Amy Speed, Author at Guttenberg Hospital

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital Receives State Recognition for Pediatric Readiness

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital is the seventeenth hospital in Iowa to be recognized for readiness to provide emergency care for children through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) EMS for Children program’s Iowa Pediatric Emergency Assessment and Care (IPEAC) Recognition Program, the hospital announced today.

IPEAC was designed and launched in 2023 by the Iowa Emergency Medical Services for Children program. It recognizes the work of hospitals of all sizes to ensure each is prepared to provide initial stabilization, treatment and any needed transfers to definitive care for ill and injured children in Iowa.

“IPEAC focuses on support, encouragement and resource sharing to help raise the bar for pediatric care in all Iowa hospitals,” said Brad VandeLune, chief of Iowa HHS’s Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services. “We are proud of Guttenberg Hospital’s work in pediatric care. This recognition really demonstrates that hospitals of all sizes can achieve the program goals and provide quality emergency care for children.”

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital is a 25-bed hospital located in Guttenberg, Iowa. Participation in the IPEAC program has been offered to all 120 Iowa hospitals. To be recognized, hospitals must complete an application that includes requirements for equipment, training and support of pediatric patients and their families. Evaluation of applicants includes a site visit to the hospital.

“Pediatric readiness signifies our hospital’s commitment to delivering timely, specialized emergency care for children,” said Keri Smith, CNO. “It assures our community that we are prepared, equipped, and united in protecting the health of our youngest patients when it matters most.” Iowa Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) is a program of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services. IPEAC and EMSC are funded by a federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration.

Three years running! Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics has once again earned two 2024 Performance Leadership Awards—recognizing outstanding achievement in Quality and Patient Perspective as part of National Rural Health Day. Award data, compiled by the Chartis Center for Rural Health, highlights hospitals performing in the top quartile nationwide.

“We are truly honored to continue receiving recognition for the outstanding care provided at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics. These awards reflect the hard work, dedication, and compassion of our remarkable team,” said Tim Ahlers, FACHE, CEO. “It’s a privilege to care for the communities we serve.”

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.”

After nearly 30 years as a veterinarian in Belgium, Didier Vanderbiest made the bold decision to pursue a childhood dream: bringing the renowned Belgian Blue cattle breed to the United States. Known for producing exceptionally lean yet tender beef, the breed inspired Didier to share its unique qualities with American farmers and consumers. In April 2020, that dream took root when a family farm in Garber welcomed his project. Didier produced embryos in Belgium and partnered with local farmer Brian Schumann, who implanted them in June 2021— resulting in the first purebred Belgian Blue calves born on Iowa soil in March 2022.

Didier's Story — “At GMHC, everything was fast, convenient, and well coordinated. I was confident in my care and very happy with my decision to have surgery locally.” Didier Vanderbiest

For months, Didier split his life between Belgium and Iowa, traveling back and forth to support the growing herd. In 2022, he took another step in planting roots by investing in the Garnavillo Mini Mart. The store soon became a family-centered venture—Brian’s brother, Brad Schumann, manages the adjoining auto service business, and Didier’s wife now sells her traditional Belgian waffles alongside pizzas, wraps, and other simple meals. The family immigrated to the United States on a five-year visa, continuing to build both their business and their life in the community of Garnavillo.

In May 2025, Didier visited Dr. Chris Johnson at Cornerstone Family Practice with a concern he suspected might be serious. During the exam, Dr. Johnson identified a hernia, which was confirmed through an ultrasound at GMHC. As an international resident insured through CIGNA Global, Didier was unsure how hernia surgery costs would be handled. Clinic receptionist Kathy Schmelzer connected him with Lana Troester, Financial Counselor, who worked directly with CIGNA to confirm that his care at GMHC would be covered. Although he would still be responsible for the deductible, he would be able to have surgery locally without delaying care or leaving his businesses for an extended period.

