Latest News from November 2009

David Farrar, PA-C at Valley County Health System attended the Association of Family Practice Physician Assistants Annual Conference in Phoenix, AZ from Nov. 4-7.  The conference featured sessions regarding emergency medicine, pediatrics, rheumatology and women's health. 

For more information, or to schedule an appointment with Farrar, call the Ord Family Health Center at 308-728-3606.

Jennifer Bengston, MD at Valley County Health System attended training from November 13-15 in Las Vegas, NV.  The training was Clinical Endocrinology for Primary Care Physicians and was co-sponsored by Endocrine Society. The program provided primary care physicians, physician's assistants and nurses with an update on endocrine disorders, including osteoporosis and other calcium-related disorders, type I and II diabetes, cholesterol and lipid disorders, thyroid disorders and obesity.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bengston, call the Ord Family Health Center at 308-728-3606.

Valley County Health System is pleased to announce that the Radiology Department recently passed their Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) inspection.  The certification process was completed by Arlene Hughes, Mammography Technologist at VCHS.   

The MQSA requires that all mammography facilities across the nation meet uniform quality standard.  Congress passed the law in 1992 to assure high-quality mammography for early breast cancer detection.  Under this law all mammography facilities are required to be accredited by the Food and Drug Administration and undergo an annual MQSA inspection.

Standards that must be met during the inspection consist of documentation that verifies all physicians who interpret the mammograms and the technologists who perform the mammograms have had adequate training and experience. Each facility must have an effective quality control program and maintain the records. In addition all facilities must have a system for following up on mammograms that reveal problems, and for obtaining biopsy results.

To schedule a mammogram or to learn more, call Valley County Health System at (308) 728-3211.

Ord - Kara Fischer, Chair of the Board of Trustees of VCHS is pleased to announce that the Health System is taking steps to select a new logo identity that reflects its communities and its people.  To do this, VCHS is launching a logo design contest.

The following guidelines have been adopted for the Valley County Health System logo contest:

• The communities we serve, at large, including employees, will be allowed to submit new logo designs. 
• The following objectives should be considered when designing a logo.  An explanation of the logo and how it meets these objectives should be submitted with the entry.
  • Balance feelings of warmth and compassion, with a progressive approach to the future.
  • Respect the region's rural and agricultural roots.
  • Be manageable in a variety of print, web and video applications.
  • Avoid trendy approaches in order to remain fresh and appealing for many years to come.
• The logo design entered should be sketched in pencil.  Colors will be determined with the help of a professional marketing firm.
• Entries must be received by January 8, 2010 to be considered.
• All designs should be mailed to the VCHS Logo Contest Committee, P.O. Box 346, Ord, NE 68862.  The logo sketch, description, entrant's name, address and phone number must be included in the submission. 
• All entries will be kept anonymous until after the selection of the new logo.
• All entrants shall be notified that in the event their logo is selected, it may be modified slightly to meet graphics standards.
• A committee comprised of VCHS employees and community members will select the top three logo designs. 
• The services of a marketing firm will be utilized to finalize the logo selected and design the stationary package.
• The winner will receive $500.  First runner up will receive $250. Second runner up will receive $100.  These three people will be acknowledged with a picture and press release to local media.
• Once the committee has made their recommendation of the top three logo designs, the VCHS Senior Management Team and Board of Trustees will make the final selection of the new logo.  This selection process will include a legal review to ensure there are no copyright infringements. It is also understood that the person whose logo is selected will release all personal rights to their design with assignment to VCHS.

For more information, contact the Valley County Health System Public Relations Department at 308-728-4347.

During the weeks of November 9 and 16, the hospital construction project continued to remain ahead of schedule.  The drywall installation in the acute care department was nearly completed.  Taping and painting will begin soon.  The circle driveway at the main entry was poured.  Electrical, duct work and plumbing rough-ins in the acute care department were completed and well underway in the surgery, radiology, emergency room, maintenance and purchasing departments.

The frames for the large window openings in the front lobby, chapel area, rehab and acute care will be built and installed soon with the glass to arrive later this year.   The final paving to be completed soon consists of some sidewalk and the helicopter pad.  Also, the connecting drive between Valley View Living Center and the new hospital will be completed in the next week, weather permitting.

For more information contact the Public Relations office at 728-4347.

(ORD) - The Annual Valley County Health System Foundation Gala has been scheduled for Saturday, January 9, 2010, at the Ord Veteran's Club.  This evening is one of two annual fundraising events held each year by the Foundation.

The theme for this year's gala is "Denim and Diamonds" and entertainment will include  the Miss Red Hot Womanless Competition.   Attendees are encouraged to wear their finest denim or formal attire.  Social hour will begin at 6 pm with the meal, auction and entertainment to follow at 7 pm.

