Inspiring HealtH

Surgeon Dr. Oey-Devine and OBGYN Dr. Hopper

SPRING 2013

da Vinci® Robotic Surgery:Changing the surgical experience close to home

The Neighborhoods at Brookview:

A Winning Team:

A new name for a new skilled nursing facility

How emergency care providers worked together to save a life

The ROBOT is here!

Robot Test DriveMarch 25 at Brookings

We Want to Hear From You!Did you have an outstanding experience with Brookings Health System? Don’t just keep it to yourself!

By liking us on Facebook® or following us on Twitter®, not only can you learn about upcoming health system events and technology advances, but you can also leave your feedback and learn about the experiences of others.

Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/BrookingsHealth or on Twitter at twitter.com/BrookingsHealth.

New Directors at Brookings Health SystemTwo new directors have recently started at Brookings Health System.

NathaN aNdersoN was recently hired as the new information management director. In this position he is responsible for managing the development and implementation of information systems, data processing systems and related functional activities to support Brookings Health System’s information technology. Originally from DeSmet, S.D., Anderson has served as chief information officer at Link It Software Corporation and director of IT at VeraSun Energy Corporation.

amaNda trowbridge was promoted to nursing director at Brookview Manor. In this role she is responsible for nursing staff performance at the long-term care facility and providing leadership to the nursing, activities, social services and restorative teams. A lifelong resident of Hayti, S.D., Trowbridge has worked at Brookview Manor for the past six years, first as a charge nurse and then as a case manager.

Interested in learning more about career opportunities at Brookings Health System? Visit www.brookingshealth.org.

Nathan Anderson

Amanda Trowbridge

The Vial of L.I.F.E. (Lifesaving Information for Emergencies) ensures 911 emergency responders have the right information at the right time so medical professionals can provide proper treatment.

The Vial of L.I.F.E. comes with a blank medical information form, a vial, and a magnet. Here’s how it works:

1. Complete the personal information form.

2. Place the completed personal information form into the vial. Place the vial on the top shelf of your refrigerator door.

3. Put the magnet on the front of your refrigerator door.

4. Tell your family and friends about your Vial of L.I.F.E. so they know in case you have an emergency.

Interested in the program? Contact Brookings Health System’s Ambulance Service for your FREE Vial of L.I.F.E. at (605) 696-9000.

A simple program could save your life in an emergency by putting critical health information, such as insurance, medical conditions, and current medications, right at emergency responders’ fingertips.

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oN saturday, Nov. 3, Larry and his son, Austin, traveled to White to watch the semi-final game.

“We got beat out of the playoffs the week before,” said Larry, who is the superintendent and high school principal at Wilmot. “Austin follows the games closely, and told me the Deubrook-Gregory game would be one of the more exciting ones.”

At half-time, they went to their car to listen to other games. That’s where Larry’s memory ends.

“According to my son, we went back to watch the game,” said Larry. “The place we were at on the Gregory side was three people deep. We asked a gentleman to stand on the back bumper of his truck. While up there, I was texting people about the game, and I just fell forward.”

At that point, health care providers at the game flew into action. First on the scene were three nurses and an EMT from Gregory. They asked Austin about his dad’s medical history. When they lost Larry’s pulse, they started performing CPR.

White Ambulance Volunteer EMTs Teresa Pomrenke, Brian Schmidt, Joe Klein and Bill Powers soon arrived with an automatic external defibrillator (AED). Larry’s heart was fluttering and not beating sufficiently. The crew shocked Larry four times to try to resume a normal heart rhythm.

“I knew the heart wanted to beat,” said Teresa. “We saw waves each time we shocked him. If we got some medicine, he would make it.”

The White crew loaded Larry on a stretcher and into the ambulance to bring him to Brookings Health System’s hospital. On Highway 25 south of White, they met Brookings Ambulance Paramedics Tom Papiernik and Mike Hanson who had been called by the deputy sheriff to perform an Advanced Life Support intercept and provide the needed medicine.

“I was told the Brookings ambulance staff jumped in to the White ambulance and took off,” said Larry. “The Brookings ambulance was still at the side of the road and running when the White ambulance came back.”

