Category: News

Pender, Neb. (April 2, 2025) – Pender Community Hospital and Medical Clinics (PCH) is pleased to introduce Dr. Ihsan Balkaya, a skilled pain management specialist from Faith Regional Physician Services, who began seeing patients on March 27. Dr. Balkaya will be available once a month on the fourth Thursday at PCH, expanding access to advanced pain management care for the community.

With skill in treating a wide range of pain-related health problems—including joint pain, back and neck pain, migraines, cancer-related pain, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, and fibromyalgia—Dr. Balkaya brings a caring and individualized plan to patient care. He also has specialized knowledge in spinal issues, giving targeted treatments to help patients get back function and improve their quality of life.

Driven by a deep understanding of how pain impacts daily life, Dr. Balkaya takes a patient-centered approach to care. “As a former athlete and functional rehabilitation doctor, I acquired a skill set that allows me to fully understand how pain can affect one’s freedom and function,” said Dr. Balkaya. “In my practice, I provide individual treatment plans depending on my patient’s social and physical goals.”

Dr. Balkaya’s journey in medicine began at Turgut Ozal School of Medicine in Ankara, Turkey, where he earned his medical degree. He then honed his skills through an internship at Sinai-Grace Hospital at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, followed by a residency in anesthesiology at Metropolitan Hospital, New York Medical College in New York, NY. To further specialize in pain management, he completed an intensive fellowship in pain medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI.

Outside of his medical practice, Dr. Balkaya leads an active lifestyle and enjoys hiking, playing basketball and soccer, and exploring new destinations through travel.

Pender Community Hospital is committed to providing comprehensive pain management solutions, helping patients find relief and regain their quality of life. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Balkaya, please contact Pender Community Hospital at 402-385-4090 or visit www.pchne.org/services/pain-management/.

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About Pender Community Hospital District
Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has been providing quality healthcare in northeast Nebraska since 1913. The 21-bed critical access hospital (CAH) is recognized with a 5-Star Rating from the National Rural Rating System (NRRS). PCH comprises not only the hospital but four rural health clinics and three pharmacies, as well as Prairie Breeze Assisted Living and Little Sprouts Child Development Center. For more information, visit pchne.org.

Pender, Neb. (November 25, 2024) – Pender Community Hospital is proud to announce that it has been awarded a prestigious 5-star rating by the National Rural Rating System (NRRS), a program recognizing dedication and excellence in rural healthcare, as well as being named to the National Rural Honor Roll.

“We are honored to be one of only three facilities in Nebraska to receive a 5-star rating from the National Rural Rating System and to be named to the National Rural Honor Roll,” said Laura Gamble, CEO at Pender Community Hospital. “These achievements reflect the passion and dedication of our incredible team at Pender Community Hospital. Our vision to be ‘the best place to get care and the best place to give care’ comes to life every day through their unwavering commitment to excellence, ensuring we deliver outstanding care to our community.”

The 5-star rating reflects Pender Community Hospital’s ongoing commitment to meet the unique healthcare needs of the rural community it serves. This recognition highlights the hospital’s success in providing outstanding medical services, despite the challenges often faced by rural healthcare facilities.

“These awards really shine a spotlight on the heart and hard work that our rural hospitals bring to their communities,” says Brock Slabach, COO of the National Rural Health Association. “Rural healthcare comes with unique challenges, and reaching this level of excellence shows not only the clinical expertise but also the deep commitment these hospitals have to the people they serve. This recognition celebrates rural healthcare as a source of strength, compassion, and healing—right where it’s needed most.”

Pender Community Hospital extends its heartfelt thanks to its dedicated team of healthcare professionals, whose tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to patient care have made this achievement possible.

The National Rural Honor Roll was created to honor rural and critical access hospitals and clinics that consistently deliver exceptional healthcare, showcasing them as leaders in patient-centered care within their communities. Facilities included on the Honor Roll receive recognition for their dedication and excellence that sets them apart, demonstrating their commitment to patient well-being.

