Skip links

Hutch Health > Archives for Hutch Health

Staying Safe from COVID-19

May 15, 2020 By

Child in mask . Protection against virus, infection. Health. Medical virus poster design.

What your care team is doing and how you can help.

Keeping safety first.

We plan ahead and take steps every day to keep our clinics, hospitals and other buildings safe. Many of those steps are below. Here is what guides us:

  • All of our sites have policies to prevent the spread of infections. We have strengthened these policies and taken further action to protect you.
  • We follow all guidelines from our state and national public health agencies.
  • Our experts in infectious disease prevention guide us on the best ways to keep you, your care team and the community safe.

Clinic

We know that this can be an unsettling time. It can be common to be worried about COVID-19 when you are visiting your clinic, especially if you are there to get care for a reason other than the virus. Please be aware that keeping you safe and healthy is our top priority. Use this information to learn more about why it’s important for you to continue to receive care, what we are doing to protect you and how you can help.

Why is it important to get care at my clinic? Shouldn’t I put it off?
What we are doing
What you can do to stay safe
Download Staying Safe from COVID-19 in Your Clinic (PDF)

Hospital

Many hospitals are treating people who are infected with COVID-19 now. If you’re in the hospital for another reason, this may be an unsettling time. It’s common to be worried about COVID-19. Please be aware that keeping you safe and healthy is our top priority. Use this information to learn more about what your hospital is doing to protect you—and how you can help.

What we are doing
What you can do to stay safe
Download Staying Safe from COVID-19 in the Hospital (PDF)
Filed Under: News

New Patient Masking Guidelines

May 1, 2020 By

Starting Thursday, April 9, to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, we are encouraging you to bring and wear an alternative mask if you are coming into one of our clinics for an in-person appointment.  We can provide a mask if you don’t have one.

Masks can be purchased from local retailers, online retailers, or you can make your own mask from fabric. The CDC has guidelines for making cloth face coverings here.

Masks should be worn over your mouth and nose for the duration of your appointment. Members of your care team will also wear masks to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.   We are providing masks for patients that need one at their appointments.

We appreciate your efforts to help protect yourself, our care teams, and our entire community.

Filed Under: News

Drive-up COVID-19 Testing

May 1, 2020 By

We’re here to support our community with safe, convenient COVID-19 testing. If you’re experiencing symptoms go to healthpartners.com/test or you can call the clinic at 320-234-3290 to determine if you qualify for a COVID-19 test at our drive-up testing site.

When is Testing available?

Phone screening and drive-up testing will begin starting Monday, May 4.

  • Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p m.
  • Saturday 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

How to Get Tested

Testing will be done by appointment only. Call the clinic at 320-234-3290  or you can visit us at healthpartners.com/test, and you will be asked screening questions. Your answers are very important to help us make the process go smoothly, so please be patient with our team as they go through these questions.

If it’s determined you qualify for a test, you will then be given an appointment time for drive-up testing.

PLEASE NOTE: We will not accept walk-ups. Everyone must be screened in advance and scheduled for an appointment. Those who arrive without an appointment will be asked to leave and call to complete the phone screening process.

What kind of Testing is being done?

Hutchinson Health will be collecting a nasopharyngeal swab (a deep nasal swab) for PCR testing. This will test for CURRENT infection only. Nasal swab testing is effective only if you are experiencing symptoms (such as fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, or new loss of taste or smell).

Blood tests, also known as antibody testing, are what show a history of infection. The blood test is NOT available at this time.

Your Test Results

Results will be available within 3 – 5 days on your Online Health Account only. If you do not have an Online Health Account, you can create one here.

After your screening, you should self-isolate at home until you receive your results.

Filed Under: News

Your Mental Health is Important and asking for help can be difficult

April 8, 2020 By

You’re not alone if you feel like the current situation with COVID-19 has been disruptive to your life. It has altered almost everyone’s daily schedules and routines, and it has created a lot of uncertainty. We want to help you and your loved ones plan, prepare, and cope with stress related to this rapidly changing situation. Hutchinson Health remains committed to providing mental health services and continuity of care.

