Thursday, October 10, 2024
Heather Brewster Receives Quality Professional of the Year Award from South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organization
WATERTOWN, S.D. – October 10, 2024 – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) is proud to announce that Heather Brewster, Director of Quality and Risk Management, has been awarded the 2024 Quality Professional of the Year by the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Quality. The notable honor was presented at the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations’ 98th Annual Convention held in Rapid City, SD. Brewster, who has served as the Quality Director at PLHS since 2017, was recognized for her leadership, dedication to patient safety, and compassionate care throughout her tenure.
Holding a bachelor’s degree in nursing from SDSU, Brewster worked in PLHS’s Critical Care Unit for ten years prior to her role in quality and risk management. She is highly regarded by colleagues for her commitment to creating safe, high-quality environments for patients and has made significant contributions to advancing healthcare quality in the region.
“We are incredibly proud of Heather’s achievement and this award reflects her dedication to excellence in healthcare,” said Shelly Turbak, Chief Nursing Officer at PLHS. “Her leadership in quality and risk management has made a positive impact on the safety and care we provide at Prairie Lakes. We are fortunate to have her as part of our team.”
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Monday, September 23, 2024
Save a Life, Give Blood on Monday, October 14th at Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic
The Blood Mobile will be parked outside of the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. on Monday, October 14th
What can be done to make sure your friends, neighbors, and family receive the blood they need? It’s simple – donate blood to the Community Blood Bank.
Update: All donors will receive a $10 Hy-Vee gift card!
Ten reasons why you should give blood:
- You can save up to 3 lives!
- Not everyone is eligible to donate blood. Only 38% of the population can donate, so if you're able, you are a selected minority.
- Your body will make new blood. It takes about 24 hours to replace plasma and about 4-6 weeks to replace red blood cells.
- Giving blood is not painful. You may feel a slight prick initially but it doesn't last long.
- Donating blood burns calories! Your body will burn approximately 650 calories just by donating.
- You get a free well-check. Before you give, the phlebotomist will check your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin levels. You may also be screened by HIV, Hepatitis, and other diseases.
- It takes only 30 to 40 minutes of your time.
- You feel a boost in confidence and your emotional well-being knowing that you have done a good deel and are a part of saving lives.
- There is no substitute for human blood. Blood can not be manufactured in any way and it always in high demand.
- You may be one of the 25% of people who need blood donation one day.
Donation times are available from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again from 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Check-in is in the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic main lobby.
To schedule your appointment, click the link below and select an available time. You can also call Community Blood Bank at 605-331-3222.
Guidelines to Donate:
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Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with a signed parent consent form found at www.cbblifeblood.org) weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good general health.
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Valid identification is required at the time of registration.
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It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluid prior to donating blood. Avoid energy drinks.
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Walk-ins will be accepted, if there is room or a cancellation – staff on event day will manage this process
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Friday, September 20, 2024
National Child Passenger Seat Safety Week
Just like clothes and shoes, children grow out of their passenger safety seats depending on their height and weight - it has very little to do with age. Many parents and caregivers are uncertain as to when to move a child into either a booster or to a seatbelt.
According to the National Digital Car Seat Check Form (NDCF) database, nearly three-fourths (74.0%) of all car seats inspected by Child Passenger Safety Technicians in 2023 were improperly installed and used. Yet, a general consumer survey revealed only 1 in 5 parents and caregivers seek expert help installing a car seat or securing a child in a car seat.
The study also found three common misuses:
- The car seat installation is too loose
- Not using the tether when installing a forward-facing car seat with either the lower anchors or seat belt
- The harness is too loose when securing a child in a car seat
However, when used properly child safety seats account for thousands of saved lived and reduced injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shared the following statistics:
- In passenger cars, car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers 1 to 4 years old in passenger cars. For infants and toddlers in light trucks, the corresponding reductions are 58% and 59%, respectively.
- Since 1975, child restraints have saved the lives of an estimated 11,606 children under the age of 5.
- A recent study found that while most parents and caregivers believe they know how to properly install their car seats, about half (48%) have installed their child’s car seat incorrectly.