The Brookings paramedics began giving Larry drugs through intraosseous infusion, a process of injecting directly into the bone marrow. He finally responded to amiodarone, an anti-arhythmic drug that caused him to momentarily move and open his eyes. The team also continued shocking Larry. The fourteenth and final shock before backing into the ambulance garage at the hospital finally started Larry’s heart and he began breathing on his own.

Upon arriving at the hospital, emergency department doctors and nurses gave Larry additional medication. He started waking up and asking repeated questions about what was going on. The staff stabilized Larry to transfer him via helicopter to the Avera Heart Hospital.

He was diagnosed as having a cardiac arrest, a condition in which the heart’s electrical system malfunctions. Doctors put a defibrillator in his chest, and within days, he returned home. He soon resumed his daily activities, thanks to the quick response and teamwork of all involved.

“I really think it was the perfect storm. The people were in the right place at the right time,” said Larry. “I had a six minute window from when the arrest happened. I’ve been told by my doctors that I had a three to five percent chance of walking out the hospital in good shape.”

Larry tracked down several of the providers who helped him that day to thank them, including connecting with White Ambulance EMTs Teresa Pomrenke and Joe Klein at the Dakota Dome in Vermillion where Deubrook won the state football championship.

“Deubrook was not my favorite place to play growing up,” said Larry, who went to school at rival Castlewood. “They were so good athletically, and you knew it was going to be a struggle. But White will always have a special place in my heart now.”

To learn more about how our community works as a team in an emergency, please visit www.brookingshealth.org/emergency.

When Larry Hulscher of Wilmot, S.D., experienced a cardiac arrest at the Deubrook-Gregory playoff football game, our local health care community worked as a team to save his life.

Community Health Care TeamA WINNING

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spring 2013

Help for

Dr. Richard Howard

As a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with 24 years of experience, Dr. Howard conducts consultations on general reconstructive and/or cosmetic procedures. Surgeries performed on an outpatient basis include, but are not limited to:

Reconstructive breast surgery

Scar revision

Eyelid surgery

Complex skin cancer repair

Skin grafts

He is also available for consultations on cosmetic surgery, including body contouring, breast augmentation and facial plastic surgery.

Dr. Howard completed his residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. He completed his residency in general surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Milwaukee which included a trauma and acute care rotation at the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services in Baltimore. He received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Howard at Brookings Health System, please call the Sioux Falls Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at (605) 334-1930. No referral is required.

Cosmetic surgery is more than creating the perfect body. For many people it reconstructs physical defects and injuries due to accidents, genetics and disease. Now those services are available at Brookings Health System.

Plastic and ReconstructiveSurgery Outreach

Kidney, bladder and ureteral stones can be painful and difficult to pass. Thanks to a new procedure available at Brookings Health System, stone patients can find relief close to home.

as of feb. 1, urologists from Urology Specialists of Sioux Falls can perform kidney, bladder and ureteral stone removal at Brookings Health System using a holmium laser.

“Previously Brookings area patients had to travel to Sioux Falls to have this procedure,” said CEO and President Jason Merkley. “By adding laser treatment to our services, we’re able to save most patients a long commute.”

Urologists typically perform the procedure when patients are unable to pass stones on their own and experience discomfort and pain.

“Holmium laser lithotripsy provides many patient benefits, including immediate relief of symptoms and a quick recovery,” said Brookings Health System Operating Room and CSR Director Candace Johnson.

Laser lithotripsy uses a flexible laser fiber inserted into a scope through the urethra to the stone located in the bladder, ureter or kidney. When the laser is activated, the laser beam breaks up the stone into smaller sizes capable of being passed. No incisions are necessary and general anesthesia keeps the patient comfortable.

Referral for holmium laser lithotripsy is required. If you experience problems with kidney or ureteral stones, please contact your primary care provider first or visit the ER if warranted.

k i d n e y, b l a d d e r and u r e t e r a l s to n e s

dr. richard howard of the Sioux Falls Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery began an outreach clinic at Brookings Health System in January. He currently sees patients the third Tuesday of each month.