Didier considered returning to Belgium for surgery, where the public health system would have made the procedure less expensive. However, wait times there can range from three to six months, and returning overseas would require stepping away from both the cattle operation and the mini mart. After weighing his options, he chose to have surgery at GMHC. He was scheduled with Dr. Mansfield on June 24, just a few weeks after his diagnosis—much sooner than would have been possible overseas. When Didier stopped in to pre-pay his deductible, he received an unexpected 10% prompt-pay discount, saving several hundred dollars—a very pleasant surprise that eased the financial burden.

His recovery went smoothly, he was back on his feet quickly, and follow-up care was coordinated with ease. “It is very important to have a short time between when you understand you have a problem and the response,” Didier shared. “At GMHC, everything was fast, convenient, and well-coordinated. I was confident in my care and very happy with my decision to have surgery locally.”

Today, Didier is back to doing what brought him to northeast Iowa in the first place—continuing the development of purebred Belgian Blue cattle and investing in small-town community life. The Garnavillo Mini Mart has become a gathering spot where neighbors stop in for lunch and enjoy his wife’s homemade Belgian waffles, while the cattle project continues to grow steadily. For Didier, being able to stay close to both ventures during his treatment made a difference not only in convenience, but in peace of mind. “Our life is here now,” he said. “Having my care at GMHC allowed me to continue building our future, without having to step away from it.”

Catie Dean, RT, Recognized as GMHC Rose Award Honoree

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics (GMHC) is proud to recognize Respiratory Therapist, Catie Dean, as the recipient of the 1st Annual Rose Award. The Rose Award honors non-nursing healthcare professionals who demonstrate exceptional compassion, service, and dedication in support of patient care.

Catie was celebrated during a recognition ceremony for all the nominees at GMHC on Wednesday, November 5 where colleagues, leadership, nominators and family gathered to honor them.

Her nomination noted her willingness to consistently step in and help wherever needed.

“Catie is an exceptional asset to our GMHC team. Her primary role is in Respiratory Therapy, where she juggles many tasks and excels. When she is on Patient Care Unit or in the ER doing RT work, you will often find her helping nursing staff with patients—whether that means assisting someone to the bathroom, providing comfort, or simply being present. She always jumps in without hesitation and treats every patient with kindness and respect.” — said her nominator.

Catie was selected from a total of seven team members who were nominated for this year’s Rose Award, including Darcy Wiebrand, LICSW (Behavioral Health); Lynn Bockenstedt, Social Worker; McKenna Hackett, Patient Support Specialist; Beth Mescher, Speech Therapist; Sydney Brandel, Physical Therapy Assistant, Athletic Trainer; and Terri Koopmann, Registered Technologist in Radiology, Imaging Coordinator. Each nominee was recognized during the ceremony for their compassion, teamwork, and meaningful impact on patient care.

About the Rose, DAISY, and Sunshine Awards

The Rose Award works alongside GMHC’s DAISY Award, which celebrates extraordinary nurses, and the Sunshine Award, which honors non-clinical staff members who support patient care behind the scenes. Together, these three programs ensure recognition for the full care team — nurses, clinical support professionals, and staff who contribute to the patient experience every day.

“Each of these awards highlights the heart of patient care,” said Tim Ahlers, CEO. “From direct caregivers to those who support care behind the scenes—every person at GMHC plays a role in ensuring patients receive compassionate, high-quality care close to home.”

Nomination Information

Nominations for the DAISY, Rose, and Sunshine Awards are accepted year-round and may be submitted by patients, families, community members, or GMHC staff. Each award is presented annually, with specific nomination deadlines. DAISY Award nominations are due March 15 and recognize extraordinary nurses who provide exceptional care and compassion. Sunshine Award nominations are due May 15 and honor non-clinical staff who support patient care behind the scenes. Rose Award nominations are due October 15 and recognize non-nursing healthcare professionals who provide compassionate, hands-on care. Nominations can be submitted online here and paper nomination forms are available at GMHC hospital and clinic entrances and waiting areas.

