the Arch - Williston Medical Center

Spring 2016
Under
the
Arch
The Dawn of a New Day for Health Care
in Central and Western North Dakota
Inside
The Power of One
One Lucky Guy
Focus on EMS
A Long Journey
Changing
Perspectives
Renovating for a
Better Future
Close To Home
SPRING 2016 under the Arch | 1
The Power of One
There is no denying one is a powerful number. The outcomes of many sporting matchups are determined by one point,
one putt, or one-hundredth of a second. One small step on the moon was one giant leap for mankind and God gave us
His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. Yes, we have all experienced the power of one.
On April 19, 2016, CHI Mercy Medical Center in Williston, CHI St. Joseph’s Health in Dickinson, CHI Mercy Hospital in Devils
Lake, CHI Carrington Health, and CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck, Garrison and Turtle Lake, united under one name to
create a meaningful and unified identity. The six critical access hospitals, one tertiary hospital, numerous family medicine
and specialty clinics, and outpatient services that comprise CHI St. Alexius Health are aligned around one common
purpose; to deliver quality health care to the patients we serve.
As presidents of these locations, we are truly energized by the formation of this regional health care system. It means
our continuum of care will be greater than ever as we move forward as one family of caregivers.
By adopting one name, we are bound in spirit and clinical practice to deliver the highest level of expertise in the name
of healing. We are dedicated to creating an outstanding patient care experience, one which encompasses everything
from customer service to patient-centeredness and care coordination among providers.
Quality care has always been the hallmark of our organizations. Now when you think of the very best in health care
across the region, you will find it under one name…CHI St. Alexius Health.
DESIGN
United Printing
COMMENTS
Comments about Under the Arch
can be sent to: Jeremy Fettig, editor
CHI St. Alexius Health
P.O. Box 5510,
Bismarck, ND 58506-5510
jmfettig@primecare.org
(701) 530-7051
Mariann Doeling
President
CHI St. Alexius Health
Carrington
Tod Graeber
Administrator
CHI St. Alexius Health
Garrison and Turtle Lake
Matt Grimshaw
President
CHI St. Alexius Health
Williston
Andrew Lankowicz
President
CHI St. Alexius Health
Devils Lake
Reed Reyman
President
CHI St. Alexius Health
Dickinson
Kurt Schley
President
CHI St. Alexius Health
Bismarck
STAY CONNECTED
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CHIStAlexiusHealth.org.
CHI St. Alexius Health
is the largest health
delivery system in
the region.
% Williston
Motivated by faith, we are dedicated
to living our mission of nurturing the
healing ministry of the church and
keeping our patients at the heart of
everything we do.
% Minot
%
Garrison
%
%
%
Devils Lake
% New
%
Turtle Lake
Rockford
Carrington
Washburn
% Beach
%
Dickinson
Mandan % % Bismarck
#
Elgin
#
Linton
#
Wishek
#
#
Ashley
N O R T H
D A K O T A
S O U T H
D A K O T A
Mobridge
CHI St. Alexius Health’s locations:
%
%
Beach
Mandan
%
%
Bismarck
Minot
%
%
Carrington
New Rockford
%
%
Devils Lake
Turtle Lake
%
%
Dickinson
Washburn
%
%
Garrison
Williston
Managed Hospitals:
■
Ashley
■
Elgin
■
Linton
■
Mobridge
■ Wishek
3,460+
400+
50+
Number of associates at
CHI St. Alexius Health
CHI St. Alexius Health physicians and
advanced practice clinicians
Points of Care
Who We Are
For more information visit
CHIStAlexiusHealth.org
One Lucky Guy
On Friday, November 20, 2015, 58 year old Kenneth (Kenny)
“Blood clots in deep veins, known as deep vein thrombosis
Pfaff decided to visit the walk-in clinic in Great Falls, Montana,
(DVT), can break loose and travel to the lungs causing
before driving home to Tappen, North Dakota, for the
pulmonary embolism,” said Dr. Daniel Tarver, interventional
weekend. His shortness of breath and backache had gotten
radiologist with CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck. The
the best of him. Although the physician there detected
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that up
nothing on his EKG or chest X-ray, little did Kenny know he
to 900,000 people in the U.S. are affected by DVT/PE. Of that
would experience a life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE).
number, up to 100,000 deaths result from DVT/PE each year.
Often the first sign is acute death.