Telehealth Appointments

Our Outpatient Mental Health Clinic has been conducting telehealth visits for both existing patients and new patients. Telehealth has provided an opportunity for continuation of care, to best target and treat mental and emotional health difficulties during this stressful time.

Here is some feedback we’re getting from patients, families, and providers that’s been positive!

  • “I was worried I wasn’t going to be able to meet with you, I’m so happy to have this as an option!”
  • “This is such a relief to be able to continue to talk!”
  • “ACCOMPLISHED!”
  • “This is awesome!”
  • “I am so happy you are doing this.”

Make an appointment today by calling 320-484-4610

Mental Health Resources for COVID-19

General Resources about Behavioral and Mental Health:

Coping:

Parenting in the time of COVID-19:

Parents of children with disabilities during COVID-19:

Working from home:

Filed Under: News, Services

Hutchinson Health Celebrates Certified Nurses Day on March 19

March 17, 2020 By

Hutchinson Health Celebrates Certified Nurses Day on March 19 by Honoring the 19 Board Certified Nurses on its Staff

Certified Nurses DayHutchinson Health is celebrating Certified Nurses Day, on March 19, by honoring its board-certified nurses. The following nurses are being recognized for their professionalism, leadership, and commitment to excellence in patient care:

  • Janet Filzen, CNOR: Certified Operating Room Nurse
  • Maureen Lowden, RNC: Inpatient Obstetrical Nurse
  • Nicole Kuttner, IBCLC: International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
  • Janelle Walter, IBCLS: International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
  • Lee Krenik, IBCLS: International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
  • Lindsey Vacek, IBCLC: International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
  • Teresa Smith, ACNS-BS: Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Holly Oestreich, CDE: Certified Diabetes Educator
  • Cassie Carlson, CEN: Certified Emergency Nurse
  • Renee Kurth, CAN: Certified Anticoagulation Nurse
  • Deidra Jeseritz, CAN: Certified Anticoagulation Nurse
  • Alyssa Kurth, CAN: Certified Anticoagulation Nurse
  • Angie Thoennes, CAN: Certified Anticoagulation Nurse
  • Stephanie Whalen, CAN: Certified Anticoagulation Nurse
  • Heidi Nelson, RN-BC: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification
  • Kris Peterson, RN-BC: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification
  • Penny Wachlarowicz, RN-BC: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification
  • Sue Alrick, ONC: Oncology Certified Nurse
  • Susan Karnitz, NEA-BC: Nurse Executive Advanced

Board Certification of nurses plays an increasingly important role in the assurance of high standards of care for patients and their loved ones. Nursing, like health care in general, has become increasingly complex. While a registered nurse (RN) license provides entry to general nursing practice, the knowledge-intensive requirements of modern nursing require extensive education, as well as a strong personal commitment to excellence by the nurse.

Hutchinson Health encourages national board certification for all its nurses. Patients are encouraged to inquire whether there are certified nurses on staff when they visit a hospital or their primary care provider. There are many nursing certification specialties such as medical-surgical, pediatric, pain management, cardiac vascular, oncology, hospice, case management, emergency nursing, critical care and many others. Many nursing certification bodies exist to serve the full range of specialized nursing care offered in the contemporary health care system; national nurse-certifying bodies should be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) or the National Organization for Competence Assurance (NOCA).

Please join Hutchinson Health and the nation’s national nursing certification organizations in honoring those hardworking, dedicated nurses for their professionalism, and a job well done!

Filed Under: News

Protect Yourself & Others from the Flu

December 23, 2019 By

With flu season upon us, we need to work together to protect ourselves and others from the flu. Influenza is highly contagious and can be mild or severe. One of the most important ways to stop the spread of the flu is to stay home from work or school if you have any influenza symptoms.  If you need to seek medical care or leave home please wear a mask to protect other people from getting your germs, or being exposed to other illnesses.  We also ask that people who have any flu symptoms do not visit patients at Hutchinson Health.  Learn more about flu protection here.

