|
DCHS NEWS
Dickinson County Healthcare System Emergency Department, serving our community and caring for everyone, 24/7/365
Some members of the DCHS ED Team pictured from left to right: Jim Holcomb, PFE, Ruth Presley – HUC, Jamie Formolo, RN, Dr. Toth, Susie Berquist, RN, Lauren Roell, RN, Heather Marsicek, LPN and Kimberly Jefferson, RN
The Dickinson County Healthcare System Emergency Department is making great strides in the battle against Opioid addiction. Since September 2015, the rate of ED patients being discharged with a prescription for oral opioids has been reduced by 59%. Elizabeth Juneau, RN, BSN, BC, the hospital’s Medical Staff Review Analyst stated, “The nation’s, and our county’s, Opioid epidemic was growing for years. But we are doing our part to reduce narcotics prescriptions. Our Emergency Department has stepped-up its focus on delivering evidence-based care to our patients while reducing the prescribing of narcotics. Although absolutely necessary in some cases, other forms of pain management are being used to help prevent the risk of addiction to these habit forming pain medications.” 
By combining compassion with good science, the ED has seen its overall patient satisfaction rating increase over the same period. CEO / Administrator, John Schon, observed the progress in both measures and said, “I am proud of the outstanding patient care provided by our staff in the Emergency Department – it’s emergency medicine Physicians, their specialist colleagues on-call, and all the Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Registered Nurses and support staff that are deserving of the credit. As you can imagine, the emergency care environment is very stressful, but our entire staff rises to the occasion and cares for our emergent patients like they are their family.”
The Dickinson County Healthcare System Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year and provides comprehensive emergency care to anyone, regardless of their insurance coverage and their ability to pay the bill. Over the years, DCHS has provided millions of dollars in free care to its neighbors in and around Dickinson County. As ED Manager, Michelle Miron, RN, explains, “We are proud to offer care for everyone who needs our specialized attention. It’s part of our mission to the community, and it’s something our residents need to safely live and work in this region. “ General Surgeons, Pediatricians, OB Physicians and Orthopedic Surgeons are always on call, should a patient need this specialty care. Dickinson’s array of emergency services – and its open door to all who need those services – makes its emergency care safe, effective, and compassionate, but it also makes its care expensive. The Emergency Department needs heavy funding from revenues generated by other outpatient services, including lab tests and imaging. It’s important to note that whether a physician at DCHS or anywhere else orders diagnostic tests, the patient – not the physician – chooses where to have those tests performed. When patients choose their hometown hospital, they are helping to fund their hometown Emergency Department and its high-quality care for all people, whether or not they can afford to pay for those sophisticated services. As John Schon puts it, “When you insist on coming home to DCHS for lab work or imaging ordered by any other provider, you are actually helping to make sure that when you need us, we will be here for you!” Emergency Department Facts:
The Dickinson County Healthcare System OB/GYN staff along with Michigan – Wisconsin Family Practice Associates was presented with the 2018 Maternity Care Excellence Award. DCHS received the award that acknowledges the facilities excellence and improvements in maternity care. The goals of the award and maternity care project are to reduce the rate of unnecessary C-sections in the state, decrease infant mortality and reduce elective early deliveries. One of only eleven hospitals in the state to receive the award, DCHS and MI-WI Family Practice Associates combine resources to provide top quality maternity care right here in our town.
Pictured above from left to right are: Dr. Kristi Olson; Dr. Beth Schroeder; Dr. Adam Ryan; Dr. Jim Merrill; Cathi Hartwig, RN, BSN, OB Manager; Tillie Rossato, RN, BSN and Deena Bartelli, RN. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 3, 2018
(Dickinson County, MI) Dickinson County Healthcare System (DCHS) In response to recent communications from our local media, and in the interest of full disclosure, DCHS is setting the record straight. The posted and printed articles contain patently false information. The information cited is not from DCHS closed session meetings but instead from Dickinson County Board of Commissioner’s meetings. Naturally, DCHS cannot comment on the information because it is a County issue and not a Dickinson County Hospital issue. The Hospital Board of Trustees has kept county board members apprised of the on going efforts to reduce costs, increase utilization, and find a partner to secure the continuation of our award winning quality healthcare in our community. Two hospital board members recently resigned and no official reasons were communicated. John Schon did choose an in service distribution, the same as 76 other DCHS employees have chosen since January 2018. The hospital’s pension plan was amended back in 2006 to allow employees who meet set age/years of service requirements to begin receiving their vested pension benefits while remaining employed with the system. In addition, Mr. Schon has had the same employment contract since 2006 that was renewed in January, 2018, prior to any distribution. Eileen Sparpana, Chief Financial Officer for Dickinson County Healthcare System, after 30 years of service, will be stepping down from her position as CFO. Eileen has accepted the Chief Financial Officer position at Bay College and will start her duties there in the near future. Addressing other statements from the articles:
There is a Letter Of Intent in place with LifePoint Health. We are jointly working towards an Asset Purchase Agreement, which is subject to the successful completion of the Due Diligence Process during which approximately 20,000 documents will be reviewed by LifePoint. Future developments will be directly communicated to the community by DCHS and LifePoint Health when they are finalized. During this trying and uncertain time for our community, DCHS welcomes questions and would appreciate the opportunity to respond to questions by media outlets before publication to correct, confirm, or supplement reports. Our energy is focused on trying to preserve our hospital and its services and we are excited about what lies ahead for healthcare in our community. Any additional questions can please be directed to: Joe Rizzo, Public Relations Manager (906) 776-5671 Joe.Rizzo@dchs.org 
Congratulations! For the third year in a row Becker’s Hospital Review has ranked Dickinson County Healthcare System as one of the top 100 Great Community Hospitals. The most recent award is a testament to the consistency of the care that our health system provides to our patients. We are glad to provide around the clock care to keep our community safe and healthy. #ichooseDCHS
https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/lists/100-great-community-hospitals-2018.html 
A list of our many services, offered right here in town!