Pulmonary embolism is the sudden blockage of a major
blood vessel (artery) in the lung, usually by a blood clot. In
On Sunday morning Kenny’s wife was awakened by the sound
most cases, the clots are small and are not deadly. However,
of their dog barking. When she walked into the bathroom
Kenny’s clots were so large they stopped the blood flow to his
she found Kenny unconscious on the floor and called 911.
lungs, which can be fatal.
Shortly after arriving at CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck Medical
DANIEL TARVER, MD - Interventional Radiologist
Interventional radiology (IR) is a medical specialty that performs minimally invasive treatments
using radiologic imaging for procedure guidance. Interventional radiologists use image-guided
procedures to diagnose and treat a variety of diseases. CHI St. Alexius Health Interventional
Radiology Clinic is located in Bismarck. For more information call (701) 530-3595.
3 | Under the Arch SPRING 2016
Center’s Emergency Room, Dr. Tarver was called to consult on
and electrolytes in his body, Kenny received dialysis. Kenny
Kenny’s case.
received four dialysis treatments until his kidney’s started
functioning properly.
“Treatment for a pulmonary embolism depends on the size
and location of the blood clot,” stated Dr. Tarver. “When
Pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening, but prompt
pulmonary embolism is life threatening, we must remove or
treatment by Dr. Tarver, the IR team, and the team who
break up the blood clot.” Kenny had multiple large clots and
responded to the code saved Kenny’s life. On December 4,
was taken to the Interventional Radiology (IR) Suite where
after spending 13 days in the hospital Kenny was discharged.
Dr. Tarver used a combination of thrombolytic agent and
“All of the nurses and doctors were so good. I was treated
mechanical thrombectomy to break down the clot. While in
so well by everyone at CHI St. Alexius Health,” said Kenny.
the IR suite, Kenny went into sudden cardiac arrest. The CHI
Dr. Tarver said Kenny is one lucky guy. “The CHI St. Alexius
St. Alexius Health team performed CPR on Kenny for nearly
Health team who worked on Kenny were very professional
one hour. “They kept working on me,” said Kenny. When
and never gave up on him. Kenny had his guardian angel
Kenny’s heart rhythm and blood pressure stabilized, he was
watching over him that day. There was a lot of divine
transferred to the intensive care unit.
intervention involved.”
A heart attack may occasionally lead to temporary kidney
Kenny’s family would also like to give a special thanks to all
failure. To help his body remove waste and balance fluids
the staff members that didn’t give up on Kenny that day!
“
”
enny had his guardian angel watching over him that day.
K
There was a lot of divine intervention involved.
CHI St. Alexius Health
Bismarck Medical Center
Founded by the Sisters of St. Benedict of the Annunciation Monastery in
1885, CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck is a 306-bed, full-service, acute
care medical center offering a full line of inpatient and outpatient services
including family medicine and specialty physician clinics; home health and
hospice services; durable medical equipment services and a fitness and
human performance center.
The hospital’s Emergency department is a verified Level II trauma center and
our level III neonatal intensive care unit has a transport team available 24/7
to transport sick or premature infants by air or ground ambulance.
Location:
900 East Broadway Ave
Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 530-7000 (general information)
(701) 530-5550 (appointments)
(877) 530-5550 (toll free)
CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck has been recognized as The Best Hospital in
North Dakota for three consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report (2013,
2014 and 2015). Other recent quality awards include The Joint Commission’s
Top Performing Hospital in the region for Key Quality Measures and the
American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Gold Plus Quality
Achievement Award.
SPRING 2016 Under the Arch | 4
Growing Our Own – A Focus on EMS
Every day, rural healthcare workers express the importance
Daryl Crispin, also an ambulance driver, always had an
of growing their own – not only through students for future
interest in emergency medical services. Upon moving to
healthcare generations, but also by investing in those
Carrington, he contacted Carrington Ambulance to find
who already serve within their walls and desire to further
out more information. Daryl became a CPR driver in the
develop their skillset.
summer of 2015.
