31 Oct 2014

Genesis HealthPlex, Bettendorf Opens Monday, Nov. 3rd

By Craig Cooper

CONVENIENT CARE, BETTENDORF OPENS THURSDAY

BETTENDORF, Iowa _ Oct. 29, 2014 _ Genesis HealthPlex, Bettendorf will open Monday, Nov. 3, to offer 17 family medicine providers, lab services, an imaging center and urgent care at 2140 53rd Ave.

This will be the second Genesis HealthPlex - the first opened a year ago in Moline -- to give patients "one-stop'' access to health services that are now available at multiple sites. The $15 million investment by Genesis Health System is the future of health care in the region and located just west of the Center for Digestive Health and ORA Orthopedics.

Four days in advance of Monday's official opening, Genesis Convenient Care in Bettendorf will open its doors Thursday, Oct. 30, at the new Healthplex location. Convenient Care will move from 4017 Devils Glen Road.

The relocation of Genesis Imaging Center on Devils Glen Road in Bettendorf will be completed and the new location open on Monday at the HealthPlex, as well. Imaging services offered will include : MRI; CT; ultrasound; bone density testing, digital mammography and general x-ray.

HealthPlex Providers

A hallmark of the HealthPlex will be the addition of four recently graduated residents from the Genesis Quad Cities Family Medicine Residency Program. These new residency program graduates are: Ryan Boone, MD; Sheena Harker, DO; Stacie Salowitz, MD; and, Catherine Schierbrock, MD.

Also serving as their partners will be Chris Crome, MD, and Kurt Andersen, MD, who will move their individual practices from other Genesis Health Group locations.  

Providers from Genesis Health Group's Bettendorf Medical Center office on Devils Glen Road and Bettendorf Family Practice office on Lincoln Road will also move to the HealthPlex. These providers are: Steven Aguilar, MD; Mary Campbell, MD; Myra Daniel, MD; Andrew Edwards, MD; Jennifer George, FNP; Deborah Haas, ARNP; Jason Hagemann, DO, who graduated a year ago from the Genesis residency program; Mark Hermanson, MD; Robert Knudson, MD.; Joanne Miller, MD; and, Karl Treiber, DO.

Not only will the 43,140-square-foot HealthPlex serve current Genesis Health Group patients but also newly insured patients in the region who have enrolled in health insurance plans available under the Affordable Care Act. Thousands of people in the Quad Cities region have health insurance for the first time and need to establish relationships with primary care providers.

Growing Ddemand For Primary Care

Genesis, not unlike health care providers across the country, has recognized a need for more primary care physicians.

"We understand the concerns nationally and in our own region about access to a primary care physician as thousands more Quad Cities-area residents will have health insurance,'' said Genesis Health Group President Richard Kishiue, M.D. "Genesis has been aggressively recruiting new primary care physicians and specialists. We want patients to establish a relationship with a primary care physician rather than using emergency departments as their gateway for health services."

The HealthPlex model will lead to more collaboration among providers, who also have had an active, ongoing role in the design and processes put in place at Genesis HealthPlex, Bettendorf.

"Putting doctors in one location where we can share resources gives us the opportunity to do things we can't do in our own small practice," said Dr. Andersen, who led a tour for the media on Wednesday. "Not only is it more convenient for the patient, but it also allows us to develop care teams and have access to services in the same location, such as lab and imaging."

He added, "We're not only providing quality and more efficient care, but we're giving patients the right care, at the right time, at the right place."

Estes Construction of Davenport was the general contractor. Genesis HealthPlex, Bettendorf was an IMPACT construction project using local skilled trades.

Genesis Health Group, the largest multi-specialty group in the Quad Cities' region, has close to 100 primary care physicians; about 50 specialists; and 50 mid-level providers throughout the Quad Cities region.

To find a physician accepting patients, visit www.genesishealth.com/BettHealthPlex. Effective Monday, the main number for Genesis HealthPlex, Bettendorf will be (563) 421-5700.

