Press Release – Page 8 – Boundary Community Hospital

Extended Care Facility Excellence in Caring – Again

August 2, 2016/in Press Release

July 26, 2016

Bonners Ferry, ID – Boundary Community Hospital is proud to announce that their Extended Care Facility and Nursing Home has been recognized by the State of Idaho with their ninth L. Jean Schoonover Award for Excellence in Caring – the only nursing home in North Idaho to be so recognized. Recipients of the award must demonstrate a dedication and commitment to providing the highest quality of care to the residents they serve.

In addition, the Extended Care Facility completed their annual survey by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. The surveyors reported that the survey was 100% deficiency free. The Nutrition Services Department also had a 100% deficiency free report. These are excellent examples of the quality of care that our hospital and extended care facility employees are providing to the community, especially those that need long term and skilled nursing care.

The Extended Care Facility at Boundary Community Hospital is a licensed skilled nursing home with a physician on staff to supervise each resident’s care providing both long-term and rehabilitative or short-term residency. The highly-skilled staff understand and specialize in long term care, bringing a special nurturing atmosphere that can be felt every day throughout the facility.

An example – recent fishing outing to Smith Lake.

Rehab Department Recognized for Excellence

June 24, 2016/in Press Release

Boundary Community Hospital Rehabilitation Department Receives the FOTO^® Outcomes Excellence Award for Clinic Quality

Boundary Community Hospital’s Rehabilitation Department is proud to announce it has received the FOTO Outcomes Excellence Award for Orthopedic Physical Therapy from Focus On Therapeutic Outcomes, Inc. (FOTO^®). The FOTO Outcomes Excellence Award honors a select group of Rehabilitation providers that exceed the national average for Functional (FS) change in FOTO’s database for four consecutive quarterly reporting periods.

To earn the Outcomes Excellence Award a provider must consistently achieve superior scores for patient improvement, treatment efficiency and patient satisfaction. Each Quarter FOTO produces benchmarked reports for its subscribers that are used to help the providers understand how their clinics compare to other providers. The providers use the reports to manage their clinics to provide the best patient care.

FOTO is an international outcomes database for medical rehabilitation providers that measures and reports provider treatment quality and efficiency. The FOTO database of over 11 million individual patient assessments provides risk-adjusted comparative benchmarked reports used to measure, predict, and compare outcome results. With a focus on treatment effectiveness, efficiency and patient satisfaction, the FOTO Outcomes data proves the quality of care provided by Boundary Community Hospital.

“It is wonderful to be recognized for our patient outcomes and satisfaction,” says Rehabilitation Services Manager, Petra Timmermans, PT. “Our Rehab Team focuses on treatment and therapies that ensure our patients regain mobility and attain the highest level of independence.” The Boundary Community Hospital Rehabilitation Department offers three therapies: Physical, Occupational and Speech. Therapists work with inpatient hospital and swing bed patients as well as outpatients by appointment. To make an appointment or visit the facility, call (208) 267-3141 ext 4276.

“Boundary Community Hospital is part of a select group that demonstrates their commitment to quality care by agreeing to compare their performance data to other progressive organizations across the country. The growing database includes outcomes from over 3,400 outpatient hospitals and private practice clinics, and over 15,000 clinicians participate.” said Al Amato, FOTO President.

The Outstanding Rehabilitation Team at Boundary Community Hospital
Standing, from left to right: Sue Lombard, Occupational Therapist; Didier Balcaen, Physical Therapist; Rob Aronow, Speech Therapist; Katie Blumenauer, Admin Assistant/Scheduler Sitting, from left to right: Tammy Edge, Physical Therapist Assistant; Petra Timmermans, Physical Therapist and Department Manager; and Jeff Petersen, Physical Therapist

Stuffed Critters Donated to Boundary Community Hospital

June 17, 2016/in Foundation, Press Release

Wanda Wilkerson (left) and Sean McCoy (center) from the hospital Emergency Department accept the stuffed critters from Fry Healthcare Foundation President, Carol Julian (right).

The first set of stuffed critters donated to Boundary Community Hospital through the generosity of the Fry Healthcare Foundation Veryl Lindsay Memorial Fund arrived in the Emergency Department and Extended Care Facility. Wanda Wilkerson (left) and Sean McCoy (center) from the hospital Emergency Department accept the stuffed critters from Fry Healthcare Foundation President, Carol Julian (right).

“Thank you to everyone who donated in memory of Veryl Lindsay” says Carol Julian, President of Fry Healthcare Foundation. “Donations like this, which bring comfort to those in need, show how much our community cares for our friends and neighbors. We appreciate the help from Sugar Plum Floral in finding these lovable stuffed critters for the hospital.”