Please don’t visit patients at Hutchinson Health if you have any flu symptoms:

  • Fever above 100 degrees
  • A bad cough or sore throat
  • Chills or body aches
  • Diarrhea or vomiting

Stop the spread of flu, remember to always:

 

There is still time for flu protection. Get a flu shot at Hutchinson Health.

No appointment is necessary.
Stop into Hutch Health between 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

After receiving your vaccination it takes about two weeks to build up antibodies that help protect you from the flu. Getting a shot after the influenza season starts is still helpful, but getting it early provides the most benefit.

flu shot - flu protection, Hutchinson Health

Stop at Hutchinson Health Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and ask for a flu shot. We’ll get it taken care of — no appointment necessary. Learn more about the CDC’s projections for the 2019-2020 influenza season and the vaccination available.

Thank you for doing your part to stop the spread of flu. By staying home if your sick, washing your hands frequently, covering your cough, and getting the flu shot, we can help keep our community healthy.

Filed Under: Events Tagged With: ,

Hutchinson Health Cancer Center Receives Press Ganey Award

November 25, 2019 By

Hutchinson Health Cancer Center team holding the Press Ganey plaque received for Outstanding Patient ExperienceHutchinson Health is pleased to share that our Cancer Center has been awarded the Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award for Outstanding Patient Experience. This honor highlights those who strive to improve the patient experience and raise the bar on performance each year.

Honoring the Top 5%

This award honors those practices who have reached the 95th percentile and maintained that level for an entire year. It is an impressive accomplishment to break into the top 5%, but to sustain that level for an entire year is truly incredible.

Congratulations!

We want to commend our staff for their teamwork and support, as each patient experience is impacted by every area doing their part and working together. Please join us in celebrating the Hutchinson Health Cancer Center staff on this incredible accomplishment.

Filed Under: News

PowerUp November Newsletter

November 4, 2019 By

Ways to PowerUp in November

  • PowerUp Action team meeting

    • We will be helping pack bags for the Backpack program from 2-3pm on November 18th at Common Cup Ministries

  • Parkview Dental Candy Buyback

    • Bring your leftover candy to Parkview Dental Nov 1-5 and receive $1 for every pound. Candy will be sent to service members overseas.

  • Wheel and Cog $2 Tuesdays

    • 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month

  • Rec center indoor playground

    • 9:30-11:30am Monday-Thursday and Saturdays 10am-noon

November is Peanut Butter Lovers Month!

Pros of Peanut Butter

  • It is a great source of protein
  • It contains lots of healthy fats
  • It is very versatile and can be used in sweet or savory dishes
  • It is very nutrient-dense
  • It does not need to be refrigerated so is easy to pack for on the go
  • It is delicious!

Wondering what kind to buy?

Be on the lookout for hydrogenated oils and sugar in your peanut butter. Check the ingredients list- the best peanut butter should contain just peanuts and salt!

Crunchy Peanut Butter Granola

  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 Tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine oats and cinnamon in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine peanut butter, honey, oil, and vanilla. Microwave for 30-45 seconds or until peanut butter is melted. Stir together then pour over oats. Stir to combine then spread in an even layer on baking sheets. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely before enjoying!

Have a Healthy Holiday

For many people November is a time to reflect on all of the things they are thankful for. It is also a time for stuffing, pie, and mashed potatoes smothered in gravy. Many people struggle finding a balance between maintaining healthy habits while still enjoying the holiday traditions..