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22 Oct 2014

Genesis Community Hotline

By Craig Cooper
The Genesis Community Hotline is available at (563) 421-2273 (CARE). You can call with questions about Genesis preparations for possible Ebola events, about seasonal influenza, or other concerns or comments. Leave a message with your question or comment and a contact number so we can return your call.
22 Oct 2014

Genesis Announces Planned Partnership

By Craig Cooper
DAVENPORT, Iowa - Oct. 17, 2014 -- Genesis Health System President and CEO Doug Cropper announced today that the health system will enter a new partnership agreement North Carolina-based Compass Group, North America focused on several, primarily hospital-based support services.

Once executed, the agreement is expected to enhance the economic stability of Genesis and secure the continued employment, pay, benefits and seniority of all affected staff. Most importantly, this agreement will help ensure the continued availability of these services to Genesis patients consistent with Genesis' mission, vision and values.

The proposed support services agreement with Compass Group, North America involves four system-wide support service areas: environmental services; facility maintenance services; food and nutrition services; and, patient transportation services. Together, these departments employ nearly 500 Genesis colleagues. According to Mr. Cropper, the decision to enter into an agreement with Compass was driven largely by the growing complexity and higher costs associated with maintaining these services on an "in-house," independent basis.

Specifically, Mr. Cropper noted, "The opportunity to partner with Compass for support services will significantly enhance the quality and cost- effectiveness of these services. The singular „focus? of dedicated support service providers, like Compass, provides „best practice? models in areas such as energy management and reduced waste. Moreover, the purchasing power of Compass will certainly lead to more cost-effective service delivery. Compass also will provide staff and leaders with the highly specialized training available in these support service areas that will enhance quality and customer satisfaction."

Mr. Cropper reported that the impact of the proposed Compass agreement on Genesis employees will be limited. On January 1, 2015, all affected staff will transfer employment from Genesis to Compass Group at their current pay rates and seniority levels. Moreover, the Compass benefit packages are comparable to those offered by Genesis.

"By executing this agreement with Compass Group, I believe we have enhanced the long-term job security of our support services staff,?? Cropper said. "Not only will this agreement preserve jobs; but, it also offers a career-growth path that only a large, highly specialized organization, like Compass, can offer. I believe this action advances the best interests of Genesis, the affected support services staff and, most importantly, our patients who rely on us to ensure the compassionate, quality cost-effective care our mission promises and our patients deserve."

Genesis workers in environmental services; facility maintenance services; food and nutrition services; and, patient transport services were briefed Thursday, Oct. 16 by Genesis and Compass officials on the pending partnership arrangement.

Commenting on the transparency of the process, Compass Group Director of Business Development Chris Kacsits said: "Quite frankly, we?ve never seen a communication process quite so thorough and open as this one. Genesis staff members were updated throughout the negotiations in order to minimize the disruption this new relationship will have on workers. We regard our experience with Genesis as a case study in effective communication and social responsibility. I am not aware of any other Compass partner that has guaranteed the employment, pay and seniority of its workers in such a transaction."

ABOUT COMPASS GROUP

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina; Compass Group North America leads the market in food and support services to both public and private health care and senior living providers with nearly $13 billion in revenues in 2013. It is a subsidiary of UK-based Compass Group, PLC, the world?s largest provider of such services to health care, education, sports and leisure and other industries. Compass is the ninth largest employer employs more than 500,000 associates worldwide and has annual revenues in excess of $28 billion.

Under the "Morrison" brand name, Compass provides a wide variety of food service options designed to meet the unique dietary requirements of patients, staff and visitors as well as senior living residents. The Compass health care industry team includes more than 1,200 registered dietitians, 350 executive chefs and 18,000 professional food service team members.

