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News archive
April 1, 2009
Chair-ries Jubilee 'A Table Affair' set for April 18
Skiff Auxiliary's Chair-ries Jubilee "A Table Affair" will be held Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m. at the Newton Country Club. The evening will consist of an intimate meal that will be catered by The Catering Pantry, special entertainment by This Old Guitar, and an offering for the Auxiliary. We are aware that Prom is on the same night. We will be finished before 9 p.m. so you can attend the Prom event if you would like to.
Our goal is to raise up to $10,000 to purchase IV pumps for patients receiving chemotherapy at the Skiff Specialty Clinic. You can help in one of three ways:
1) Be a table host
2) Attend the event, or
3) Make a donation to help us reach our goal.
As a table host, you will invite guests to fill a table of eight people, provide a dessert for them and decorate your table. You may invite family, friends, neighbors, or anyone who is interested in donating to the Auxiliary toward the purchase of the IV pumps.
If you do not want to be a host, but would like to attend this event, please contact Barb Pence at (641) 792-9032 or e-mail Bev Curtis at bcmc4ia@pcpartner.net.
If you can't attend and would like to donate to help us reach our goal, you may send your gift to the Skiff Auxiliary 204 N. 4th Ave. E., Newton.
Feb. 28, 2009
Iowa Speedway 8K run will benefit Skiff, P.I. foundations
On April 18, runners from all parts of the country will compete in the Third Annual Iowa Speedway 8K, a road race that begins and ends on the start/finish line of the Iowa Speedway in Newton.
"If you've ever wondered what it would feel like to be on a real racetrack, now's your chance," said race organizer Melissa Butler. "It's a unique place to run, and it is considered one of Iowa's fastest growing road races due to the increase in participants each year."
The five-mile race will begin on the start/finish line of the Speedway and continues around the speedway property, enter back to the track through the infield tunnel and finish with a lap around the 7/8-mile oval. There will be checkered flags, photos in victory lane and a curb crowd to keep runners motivated.
The Iowa Speedway 8K is one of the first events in the Speedway's busy 2009 season.
"This is an opportunity for everyone to come out and see the Iowa Speedway, participate as a runner, fan or volunteer and support two worthy organizations," said Bret Doerring, Race Logistics Coordinator.
The race is sponsored by Iowa Telecom with proceeds benefiting two nonprofit organizations the P.I. Foundation and the Skiff Medical Center Foundation.
The registration fee is $35. Participants pre-registered by April 8 are guaranteed a shirt in their requested size. Race packets may be picked up on Friday, April 17, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Iowa Speedway credentials building or on race day between 6:45-8:45 a.m. Race day registrations will also be accepted until 8:45 a.m.
Sign up online at www.active.com or for more information, contact Butler at 791-2846 or melissa.butler@progressindustries.org. You may also visit www.skiffmed.com to download a copy of the registration form.
Jan. 29, 2009
Hospice conference to focus on end-of-life issues
Registrations are being accepted for Hospice of Jasper County's annual spring conference. This year's event, which will be held Friday, April 24, is titled "End of Life Care: The Challenges for Patients and Loved Ones."
The conference offers CEUs for nurses, social workers and substance abuse professionals, but is open to the community at large.
The conference's speaker will be Deirdre Felton, M.A., C.T. For more than 30 years, Fulton has worked in the field of thanatology (the study of death, dying and associated grieving). She has been an educator, school counselor and administrator in France, Iran and the United States. She is a dynamic and inspiring international speaker and presents seminars throughout the United States on current grief issues.
Felton said she hopes to give her audience a set of practical tools to cope with the physical, emotional and psychological challenges of caring for the terminally ill.
"It's a privilege to be involved with hospice, a sacred honor," she said. "Whether you're a doctor or a nurse or a social worker or a family member, we all have an important, but very difficult role. And we don't have to do it alone."
Felton said her day-long seminar will provide a framework to help caregivers keep their challenges in perspective.
"Knowing when it's time for you to step away is one of the most important things," she said. "The work you do is important, but you can't be the best advocate for your patient or your family member if you're exhausted. It's not about you – it's about taking the best possible care of someone, and there are other people on the hospice team who can help."
The conference will cover some of the following areas:
- What it means to prepare for the end of life
- Discuss the Byock Model of the "Four First Things"
- Examining our own mortality
- Looking at care during the final days
- Understand the differences among the terms Bereavement, Grief and Mourning
- Explore grief in the Four Dimensions: Emotional, Physical, Mental and Spiritual
- Determine the need for grief counseling vs. grief therapy
- Taking care of others without losing yourself
The fee for the conference is $35, which also covers breaks, lunch and handouts. For more information on the conference, call Hospice of Jasper County at (641) 787-3074.
Sept. 7, 2008
Women's Health Conference set for Oct. 16
The Seventh Annual Skiff Women’s Health Conference is scheduled for 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008 at the DMACCSodexho Conference Center.
The conference will begin with a two-hour health fair from 4-6 p.m. This year, the only exhibitors at the health fair will be Skiff Medical Center services and departments.
From 5-6 p.m., a panel discussion will be held, featuring female healthcare providers affiliated with Skiff. Panelists will answer questions and discuss a variety of women’s health topics.
