Chairman

Founded in 1986, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is a not-for-profit, independent, 81-bed hospital with sole community provider status serving over a region with 90,000 people. Prairie Lakes is one of largest employers in Watertown with over 575 employees and a medical staff of approximately 60 physicians. 

As a mission-driven healthcare organization, we provide services that are high quality and compassionate. We are constantly raising the bar in terms of the technology we have and the professionals that are at the heart of our program.

Prairie Lakes at a glance:

• Independent not-for-profit hospital with sole community provider status
• Cardiac Cath Lab, Cancer Center, Specialty Clinic, Outpatient Surgical Center, and Caring Club House
• Service area of about 90,000 people
• PACS System
• Electronic ICU available

The community of Watertown at a glance:

• Watertown is a thriving, family friendly community located in Northeastern South Dakota with a population of 25,000
• Excellent K-12 public and private schools, along with technical and branch college campuses available
• Watertown Regional Airport provides flights to Chicago and Denver
• Hunting and fishing make South Dakota a sportsmen's paradise
• Outdoor and indoor aquatic center
• Thirty three distinguished Park and Recreation Areas
• Two lakes in the community
• Three golf courses in the community
• Fitness trail provides miles of trails through town and to the lakes
• 2% local sales tax, 4% state sales tax
• NO STATE INCOME TAX
• Low cost of living

Community Links:

• Visit Watertown
• Watertown Works - We Live
• Watertown Park and Recreation

Schools:

• Watertown School District
• Great Plains Lutheran High School
• Immaculate Conception School
• Watertown Christian School
• St. Martin’s Lutheran School

Join our team, our community, and our vision of what high-quality, affordable and compassionate healthcare looks like.

 At Prairie Lakes, you will enjoy working with a superior medical staff that includes Interventional Cardiologists, General Surgeons, ER Physicians, Hospitalists, Pulmonologist, Otolaryngologist, Nephrologist, Urologists, MDAs and CRNAs, Orthopedic Surgeons, Radiologists, Radiation and Medical Oncologists, Pathologist, Family and Internal Medicine Physicians, OB/GYNs, and Pediatricians.

Prairie Lakes provides a competitive salary based on MGMA data with outstanding benefits to include:

• Signing bonus/Loan repayment options
• Medical, Dental, Life and Disability Insurance premiums paid by Prairie Lakes
• Retirement plan
• Relocation
• Generous CME allowance
• No state income tax
  

 Current Physician Opportunities:

• Allergist
• Dermatologist
• Emergency Medicine
• Endocrinologist
• Hospitalist
• Interventional Cardiologist
• Medical Oncologist
• Neurologist
• Orthopedic Surgeon
• Otolaryngologist
• Pathologist
• Pulmonologist
• Radiation Oncologist
• Radiologist
• Urologist

If you would like more detailed information about our opportunities, Prairie Lakes, and the community, please contact:

Justine DeVille, Physician Recruiter
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System
401 9th Avenue NW
Watertown, SD 57201
Phone: 605-882-6898
Toll free: 1-877-917-7547
Fax: 605-882-7819
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Admitting a Patient

Patients may be referred to Prairie Lakes for admission:

• following an emergency room encounter,
• from their primary care clinic, or
• from a transferring facility.

Patient's can be admitted to the:

• Medical-Surgical-Pediatrics (MSP) unit
• Telemetry Unit (TU)
• Critical Care Unit (CCU)
• Obstetrical (OB) unit

The referring physician or facility should provide copies of or electronic access to the patient's:

• past medical history
• medication list
• results of any laboratory studies or radiology examinations as well as any relevant information that will be beneficial to the practitioners that will be providing care to the patient in the hospital.

Admitting a Patient age 18 or Older

For patients age 18 and older, the Prairie Lakes Hospitalists are available 24/7 for admissions to the MSP unit, TU, or CCU. To admit a patient to the Hospitalist service, the referring physician should contact the Hospitalist service at 605-880-2013 to discuss the referral with the Hospitalist.

Providing Additional Information
While the physician is providing a hand-off of care for the patient admission, support staff working with the physician should contact the Prairie Lakes Central Scheduling Department at 605-882-5448 (8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Friday) or the Prairie Lakes House Supervisor at 605-237-0915 (after 6 p.m. weekdays and on weekends) to provide demographic and other pertinent information. This information facilitates a bed assignment for the patient and is used to alert the registration staff of the patient's pending arrival for admission. The Hospitalist will assume care of the patient upon arrival and communicate appropriate physician orders with the hospital staff.

Admitting a Patient age 17 or Younger

For patients less than age 18 who are admitted and followed by their primary care provider, pediatrician, or sub-specialty physician, the admission process is as described above, with the exception of the call to the Hospitalist service. The admitting physician can send written orders with the patient, fax orders to the Central Scheduling Department, or process computerized physician orders for the patient. These orders will be implemented when the patient arrives.

Admitting a Patient to the OB Unit

For patient's being admitted to the OB unit, the physician or the physician's support staff will contact the OB unit at 605-882-7735 to alert the unit of the patient's arrival. Orders may accompany the patient, be faxed to the OB unit, or be entered using the computerized physician order entry process.