For two team members at CHI St. Alexius Health in
Since that time, Daryl has actively taken on ambulance
Carrington that opportunity was put into motion seven
driver shifts and become fully immersed in emergency
months ago. Since 2013, Emily Gjovik, a patient access
medical services. He currently works at Carrington
representative, has registered patients for appointments
Hardware and encourages everybody to step outside
on a daily basis. The spring of 2015 brought a new
their comfort zone and just try something they wouldn’t
opportunity for Emily when she became an ambulance
normally do.
driver. Being a CPR ambulance driver evening and
weekends gave Emily a chance to work firsthand in the
Given Emily’s and Daryl’s passion for emergency medical
patient care field.
services, arrangements were made for them to take part in
an EMT certification class in New Rockford, ND. The class,
This opportunity sparked a further curiosity for Emily,
taught by members of the New Rockford Area Ambulance
who has always had an interest in sciences and helping
Service, has been in session every Wednesday evening for
out her community. As she began taking call, Emily
four hours since September 2015.
gained a deeper appreciation for the important role a
rural ambulance service plays in a community. “It isn’t just
Totaling 140 hours of class time, Emily, Daryl and other area
driving, there is a lot of patient contact before jumping in
EMT students covered material and then practiced hands-
the rig and going to the hospital,” comments Emily.
5 | Under the Arch SPRING 2016
on learning. “Hands-on labs were a favorite part of the
training,” comments Emily.
The EMT students completed their practical portion of
the testing in early March. They will continue on with the
written portion to fully complete their certification.
“While taking the classes, it was great to have the additional
guidance and assistance from our fellow ambulance staff,”
comments Daryl. “We also had the opportunity, working
in a hospital-based ambulance service, to shadow the
emergency room and hospital to see the entire cycle of
care for the patients we bring in from the ambulance.”
Additional shadowing opportunities are being sought
with surrounding ambulance services so that staff can
experience aspects of their ambulance services.
“Being an ambulance driver first and now going through
the EMT classes, I have benefited in many ways,” continues
Daryl. “From practicing the classroom scenarios and then
seeing them applied first-hand by the staff I am driving for
has been great.”
Jason Hovdenes, interim emergency medical services
manager observes, “Bringing in drivers and introducing
them to the service gives people an opportunity to help
out their community and also see if they have an interest
in EMS beyond being a driver. In the past, this has been an
integral part of growing our service.”
“We encourage community members to consider applying
to become an ambulance driver. Their knowledge of the
community is a great asset to the service,” comments Jason,
“I greatly appreciate all those who are currently or have
previously been part of our community’s EMS system.”
To learn more about opportunities in the field of
emergency medical services, please contact the
Emergency Medical Services Department at CHI St. Alexius
Health Carrington Medical Center at 701-652-2374.
CHI St. Alexius Health
Carrington Medical Center
The idea for a hospital in Carrington took shape on September 23,
1915. In 1941, the hospital was leased to the Presentation Sisters
of the Diocese of Fargo. Construction of the present hospital
began officially on September 4, 1984. The new 25-bed critical
access hospital opened in 1986 as one of the most modern and
up-to-date facilities in the state of North Dakota. In June of 1993,
the Foster County Medical Center merged with the Health Center
and the Long Term Care unit. CHI St. Alexius Health Carrington
has a satellite clinic in New Rockford.
Recognitions
- National Rural Health Association Top 20 CAH in 2014
- Health Strong Top 100 CAH in 2014 and 2015
Services
Ambulance
Antibiotic Therapy
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Chemotherapy
Diabetic Services
Emergency Care
Endoscopes
General Laboratory
Hospice and Home Health Care
Mental Health
Occupational and Physical
Therapy
Pharmacy
Phone Nurse
Wound Care
Sports Injury Rehabilitation
Radiology
Respiratory Therapy
Pulmonary Functions
Respite Care
Sleep Disorder / Apnea Testing
Speech and Hearing Services
Surgery
Swing Bed
Telemedicine
Location:
800 4th Street North
Carrington, ND 58421
Phone: (701) 652-3141
(701) 532-8623
SPRING 2016 Under the Arch | 6
A Long Journey
On October 21, 2014, Jason Hanson was traveling to a
meeting in Scobey, Montana, when his vehicle was hit
head-on. Jason immediately knew something was wrong
with his feet. He was taken into Plentywood, Montana,
where he spent several days being evaluated, X-rays
showed several severe fractures to both heels. Jason was
transported back home to North Dakota, where he saw
an orthopaedic specialist who completed surgery on his
left heel by inserting a plate with 13 screws. The right heel
was immobilized and allowed to heal without surgical
intervention. Jason spent the next 100 days non-weight
bearing in bed or in a wheelchair.
