Saturday, March 14, 2020
"Local health care facilities prepare..." - Special Interview
Dr. Senne, Pulmonologist, K.C. DeBoer, President & CEO, and Shannon Britt, Infection Control Nurse sat down with The Watertown Public Opinion reporter Laura Butterbrodt yesterday.
Article "Local health care facilities prepare for COVID-19 to hit Watertown"
Note: The information in this article is current as of the afternoon of March 13. Updates will be made to the story online as they are announced.
There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Watertown or Codington County, but Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and other healthcare facilities in the area are preparing for the potential of the new coronavirus outbreak to hit.
“There is active testing out of this hospital in this county — there have not been any confirmed cases,” said Svien Senne, PLHS pulmonologist. “We are testing as medically indicated and per the guidelines that are given to us from state and local governmnt.”
Published in
News and Announcements
Friday, March 13, 2020
Message from Mayor Caron
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The City of Watertown is part of the incident command team formed to communicate and address issues related to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic currently developing throughout our nation. This team provides continuous connection between government leaders and public health officials across Codington County to ensure we are responding together in the best way possible. We know COVID-19 will impact our community and call on all citizens to join us in taking any and all measures possible to slow the spread of this virus. Some actions you can take include exercising proper health hygiene guidelines, staying home if you are ill, and avoiding large public gatherings.
Mayor Caron cautioned, “the situation is continuously changing and we ask for your patience as we work to slow the spread of this virus and provide essential services to the community. We will provide updates on our Facebook pages and websites.”
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Mayor’s office at (605)882-6200.
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System recommends following reliable resources provided by the CDC. The CDC and SD DOH always recommend everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and rub your hands together until they are dry.
- For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash; or cough into the crook of your arm. Remember to wash your hands.
- Regular household cleaning spray or wipes can be used to clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Facemasks:
- CDC and SD DOH do not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of harsh cough, shortness of breath, or fever to help prevent the spread of disease.
Published in
News and Announcements
Thursday, March 05, 2020
Foundation Names New Executive Director
Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is pleased to announce the new Executive Director, Lisa Dahl. Beginning March 24, Dahl will lead Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation’s mission to raise funds to support and advance services available to the Watertown area through Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
Dahl holds a Bachelors of Science Degree and has over twenty years of experience in the areas of Development and Human Services. Her most recent position was Executive Director for the Watertown United Way. In her spare time, Dahl enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attending children’s activities involving her and her loved ones’ children.
“As a proud, life-long resident of Watertown, I have been privileged to witness the impact of good people giving back to the community. As the new Executive Director, I look forward to continuing my passion for community service, together with our donors, by advancing healthcare in the region,” said Dahl.
Dahl enjoys being involved in the community and actively volunteers her time at her church and through committee service. She serves as a member of the Rotary Club, Mount Marty Watertown Advisory Committee, Codington County Area Non-Profit Group, and Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation’s Susan Jacobson Memorial Fund Committee. The Susan Jacobson Memorial Fund Committee’s largest fundraiser is Yellow Rose Week.
“Lisa, a Watertown native, is someone many already know,” said Dan Raderschadt, Board President of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation. “She brings a diversified experience in working with local area organizations and I look forward to her beginning her new role leading the Foundation in a few weeks.”
Read More:
Published in
News and Announcements
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Prairie Lakes Welcomes Nurse Practitioner Haley Ellis
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System proudly announces Cardiac Cath Lab Nurse Haley Ellis has advanced her education to Certified Nurse Practitioner. Ellis will work with cardiologists and staff in the care of patients with heart conditions. She joins Dr. Garcia, Dr. Maaliki, Dr. Miller, and Nurse Practitioner Jacklyn Karli.
Ellis graduated with her Master’s Degree in Family Nurse Practitioner from South University. She has 13 years’ experience being a registered nurse, six years was spent caring for patients in the Prairie Lakes Cath Lab, and prior to that, seven years in the Critical Care Unit. Ellis resides in Watertown with her husband and their three children. During her time off, Ellis enjoys spending time with family, camping, and watching her three children play in various sporting activities. She is a native to this region; she grew up in Willow Lake, SD.
“I look forward to the next step in my career and am proud to work with a dedicated team of providers and healthcare workers,” said Ellis. “I strive to provide compassionate, patient-centered, high-quality care, and am excited to continue this commitment on my new level of healthcare practice. My focus of the past several years has been centered on cardiac patients, and this experience will guide me in my new role,” said Ellis.