Compass?s "Crothall" division provides a comprehensive portfolio of support services, including patient transport as well as maintenance and housekeeping. Compass is focused on the needs of its health care clients serving nearly 950 hospitals, senior living communities and integrated healthcare systems in 43 states. Compass brings with it the scale and "buying power? needed to drive costs down and the expertise to ensure quality service. To learn more, visit www.compass-group.com

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14 Oct 2014

Genesis, DaVita Kidney Care Announce Joint Venture

By Craig Cooper

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- October 13, 2014 -- Genesis Health System and DaVita Kidney Care today announced they have entered into a joint venture agreement for the continued operation of the Quad Cities' only hospital campus-based hemodialysis center.

The center provides treatment to patients with kidney failure on an out-patient basis. The agreement calls for patient care services to continue uninterrupted at the recently remodeled and expanded Genesis dialysis center located on the East Rusholme Street campus of Genesis Medical Center, Davenport.

According to Genesis Vice President of Corporate Communications Ken Croken, the decision to enter the joint venture agreement with DaVita Kidney Care was driven largely by the increasing operational complexity and high costs of maintaining a single dialysis center. Specifically, Croken noted that the regulatory demands and technical requirements of hemodialysis have grown more challenging over the years. And, the operation of an independent center in Davenport has become cost-prohibitive because Genesis cannot benefit from the volume discounts on equipment and supplies available to larger, multi-site providers. Moreover, smaller providers cannot provide the highly specialized technical support available within a larger organization focused exclusively on hemodialysis.

"DaVita Kidney Care is a national leader in the innovative care of patients with chronic kidney failure and end-stage renal disease," Croken said. "Today, DaVita Kidney Care operates or manages more than 2,100 dialysis centers across the U.S. The company's commitment to quality care and customer service is evidenced by its nearly 170,000 patients nationwide."

The GHS Board of Directors has determined that DaVita is the right partner to help ensure the stability of this critical patient service in the community. In this way, patients who currently rely on the life-saving care they receive at our state-of-art Genesis out-patient center -- as well as in the hospital - can continue to do so." Genesis provides nearly 20,000 dialysis treatments annually.

"We are pleased to expand our services in the Quad Cities region and honored to partner with Genesis Health System to provide world-class kidney care," said Mark Bratland, Divisional Vice President for DaVita Kidney Care. "I want our new patients as well as the Genesis medical staff to know that we are dedicated to provide a smooth transition and to live by our Mission as the Provider, Partner and Employer of Choice."

About DaVita Kidney Care

DaVita Kidney Care is a division of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc., a Fortune 500® company that, through its operating divisions, provides a variety of health care services to patient populations throughout the United States and abroad. A leading provider of dialysis services in the United States, DaVita Kidney Care treats patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVita Kidney Care strives to improve patients' quality of life by innovating clinical care, and by offering integrated treatment plans, personalized care teams and convenient health management services. As of June 30, 2014, DaVita Kidney Care operated or provided administrative services at 2,119 outpatient dialysis centers located in the United States serving approximately 168,000 patients. The company also operated 84 outpatient dialysis centers located in 10 countries outside the United States. DaVita Kidney Care supports numerous programs dedicated to creating positive, sustainable change in communities around the world. The company's leadership development initiatives and social responsibility efforts have been recognized by Fortune, Modern Healthcare, Newsweek and WorldBlu. For more information, please visit DaVita.com.

About Genesis Health System

Genesis Health System, its affiliates and partners offer a continuum of health care services for a 12-county region of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. Our affiliates include : Acute and tertiary hospital care at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport and DeWitt, Iowa and at Genesis Medical Center, Silvis and Genesis Medical Center, Aledo, Ill.; home health and hospice services through Genesis VNA and Hospice; Genesis Workplace Services, including occupational health, employee assistance program and wellness services for employers and their employees; the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House; senior living facilities offering rehabilitation and long-term care; Genesis Health Group, with nearly 200 primary 

care providers and specialists; the Genesis Quad Cities Family Practice Residency program; Genesis Psychology Associates; three Convenient Care clinics; and Genesis Home Medical Equipment. Partners include Genesis Medical Park, Crow Valley and Spring Street Surgical Center, Davenport and Genesis Imaging Centers. Genesis manages Jackson County Regional Health Center, Maquoketa, Iowa. Genesis is one of the largest employers in the Quad Cities region with more than 5,000 employees. For more information, visit our Web site at www.genesishealth.com.

