Wednesday, November 09, 2016
Therapist Now Graston Technique® Certified
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System recognizes the accomplishment of Katie Chida, physical therapist, for recently becoming certified in the Graston Technique® this fall.
Graston Technique® (GT) is a unique, evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively and efficiently address soft tissue lesions and facial restrictions resulting in improved patient outcomes. GT uses specially-designed stainless steel instruments with unique treatment edges and angles to deliver an effective means of manual therapy.
“The Graston Technique® is a great way to treat injuries like tennis and golfer’s elbow, plantar fasciitis, and IT Band Syndrome, a condition common among runners,” said Chida. “Graston Technique® allows me to target these conditions with a high degree of specificity and return patients to their lives pain free.”
To be certified Katie Chida completed both GT courses. Other Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation staff who completed the first GT course are GT providers, Kristine Deberg, PTA, Michelle Stark, OTR, and Chala Lechner, DPT.
Patients can make appointments by calling Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services at 605-882-7700. Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services are located in the lower level of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System’s Medical Office Building on the main campus.
More about the Graston Technique®:
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Thursday, November 03, 2016
Welcome New Pharmacists
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes two new pharmacists to Prairie Lakes Pharmacy, Meredith Junker and Stacey Stormo. As staff pharmacists, they serve walk-in customers at the Campus Pharmacy as well as inpatient and outpatient patrons at the hospital.
Meredith Junker holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from South Dakota State University and has 13 years experience as a pharmacist. “I look forward to working with a broad spectrum of departments and patients at Prairie Lakes,” said Junker.
Stacey Stormo holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from South Dakota State University and has 10 years experience as a pharmacist. “I am excited to start my new job here at PLHS,” said Stormo. “I look forward to this new challenge in my career and hope to be an asset to the pharmacy team.”
Junker and Stormo are fully licensed and work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare staff to meet a full scope of pharmacy needs at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
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Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Specialty Clinic Construction
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System broke ground October 25, 2016 on a $40 million expansion project on the hospital campus. The project will include a new 65,000 square foot, two-story clinic building, state-of-the-art patient care technology, a new east entrance canopy, and helipad relocation. The Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic is anticipated to open early fall of 2018.
In its thirty year history, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System has grown with Watertown and their service area in Northeast South Dakota. More than a decade ago, the Board of Directors committed to build specialty medical and surgical services. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System grew from one employed specialty physician in 2003 to 21 in 2016. This growth improved regional access to specialty services. Today physicians employed by Prairie Lakes Healthcare System operate 17 outreach clinics in surrounding communities. October 25th they built on this commitment by breaking ground on a new Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic to support continued growth.
“Prairie Lakes Healthcare System believes not only keeping up with the constant changes in healthcare, but keeping ahead of them,” said Jim Redlinger, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “We offer a wide variety of services and programs that align with what the community needs. Many of our services, like dermatology and interventional cardiology, are rare to find in our type of service area. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System now needs additional space to accommodate service growth. The Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic building will be a great addition to our campus.”
Looking west to the future Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic and east entrance canopy.
The helipad will relocate to the roof of the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic, which will attach adjacent to the emergency department and radiology services. Over 12,000 emergency room visits enter the east entrance annually. The canopy will be a welcome addition for those patients.
Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic will be home to services already offered by Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and will allow room for future growth. Specialty services moving to the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic include cardiology, dermatology, general surgery, nephrology, pulmonology and urology. The new building will include a lab, adding convenience for many patients needing those services in conjunction with their appointment.
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Looking north to the future Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic. The hospital main entrance is on the left side of the photo. -
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 will lower patients slowly into the water without having to use steps.
“In addition to supporting our growth, this project will improve the patient experience,” said Jill Fuller, President and CEO. “The addition of exterior canopies will protect patients and their visitors from South Dakota elements. Patients will truly have a one stop appointment at the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic with specialty and lab services located under one roof.”
Beginning November 8th traffic to the main entrance and Sanford Clinic will be rerouted. Patients may utilize Skyline Drive and follow the signs to access the main entry. Access to the east entrance, used primarily for emergency room and surgical services visits, will be minimally affected during construction.
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Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Welcome Speech Language Pathologist
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes Speech Language Pathologist Autumn Culhane to the Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Staff.
As a Speech Language Pathologist, Culhane will serve a wide variety of Watertown area patients both at the hospital and in their homes. You may see Culhane for evaluation and treatment of oral motor, swallowing, speech, and language disorders. She looks forward to expanding her scope to all ages in need of speech and language services.
