November 15th is National Rural Health Day! Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is dedicated to keeping our rural region healthy. Did you know we work collaboratively with critical access hospitals in the region to provide care to rural areas? Check out our services by community below.
Prairie Lakes Hospital and specialty services are based in Watertown, SD. View all medical services available in Watertown. Download a pdf: Services by Watertown location.
Home Health services are available to residents in Codington, Clark, Hamlin, Grant, Deuel, Day and Roberts counties in South Dakota.
Specialty physicians outreach to the following communities: Appleton, MN, Dawson, MN, Huron, SD, Madison, MN, Milbank, SD, Montevideo, MN, Ortonville, MN, Sisseton, SD, Tyler, MN and Webster, SD.
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System recently upgraded its cath lab. The cath lab was established in 2007 and offers life saving cardiac care. The upgrade to the equipment installed the latest and greatest technology, which will allow the cardiologists high quality imaging at much lower radiation levels.
A cath lab is a special room where cardiologists use radiology and minimally invasive techniques to perform tests and procedures to diagnose and treat heart conditions. Cardiologists and cath lab staff are on call 24/7 to provide life saving care. Scheduled procedures are also available. Cath lab services include angiography, interventional procedures that restore circulation, and stent, pacemaker, defibrillator, and heart failure monitor placements.
Prairie Lakes Cardiology also includes clinic appointments available in the new Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic and cardiac rehab. For more information on cardiology services, please visit prairielakes.com or call 605-882-7777.
The Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic opened for patient appointments on Monday, October 29, 2018. Specialty services in the clinic include cardiology, dermatology, general surgery, nephrology, pulmonology and urology. The clinic includes a lab, adding convenience for many patients needing those services in conjunction with their clinic appointment.
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and Glacial Lakes Orthopaedics are located on the same floor for patient convenience. The new rehabilitation therapy department includes a state-of-the-art therapy pool. A notable feature of the future therapy pool is a lift that lowers patients slowly into the water without having to use steps.
2nd floor:
Urology
General Surgery
Space for expansion
1st floor:
Cardiology
Nephrology
Pulmonology
Dermatology
Space for expansion
Conference Center
Lower Level:
Glacial Lakes Orthopaedics
Rehabilitation Services
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Therapy
Donations to the therapy pool campaign by the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation will enhance the lives of rehabilitation and sports medicine patients. The new HydroWorx 2000 Series aquatic therapy pool is a part of Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services on the lower level.
The HydroWorx 2000 Series warm water aquatic therapy pool is designed to reduce pain, improve range of motion and enhance rehabilitation outcomes. The pool’s technology and low impact environment will benefit patients young and old.
Therapy Pool Features:
The focus of BASH 2017, a fundraising gala event by Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, raised funds to purchase clinical phototherapy (light therapy) equipment to enhance dermatology services at Prairie Lakes. Phototherapy services enables Prairie Lakes Dermatology to help patients who suffer from severe skin diseases and can be more cost effective for patients and may free them from potential medication side effects. Three different units of phototherapy are available in the Specialty Clinic.
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System announces a Therapeutic Pain Specialist certification completion of Physical Therapist, Eric Fjeldheim of Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services. Fjeldheim’s certification as a Therapeutic Pain Specialist broadens therapy services available to rehab patients.
Fjeldheim completed a rigorous six month research based curriculum that resulted in advanced clinical competency in the evaluation and treatment of chronic or persistent pain. The certification included developing an understanding of neurobiology and physiology of pain and advanced treatment. Fjeldheim’s holistic philosophy allows him to empower the patient using individualized treatment programs for all different types of pain.
Those who have been experiencing aches and pains for longer than a few months may benefit from seeing Fjeldheim. Patients can make appointments by calling Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services at 605-882-7700.
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes Steven Miller, MD, Cardiologist. He joins Prairie Lakes Cardiology staff; including, Evelio Garcia, MD, Salem Maaliki, MD, and Jacklyn Karli, CNP.
“I look forward to contribute to the growing need for cardiology services at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System,” said Dr. Miller. “We want to provide the best and most convenient services possible in the area. My mission is to provide ease of access, a wide array of cardiology services and friendly, compassionate care to the patient and family. I am extremely excited to be a part of a growing team. Thank you for the opportunity to serve this community.”
Dr. Miller is board certified in cardiovascular disease. He received his medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, NE. He completed residency at William Beaumont Army Medical Center and was a Cardiology Fellow at Madigan Army Medical Center.
You may schedule an appointment with Dr. Miller by calling the Prairie Lakes Cardiology Clinic at 605-882-7953. A referral is not required to schedule an appointment.