Published in
News and Announcements
Monday, February 24, 2020
Tickets on Sale for BASH
Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is excited to announce BASH (Building A Superior Healthcare System) 2020 will be held on Saturday, April 4 at the Watertown Event Center. BASH is an annual gala fundraising event hosted by the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, with much support from donors and volunteers. This year the planning committee celebrates the 25th Anniversary of BASH!
About BASH
BASH 2020 will have an airy, fresh, and welcoming theme to encourage guests to enjoy a “Breath of Fresh Air” because proceeds from BASH will be used to enhance pulmonology services at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. For example, Endobronchial Ultrasound Bronchoscopy (commonly called EBUS) enables early diagnosis and staging of lung and other cancers like lymphoma. Enhancements to this equipment, made possible by BASH proceeds, will improve pulmonology patient experience and outcomes. Dr. Svien Senne joined Prairie Lakes Pulmonology in 2019 and offers services that focus on the diagnosis and management of both chronic and acute diseases of the lungs, respiratory tract, and bronchial tubes.
On April 4th, BASH 2020 kicks off 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. MVP Smash a high energy, 7-piece dance band with skilled musicians and gifted vocalists who are tuned up and ready to hit the stage to fill our dance floor!
Learn, Buy Tickets, and Support the Cause
Reservations are required for BASH and may be made online at www.prairielakes.com/bash or by calling the foundation office at 605-882-7631. Invitations to past attendees will be mailed in early March. Visit the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation’s Facebook page for updates on packages and other exciting event details.
Corporate sponsorships are appreciated as the Foundation works to cover the cost of the event so all dollars raised are allocated towards the cause. Sponsorship inquiries may be made by calling the foundation office at 882-7631 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
BASH 2020 Committee members include: Bobbi Bach, Jennifer Briggs, Sherri Brindle, Caitlin Broek, Sarah Bruning, Cami Dorrity, Jessi Eidson, Alison Gilbertson, April Johnston, Jannelle Miller, Kris Munger, Shantel Reis, Tressa Senne, and Phyllis Wiles.
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.”
Published in
News and Announcements
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Nationally Recognized Featured
On Wednesday, February 19 Prairie Lakes Healthcare System celebrated with staff, volunteers, and board members their success in earning a four out of five star facility rating from Hospital Compare, a service of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (photos below). Additionally - K.C. DeBoer, President and CEO received news just before the celebratory event that Prairie Lakes is among the Top 20 Rural Community Hospitals in the country in 2020.
The designation as a Top 20 Rural Community Hospital by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) means Prairie Lakes is among the 20 highest-ranked prospective payment system hospitals in the country based on an evaluation by the Chartis Center for Rural Health using iVantage Health Analytics’ Hospital Strength Index.
The determining factors for the top 20 rural community hospitals were based on eight indices: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspectives, costs, charge, and financial efficiency. Prairie Lakes has been honored as a designee four out of the five years of this national award.
“I am pleased that the excellent care our employees and providers offer to the community of Watertown and surrounding region is being recognized nationally,” said K.C. DeBoer, President & CEO. “I am proud of our team’s accomplishments. Our recognition as a top health care provider means our community can count on us to deliver the services they need now and in the future. It is an immense honor to be included in the group of Top 20 Rural Community Hospitals for the fourth time in recent history.”
Photo Gallery from February 19th Celebratory Event:
Team members at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System had the opportunity to show their pride by writing what makes their work great on stars at the celebratory event on Wednesday as shown in the included photos. Over 750 team members serve the region through their work and volunteerism at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
Published in
News and Announcements
Monday, February 03, 2020
Prairie Lakes Welcomes Physician Assistant Abby Gietzen
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes Physician Assistant Abby Gietzen to the dermatology staff. She joins Dr. Jeffrey Smith in the care of patients in the Prairie Lakes Dermatology Clinic.
Gietzen graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree from South Dakota State University and then received her Master in Physician Assistant Studies in 2014 from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, MN. She has over five years experience working in family medicine, treating patients of all ages with a wide variety of medical conditions. She is a Watertown native and has been married to her husband Ben for ten years. Together they have two children: Wesley (5) and Alice (3). When not in the clinic, Gietzen enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying out new recipes, and reading.
