News

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—Be Diligent for Early Detection
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Just three years ago, Veterans Memorial Hospital introduced the first 3D digital mammography machine in northeast Iowa, pictured here, and is now in their fourth year of offering this innovative technology.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—Be Diligent for Early Detection

An estimated 252,710 new invasive cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the United States during 2020 and about 2,470 new cases of breast cancer are…

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October is National Physical Therapy Month
October is National Physical Therapy Month. Pictured is the Rehabilitation Department at Veterans Memorial Hospital. This staff works with people of all ages, helping them to reduce pain and regain strength, independence and health, assisting patients within the hospital, patients in the hospital on a skilled level of care, as well as outpatients and in the patient homes. Pictured, left to right, is Amy Robinson, PT, Rehab Director; Sara White, PTA; Alana Gavin, D.P.T.; Amy Ghelf, P.T.A.; Tami Gebel, OT; Brad Krambeer, Athletic Trainer; Shelly Valley, PTA and Athletic Trainer; Steven Mazzafield, SLP; Laurel Hagensick, PT; Melissa Clarke, OT; Austin Troendle, DPT and Athletic Trainer; and Dacia Johnson, Office Manager and Rehab Technician.

October is National Physical Therapy Month

October is National Physical Therapy Month.  The Rehabilitation staff at Veterans Memorial Hospital works with people of all ages, helping them to reduce pain and regain strength, independence and health. …

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October is Physical Therapy Month-Services in Full-Swing during COVID-19 While Keeping a Safe Environment
The Physical Therapy department recently grew by one physical therapist. Pictured is Austin Troendle, DPT/ATC, new physical therapist in the Veterans Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Department. Austin recently graduated with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy and chose to return to Waukon where he grew up to practice his profession. He states, “I really enjoyed working in the Rehab Department with the other staff members during a school internship. I also enjoy giving back to the community that gave me great opportunities growing up here.”

October is Physical Therapy Month-Services in Full-Swing during COVID-19 While Keeping a Safe Environment

October is National Physical Therapy Month.  The entire Rehabilitation Department is very busy once again since the onset of COVID-19.  The physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and cardiac rehabilitation…

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The Advantages of 3D Mammograms
Veterans Memorial Hospital is beginning their fourth year of offering 3D mammography. Pictured is Renee Stokman, Mammographer, with a patient at the 3D mammography machine at the hospital.

The Advantages of 3D Mammograms

By Renee Stokman, Mammographer Veterans Memorial Hospital I’ve heard about 3D Mammograms…why are they better? Veterans Memorial Hospital is proud to be offering, starting our fourth year, this wonderful new…

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New Ultra-Violet Lights at VMH for Sanitizing Patient Rooms
Veterans Memorial Hospital recently received two new ultra-violet lights for use in sanitizing patient rooms following the discharge of a patient. Pictured is Tara Reisinger, RN, Infection Control Specialist and Rose Ann Mark, Housekeeping Supervisor, both of Veterans Memorial Hospital with these two new ultra violet machines. Each of these lights is able to sanitize an entire room in just 30 minutes and is used after Housekeeping does their thorough job of cleaning each and every room. The Allamakee County Community Foundation facilitated this UV light project for the hospital.

New Ultra-Violet Lights at VMH for Sanitizing Patient Rooms

Veterans Memorial Hospital recently received two ultra-violet lights for use in sanitizing patient rooms following a patient discharge.  These lights were ordered by the hospital last spring at the onset…

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Stay Safe! Take Precautions to Stop the Spread of COVID-19
The local COVID-19 numbers are again on the rise. Masks are a must when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and should be worn by EVERYONE, whenever they leave the home. Pictured is the Housekeeping Department at Veterans Memorial Hospital taken during National Environmental Services Week. Hospital staff wear masks and face shields, like those pictured here, while working at the hospital, and continue to use precautions whenever away from home.

Stay Safe! Take Precautions to Stop the Spread of COVID-19

The local COVID-19 numbers are again on the rise.  Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care declares that ‘masks are a must’ when it comes to preventing the spread of…

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COVID Rapid Testing and State Testing Criteria at Veterans Memorial Hospital
Veterans Memorial Hospital offers a COVID-19 Phone Line for triage every Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Anyone with questions about COVID-19 is encouraged to call the hospital at 563-568-3411 during those hours and request the COVID line to speak one-on-one to a nurse about symptoms and testing options. Those that do qualify for a COVID-19 test, are asked to attend the drive-by screenings which are held outside of the hospital, along main street in the upper level parking lot, as pictured here. Again, testing must be arranged first by calling the COVID Phone Line.