On January 14, 2015, Jason came to CHI St. Alexius Health
Devils Lake Hospital’s Physical Therapy to start his long
journey of recovery. Physical Therapy Manager Jennifer
Brekhus started working with Jason on soft tissue
mobilization and range of motion to Jason’s feet. “When
Jason came to us he had been non-weight bearing for
several months,” states Brekhus. “We had to start from the
bottom up in order to help him walk again.”
Jason soon realized that he would need to get his strength
back in order to complete the exercises the physical
therapists were performing with him. With the help of
physical therapist Steven Pederson, Jason was able to start
a customized program that gradually helped him gain his
strength back.
“Jason’s attitude played a major role in his recovery which
helped him to accomplish so much more in a short
“
I wouldn’t be nearly where
I am right now if it wasn’t for
this group helping me.
7 | Under the Arch SPRING 2016
”
period of time,” states Brekhus. His physical therapy
progressed so well that Jason went back to work as an
agronomist in July of 2015.
With the collaboration of the physical therapists and
an athletic trainer, Jason has been able to complete
a wide array of exercises to help regain his strength
and agility back. “I like coming to therapy because
you are doing something where you feel like you are
improving and then they change it up and you realize
you still have a lot more work to do,” states Jason. “It’s
been really good for me. I wouldn’t be nearly where I
am right now if it wasn’t for this group helping me.”
CHI St. Alexius Health
Devils Lake Hospital
CHI St. Alexius Health Devils Lake was founded as St. Vincent’s Hospital
by the Reverend Mother M. Genevieve Sheridan in 1895. In 1902 a new
hospital was constructed at the present location on 7th Street and was
named Mercy Hospital. The next 114 years the hospital transformed into
what today is a 25 bed critical access hospital that is accredited by The Joint
Commission, licensed by the North Dakota State Department of Health, and
certified by the United States Department of Health and Human Services for
participation in the Medicare Program.
Location:
1031 7th Street NE
Devils Lake, ND 58301-2798
Phone: (701) 662-2131
An integrated team of more than 200 personnel provide clinical care and
administrative medical support for nearly 20,000 Ramsey and Benson County
residents. We are focused on providing emergency department services,
surgical, inpatient, swing bed, and outpatient services. CHI St. Alexius Health
Devils Lake is the only hospital between Grand Forks and Minot and the
Canadian border and Jamestown that offers obstetrical delivery services.
Specific Services Provided by CHI St. Alexius Health Devils Lake Hospital
- C
ommunity Resource Coordinator – Prescription Information
Assistance and Medicare Information Assistance
-
Cardiac Rehabilitation Program – Includes stress testing,
electrocardiograms, and cardiac rehab Phases I, II, III
- Inpatient Pharmacy Services
-
Physical Therapy (Women’s Health, Specialized Manual Therapy
Techniques, Athletic Training Services, Vestibular Rehabilitation)
- Dietetic Service – Nutrition counseling and cafeteria
- Radiology (General Diagnostic Imaging, Ultrasound Imaging,
MRI, CT, Cardiac Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, Vascular Imaging)
- Emergency Care – Level 5 Trauma
- Respiratory Care
-
Laboratory – Includes Blood Bank/Transfusion Services,
Diagnostic Laboratory Testing, Microbiology, and non DOT Drug
Screening Collection Site
-
Surgical Care (Obstetrics, Podiatry, Endoscopy, Ear/Nose/Throat,
Ophthalmology, and General Surgery)
- Occupational Therapy (Lymphedema Services, Manual Therapy)
- Swing Bed
SPRING 2016 Under
under the Arch | 8
Changing Perspectives:
From Director to Patient
For Christine Haaland, director of laboratory services at CHI
“Pre-surgery items were handled so much easier for me
St. Alexius Health Dickinson, managing staff and serving
here compared to procedures I’ve had done elsewhere,”
patients is how she lives out her passion for medicine.
Haaland explained. “The staff was very proactive in
communicating ahead of time what steps and tests needed
to be taken.”