PLHS has several Certfified Child Passenger Seat Technicians available by appoint to check a child's safety seat. Car seat checks provide an opportunity to have your infant or toddler car seat checked by trained staff. You will be given an appointment time and should arrive with your seat already installed in your vehicle. Staff will check the seat and have you make any necessary changes to the installation of the seat. For more information or to schedule an appointment please call 605-882-7735.
In the meantime, Safe Kids provides a comprehensive online tool that can help you ensure a child's seat fit properly and when they may be ready to advance to the next step of passenger seat safety.
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Friday, September 20, 2024
Walk-In Flu Vaccination Clinics Available at PLBC Main
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System will be offering walk-in flu vaccination clinics at our Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic Main location this fall.
Walk-In Flu vaccination Clinic Event Details:
- Dates: Monday, October 14th and Monday, November 11th
- Times: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Cost: $0 (insurance will be billed)
- Doses Available: Regular and High-Dose
- Walk-in service available
COVID Vaccines
COVID vaccine availability TBD - we will share further information as soon as it becomes available.
RSV Vaccines
We will not be offering the RSV vaccines at the flu vaccination clinic at this time, but if patients would like to receive a vaccination, they may schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.
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Wednesday, September 04, 2024
Local Businesses Can Now Provide PLHS Flu Clinics to Employees
We are entering the 2024 flu season and the Center for Diseasse Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends flu vaccines for anybody 6 months or older to best protect yourself from contracting the flu and spreading it to others. PLHS is doing our part to make it as convenient as possible for local employers to offer their employees a flu vaccine while also maximizing the number of individuals who receive the vaccine.
From Monday, September 30th to Friday, October 4th, Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic staff will be visiting local businesses to provide on-site flu shots. There will be two convenient payment options for employers to take advantage of. For more information, click the link below to read the letter that has been sent to local business leaders.
If you are interested in scheduling an on-site flu clinic at your place of business, please reach out to Catie K. via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 605-882-7765.
Influenza (flu) vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the flu viruses that are used to make vaccine. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research suggests will be most common during the upcoming season.
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Tuesday, September 03, 2024
Registration is Now Open for Fall 2024 Explore Camp
Registration is Now Open for Fall 2024 Explore Camp on Friday, October 11, 2024.
This day of exploration is for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who are curious about the healthcare industry and want to learn more. The first half of the camp will feature patient treatment processes in different departments of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System along with a tour. The second half of the camp will take place at Lake Area Technical College with a provided lunch and tour.
- Date: October 11, 2024
- Time: 9 a.m. - 2:20 p.m.
The camp is limited to 60 students.
Register Today for Explore Camp
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Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Join Us at the Prairie Lakes Ice Arena Grand Opening on Thursday, September 12th
The City of Watertown is planning a grand opening of the state-of-the-art Prairie Lakes Ice Arena on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Self-guided tours will be offered throughout the evening with a ribbon cutting ceremony and short program planned at 4:30 p.m.
The community is invited to enjoy a fantastic afternoon exploring everything the Prairie Lakes Ice Arena has to offer!
What to Expect:
- Meet Watertown's new NAHL team, the Shamrocks, along with the Figure Skating Club, Curling Club, and the Watertown Lakers
- Enter to win a team-autographed Shamrocks jersey and sign-up for a giveaway from the City of Watertown & Prairie Lakes Healthcare System
- Take a self-guided tour of our state-of-the-art facility
- Enjoy open skate, refreshments, and fun activities for everyone
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System - along with First PREMIER Bank and First PREMIER Bankcard, Watertown Ford Chrysler/Bobcat, and many others - partnered with the City of Watertown and is proud to have helped make the Prairie Lakes Ice Arena a reality for our community. We invite the Watertown community to attend the grand opening and create memories with friends and families on the ice for years to come!