Established by the Lindsay family through the Fry Healthcare Foundation in memory of Veryl Lindsay, who worked as a Registered Nurse at Boundary Community Hospital from 1954-1986, the donated funds are used to purchase stuffed animals for Emergency Department patients or family members, children hospitalized for care, or dementia patients who need comfort. If you would like to donate in memory Veryl Lindsay, send your check to Fry Healthcare Foundation, 6640 Kaniksu Street, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.

A Tradition of Caring for the Community

May 23, 2016/in Press Release

May 15, 2016
By: Lauren Kuczka

Boundary Community Hospital has been celebrating National Hospital Week with its annual Health Fair and Fun Run for decades and this year was no exception. Beautiful weather contributed to the fun, when 200 runners and walkers of all ages took to the 3K, 5K and 10K courses across the North side of Bonners Ferry.

Many runners then went to the Bike Rodeo and Health Fair where they were able to pick up Lipid and A1C coupons, get their blood pressure, blood glucose and hearing checked. Free cinnamon rolls from Sunset Home Assisted Living, several raffles and giveaways made the morning a great family event. Did you try the Therapy Course, the Bike Rodeo safety course, check out the Mobile MRI and do the digital imaging self-guided tour? The Plant Sale was a success raising funds for the hospital’s Extended Care Facility residents. Did you see those geraniums? And seven different varieties of tomatoes and peppers, along with flowers, herbs and other plants were ready to plant in your garden.

The Hospital Auxiliary was drawing certificate winners every 10 minutes and many people continued to buy tickets as the event progressed. The Great Golf Ball Drop was kicked off by the Fry Healthcare Foundation. Buy a lucky numbered golf ball entry and win a 50” Smart TV. The winning entry will be determined on June 10^th at 6:30 pm at the 8^th Annual Golf Tournament to benefit the Hospital.

Fun Run T-Shirts are still available for $10.00 each. Pick one up at the Community Relations Office while they last. Proceeds go to support the Fun Run and Health Fair.

Thank you to the hospital staff and family members who volunteered to help at the fair and to all of the wonderful local vendors: Luther Park at Sandpoint, Panhandle Health District, Sandpoint Women’s Health, Bonner Partners in Care Clinic (BPICC), Auburn Crest Hospice, Take Shape For Life, Alzheimer’s Association, University of Idaho Extension Boundary County, Sunset Home Assisted Living, Bonners Ferry Women’s Cancer Education & Support Group, Inc., Sandpoint Community Resource Center, North Idaho College Bonners Ferry, Department of Insurance – SHIBA, Senior Medicare Patrol, Boundary County Restorium, Advanced Care Northwest LLC, Bonner General Home Health and Hospice, Overeaters Anonymous, Community Coalition of Families, Art of Redirection Counseling, State Farm Insurance, Grand Canyon University, Kaniksu Health Services, Playworks Counseling Center, Boundary County Victim Services, Cancer Fighters, Medicine Man Pharmacy, Bonners Ferry Yoga, and Mobile Hearing Care. Outdoor exhibitors included Bonners Ferry Fire Department, Boundary Ambulance Service, Life Flight Network Helicopter, BoCo Backpacks, Medical Support Reserve Corps of North Idaho, Far North Outfitters, Grow! Gardeners for Regional Organic Wellbeing and Eden Landscape and Design.

At Boundary Community Hospital we understand the unique healthcare needs of our rural neighborhood. We are committed to providing accessible, high-quality, cost-effective treatment to everyone in our community. This means delivering comprehensive services from acute critical care to rehabilitation to transitional care as well as community outreach, wellness and education programs. We continue to upgrade technology, improve patient care and build collaborative partnerships with other healthcare providers in the region. We are proud to provide the vital health services you and your family demand, delivered with professionalism and compassion – right here at home.

Photo Credit: Kim Nelson, Boundary Community Hospital

Mobile Ultrasound – Newest Tool in the Emergency Department

April 6, 2016/in Foundation, Press Release

Dr. Stu Willis, Emergency Department Director, demonstrates the new Mobile Ultrasound purchased by Fry Healthcare Foundation for the Emergency Department at Boundary Community Hospital.

Thank you to the Fry Healthcare Foundation and their Festival of Trees for raising the funds to add a Mobile Ultrasound Machine to the Emergency Department at Boundary Community Hospital.

“This is a welcome addition to our Emergency Department toolbox,” says Hospital CEO Craig Johnson. “As a Critical Access Hospital, we need to stay current on technology that will save the lives of the people who depend on us to provide those services.”