For more information visit RuralRatings.US.

Pender Community Hospital and Medical Clinics celebrate the award during National Rural Health Day on November 21

Pender, Neb. (September 9, 2024) – Pender Community Hospital and Medical Clinics (PCH) is excited to announce the arrival of Anthony Ridder, Nurse Practitioner (NP), to its team of healthcare providers. Anthony’s addition represents a new chapter for PCH as it continues to expand its skilled provider network.

Anthony Ridder joins PCH after completing his Masters of Science in Nursing at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in May 2024. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Nebraska Methodist College and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Anthony brings a well-rounded background to his new role.

At PCH, Anthony will be covering several weeknights and a daytime shift in the Emergency Department, as well as seeing patients at the Pender Medical Clinics. His broad expertise and compassionate approach will enhance the care provided to the community, ensuring that patients receive high-quality care around the clock.

Anthony’s professional background includes advanced clinical training through his student APRN roles, where he conducted comprehensive assessments, diagnoses, and treatment plans. His previous experience working as a Registered Nurse in the ICU at Immanuel Medical Center managing critically ill patients makes him a valuable addition to PCH’s emergency department.

Outside of his professional life, Anthony enjoys coaching football at Guardian Angels Central Catholic in West Point and spending time with his wife, Justine, and their three young children. He is also a sports enthusiast and appreciates the opportunity to balance his professional and personal passions.

“I am incredibly excited to join this team and to have the opportunity to serve more patients,” Anthony said. “I’m honored to be a member of this excellent group of providers and to contribute to the health and well-being of the surrounding community.” Pender Community Hospital is confident that Anthony Ridder’s expertise and dedication will greatly benefit its patients and the broader community. We look forward to the positive impact he will make as part of our team.

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About Pender Community Hospital District

Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has been providing quality healthcare in northeast Nebraska since 1913. The 21-bed critical access hospital (CAH) was recognized by the Chartis Center for Rural Health as a Top-100 CAH for four years, from 2019-2021 and 2023. PCH comprises not only the hospital but four rural health clinics and three pharmacies, as well as Prairie Breeze Assisted Living and Little Sprouts Child Development Center. For more information, visit pchne.org.

Pender, Neb. (August 26, 2024) – Pender Community Hospital is pleased to announce the arrival of David Daniels, M.D., F.A.C.S., a board-certified urologist, to its visiting provider staff in the outpatient clinic.

Dr. Daniels brings extensive expertise and a strong educational background to Pender Community Hospital. A native of Sioux City, he earned his undergraduate degree in Science from the University of Notre Dame and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Iowa. He completed his residency at the Indiana University School of Medicine, further honing his skills and knowledge in urology.

Since joining Siouxland Urology Associates in 2014, Dr. Daniels has been recognized for his commitment to providing exceptional urological care.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Daniels to PCH,” said Laura Gamble, CEO at Pender Community Hospital. “His extensive training and dedication to patient care make him a valuable addition to our hospital and a tremendous asset to our community.”

Dr. Daniels is now accepting appointments and looks forward to serving the community. His approach to care focuses on personalized treatment plans and ensuring the best possible outcomes for his patients.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. David Daniels, call outpatient specialty clinic at (402) 385-4090 or visit our website at pchne.org.

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About Pender Community Hospital District

Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has been providing quality healthcare in northeast Nebraska since 1913. The 21-bed critical access hospital (CAH) was recognized by the Chartis Center for Rural Health as a Top-100 CAH for four years, from 2019-2021 and 2023. PCH comprises of not only the hospital but four rural health clinics and three pharmacies, as well as Prairie Breeze Assisted Living and Little Sprouts Child Development Center. For more information, visit pchne.org.

Pender, Neb. (August 22, 2024) – Pender Community Hospital is pleased to invite community members to a special educational event focused on understanding the fundamentals of Medicare and other insurance options.

This informative session, held in collaboration with Nebraska SHIP, the Nebraska Hospitals Association, and the Nebraska Rural Health Association, is an excellent opportunity for individuals to better understand their healthcare options.

