Category: featured

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics Recognized Two Consecutive Years for Performance Leadership by The Chartis Center for Rural Health

As part of National Rural Health Day, Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics has been recognized with two 2024 Performance Leadership Awards for excellence in Quality and Patient Perspective. Compiled by the Chartis Center for Rural Health, the Performance Leadership Awards honor top quartile performance (i.e., 75th percentile or above) among rural hospitals in Quality, Outcomes and/or Patient Perspective.

“At Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics, we’re honored to consistently receive awards recognizing the exceptional care our patients experience. This is a testament to the outstanding professionalism and dedication of our team,” said Tim Ahlers, FACHE, CEO. “We couldn’t be prouder to serve our communities with excellence.”

The Performance Leadership Awards are based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, a comprehensive and objective framework for assessing how rural hospitals are performing. INDEX benchmarks are relied upon by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure performance across multiple areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

“The Performance Leadership Awards capture the commitment, diligence, and innovation with which America’s rural hospitals approach the delivery of care within their communities,” said Troy Brown, Network Consultant, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “It’s a tremendous honor to be able to recognize the efforts of this year’s award winners and celebrate their achievement.”

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics (GMHC) has been a committed member of the Guttenberg community since its founding more than 60 years ago. A Critical Access Hospital, licensed to deliver acute, skilled, observation and hospice inpatient care, the 25-bed hospital offers a wide range of services to help the community live healthier. GMHC provides primary medical care for patients of all ages through Cornerstone Family Practice with clinics in Guttenberg, Edgewood and Garnavillo. GMHC operates the community ambulance service and supports area trauma care via a state-certified Level IV Community Trauma Center. The Family Resource Center is an extension of GMHC and offers a variety of services to increase access to health and human services for families in the surrounding areas.

For more details about the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, contact Billy Balfour at wbalfour@chartis.com.

Audie’s Story

Most people who know Audie see him as a quiet person, but behind this demeanor he’s very competitive—especially with himself.

Back in 2019, Audie set an impressive goal for himself: to walk a minimum of 13,000 steps each day, which adds up to just over 5 ¾ miles. This daily challenge was one he committed to wholeheartedly, as he pushed himself to maintain his routine rain or shine. His dedication to his goal was so strong that he didn’t miss a single day until November 27, 2023, when he underwent open-heart surgery—a temporary pause in his journey to better health.

In 2023, during a check-up with Dr. Hoffmann—just one week before the doctor retired—concerning issues came to light. Audie scheduled a follow-up appointment with Cardiologist Dr. Ramabadran (Dr. Ram.) to further investigate his condition, which revealed severe stenosis and a needed aortic valve replacement.

Even though open-heart surgery was the best option for his condition, Dr. Ram believed that Audie’s commitment to daily exercise may have played a significant role in masking the severity of his heart condition. His consistent daily walking routine likely kept his body strong and resilient, making it difficult for him to feel the full impact of the severe stenosis. Audie’s dedication to staying active might have minimized symptoms, underscoring the powerful impact of regular exercise on overall health—even when underlying issues are present.

After his surgery last November, Audie requested to complete his rehab at GMHC. Dr. Ram, who also serves as a cardiology specialist at GMHC, agreed to Audie’s request, making it possible for him to complete his rehab and receive follow-up care right here at home with familiar faces.

“They started me slowly and were incredibly careful, while always encouraging me in my recovery,” reflected Audie. “It was such a blessing to be able to stay local for my rehab. I can’t say enough about the incredible team that we have here. They’re caring, compassionate, encouraging, and they work together so well. Whoever I work with always has a smile on their face and is always helpful.”

As part of his rehab, Audie completed 36 sessions, 2 to 3 sessions per week, spread out over 15 weeks. Upon completion of the program, Audie was granted free access to the GMHC Rehab Gym. Audie took full advantage of this perk and began his next walking streak to maintain his health, continue to improve his cardiovascular fitness, and lose a little bit of weight to enjoy and extend his life.