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System broke ground October 25, 2016 on a $40 million expansion project on the hospital campus. The campus has seen significant changes over the past two years; including a new 65,000 square foot clinic building, an east entrance canopy, and helipad relocation. Prairie Lakes is pleased to announce that the project is now nearing its end.
The strategically placed building, that is adjacent to the Emergency Department, allows quick access to the new rooftop helipad. The helipad will become operational within the next few weeks. Contractors and Prairie Lakes staff members are making finishing touches on the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic.
The Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic will open for patient appointments on Monday, October 29, 2018. Specialty services moving to the clinic include cardiology, dermatology, general surgery, nephrology, pulmonology and urology. The clinic includes a lab, adding convenience for many patients needing those services in conjunction with their clinic appointment.
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and Glacial Lakes Orthopaedics will make the move to the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic to be on the same floor for patient convenience. The new rehabilitation therapy department will include a state-of-the-art therapy pool. A notable feature of the future therapy pool is a lift that lowers patients slowly into the water without having to use steps.
A Public Open House is scheduled for Tuesday, October 23, 2018. All from our region are invited to discover the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic between 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. A program and ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m. will celebrate the completion of the expansion project.
2nd floor:
Urology
General Surgery
Space for expansion
1st floor:
Cardiology
Nephrology
Pulmonology
Dermatology
Space for expansion
Conference Center
Lower Level:
Glacial Lakes Orthopaedics
Rehabilitation Services
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Therapy
Donations to the therapy pool campaign by the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation will enhance the lives of rehabilitation and sports medicine patients. The new HydroWorx 2000 Series aquatic therapy pool will be part of Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services, in the new location fall 2018.
The HydroWorx 2000 Series warm water aquatic therapy pool is designed to reduce pain, improve range of motion and enhance rehabilitation outcomes. The pool’s technology and low impact environment will benefit patients young and old.
Therapy Pool Features:
The focus of BASH 2017, a fundraising gala event by Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, raised funds to purchase clinical phototherapy (light therapy) equipment to enhance dermatology services at Prairie Lakes. Phototherapy services enables Prairie Lakes Dermatology to help patients who suffer from severe skin diseases and can be more cost effective for patients and may free them from potential medication side effects. Three different units of phototherapy will be available in the Specialty Clinic.
Read more about the expansion project Foundation Medical Services
Prairie Lakes Radiology has been busy with a Digital Radiology (DR) upgrade this last year. “The DR imaging service enhancements touch all of our general radiology patients,” said Jenna Hulscher, PACS Administrator. “We have created a more comfortable and convenient imaging experience for many of our PLHS patients with the ability to do exams portably with instant images.”
Summary of what DR offers to patients, physicians, and technologists:
Quality of Services
Increase Customer Satisfaction
Physician Satisfaction
The Lake Area Technical Institute Foundation and the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation are excited to jointly host the 2018 Feuerstein Series event. The featured speaker will be the inspiring speaker and author, commentator and widow of the late U.S. Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle. Taya was played by Sienna Miller in the film “American Sniper” directed by Clint Eastwood, starring Bradley Cooper. The Feuerstein Series event will take place on Monday, October 29 at the Student Center at Lake Area Technical Institute, 1201 Arrow Avenue, Watertown, SD.
Taya’s message will inspire attendees to embrace the future when facing adversity, how to honor the past and look forward with hope, gratitude and joy. Following the murder of her husband, Chris Kyle, Taya founded the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation where she volunteers her time as Executive Director. The Foundation continues Chris Kyle’s legacy of serving God, country and family. Taya is also an inspirational speaker, Fox News contributor and author of the New York Times best–selling book “American Wife: Love, War, Faith and Renewal”, with another book anticipated to be released next year.
A VIP Private Reception will be held for event sponsors from 5:30 - 6:30pm and the public event will be held from 7:00 - 8:00pm. Early bird tickets are on sale from August 27 through October 15 for $45 each, or $35 each for a group of 10 or more (paid at the same time). If tickets remain after October 15, tickets will be $55 each with no group rates available.
Tickets will not be sold for the session at the door the night of the event.
Event cash sponsorships are being sought to support the event:
$5,000 Red Sponsor: includes business recognition at the event and in promotional materials, access for 12 guests to the VIP Private Reception, complimentary premier seating for 12 guests at the public event, complimentary book by Taya Kyle for 12 guests;
$3,000 White Sponsor: includes recognition at the event and in promotional materials, access for 8 guests to the VIP Private Reception, complimentary reserved seats for 8 guests at the public event, complimentary book by Taya Kyle for 8 guests;
$1,000 Blue Sponsor: includes recognition at event, access for 5 guests to the VIP Private Reception; complimentary seating for 5 guests at the public event and complimentary book by Taya Kyle for 5 guests.