COVID Rapid Testing and State Testing Criteria at Veterans Memorial Hospital

Veterans Memorial Hospital offers a COVID-19 Phone Line for triage every Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Anyone with questions about COVID-19 is encouraged to call the…

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Mammography Services Available at Veterans Memorial Hospital
Veterans Memorial Hospital has reopened most all outpatient services including mammography since the onset of COVID-19. Routine screening is so important when it comes to mammography and early detection of breast cancer. Darci Engelhardt of Luana has regular mammograms at Veterans Memorial Hospital. She recently visited the hospital for her annual screen, stating, “I didn’t feel there was any difference in this mammogram from my last, other than the fact I had to wear a mask. It’s so important to keep up on your screenings even with all of this COVID spread, but the hospital has very good safety measures so I felt very comfortable.”

Mammography Services Available at Veterans Memorial Hospital

While Keeping a Safe Environment Veterans Memorial Hospital has reopened most all outpatient services including mammography since the onset of COVID-19.   Routine screening is so important when it comes to…

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Take Precautions to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 This Fall-Masks Are a Must
Pictured is some of the handmade masks that a have been sewn and donated to Veterans Memorial Hospital by many talented individuals in the community. These masks are very effective in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19. The hospital asks that those who have been making these masks continue to do so for the hospital. They also ask that anyone who wants to begin making masks, donate them to one of these city locations listed in the accompanying article to be given to the elderly and immune-compromised to use every time they must head out to the grocery store.

Take Precautions to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 This Fall-Masks Are a Must

The local COVID-19 numbers are again on the rise.  Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care declares that ‘masks are a must’ when it comes to preventing the spread of…

Continue Reading Take Precautions to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 This Fall-Masks Are a Must
Hospital Requests More Masks Needed in Community
Pictured is a huge shipment of over 200 masks recently received at Veterans Memorial Hospital from Darlene (Halvorson) Keehn. Darlene is originally from Waukon and worked at the hospital before she was married and moved away. She retired in March and since has made over 2,000 masks. After reading in the local newspaper that masks were needed at the hospital, this shipment arrived. She has donated these masks in memory of her parents Herbert and Lorine Halvorson who were longtime residents of Waukon. Veterans Memorial Hospital greatly appreciates all of the mask donations they have received since COVID-19 began.

Hospital Requests More Masks Needed in Community

Veterans Memorial Hospital continues to be appreciative of the outpouring of community support  in making and donating face masks for patients and staff.  With the reopening of most elective procedures…

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Allamakee County Public Health Urges Parents to Schedule Well Child and Immunization Appointments Now
According to a report released by the Iowa Department of Public Health, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, well child visits have declined significantly, causing a delay in required and recommended immunizations, health screenings, and referrals. Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care has availabilities for immunizations which are now held on an appointment-only basis. To make an appointment for a private immunization clinic, please call Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care at 563-568-5660. Pictured is Emily Guyer receiving her school immunizations from Jenny McNamara, RN, at left, and Deb Hanson, RN, at right. With school right around the corner, the Community and Home Care public health office advises families to make their appointments now to be sure all needed immunizations are received before school begins.

Allamakee County Public Health Urges Parents to Schedule Well Child and Immunization Appointments Now

As Iowans continue to push through the COVID-19 pandemic and maintain their new sense of normalcy, parents and guardians of school-aged children are reminded that annual physicals and back-to-school immunizations…

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Veterans Memorial Hospital Introduces New CEO
Michael Coyle, the new CEO of Veterans Memorial Hospital, pictured in his office at the hospital, brings years of experience to the position.

Veterans Memorial Hospital Introduces New CEO

Veterans Memorial Hospital welcomes Michael Coyle as the new CEO of the hospital following the retirement of CEO Mike Myers after 22 years of service to the hospital. Coyle brings…

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Preventing Weight Gain During COVID-19
Many people are experiencing more worry and stress in their lives as they look for ways to cope with the pandemic and the “new normal”.  Unfortunately, many may be turning to eating to fill the time and escape from the anxiety.  Pictured is Jill Fleming, Registered Dietitian at Veterans Memorial Hospital, who offers seven helpful steps to prevent weight gain during COVID-19.

Preventing Weight Gain During COVID-19

By Jill Fleming, MS, RD/LD Many people are experiencing more worry and stress in their lives as they look for ways to cope with the pandemic and the “new normal”. …

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Face Masks Continue to be a Must for Safety—More Child Size Masks Needed
The hospital and area community offices are also in need of child size masks.  Many adult masks are too large on children, so smaller masks made to fit a smaller child’s face are in need.  Veterans Memorial Hospital as well as the Waukon Economic Development, Lansing City Clerk Office, Postville City Clerk Office and Monona Chamber of Commerce are all accepting these homemade masks.