According to Dr. Stu Willis, Emergency Department Director, “Ultrasound devices have shrunk to the point where they are now handheld and can be used in the emergency department for easier triage, faster interventions for acute events, and better monitoring. In time sensitive emergencies you need tools like this that can be brought to the patient for faster diagnoses. For example, we can immediately see if a lung has collapsed and address the situation quickly and efficiently. Our friends and neighbors in Boundary County will benefit from having this state-of-the-art equipment available, if needed.”

Ultrasound (or “Sonography”) is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to show what is inside your body. Similar to sonar used in ocean research, the ultrasound emits sound waves which pass through the body, which is 90% water. The sound waves bounce off tissues and organs and an echo is sent back to high-speed computers which use the echo to create an image. This results in a very detailed examination, which aids the physician in a diagnosis. In addition, some information is displayed using color Doppler images and includes accurate blood flow measurements. This is called color-flow Doppler. An ultrasound examination is fast, with very little discomfort. No radiation or x-rays are necessary.

“The support and generosity of the community for the Fry Healthcare Foundation directly impacts the high quality of care provided by Boundary Community Hospital,” according to Fry Healthcare President, Carol Julian. “Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Festival of Trees such a success and giving us the opportunity to provide the hospital with this vital piece of equipment. The 2015 Festival of Trees raised over $40,000 which we are using to purchase the Mobile Ultrasound and other equipment for the Emergency and Rehabilitation Departments.”

Ask for a Bonners Ferry Appointment

March 17, 2016/in Press Release

Outpatient Services at Boundary Community Hospital

Did you know that diagnostic testing, specialist clinics, and rehabilitation services are available through the Outpatient Clinic at Boundary Community Hospital in Bonners Ferry? Appointments can be made by calling the specialist office directly and asking for a Bonners Ferry appointment. Here are examples of some of the tests and services you can have done at the local hospital.

Diagnostic Testing

Laboratory Tests – Boundary Community Hospital houses its own full-service, Idaho-licensed, inspected and accredited Clinical Medical Laboratory. Diagnostic laboratory testing is performed by highly-qualified, certified Medical Laboratory Scientists. They look for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms; analyze the chemical content of fluids; match blood for transfusions; and test for drug levels in the blood that show how a patient is responding to treatment using analyzers, all with computer integration and interlinked computer communications with other health care facilities and our reference lab. Test results are sent directly to your physician.

Diagnostic Imaging – Boundary Community Hospital has a reputation for quality and excellence in providing superb diagnostic imaging, thoughtful patient care and professional radiological interpretations. Board-certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, the experienced Radiologic Technologists manage the state-of-the-art equipment producing high quality imaging for accurate diagnoses and effective treatment. The Diagnostic Imaging Department offers a wide range of outpatient radiological services including CT (Computerized Tomography), digital mammography, bone density scanning, ultrasound, general radiology and fluoroscopy. The report of the exam will be electronically sent to your provider within 24 hours. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) exams are available every Thursday when the mobile MRI truck comes to Bonners Ferry.

Specialist Clinics

You do not have to drive to Sandpoint to see a specialist physician or have some outpatient surgeries. In partnership with specialist physicians and clinics throughout the Inland Northwest, Boundary Community Hospital offers Specialist appointments at the hospital. Heart Clinic Northwest Cardiologist Russell R. Blakely, MD has local clinic hours on Mondays each week. Sandpoint Women’s Health has local clinic hours on Tuesdays. Wednesdays, Dr. Nathan Kanning, Boundary Community Hospital’s Board Certified general surgeon, performs a wide variety of surgeries and outpatient procedures with a general focus on areas of the abdomen and their related organs including hernia repairs, biopsies, colonoscopies, and upper endoscopies. Thursdays, Dr. Michael DiBenedetto, Board Certified orthopedic surgeon has orthopedic clinic hours and performs some outpatient orthopedic surgeries such as knee arthroscopies, shoulder arthroscopies, and carpal tunnel surgery.

Rehabilitation Services

The Boundary Community Hospital Rehabilitation Department offers three therapies: Physical, Occupational and Speech. Outpatient appointments are available Monday through Friday. High-tech equipment allows the therapists to choose the best methods and techniques to aid in your recovery.