“Through 11/24/24, I have now met my new revised goal of walking a minimum of 11,300 steps (5 miles) each day for 282 consecutive days. Not only do I enjoy being at GMHC to work out and see the staff who took such great care of me, but I also enjoy opportunities to encourage other rehab patients on their journey back to health.”

Audie’s determination and resilience are truly inspiring as he makes every step count towards his personal goals.

“We choose GMHC for our healthcare needs because they truly put us at the center of everything they do, and I believe that vote of confidence drives them to provide the best care possible,” shared Becky Shaffer.

Originally from Cedar Rapids, Becky and Mike Shaffer have been coming up to Guttenberg since they purchased their Esmann Island get-away in 2005. They spent many long weekends enjoying all of the amenities Guttenberg has to offer.

In 2009, when she slipped on water in her bathroom and hit her head on the wall, Becky had her first experience at GMHC in the Emergency Department. “I was incredibly impressed with the care I received,” recalled Becky. She has also brought friends throughout the years who had experienced mis-haps and as an observer, she was struck by how professional and efficient the hospital was with their care as well.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Mike and Becky took advantage of their part-time residence on the island and used it as their full-time home. The couple enjoyed their new lifestyle so much, they decided to make Guttenberg their permanent residence. “The confidence in the care we’d received at GMHC was one of the big reasons we chose to live full-time in Guttenberg,” said Becky, “especially since we’re not getting any younger!”

On the first day of fall in 2022, Becky tripped on her flip-flops and tumbled down the steps of her screened-in-porch, and was unable to move. “Thankfully, our neighbor’s son happened to stop next door and heard me calling out for help. The ambulance arrived and the team was simply awesome. They told me exactly what they were going to do, they were incredibly gentle and paid close attention to every word I said,” Becky reflected. 

When she arrived at the Emergency Department, imaging revealed Becky had shattered her humerus and tore her rotator cuff. “I was in so much pain, but everyone, the EMT, the ER staff and the imaging technician was incredibly cautious and concerned about my comfort. I was so thankful for the professional care I could get right here in Guttenberg!” 

After surgery in Cedar Rapids that included a plate and screws to repair her injuries, Becky came back to GMHC for Physical Therapy. “I can’t say enough about the rehab team! They were tough, they pushed me, and they gave me the use of my arm back. And the receptionist, Trish! What a way to begin my rehab appointment… walking in and being greeted by her.”

Mike and Becky have transitioned most of their healthcare to GMHC. “I love GMHC! I think the biggest difference for me is the way that I am treated here. I feel like a person, not a name on a chart, and I’ve felt this way consistently with the care that I have received here. I feel authentically cared for when I’m here. I’m listened to and not rushed, and yes, it is pretty convenient to park right outside the door, walk right in and rarely wait!”

In fact, Becky appreciated her experiences at GMHC so much, she wanted to be a part of the team as a Volunteer Greeter. Becky’s cheerful, upbeat attitude helps lessen anxiety in the patient waiting area, but she is also very aware that some people would rather be alone. “I have been blessed with conversation skills. I can talk to just about anyone,” she laughed. “I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the hospital for all of the excellent, professional care Mike and I have received here since relocating to Guttenberg. Volunteering gives me a reason to stay active in the community and help others,” Becky commented.

The mission of the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities is to keep the communities served by GMHC healthy and strong to ensure the future of healthcare in Guttenberg. Embracing the mission, Mike and Becky joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors in the fall of 2023. “We have experienced first-hand the value of GMHC for our healthcare, as well as all that GMHC does for our community. We want to be a part of helping others appreciate our excellent, local healthcare, and assist in keeping it strong.” shared Becky. “Yes, it is convenient, but more than that, we appreciate the quality care right here in Guttenberg!” 

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics is pleased to announce the addition of Megan Eisel, dermatology physician assistant.