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09 Oct 2014

Genesis BirthCenters Train New Parents About Safe Sleep For Babies

By Craig Cooper

New moms at Genesis BirthCenters are discovering a baby's peaceful sleep and peace of mind are attainable. Even for brief moments at the same time.

Since Valentine's Day, babies born at Genesis BirthCenter locations in Davenport and Silvis get a first bath and then are wrapped in a HALO SleepSack wearable blanket. The SleepSack wearable blankets are replacing loose blankets, crib bumpers and stuffed animals in baby sleep spaces.

The idea is to establish a safe, comfortable sleep routine in the hospital with hopes the routine will go home with the baby and parents.

The SleepSacks wearable blankets have a design that swaddles the baby with closeable cloth "wings.'' The baby's arms can be within the blanket or out. A zipper allows easy access for diaper changes.

SleepSacks also allow babies to kick their feet naturally and unrestrained. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute has called SleepSacks "hip healthy."

"It allows the babies to have their feet and legs in a frog kick position rather than having them restrained by blankets,'' explained Genesis Health Group pediatrician Curt McClellan, D.O. "The babies seem to sleep more comfortably and soundly.

"A lot of hospitals across the country are now starting to use these in their birth centers.''

Unexplainable Tragedy

What isn't known scientifically yet is whether the wearable blankets further reduce the tragedy of sudden unexplained death in infants. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, remains a mystery because the condition cannot be explained after an autopsy or a review of the infant's clinical history.

Jenny Atzen, nurse midwife with The Group in Davenport, was a Genesis BirthCenter nurse in 2002 when Elizabeth, her 31/2-month-old daughter, died in the home of a care giver. There was no explanation for the death.

"I still miss her like crazy every day,'' Atzen said. "I was a nurse and it happened to me. If this can happen to me, the message is 'wow, this can happen to anyone.' SIDS doesn't only happen to someone else. It happens to people who think they are doing everything right.''

Atzen said she has never placed any blame on anyone. Elizabeth was sleeping in an adult bed with pillows around her and she was sleeping on her stomach.

"She slept on her stomach at home too,'' Atzen said. "We knew about the recommendations for back to sleep but Elizabeth slept better when she was sleeping on her stomach.

"Unfortunately, this is a very common practice by many parents. We paid the worst possible consequence of not following the recommendations.''

The national "Back To Sleep'' campaign recommends that newborns be placed on their backs to sleep. Since the campaign began in 1994, unexplained infant deaths have decreased by more than 3,500 each year.

"That day changed everything for me,'' Atzen said. "I can talk about it now because I think our experience can help educate others. It's very important to educate everyone about the safe sleep of babies.''

Genesis BirthCenter manager Deb Renner said the transition to SleepSacks at Genesis is part of a national trend. Hospitals across the country are creating safer sleep environments for newborns by using the wearable blankets.

"As a Magnet organization, we are very in tune with best practices and using these wearable blankets is certainly a best practice,'' Renner said. "If we can get new parents to experience the safest sleep practices for the baby in the hospital, it is a good start toward them following best sleep practices for baby at home.

"We would like to think SleepSacks could prevent the tragedy that Jenny experienced. Her experience impacted everyone she worked with because at the time we had a lot of nurses who were having babies. It made us all aware that this could happen to anyone.''

Tips For Safe Sleep

While SIDS is still a mystery in many ways, there are standard recommendations for safe sleep for infants.

  • Babies should have their own sleep space, like a crib or bassinet, not an adult bed

  • Babies should be put on their backs to sleep

  • All toys and bedding should be removed from the baby's sleep space

  • Never dress the baby too warmly for sleep

  • Never allow anyone to smoke around your baby at home, or in a car

Renner said the Genesis BirthCenters would like to be able to send the SleepSacks home with babies but the expense doesn't make that possible at this time.