Tickets will be available August 27 online at www.lakeareatech.edu or www.prairielakes.com, or by calling the Lake Area Technical Institute Foundation at 882-5284, Ext. 292 or the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation at 882-7631.
For questions about the event contact the Lake Area Technical Institute Foundation at 882-5284, Ext. 292 or the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation at 882-7631.
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is now offering dermatology patients laser treatment for both medical and cosmetic conditions. Dr. Jeffrey Smith, Dermatologist is using the technology of the KTP Laser to treat active acne, vascular conditions, and pigmented lesions.
These precise treatments provide satisfying and predictable results in just a few minutes. Dr. Smith uses a fiber optic hand piece to direct a beam of light. This beam brings energy to a specific site such as spider veins, acne, rosacea, warts, and sun damage.
“Our patients love the new KTP laser,” said Dr. Smith. “There is no down time, the procedure is quick, affordable, and the results speak for themselves.”
Before laser treatment.
After laser treatment.
Laser treatment is available with Prairie Lakes Dermatology Clinic on an outpatient basis. Call 605-882-7800 for more information.
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes Misty Hildenbrand, Clinical Dietitian to Prairie Lakes Nutritional Services. Hildenbrand will assess and work with patients in the hospital and can also accept appointments for one on one or group sessions.
Hildenbrand grew up in Rapid City, SD with her parents and older sister. After high school, Hildenbrand attended the University of Wyoming and earned a BA in Music and a BS in Dietetics. Hildenbrand continued her education at South Dakota State University where she earned her Masters in Nutritional and Exercise Science with an emphasis in Nutritional Sciences and completed her dietetic internship in Rapid City, South Dakota. Hildenbrand moved to Watertown, SD with her husband in April 2018.
In her free time, Hildenbrand has been performing with the Watertown Municipal Band during the 2018 concert season. She also enjoys outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping. Other physical activities she enjoys are weight lifting and running and is an ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer. At home, she spends much of her free time crafting, especially crochet and cross-stitch, and cooking.
“I enjoy helping individuals meet their health and wellness goals through education and problem solving,” said Hildenbrand. Individuals may receive counseling from Hildenbrand during their stay at the hospital or by appointment on a variety of topics; including, food allergies, weight management, sports nutrition, and diets for health conditions like diabetes and cancer. Appointments are available by calling 605-882-7874.
Dietitians & Available Services Ask a Dietitian
Misty Hildenbrand will lead the upcoming Core 4 program. During this twelve-week program beginning September 11, 2018, Hildenbrand will focus on boosting your overall health, relying on proven scientific methods to train you to improve your eating habits, lifestyle and activity choices- for good!
Register before August 29, 2018 to receive $20 off the regular price of $100
The current Prairie Lakes Healthcare System expansion project is nearing its end. Over the last two years Prairie Lakes added a new east entrance canopy and the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic, a new 65,000 square foot, two-story clinic building. Finishing touches are happening throughout the inside of the clinic and the helipad on the roof.
View the current detour map. Thank you for your patience during construction.
2nd floor:
Urology
General Surgery
Space for expansion
1st floor:
Cardiology
Nephrology
Pulmonology
Dermatology
Space for expansion
Conference Center
Lower Level:
Glacial Lakes Orthopaedics
Rehabilitation Services
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Therapy
Donations to the therapy pool campaign by the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation will enhance the lives of rehabilitation and sports medicine patients. The new HydroWorx 2000 Series aquatic therapy pool will be part of Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services, in the new location fall 2018.
The HydroWorx 2000 Series warm water aquatic therapy pool is designed to reduce pain, improve range of motion and enhance rehabilitation outcomes. The pool’s technology and low impact environment will benefit patients young and old.
Therapy Pool Features:
The focus of BASH 2017, a fundraising gala event by Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, raised funds to purchase clinical phototherapy (light therapy) equipment to enhance dermatology services at Prairie Lakes. Phototherapy services enables Prairie Lakes Dermatology to help patients who suffer from severe skin diseases and can be more cost effective for patients and may free them from potential medication side effects. Three different units of phototherapy will be available in the Specialty Clinic.
Project meets half-way mark:
The Topping Off Ceremony on September 28, 2017 was a milestone occassion, celebrating the last I-beam placed on the building.
Read more about the expansion project Foundation Medical Services
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes Jeffrey Dorrity, MD. He joins Jered Mancell, DO in the care of patients at the Ear, Nose, Throat, & Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic.
Dr. Dorrity received his medical degree from the University of Nevada School of Medicine. He completed his residency training in Otolaryngology at the University of Minnesota. He is moving to Watertown with his wife Camie and their children. He enjoys traveling, fishing, cycling, racquetball, and running.