From 6-7 p.m., participants will enjoy a delicious dinner and relaxing conversation. A drawing for a major door prize will be held during this time.
Then at 7 p.m., the keynote presentation will be given by Jenny Herrick, RN, BAS, DTM, CLL, a motivational speaker, humorist, author, clown and certified laughter leader. Since 1995, she has given more than 400 presentations to a variety of non-profit, health, education and corporate audiences on the topics of life and laughter, health and healing. Herrick believes you should laugh heartily and often – not just for the heck of it, but also for the health of it. The author of the book “You Laugh, I’ll Drive,” Herrick will shares lessons learned as a widow at age 27, single parent to two rambunctious boys, nursing student, registered nurse, successful dog fancier/exhibitor, new mom at age 39, clown/missionary to China, grandmother and more.
Skiff Women’s Health Coordinator Christie Milligan, RN, said this year’s conference was shortened to an evening (instead of eight hours on Saturday) at the suggestion of past participants. “We hope it will be easier for busy women to attend if it’s something they can do after work, rather than devote an entire Saturday to it,” she said.
The cost of this year’s conference is just $10, which includes dinner. To pre-register, contact Skiff Women’s Health Services at Ext. 4880.
April 24, 2008
Orthopaedic surgeon to practice in Newton
Orthopaedic Surgeon Frank Butera, D.O., has agreed to practice full-time at Skiff Medical Center, starting in mid-May.
Dr. Butera, 41, is a board-certified orthopaedic specialist who currently practices in Ottumwa. He plans to move his practice to the Ross Medical Arts Building, sharing a suite with Dr. Gautam Kadade.
Dr. Butera is a native of Queens, N.Y., and received his undergraduate degree at Lafayette College in Easton, Penn. He received his medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine. Following medical school, he completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Stratford, N.J.
His professional interests include sports medicine, genderspecific partial knee replacement, shoulder replacement, and pain injection therapy.
Dr. Butera and his wife, Sandra, have two children a daughter in second grade, and a 4-year-old son.
April 8, 2008
Skiff dietitians to host free gluten intolerance cooking class
Skiff dietitians Deb Nilles and Jenny Thompson are pleased to announce a free gluten intolerance cooking class to be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29 in the Hy-Vee Club Room.
Gluten is one of the most complex proteins in our regular diet. Compared to other food molecules, it is rather large, and therefore can be difficult for our digestive systems to break down. Up to 15 percent of the population is gluten sensitive or gluten intolerant, and suffer from symptoms including diarrhea, bloating, headaches, weight loss and more.
Gluten is present in the four main categories of grain: wheat, barley, oats and rye. This means that gluten is typically found in foods like breakfast cereal, bread, cake, pie, pasta, pizza and cookies.
But even if you are one of the people adversely affected by gluten, you can still enjoy a delicious and varied diet, and our dietitians will help show you how.
Seating is limited, so please call (641) 787-3070 to make your reservation today.
Feb. 17, 2008
Chair-ries Jubilee 2008 to be 'A Table Affair'
Friends, fine dining and fund-raising will be on the menu when the Skiff Medical Center Auxiliary hosts "Chair-ries Jubilee – A Table Affair" on the evening of Saturday, April 12.
"A Table Affair" is essentially 24-28 festive dinner parties, all happening at the same time and place. Groups of eight will gather at the Berg Middle School Cafeteria, where up to 28 volunteer table hosts will serve home-prepared meals to their guests while they enjoy listening to music provided by local musicians.
While there is no admission fee for the event, each guest (or couple) will be asked to make a financial donation to the Skiff Auxiliary during the evening. The group's goal for the evening is to raise $8,000 to purchase a new treadmill for Cardiac Rehabilitation patients at Skiff.
"It's for a great cause, and it'll be so much fun," said Auxiliary President Debby Pence. "Whether you host a table or just enjoy a great meal with your friends, you'll have a wonderful time."
Pence anticipates that table hosts will come up with fun and creative themes at their tables, ranging from college sports teams to exotic locales to ethnic foods.
"This is where you get to be creative. It can be just about anything you'd like, as long as it's wholesome fun," she said.
The Auxiliary will provide round tables with white tablecloths and napkins. Each table host may bring their own centerpiece and other table decorations, table service and linens. Table hosts are also responsible for inviting the guests at their tables.
"You could invite your best friends, or your coworkers, or even your own family," said Pence. "It doesn't have to be just couples. It can be anyone who would enjoy a nice dinner party, and who is willing to help the Auxiliary with a financial contribution."
To learn more, contact chairperson Debby Pence at dpence@mchsi.com or call at (641) 521-9301.
Feb. 17, 2008
Annual hospice conference aimed at caregivers
Feeling burned out by the challenges of taking care of others? A day with Darcie Sims could do wonders for anyone who faces the physical, emotional and spiritual demands of being a caregiver. Sims, a nationally recognized author, speaker and trainer, will present a day-long program called "First Aid for Burnout and Caring Overload." The conference will be held on Friday, April 4, at the Sodexho-DMACC Conference Center in Newton. Call Jennifer Barnett at (641) 787-3074 to register or learn more. CEUs will be available for health professionals. Sims describes her workshop as a day of hard work, fun and renewal. It's designed to help caregivers survive the long-term "energy drain" involved in taking care of others.
