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Regional Medical Center Receives 5-Star Rating for Cleanliness

Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester has been awarded a five-star patient survey rating from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey for cleanliness. With this rating, RMC is listed as one of the cleanest hospitals in the nation! 

The HCAHPS survey is a national, standardized survey of hospital patients who rate their experiences during a recent inpatient hospital stay. It is our distinct honor to be featured amongst the list of 350 U.S. hospitals and 13 Iowa hospitals. 

Every single day our Environmental Services team works to achieve the highest standards of cleanliness in all areas of our facility to ensure a safe environment for patients, families, and visitors. 

Sheri McKenna, Environmental Services Manager, expressed her pride in RMC’s achievement. “Being recognized for maintaining a clean and safe environment at RMC is truly an honor,” she said. “However, this recognition isn’t about us. It’s about our community. It’s about ensuring that every aspect of their care at RMC contributes to their healing and comfort.”

We are proud and honored to receive this recognition. Regional Medical Center is committed to providing a safe and comfortable healing environment for our community.

Pictured: RMC Environmental Services Team

  • Back Row LEFT to RIGHT: Jay Richmond, Katie Vaske, Sheri McKenna, Patricia Gaimari, Sally Digman
  • Front Row LEFT to RIGHT: Becky Pittman, Krista James, Deb Akerly, Linda Buehner, Lenita Bruns
  • Absent from Photo: Sara Billhorn, Skye Bradley, Tracy Hoisington, Rhonda Meyer, Martha Timmer, Lisa Trainor

As the holiday season approaches, it’s more important than ever to prioritize your health and the health of those around you. With both flu season and COVID-19 cases expected to rise during the colder months, experts are encouraging everyone to take proactive steps to reduce the spread of these viruses. By protecting yourself with both the annual flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine, you can enjoy a healthy and safe holiday season.

Why do vaccines matter? Both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are essential tools in the fight to prevent illness and reduce the severity of symptoms. These vaccines help protect not only the individual but also the community, especially the most vulnerable populations.

What can you do to avoid illness during the holidays? Here are some simple steps to help reduce the spread of the flu and COVID-19 during holiday gatherings: 

  • Get Vaccinated: Ensure everyone in your family is vaccinated against both the flu and COVID-19 before gathering with others.*
  • Wash Hands Often: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after coughing or sneezing.
  • Stay Home If Sick: If you’re feeling unwell, stay home to avoid spreading illness to others.
  • Cover Your Cough: Always cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
  • Maintain Social Distance: In crowded areas or indoor settings, try to maintain physical distance to reduce exposure to germs.
  • Stay Hydrated & Rested: Getting enough sleep and staying hydrated can help boost your immune system, keeping you healthy throughout the holidays.

Celebrate the holidays with peace of mind, knowing that you’ve taken steps to reduce your risk of illness. If you have any questions about these vaccines, contact your primary healthcare provider or Delaware County Public Health at 563-927-7551. Additional helpful resources are available at cdc.gov/flu or https://www.cdc.gov/covid/index.html.

*When should I get vaccinated? The earlier you get vaccinated, the better. It’s recommended to get your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine as early as possible to provide full protection.

  • Get Your Flu Shot & COVID-19 Vaccine Early: Aim to get vaccinated before flu season fully kicks in—ideally by the end of October.
  • It Takes 2 Weeks: Both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines take about two weeks to provide full protection, so make sure you plan ahead.

The holidays are a joyous time, but they can also be stressful and especially difficult for those impacted by mental illness. Regional Medical Center (RMC) Parents as Teachers (PAT) is providing some tips that everyone can use to be proactive and maintain good mental health as we approach the holidays.

  • Practice self-care: Schedule time for activities that make you feel good like reading, taking a walk or listening to music. 
  • Set realistic expectations: Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to create the perfect holiday. 
  • Eat well: Try to eat unprocessed foods like vegetables, whole grains and fresh fruit.
  • Get enough sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep in a cool, dark room. 
  • Limit alcohol and drugs: Alcohol and drugs can worsen stress, and you should seek help if you’re struggling with substance abuse. 
  • Stay active: Try to incorporate some physical activity into your daily routine. 
  • Practice gratitude: Find moments of joy and gratitude to reduce feelings of stress. 
  • Be patient and realistic with yourself: Face negative feelings in a healthy way, and try to create new, positive memories. 
  • Don’t overcommit: Be selective about the plans you commit to, and stick to your normal routine as much as you can. 
  • Simplify travel: If you must travel, try to make it as easy as possible on yourself.

Following these tips can help you maintain good mental health during the holiday season. Remember to prioritize self-care, manage expectations and seek support when needed. RMC Parents as Teachers is a FREE resource for families in Delaware County so do not hesitate to reach out at 563-927-7685.