Has someone made a meaningful difference in your experience and you’d like to show your appreciation? We invite you to share your story in your own words. The most meaningful nominations describe what happened, how it made a difference, and why it mattered. A full story will honor their impact in a meaningful and heartfelt way.

GMHC Advanced Wound Care—a specialized outpatient center operated in partnership with RestorixHealth—will celebrate its first anniversary on November 8. In its first year, the center has provided advanced treatment to 57 patients with complex, non-healing wounds—helping neighbors across the region heal faster and avoid complications.

Chronic wounds impact an estimated 10.5 million Americans, a number that continues to rise with an aging population and conditions that slow healing, such as diabetes and vascular disease. Advanced wound care has been shown to speed healing and reduce the risk of infection and limb loss.

“This has been a milestone first year for our wound center,” said Timothy Ahlers, CEO of GMHC. “We’re grateful to our referring providers, patients, and families for their trust—and especially proud of our team’s commitment to exceptional, compassionate care close to home.”

That commitment was recognized in September, when GMHC Advanced Wound Care received the RestorixHealth Clinical Distinction Award and the Excellence in Patient Satisfaction Award. These honors go to centers that consistently meet or exceed rigorous clinical outcomes and patient-experience benchmarks—reflecting the outstanding skill, dedication, and compassion of GMHC’s wound care team.

GMHC Advanced Wound Care delivers individualized treatment plans that coordinate both traditional and advanced therapies to accelerate healing. The center is led by Jamie Hammerand, DNP, and Taylor Grinstead, DNP, alongside a multidisciplinary team of nurses and technicians with advanced training in wound management.

For more information about the center’s services or to schedule an appointment, call 563-252-5605.

Hospital Hero Tracy Kregel with Shelly Russell, IHA board chair, and Tim Ahlers, GMHC CEO.

Tracy Kregel, Community Care Coordinator at the Family Resource Center has received one of the Iowa Hospital Association’s Hospital Heroes awards for demonstrating exceptional commitment to care and service. Tracy was one of 11 employees of Iowa hospitals to receive the 2025 recognition.

The Iowa Hospital Association’s Hospital Heroes Awards celebrate employees who have acted courageously in a crisis or have selflessly served their hospitals and communities throughout their careers. The awards were presented at the association’s annual meeting Oct. 7-8 in Des Moines.

Tracy Kregel was nominated for the prestigious Iowa Hospital Hero Award for her extraordinary leadership and compassion at the Family Resource Center. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves support, dignity, and hope, Tracy has transformed services for families across Clayton County and beyond since joining the center in 2019.

What sets Tracy apart is her ability to dream boldly and act decisively. In 2022, she led the successful application for a $2.7 million state grant to build a new Community Resource Center—home of the Family Resource Center, turning a pandemic-era idea into a modern facility that doubled space and expanded capacity.

Tracy’s leadership goes far beyond grant writing. She built systems to track client needs, streamlined processes, and fostered partnerships with agencies and volunteers. Most importantly, she ensures that no client leaves with “just a phone number.” Every person is supported from beginning to end, with successes shared and celebrated. Colleagues and volunteers alike describe Tracy as a visionary, a problem-solver and an asset to her community. Through her dedication, collaboration and heart, Tracy has changed countless lives, and in doing so, she has embodied the very spirit of an Iowa Hospital Hero.

“Tracy’s leadership is rooted in compassion and vision,” reflected Tim Ahlers, CEO of Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics. “She sees what’s possible for our community and has the determination to make it happen.”

The Iowa Hospital Association is a voluntary membership organization representing hospital and health system interests to business, government and consumer audiences.