Topics covered will include Medicare benefits and options, the Marketplace, and women’s health, providing attendees with essential information to navigate their healthcare decisions confidently.

The event will take place on Wednesday, September 4th, at 10:00 AM in the clinic basement of Pender Community Hospital. Attendees should use the Cardiopulmonary Services entrance.

For more information, please contact (800) 234-7119 or visit Nebraska SHIP’s website at HTTPS://DOI.NEBRASKA.GOV/SHIP-SMP.

Don’t miss this chance to get informed and make the best choices for your healthcare!

Pender, Neb. (August 19, 2024) – Pender Community Hospital and Medical Clinics (PCH) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to implement a comprehensive Chronic Disease Management Program. This initiative, funded under the CDC-RFA-DP-23-0004, aims to improve community health by focusing on blood pressure management.

The grant will support PCH’s efforts to enhance its chronic disease management services, specifically targeting blood pressure control among residents of all ages. Chronic medical conditions, such as hypertension and Type I Diabetes, can affect individuals across different backgrounds, making this program vital for the entire community.

As a sub-awardee of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Program (CDPCP), PCH will utilize the funding to provide education, resources, and support to patients managing chronic conditions. The funding will allow for improvements to PCH’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) system to identify high risk patients that would benefit from the program.

Pender Community Hospital has been committed to providing quality healthcare since 1913. This grant further strengthens PCH’s mission to deliver exceptional medical services and support the health and well-being of the community.

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About Pender Community Hospital District
Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has been providing quality healthcare in northeast Nebraska since 1913. The 21-bed critical access hospital (CAH) was recognized by the Chartis Center for Rural Health as a Top-100 CAH for four years, from 2019-2021 and 2023. PCH comprises not only the hospital but four rural health clinics and three pharmacies, as well as Prairie Breeze Assisted Living and Little Sprouts Child Development Center. For more information, visit pchne.org.

PENDER, Neb. (August 5, 2024) – Pender Community Hospital and Medical Clinics (PCH) is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Nathan Shumway, DPM, a highly skilled podiatrist, to its visiting provider staff in the outpatient clinic.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Shumway visiting our PCH outpatient clinic. His proven expertise and dedication to patient care will be a great addition to our patients,” shared Laura Gamble, CEO of PCH. “We are confident that he will deliver exceptional podiatry services and improve the overall health and well-being of our patients.”

Dr. Shumway is now seeing patients at the PCH Outpatient Clinic. He will be available for appointments on the second and fourth Friday of each month. Appointments with Dr. Shumway are currently being scheduled.

At PCH, Dr. Shumway will address conditions such as bunions, hammer toes, plantar fasciitis, arthritis and foot complications from diabetes. His services will include diagnoses, treatment plans, injections, physical therapy, diabetic shoe fitting, routine foot care, routine toenail care, surgery and more. Dr. Shumway will also continue providing services at Clarinda Regional Health Center in Clarinda, Iowa.

To learn more about podiatry services offered at PCH, visit https://www.pchne.org/services/surgery/podiatry/.

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About Pender Community Hospital District

PENDER, Neb. (July 8, 2024) – Pender Community Hospital and Medical Clinics are pleased to announce their partnership with Magnet Solutions, a statement generating company from Scottsbluff, Nebraska. This sets a major milestone in providing patients with user friendly and timely statements.

“Our goal with these new statements is to give patients a better understanding of the services they are being billed for, including both current and outstanding balances. The statements are easy to read while also providing more information and additional opportunities to pay their bills,” states Paige McQuistan, Revenue Cycle Manager.

The statements include new and exciting features:

New website and accessible QR code that takes patients straight to an individual billing portal, PersonaPay, to make payments or set up payment plans
QR Code for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about billing
Toll-Free number to make payments, set up payment plans, or ask questions
Contact information of other healthcare facilities patients may receive bills from (i.e. third-party medical imaging readings or hospital outpatient providers)

“Magnet Solutions will be an extension of our current business office and will be able to talk to you about your bill and answer questions. Medical bills are often unexpected and difficult to pay so we wanted an advocate for our patients,” states Chief Financial Officer, Kim Hixson.