Tickets are available at local banks, from any Foundation Board member, the VCHS Admissions office and the Foundation office. Tickets are $40 each or $70 for a couple. Six exclusive tables seated for six can also be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis for $350.   Raffle tickets are available for $10 each or 3 for $20.  For more information, contact Becky Ries at 728-3011.

The sounds of the 50's, 60's & 70's could be heard throughout the beautiful Valley Cinema Theater this past Sunday night, as the Revival Band, with special guests, Eldon Flodman, Pat Boilesen and Jerry Neeman performed.  Those in attendance were treated to some amazing music and vocals, and the group received a standing ovation at the conclusion of the concert. 

Pat (Leth) Boilesen, who is a graduate of North Loup, gave some wonderful performances, including a song she wrote about a friend of hers who was in the crowd, Peggy Jo.  Also, Elton Flodman, whose voice is just remarkable, sang several tunes, including a few Elvis songs; and, Jerry Neeman played his trumpet for two songs, including "Kansas City" which he also sang the vocals for. 

The Revival Band consists of Tom Schroeder, Tommie Backus, Doris Winkler, Warren Pennell, and Jay Ferris.   Hopefully this group of incredible performers can return to this area again in the future, as they made the afternoon a memorable one.    

The concert was sponsored by Valley County Health System Foundation and the proceeds will be used to start a scholarship fund for students who enroll in accredited healthcare programs. Thanks to everyone who attended this concert.

ORD - The staff of the VCHS Heritage Program for Seniors raised the American Flag for the first time on Veteran's Day.  The project has been in process for almost a year. The flag is lit at night and looks very patriotic. U.S. Air Force Veteran, James Bartley, raised the flag, while other staff members observed.

The Heritage Program for Seniors is a behavioral health outpatient program offered by Valley County Health System.  The program offers group therapy for older adults who are experiencing loneliness, sadness, grief from loss of a loved one and/or major changes in their lives.,

The Heritage building is located along Hwy 11 and 70 in Ord.

During the past two weeks substantial progress was made on the new hospital facility. All of the exterior stone work was completed and the masons won't return until January to finish the interior stone work around the lobby fireplace and chapel.   Aluminum window framing was completed and windows were installed in the acute care, medical clinic, specialty clinic and emergency room departments.  The large windows in the front lobby, chapel area, rehab and acute care will be installed later this year.

Sheet rocking, duct work, medical gas, fire sprinkler, wood blocking and framing, electrical and plumbing rough-in work continued inside the building.  Paving of the north entrance circle drive should take place next week if weather cooperates.  Also, the south connecting driveway between the new facility and the nursing home will be completed this fall.

The project is nearly 50% complete.  For more information contact the Public Relations office at 728-4347.

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month and hospices across the country are reaching out to raise awareness about important care issues for people coping with life-limiting illness.

"Last year more than 6,500 Nebraskans received care from a hospice provider," said Patricia Snyder, executive director of the state's hospice association, the Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care Partnership (NHPCP).  "These professionals are experts at providing a kind of care that provides pain management, symptom control, psychosocial support, and spiritual care to patients and their families."

"As hospice professionals, our mission is to serve patients and families, and we're committed to making sure they receive the care they need and want.  National Hospice and Palliative Care Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the options of care available," Carol Schroeder, Director of Valley County Health System Hospice, added.

To help people learn more about hospice and palliative care, Valley County Health System Hospice will host a Holiday Happenings Open House on Tuesday, November 17th, from 2-4 pm in the Home Health/Hospice office at 400 S. 23rd Street in Ord.  For more information, call 308-728-3114.

Information about hospice, palliative care and advance care planning is available at nehospice.org.  Valley County Health System Hospice is a member of NHPCP.

Nebraska farmers and ranchers can save significant taxes by contributing commodities such as corn or cattle to the Valley County Health System Foundation.

When an agricultural producer transfers legal ownership of a commodity to a charitable organization before the commodity is sold, the producer does not have taxable income from the sale and thus minimizes taxes. Depending on the specific circumstances, the producer may realize savings on federal and state income tax and self-employment tax. The producer can still deduct the costs of production.

The Valley County Health System Foundation is an affiliated fund of the Nebraska Community Foundation which processes these gifts on our behalf. Since specific procedures must be followed to obtain the desired tax treatment of a gift of grain or livestock, producers should notify the Nebraska Community Foundation before making a gift of commodities.

Producers should consult with their accountant or tax advisor to determine whether a contribution of commodities is appropriate to their tax situation.

For assistance with a gift of commodities contact Becky Ries at (308) 728-3011.