Megan is now available to see patients at Cornerstone Family Practice in Guttenberg. Megan brings her advanced expertise in dermatology, including comprehensive skin care services like skin cancer screenings, acne treatment, and aesthetic dermatology.

Megan Eisel, PA-C, CAQ-Derm is the founder and owner of Driftless Skin Center, P.C.  She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree with honors in Biology. She then went on to Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center graduating in 2003 with a degree in Physician Assistant Studies. While at DMU, she was inducted into the Alpha Eta Honor Society. Following graduation she moved to the Chicagoland area where she worked in general private dermatology practice for 8 years, before moving to Dubuque, IA in 2011 to continue her career as a dermatology physician assistant at Grand River Medical Group. In 2024 she founded Driftless Skin Center, P.C. in Dubuque.

Megan will provide a wide range of services and treatment options for:

•  Skin Cancer

•  Moles

•  Acne

•  Hair Loss

•  Skin Rashes

•  and More

To schedule an appointment with Megan at Cornerstone Family Practice in Guttenberg call 563-252-2141.

GMHC Advanced Wound Care opens on Friday, November 8 and is a specialized outpatient wound care treatment center dedicated to the care of patients with wounds.

Wounds that are hard-to-heal or non-healing may be a result of pressure, trauma or infection. Sometimes, the simplest of wounds can turn into a significant problem due to underlying conditions, including diabetes, circulation problems or previous radiation treatment. These wounds can have serious health consequences and may adversely affect your quality of life.

Healing wounds is our specialty! Even the most difficult wounds that have not responded to other treatments may see significant improvement at our center. Jamie Hammerand, NP, and Taylor Grinstead, NP, have undergone specialized wound care training. Their commitment to enhancing their skills ensures our patients receive the highest quality care. At our wound center, our team of experienced wound care nurses and providers will assess your symptoms, determine the underlying cause of your non-healing wound and customize the most effective treatment plan to stimulate healing.

We specialize in treating wounds of all types, including:

•  Diabetic foot ulcers

•  Venous ulcers

•  Pressure injuries/ulcers

•  Non-healing, post-surgical wounds

•  Traumatic wounds

•  Arterial/ischemic ulcers

•  Acute or delayed radiation wounds or injuries (external)

•  Compromised skin flaps and grafts

•  Crush injuries

•  Any wound that is not healing or is of concern

If you or a loved one has a wound that is of concern or is not healing properly, contact our Advanced Wound Care Center at 563-252-5605 to schedule an appointment.

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics is pleased to announce a new way to support the Community Resource Center project while honoring or memorializing a loved one and bringing beauty inside our hospital and clinics through Project Beautify!

From serene sunsets on the Mighty Mississippi to breathtaking autumn displays along the rolling countryside, Project Beautify showcases images of the Clayton County area, taken by local professional photographers. Choose your favorite image from our selection to adorn the walls of GMHC in memory of, or honor of, your loved one.

Project Beautify sponsorship level is $1,300 per image, with $1,000 of the sponsorship fee going to the Community Resource Center Campaign, where our new Family Resource Center will be located.

Images measure 30″ x 20″ and will include a 4″ x 4″ plaque placed below the image noting the donor and loved one.

To sponsor an image, contact Amy Speed at amy.speed@guttenberghospital.org or by calling 563-252-5558.

In celebration of National Donate Life Month this April, GMHC had a flag-raising ceremony on April 10th. The act symbolizes our collective appreciation for the miracles of organ, eye and tissue donation and recognizes those who have chosen to give the invaluable gift of life. During the event, two donor stories were shared. One from a living donor, Jody Wille, and one from a recipient, Donna Simon.

In 2023, Iowa stood as a beacon of hope and generosity. 123 organ donors provided 350 organs for transplantation, offering a second chance at life for many. Additionally, 1,027 tissue donors from our state brought healing and relief to countless individuals, three of which came from GMHC, each tissue donor impacting 50 to 350 people’s lives. Despite these life-changing acts, over 106,000 people in the U.S. are still waiting for a crucial organ transplant, including more than 600 Iowans.