Physical therapists help patients regain their movement, strength, coordination, and overall function after surgery or injury. Therapeutic exercise programs, gait training, coordination, and balance training are offered. They use several techniques and modalities to decrease pain and swelling and promote tissue healing. Patients visit for physical trauma or injury, arthritis, post-surgery, neurological conditions, orthopedic conditions, developmental delays, postural problems, and more. Some therapists specialize in the McKenzie technique for back and neck injuries, the Bobath/NDT method for stroke rehabilitation, and lymph edema treatment.

Occupational therapy retrains a patient who, due to illness or injury, can no longer perform routine daily activities. The occupational therapist helps patients to safely and independently perform activities of daily living such as feeding, bathing and dressing when the patient requires retraining in these basic life skills. Hand therapy for problems such as arthritis, carpal-tunnel syndrome, and injuries of the hand and wrist such as sprains or fractures are available.

The speech therapist at Boundary Community Hospital is Rob Aronow. He has a Master’s Degree and over 20 years of experience working with children and adults of all ages with speech, language, communication, cognitive and swallowing disorders. He evaluates and designs specific treatment plans to address each patient’s individual needs. These treatment plans can focus on developmental sound production, voice, comprehension skills, cognition, memory and learning as well as training and education of family and caregivers.

So next time you need laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging, specialist appointments or rehabilitation services, have it done at Boundary Community Hospital.

Annual Pie Sale a Success

February 15, 2016/in Press Release

Thank you to everyone who donated or purchased pies to the famous Hospital Auxiliary Pie Sale on Thursday, February 11. Ninety-six pies were donated and we raised over $1,500. A special thanks to the Eagles 3522 Ladies Auxiliary and the Fry Healthcare Foundation for their generous donation of time and pies.

Over the past year, monies raised through the annual pie sale event and other fund raising by the Hospital Auxiliary have been used to purchase televisions for the Acute Care and Extended Care rooms, a Pulse Oximeter for the Emergency Room, a Table and Chair Cart for Maintenance, Aspirators for Extended Care, a freezer for the Laboratory and variable height desks for the Medical Records Department.

The Hospital Auxiliary, started in 1953 originally to assist at the Hospital, is seeking new active members to join the group. If you are interested, please come to the next meeting on March 8 at 11:30 a.m. at Chic-N-Chop. Women and men are welcome.

The Famous Hospital Auxiliary Pie Sale

January 26, 2016/in Events, Press Release

The famous Hospital Auxiliary Pie Sale will be Thursday, February 11 this year, and is in the basement of the Trinity Lutheran Church, 6784 Cody Street. You may purchase a whole pie or by the slice. The coffee pot will be on, ready to serve.

There will be sugar-free pies and gluten-free pies, as well as all of your favorites like Lemon Meringue, cream and custard, a variety of fruit, and even Huckleberry pies. It’s a good idea to come early, as you all know, the proverbial early bird gets the—well, in this case, gets to choose from the widest selection of choice pies. The Pie Sale begins at 9 a.m. and continues until all pies are gone, usually around 2 p.m.

The Hospital Auxiliary has priced the pies very reasonably. All funds raised go to support the local hospital, Boundary Community Hospital. The Hospital Auxiliary appreciates your donation of pies! Many community members bring in pies.

Come and participate, in both the bringing of pies, and the eating of pies. Call Richelle Rode, Boundary Community Hospital, for more information, (208) 267-4851.

CPM Machine Gifted to Hospital Rehab Services

December 18, 2015/in Press Release

The Fry Healthcare Foundation is pleased to announce that they were able to raise the funds required to purchase the Kinetec Centura Anatomical Shoulder and Elbow Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine for Boundary Community Hospital Rehabilitation Services. The money for the CPM Machine was pledged during the Fund-An-Item portion of the Festival of Trees Gala. “The support and generosity of the community for the Fry Healthcare Foundation directly impacts the high quality of care provided by Boundary Community Hospital,” according to Fry Healthcare President, Carol Julian. “Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Festival of Trees such a success and giving us the opportunity to gift the hospital with this necessary piece of equipment.”

The CPM Machine provides post-operative passive range of motion rehabilitation which prevents joint stiffness, edema, soft tissue contractures and muscle atrophy. The color-coded patient set-up is anatomical, comfortable and easy; hand programmable and interchangeable for right and left use. With an estimated 25% of the Hospital’s outpatients presenting with shoulder issues, this passive range of motion machine will be a significant addition to the Rehabilitation Department.

Manager of Rehabilitation Services, Petra Timmermans, PT explains:
“In the early days of orthopedic surgery, rest and immobilization were often prescribed as the most important part of the initial healing process. Over time, ongoing research however has shown that for joints, ligaments and muscles to heal optimally, the earlier movement can be re-introduced, the better.