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Friday, August 30, 2024
Prairie Lakes Welcomes Kristopher Johnson, MD, General Surgeon
WATERTOWN, S.D. – August 30, 2024 – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Kristopher Johnson, General Surgeon, to our medical team. Dr. Johnson joins Dr. Greg Gerrish and Dr. Jacob Schaeffer in diagnosing, treating, and caring for patients at the General Surgery Clinic. He performs surgical procedures including direct access colonoscopies, breast, thyroid, hernia, gallbladder, acid reflux and more.
Dr. Johnson’s hometown is Holmen, WI. He attended undergraduate school at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN. Dr. Johnson later earned his medical degree from the University of South Dakota (USD) Sanford School of Medicine and completed his general surgery residency at USD Sanford School of Medicine in Sioux Falls, SD. Dr. Johnson recently moved to Watertown from Sioux Falls with his wife and three children. In his spare time, he enjoys being active outdoors hunting and fishing.
"I'm thrilled to join the surgical team at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and to serve the Watertown community,” said Dr. Johnson. “I look forward to building relationships with patients and working alongside the talented team here to provide the highest standard of care."
Prairie Lakes General Surgery is in the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic. To schedule an appointment, call 605-882-7777. No referral necessary.
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Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Registration is Now Open for Fall Session of Core4 by Sodexo - Early Bird Discount until September 9th!
Fall is a perfect season to set a new, healthier routine - Core4 by Sodexo can help!
Change your lifestyle, change your eating habits, change your attitude and change your life! Classes start Tuesday, September 17th with a $20 Early Bird discount available until Monday, September 9th.
Core4 by Sodexo is based on the principle that effective weight management isn’t just about losing pounds. It’s about gaining a healthier, more rewarding lifestyle. During this twelve-week program, our Registered Dietitians 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!
The 12-Week CORE4 Schedule: 
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- Week 1: Introduction
- Week 2: Individual Appointment with a Registered Dietitian
- Week 3: Behavior Modification
- Week 4: Grocery Store Tour
- Week 5: My Plate Portion Sizes and Label Reading
- Week 6: The Power of Movement
- Week 7: Meal Planning and Dining Out
- Week 8: Fat, Cholesterol and Triglycerides
- Week 9: Carbohydrates and Fiber
- Week 10: Protein, Stress, Sleep Hydration
- Week 11:Vitamins and Minerals
- Week 12: Moving On
Early-Bird Incentive:
Register online on/before Monday, September 9th and receive $20 off your registration fee.
Session Meeting Times and Locations:
There are two sessions available so that you can choose which one best suits your schedule. Each class will be one hour long.
- Tuesdays at 12:00 p.m. beginning on September 17th: Classes will be held in the West Conference Room
- Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m. beginning on September 18th: Classes will be held in the Specialty Clinic Conference Room
The program is limited to 10 attendees per session, so be sure to get registered soon before they fill up!
Additional Details
To enhance your Core4 experience, we are now offering the use of the PLHS Cardiopulmonary Rehab gym with healthcare staff assistance. More information will be shared at the first Core4 class.
Body Composition Analysis (BCA)
This analysis is based on an individual’s personal information using weight, height and age. The BCA shows the composition of your body in terms of fat, muscle, and water content. This can help you concentrate on losing body fat and increasing muscle mass instead of just focusing on losing pounds. A body composition analysis is completed at the beginning and the end of this 12 week program.
Update: The Fall 2024 Core4 Program is now sold out. Look for more information on the next Core4 session after the new year!
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Thursday, August 15, 2024
Arrow & Cyclone Strength Programs Successfully Improved Student-Athlete Performance
The 2024 Arrow Strength and Cyclone Strength Summer Programs were a tremendous success!
Strength and Conditioning Coach, Aaron Jung, created Arrow Strength in 2023 with the goal of helping to develop the speed, agility, and strength of local student-athletes in a positive, supportive, and non-competitive environment. Aaron shares, “The main reason the program was developed was to offer a well thought out and progressive strength and conditioning program specifically designed with the athlete in mind. The program is designed for all athletes, whether the athlete is new to training or has spent numerous years following a strength and conditioning program. The program focuses on preventing injuries in the weight room, reducing sport-related injuries, helping enhance athletic performance, and promoting confidence not only physically, but mentally as well.”