The Donate Life flag raising ceremony not only highlights the ongoing need for life-saving transplants but also salutes the donors and families for their profound act of giving. Every donor has a story, and each story is a testament to human kindness and resilience.

Jody Wille

Jody Wille’s uncle, Owen Harbaugh, had kidney damage due to hypertension. When his kidneys stopped functioning, he had to go on dialysis for a short period of time. That is, until his niece, Jody Wille, who was a perfect match, stepped up to donate one of her kidneys.

Owen was a veteran and in August, 2002, surgeons from UIHC came to the VA in Iowa City to perform the 3 to 4 hour surgery. Surgery was on a Thursday. Jody was out of the hospital by Saturday while her Uncle Owen stayed a few more days to ensure his body was adjusting to Jody’s kidney. And, it did! 

“The surgeons told them that most kidneys sleep a while before working in the new recipient, but mine started working right away in Uncle Owen,” said Jody.

“My uncle was very close to our family and I felt this was the least I could do for him. Uncle Owen was never married or had children, so my siblings and I were like his kids,” said Jody.

“I tell people that being a living donor is giving a gift that keeps giving, not only to the recipient, but to their family and friends who get to spend more time together. Uncle Owen lived with my donated kidney for 18 more years, attending family celebrations like weddings and graduations of his numerous nieces and nephews, and birthday parties of his beloved great nieces and nephews.” 

Although Jody was told that the surgery is harder on the person who donates than the person who receives, that was not true for her. She exercised daily prior to surgery by walking 3-5 miles per day and drank plenty of water. Jody was off work for about four weeks for her recovery, and declared, “It was well worth it for our family to have those extra 18 years with Uncle Owen.” 

Donna Simon

Donna Simon, a double lung recipient, was present to read a heartfelt letter that was written and sent to her by the mother of Donna’s 21-year-old donor. The letter described how he was a musician, enjoyed football and wrestling, left behind a son, and how he had a big heart. “He was a hero and signed up just in case something ever happened to him,” the letter read. The letter also included photos of the young man and his son. Donna shared the change that this gift has made in her life, allowing her to be more active with her children and grandchildren, and at the ceremony without her oxygen port.

The trend of hope continues to rise in Iowa, with increasing numbers embracing organ and tissue donation. You too can be a part of this journey of hope and healing. Register at IowaDonorNetwork.org to be a registered donor and join GMHC on Friday, April 12th by wearing blue or green to build awareness for donating life.

GMHC Marketing and Development Director, Amy Speed, and the ER team that provided care for her

Amy’s Story

In my marketing role at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics, I get the privilege of promoting our hospital, our services, our family practice clinics, and our team of caregivers. One of the ways we promote GMHC is by sharing grateful patient stories. I was recently one of those grateful patients!

The last week of February, I was sick at home for several days. With high fever, chills and nausea, I thought I was fighting the stomach flu. And, because my career is not medical, but marketing, I really didn’t know any better!

By day five, feeling worse rather than better, my husband and I made the trip from our home in Cascade to Guttenberg to the GMHC Emergency Department. I was immediately taken into an emergency room where Angie Schmitt, RN, and ED/Hospitalist Bryon Bellinger, ARNP, provided care for me without delay. My IV was started and as Hylari Buensuceso, Medical Lab Scientist, gently drew my blood, I shut my eyes and rested, confident I was in good hands as they worked busily to determine what was ailing me.

After several tests and a CT scan by Samantha Bailey, Radiology Technologist, I was diagnosed with a bilateral kidney infection. Bryon explained the CT scan revealed both of my kidneys were inflamed with infection. When he told me I would be spending the night in the hospital on our Patient Care Unit, I got a little emotional. I didn’t realize just how severely sick I was. He assured me that I would feel much better in the morning after an evening of fluids and additional IV antibiotics. He was right! Thank you, Bryon, for your wisdom, professionalism, and reassurance.

