Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Resuming Elective Procedures in Watertown at Prairie Lakes Featured
In the very near future Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) will resume elective surgical procedures as part of a closely watched return to business plan aligned with the Governor’s “Back to Normal Plan” announced today.
PLHS’s staff members are trained to keep all patients safe and prevent the spread of all infectious diseases, including the corona virus. Patients can feel secure in returning to Prairie Lakes and receiving safe care.
Proactive measures implemented in response to COVID-19 will stay in place as a deliberate effort to carefully return to business; including the continued enforcement of PLHS’s No Visitor Policy and screening of temperatures and other symptoms at the entrances. These measures are kept in place as the South Dakota Department of Health continues to monitor trends of positive cases in the state and its counties.
“Intentional planning with the Department of Health and clinics in our service area will continue to preserve personal protective equipment (PPE) while resuming important healthcare services and procedures many have delayed for over a month,” said K.C. DeBoer, President and CEO. “The Board of Directors, physicians, staff, and I appreciate our community’s actions in following guidelines to help Prairie Lakes prepare for a surge as predicted by our Department of Health. Our community’s dedication is why we have not seen a peak in the Watertown area, and we now feel prepared and able to begin selected procedures to serve those who delayed care during this time.”
Patients who delayed their procedure will be contacted by their physician’s team with schedule details. Watertown area physicians are taking proactive steps to protect the most vulnerable community members; at the same time, you should not down play any significant changes in your health condition. Always reach out to your physician if your condition changes. Now is a good time to have those conversations with your care team. Telehealth services and in-person appointments are still available at all of the clinics in Watertown.
“We welcome the opportunity to return, not to normal but to a new normal as we make a positive difference in the health of our patients and the communities we serve,” DeBoer said.
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Wednesday, April 22, 2020
COVID-19 Codington County Hotline
This hotline is suspended starting Friday, June 26 at 9 pm until a need arises in our community. Thank you, volunteers!
Please contact your primary care clinic with questions. View various clinic hours here.
Who is the hotline for? Individuals who have medical questions or concerns about COVID-19.
- Those who know or suspect that they have been exposed to the COVID-19 Virus.
- Those who are experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, or shortness of breath)
- Those with questions or concerns about contracting or exposure of the COVID-19 Virus.
- Those who are high risk for COVID-19.
- Those who are caring for others in regard to any of the above.
Hours: April 22 - 9:00 am - 9:00 pm Monday - Friday
Saturdays 9:00 am-1:00 pm, Sundays 1:00 – 5:00 pm.
Call: 605-753-1408
A volunteer medical professional will answer a call during their scheduled shift. If all lines are busy, callers will hear a message stating COVID-19 Hotline hours, and should call plan to call back after a few minutes. This line is for information and recommendations, if you are experiencing severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, please call 9-1-1.
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Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Delivery Service Launches for High Risk Individuals
This service is suspended beginning Friday, June 26 at 9 pm until a need arises again. Thank you, volunteers!
Volunteers with the Watertown Area Task Force are helping individuals at high risk for a COVID-19 infection stay safe.
Definition of high-risk (from the CDC):
- Over the age of 65 years
- Chronic Conditions:
- Lung disease, including asthma
- Heart conditions
- Immunosuppressed
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
Free Delivery Service for High Risk Individuals
3 Simple Steps:
- Purchase groceries or over-the-counter medications:
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Phone: |
Online: |
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Brown Clinic Pharmacy: 884-4234 |
County Fair: countyfair2go.com |
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Walgreens Pharmacy: 882-3788 |
Hy-Vee: hy-vee.com/grocery |
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Hy-Vee Pharmacy: 886-0661 |
Walmart: grocery.walmart.com |
2. Call 237.7234 with pick-up details
3. COVID Helper will pick-up and deliver (contact-free) to your residence.
This is a volunteer service part of the Watertown Area Task Force.
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Wednesday, April 22, 2020
PLHS Benefits from Helmsley Charitable Trust Grant
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust announced Monday a multimillion-dollar effort to save the lives of COVID-19 patients and protect the frontline healthcare workers caring for them.