“I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve patients in Watertown and the surrounding communities. Dermatology has been an interest of mine since PA school, and I am eager to begin practicing with Dr. Smith,” said Gietzen. “I am passionate about providing compassionate, patient-centered, quality care and look forward to continuing to provide this type of care to patients at Prairie Lakes Dermatology Clinic. I am excited to learn from Dr. Smith and to be able to expand his dermatology practice to meet the needs of the community,” said Gietzen.
Dermatology is located on the 1st floor of the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic in Watertown. Patients may make a clinic appointment by calling 605-882-7777 or toll free at 855-465-8897.
Published in
News and Announcements
Friday, January 24, 2020
Prairie Lakes Welcomes Physician Assistant Stef Roby
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes Physician Assistant Stefanie Roby to the nephrology staff. She joins Dr. Tina Melanson and Physician Assistant Kari Fleming in the care of patients in the Prairie Lakes Nephrology Clinic and Kidney Dialysis Units in the region.
Roby graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree from South Dakota State University and then received her Master in Physician Assistant Studies in 2010 from University of Nebraska Medical Center. She has over 8 years experience in providing patient care in the primary care setting. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the South Dakota Academy of Physician Assistants. Roby and her husband both grew up in Watertown and enjoy Lake Kampeska, spending time with their three children, and reading.
“Over the course of my career I have served patients with management of a variety of medical conditions and look forward to this opportunity to work more closely with the physicians and staff of PLHS,” said Roby. “I am passionate about providing compassionate, patient-centered, quality care.”
Published in
News and Announcements
Thursday, January 09, 2020
New Technology to Reduce Risk of Esophageal Cancer
Acid reflux specialists Dr. Greg Gerrish and Dr. Jacob Schaeffer expanded services for patients with Barrett’s esophagus. A new treatment called Barrx™ is now available at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
Barrett's esophagus is a precancerous change affecting the lining of the esophagus that may progress to esophageal cancer. Early detection and treatment of Barrett’s esophagus is important due to the risk of cancer. The treatment Barrx™ uses heat to remove tissue affected by Barrett’s esophagus. Clinical studies have found that it can eradicate the Barrett’s tissue; nearly eliminating the risk of progression to esophageal cancer. Approximately 12 million adults have Barrett’s Esophagus, however only 1.5 million have been diagnosed. A few of the greatest risk factors include smoking, obesity, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD happens when food and liquid from the stomach moves back up into the esophagus, causing irritation. Symptoms include chronic heartburn or acid reflux, nausea after eating, hiccups, regurgitation, chest pain, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, difficulty swallowing, and excessive belching.
Individuals concerned about their symptoms may schedule an appointment directly with The Acid Reflux Center at Prairie Lakes. Dr. Gerrish and Dr. Schaeffer offer multiple advanced solutions to diagnose and treat acid reflux disorders. To schedule an appointment, please call the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic at 605-882-7777.
Published in
News and Announcements
Thursday, January 02, 2020
Welcome the 1st Baby of 2020
Laura and Javon Heathcote of Florence welcomed their new baby boy Asher Edward at 9:25 a.m. on January 1, 2020. Asher is 20.5 inches long and 8 pounds 11 ounces. He is the first baby to be born at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System in Watertown for the 2020 year. Asher is welcomed by his sibling Aiden and his proud grandparents Rick and Diane Heathcote of Henderson, NV and Ed and Kay Evans of Watertown, SD.
Published in
News and Announcements
More...
Thursday, January 02, 2020
Prairie Lakes Names New Emergency Department Director
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) is pleased to announce Monica Everson as its new Emergency Department Director. Everson will oversee the PLHS Emergency Department as well as the Trauma Program.
Everson is a northeast South Dakota native. She grew up and currently resides near Hayti, SD with her husband Paul and their five children. She enjoys her children’s’ activities and spending time with family and friends. Everson holds a Bachelors of Nursing Degree from South Dakota State University and has served patients at Prairie Lakes for more than ten years. During her tenure, Everson served in the Trauma Nurse Leader role and was instrumental in forming procedures to best care for those in critically emergent conditions.
“My passion for emergency medicine began when I volunteered for my local ambulance service and helping people in their most vulnerable times,” said Everson. “I am excited for the next step in my career as Emergency Department Director and look forward to the opportunity to assure patients receive great care in the Emergency Department at Prairie Lakes.”