Laser safety officer Jodi, turning on the holmium laser.

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da Vinci® Robotic Surgery is Here

“The da Vinci® Si™ surgical system additional clinical benefits and efficiency in the operating room, resulting in improved patient outcomes,” said Brookings Health System Operating Room and CSR Director Candace Johnson.

“Patient benefits of robotic surgery include less pain, a quicker recovery, and minimal scarring. They also have less risk of infection, blood loss, and shorter hospital stays.”

Surgeons and operating room staff have undergone intensive training to use the da Vinci surgical system for a range of minimally invasive procedures. Initial procedures beginning in March will include gynecological procedures, such as hysterectomy, and general surgery procedures, such as gallbladder removal, with plans to add additional gynecological and general surgery procedures in the future.

The surgical system consists of three components: an ergonomic surgeon console, a patient-side cart with three interactive robotic arms, and a video tower which houses dedicated system processors and a high definition 3D vision system. The surgical system provides a surgeon highly magnified visualization inside the body and unparalleled precision, dexterity and control. This makes it easier for a surgeon to operate using a minimally invasive approach on many complex surgical procedures.

During a surgical procedure, the surgeon sits at the console and views HD video of the patient in two separate optical channels to create true depth perception. Finger tip controls at the console transfer the surgeon’s movements to the robotic arms on the patient-side cart. The surgeon’s motions are scaled to micromovements; every surgical movement remains under the surgeon’s direct control.

“Brookings Health System’s investment in the da Vinci robot reflects our commitment to the latest technology advancements, the best outcomes for our patients, and clinical excellence for our surgeons,” said CEO and President Jason Merkley. “Offering this resource locally to our patients and surgeons aligns closely with the health system’s vision and strategic direction. Innovation and growth are the future of Brookings Health System, and the da Vinci robot is another step towards accomplishing our goals.”

Surgical services at Brookings Health System includes a full range of inpatient, outpatient (same-day surgery), and emergency surgical treatments provided by skilled surgeons and professional support staff. The new robotic system complements and enhances this service offering.

The public will have an opportunity to test drive the da Vinci robot and learn more about robotic surgical services at Brookings Health System on Monday, March 25 at Brookings Hy-Vee from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This spring, Brookings Health System became the third health care provider in South Dakota to actively offer advanced robotic surgical technology to patients.

—Jason Merkley

The surgeon works at the console, transferring his movements to the robotic arms on the patient cart.Scan the QR code with your smart phone to watch a video of the da Vinci system in action or visit www.brookingshealth.org/robot.

“ Innovation and growth are the future for Brookings Health System.”

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spring 2013

New Skilled Nursing Facility to be Called The Neighborhoods at Brookview

“the Name pays tribute to our past, embracing the reputation for high-quality care that Brookview Manor has built, while also looking forward to our future and the new social and household model of care we will provide within the new facility’s three neighborhoods,” said CEO and President Jason Merkley.

The construction, which is currently over 75% complete, is phase two of Brookings Health System’s overall Master Campus Plan. The 67,000 square feet structure will triple the existing space at the current facility, Brookview Manor.

Brookings Health System is building a pod-style facility with three distinct neighborhoods. Each neighborhood will consist of two households. Each household will accommodate 13 residents with a total of 26 residents per neighborhood. The neighborhoods and households will include kitchen and living spaces as well as private family dining rooms, spa areas and other amenities.

Centrally located between and connecting the three neighborhoods will be Town Center. Town Center will be the heart of social activity within The Neighborhoods at Brookview and act as the community’s Main

Avenue. Here residents will gather for social interaction with each other and loved ones, including religious services, coffee, and purchasing sundries. Areas to be incorporated into the Town Center include:

Country Store

Café

Library with Internet Café

Chapel

Beauty/Barber Shop with Manicure Station

Large Gathering Hall

Lobby and Lounge Area

Administration Offices

The Neighborhoods at Brookview will initiate a culture change, creating a home-like, neighborhood environment focused on residents. It will adopt the universal worker concept, diversifying staff’s capabilities and consistently assigning them with a small group of residents. With more space and respect for residents’ rights, Brookings Health System’s goal will be healthier residents and individually tailored care.