The grant will fund the purchase of a second LUCAS mechanical chest compression device for Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
A total of $4,711,481 in funding will be distributed across five upper-midwestern states to pay for 367 LUCAS mechanical CPR devices to be deployed to hospitals caring for patients during the pandemic and beyond.
“These devices are vital because we don’t want frontline healthcare workers to choose between trying to save a patient or risking exposure to themselves and others to the Coronavirus,” said Walter Panzirer, a trustee for the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “LUCAS has been a proven, effective tool in saving lives during cardiac arrest, and having more of them available during this pandemic will save even more lives, including those of the doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers.”
Research has shown cardiac damage in as many as 1 in 5 COVID-19 patients, leading to heart failure and death even among those who show no signs of respiratory distress. Among patients who recover, many could have long-term effects from such heart damage.
“This LUCAS device will save lives,” said K.C. DeBoer, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System President and CEO. “This generous gift is an important tool in our tool kit as we prepare for the COVID-19 cases to peak in the region. Patients receive the best care when our team is well prepared. We are very grateful to the Helmsley Charitable Trust for their dedication to patients and healthcare workers.”
The rise in cardiac complications caused by COVID-19 exposes both patients and healthcare workers to greater risk, as hands-on CPR can be needed for extended periods and personal protective equipment can become less effective in keeping the virus from spreading to medical providers.
Mechanical CPR has been adopted by emergency medical responders and many hospitals around the globe, initially due to its ability to deliver extended CPR in compliance with American Heart Association guidelines. Multiple studies have demonstrated equivalence to high-performance CPR, as well as increased provider safety and higher rates of adequate compressions for patients in transport situations. Recently, the Department of Defense COVID-19 Practice Management Guide identified the LUCAS chest compression system as the best practice for managing patients in cardiac arrest to reduce the risk of exposure to care providers.
The Helmsley Charitable Trust is partnering with medical facilities in South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and Nebraska to ensure the devices are in place before the peak of COVID-19 hits. The devices will remain in place after the pandemic as part of the hospitals’ cardiac system of care.
“We were able to go from concept to delivery of the devices in two weeks, and that’s been an incredible effort of teamwork with the manufacturer and the hospitals to get them in place ahead of the peak needs,” said Panzirer. “It’s wonderful to see competing entities working together during a national crisis for the good of all.”
About the LUCAS® Cardiac Care Project
Since 2015, the Helmsley Charitable Trust has given nearly $33 million in grants to help hospitals and first responders in seven upper-midwestern states purchase over 2,400 LUCAS devices, which improve survivability in sudden cardiac arrest victims. The LUCAS® Chest Compression System (LUCAS®) delivers consistent, reliable and uninterrupted chest compressions which allows healthcare providers to concentrate on other equally important aspects of patient care; providing patients with the best opportunity of survival. The LUCAS® device virtually frees up one healthcare worker to perform other essential tasks.
About the Helmsley Charitable Trust
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional efforts in the U.S. and around the world in health and select place-based initiatives. Since beginning active grantmaking in 2008, Helmsley has committed more than $2.6 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes. Helmsley’s Rural Healthcare Program funds innovative projects that use information technologies to connect rural patients to emergency medical care, bring the latest medical therapies to patients in remote areas, and provide state-of-the-art training for rural hospitals and EMS personnel. To date, this program has awarded more than $452 million to organizations and initiatives in the upper Midwest states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Minnesota, Iowa, and Montana. For more information, visit www.helmsleytrust.org.
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Monday, April 13, 2020
New General Manager of Nutritional and Environmental Services
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) and Sodexo, the provider of nutritional and environmental services at PLHS, are pleased to announce a new General Manager, Caitlin Bach.
Caitlin Bach grew up in the area and currently resides in the rural Watertown area with her husband and two children. Bach graduated from Lake Area Technical Institute with her marketing and business management degree. She was most recently the Nutritional Services Manager and brings twelve years experience at PLHS to her new role as General Manager.
“I am excited to grow my career at Prairie Lakes,” said Bach. “I look forward to building a strong team and giving our patients, visitors, and staff the best quality care and service. The leadership team has already taught me great skills during my time at Prairie Lakes, and I am grateful to join and continue learning from the great leaders here.”
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Monday, April 06, 2020
Homemade Masks
The Watertown Area Task Force is looking for crafty people who want to help during this pandemic by sewing cloth masks.