Published in
News and Announcements
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Donation to Cancer Center Patients
Gracious community members are warming hearts this holiday season at the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center. Gift bags for patients sit under the tree thanks to the Pink Ladies Dart League. The group donated gift bags containing items to comfort patients; including snacks, lotion, manicure sets, warm socks, water, word finds, hand sanitizer, journal and pen, and more. The Pink Ladies are uplifting spirits of cancer patients this holiday season as a part of their mission to make a difference in the community.
Since their establishment in Watertown August, 2015 the Pink Ladies have raised funds for local cancer patients. In addition to their annual holiday donation of gift bags to patients at the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center and the Brown Clinic Infusion Center, they have given monetary donations and blankets to 50 cancer patients in the Watertown region.
About Pink Ladies Dart League: The Watertown Pink Ladies Dart League is an all women's dart league. They are a non-profit organization whose main goal is to raise money to help local cancer patients (men, women & children). The first Pink Ladies Dart League was started in Yankton, SD in 2010. Watertown joined the league in August, 2015. The group uses paybacks from the dart league and funds from tournaments, raffles, and other fundraising to support local cancer patients. The Pink Ladies motto is "No One Fights Alone"!
Pink Ladies Dart League members pictured with Prairie Lakes Cancer Center staff (left to right): Jennifer Pletan (Prairie Lakes Cancer Center Director), Marsha Ringler, Shauna VanDusseldorp (Prairie Lakes Cancer Center Social Worker), Deb Miller, and Heather Walsh.
Published in
News and Announcements
Monday, December 02, 2019
Prairie Lakes Welcomes Dietitian, Megan Block
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes Megan Block, Clinical Dietitian to Prairie Lakes Nutritional Services and Sodexo team. Block will assess and work with patients in the hospital and can also accept appointments for one on one or group sessions.
As a clinical dietitian, Block helps patients with a wide variety of goals. Her special interests include building a connection with inpatients, discussing patients’ recent changes in appetite and weight gain/loss, and assisting patients at the Cancer Center. Block graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Education and Human Sciences and Master’s in Nutrition and Exercise Sciences degree from South Dakota State University.
“The most rewarding part of my work is being able to build a relationship with patients,” said Block. “I enjoy helping individuals meet their nutrition goals through education for specific diagnoses (heart failure, diabetes, malnutrition, wounds), but most of all I enjoy encouraging patients; I assure them that they are capable of making positive changes for their health and that even as a professional I am not perfect either!”
Individuals may receive counseling from Block during their stay at the hospital or by appointment on a variety of topics; including, weight management and diets for health conditions like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Appointments are available by calling 605-882-7874.
Published in
News and Announcements
Thursday, November 21, 2019
National Recognition for Performance Leadership
As part of National Rural Health Day, November 21, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is recognized by The Chartis Center of Rural Health and the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) for overall excellence in quality healthcare performance. This recognition is based on the results of the Hospital Strength INDEX from iVantage Health Analytics; the Performance Leadership Awards reflect top quartile performance among all rural hospitals in the United States.
“This award recognizes the quality of the services we provide to this region and the amazing group of people who work at Prairie Lakes; they demonstrate commitment to our healthcare mission through their care of every patient,” said K.C. DeBoer, President and CEO of PLHS.
The Hospital Strength INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging data from publicly available data sources, the INDEX aggregates data from 50 rural-relevant metrics across eight pillars of performance. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2020, the INDEX serves as the data foundation for a number of industry-leading rural recognition programs and legislative initiatives.
“National Rural Health Day has come to symbolize not just the vital role healthcare providers play in rural communities, but the dedication and hard work that goes into overcoming the unique healthcare challenges that exist across rural America,” said Teryl Eisinger, Chief Executive Officer, NOSORH. “We are proud of the work of the State Offices of Rural Health, their partners and rural hospitals do to improve care across the nation.”
“Each year, National Rural Health Day serves as a terrific backdrop for celebrating the power of rural and recognizing rural providers who continue to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to delivering quality care within their communities,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “We are delighted to be recognizing these top quartile performers in partnership with NOSORH.”
Published in
News and Announcements
We can help you find a doctor. Call 605-882-7000 or search online.