Angie delivered me and my left arm’s new friend, the IV, up to my room to get comfy for the night and shortly after, a nice hot supper arrived. Besides childbirth, this was my first night in the hospital and I was impressed with how clean my room was and how incredibly quiet my stay was. I was well taken care of through the night; my water cup stayed filled and I was helped as needed. I barely remember the 4:30am visit from Altair Labagala, Medical Lab Scientist, to collect more blood.

Around 7am Thursday morning, Angie checked back in on me, giving me one more dose of IV antibiotic, and bringing me a yummy breakfast of a banana, oatmeal and toast, satisfying my recently returned appetite.

By 9am, after a visit with ED/Hospitalist George Osai, ARNP, who confirmed my improved lab results, I was released to go home. Angie walked me through my paperwork, my medication, and made me laugh more than once. Yes, laughter is good medicine! Thank you, Angie, for being my nurse and for the great care you gave me! You made me feel like I was your only patient even though I know I was not.

My husband picked me up and I left GMHC feeling much better, with the sun and a smile on my face! On Friday I received an unexpected, but much appreciated call from health coach Jody Pierce, RN, BSN, from Cornerstone Family Practice. Her warm and friendly demeanor and genuine concern for my health warmed my heart. By Monday, I was well enough to go back to work and looked forward to seeing and thanking my co-workers who took such excellent care of me!

My faith confirms that everything happens for a reason. I know that my patient experience will help me better market the extraordinary gift this hospital is to Guttenberg and its surrounding communities. The experience of walking right into our ED and being cared for immediately…WOW! The behind-the-scenes work in lab and imaging, the clean and comfy room, the hot breakfast, the compassionate care by my kind co-workers, all is greatly appreciated.

There is absolutely no place I would have rather been to receive my care than 45 minutes North at GMHC in Guttenberg!

Thank you, team GMHC, for partnering with me on my health recovery journey. I appreciate you all, the important work you do, and I am honored to work alongside and promote each of you.

Amy Speed

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. To help save a life and prevent a scare, GMHC employee Shannon Bachtell shares her story:

My biological father died from complications of colon cancer at the age of 56. Because of this, routine colonoscopies became a part of my life at 36, a relatively young age.  

In July of 2023 I went in for my annual colonoscopy. At that time, a few polyps were removed, including some that were precancerous. The bigger issue was a few polyps that were unable to be safely removed due to their location. It was determined to let things settle down and reattempt in December. In December, I went in for my second colonoscopy and again had polyps removed, including one that was precancerous. However they were still unable to remove the polyps that were previously inaccessible. They remained where they were and were unable to be safely removed. 

At that time, given that I had several precancerous polyps removed at this point and that the polyps remained inaccessible, it was determined that the best course of action was to perform a right hemicolectomy with anastomosis. In other words, they removed my right ascending colon and reattached everything. (So no, I don’t have a colostomy). They also removed 13 lymph nodes and as an added bonus, my appendix. The results of this were “multiple precancerous polyps” but because of the aggressive treatment, everything that was causing a problem was now gone.

Prognosis? Excellent.

I will continue to have annual colonoscopies but because they removed a sizable piece of my colon, along with the lymph nodes, my chances of developing colon cancer remain low, especially with annual screenings.

Moral of the story? Get your screenings done! It’s not that bad and it could save your life. 

 

By Caroline Rosacker, Guttenberg Press

During the COVID-19 pandemic the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics (GMHC) hired front door screeners to greet patients and guide them through the check-in questions. At that time, hospital staff members recognized what an asset it was to have someone there to greet patients.  

Volunteer Greeter Program 

“In the fall of 2022, we conceptualized a volunteer program and reached out to other hospitals regarding their programs,” commented Amy Speed, Director of Marketing and Development. “We launched our program in March of 2023, with Becky Shaffer being our first volunteer greeter.”  