"We'd love for someone to say, 'this sounds like a very good idea' and make a donation through the Genesis foundation,'' Renner said. "We think this is important enough that every baby should go home from Genesis with a SleepSack.''

Gifts to the Genesis Foundation have an impact on the health of the communities served by Genesis Health System. Find out more by calling (563) 421-6865.

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26 Sep 2014

Genesis Fall Foot Race Will Benefit Nursing Scholarship Program

By Craig Cooper

DAVENPORT, Iowa - Sept. 5, 2014 - The second annual Fall Foot Race to benefit the Genesis Nursing Scholarship Program will be held Saturday, Oct. 4 at Prairie Heights Park in Davenport.

There will be a 5k run/walk and a one mile fun run/walk starting at 9 a.m. Prairie Heights Park is located off 53rd Street and Eastern Ave. in Davenport.

The event is coordinated by Genesis Health Promotion Department and Genesis Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Genesis Nursing Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships to college nursing students and to Genesis employees who seek baccalaureate or graduate degrees in nursing.

Research has shown that lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors, and positive outcomes are all linked to nurses prepared at the baccalaureate and graduate degree levels.

There will be awards for the three overall male and female top finishers. Medals will be awarded to age group winners. Long sleeve t-shirts will be available to everyone registered on or before Sept. 24.

Registration is available at www.genesishealth.com. For questions, call (563) 421-3871.

19 Sep 2014

Genesis Foundation Hosts Estate Planning Seminars

By Craig Cooper

DAVENPORT, Iowa - Sept. 16, 2014 -- The Genesis Foundation will present two free seminars on wills and estate planning in October.

Topics of each seminar will include the importance of a will, what can happen if someone dies without a will, how existing wills can be changed, and whether wills can be self-written.

Here is more information about the seminars:

When? -- Tuesday, Oct. 14, 11:30 a.m. Where? - Larson Center, Meeting Room A, Genesis Medical Center, Silvis, 801 Illini Drive, Silvis; Featuring - Mary Ann Brown, elder law and estate planning specialist, Nash Nash Bean & Ford.

When? - Tuesday, Oct. 21, 12:30 p.m.; Where? - Annunciata Meeting Room, Pavilion 2, Genesis Medical Center, 1401 West Central Park, Davenport. Featuring - Curt Oppel, tax, estate planning and trust specialist, Stanley, Lande & Hunter.

There is no fee for these seminars, however, advance registration is required.

Please make your reservation by contacting Deb Hughes at hughes@genesishealth.com, or calling (563) 421-6861. If you have questions, contact Steve Goebel, CFRE at goebels@genesishealth.com, or at (309) 281-4392.

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04 Apr 2014

Camp Genesis Registration Open

By Craig Cooper

Camp Genesis Is A Special Experience For Children Coping With Cancer In Their Families

DAVENPORT, Iowa - April 2, 2014 -- A cancer journey doesn't just impact the patient. Children, grandchildren, spouses and other loved ones can also be affected.  Cancer can disrupt families and their financial situations, making vacations more difficult.

For the sixth consecutive year, Genesis Health System, Gilda's Club of the Quad Cities and the Scott County Family YMCA will provide an opportunity for children coping with cancer in their families to enjoy time together at Scott County Family Y Camp Abe Lincoln in Blue Grass.

This year's Camp Genesis experience is July 6-11. Anyone who knows a child affected by cancer in their family is encouraged to call Gilda's Club Quad Cities at (563) 326-7504 for more information and applications. Applications can also be downloaded at www.gildasclubqc.org.

Camp Genesis provides youth with an outstanding, local camp experience. Special cancer education programs are provided during camp week by Gilda's Club and Genesis to help kids cope with the effects of cancer in their family. The usual camp fee will be donated by Genesis. There will be no charge to campers.

"This camp will provide a much-needed opportunity for kids to just be kids,'' said Sally Werner, Director, Genesis Cancer Care Institute. "This camp will be a relief to parents who may be facing illness and financial concerns because of the illness.

