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Patient and Family Advisory Committee Report

April 19, 2019 By

The Patient and Family Advisory Committee at Hutchinson Health has served as invaluable resource in a volunteer capacity since 2016.

PFAC members provide feedback and ideas from a patient and family perspective that helps shape the future of our organization. Each year we provide a snapshot of the work done as part of our mission to enhance transparency, and compile a report which is now complete.

Mother sitting on couch with two toddlers looking at a tablet device

Read our PFAC Report and Learn How to Get Involved

Visit the Patient Family Engagement page for more information and download the 2018 PFAC report.

Patient Family Engagement at Hutchinson Health
Filed Under: Health & Well-Being

Pulmonary Function Testing Now Performed at Hutchinson Health

February 21, 2019 By

Pulmonary Function Testing is now being performed at Hutchinson Health, thanks to our partnership with HealthPartners, at our Pulmonary Function Lab (PFL).


Pulmonary Function Tests are noninvasive and can show exactly how well the lungs are actually working. The tests measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. They also measure the endurance of the lung when working at capacity, so it is important to note it can be challenging.

A couple of the tests performed at the PFL:

  • Spirometry which measures air flow in different parts of the lungs
  • Plethysmography which measures volume

Adult testing at our Pulmonary Function Lab can evaluate lung disease, determine the effectiveness of new or current treatment, and measure how severely lungs are damaged. The information gained from Pulmonary Function Testing can help your healthcare provider diagnose and decide the treatment of certain lung disorders. 

Physicians need to refer patients to have a Pulmonary Function Test at our lab at Hutchinson Health. If you are having any of the following symptoms, discuss with your provider if a Pulmonary Function Test is needed:

  • Allergies
  • Respiratory infections
  • Trouble breathing from injury to the chest or a recent surgery
  • Chronic lung conditions, such as asthma, bronchiectasis, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis
  • Asbestosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers
  • Restrictive airway problems from scoliosis, tumors, or inflammation or scarring of the lungs

Call 320-484-4650  to schedule an appointment once your provider has approved the test to be completed.

Filed Under: News Tagged With:

New Inpatient Wing Expansion for Hutchinson Health

January 28, 2019 By
NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Rosann Maher, Hutchinson Health Marketing/Public Relations
(320) 484-4578
FOR RELEASE January 28, 2019

New Inpatient Wing Expansion for Hutchinson Health

After several years of planning, Hutchinson Health is pleased to announce a NEW Inpatient wing is about to become a reality. The City of Hutchinson gave final approval for our project at their January meeting.

Artists Render of New Surgical Wing at Hutchinson Health

The new wing will be a 17,600 square foot addition with 18 patient rooms (and ability to build out 4 more if demand requires). The rooms will be roughly twice the size of our current rooms with plenty of space for patient, family/visitors and staff. Space for nursing and other support staff will be designed to support optimal efficiency and enhanced patient experience. The $21 million investment for this new wing will remarkably change the exterior landscape of our current facility, as well as impact the environment for our patient care.

Ground breaking is expected spring of 2019, with occupancy by late June, 2020.

The new area/unit is referred to as Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg), which is primarily for patients that are admitted for post-surgical recovery, acutely ill, or require general treatment for a variety of medical concerns. The staff who usually administer care in this area are physicians, registered nurses, nursing assistants, pharmacists, dieticians, social workers, care management team, lab, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapy, and imaging. Hutchinson Health is extremely excited for what this new area will offer for our patients and the community.

Filed Under: News

Dr. Stuckey shares the importance of Colon Cancer Screening

November 28, 2018 By

free event on Dec 20th at Grace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson

Ever wonder if colon cancer screening is really necessary?

Join us for a free event on Thursday, December 20th at Grace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson to hear Hutchinson Health’s Dr. Mark Stuckey share the reasons why everyone should be screened for colon cancer. 

Filed Under: Events, Health & Well-Being, News

Giving the Gift of Sight

November 1, 2018 By

Have you considered the power you have to give the gift of sight through an eye donation?

November is Eye Donation Month, and Hutchinson Health wants to help restore sight for patients by encouraging people to learn more about becoming a donor.

“More than 100,000 Americans are in need of eye, tissue, and organ donations,” and the Lions Gift of Sight  is helping make the donor commitment process easy to understand and complete.

Please consider becoming a donor, put it in writing and make it legal, and then let your family and friends know your decision.

Filed Under: News

Early Detection is the Best Way to Fight Breast Cancer

October 1, 2018 By

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to equip people with the information and resources they need to spread awareness within their own family and circle of friends. It’s a time dedicated toward helping people understand how prominent breast cancer is and what can be done to help prevent, diagnose, and treat the disease.

What can we, as a community, do to fight breast cancer and bring more awareness to the cause?

In 2018, an estimated 266,120 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 63,960 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.

Our goal at Hutchinson Health is to encourage self-exams, screenings, and mammograms to aid in early detection. Together, we can make progress and lead a strong fight against this disease.

