Waseda Farms: ‘Trust where your food comes from’
Mission Coffee House – a shop with purpose
September 8, 2022
ThedaCare invests in Qventus artificial intelligence
APPLETON – ThedaCare in Appleton has announced a major investment in artificial intelligence (AI) automation to enhance patient experience and outcomes.
The health system is making a $3-million investment in Qventus, a provider of AI-powered software for care operations.
“Care operations automation solutions can help relieve some of the prime operational and financial pressures facing hospitals and health systems,” Mark Thompson, ThedaCare chief financial officer and COO, said.
Thompson said plans at ThedaCare include automated discharge planning for patients, operating room scheduling, systemwide patient flow and other operational activities.
He said Qventus will be integrated with ThedaCare’s electronic health records system to drive additional workflow efficiencies, reduce manual processes and deliver patient-level AI predictions to improve clinical decisions.
The goal, Thompson said, is for patients to see shorter lead times for surgeries, more timely discharges and improved transparency in their care progression.
He said staff and care teams are expected to benefit with less manual work, fewer back-and-forth phone calls and an improved ability to consistently coordinate safe, on-time discharges.
Bellin Health COVID ‘Fastlane’ location moved
GREEN BAY – Bellin Health’s “Fastlane” services have moved from 1555 Green Bay Plaza (the former Sears auto service center) to 1920 Libal St. in Allouez.
Fastlane will continue to serve as a drive-thru option for COVID-19 testing, vaccinations and other services, which includes testing for influenza and strep.
New Fastlane hours of operation are as follows:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.Fastlane is closed on Sundays.
Fastlane services are offered by appointment only through the Bellin COVID-19 Hotline at (920) 445-7313.
For more information, see bellin.org/fastlane.
Report on groundwater focuses on health-based standards
WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Groundwater Coordinating Council (GCC) recently shared key recommendations for protecting and preserving groundwater resources in its 2022 annual report to the Wisconsin State Legislature.
The interagency group is directed by law to assist state agencies in the coordination and exchange of information related to groundwater programs.
Key GCC recommendations include:
? Setting new and revised health-based groundwater standard recommendations received from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
? Protecting groundwater from nitrate and other agricultural contaminants.
? Addressing public health and environmental concerns from perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals.
To read the full report, see dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Groundwater/GCC/about.html.
‘Dementia tour’ sensitivity training offered at Door County hospital
STURGEON BAY – Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay said many of its associates have completed sensitivity training with the Virtual Dementia Tour, and invites community members to participate as well.
The virtual tour, created by Atlanta-based Second Wind Dreams, helps understanding the effects of dementia easier, by outfitting participants with items that alter senses and perception, then engaging them in the completion of everyday tasks.
Twenty-minute experiences can be scheduled at dcmedical.org/classes-and-events/virtual-dementia-tour.
For more information, contact dementia specialist Christy Wisniewski at (920) 746-3504.
Back-to-school time puts focus on youth health needs
WISCONSIN – Local health care providers said back-to-school time can also be an important time for parents to prioritize their children’s health and well-being, as they encourage parents to stay up-to-date on their children’s vaccinations, including for COVID-19.
Everyone six months and older is eligible for the COVID vaccination.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), nearly 389,000 Wisconsin school-age youth, ages 5-17, have already received their primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine.
However, it said approximately 75% of Wisconsin five to11 year olds, and about 40% of 12 to 17 year olds, are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
More back-to-school tips can be found at dhs.wisconsin.gov/parents/index.htm?fbclid, including a listing of wide-ranging, health-related resources.
Other healthcare news:
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College’s Heather Brusky, a dental assistant instructor, and Karla Sampselle, a medical laboratory technician instructor, were named recipients of the BayCare Clinic Faculty Professional Development Award for 2022 for their excellence in instruction, innovation in education, commitment to student achievement, advancement of curriculum and devotion to the healthcare profession.
Each received a $2,000 award to attend a national health conference from the BayCare Clinic Foundation.
This is the 10th year for the awards.
Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital in Manitowoc is hosting a golf outing Monday, Sept. 26, at Autumn Ridge Golf Course in Valders.
Organizers said funds raised support community needs, such as transportation to appointments, assistance with medication costs and access to nutritious food.
Registration and lunch begin at 11 a.m., followed by a noon shotgun start.
Cost is $150 per person or $550 per team of four.
Individual tickets for the social hour are available for $50.
Visit hfmhealth.org/donate/golf-outing, call (920) 320-4043 or email HFMfundev@froedtert.com for more information.
ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton has earned re-accreditation for its expertise in treating patients with cardiovascular concerns.
The hospital was re-accredited as a Chest Pain Center with Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Resuscitation from the American College of Cardiology.
The medical center’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab also earned re-accreditation.
Those interested in keeping up-to-date on the progress of construction of the new Door County Medical Center Clinic and Rehab Facility in Sister Bay, can do so at dcmedical.org/sister-bay-construction-update.
When completed, the facility will be home to five full-time clinicians, with additional space for rotating specialty clinicians to serve the needs of northern Door County patients.
There will also be behavioral health and telehealth services, a gymnasium and therapy space for rehab patients and a retail pharmacy.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has opened the first round of applications for $30 million in grant funding to support home and community-based services aimed at helping older adults or those who have disabilities live independently in their community.
Funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act, with grants ranging from $25,000 to $2 million.
The first round of applications will close Sept. 12.
A second round of applications will open before February 2023, with a third round dependent on available funds after the first two rounds.
See apply.yourcausegrants.com to apply.
The latest Plug in to Health podcast from Prevea Health, – which is available on all major podcasting platforms and at prevea.com/podcast – is about the new Prevea Surgery Center, 1830 Shawano Ave. in Green Bay.
In the podcast, orthopedic surgeon Padraic Obma and Angie Perronne Center, the surgery center’s director, explain the benefits of an ambulatory surgery center.
HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan has received the American Heart Association’s Silver Plus Get With The Guidelines-Stroke quality achievement award.
St. Nicholas was recognized for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.
SSM Health Greater Fond du Lac Region Volunteer Services has awarded seven $2,000 scholarships to students who intend to pursue careers.
Five recipients are from the Fond du Lac area and two are from the Waupun area.