"Camp Genesis will offer a unique camp experience, close-to-home, that is specifically designed for children who are dealing with cancer in their families.''

Camp Genesis campers will experience everything from swimming, to canoeing, to horseback riding to an Alpine adventure tower. Complementing the fun will be cancer support and education each day from the Gilda's Club staff.

Camp Genesis campers bond from their shared experience with cancer and are more likely to share their worries and fears with each other.

YMCA Camp Abe Lincoln hosts Camp Genesis. Camp Abe Lincoln is a 250-acre camp located just 12 miles from downtown Davenport.

"Camp Genesis has become part of our philosophy to treat the 'whole' cancer patient and families at the Genesis Cancer Care Institute,'' Werner added. "If we can relieve some of the stress and concern a cancer patient may have about children or grandchildren, we are creating a better healing environment for that patient.''

Gilda's Club Quad Cities provides free support, education and hope to all people affected by cancer. Gilda's Club has an office at the Genesis Cancer Care Institute and offers its special support services throughout the Quad Cities from the Gilda's clubhouse at 1234 E. River Drive in Davenport.

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04 Apr 2014

Genesis Receives Women's Choice Award For Heart Care

By Craig Cooper

The Genesis Heart Institute recognized for creating an extraordinary patient experience by individualizing, personalizing and humanizing healthcare for women and their families

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- April 2, 2014 -- The Genesis Heart Institute is a winner of the Women's Choice Award as one of America's Best Hospitals in Heart Care.

As more women self-manage their care and seek providers they can trust, the Women's Choice Award is the only distinction that identifies the nation's best healthcare institutions and signifies the Genesis Heart Institute commitment and passion for creating an extraordinary healthcare experience.

It is more important than ever to raise awareness of heart care, as one in every four women dies from heart disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The Women's Choice Award is based on robust criteria that considers patient satisfaction, clinical excellence, and what women really want when it comes to treatment and a quality hospital experience," says Delia Passi, CEO & Founder of WomenCertified, home of the Women's Choice Award. "The Genesis Heart Institute not only performed well clinically with regard to heart care measures, but it also had a high recommendation rate, a measure  that is very important to women in choosing a hospital."

As the collective voice of female consumers, the Women's Choice Award provides women with recommendations they can trust, from other women. Eighty percent of women will choose a brand that is highly recommended by others and over 92 percent of women will trust a hospital more if it carries the Women's Choice Award seal, according to MedeliaMonitor , Independent Poll (2013).

"Heart disease is the greatest health threat women face. Through the efforts of our staff, we are helping the public become more aware of the gender-based differences in heart disease," said Nidal Harb, M.D., Chief Executive Medical Director, Genesis Heart Institute. "By recognizing that heart disease is different for women than men, we can improve treatment and save lives.

"This distinction recognizes our commitment to providing exceptional care for everyone."

"As the primary healthcare decision makers, women account for about 90 percent of all family choices when it comes to matters of health," added Passi. "Making quick decisions goes against her grain and women are seeking more information than ever before when making healthcare or hospital selections. Women appreciate learning from the experiences of others, as they take more time to identify the best hospitals and seek validation in their choices. Our mission is to reduce the risk for women and their families so they can make smarter healthcare choices. "

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28 Mar 2014

Time to Register for GAIN Camp

By Craig Cooper

DAVENPORT, Iowa - March 27, 2014 -- The Genesis Adventures in Nursing Summer Camp (GAIN) will be held June 16-20 for young people who may be interested in a healthcare career.

Applications for GAIN Camp will be accepted through April 15th. Cost for camp is $150. A limited number of scholarships will be available.

GAIN Camp is available to students who have completed seventh grade through graduated seniors.

Campers will be introduced to different specialties in healthcare. They will tour the hospital, observe a mock trauma in the emergency department, visit an operating room, visit the Genesis Learning Center and learn first aid and CPR.

To register, or for more information, contact Lori Ruden at (563) 421-1354.

 

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