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics Innovates with Mobile Digital PET/CT to Advance Local Patient Care

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics (GMHC) has partnered with Shared Medical Services (SMS) in a mobile digital PET/CT solution featuring United Imaging’s uMI 550 scanner, expanding access to advanced diagnostic imaging for patients across the region. The new service supports GMHC’s goals of earlier detection, faster diagnosis, more precise treatment planning, and convenient care close to home.

Unlike traditional systems, the uMI 550 delivers high-quality images with faster scan times and reduced radiation dose, helping clinicians visualize small lesions with exceptional clarity. By bringing this capability to GMHC on a scheduled mobile platform, the hospital can increase capacity, shorten wait times, and deliver more exams for more patients—without the cost and construction timeline of a fixed installation.

The mobile PET/CT, which will be located at GMHC every other Friday, beginning October 24, will be used for oncology staging and restaging, therapy response assessment, evaluation of suspected recurrence, and other appropriate cardiac and neurologic applications. The technology integrates with existing care pathways, enabling teams to make timely, informed decisions that guide treatment and follow-up.

This partnership reflects GMHC’s commitment to pursuing the best available technology to advance patient care in our community. After a thorough review of options, GMHC selected mobile digital PET/CT to ensure patients receive modern, high-standard imaging locally—supporting better diagnosis and treatment while keeping care convenient and close to home.

United Imaging designs its systems to support broad access to high-quality imaging, delivering fully equipped configurations that perform consistently across diverse care environments—from academic centers to rural settings—aligning with GMHC’s mission to provide equitable, high-value care to every patient we serve. SMS is the first in the United States to offer a mobile digital PET/CT unit, enabling GMHC to launch a state-of-the-art program quickly and reliably.

For scheduling and more information call 563-252- 5552.

Cornerstone Family Practice Welcomes Two New Family Medicine Physicians

Cornerstone Family Practice is pleased to announce the addition of two new physicians to its care team, Dr. Hetal Patel and Dr. Nicole Johnston, expanding access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare for families in Guttenberg and the surrounding communities.

Hetal Patel, MD, brings many years of experience in family medicine and a deep commitment to caring for patients of all ages. She is widely recognized for her proactive, prevention-focused approach—aiming not just to treat illness, but to anticipate and prevent it through education, early intervention, and whole-person wellness strategies. “I believe in helping my patients take charge of their health,” said Dr. Patel. “Being proactive—catching small issues before they become big ones—can make all the difference in living a healthy, fulfilling life.” Dr. Patel is now accepting new patients at Cornerstone Family Practice.

Nicole Johnston, MD, who grew up in the rural community of Oelwein, developed an early passion for science and helping others. Inspired by the compassionate care her grandfather received during hospice, she pursued medicine as a way to give back to her community. During medical school, she completed two rotations at GMHC with the now-retired Dr. Hoffmann, where she fell in love with the people, the community, and the mission of Cornerstone Family Practice. “Family medicine allows me to walk alongside my patients through every stage of life,” said Dr. Johnston. “It’s such an honor to be invited into their lives, to listen, and to help them reach their goals in health and wellness.”

Both Dr. Patel and Dr. Johnston are accepting new patients at Cornerstone Family Practice. To schedule an appointment, please call 563-252-2141.

Medicare Open Enrollment season begins October 15 and ends December 7. The Family Resource Center is scheduling appointments now for seniors to meet with SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) counselors who offer free advice in choosing the best fitting prescription plan and to answer questions. Because drug plans are everchanging, having a guide to help you navigate these changes, from year to year, can be very helpful.

Jim Solomon, Deb Hogan, and Kim Davis — our dedicated volunteer SHIIP counselors — will be meeting with clients in their private offices at the Family Resource Center’s new location: 510 South 1st St., Guttenberg. SHIIP counselors offers free, confidential, and unbiased Medicare counseling to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.

Even if you met with a SHIIP counselor when you first turned 65, your plan and options can change each year — so it’s a good idea to meet with a counselor annually to review your coverage.

“We are very grateful for the dedication of our SHIIP counselors and appreciate the time they donate to assist our clients,” said Kari Harbaugh, Family Resource Center Coordinator.