In 2024, Athletic Trainer Jodi DeVaal created Cyclone Strength based on Aaron's philosophy. The Cyclone Strength 2024 Summer Program served student-athletes from both Clark and Willow Lake High Schools.
Creating such a comprehensive training program right in here Watertown and surrounding areas is important to student athletes from all sports teams and every experience level. The program helps to build a student’s confidence, in all areas of life, so they are more prepared to hit the field, court, or arena and reach their full potential in the 2024-2025 season.
To summarize the success of each program, we pulled a variety of metrics to gauge athletic improvement over the course of the 8-week program.
Arrow Strength
Total Athletes: 212
- 88% overall improvement in the 20-yard Sprint Grades 7-12
- 75% overall improvement in the Vertical/Non-Approach Jump Grades 7-12
- 87% overall improvement in the Broad/Standing Long Jump Grades 7-12
- 86% overall improvement in Pro-Agility/5-10-5 Drill Grades 7-12
- 82% overall improvement in Bench Press (Upper Body Strength) Grades 9-12 only
- 94% overall improvement in Trap Bar Deadlift (Lower Body Strength) Grades 9-12 only
- 85% overall improvement compared to 73% overall improvement for the summer program 2023.
Cyclone Strength
Total Athletes: 50
- 100% felt that they had improved over the summer
- 50% overall improvement in Vertical Jump
- 64% overall improvement in Broad Jump
- 41% overall improvement in agility
- 59% overall improvement with speed
Additional Comments from Student-Athlete Participants
- It was fun and much needed in Watertown
- I really liked being able to train and test our abilities, will definitely do it next year
- Coach Jung is by far the best strength training coach I've had in a while. He has been very supportive to everyone in the weightroom. He's very talkative and likes to have conversations about strength and strength training. He’s very good at his job and I would definitely love if I could come back next year but unfortunately, I'm a senior
- Great program! helped me gain strength and speed at a fast and healthy rate!
- I had fun
- I can lift more and run better
- I feel stronger
Stay tuned for information about our 2025 Arrow and Cyclone Strength Summer Programs offered by the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Sports Medicine Team.
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Monday, August 12, 2024
Prairie Lakes Received a 5-Star Quality Rating from CMS for Second Consecutive Year
WATERTOWN, S.D. – August 12, 2024 – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) recently received an overall five out of five-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) based on data evaluating outcomes, patient experience, and processes. This marks the second consecutive year PLHS has received this rating.
PLHS is one of only 381 hospitals out of approximately 3,000, representing the top 8% of hospitals across the United States, to receive the highest possible rating from CMS. PLHS is one of six hospitals in South Dakota to receive a five-star designation for 2024.
“Receiving the highest quality rating from CMS two years in a row is a testament to the culture of excellence, compassion, and quality care at Prairie Lakes,” said Shelly Turbak, Chief Nursing Officer at PLHS.
The overall star rating for hospitals nationwide is based on how well a hospital performs across five critical quality measures: mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective care. Compared to 2023, CMS awarded 102 fewer hospitals in its five-star quality rating.
John Allen, PLHS Chief Executive Officer added, “Achieving five-star recognition reflects the tremendous teamwork and commitment to excellence by every member of our healthcare team. It’s validation of the passion and genuine care our staff provide to patients every day.”
About CMS
CMS is the federal agency that provides health coverage to more than 160 million people through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and the Health Insurance Marketplace. CMS works in partnership with the entire health care community to improve quality, equity, and outcomes in the health care system. Learn More about CMS at https://www.cms.gov/about-cms.
About Prairie Lakes Healthcare System
Located in Watertown, S.D., Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is an independent healthcare organization that provides care for 90,000 people in a ten-county region of northeast South Dakota and western Minnesota. The system is focused on meeting the needs of the region with a mission to make a positive difference in the health of the patients and communities they serve. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System offers exceptional care every day in close to 30 medical specialties/services with over 800 physicians, caregivers, and professionals on staff to serve their communities.