One of Haaland’s largest challenges since taking on the
director position a year and a half ago was moving lab staff
and services from the old St. Joseph’s Hospital and Health
She felt having the clinic and hospital all under one roof
Center building to the new hospital and clinic facility, which
improved the continuum of care even more. “Having
opened as CHI St. Joseph’s Health in December 2014. As
[my primary care providers] right down the hall from the
of April 2016, the critical access hospital has rebranded as
surgery and lab staff made a big difference – the familiarity
CHI St. Alexius Health Dickinson, part of the regional health
my doctors had with the surgery process, the facility, and
system spanning central and western North Dakota.
people involved showed in the quality of care I received.”
After all the behind-the-scenes work Haaland undertook as
Haaland admits she often experiences a high level of
director to get her department settled in their new home,
anxiety when undergoing major medical events, but
she would soon experience the new facility from a patient’s
credited the staff in Dickinson with easing her fears. “Here,
perspective. Shortly after the big move, she and her
they listed to me. They calmed my anxiety. Beforehand,
primary care providers determined she would need surgery
my nurse and nurse anesthetist went over medications
to undergo a hysterectomy.
together and took the time I needed to feel ready.”
CHI St. Alexius Health
Dickinson Medical Center
CHI St. Alexius Health Dickinson is a 25-bed, Critical Access Hospital with
a Level IV Trauma Center accredited by the American College of Surgeons
and JCAHO. Formerly St. Joseph’s Hospital and Health Center, we carry the
vision of our founding Sisters by building healthier communities through
a healing ministry. Along with our hospital located at 2500 Fairway Street
in Dickinson, we administer a wide range of clinic services at the same
location, along with our rural clinic in Beach, ND.
CHI St. Alexius Health Dickinson Credentials and Recognitions:
Location:
2500 Fairway Street
Dickinson, ND 58601
Phone: (701) 456-4000 (hospital)
(701) 456-4200 (clinics)
- Currently holds The Joint Commission’s National Quality Approval award
-2013 Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® Recognition from The Joint
Commission for Pneumonia and Surgical Care
-Cardiac Rehabilitation Program certified by the American Association of
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR)
- Named a HealthStrong™ Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in 2013
9 | Under the Arch SPRING 2016
“
The surgery staff
spent a lot of extra
individual time with
me afterwards as
well – I was dealing
with nausea every
time I had to be
moved, so they
really took the
time to make sure
I was comfortable.
”
“The surgery staff spent a lot of extra individual time with
“Undergoing my procedure right here in Dickinson brought
me afterwards as well – I was dealing with nausea every
my anxiety down a great deal. I had seen firsthand on a
time I had to be moved, so they really took the time to
daily basis how the staff cared for and treated patients.
make sure I was comfortable,” she stated.
I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else.”
Because her surgery went well, she was able to leave that
Christine Haaland has lived in Dickinson for 20 years, where
day and did not require an in-patient stay. But surgery
she has raised her two sons. She has spent 15 years working
staff followed up with phone calls to her at home to
for Catholic Health Initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Science
ensure she was feeling well and not experiencing
Degree in Medical Technology and her Master of Science
complications. Dr. Lowe, who performed the surgery,
Degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis on
was also very sincere in encouraging her to call anytime
Health Care Administration, both from University of Mary in
with concerns or questions.
Bismarck.
SPRING 2016 Under the Arch | 10
CHI St. Alexius Health
Garrison Hospital
Original planning for a hospital in Garrison began on February 20, 1946
through the efforts of the Garrison Civic Club. In 1949, the Sisters of the Order
of St. Benedict (Annunciation Monastery) agreed to assume responsibility for
operation of the hospital upon its completion. Construction of the hospital
began on October 20, 1949 and the 40-bed facility opened its doors in
February 1952, admitting its first patient on February 14. Garrison Hospital
assumed management of the Garrison Family Clinic (formerly Medical Arts
Clinic) which was designated a Rural Health Clinic in November of 1992.
Location:
407 3rd Avenue SE
Garrison, ND 58540
Phone: (701) 463-2275
The staff and management of CHI St. Alexius Health Garrison remains
dedicated to providing Garrison and the surrounding rural communities
with access to quality health care. The community’s health needs are our
first priority. We will be here when you need us.
Renovating a Better Future for Garrison
CHI St. Alexius Health’s critical access hospital in Garrison,
the ED renovation would affect the most; Hospital staff.
North Dakota, has made a major impact in the community.