Gracious community members who are able to make these cloth masks are asked to please use the “Olson Mask Pattern”. The masks can be made from any Cotton or Cotton Blend material such as T-shirts or bed sheets. If elastic is not available, the ties may be made from fabric.
The pattern is available by clicking the button below. Please turn the masks into the Salvation Army located at 621 4th St SE in Watertown. They can be dropped off Monday-Friday between 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
pdf Olson Mask Pattern - Homesewn Masks (1.10 MB)
Please turn the masks into the Salvation Army located at 621 4th St SE in Watertown. They can be dropped off Monday-Friday between 9:00am-5:00pm.
More COVID-19 Information
Updates from Prairie Lakes Community Updates - "2020 Watertown COVID-19" Facebook Page
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Friday, April 03, 2020
Prairie Lakes Cares Plan Announced
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) is committed to supporting our staff while we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our people make the difference at PLHS, we are committed to taking care of employees now and into the future,” said Jim Redlinger, PLHS Board of Directors’ Chair.
During these challenging times, PLHS has enacted a plan to achieve that vision called “Prairie Lakes Cares Plan”, which will ensure income stability, guarantee the accrual of employee benefits, protect staff with COVID-19 exposures, and safeguard organization needs through the pandemic event. PLHS will redeploy staff with reduced hours and those who cannot be redeployed will be able to access the "Prairie Lakes Cares Plan", which will have an allocated numbers of hours for staff to access in these situations.
“This pandemic is unique and recognizing staff during these challenging times is a top priority,” said K.C. DeBoer, PLHS’s President and CEO. “We want staff to know that we will care for them like family. If we are to emerge stronger and more resilient to meet our community’s healthcare challenges, we recognize that this cannot happen without supporting all of our staff during these trying times.”
According to DeBoer, “I commend the Board of Directors in their visionary leadership in supporting our staff. They recognize our health care providers are demonstrating tremendous commitment to patients’ health. We are so grateful to our entire team for their dedication during these extraordinary circumstances.”
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Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Prairie Lakes Begins Screening for COVID-19 at Entrances
WATERTOWN, S.D. March 24, 2020 – To further decrease the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the region, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) will start screening staff, patients, and visitors entering the facilities starting Wednesday, March 25.
Staff will screen those entering the hospital at the east (emergency room and surgical services) entrance and main lobby entrance. Screening will also be present at the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic entrance, Prairie Lakes Cancer Center entrance, and Prairie Lakes Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic entrance at Mallard Pointe. All other entrances will be locked.
Hours of entrances:
- East entrance (ER and surgical services entrance): 24/7 access
- Main hospital lobby entrance: 5:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday
- Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic, Prairie Lakes Cancer Center, and Prairie Lakes Ear, Nose, & Throat Clinic entrances: normal business hours
Screening is different from testing for the virus. Hospital staff screeners will take the temperature of those entering the facilities and will ask a series of questions related to COVID-19 symptoms and exposure. The screening will help protect community members, patients, and staff.
Community members can help keep each other safe and healthy by following appropriate self-care guidelines provided by the South Dakota Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the unified Watertown Area Task Force.
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Monday, March 23, 2020
Positive Case and Testing Information
Vital organizations in Codington County are unified to address the COVID-19 pandemic under the Watertown Area Task Force. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The South Dakota Department of Health announced today that one person tested positive for COVID-19 in Codington County.
The task force reminds community members the best way to decrease the risk of spread is to remain calm and follow the evidence-based self-care guidelines. "We use facts and recommendations from the CDC, the Department of Health, and other healthcare experts to best protect our community," said Mayor Caron. These recommendations and other updates are posted on the newly created Facebook page 2020 Watertown Covid-19 and on this page.
TESTING:
COVID-19 testing in Codington County is available, however testing kits are limited. Until more testing is available, Codington County facilities will prioritize testing aligned with the South Dakota Department of Health; which includes, hospitalized patients, healthcare providers, and persons in communal settings (e.g., long-term care facilities and assisted living centers).