“I am excited to join the Prairie Lakes team and expand speech language services,” said Culhane. “I have spent the last 2 years working in the Watertown School District assessing and treating speech and language impairments. Helping others achieve their communication goals is my priority. “
Culhane has a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology with the Certification of Clinical Competence. She comes to Prairie Lakes with two years of experience providing speech services to a diverse population of patients ranging from birth to school age.
The Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services are located in the lower level of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System’s Medical Office Building on the main campus. Patients can now make appointments by calling the clinic at 605-882-7700.
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Monday, October 10, 2016
Josie Ries Receives ESGR Patriotic Employer Award
Congratulations to Josie Ries. She recently received the 2016 ESGR Patriotic Employer Award. An employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve, or the spouse of a Guard or Reserve member, may nominate individual supervisors and bosses for support provided directly to the nominating Service member and his or her family. The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed. Patriot Awards are awarded to individual supervisors, not to an entire staff or organization as a whole.
Josie was nominated by Hannah Fortin, RN who worked on Med/Surg/Peds during her initial acceptance into the Army National Guard. Hannah felt that her director Josie Ries and her scheduler Pat Crom were very flexible and supportive during her time in Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, as well as accommodating her National Guard weekend obligations. Hannah recently moved to Sioux Falls, but was thankful for the support of her schedule while employed at Prairie Lakes.
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Wednesday, October 05, 2016
PLHS Welcomes Dermatologist, Dr. Smith
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes Dr. Jeffrey Smith, Dermatologist. Dr. Smith is now accepting appointments at the Prairie Lakes Dermatology Clinic.
Dr. Smith diagnoses and treats skin conditions; such as, psoriasis, eczema, acne, skin cancer, rosacea, and skin infections. He specializes in general dermatology, surgical dermatology, cosmetic and laser treatments, and contact dermatitis.
“I am excited to join the Prairie Lakes Dermatology Clinic and expand services in Watertown,” said Dr. Smith. “Watertown has been very welcoming to my family and we’re thrilled to be here. My goal is to provide outstanding dermatologic care close to home for the residents in Northeast South Dakota.
Dr. Smith is board certified in dermatology. He received his medical degree from Texas Tech University School of Medicine. During his residency in dermatology at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY he was appointed Chief Resident. Prior to moving to Watertown, he spent the last few years in practice in Bismarck.
You may schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith by calling the Prairie Lakes Dermatology Clinic at 605-882-7800 or toll-free at 855-465-8890. A referral is not required to schedule an appointment.
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Wednesday, September 28, 2016
PLHS Names New Pharmacy Director
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System has named Sara Spilde as new Director of Pharmacy. She has been serving as Interim Pharmacy Director since June 6th and will assume full director responsibilities effective immediately.
Spilde holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from SDSU and has worked at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System as a staff pharmacist since completing her degree nine years ago. As a staff pharmacist, Spilde served walk-in customers at the Campus Pharmacy as well as inpatient and outpatient patrons at the hospital. Before becoming a pharmacist, Spilde served in healthcare as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
“I look forward to take this next step in my career as the Director of Pharmacy,” said Spilde. “I know I will face many challenges as the world of healthcare continues to change. I have a wonderful pharmacy staff and a great group of colleagues to work with as we embrace these changes and strive to deliver the best possible care.”
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Friday, September 30, 2016
Connections that Make Staying at Home Possible
It is natural to feel like staying in your home as you age and become more dependent on others. There are many heartfelt quotes about home; the most obvious “there’s no place like home”. We know that quote speaks the truth and want to help keep individuals comfortable in their home as long safely possible. One of the first services individuals and their children look at is Prairie Lakes Home Connections. Not only is it nice for someone to help you around the house, but is gratifying to have someone to talk to consistently.
Home Connections meets that need. Our staff provides a variety of services ranging from meal planning, housekeeping, medication management, exercise programs, and companionship. We recommend reviewing all of the services available. If you are not sure that you or your parent is ready, a good place to start proactively managing health is tracking medication. Download and print this guide and mark a date on the calendar to update your medication list every month. Know when you feel ready; Home Connections is here to help.
Download the Medication Guide Read more about Home Connections
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Wednesday, September 21, 2016
PLHS Welcomes Physical Therapist, Karen Skogstad
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes Physical Therapist, Karen Skogstad to Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services. Skogstad serves patients of all ages needing physical therapy in their homes.