Progress photos of the facility’s construction can be found on Brookings Health System’s Facebook page, facebook.com/BrookingsHealth.

Want to learn more about the new skilled nursing facility? Visit www.brookingshealth.org/SkilledNursingFacility, or scan the QR code with your smart phone.

Brookings Health System has selected The Neighborhoods at Brookview as the name for the new skilled nursing facility, currently under construction and scheduled to open June 2013. 6

brookiNgs health system is currently building a new skilled nursing facility, The Neighborhoods at Brookview. This $15 million facility was designed and built from the ground up as a state-of-the-art household model facility. This project together with the evolution to resident-centered culture elevates Brookings elder care from good to great. The residents and staff currently living and working at Brookview Manor anxiously await moving into their new house summer of 2013.

But first, we need your help to “Make this House a Home.” Donations to the Foundation will help fill this beautiful new house with love and life including landscaping, pianos, art from South Dakota artists, piped-in oxygen and new mattresses for each resident room, game tables, a bus and bus garage. These and other additions will help the residents feel at home and provide a warm welcome to family and community visitors. $416,710

Raised!

Our goal is to raise $600,000 by June 1, 2013. We are over halfway there! Please join us and “Make this House a Home!” Give online at www.brookingshealth.org/foundation, or mail your donation to 300 Twenty-Second Avenue Brookings, SD 57006 by using the form below.

Goal: $600,000

$183,290 to go!

Donor Information (Please print.)

Date:

Name:

Address:

City:

State: Zip:

Phone (home):

Phone (cell):

E-mail:

Authorized Signature: ___________________________

I (we) want to pledge to Brookings Health System Foundation.

Path Finder ($25,000+): $ total pledge amount

Prairie Nightingale Society ($10,000+): $

Pioneer: $1,000 $3,000 $5,000 (Circle One)

Other: $ total pledge amount

One-Time Annual: 1 yr 2 yrs 3 yrs 4 yrs 5 yrs (Circle One)

Monthly : Total Number of Months: I (we) will make this contribution in the form of (circle one):

Cash Check Visa Master Card Automatic Withdrawal

Credit Card:

Card Number: - - - Expiration Date: / Security Code (# on back):

Name on Card (please print):

Zip Code (of card holder): __ __ __ __ __

Automatic Withdrawal:

Checking Savings (Circle One)

Bank Account #:

Routing ABA#:

Questions? Contact Brookings Health System Foundation at foundation@brookingshealth.org or (605) 696-8855.

Thank You!Clip and mail to Brookings Health System Foundation, 300 Twenty-Second Avenue Brookings, SD 57006

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“For patients on Coumadin therapy, there is always a risk their blood will become too thin, which is why health care professionals want them to check their blood regularly,” said Certified Nurse Practitioner Tonya Froehlich. “The new testing equipment allows us to quickly assess a patient’s blood clotting tendency without waiting for results from a lab. By knowing those levels at the time of care, we can immediately adjust dosages as needed for a patient, increasing overall patient safety.”

Coumadin, also referred to generically as warfarin, is a blood thinner that thins a patient’s blood to prevent blood clots from forming. The medication is used to treat several different medical conditions, including blood clots deep in the vein, blood clots in the lungs, and blood clots formed due to a chronic irregular heart rhythm.

To test a patient’s blood clotting tendency, health care providers simply prick a patient’s finger to draw a small blood sample. The sample is run through the testing equipment which provides results within minutes.

Patients who wish to have Arlington Medical Center check their blood levels and have an order from their doctor can make an appointment by calling (605) 983-3283.

Arlington Medical Center recently added new testing equipment to check the clotting tendency of blood for patients who take the medication Coumadin.

Blood Levels Testing Now Available at Arlington Medical Center

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Permit No. 9BROOKINGS SD

300 Twenty-Second AvenueBrookings, SD 57006

This is arecyclable product.

Inspiring Health is published by Brookings Health System. This publication in no way seeks to serve as substitute for professional medical care. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.