Although many of her examples are based on her experiences with hospice care, Sims said her message resonates with anyone who provides long-term caregiving for others. "What we do can be incredibly intense emotionally," Sims said. "But at the same time we have to find a way to deal with our accumulation of loss, before we burn out and decide we can't care anymore. That's where I can help."
Sims is president and co-founder of GRIEF, Inc. a grief consulting business and the Director of the American Grief Academy in Seattle, Washington. She is a bereaved parent and child, a grief management specialist, a nationally certified thanatologist, a certified pastoral bereavement specialist, and a licensed psychotherapist and hypnotherapist. Sims said one of the keys to avoiding burnout is to understand what it is about caregiving that "feeds" you from an emotional perspective. Once you become aware of what you expect to receive, she said, it's easier to recognize when you're not getting it.
"I think of it like an energy well," she said. "The work you do continually draws energy. Most of us keep drawing from the well without putting anything back in. Eventually we're drawing from a well that's so dry that eventually the walls crumble and we can't do it any more. So we quit."
Caregivers can avoid burnout if they continue to make small emotional "deposits" in their well of energy, Sims said. She encourages them to find their "10 minutes of magic" that renews and restores their spirits. This can be as simple as a stress ball, a joke a day, or even a piece of bubble wrap that they pull out and pop when they are feeling stressed. "I tell people to put something in a desk drawer that whenever they open that drawer and see it, they smile," Sims said. "Whatever it is, we all need tiny little moments of respite, and we need to do it in a preventative way before we get burnt out."
To learn more about Darcie Sims, go to her Web site at www.griefinc.com.
Feb. 17, 2008
Second Iowa Speedway 8K road race set for April 5
On April 5, runners from across Iowa and the midwest will compete in the 2nd Annual Iowa Speedway 8K, a road race that begins and ends on the finish line of the Iowa Speedway in Newton.
"If you've ever wondered what it would feel like to be on a real racetrack, now's your chance," said race organizer Melissa Butler. "It's a unique place to run, and it will be a lot of fun just like the previous year!"
The five-mile race will begin on the start line of the Speedway and continue around the Speedway property, enter back to the track through the infield tunnel and finish with a lap around the 7/8-mile highly banked asphalt oval. There will be checkered flags, photos in victory lane, live music and an added feature this year, a pre- and post-race expo.
The Iowa Speedway 8K is one of the first events in the Speedway's busy 2008 season. The theme of the race is "Where the Rubber Meets the Road."
"This is an opportunity for everyone to come out and see the Iowa Speedway, participate as a runner, fan or volunteer and support two worthy organizations," said Bret Doerring, Race Logistics Coordinator.
The race is sponsored by Iowa Telecom, with proceeds benefiting the Progress Industries Foundation and the Skiff Medical Center Foundation. Annually, Progress Industries helps 300 central Iowans with disabilities realize their dreams and exercise real choices about where they work, live and recreate. Skiff Medical Center is the hospital in Newton and one of Jasper County's largest employers. Runners who register for the race by March 28 will pay $20 to participate, with a race-day registration of $30. Sign up online at www.active.com or for more information contact Butler at (641) 791-2846 or melissa.butler@progressindustries.org.
Nov. 12, 2007
Skiff tests new Incident Command System during disaster drill
Twenty-two "victims" were rushed to Skiff Medical Center on Tuesday, Nov. 6, after a simulated terrorist attack at the Iowa Speedway exposed them to chemical and biological agents.
For Skiff, it was a three-hour test of the hospital's new Incident Command System for handling disaster situations. The system is designed to establish a clear, smoothly operating chain of command during a crisis.
"Overall you did very well," said Diane Williams, a consultant who observed the drill on behalf of the Iowa Department of Public Health. "You obviously work well together as a team, and you very quickly identified the issues that you need to work on. That's why we do these drills."
The drill began shortly after 8 a.m., when Skiff received word that it would soon receive 22 patients who had been exposed to unknown chemical or biological agents. Skiff implemented its disaster calling lists, contacting off-duty employees and asking them to report to the hospital if possible.
The patients had been given an initial decontamination at the scene by Newton HazMat officers, but had to be decontaminated again as they arrived at the Skiff ambulance garage. Then they were taken to the Inservice Room, which was designated as a backup Emergency Room. There, they were treated by a small army of physicians, nurses, CNAs, and other Skiff health professionals.
"The most important thing was that the patients got excellent care," said Skiff President Kris Baumgart. "The drill pointed out some improvements that we can make in our communication, but they're things that we can fix."
Safety Officer John Bartello said he was generally encouraged by Skiff's response, especially as it was the hospital's first drill using the new Incident Command System. "Overall we did fine," he said. "We've got some things to work on, but that's the goal of drills like this – to learn what you need to do better the next time."
Sept. 8, 2007
Skiff invites area women to 'make a difference'
September marks the one-year anniversary of the Women's Foundation for Health, a philanthropy group started at Skiff Medical Center.