Breast Cancer Awareness ribbonEarly detection includes a number of important tasks

Please discuss breast cancer prevention and early detection with your provider. Make annual wellness exams a priority, and schedule your appointment today.

For more breast cancer statistics, visit Breastcancer.org

Filed Under: News

Cold, Flu and Gastroenteritis – What are the differences?

September 25, 2018 By

This is a common time of year for people to get sick with a variety of illnesses. Understanding the differences between a cold, the flu, and gastroenteritis can help you determine what kind of care you need.

Difference Between a Cold and the Flu

  

The common cold and influenza are both respiratory illnesses that can have similar symptoms, but they are caused by different viruses. The similarities can make it hard to tell the difference, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the flu is worse than a cold, with symptoms being more intense. The flu often includes a fever, sore throat, body aches and more, while a cold often less of these symptoms and includes a runny or stuffy nose. Visit the CDC website for more details on the differences between the flu and a cold.

Difference Between Influenza and Stomach Flu

As stated earlier influenza, known as the flu is a respiratory illness, while gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as the “stomach flu” is an inflammation of the stomach or intestines that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Gastroenteritis is often caused by Norovirus, a germ that spreads quickly.

What Kind of Care Do You Need?

  • Influenza – If you have influenza, the CDC states that most will recover with rest and time, but people that are very sick or in a high risk group will need medical attention. There are prescription medications that can help treat influenza in high risk patients and you can check with your provider for options.
  • Cold – If you have a cold, get rest and appropriate over-the-counter medications for comfort are the recommended treatment. There aren’t prescription medications available to treat a cold.
  • Gastroenteritis – The stomach flu is also an illness that just needs time to process. Prescription medication is not available to treat this ailment. Get rest, stay hydrated and wash your hands.

Have you gotten your flu shot yet?

It isn’t too late. They are still available, and may help you avoid getting sick.

Overall, if you have a cold or gastroenteritis it is best to get rest and limit your contact with others to minimize the spread of the illness. If you have influenza, being seen by a medical professional can be a good idea. If symptoms continue to worsen, or complications arise always seek out medical attention.

Schedule an appointment
Who should take antiviral drugs?
Filed Under: News

New Urgent Care Opens September 25th

September 25, 2018 By

Urgent Care will be open seven days a week from 8:00am to 7:00pm.

Hutchinson Health’s newly remodeled Urgent Care will be opening on Tuesday, September 25, 2018. Located in the Northeast area of Hutchinson Health.

To make an appointment at either Hutchinson Health Clinic or Urgent Care, call (320) 234-3290

All patients arriving at Urgent Care will be seen by a triage nurse through our Care That Fits service, helping provide the appropriate level of care, assessing urgency, and identifying when Emergency Care is necessary. While patients should attempt to pick the most suitable option for treatment right away, a severely injured or seriously ill patient will be assessed and quickly sent to the emergency room.

When Should You Choose Hutchinson Health Clinic, Urgent Care or Emergency Room Care?

Emergency Room

Emergency care is the best choice for more life-threatening medical needs. Immediately go to the Emergency Room or call 911 for things such as difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, heart attack or stroke symptoms, serious head or eye injuries, severe burns, poisoning, and suspected drug overdose. Emergency Rooms are equipped to handle more serious cases and provide an entire medical team to respond to the emergency situation.

Urgent Care

If suspect your medical situation is an emergency and you would not contemplate calling 911, then Urgent Care may be the option for you to choose first. A triage nurse will help you assess the situation and get you to the level of care that best fits your need.  Hutchinson Health Urgent Care provides the type of acute medical care or routine injury treatment that a primary care physician would usually perform in a clinic visit and sees patients in the order of severity.

Clinic

If your medical needs are less immediate and you want to insure you see your primary care physician, it’s best to make an appointment at the clinic. Also, if your illness or medical need is less urgent and it’s during clinic hours, call to schedule an appointment or ask to see an open care physician. Our scheduling staff can often help you find a provider with availability within a short amount of time.

 

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , ,

Flu Shots Available

September 24, 2018 By

Flu shots available at Hutchinson Health. Get yours now, and be prepared before influenza season arrives. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting your flu shot before the flu begins spreading in your community. After receiving your vaccination it takes about two weeks to build up antibodies that help protect you from the flu. Getting a shot after influenza season starts is still helpful, but getting it early provides the most benefit.

Shoo the Flu: Get your flu shot

Stop at Hutchinson Health Monday – Friday from 8am – 4:30pm and ask for a flu shot. We’ll get it taken care of – no appointment necessary. 

The flu shot is offered at Hutchinson Health. The flu mist will not be available this year. 

Learn more about the CDC’s projections for the 2018 – 2019 influenza season and the vaccination available. 

Stop in and get your flu shot soon!

Filed Under: Events Tagged With: ,

Fourth of July Holiday Hours

June 27, 2018 By
Filed Under: News
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