24/7/365 Emergency Care Anesthesia Services Aqua Therapy Audiology Bone Densitometry-Dexa Scanning Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab Cardiology CT Angiography-Calcium Scoring CT Scan Convenient Care Clinic Diagnostic Neurology-EEG & EMG Studies Diabetes Care Durable Medical Equipment Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Family Practice General Surgery/Endoscopy Geriatric Care Hematology/Oncology Home Health Hospitalist Services/Critical Care Infusion Center Laboratory Services Internal Medicine/Nephrology/Dialysis Mammography MRI / X-ray Occupational Medicine OB/GYN Occupational Therapy Ophthalmology Orthopedics Pathology Pediatrics/Pediatric Nephrology & Cardiology Physical Therapy Podiatry Pulmonology/Pulmonary Function Testing Radiation Oncology Sleep Medicine Sports Medicine-Concussive & Baseline Testing Speech Therapy Ultra Sound Wound Care / Hyperbaric Urology Contact us for assistance. (906) 774-1313 
Awards 
2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
Patient Safety Excellence Award™The Patient Safety Excellence Award™ recognizes hospitals for how well a hospital prevents infections, medical errors, and other complications based on 14 serious, potentially preventable adverse events. Patients receiving care at Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient hospitals have, on average, a lower risk of experiencing patient safety events. 
2016, 2017
Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™The Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ recognizes hospitals for superior outcomes in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia. Patients who receive COPD or pneumonia treatment at these nationally recognized hospitals have a lower risk of dying. 
2016
Gastrointestinal Care Excellence Award™The Gastrointestinal Care Excellence Award™ recognizes hospitals for superior outcomes in bowel obstruction treatment, colorectal surgeries, gallbladder removal, esophageal/stomach surgeries, treatment of gastrointestinal bleeds, treatment for pancreatitis, and small intestine surgeries. Patients who have these treatments or surgeries at these nationally recognized hospitals have a lower risk of dying or experiencing a complication during their hospital stay. 
Dickinson County Healthcare System was recognized as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditation agency of health care organizations in the United States.
> Read More 
The Journey to Excellence program was initiated throughout Dickinson County Healthcare System – both hospital and clinics – approximately a year ago. This comprehensive customer service program has set service standards for all employees and systematically trains staff in engagement techniques and the proper treatment of patients so their healthcare experience is as pleasant as possible.
> Read More 
The EAM announces the first annual patient safety awards for Michigan hospitals March 18, 2016 – In observing National Patient Safety Awareness Week, the Economic Alliance for Michigan (EAM) announced the recipients of the Hospital Patient Safety Award to eight Michigan hospitals. The Hospital Patient Safety Award recognizes hospitals in Michigan consistently performing high-marks and improvements in patient safety and quality of care. Hospitals can earn two different awards: the Excellence Award and the Improvement Award.
> Read More 
MCAC
To guide and assist Dickinson and Iron county residents to access optimal health care to meet their individual needs. 
Patient Testimonials
Our commitment to quality, compassionate health care is highlighted in the stories that our community has shared with us. We are proud of the following stories told by our neighbors and friends. >More Information 
8 REASONS TO STAY LOCAL
Dickinson Memorial Hospital is part of the fabric of our community … there is every reason to STAY LOCAL for your healthcare. >More Information |
EventsMaking HeadlinesLinksDCHS News Welcome Dr. Jeremy Stayton
Please join us in welcoming Jeremy D. Stayton, M.D. as the newest member to the DCHS medical staff. Joining the staff at the Dickinson Surgery and Endoscopy Services, Dr. Stayton brings to our community his passion for providing Medical Care.
>More Information 
Dickinson County Healthcare System (DCHS) Receives Governor’s Award of Excellence
This award recognizes participants for their dedication and success in improving healthcare quality and patient safety in Michigan. To be eligible for the award, participants must have achieved, maintained and continually improved in specific and rigorous milestones related to the award they received. >Read More 
YMCA Offering a FREE Diabetes Prevention Program!
This CDC approved program is designed to provide education and a supportive environment for individuals who are at risk for developing diabetes. It’s a 12 month program, led by trained lifestyle coaches, that offers 16 weekly sessions followed by monthly maintenance, all designed to help support YOU in making healthier lifestyle choices. >Read More 
Congratulations Dickinson Hematology/Oncology Clinic for achieving QOPI Certification.
>Read More Michigan Senate passed Resolution No. 197 which recognizes DCHS
Michigan Senate passed Resolution No. 197 which recognizes Dickinson County Healthcare System (DCHS) for its dedicated efforts to improve the quality of health care and patient safety in our community.
> Read More 2017 Message from our CEO
“The Best & Safest in the State!”
Dickinson County Healthcare System has been caring for this community for 65 years and we are committed to providing top level healthcare to you and your family. Our efforts have once again been recognized by The Leapfrog Group when we earned our 10th consecutive “A” Hospital Safety Grade. > Read More |
Quality Healthcare Close to Home!
|
1721 S Stephenson Ave Iron Mountain, MI 49801 | phone: 906-774-1313 | information line: 906-776-5900
|