Early movement helps with pain control, decreases swelling, and increases the blood flow to the area, which helps with healing. The so-called “synovial fluid”, a fluid that is present inside joints and lubricates them, depends on joint movement for its production to be triggered. Surrounding soft tissue – ligaments, tendons and muscles – benefit from early gentle stretching to prevent cramping and tightening.

Those who have had a knee replacement may be familiar with a CPM machine for the knee: these simpler units are often prescribed as a home unit for the first few weeks after surgery, and provide passive, gentle, slow bending and straightening of the knee within prescribed limits. This has proven to be very effective for the early part of the rehabilitation and helps with pain control as well as regaining knee movement early on. In addition, these patients are able to start walking and actively using their muscles from day one after surgery.

At the Boundary Community Hospital Rehab Department, we also see many patients after shoulder injury or surgery. They are an estimated 25% of our caseload and we see more patients after shoulder surgery than hip and knee combined. Compared to the hip and knee, the shoulder is a very flexible joint with an immense range of movement. This allows us to do activities such as playing golf or tennis or reaching behind our back. The downside is that the shoulder is much more susceptible to injury and overuse. Because there are so many more small muscles and tendons surrounding and stabilizing the shoulder, injury or surgery often needs to be followed by a period of protection of the tissues that were damaged, to prevent further damage or tearing. One of the most common surgeries in this category is the rotator cuff repair. Though the principles and benefits of early mobilization are still true, it is at the same time crucial that the vulnerable tendons first re-attach properly before they can absorb any strain. These patients have their arm in an immobilizer and are not allowed to use their own muscles to move their arm, typically for six weeks. The only movement allowed is passive movement, performed by the therapist, two to three times per week for six weeks. Imagine how beneficial it will be to have a CPM machine that can guide the shoulder joint through all its movements, and provide slow, gentle motion on a consistent and predictable basis. Because the patient does not need to move their own muscles, this machine can be used immediately. Thanks to the Fry Healthcare Foundation and the Festival of Trees, this now has become a reality for our Rehab Department and we are extremely excited to have this state-of-the-art piece of equipment available to us.”

Fry Healthcare Foundation’s 7th Annual Golf Tournament Draws Talent and Smiles

June 12, 2015/in Foundation, Press Release

Big smiles and good times characterized the Fry Healthcare Foundation’s 7^th Annual Golf Tournament on June 12, 2015.

Fifty-four players, one moose calf, and several families of geese worked their way around 18-holes of golf at Mirror Lake Golf Course. The funds raised at the Golf Tournament will go towards the purchase of a portable ultrasound for the emergency room at Boundary Community Hospital.

Sponsors for the Golf Tournament are Rick and Janice Lozoya, Kootenai Health, Yellowstone Insurance Exchange, Idaho Forest Group, Gardiner Prime Angus Beef, Potlatch Credit Union, Pace-Kerby & Co. Inc., Columbia Bank, Kootenai River Inn, and Riverside Auto Center.

Community Title Company, Harvest Foods, Edward Jones, Safeway, Auburn Crest Hospice, Festival of Sandpoint, Sugar Plum Floral, Boardwalk Boutique, Picturesque, StoneRidge Golf Community, Twin Lakes Village, Silverwood Theme Park, Larson’s Clothing, and Henry-Griffitts donated prizes, cash, and items.

A hole-in-one at hole #8 ensured the winning of a Yamaha Side by Side, 4-Wheeler valued at $14,000 donated by Boundary Tractor Co. One drive by Boundary Community Hospital Administrator, Craig Johnson came close, but, unfortunately, nobody made the winning hole-in-one.

Tournament Winners are Travis Hinthorn and Steve Nelson, First Flight, Dick and Mike Villeli, Second Flight; and Linda Hiatt and Karen English, Third Flight.

The Golf Ball Drop, with a total of 375 balls purchased, was a crowd-pleaser. LifeFlight Network, a medical transport company, donated a Visio 55-inch Smart TV as the prize for the golf ball that rolled into, or came closest to, hole #9. Lana Hersinger is this year’s lucky winner.

Fry Healthcare Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c )3 with an elected Board of Directors whose purpose is to raise funds for equipment for the local hospital, Boundary Community Hospital. The benefits to the community are huge as new state-of-the art medical equipment and enhancements to the hospital campus continue to be funded. Over one-million dollars has been raised in its 20-year history. Donations are always accepted and always well-spent.

Plan now to participate in next year’s Golf Tournament on Friday, June 10, 2016. The Tournament is open to all. For more information about Fry Healthcare Foundation call (208) 267-6912.

Image Gallery