“There is something special about the community in Watertown. When we first visited we were impressed by the warmth of the community and the quality of the healthcare system,” said Dr. Dorrity. “I see patient care as a partnership between the patient and the physician. Together we can identify and understand the problem and come up with a solution. I look forward to joining the Ear, Nose, Throat, & Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic and working with Dr. Mancell. Our goal is to provide quality, evidence-based medical care and to increase access for those needing ENT services in the region.”
Dr. Dorrity treats patients of all ages and a wide range of ear, nose and throat conditions including ear and hearing conditions, nose and sinus diseases, throat and voice disorders, cancer of the head and neck, thyroid and parathyroid disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. The Prairie Lakes Ear, Nose, Throat, & Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic will remain located at Prairie Lakes Mallard Pointe, just across from the Redlin Art Center in Watertown. You may schedule an appointment at by calling 605-882-7740. A referral is not required to schedule an appointment.
Yellow Rose Week 2018- A Reason to Stop and Smell the Roses!
Yellow Rose Week was celebrated in northeastern South Dakota June 4-8, 2018. Yellow Rose Week is an annual campaign that is the primary means of financing the Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund (SJMF), a service of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation in Watertown, SD. The SJMF, also referred to as the “Give Help” Fund, provides grants to people in Prairie Lakes’ service area with life-threatening illnesses who are in need of financial assistance due to a medical crisis. Grants assist with the cost of medications, transportation, rent, utilities, groceries and other needs deemed necessary by the SJMF Committee. Since its inception in 1999, the SJMF has provided approximately $325,718 through 682 grants.
Volunteers in Clark, Clear Lake, Kranzburg, Milbank, Rauville, Sisseton, South Shore, Summit, Watertown and Waverly sold yellow roses for the 2018 campaign. With yellow rose sales and other contributions, $28,631 was raised for the SJMF during the week long campaign. How fabulous!
“Yellow Rose Week is the main source of funding for the SJMF. We could not provide the magnitude of grants without a successful Yellow Rose Week campaign year after year. Dedicated volunteers, as well as gracious donors, businesses and purchasers make this possible. Without them all, we would not be able to help individuals facing a financial crisis due to a life threatening illness.” said Alison Gilbertson, Executive Director of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation. Yellow Rose Week is an annual campaign held during the first full week in June.
Suzanne Jacobson spent her adult life as a physician’s assistant positively impacting those she cared for. She lost a battle with cancer in 1998. Her family and friends established this fund to honor her legacy by helping people facing major medical financial stresses.
Following a nation-wide CEO search, the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors announces the appointment of Kenneth (K.C.) DeBoer as President and CEO. DeBoer will fill the position beginning August 20, 2018 following the retirement of current President and CEO Jill Fuller.
“We're excited to have K.C. DeBoer join our Prairie Lakes Healthcare System team,” said Jim Redlinger, Board Chair. “K.C. will bring to Prairie Lakes a vast range of experiences, from his start in healthcare as a staff nurse to his CEO position in Jamestown, North Dakota. We will challenge K.C. to continue focused efforts on the patient care experience. With K.C. joining us we are positioned to continue to lead the region in quality healthcare.”
DeBoer comes to Prairie Lakes Healthcare System with an extensive history of healthcare management. Known as a leader in rural healthcare, DeBoer has experience initiating new service lines, recruiting physicians, improving patient satisfaction scores, and achieving profitability goals.
After earning his Associate of Arts in Nursing, he went on to complete a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Health Services Administration. He comes to Prairie Lakes with twenty seven years of healthcare management experience. He and his wife Stacey are relocating from Jamestown, North Dakota. DeBoer currently serves as the President and CEO of Jamestown Regional Medical Center, an independent critical access hospital that serves a nine county area with a population of 45,000. His rural healthcare experience will be an asset to Prairie Lakes, an independent rural community healthcare system that serves a ten county area with a population of 87,000.
“I am humbled and honored to join the team at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and we are excited to move to Watertown,” said DeBoer. “Prairie Lakes has a strong tradition of caring for the community. As the community’s hospital our strength comes from our relationship with the community. We are a part of the fabric of Watertown and the region and I am committed to growing and fostering that partnership. I look forward to working with the outstanding medical staff in Watertown and the region and all the employees of Prairie Lakes to provide the best care possible to the patients we serve.”
Jill Fuller announced her succession plans in November, 2017 with a flexible retirement date pending the Board hiring her successor. “I'd like to thank Jill for her accomplishments while at Prairie Lakes, especially leading PLHS to be a Top 20 Rural Community Hospital in 2016 and 2018,” said Jim Redlinger. “Thank you, Jill for all you have given to help make Prairie Lakes what it is today. I also appreciate the dedication of the search committee, medical staff, Board of Directors, and staff during the CEO search process.”