Face Masks Continue to be a Must for Safety—More Child Size Masks Needed

Veterans Memorial Hospital still encourages the continued use of face masks in the community especially now with numbers of cases again on the rise.  Since the CDC does still recommend…

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Elective Procedures and Services Available Continues to Grow at VMH While Keeping a Safe Environment
VMH continues to re-open outpatient services including ultra sound and cardiac stress testing, among most all other services. Donna Odegaard of Waukon has visited Veterans Memorial Hospital for a number of tests and services since the onset of COVID-19, and states she feels safe with every visit she makes. Donna is pictured here in the outpatient treatment room, receiving an infusion.

Elective Procedures and Services Available Continues to Grow at VMH While Keeping a Safe Environment

Veterans Memorial Hospital continues to reopen outpatient services such as ultra sound, cardiac stress testing and all elective colonoscopies, mammograms, physical, occupational, speech and cardiac rehabilitation, respiratory therapy, laboratory testing,…

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Take Precautions to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 This Summer-Masks Are a Must
Pictured is some of the handmade masks that a have been sewn and donated to Veterans Memorial Hospital by many talented individuals in the community. These masks are very effective in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19. The hospital asks that those who have been making these masks continue to do so for the hospital. They also ask that anyone who wants to begin making masks, donate them to one of these city locations listed in the accompanying article to be given to the elderly and immune-compromised to use every time they must head out to the grocery store.

Take Precautions to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 This Summer-Masks Are a Must

The local COVID-19 numbers are still on the rise.  Masks are a must when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and should be worn by EVERYONE, even in…

Continue Reading Take Precautions to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 This Summer-Masks Are a Must
COVID-19 Testing Guidelines from the Iowa Department of Public Health
Veterans Memorial Hospital follows the Iowa Department of Public Health testing guidelines for COVID-19. Testing is performed outside of the hospital in the upper parking lot. Hospital staff wear all personal protective equipment whenever collecting the samples. To qualify for a test, patients must meet one of the following criteria listed in the accompanying article and MUST CALL AHEAD.

COVID-19 Testing Guidelines from the Iowa Department of Public Health

Veterans Memorial Hospital continues to follow the Iowa Department of Public Health recommendations for testing of COVID-19.  To qualify for a test, patients must meet one of the following criteria:…

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Health Care Provider CPR Offered

Health Care Provider CPR Offered

Veterans Memorial Hospital will be offering the next re-certification course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for health care providers (those working in health related fields such as physicians, nurses, EMS, etc.)…

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Laboratory Testing At VMH Back to Full Services Following COVID-19
The VMH Laboratory has returned to full-services following the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though the Laboratory remained in service throughout the spring months, the entire list of services is now once again available and all offered in a safe setting. Pictured in the VMH Lab from left to right are Lab technicians Marie Loven, Mary Jo Meyer, Michelle Benda, and Cati Bruening. Marian Bauercamper of Waukon has been utilizing the VMH Laboratory for 20 years since her kidney transplant. She has continued to utilize these local Lab services during the COVID-19 pandemic and explains in her own words in the article below how the service has remained the same with slight safety changes.

Laboratory Testing At VMH Back to Full Services Following COVID-19

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Laboratory has returned to full-services following the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though the Laboratory remained in service throughout the spring months, the entire list of services is…

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Colonoscopies Again Available for Scheduling as Elective Procedure at VMH
Colonoscopies, the common colon cancer screening procedure, are now again available at Veterans Memorial Hospital.  Since mid-March and COVID-19, all elective procedures at Veterans Memorial Hospital were on hold, until now.  Anyone that is due for a colonoscopy is welcome to schedule one and should contact the Surgical Coordinator at VMH.  Pictured is Harvey Estebo of Waukon, with surgery nurses Andi Goltz,RN, at left, and Brooke Weighner, RN, at right.  Harvey who was one of the first patients who underwent a colonoscopy since COVID-19 and shares his story in the accompanying article.

Colonoscopies Again Available for Scheduling as Elective Procedure at VMH

Colonoscopies are once again available at Veterans Memorial Hospital.  Since mid-March and COVID-19, all elective procedures at Veterans Memorial Hospital have been on hold until now.  Anyone that is due…

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Face Masks Needed in Community For At Risk Population
Waukon Economic Development, Lansing City Clerk Office, Postville City Clerk Office and Monona Chamber of Commerce are all accepting home-made face mask donations. They are each then supplying these masks to some of the grocery stores to hand out to those at risk, especially elderly, customers. These four entities are currently accepting donations of sewn face masks. Pictured are many Veterans Memorial Hospital staff members in homemade masks that have been gracious donated by members of the community and put to very good use at the hospital.

Face Masks Needed in Community For At Risk Population

Waukon Economic Development, Lansing City Clerk Office, Postville City Clerk Office and Monona Chamber of Commerce are all accepting home-made face mask donations.  They are each then supplying these masks…

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