"Our community is filled with women who want to make a difference, but whose family and work obligations have their calendars full to bursting," Bruce Hoffmeier, President of the Skiff Health Foundation, said. "That's why we started the Women's Foundation for Health. Women want to be strong leaders and philanthropists. This organization lets them do so, without being a heavy burden on their time."
Involvement with the group requires "surprisingly little," Hoffmeier said. Members are asked to contribute $250 annually, which covers attendance at four annual events, including luncheons and after-work social gatherings. At these events, women are able to network, converse and enjoy various presentations tailored to their interests.
The next event will be Thursday, Sept. 13, from 5-6:30 p.m. at Sugar Grove Winery, 6602 Ginger Ave., Newton. Those in attendance will enjoy wine, soft drinks, water, cheeses, bread and fruit and vegetable platters. Nurse practitioner Melissa Pearson will give a presentation on massage therapy and participants will get the opportunity to meet new Skiff CEO Kris Baumgart and his wife, Sandy.
Attendance for this event is free to those who want to preview the organization and see if they're interested in becoming members. RSVPs must be received by Sept. 7 and can be made by calling (641) 791-4887.
In its first year, the group had more than 30 members and raised $8,000. At the Sept. 13 event, current members will decide where the funds will be donated.
"We've been so pleased at the participation we've had so far," Christie Milligan, coordinator of Women's Health Services, said. "Women's time, funds and community all are precious and we want to help women make the most of them."
Members of the Women's Foundation for Health also receive free admission to Skiff's annual Women's Health Conference, which will be held in October. To learn more, call (641) 791-4880 or visit www.skiffmed.com.
Aug. 30, 2007
New President/CEO starts Sept. 4
Kris Baumgart will begin his tenure as President/CEO of Skiff Medical Center on Tuesday, Sept. 4.
Baumgart will be the guest of honor that day at an employee reception in the Skiff courtyard from 2-4 p.m. Free refreshments will be served, and hospital employees will have an opportunity to meet their new leader.
"I can't wait to get started," said Baumgart, who has purchased a home and will be moving to Newton with his wife, Sandy. "I'm excited about becoming not only a part of the Skiff community, but also the other communities that we serve."
Baumgart replaces Eric Lothe, who is now CEO of the Cedar Rapids-based Health Enterprises of Iowa.
Baumgart has spent the last nine years as the CEO of Stewart Memorial Community Hospital in Lake City, Iowa. The hospital is about half the size of Skiff, with 220 employees.
"Skiff is quite a bit bigger, but it's a community hospital at heart," said Baumgart. "I feel very comfortable because both hospitals share the same focus, which is taking care of people."
Skiff Trustee Chair Nancy Noth thanked Carroll Bennett for his services as Interim President/CEO. "Carroll has done a wonderful job for Skiff," she said. "We couldn't have asked for a better person to step in and take care of the hospital."
Noth said she and her fellow Skiff trustees look forward to Baumgart's arrival at Skiff. "The more we get to know Kris, the more we feel like he'll be a great addition to Skiff and to the community."
A public reception to welcome the Baumgarts to our community will be held in the Skiff courtyard and cafeteria on Monday, Sept. 17, from 4-6 p.m. All Skiff supporters and others who wish to meet the new President/CEO are invited to attend.
July 4, 2007
Jasper County Public Health providing kindergarten immunizations
As you're preparing your child to start kindergarten this fall, make sure to add something important to the to-do list: immunizations.
During the month of July, Jasper County Public Health will be providing kindergarten immunization against mumps, measles, rubella, varicella, tetanus and polio.
Title 19 and private insurance will be accepted.
To learn more or to schedule a time slot, call (641) 792-5086.
July 1, 2007
Skiff, Newton medical community to offer weekly free clinic
The Jasper County Free Clinic will host its first weekly clinic from 6-7 p.m., Thursday, July 5 in the Skiff Specialty Clinic, Ross Medical Arts Building, 300 N. 4th Ave. E., Newton. Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. and is open to all area patients without health insurance.
Seven staff members, including the provider, will be on hand to offer care. Dianne Ruggle, clinic manager, notes that the clinic is staffed entirely by volunteers. "We appreciate all of the people who are dedicating their time to make this possible," she said.
The Jasper County Free Clinic is part of Free Clinics of Iowa, a volunteer health-care network that makes it possible for volunteer doctors, nurses and other health-care experts to provide basic services at no cost to the patient. Persons needing this service are asked to arrive in the 30-minute period before 6 p.m. on any Thursday. No appointments are necessary.
June 29, 2007
Skiff names new Chief Executive Officer
The Skiff Medical Center Board of Trustees has announced that Kris Baumgart of Lake City, Iowa, will be the new President/CEO of the hospital. He will succeed Eric Lothe, who recently became CEO of the Cedar Rapids-based Health Enterprises of Iowa.
"Kris is an exceptionally qualified candidate who will be a very good fit for Skiff," said Nancy Noth, chair of the Skiff trustees. "He'll also be very active and visible in our community, which will be good for Newton and Jasper County."