Associates received simple forms that allowed them to
At its inception in 1952, the community came together
directly contribute to the project through their salary. While
to cast the original stone generating the hospital, making
receiving contributions from associates, the committee
the idea of health care access a reality for Garrison’s
expanded its fundraising efforts by calling for face-to-face
underserved populace. Since that time the hospital has
meetings with community individuals and businesses to
changed the health care landscape for Garrison and the
seek donations.
surrounding rural areas.
The committee then recognized a need to involve
In recent years, however, statistics pointed toward an
Garrison’s outlying neighbors knowing they too would
increase in emergency room patient visits the hospital
want to support Garrison’s ED. Mike Gackle, a committee
simply could not continue to handle without a renovation
member and owner of BHG, Inc. commented, “From
and new technology. In response, the hospital united
the community’s standpoint, it [the Hospital] is a very
with the Garrison community to form a Capital Campaign
important asset, because of the lake and tourist activities,
Committee to help fundraise for a new Emergency
and dealing with accidents that may happen out on the
Department (ED) that could meet future health care
lake. Having the hospital makes Garrison unique from
demand while maintaining the quality of care CHI St.
other small towns in North Dakota.”
Alexius Health Garrison Hospital is known for.
Therefore, campaign fliers with donation forms were
The capital campaign launch in 2013 was assisted by CHI
designed, printed and distributed through the local free
St. Alexius Health Foundation with a goal of $150,000. At
newspaper, The Xtra. The campaign then traversed into
first, committee members reached out to those whom
getting other community foundations and organizations
11 | Under the Arch SPRING 2016
involved through grant writing and fundraising events,
such as Better Living For Garrison (BLFG) throwing a MASHthemed party, and hospital staff selling turkey legs at the
annual Dickens Village Festival.
Keith Witt, committee member and BLFG chairperson at the
time of the campaign stated, “Garrison is growing as a city,
and when people look at places to move to they look at
the medical care available, the schools, and the recreational
activities. Having a nice, new hospital emergency room sets
Garrison apart as a place to move to.”
Through the capital campaign, approximately $250,000 in
donations was raised to fund the renovation. In addition, a
$415,000 loan/grant was received from the United States
Department of Agriculture Rural Development. The project
was completed in January 2015 and features:
• Four separate rooms for patients to be individually seen,
which adds to patients’ privacy and security.
• A conveniently located secured storage area that houses
supplies for the four individual rooms.
• A new elevator to quickly transport patients from ground
floor to the ED.
• The ability to offer Electronic Emergency Room (E-ER)
services, which is an innovative concept that links two-
CHI St. Alexius Health
Turtle Lake Hospital
CHI St. Alexius Health Turtle Lake was established through the
efforts of the Turtle Lake Hospital Association in 1947. The
actual construction was completed in 1952, with additions
built in 1963 and 1969.
The 25-bed medical facility has become a vital asset to
the communities it serves, with patient admissions having
increased significantly in recent years. Washburn Family Clinic
is a provider-based clinic affiliated with CHI St. Alexius Health
Turtle Lake. The clinic offers a full range of services.
Hospital Services
Acute Care
way video equipment in local rural emergency rooms
Adult Day Care/
Respite Care
to emergency trained physicians and specialists at a
Emergency Care
Home Health and
Hospice Care
Swing Bed/
Intermediate Care
Medical Imaging
Therapy Services
Laboratory
Surgical Consultation
centered hub, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Garrison physician, Dr. Jon Dornacker commented, “The
Location:
220 5th Avenue West
Turtle Lake, ND 58575
E-ER allows Garrison Hospital to take ER medical care to
Phone: (701) 448-2331
a higher level, as patients can begin receiving treatment
immediately while an ER physician or specialist is called in.
This technology takes rural medical care to the next level in
terms of care and treatment of many ailments that result in
solve it. We couldn’t have surpassed the goal without the
an emergency room visit.”
support of committee members, donors and community.”
When asked about what the ED renovation and all activities
“We are in a much better position to serve the area’s
associated with it meant to Garrison’s access to health care,
growing health care demands, and for that we at CHI St.
Tod Graeber, Garrison Hospital administrator said, “The
Alexius Health Garrison are grateful.”
community acknowledged a growing issue, and united to
SPRING 2016 Under the Arch | 12
Close to Home
When Robin Clark walked into a clinic for a routine
The news was devastating, and unexpected. Clark, 54,
mammogram, she had no idea that the test would
a retired nurse, had enjoyed lifelong good health, and
show anything out of the ordinary. But a few days after
was focused on finding work around her home near
Christmas last year, a diagnosis of Stage 2 breast cancer
Fairview, Montana.
was confirmed. Doctors found two lumps in her right
breast and three in her left.