This is an exciting new partnership that will give patients new tools to review and pay their bills. Patients will receive their first statement from Magnet Solutions in July 2024. Patients currently on a payment plan will be contacted by PCH’s Financial Counselor to transition their plan into the new system.

To set up a payment plan or ask a question, please contact Magnet Solutions toll-free at 833-917-1757.

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About Pender Community Hospital District
Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has been providing quality healthcare in northeast Nebraska since 1913. The 21-bed critical access hospital (CAH) was recognized by the Chartis Center for Rural Health as a Top-100 CAH for four years, from 2019-2021 and 2023. PCH comprises not only the hospital but four rural health clinics and three pharmacies, as well as Prairie Breeze Assisted Living and Little Sprouts Child Development Center. For more information, visit pchne.org.

Pender, NE (April 1) – Pender County Hospital District (PCHD) is proud to announce that Brandi Anderson, Infection Control Nurse, recently achieved the Certified Healthcare Infection Prevention Professional-Basic (CHIPP-B) certification. This certification, which helps to standardize infection-prevention practices, underlines PCHD’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in infection control and quality healthcare.
 
“Everyone at PCHD has the same goal – keep our patients and staff safe. We’re all one big team here,” explained Anderson. “The CHIPP-B certification is part of that. The exam is extremely difficult and is the standardized measure of the knowledge, skills and abilities of experienced professionals working in infection prevention and control.”

The CHIPP-B is overseen by DNV, an international accredited registrar and classification society headquartered in Høvik, Norway. To pass the CHIPP-B, someone must attend the relevant classes and pass the exam with a score of 80% or more.
 
In her role, Anderson educates staff, patients and visitors about ways to prevent infection and the spread of germs, as well as ensure proper isolation, hand washing, PPE and masking. She also plays a critical role in the data analysis, monitoring and reporting of healthcare-acquired infections, consistently staying informed of the most up-to-date guidance and recommendations.

“Our hospital is surveyed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services [CMS], and the CHIPP-B certification meets the CMS requirements for basic courses in infection prevention, providing a better understanding of how to prevent infections in healthcare.”

In addition to this CHIPP-B certification, Anderson was awarded the 2024 Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) Health Care Career Scholarship, which recognizes her commitment to excellence and supports her attendance at the national Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC) Conference in San Antonio, Texas, in June. Funded by the Hospital Quality Improvement Contractor (HQIC) program, scholarship empowers Anderson to bring back valuable knowledge, learn additional best practices and take advantage of networking opportunities to further enhance PCHD’s infection control program.

To learn more about PCHD, visit pchne.org or call 402-385-3083.

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About Pender Community Hospital District  
Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has been providing quality healthcare in northeast Nebraska since 1913. The 21-bed critical access hospital (CAH) was recognized by the Chartis Center for Rural Health as a Top-100 CAH for three consecutive years, from 2019-2021. PCH comprises not only the hospital but also several clinics and pharmacies, as well as Prairie Breeze Assisted Living and Little Sprouts Child Development Center. For more information, visit pchne.org.

Pender, NE (March 27) – Pender Community Hospital District (PCHD) has announced the hiring of Kim Hixson as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Hixson will begin her new role as CFO at the end of March 2024.

“We’re delighted to welcome Kim Hixson to the PCHD family as our new Chief Financial Officer. Her extensive experience, strategic mindset and dedication to financial stewardship make her an invaluable addition to our leadership team,” said Laura Gamble, CEO at PCHD. “Her passion for healthcare and proven track record in financial management align perfectly with PCHD’s values. Kim’s expertise will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in helping PCHD achieve new heights of financial stability.”

Hixson brings two decades of CFO experience serving in roles for two Nebraska critical access hospitals. Prior to those roles, she was an accountant at a large Northeast Nebraska healthcare system for many years.