Baumgart, 52, has been CEO of Stewart Memorial Community Hospital in Lake City since 1998. The 25-bed rural hospital serves the Lake City, Gowrie, Lake View and Rockwell City area in northwest Iowa.
He received a Master's in Business Administration degree from Drake University, and his bachelor's degree from Iowa State University. He began his career as a Medical Technologist at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. After 12 years in various leadership positions with Iowa Health Systems, he became CEO of Clarke County Hospital in Osceola. He served in that capacity for eight years before being named CEO at Lake City.
"Kris' experience as a health care professional and as a leader have prepared him very well for Skiff Medical Center," said Noth.
Baumgart and his wife, Sandy, have two children Erin, who graduated recently from Iowa State University, and Curt, who is a junior at ISU.
Baumgart is expected to begin his tenture at Skiff in early fall. Former Skiff Trustee Carroll Bennett will serve as interim CEO until Baumgart arrives in Newton.
April 26, 2007
Former board member Bennett to serve as Skiff's interim CEO
Former Skiff Medical Center trustee Carroll Bennett will return to Skiff to serve as interim CEO.
Bennett was chosen by the Skiff Board of Trustees to lead the hospital when CEO Eric Lothe leaves in mid-May. Lothe will become the CEO of the Cedar-Rapids based Health Enterprises of Iowa in June.
"Carroll is the perfect choice for an interim CEO," said Trustee Chair Nancy Noth. "He's respected by the employees and medical staff, he knows the hospital, and he believes very strongly in our mission."
A native of Newton, Bennett was a career educator who worked as a teacher and administrator for nearly four decades. For 30 years he served at Des Moines Area Community College, and was the first Dean at the DMACC-Newton campus, serving five years in that capacity.
Bennett joined the Skiff board in 1998, when he was appointed to replace Mel Lewis. He was elected by Newton voters to serve two three-year terms on the board. He left in June 2005 when he and his wife, Mary Jo, moved to Ankeny to live near their children.
Although he is enjoying his retirement, Bennett said he is looking forward to serving as interim CEO at Skiff. "It's an honor to be asked to lead something as important as Skiff," he said. "I couldn't say no to an opportunity to be part of that again."
Bennett will take over in mid-May, serving until a successor for Lothe is chosen by the trustees.
The search for Lothe's replacement continues. Noth said that 15 candidates for the position have already submitted applications, and several more are expected before the April 30 deadline.
"We've got some excellent applicants," she said. "You can tell by the quality of the people who are applying that Skiff has an excellent reputation in the Iowa hospital community."
Interviews will take place in May and June, and the Skiff trustees hope to have the new CEO in place by the end of summer. "We want to move quickly, but it's more important to find just the right person for the job," Noth said.
April 23, 2007
Hospice conference to help with grief from job loss, change
Registrations are still being accepted for the annual spring conference sponsored by Hospice of Jasper County, Skiff Medical Center and Maytag Family Foundation. The topic for this year's event, which will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, May 18, is "Tough Transitions: Navigating Your Way Through Difficult Times."
While the conference is an excellent learning opportunity for nurses, social workers and other professionals who help patients and clients through times of change, hospice director Carolyn Sullivan stresses that the conference is for everyone.
"Considering what the Newton area has gone through and continues to go through with the closing of Maytag," she said, "this is a very timely and valuable topic for many people in our community."
Not all mourning is related to the end of life, Sullivan said. Various changes in life, such as divorce and having children leave home for college, can lead to grief and mourning. The loss of a job can be another significant area of grief.
The conference's speaker will be Elizabeth Harper Neeld, Ph.D., an internationally recognized and accomplished author, consultant and advisor. Dr. Neeld has written 20 books and worked with a variety of companies on the topic of responding to rapid, unpredictable changes and learning how to rebuild life after such changes.
The fee for the conference is $25, which also covers breaks, lunch and handouts.
For more information on the conference, call Hospice of Jasper County at (641) 787-3074.
April 1, 2007
Skiff provided $1,364,581 in free or reduced-price health services
A study by the Iowa Hospital Association shows that Skiff Medical Center provided $1,364,581 in free or reduced-price health services to residents of Newton and Jasper County last year.
"Now more than ever, it's important that we give back to the community that supports us so well," said Eric Lothe, president of the not-for-profit Newton hospital.
In all, Skiff spent $354,634 providing free or heavily subsidized community services in fiscal year 2005. It provided another $163,528 in financial or in-kind donations, and $864,419 in care for financially needy patients and bad debt expense.
The study illustrates how much it costs hospitals such as Skiff to provide dozens of services such as immunizations for children, free health screenings, health education programs, counseling and support groups, reduced-price health services, and transportation services. It also shows the cost of charity care for indigent patients and bad debt losses.
Skiff provided 48 health-related services at no charge, or at a heavily discounted cost. These services reached a total of 34,497 people in Newton and Jasper County.
"As stewards of the community's health resources, we have an obligation to provide the kinds of services that are needed here, even if those services lose money," Lothe said.
Skiff's educational services included breastfeeding education, babysitting classes, cancer education, community health fairs, CPR classes, diabetes education, family and parenting classes, healthy heart education, nutritional counseling, parish nursing programs, prenatal education, school-based educational programs, senior outreach services, smoking cessation classes, women's health seminar, lunch and learn programs, and bereavement education efforts. These services reached 15,745 people, and were provided at a cost to Skiff of $85,166.