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Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Patient Billing is Going Digital!
Starting in mid-August, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System patient billing will be sent through email and text message to increase convenience, reduce paper waste, and provider personalized messages. This new digital billing applies to all services at Prairie Lakes except primary care services with Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic.
Patients will be able to update delivery methods in the portal at any time. This allows us to prioritize patient communication preferences while optimizing billing processes to:
- Deliver statements faster
- Increase patient engagement and self-service
- Improve speed to pay
- Reduce printing costs and carbon footprint
How It Works:
- Patients will receive a text and/or email with a link to the payment portal. The link will automatically populate their account number so they will only have to enter their date of birth to authenticate into the portal.
- The patient will be able to make payments, set up a payment plan, view/print their statement, and set their delivery preferences.
- If the patient does not engage with the digital communication within a week, a statement will be mailed to the patient.
By embracing modern communication methods, we are aligning our services with patient expectations, providing more convenience, and contributing to a greener environment.
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Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Error In Some Patient Letters From Third-Party Vendor’s Data Security Incident
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) was notified that its business associate and third-party radiology vendor, Consulting Radiologists LTD. (CRL), experienced a data incident that may have resulted in the inadvertent exposure of personal and medical information of current and former PLHS patients. Although this incident did not occur within PLHS data systems, PLHS has worked diligently with CRL to determine exactly what happened and what information was involved because of this incident.
On or around July 16, 2024, CRL sent notification letters to affected Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) patients. Unfortunately, some letters incorrectly indicated they were sent on behalf of other healthcare organizations (e.g., North Shore Health, Northfield Hospital). Please be assured that if you received a letter from CRL regarding a data incident, it is legitimate. A corrected letter will be sent to those affected by this error. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
The letters included additional information about what occurred, outlined the specific personal information that could have been exposed for that individual, and provided a toll-free number that individuals can call to learn more about the incident. The call center can be reached at 1-833-566-7922 and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern time.
PLHS is committed to ensuring the security and protection of patient information within its control and is working with CRL to prevent a similar event from occurring in the future. PLHS understands the inconvenience or concern that this matter may cause and encourages affected individuals to remain vigilant, monitor accounts, and immediately report any suspicious activity or suspected misuse of personal information.
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Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Prepare Your Kids for a Healthy School Year
Set your children up for success this school year by ensuring vaccinations are up to date to avoid unwanted illnesses causing them to miss class. The beginning of the school year usually means more interaction with other kids and adults – this also means more opportunities for spreading germs and getting sick.
Schedule an annual well-child visit or a sports physical with a Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic Provider at either Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic location by calling 605-886-8482. You do not need to be a current patient of Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic to make an appointment.
Annual Well-Child Visit
- From newborn to 18 years
- Comprehensive assessment
- Vaccination review and administration if needed
- Age-Appropriate guidance for parents
Kindergarten Vaccinations 
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis)(DTaP)
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Polio (IPV)
- Influenza (Flu) – highly recommended
6th Grade Vaccinations
- Meningococcal disease (MenACWY)
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis)(Tdap)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) – highly recommended
- Influenza (Flu) – highly recommended
Benefits of vaccinating your child now:
- Protect against dangerous diseases, including infections where the risk of exposure increases as adolescents get older
- Boost protection from several diseases, as protection from each childhood vaccines wears off
Sports Physicals
Sports physicals are required before the new sports season begins in order to ensure student-athletes are healthy enough to play safely all year long. A comprehensive sports physical includes:
- Review of medical history including:
- any previous injuries or concussion history
- lifestyle and health habits
- Physical examination including:
- heart and lung check
- muscle, bone, and joint examination
- blood pressure, height, and weight
The following forms must be completed and signed by the student's guardian prior to the exam.
- Download the forms: pdf South Dakota High School Activities Association Pre-Participation Form Packet (565 KB)
- Print the forms.
- Fill out the forms.
- Bring the completed signed forms to your appointment.
Sports physicals are provided by appointment at either Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic location. To make an appointment, call 605-886-8482.
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