There is no charge for consultation with Jim, Deb or Kim. If they don’t have the answer, SHIIP counselors have a direct connection to the state the state SHIIP office to get it for you. All three offer flexible scheduling and welcome clients from surrounding communities as well.

SHIIP counselors will assist you with these three important things during Medicare Open Enrollmnent:

Review your plan notice. Read any notices from your Medicare plan about changes for next year—especially your “Annual Notice of Change” letter. Review your plan’s information to make sure the prescriptions you use are still covered and your medical providers and pharmacy are still in network.
What matters most to you? Medicare health and drug plans change each year and so can your health needs. Does your current plan best meet your needs?
Shop for the plans that meet your needs and fit your budget. Compare plans even if you’ve been satisfied with your current plan. The coverage and costs for plans can change from year to year.

To set up an appointment during the Open Enrollment period from Oct. 15-Dec. 7, call the Family Resource Center at 563-252-3215. SHIIP is a free, confidential service of the State of Iowa. SHIIP counselors review all plans offered and do not promote any particular plan or company. Please bring your Medicare card and your present list of prescription drugs to your appointment.

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics (GMHC) is expanding its employee recognition program. At GMHC extraordinary moments of care happen every day. A nurse offering comfort in the late hours, a physical therapist celebrating small victories with a patient, or a dietary staff member serving a favorite meal to brighten someone’s day. These stories matter—and now there’s a way to honor them. GMHC is inviting patients, families, and colleagues to share their stories by nominating staff for one of three recognitions:

The ROSE Award celebrates healthcare professionals outside of nursing—physical therapists, CNAs, lab and imaging professionals, surgical technologists, social workers, respiratory therapists and more—whose care and expertise set them apart. Due by October 15, ROSE Award nominations honor healthcare team members outside of nursing for extraordinary and compassionate care.

Non-nurse medical positions that qualify for a ROSE nomination include:

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
Medical Assistants (MAs / CMAs)
Surgical Technologists
Social Workers
Radiology / Imaging Technologists (X-ray, CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Mammography)
Medical Laboratory Technologists
Phlebotomists
Physical Therapists (PTs)
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs)
Occupational Therapists (OTs)
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs)
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
Respiratory Therapists (RTs)
Pharmacy Technicians
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) / Paramedics

The Sunshine Award recognizes non-medical staff—such as environmental services, dietary, maintenance, registration, or billing—whose dedication behind the scenes ensures our patients and staff have a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment. Due by May 15, the following staff can be nominated for the Sunshine Award:

Environmental Services (housekeeping, custodial staff)
Maintenance / Facilities staff
Dietary staff
Registration / Admissions staff
Scheduling coordinators
Medical records / Health Information Management staff
Billing & Coding staff
Patient financial services staff
Greeters
Information Technology staff
Human Resources staff
Marketing & Communications staff
Purchasing / Supply Chain / Materials Management staff

The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honors nursing excellence, recognizing nurses who provide extraordinary, compassionate care and consistently go above and beyond. This is an opportunity for patients, families, and colleagues to acknowledge the meaningful difference nurses make every day. Whether through exceptional bedside care, outstanding kindness, or unwavering dedication, every nomination helps recognize the incredible work of our nurses. Nominations for the DAISY award is due annually by March 15.

How to Nominate for the ROSE, Sunshine or DAISY Award

Forms are available to pick up at GMHC front desk, or nominate online for all three awards at www.guttenberghospital.org/patients-visitors/daisy-nomination.

All nominations are carefully reviewed, and selected recipients will be honored in a special ceremony at GMHC, where they will receive recognition for their extraordinary work.

“Every staff member at GMHC has the potential to make a lasting impact. Nominations help shine a light on those everyday heroes whose actions reflect our mission of compassionate, patient-centered care,” said Timothy Ahlers, CEO.

Author: Amy Speed