If your symptoms are mild and you are hoping to be tested, please understand that a test may not be ordered due to supply limits. Testing individuals with mild symptoms may not be prioritized in otherwise healthy and well individuals as healthcare providers can only treat symptoms. Please work directly with your primary provider regarding care. The most appropriate course of action may be to stay at home.
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Sunday, March 22, 2020
Event Changes & Cancellations
Upcoming events managed and hosted by Prairie Lakes Healthcare System were changed due to the CDC recommendation to limit group gatherings to help the slow the spread of COVID-19. Current changes:
Advanced Directives Talk the scheduled event for March 25th has been cancelled.
Pathway Through Grief support group meetings scheduled for April and May have been cancelled. If you have any questions please call 605-882-7714.
Your Total Joint Journey classes scheduled for April and May have been cancelled. If you have any questions please call 605-882-7700.
Cancer Support Group meeting for March has been cancelled. The April meeting will be held digitally with the choice to video or phone conference in. If you have any questions please call the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center at 605-882-6800.
Expectant Parent(s) Classes – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System offers free expectant parent(s) classes year-round presented by certified childbirth educators. The next two Childbirth Series will be held via video conference. This includes the four-week series meeting dates: April 2, 9, 16, and 23 (2020 series #4) and April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21 (2020 series #5). Current registrants will be contacted by a child birth educator with additional details. For more information on our expectant parent(s) classes please visit www.prairielakes.com. If you have any questions please call the Prairie Lakes OB Educators at 605-882-7628.
Diabetes Support Group – A new support group created for people of all ages with diabetes began in March and is co-planned by Brown Clinic, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, and Watertown School District. The April meeting is postponed until August. Please stay tuned regarding the May date.
- May 5 topic: "Exercise" by Dave Greenman, Prairie Lakes Wellness Center (tentative)
- August 4 topic: "Nutrition" by Registered Dietitians at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (NEW DATE: was originally scheduled for April 7)
For the most up-to-date calendar, please view www.prairielakes.com/health-wellness/community-events
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Friday, March 20, 2020
Non-Essential Elective Procedures Postponed
To further decrease the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the region, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) is postponing non-essential elective procedures. Patients whose procedures are postponed are being contacted.
Watertown physicians are taking proactive steps to protect the most vulnerable community members. This decision aligns with a recommendation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that all non-essential elective procedures be delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community members can help keep each other safe and healthy by following appropriate self-care guidelines provided by the South Dakota Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the unified Watertown Area Task Force.
PLHS’s active role in the unified Watertown Area Task Force promotes safety preparedness for the Watertown area. Ongoing updates from the task force can be found through the Facebook page “2020 Watertown COVID-19”.
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Thursday, October 29, 2020
Community Briefings: Watertown Area Task Force
Representatives from vital city and county organizations have unified to provide the community coronavirus updates. The current state changes rapidly, and this task force encourages our community to stay updated with reputable information through updates like the briefings below and education from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
October 29, 2020 @ 3:00pm
- K.C. DeBoer, President and CEO of Prairie Lkes Healthcare System
- Mayor Caron
October 15, 2020 @ 3:00 pm
- - Mayor Caron
- - Dr. Jeff Danielsen, Superintendent, Watertown
- - Jon Meyer, Superintendent, Waverly-South Shore
- - Julie Cook, Pharmacist, Hy-Vee Pharmacy
October 1, 2020 @ 3:00 pm
- Jennifer Bender, Public Information Officer
- Mayor Caron
- Dr. Jeff Danielsen, Superintendent, Watertown
- Diane Stiles, Vice President, Lake Area Technical College
- Kim Bellum, Director, Mount Marty University Watertown Campus
- Jon Meyer, Superintendent, Waverly-South Shore
- Matt Bastian, High School/Middle School Principal, Florence
- Captain Rehorst, Public Information Officer
September 24, 2020 @ 3:00 pm
- Mayor Caron
- Cindy Brugman, Codington County Auditor
- Shannon Britt, PLHS Infection Control Nurse
September 17, 2020 @ 3:00 pm
- Mayor Caron
- Dr. Jeff Danielsen, Superintendent, Watertown
- Diane Stiles, Vice President, Lake Area Technical College
- Kim Bellum, Director, Mount Marty University Watertown Campus
September 10, 2020 @ 3:00 pm
- Mayor Caron
- Dr. Dan Rieffenberger, Brown Clinic
- Cindy Mydland, Director of Clnic Operations, Sanford Health Watertown