Tips for enjoying a healthy Thanksgiving

 

Healthy Holiday Recipes

Balsamic Blue Cheese Brussel Sprouts

  • 1 lb Brussel sprouts
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt and pepper
  • ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
  • ¼ cup craisins
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts

Balsamic glaze

  • ¾ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp honey

To make the glaze, place vinegar and honey in a saucepan and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Cut Brussel sprouts in half and toss in olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread out on baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese, craisins, and nuts and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal (2 servings)

  • 1 apple, diced
  • 2/3 cup apple juice
  • 2/3 cup skim milk
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree
  • ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 2/3 cup quick-cooking oats

Combine all ingredients except oats in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes. Stir in oats and let sit for 1 minute. Top with pumpkin seeds or chopped pecans for a little crunch!

Recipe from food and Health Communications

PowerUp logo

Filed Under: Power Up

New Electronic Medical Record System

November 1, 2019 By

It’s Here!

Hutchinson Health has upgraded our electronic medical record system to make it easier for you to schedule and receive care. It further connects us to HealthPartners and Park Nicollet should you need additional services.  If you want to create a new online account click the blue “Sign in” button to get started.

For your appointments, please bring:

 

 

Please be patient as our staff learns the new, enhanced system.

We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Filed Under: News

PowerUp October Newsletter

October 2, 2019 By

Ways to PowerUp in October

PowerUp Action Team Meeting
National Walk and Bike to School Day
Spooky Sprint
Power of Produce at the Hutchinson Farmers Market
$2 Tuesdays at Wheel and Cog Children's Museum
Hutchinson Community Running Group

Get Crafty!

You will need:Blue print of maple leaf on paper

  • Paper
  • Tempera paint
  • Paint brush
  • LEAVES!

Collect various types of leaves in all different shapes and sizes. Choose a paint color and paint the whole entire leaf. Press painted side onto the paper for 5 seconds to transfer the print. Repeat this process with different colors, shapes, and sizes of leaves until you are satisfied with your picture. Let the paint dry before displaying.

Source: https://www.firstpalette.com/craft/leaf-prints.html

How to Avoid the Halloween Candy Overload

For many kids Halloween is the best day of the year because they get to dress up in fun costumes, walk around the neighborhood with their friends, and come home with a mountain of free candy. For many parents, this means struggling with finding the balance between enjoying the fun of the holiday while figuring out how to deal with the exorbitant amount of candy their child will be asking to eat for the next few weeks. Here are a few tips for dealing with excess candy:

  • Allow your child to pick out their 5 favorite candies and bring the rest to a candy buy back.
  • Allow your child to trade their candy in for a toy or experience they have been wanting.
  • Don’t keep leftover candy in your child’s room. Store in the kitchen or pantry and allow it in moderation.
  • Serve a healthy and filling meal before your kids head out on Halloween so they are less likely to over-eat candy.
  • Set a good example by consuming candy in moderation as part of a healthy and balanced diet.
Halloween Candy Alternatives

Recipes

Pumpkin Loaf with Dried Cherries

IngredientsPumpkin cranberry bread

  • 1 ½ cup whole-wheat flour
  • 2 tablespoons flaxseed (if you like seeds)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon each ground allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cups canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
  • 6 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup dried cherries

Instructions

  1. Turn the oven on and set it to 350 degrees. Spray the loaf pan with cooking spray (or grease it with oil).
  2. Put the flours, seeds, baking powder, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt in the small bowl and use the whisk to mix well. Set aside.
  3. Put the pumpkin, oil, honey, brown sugar and eggs in the large bowl and use the mixer or a spoon to combine until well blended.
  4. Pour in the dry ingredients and mix well. Mix in the dried cherries.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean with no batter on it, 50-55 minutes.
  6. Set aside to cool in the pan. Turn the loaf out onto the cooling rack and let cool completely. Enjoy!

Purple Monster Smoothie (makes 3-4 servings)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup frozen blueberriesPurple smoothie with a cup of blueberries
  • 1 cup frozen peach slices
  • 1 small banana
  • 1 handful spinach
  • Leaves from one bunch celery (or half of one celery stalk works, too)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup skim milk

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and

Filed Under: Power Up
Next Page »
Tell Us How We’re Doing
Back to Top