories include:

• Children ages 6-59 months
• Adults 50 and older
• Adults and children with chronic medical conditions
• Health care workers involved with direct patient care
• Caregivers of children under the age of 5

Most insurance plans cover the cost of the flu shot. Please bring your insurance cards with you to the clinic. Registration forms are available at each of the clinics. Cash cost of the flu shot is $25. Cash cost for the flu mist is $33.