Skiff provided a number of free or highly subsidized health screenings, including blood pressure clinics, colorectal cancer screenings, hearing tests, women's health screenings, work-site health screenings, sclerosis screenings and bone density screenings. These screenings served 3,398 people and were provided at a loss of $45,311.
Skiff-sponsored support groups reached 269 people dealing with issues such as grief, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and fibromyalgia. These free support groups cost $6,532 to Skiff to provide.
The hospital provided other self-help programs involving heart disease, nutrition, sports injury treatment and prevention, arthritis and fibromyalgia. Skiff spent $4,536 providing these services last year.
Skiff provided immunizations, flu shots and other vaccinations to 2,559 people, at a cost of $96,172. The hospital also spent $96,842 supporting such non-billed or reduced-fee services as its maternal health program, child health program, communicable disease follow-up visits, early periodic health screenings, Lifeline Emergency Response System, and empowerment visits to newborns. These programs reached 2,127 children and adults.
Skiff and its non-profit foundation also provided $163,528 in financial or in-kind contributions to a number of health-related causes, events or relief efforts. These included donations of new or used medical equipment, funding for community health clinics, medical support for events and sponsorship of health-related community efforts.
Because the survey involved only 2005 data, it did not include Skiff's recent sponsorship of the RSVP transportation service. Skiff provides office space, phone service, marketing support and other assistance for this local health-related services.
The survey also did not take into account the financial shortfall hospitals experience from the Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement programs.
All 117 Iowa hospitals participated in the IHA study. Together, they provided more than $340 million in community benefit programs in 2005. This includes more than $353 million in uncompensated care and more than $64 million in free or discounted programs and services.
March 15, 2007
Lothe leaving Skiff to become CEO at Health Enterprises of Iowa
Eric Lothe, President and CEO of Skiff Medical Center, has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of Health Enterprises in Cedar Rapids.
Lothe, 41, who has led the Newton hospital for 11 years, will assume his new duties on June 5. He will continue in his job at Skiff until mid-May.
"Leaving Skiff will be incredibly hard for me, and Newton is my hometown," he said. "But Mary and I and the kids believe that this is the right opportunity for us at the right time, and we're excited about the new possibilities."
The Lothes have four children Allison, 16, Joseph, 14, Anna, 11, and Phillip, 8. They plan to live in Newton until Allison graduates from high school in May 2008.
Lothe began his career at Skiff in 1989, when he was named Director of Human Resources. He was promoted to Assistant Administrator in 1991, overseeing the non-clinical services at Skiff.
He left briefly in 1995 to become the CEO of Community Memorial Hospital in Clarion, Iowa. But he returned to Newton just 11 months later, when he was chosen to succeed the late Ronald Ross as President and CEO of Skiff.
Hospital Trustee Chair Nancy Noth credited Lothe's leadership for much of Skiff's success over the last decade. "He's led the hospital through so many positive changes, like adding the Monarch Wing, recruiting so many excellent physicians, and bringing in so many new services that we didn't have before," Noth said. "He's been such an asset to Skiff and the entire community."
Trustee Vice Chair echoed Noth's comments, calling Lothe "a great leader and a wonderful person."
"We're going to miss him terribly, but we know he and his family will be successful," Kahn said.
The hospital trustees will meet later in March to begin the search process for a successor.
Lothe will replace Glenn E. Potter, who has served as Health Enterprises' president and CEO for the past 10 years. Health Enterprises of Iowa is a hospital alliance based in Cedar Rapids. It provides services to support hospitals by providing access to specialized services and services to control costs. In addition to Iowa, Health Enterprises provides services in Nebraska, Missouri, South Dakota, Illinois and Minnesota.
Health Enterprises is owned by its member hospitals, which include:
- Skiff Medical Center, Newton
- Allen Health Systems, Waterloo
- Floyd County Memorial Hospital, Charles City
- Genesis Health System, Davenport
- Great River Medical Center, West Burlington
- Grinnell Regional Medical Center, Grinnell
- Henry County Health Center, Mt. Pleasant
- Jackson County Regional Health Center, Maquoketa
- Jefferson County Hospital, Fairfield
- Lucas County Health Center, Chariton
- Mahaska Health Partnership, Oskaloosa
- Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center, Marshalltown
- Mary Greeley Medical Center, Ames
- Mercy Iowa City, Iowa City
- Ottumwa Regional Health Center, Ottumwa
- Regional Medical Center, Manchester
- St. Luke's Health System, Sioux City
- St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids
- The Finley Hospital, Dubuque
- Trinity Regional Medical Center, Ft. Dodge
March 7, 2007
Skiff to open Sports Rehab & Physical Therapy Clinic in former Hanson Directory building
Skiff Medical Center is purchasing the former Hansen Directory Services building at 1730 First Avenue East, and plans to create a new outpatient clinic for physical therapy patients.
The new Skiff Sports Rehab & Physical Therapy clinic will give patients more choices with potentially lower out-of-pocket medical expenses, according to Brett Altman, director of Skiff's Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department. It also will free up space in the Ross Medical Arts Building adjacent to the hospital.