- Amanda Ulmer, Mental Health Counselor, Human Service Agancy
September 3, 2020 @ 3:00 pm
- Mayor Caron
- Dr. Jeff Danielsen, Superintendent, Watertown
- Diane Stiles, Vice President, Lake Area Technical College
- Kim Bellum, Director, Mount Marty University Watertown Campus
- Mitch Reed, Superintendent, Florence
- Jon Meyer, Superintendent, Waverly-South Shore
August 27, 2020 @ 3:00 pm
- Mayor Caron
- Jennifer Bender, PIO, 211 Helpline
- Kelly Jaderbod, Director of Resource Development, Boys & Girls Club of Watertown
- Deb Griffith, Mental Health Case Manager, Human Service Agency
- Mike Cartney, President, Lake Area Technical College
- Kim Bellum, Director, Mount Marty University Watertown Campus
- Steve Rehorst, PIO, Waverly-South Shore School Update
August 20, 2020 @ 3:00 pm
- Mayor Sarah Caron with a community update
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Dr. Jeff Danielsen, Superintendent, Watertown
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Mike Cartney, President, LATC
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Mitch Reed, Superintendent, Florence
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Jon Meyer, Superintendent, Waverly-South Shore
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Dr. Senne, Pulmonology, PLHS
Ongoing and previous updates can be found through the Task Force’s Facebook page 2020 Watertown COVID-19
All previous briefings from the Task Force can also be found on YouTube.
Public Information Officers: Captain Steve Rehorst with the Watertown Police Department and Jennifer Bender with Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
Published in
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Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Codington County Initiates Unified Measures
Vital organizations in Codington County met to unify procedures in preparation for community members to test positive coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Codington County. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. People with COVID-19 experience mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Collaboration for Safety
A collaborated effort between organizations improves safety preparedness. Representatives from county, city, school, and healthcare organizations were present, including: Brown Clinic, City of Watertown, Codington County Emergency Management, Codington County Sheriff’s Office, Codington County Commissioners, Lake Area Technical Institute, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, Quick Care, Sanford Health – Watertown, Watertown City Council, Watertown Fire Rescue, Watertown Police Department, and Watertown School District.
The unified organizations recommend all community members to take appropriate measures in preparation of COVID-19 to protect those most at risk: people with chronic conditions like diabetes, COPD, underlying heart and lung diseases, or other immune compromising conditions, adults ages 65 and older, and children. Social distancing, as described later, is especially important for people with chronic conditions and adults ages 80 and older as they are at increased risk of complications from COVID-19.
Community members should prepare by learning about COVID-19 through reliable resources provided by the CDC and staying calm. These recommendations and other updates will be posted as available on the newly created Facebook page “2020 Watertown Covid-19”. Follow the Facebook Page to receive the latest information.
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Tuesday, March 17, 2020
BASH 2020 Rescheduled for August 1, 2020
In light of the most recent recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to cancel events with 50+ people for the next 8 weeks nationwide to try to contain the fast-moving coronavirus pandemic, leadership at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation decided to reschedule the event for Saturday, August 1, 2020. The initial date was April 4, 2020.
BASH is an annual gala fundraising event hosted by the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, with much support from donors and volunteers. BASH 2020 proceeds will be used to enhance pulmonology services at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
All event details remain the same, as BASH 2020 will kick off on August 1 at 5:30 pm with a social hour with signature drinks, a wine bar and silent auction bidding. The evening continues with a gourmet dinner, a live auction, and entertainment featuring the MVP Smash band from Minneapolis, MN.
Reservations and sponsorships already received will be applied to the event. Visit the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation’s Facebook page for updates on packages and other exciting event details. Reservations may be made until July 15 and can be done by visiting www.prairielakes.com/bash or calling the Foundation office at 882-7631.
The mission of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is, “Healthcare is a vital component of a community’s quality of life. Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation exists to raise funds with which to support and advance the health services available to the Watertown area through Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.” Join us at BASH 2020 on August 1 and help us help others to enjoy “A Breath of Fresh Air”.
Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation BASH on August 1
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