Those plans were put on hold, and replaced with the
prospect of months spent in treatment.
Fortunately, Clark didn’t have to travel far from home to
find expert care. Doctors at CHI St. Alexius Health Williston
presented several options, one of which was a joint effort
between Dr. Wayne Anderson, a general surgeon, and Dr.
Theresa Hegge, the hospital’s plastic surgeon. The doctors
proposed a double mastectomy with immediate breast
reconstruction, a procedure that the pair has performed
successfully several times since Hegge’s arrival at the
hospital last year.
In Clark’s case, the surgeons aimed to save both her skin
and nipples in order to minimize the cosmetic effects of
CHI St. Alexius Health
Williston Medical Center
CHI St. Alexius Health Williston is a 25-bed critical access hospital located
in Williston, North Dakota. It was founded in 1920 by the Sisters of Mercy
to provide quality health care to the growing population of the region.
Today, we provide a full range of clinic and hospital services including:
Primary Care, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Urology, Plastic
Surgery, General Surgery and ENT. In addition, the Leonard P. Nelson
Cancer Center, featuring state-of-the-art radiation and chemotherapy
treatment, along with the Pain Clinic, Dialysis and Sleep Lab programs
serve patients from a large area of North Dakota and Montana.
Location:
1301 15th Avenue West
Williston, ND 58801
CHI St. Alexius Health Williston Medical Center
Credentials and Recognitions:
Phone: (701) 774-7400
- Named a Health Strong Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in 2013
- Blue Distinction® Center+ for Maternity Care
-Designated a “Stroke Ready” hospital and Level IV Trauma Center
by the State of North Dakota
13 | Under the Arch SPRING 2016
the mastectomy. The all-inclusive operation also allowed
“The ability to offer a targeted surgery, specific for that
in-house pathologists to evaluate a sample of her lymph
patient, is the biggest advantage of the coordinated care
nodes for cancer at the same time.
we can now provide here in Williston,” Hegge said. “We work
together in all stages, including planning of the surgery
Although the surgeons urged Clark to think it over, she
and post-operative cares. This results in an overall better
said her mind was made up as soon as she learned of
experience and quality of life for the patient while they are
the option, and that the decision was made easier by the
going through one of their worst life events.”
compassion and support she received from both Anderson
Clark underwent the six-hour surgery in February, and is
and Hegge.
now completing chemotherapy and radiation treatment at
“She just made you feel comfortable, she made you feel it
CHI St. Alexius Health Williston.
was okay even though you were faced with cancer,” Clark
said of Hegge. “You don’t meet too many doctors who
“I’m so happy with this, it was like the cancer turned out
make you feel important when you have cancer.”
okay, because I wasn’t going to be missing parts of my
body,” she said.
The proximity of care to her family and home added
another level of comfort for Clark, a new grandmother who
wanted to stay close to her daughter and her baby. “I was
ecstatic…it made me feel good that I didn’t have to go so
far from home,” she said.
Not being forced to travel great distances for their care
significantly benefits the patients, Hegge said. Women
with breast cancer who undergo a mastectomy and
reconstruction need to see a number of doctors on a
frequent basis after surgery, and for those living in the
Williston area, being able to make a simple trip to their
local provider eases stress and helps with recovery.
Theresa Hegge, MD - Plastic Surgeon
Theresa Hegge, MD, is a plastic surgeon and a native of Williston. Plastic surgery is a broad field
that includes not only cosmetic or aesthetic surgery, but also post-surgical reconstruction, laser
surgery, and surgical repair of congenital deformities such as cleft lip and palate.
SPRING 2016 Under the Arch | 14
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For more than a century, you’ve come to know us by names such as
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and others. Today, we’ve all come together under one name and one
mission. We are CHI St. Alexius Health.
We’re part of Catholic Health Initiatives, one of the largest and fastest
growing non-profit health care systems in the nation. Together, we stand
committed to pursuing excellence.
We consistently rank among the best hospitals in the region by
The Joint Commission and other quality assurance organizations.
We are CHI St. Alexius Health.
To learn more, visit
CHIStAlexiusHealth.org
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CHI St. Alexius Health’s 3,460+
associates directly serve more
patients than any other health
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