Karen Skogstad has twenty four years experience as a physical therapist. She has extensive experience in treating all ages with a variety of conditions; including, lymphedema. She has a special interest in providing physical therapy to patients in their homes and strives to improve independence and quality of life for those she sees.
“I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of a wonderfully skilled and compassionate team of caregivers assisting patients to be successful in their lives and homes,” said Skogstad.
Patients may see Skogstad if they require physical therapy through Prairie Lakes Home Health. Home Health Services are available in counties Codington, Clark, Hamlin, Grant, Deuel, Day, and Roberts.
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Monday, September 19, 2016
Watertown Rec Center's New Facility Receives Name from PLHS Featured
The City of Watertown announced the Watertown Community Center has been renamed after entering into a naming rights agreement with Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. The Watertown Community Center will officially be called the Prairie Lakes Wellness Center.
“The biggest influence on the health of our community now and into the future will be the lifestyles we lead,” said Jill Fuller, CEO of Prairie Lakes. “With this partnership, we see an opportunity to improve the health and well-being of the community as a whole for years to come.”
The Prairie Lakes Wellness Center will offer activities for all ages. The open concept space will include a walking track, leisure pool, racquet ball courts, basketball courts, expanded cardio and weight area, larger fitness class areas, and a social area with fireplaces for members. Four full-size courts and the eight-lane pool will also host competitive events and spectators. Participants will have access to these facilities through a separate entrance.
”Prairie Lakes believes this facility is important and will really promote our community,” said Jim Redlinger, Chairman of the Prairie Lakes Board of Directors. “We are proud to support Watertown and appreciate the support the community provides to our growing health care system.”
The Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors agreed to finalize a naming rights transaction for the Watertown Community Center in April 2016. The parties agreed to a purchase price of $2.2 million for a term of 25-years. Five annual payments will be made in the first five years of the term to complete the transaction. The funds will be used by the City to support capital costs of the center. Prairie Lakes will receive sponsorship benefits.
“Prairie Lakes Healthcare System has been a long-standing partner to the Watertown community, providing funds to initiatives that support a healthy population,” said Steve Thorson, Mayor of Watertown. “The City Council and I are so pleased to have been able to work out an agreement with Watertown’s regional health care provider, to help fund a facility that will serve the recreational and fitness needs of our citizens for decades to come. The partnership between the City of Watertown and Prairie Lakes Health System is a testament to our community and the important role Prairie Lakes plays in it, as well as the great relationship that has been nurtured over many years between Prairie Lakes and its patients. Indeed, if you were to look around town, you would quickly see the many areas in which Prairie Lakes takes a leadership role, so it should come as no surprise that they would be a committed partner with the City of Watertown on this important project, geared towards improving the health, fitness, and quality of life of our community! Thank you Prairie Lakes. I firmly believe this partnership between our residents and their hospital will only become stronger as we build this relationship in the same way we have built this excellent facility—together, as a community.”
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Sunday, August 21, 2016
Lou Holtz, Football Coach and Analyst, Coming to Watertown
2016 Feuerstein Series to Feature Legendary Football Coach and Analyst Lou Holtz
The Lake Area Technical Institute Foundation and the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation are excited to jointly host the 2016 Feuerstein Series event featuring legendary football coach and analyst, ESPN (2004-2015) Lou Holtz. The event will take place on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at the Student Center at Lake Area Technical Institute, 1201 Arrow Avenue, Watertown, SD.
Coach Holtz has established himself as one of the most successful college football coaches of all time. He will speak on overcoming seemingly impossible challenges by setting goals and working to achieve them.
A public event will be held at 7:00pm. Early bird tickets are on sale from August 22 through September 15 for $65 each, or $50 each for a group of 10 or more (paid at the same time). If tickets remain after September 16, tickets will be $75 each with no group rates available. Tickets will not be sold at the door the night of the event.
A private VIP reception will be held for Gold and Blue event sponsors and others who purchase an individual ticket for the VIP reception. Limited tickets for individuals to the private VIP reception are available for $200 each. The private VIP reception will include appetizers, a group photo opportunity with Coach Holtz, an autographed copy of Holtz’s book “Winning Every Day”, and admission to the public event.
Public event tickets go on sale August 22 and are available at Hy-Vee in Watertown, Quality Quick Print in Aberdeen, SD, or online {click here}. Tickets to the private VIP reception must be purchased through the LATI Foundation directly.