“When I fell and broke my hip, I was in so much pain. The Regional Medical Center ambulance was at my house within 10 minutes. All the guys within the ambulance were so good to me. In fact, I haven’t met a single person here that hasn’t been good to me. Dr. Gorsche and the entire surgery team made sure I didn’t have any more discomfort than needed. They were all reassuring and solely focused on getting me back to feeling better. When I was admitted to the Medical/Surgical unit, my nurse Tori saw me when I was in the most pain. She truly cared about my well being and did a fantastic job with everything I needed. Even the night nurses made sure I had everything I needed and continued to check on me throughout the night. People don’t have a clue what we have here in Manchester. I couldn’t have gone anywhere with better treatment. If I didn’t look out the window and know I was in Manchester, Iowa – I would have thought I was in a big facility with how nice the space is. Everything I can do here, I will do here.”

Pictured: Tori, Med-Surg RN

The West Delaware (WD) Volleyball team presented $500 to the Regional Medical Center (RMC) Radiology team to support their “pink support bags”. Through fundraising efforts, the WD volleyball team and their supporters were able to give back to RMC and newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in our community. 

RMC Radiology puts together what they call “pink support bags” to give to patients who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer. These bags are filled with gas cards, gift cards and other items that will be useful during their cancer journey. 

“We deeply appreciate the donation and the opportunity to provide support bags to our patients. The girls on the West Delaware Volleyball team do a wonderful job of supporting their community and we are grateful for the partnership,” shares Megan Demmer, RMC Radiology Manager.

With gratitude from the Radiology team and the entire RMC community, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to the successful fundraising efforts.

Regional Family Health (RFH), a family practice service of Regional Medical Center (RMC), is recommending parents and guardians to ensure their child is vaccinated for HPV and Hepatitis A. 

The HPV vaccination prevents cancer-causing infections and precancers. HPV (human papillomavirus) is a virus that can cause different types of cancer. This vaccination is recommended for those 11-12 years old. However, it can be given to kids as young as 9 years of age. Getting your child vaccinated will protect them from certain cancers later in life. The vaccine is most effective when given before a person is exposed to the virus.

Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease that’s usually spread through close contact with an infected person. The first dose of vaccination should be given between 12-23 months of age. Six (6) months after the first dose, the second dose should be administered. 

As a parent, it can seem unsettling to be vaccinating your young child for viruses that are often spread through adolescent/adult activities. However, studies show that vaccination early acts as a protective layer against these viruses that your child might come into contact with later in life.

If you have questions about your child(ren)’s vaccination history, please contact your primary care provider. Further information about these vaccinations can be found at cdc.gov. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions and be an advocate for your child. Although sometimes scary, vaccinations are a protection for your child. Call Regional Family Health at 563-927-7777.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester recently welcomed Garrett McLean, MD, to their team of highly skilled general surgeons. Dr. McLean comes to the community from Cambridge, Minnesota, a small town just outside of Minneapolis. 

He completed medical school in New York at Albany Medical College and residency at Inspira Medical Center in New Jersey in 2024. After being on the east coast, Dr. McLean was excited to make his return to the Midwest. 

“I love working on a team and working with my hands. It’s rewarding to take care of the community and work with its members,” shared Dr. Garrett McLean. “I’ve always wanted to take care of a community similar to the one I grew up in. Regional Medical Center feels like home.” 

Dr. Randall Messerly and Dr. Andrew Rikkers will also continue to provide general surgery services at RMC.

“We are very fortunate to have a team of general surgeons with unwavering commitment to patient care and are true assets to our organization,” shared Heather Ries, Chief Nursing Officer. “On behalf of everyone at RMC, we want to officially welcome Dr. McLean to not only our family but to our community.” 

Pictured: Dr. Garrett McLean

Regional Medical Center (RMC) has proudly joined the West Delaware “Together We Are” brain health campaign. Back in December of 2022, the West Delaware school district kicked off the campaign in an effort to bring connection and awareness around the importance of brain health. 

The vision of this campaign is to create a community where it is ok to not be ok. As a way to keep this campaign on the forefront, students and staff are encouraged to wear their “be kind to your mind” shirts. Each month different activities are held to provide education and skill building on how to care for our brains. 

Just as the students and staff of West Delaware wear their shirts, Regional Medical Center staff now joins them in wearing their very own “be kind to your mind” shirts the first Thursday of each month. 

“Mental health has become a bigger part of our lives. Although it’s now commonly talked about, it continues to wear a negative connotation,” shared Nicole Brehm, Regional Family Health Behavioral Services Therapist. “We are proud to join this community campaign and show our support as your local healthcare system that it truly is ‘ok to not be ok’.” 

On behalf of everyone at Regional Medical Center, we want to thank West Delaware for starting this initiative and urge community members and businesses to join.