"The new physical therapy clinic is in line with our mission statement by meeting a community need with same high-quality equipment, people and services at a new convenient location," said Altman. "We hope to have the clinic in operation this spring."
The new outpatient clinic will have private treatment rooms and enhanced exercise and fitness space for rehabilitation patients. It will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Skiff President Eric Lothe said that creating the new Sports Rehab & Physical Therapy Clinic on First Avenue is part of a long-term plan by the hospital to make office and clinic space available for physicians and other health care providers who want to practice in Newton. Although the Ross Medical Arts Building has been expanded twice since it was built in 1994, the building is now full again.
"We've been so fortunate in recruiting new physicians through the years that we've run out of office space three times," Lothe said. "It's a nice problem to have, and one that we're happy to deal with."
Because the new clinic will be considered an office-based practice, it will be used only for patients with commercial health insurance plans. Altman said some patients may pay less for treatment, because many insurance plans waive the deductible for outpatient therapy and charge a lower office visit co-pay instead.
Patients who have Medicare or Medicaid coverage will continue to use Skiff's hospital outpatient rehab services, located in the lower level of the Ross Medical Arts Building. By continuing to use a hospital-based service, they will not be subject to the annual $1,780 financial cap on services which affects only office-based practices.
Skiff's Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation department includes Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Massage Therapy, Audiology, and Sports Medicine services. Skiff will continue to provide outpatient physical therapy service at the hospital, and will consolidate speech and occupational therapy with physical therapy in the current physical therapy treatment area. Audiology (hearing aid) services and a massage therapist will also continue to be present at the hospital location.
Skiff employs 13 physical therapists with doctorate or master degrees, two physical therapist assistants, and several support staff. Three therapists are also certified athletic trainers, two are strength and conditioning specialists, and several are board-certified specialists.
Physical therapists provide services to patients who have impairments, functional limitations, disabilities, or changes in physical function and health status resulting from injury, disease, or disability. Skiff Physical Therapists begin with a comprehensive evaluation to develop and personalize the care that is delivered. The majority of physical therapy clients are referred by a physician. Altman said that about 80 percent of Skiff's physical therapy caseload involves muscle and/or joint pain or injury of the spine and extremities.
Feb. 21, 2007
Skiff's positive image continues to grow in Jasper County
A scientific survey of Jasper County residents shows that Skiff's reputation continues to improve in the eyes of our community. The survey, completed last month, asked nearly 500 randomly selected residents to share their opinions about area hospitals and physicians. The result: Skiff is now perceived to be the best provider of eight of the 10 services evaluated in the survey.
"We've known from previous surveys that Skiff is well regarded by the communities we serve," said Skiff President Eric Lothe. "But it's nice to see that the public perceives us as improving every year."
Survey respondents answered 28 questions about health care services, as well as demographic information about where they lived, their gender, income, insurance provider, number of children, and length of time lived in the area. This allows Skiff to measure how specific segments of our population (women ages 18-44, for instance, or residents of Colfax) feel about the health care they receive..
The 2007 survey results show that Jasper County residents now rate Skiff as the best provider in these areas:
- Quality of nursing care
- Emergency care
- Quality of physician care
- General surgery
- Availability of specialists
- Latest equipment and technology
- Maternity care
- Orthopedics
Skiff tied with Blank Children's Hospital as the best provider of pediatric care. For cardiac care, Skiff ranked third behind Mercy Medical Center and Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.
Skiff 's ranking in nearly every area is considerably higher than in 1994 and 1997, when the hospital commissioned similar community attitude surveys.
When asked what kind of health services are most-needed in their community, 34.6 percent of the survey respondents named comprehensive cancer treatment. Other needed services included more family practice doctors (29.8 percent), more OB/GYN care (20.7 percent), more pediatric care (19.5 percent) and more orthopedic care (18 percent).
When asked what kind of specialists are most needed, cardiology was named most often (12.1 percent), followed by oncology (9.7 percent), geriatrics (9 percent) and pediatrics (4.6 percent).
Asked what they liked most about Skiff Medical Center, 34.3 percent said it was the professional staff and quality of care. Skiff 's convenient location was next, followed by updated equipment and technology.
When asked what is the biggest improvement at Skiff within the last two years, 20.9 percent said it was the updated equipment and technology. Other answers included the Monarch Wing (20.2 percent), the addition of more doctors (16.5 percent) and the remodeling of the hospital (4 percent).
The survey also probed the attitudes of Jasper County residents toward some expansion plans that are being considered by Skiff. These plans may include all private rooms, a new emergency department, women's health center, and birthing center. The idea of all private inpatient rooms drew an overwhelmingly positive response, with 81.7 percent support.
Asked which of the other projects are needed, a new emergency room drew the largest response (31.2 percent). The women's health center was next with 21.3 percent, followed by the birthing center (11 percent). Overall, 63 percent said the new additions are "definitely needed" or "somewhat needed," 19 percent said they were not needed, and 17.8 percent said they did not know.