The clinic or referring facility should send copies of or provide electronic access to the patient's past medical history, current medication list, results of laboratory tests and radiology examinations, and any other information that would assist in the care of the patient. A smooth handoff and transition of care to the hospital setting is essential to the provision of quality care and positive patient outcomes.

Transferring a Patient

Should a facility wish to transfer a patient to Prairie Lakes, the patient can referred to the emergency department for evaluation and determination of admission disposition or the patient can be a direct admission/transfer from the transferring facility. (Refer to the Admitting a Patient above for additional information.)

Providing Additional Information
The transferring facility must first secure a physician to accept the patient for admission. The accepting physician may be a Hospitalist or sub-Specialist depending on the needs of the patient. Once a physician has accepted the patient, and prior to transporting the patient, nursing or support staff at the transferring facility should contact Central Scheduling Department at 605-882-5448 (8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Friday) or the Prairie Lakes House Supervisor at 605-237-0915 (after 6 p.m. weekdays and on weekends) to provide demographic and other pertinent information. This information facilitates a bed assignment for the patient and is used to alert the hospital staff of the patient's pending arrival. The physician accepting the patient will be notified of the patient's arrival at Prairie Lakes.

The transferring facility should send copies of or provide electronic access to the patient's past medical history, current medication list, results of laboratory tests and radiology examinations, a summary of care provided at the referring/transferring facility, and any other information that would assist in the care of the patient. A smooth handoff and efficient transition of care from one hospital to another is key to ensuring quality care and positive patient outcomes.

Prairie Lakes employs doctors in the following in a variety of specialties. To refer a patient to a specialist, please contact the clinic and the receptionist will assist you.

Cancer Center: 605-882-6800
Cardiology Clinic: 605-882-7953
Dermatology Clinic: 605-882-7800
Ear, Nose, & Throat: 605-882-7740
General Surgery Clinic: 605-882-6850
Home Health: 605-882-7745
Hospice: 605-882-7745
Nephrology Clinic: 605-882-5455
Pulmonology Clinic: 605-882-7650
Urology Clinic: 605-882-6810

Referring a Patient for a Radiology Procedure

Prairie Lakes Radiology Department offers comprehensive diagnostic and interventional services in the areas of CT, nuclear medicine, x-ray, and ultrasound. Same-day, outpatient exams may be scheduled by contacting the Radiology Department at 605-882-7770. Future outpatient exams can be scheduled by contacting Central Scheduling at 605-882-7690.

To assist you scheduling radiology exams we have put together a Procedures and Preps Help Document. This document is designed as a tool to assist you with pre-medication guidelines for contrast allergies, creatinine requirements, interventional procedures and biopsies, clinical indication guidelines, and patient preps.

Radiology Help Document

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is a leader in regional healthcare for northeastern South Dakota and western Minnesota. Caring for a ten-county service area of 87,000 people, the health professionals of Prairie Lakes are dedicated to excellence. 

Prairie Lakes at a glance:

• Independent not-for-profit hospital with sole community provider status
• On Site Cardiac Cath Lab and Cancer Center
• Specialty Services - new specialty services building opening fall of 2018
• Caring Club House for out-of-town patients and their family
• Service area of about 90,000 people
• Outpatient surgery center
• Expanded Emergency Department and O.R.
• State-of-the-art facilities and technology
• PACS System
• Electronic ICU available

Patient Rights

As a patient at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, you have rights that we are committed to protecting. You also have responsibilities, and understanding them will help you make decisions about your care that are best for you.

Health Status

You have the right to:

• Receive complete and current information concerning your diagnosis, treatment, and any known prognosis
• Be told of realistic care alternatives when hospital care is no longer appropriate

Care Planning and Treatment

You have the right to:

• Reasonable, informed participation in the decisions involving your care
• Refuse any participation in experimental studies or research/ educational projects affecting your care
• Be informed of who is responsible for authorizing and performing procedures or treatment

You will not be subject to any procedure without your voluntary, competent, and understanding consent.

Refusal of Treatment

You have the right to:  

• Refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law

When refusal of treatment by you or your legally authorized representative prevents the provision of appropriate care in accordance with professional standards, the relationship with you may be terminated upon reasonable notice.

Advance Directives

You have the right to:

• Give directions about your wishes for medical care or to designate another person(s) to make medical decisions on your behalf

Personal Privacy

You have the right to:

• Privacy during medical treatments and other care
• Be examined in surroundings designed to make sure you have reasonable visual and auditory privacy

• Have a person of your own gender present during certain parts of a physical examination, treatments, or procedure performed by a healthcare provider of the opposite sex

Personal Safety

You have the right to:

• Expect reasonable safety where hospital practices and environment are concerned
• Be free from all forms of abuse or harassment
• Be placed in protective privacy when it is considered necessary for personal safety

Confidentiality

You have the right to:

• Confidentiality of all records and communications concerning your health history and treatment to the extent provided by law
• Assess information in your clinical record within a reasonable time
• Refuse to talk with or see anyone not officially connected with the hospital, including visitors or people officially connected with the hospital, but not directly involved in your care
• Expect any discussion or consultation involving your case will be conducted discreetly, and that people not directly involved in your care will not be present without your permission