Becky Shaffer of Guttenberg had previous volunteer greeter experience and was very helpful in guiding the hospital’s program.  

“Becky not only greets our patients, but escorts them to different departments if they need guidance, and most importantly, visits with them to pass the time while they are waiting. She also has met with some folks in the chapel” Speed told The Press.  

The volunteer program began with mornings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The hospital added another greeter, retired nurse and former hospital employee, Deb Schlueter, in June. “Our program is very flexible, in fact, Deb is away during the winter and will step back into her position upon her return in the spring” noted Speed.  

Positive feedback 

GMHC has received positive feedback on patient surveys proving that the program enhances patient experience. In October, one person commented. “Loved visiting with your greeter!”  

The healthcare facility hopes to expand their volunteer program to five days a week, and more hours per day. Potential volunteers will go through an interview process and will be trained for their very important role as the first person to greet patients.  

Becky Shaffer 

Although Deb Schlueter is enjoying time away from her volunteer position, The Press was able to sit down with Becky and visit with her about her involvement in the program.  

Mike and Becky Shaffer took advantage of their part-time residence on Esman Island and used it as their full-time home during the Covid-19 pandemic. The couple decided if they had to shelter in place they would rather be on the island watching the Mississippi River flow by, than living in their permanent residence in nearby Cedar Rapids.  

The Shaffers purchased their island get-away in 2005 and spent many long weekends enjoying all the amenities Guttenberg has to offer. “We were always on the go and quite busy,” said Becky. “When we were encouraged to shelter-in-place our lives slowed down and we experienced living in Guttenberg through a different lens.”   

The couple enjoyed their new lifestyle and decided to make Guttenberg their permanent residence. “Mike is able to work from home, but still drives back and forth to Cedar Rapids when he needs to,” she explained. “To our great surprise our children have relocated to this beautiful community as well! Our son, T.K and his wife, Lisa live in the Estes Point area, and our daughter, Shannon purchased property in the River Ridge Acres subdivision and is set to build in the spring.” 

Giving back to her community 

Becky sought out volunteer work almost as soon as they were settled in and able to be social. “We have always been so impressed with the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics. It was one of the main reasons we choose to live full-time in Guttenberg,” she said.  

Amy Speed approached Becky about volunteering as a greeter in the main lobby of the hospital. “I had done this kind of volunteer work at Mercy hospital in Cedar Rapids, so I was familiar with the protocol. Confidentiality is a must,” she stressed.  

Becky’s cheerful, upbeat attitude helps lessen anxiety in the patient waiting area, but she is also very aware that some people would rather be alone. “I have been blessed with wonderful conversation skills. I can talk to just about anyone,” she laughed. ” My goal is for people to leave here with a smile on their face.”  

The eager volunteer is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the hospital for all the excellent, professional care she and her husband have received since relocating to Guttenberg.  “Volunteering at GMHC gives me a reason to stay active in the community and help others,” Becky commented.  

Small town connections 

The Shaffers have also experienced many small town connections. “When we met Juanita, and the late Russ Loven I found out that my father was Russ’ coach in high school. I heard so many wonderful stories about my father that I had never heard before,” she shared. “The family that lived in our home following the derecho was Norm Kopecky’s brother. Small town connections are so much fun!”  

Becky, who is active in St. Mary’s Church, and is a member of Umbrella Arts, Ingleside Club, and a Stephen Minister leader, is very impressed with the GMHC staff. “They all work together as a team, and help one another,” she proudly shared. “It just makes me happy to be in this environment and they are so appreciative. I love this community and want people to see Guttenberg the way my husband and I see Guttenberg – a great place to live, work, volunteer, and play!”  

Would you like to join GMHC as a volunteer greeter? Apply online or contact Amy Speed at amy.speed@guttenberghospital for more information. 

>
The owner of this website has made a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, please report any problems that you encounter using the contact form on this website. This site uses the WP ADA Compliance Check plugin to enhance accessibility.