The survey confirmed that the satellite medical clinics in Baxter, Colfax and Monroe have helped Skiff win customers in these communities. Baxter was identified as the community with the most potential for future market share growth.
The survey was conducted by the MSR Group, a market research firm in Omaha, Nebraska. Respondents were not told who sponsored the survey, and Skiff Medical Center was not mentioned by name until question 21 of the 28-question survey. Survey Coordinator Marv Sagar of the MSR Group said the total sampling error for the survey is less than 5 percent.
Jan. 27, 2007
Internal medicine specialist opens solo practice
Dr. Gautam Kakade has spent most of his life learning how to better the lives of others.
The internal medicine physician, who will be opening his solo practice in Newton in mid-January, was born and raised in India and is a fourth-generation health-care practitioner.
"My great-grandmother was a midwife, my grandfather was a physician in the British army, my grandmother was an OBGYN, my father was a general practitioner, my aunts and uncles are doctors," Dr. Kakade said. "From a very early age, I had a strong interest in medicine. And my grandfather, who was a superb physician, encouraged that interest. He always said, 'What better profession could there by than one where you make a living by making others feel better?'"
Dr. Kakade entered medical school at age 16, which was followed by orthopedic surgery residencies in both India and the United Kingdom. Early on in his training, he met and married his wife, Neeraja, herself a doctor of psychiatry.
It was Neeraja's line of work that eventually led the family to the United States.
"While we were in England, my wife got an opportunity to go to New York and train at Mt. Sinai," Dr. Kakade said. "She brought our children along with her and trained for a year, while I finished up my work in England. She and the kids liked America, so I ended up moving here, too."
Once in the U.S., Dr. Kakade decided he wanted to diversify his career, so he entered residency in order to become qualified as an internal medicine physician.
"As an internist, I get to deal with all kinds of complex cases," he said. "My field allows me to work in all of the areas of medicine that interest me, including preventative medicine, orthopedic and joint issues, cardiology, endocrinology, end-of-life issues, and much more. This specialty allows me to look at the entire patient and their well-being, rather than just one problem."
After several years on the east coast, the family decided to move to the midwest.
"We had the choice to move to any of the 50 states," Dr. Kakade said. "But we felt that Iowa was the place that best fit my family' s values and lifestyle." Although Dr. Kakade looked into different options for working in the Newton area, he ultimately decided that opening a solo practice would be the best option for him.
"I have a real appreciation for continuity of care," he said. "My patients know that I' m the doctor they'll see every time. If one doctor sees one patient, then they get to know each other better."
Another important philosophy in Dr. Kakade' s medical practice is that of having the patient completely in control of his or her health care decisions.
"I work to educate my patients, so that they understand their situation and their options," he said. "That means that they are in total control of the care they get."
Starting mid-January, Dr. Kakade will be treating patients at Iowa Internists, 424 S. 2nd Ave. E., Newton. Appointments will be scheduled by calling (641) 792-3851 starting Jan. 3.
Dec. 21, 2006
Joint replacement surgery helps patients become pain-free
The world of joint replacement surgery has come a long way since Dr. Ronald Charles began doing the procedures in the 1970s.
"Back then, 65 years old was the cut-off point," he said. "You simply didn't do the procedure on anyone who was younger. But these days we see so many younger people with bad joints. Just today, I operated on someone who is 45."
By the time 2006 is over, Dr. Charles anticipates it will have been Skiff's biggest year yet for joint replacement surgeries, with about 150 of the procedures done.
"We're drawing from a fairly large area," said Dr. Charles, who gets patients in from Grinnell, Montezuma, Brooklyn and even Pella and Oskaloosa. "The word-of-mouth about what we offer has traveled."
The success rate for joint replacement patients at Skiff is more than 95 percent, with patients reporting highly improved mobility, function and pain relief.
"Most of my patients say they waited too long and wish they'd done it earlier," Dr. Charles said.
Skiff employee Berdena Vos, who had her right knee replaced in April 2004, echoes that sentiment almost word for word. "I don't know why I waited so long," she said. "It's the best thing I ever did."
Vos, who works in the Surgery Family Waiting Room, had been with Skiff since 1979. Her job as an ER tech had her constantly on her feet and, eventually, the arthritis in her knee had her nearly disabled.
"I limped so badly," Vos said. "My joint was bone on bone. Even through my jeans, you could see how bowed my leg was. Dr. Charles said he could get it straight for me. And he did. Now I dare people to tell me which knee was the affected one and they can't tell."
People afflicted with arthritis, such as Vos, are not the only candidates for hip and knee replacements. Old sports injuries, fractures involving the joint, occupations with heavy manual labor and other genetic conditions can lead to poor joint health.
"Most recently, obesity and lack of exercise have been a definite cause, as well," Dr. Charles said. "The heavier you are, the quicker you wear out your joints. And for people who don't exercise, who don't get themselves moving, the old saying 'If you don't use it, you'll lose it' is true."
Vos highly recommends Dr. Charles'surgical expertise to anyone who thinks they might be a candidate for knee or hip replacement.
"He is excellent," she said. "He not only did my knee replacement, but he replaced both of my sister's knees. He has really good bedside manner and explains everything. He's No. 1 in my book."
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