Thank you to the Feuerstein Family and event sponsors: Gold Sponsors: First Premier Bank/PREMIER Bankcard, Watertown Development Corporation, and Prairie Lakes Healthcare System; Blue Sponsors: Edward Jones, First Bank & Trust, Reliabank, Hy-Vee, and Vilhauer Raml & Snyder P.C.; Green Sponsors: Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce, Watertown Area Community Foundation, and KXLG Radio.
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.
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Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Welcome Two General Surgeons to PLHS
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes General Surgeons Greg Gerrish, MD and Jacob Schaeffer, MD. They join Kendra Kamlitz, MD and staff at Prairie Lakes General Surgery Clinic.
Dr. Greg Gerrish received his medical degree from the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine. He completed a residency in General Surgery at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A son of Drs. Ed and Catherine Gerrish, Dr. Greg Gerrish is a Watertown native and is excited to serve the community. He and his wife, Alison, have a daughter and are expecting a boy in December.
“My approach to care is very individualized,” said Dr. Gerrish. “I am excited to be back in the town where I grew up and it has been my dream to be a surgeon to serve the community that once served me.”
Dr. Schaeffer received his medical degree from the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine. He completed a residency in General Surgery at Gunderson Health System in La Crosse, WI. Both Dr. Schaeffer and his wife grew up in the Huron area and have three young children. He enjoys being active outdoors with sports, hunting, fishing, and spending time with family.
“My family and I are excited to move to Watertown and be involved with the community,” said Dr. Schaeffer. “I believe in innovative and comprehensive care across the broad spectrum of general surgery services.”
Drs. Greg Gerrish and Jacob Schaeffer both utilize minimally invasive technology when possible to optimize recovery. They diagnose and treat common conditions at the Prairie Lakes General Surgery Clinic located at Mallard Pointe; such as, gall bladder disorders, hernias, breast diseases, thyroid diseases, colon cancer screening and treatment, dialysis access, and gastroesophageal reflux. You may schedule an appointment at the Prairie Lakes General Surgery Clinic by calling 605-882-6850. A referral is not required to schedule an appointment.
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Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Annual Run Raises Funds for the Caring Club House
On June 11, 2016 Prairie Lakes Healthcare System held the 20th Annual Hospital Hill Run. Over 170 runners and walkers participated to raise money for the Prairie Lakes Caring Club House. Two thousand dollars was generously donated to the Caring Club House, located in Watertown, SD. Shown presenting the check are members of the Hospital Hill Run Committee: Kris Munger, Tom Beaudry and Dr. Dan Reiffenberger. Others pictured are Linda Page, Caring Club House Caretaker, and Alison Gilbertson, Executive Director of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation.
The Prairie Lakes Caring Club House exists to meet the hospitality needs of out-of-town patients, families, and caregivers receiving services through Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. Prairie Lakes has grown into a regional medical center, and because of this, people from a 10 counties come to Watertown for medical care. As part of our mission to provide compassionate care, we are proud to offer his special home to help ease the burdens families and caregivers may face during their medical experience.
Funded and furnished completely through community support and donations, the Caring Club House is a not-for-profit, community-based project of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, with support from Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. Annual operating expenses are approximately $17,000. All donations are welcomed, appreciated and are tax deductible as allowed by law. If you would like to make a donation, please call the Foundation office at 605-882-7631.
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Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Artwork within PLHS Campus updated by Watertown Graduate
Recently new artwork in the main areas of the PLHS Campus have been hung. The photographer is a WHS graduate, Kyle Neuberger, of Franklin Arts based in Sioux Falls, SD.
Kyle stated, "Growing up in Watertown, before I knew art was my calling, I was amazed by Terry Redlin. I would stare at pictures that my parents had around the house, not to mention everywhere else they were. And they were everywhere in Watertown. I marveled at the exquisite detail and the stories in his images. Little did I know, his influence slowly seeped into my creative spirit to give me the confidence to tell my own stories through my own art and photography.
To come full circle and have my own artwork displayed in the very same space as Terry Redlin is so humbling. To have artwork in a place where healing is imperative means the world to me. Watertown is my home town and I am so excited and proud to be able to display art where I was first inspired as a child growing up. I cannot thank Prairie Lakes enough for this amazing opportunity."
The artwork chosen were photographed in the eastern side of SD and reflect the culture of the PLHS service area. Below is a sampling of a few pieces. 
In the Radiology Department
Main Hospital Lobby
Hallway going to the Cafeteria
Second Floor between Material Child Health and Dietitians
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