Patient Responsibilities

As a patient, you have the responsibility to:

• Provide, to the best of your knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitaliza- tions, medications, and other health related matters
• Report unexpected changes in your condition to your health care provider
• Make it known if you don’t clearly understand a possible course of action and what is expected of you
• Follow the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare provider

Grievance Process

We want your visit or stay at Prairie Lakes to be as positive as possible. A patient representative is available to talk with and to help patients, families, and visitors with issues or problems, early discharge concerns, or a complaint. If you have a complaint that has not been resolved by Prairie Lakes staff at the time of your complaint and you wish to file a formal grievance, you may do so by telephone, letter, or in person at the address and phone number below.

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System
401 9th Ave NW
Watertown SD 57201
Attn: Patient Representative
605-882-7672 (may leave a message after hours)
Business Hours: Monday through Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM

Resolution of your grievance is important to us and you will receive written responses from Prairie Lakes regarding your grievance. The first written response will be within seven (7) business days to let you know we have received your grievance and any findings from the review and investigation surrounding the grievance. Depending on the nature of your grievance, the review and investigation may take a period of time. Prairie Lakes will provide a written response at intervals no greater than thirty (30) days to keep you informed of the progress as we work to resolve the grievance.

In addition to contacting the hospital’s Patient Representative, grievances may also be directed to the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care at 605-336-3505 or the South Dakota Department of Health at 1-800-738-2301.

Telephones are provided in patient rooms. There is no charge for local calls.

To make a local call:

1. Press 9
2. Then your number

Long-distance calls should be made with a calling card. Cell phone usage is also permitted throughout the hospital.

Calling a Patient’s Room

To reach a patient's room, call the main hospital number at 605-882-7000 or toll-free at 1-877-917-PLHS and ask to be connected to the patient's room.

Patient Safety

At Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, we have established initiatives that ensure your safety while you are a patient with us. Please review the following policies that have been established in addition to the proposed suggestions regarding how you, the patient, can participate in these safety measures.

Fall Prevention

In an effort to keep patients safe, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System has a fall prevention program. All patients are assessed for their risk of fall and preventive actions are implemented as appropriate. You can help prevent a fall by wearing non-skid slippers when up, calling for help when getting up and moving around, and not using IV poles, the overbed tables, or other objects on wheels to steady yourself.

Identification Bracelets

Your identification bracelet serves as a tool to confirm your identity. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System staff members will check your bracelet before drawing blood and prior to other medical tests and treatments. In addition, your bracelet will be scanned with a scanner prior to medication administration. Please assist us by showing your bracelet when medical personnel enter your room.

Smoking Cessation

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, more people die of lung cancer than any other cancer. People who smoke are 10 to 20 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System recommends smoking cessation for your health and for the health of those around you. The South Dakota Department of Health offers a toll-free QuitLine at 1-866-SD- QUITS. This service provides coaching from the South Dakota Department of Health that has been shown to double your chances of success.

Restraints

During your stay, you have the right to be free from unnecessary restraints or seclusion. And, you will be treated with respect and dignity.

Hand Washing

Hand washing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections. You can spread certain germs by touching another person. You can also catch germs when you touch objects or surfaces and then touch your face (mouth, eyes, and nose). Good hand washing techniques include using an adequate amount of soap, rubbing the hands together to create friction, and rinsing under running water.

Waterless, alcohol-based hand cleansers are available at your bedside to use before meals, after toileting and after coughing or blowing your nose. Simply apply the cleanser to the palm of your hand and rub hands together until dry.

Cleanser is available by your door for visitors to wash/clean as they enter and leave the room. Please encourage your visitors to practice proper hand washing techniques as well.

You may also ask staff/physicians if they have washed their hands.

Ask Questions

Play an active role in your healthcare. Ask questions when you do not understand what is being explained to you. It is okay to ask staff what they are doing and why. Also, it is important you under- stand what medications you are taking and why. Feel free to ask questions about your medications.

Patient Privacy

Upon admission, you will be asked if you would like your name in the Patient Directory. You may consent or decline. If you consent, it means that when visitors, family members, clergy, etc. call to find out what room you are in or what your condition is, they may be told. The information included in the directory will include your name, room number, and condition only. This also means members of the media would be privileged to this information as well. If you decline, no one will be told any information, including confirming that you are a patient here.

Advance Directives

During your stay with us, you will be asked if you have Advance Directives, such as Durable Power of Attorney or a Living Will, in the event you are unable to make decisions about your health. These written documents inform healthcare staff members and your family of your wishes regarding serious illness or end-of-life issues. It is important to know you have the right to make these decisions. If you do have a Living Will or Durable Power of Attorney (or both) please inform the staff. If you do not, and you would like more information, contact our Social Services Department at 7633 or 6730 and materials will be provided to you.

The Patient Channel

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System offers patients access to The Patient Channel. Located on channel 88, this informational patient education channel provides education programs on a variety of topics. Tune in with your remote control.