Pictured: (LEFT to RIGHT) Leann Herman, Vicki Lindauer, Bridget Baker, Carol Ryan, Eric Lechtenberg, Nicole Brehm

On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Dr. Scot Christiansen, was recognized as one of the Iowa Hospital Association’s Hospital Heroes for his passion and exceptional commitment to care and service–selflessly serving our communities throughout his career.

Since 2007, the Hospital Heroes program has celebrated employees who have acted courageously in a moment’s crisis or who have selflessly served their hospitals and communities throughout their careers. Hospital Heroes are nominated by their peers and award recipients are selected by other state hospital associations.

Dr. Scot Christiansen has dedicated his life in rural northeast Iowa to caring for others, in his own unique way. He is the epitome of a rural doctor, with a boots-on-the-ground approach. For 30+ years, Dr. C.’s willingness to travel to a patient’s home for a house call, the time spent with each patient making them feel valued and heard and his endless compassion and care for others has set him apart in his patients’ eyes. He has made a positive difference in countless lives and our community. From delivering babies to trauma stabilization and house calls, inpatient care, nursing home and wound clinic care, Dr. C. has provided primary care to generations of families, including the Amish community. His care for others goes beyond the “physician” role as he has been known to give back to others in need, helping them get back on their feet. Dr. Christiansen is a wonderful physician, husband, father, person, teacher, friend, neighbor and truly a hospital hero in our rural community.

On behalf of everyone at Regional Medical Center, we congratulate Dr. Christiansen for this prestigious and very deserving award and recognition.

Geri Goodwin, Jane Christiansen, Dr. Scot Christiansen, Rocky Goodwin
FRONT: Kathy Swift, Jane Sherman, Danette Kramer, Dr. Scot Christiansen, Michelle Paris, Amy Mensen, Cathy Lilienthal, Jill Buschmann; BACK: Nate Pickel, Joan Funke, Heather Ries

Dr. Andrew Pepper has joined the Regional Family Health team in both the Manchester (Team III) and Edgewood clinics. 

Dr. Pepper is a family physician originally from Northwest Illinois. He and his wife, 1-year-old daughter, golden retriever Murphy and cat Reeses are looking forward to making new connections with the community and exploring the outdoors. 

In 2021, Dr. Pepper graduated from Marian University. He then completed his residency in 2024 at the Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana. “I knew I wanted to practice broad spectrum family medicine with surgical obstetrics in a small town. Regional Medical Center stood out to me,” shared Andrew Pepper, Do. “The physician and leadership team showed they were committed to the hospital and community in a way that I had not seen at other organizations.” 

Not only will he be available for families but expecting mothers as well. “For me, the most rewarding time is taking care of a postpartum mom and her newborn. It’s such an honor to be part of that magical time after caring for her through pregnancy and the labor process,” expressed Dr. Pepper. 

The entire Regional Family Health and Regional Medical Center team are thrilled to have him part of the team. We are confident he will provide outstanding care to the communities we serve. He is accepting new patients! Call Regional Family Health at 563-927-7777 (Manchester) or 563-928-7191 (Edgewood) to get on his schedule. 

Pictured: Dr. Andrew Pepper & Abigail Funke

Safe sex reduces the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies. Delaware County Public Health is committed to promoting responsible and safe sexual behavior by providing FREE condoms in their office.

“We understand that cost and embarrassment can be barriers for those seeking condoms,” shares Krystle DeShaw, Delaware County Public Health Manager. “We want to remove these barriers to help ensure that young adults and adults have condoms readily available to them. By providing free condoms in our office, we hope to empower people to make informed, responsible choices about their sexual health.”

Stop by Regional Medical Center’s East Office Building located at 613 West Main Street in Manchester between the hours of 8AM-4PM, Monday through Friday to pick up your FREE condoms. You can walk right in, grab what you need from the display and walk out–no questions asked.

“We believe that everyone has the right to access the resources they need to protect their sexual health. By working together, we can create a healthier and safer community for all,” shares DeShaw.

Even with practicing safe sex, it is important for individuals to get tested for STIs regularly. For more information about Delaware County Public Health’s FREE condom distribution program, please call 563-927-7551.

Your help is needed! What do you think our healthcare needs are in Delaware County? Regional Medical Center (RMC) and Delaware County Public Health are required to conduct a community-wide health needs assessment.

Your response will help identify areas of concern in our community. Survey results will be reviewed to identify strategies to help improve our local health needs. They will also be shared with applicable community resources.

Please complete our brief survey at regmedctr.org/2024CHNA. Hard copy surveys are available at RMC’s Welcome Desk and at all Regional Family Health clinics.

If you have any questions, please contact Gabby Oberreuter at 563-927-7551 or gabby.oberreuter@regmedctr.org. To review previous Community Health Needs Assessment reporting, visit regmedctr.org/chna.

Your help is needed! What do you think our healthcare needs are in Delaware County?Take Brief Survey