“I’m truly honored and thrilled to join the team at PCHD. The commitment to excellence and community well-being is inspiring, and I’m eager to contribute to its financial health and success,” shared Hixson. “I look forward to working collaboratively with PCHD’s dedicated staff and leadership to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future.”

A certified public accountant and fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association, Hixson holds bachelor’s of arts degrees in both accounting and business administration from Doane College.

“I’m confident that Kim will fortify our financial foundations and help us navigate the ever-evolving healthcare landscape,” explained Gamble. “As we embark on this exciting new chapter at PCHD, we’ll continue to provide exceptional care and strengthen our position as a cornerstone of health and wellness in the Pender community.”

To learn more about PCHD, visit pchne.org or call 402-385-3083.

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About Pender Community Hospital District
Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has been providing quality healthcare in northeast Nebraska since 1913. The 21-bed critical access hospital (CAH) was recognized by the Chartis Center for Rural Health as a Top-100 CAH for three consecutive years, from 2019-2021. PCH comprises not only the hospital but also several clinics and pharmacies, as well as Prairie Breeze Assisted Living and Little Sprouts Child Development Center. For more information, visit pchne.org.

PENDER, Neb. (March 18, 2023) – Pender Community Hospital (PCH) is expanding services, providing substance use services for patients through telemedicine. The new substance use service is now available for patients.

Substance use services are provided in the Pender Community Hospital Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic by the Bryan Independence Center in Lincoln, NE. Licensed Counselors from the Bryan Independence Center will provide outpatient substance use evaluation and counseling for patients age 15 and older. The Bryan Independence Center offers a full continuum of treatment options for patients needing a level of care beyond outpatient counseling.
Patients or family members of patients needing an evaluation for substance use should discuss their concerns with their healthcare provider. Community providers can refer patients for an evaluation and treatment recommendation.

“PCH is thrilled to partner with Bryan Independence Center to launch a substance use evaluation and counseling program via telehealth, reinforcing our commitment to addressing vital mental health needs in northeast Nebraska,” said Dr. Matt Timm, Primary Care Provider at PCH. “By extending accessible, high-quality care, we aim to make a positive impact on individuals and families facing substance use challenges, strengthening our commitment to providing comprehensive care for physical and mental well-being.”

“The Bryan Independence Center is excited to partner with PCH to provide substance use counseling services to the community via telehealth,” said Dr. Dave Miers, Senior Director, Behavioral Health Services. “According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (samhsa.gov) nearly 1 in 3 adults have either a substance use disorder or mental illness in a year, and 1 in 2 young adults between 18-25 had either a substance use disorder or mental illness.” He further stated “Many individuals in rural areas are unable to seek services, often due to a lack of providers. Connecting those in need in the Northeast Nebraska area to the professionals at the Bryan Independence Center will help individuals find hope, help, and healing.”

The expansion of telemedicine services allows Pender Community Hospital to provide affordable, convenient, and trusted care right here in our community. Timm reminds people that expert care like that provided by the Bryan Independence Center allows patients to receive expert care, close to home.
Learn more about the services Pender Community Hospital offers at www.pchne.org

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About Pender Community Hospital District
Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has been providing quality healthcare in northeast Nebraska since 1913. The 21-bed critical access hospital (CAH) was recognized by the Chartis Center for Rural Health as a Top-100 CAH for four years, from 2019-2021 and 2023. PCH comprises not only the hospital but four rural health clinics and three pharmacies, as well as Prairie Breeze Assisted Living and Little Sprouts Child Development Center. For more information, visit pchne.org.

About Bryan Telemedicine and Teledigm Health
Bryan Telemedicine, founded in 2014, is a joint venture partnership between Teledigm Health and Bryan Health. Bryan Telemedicine and Teledigm Health assist their partners in transforming healthcare delivery by providing a suite of solutions designed to increase access to clinical and operational resources. Bryan Telemedicine and Teledigm Health provide services in over 90 facilities in 10 states.

About Bryan Independence Center
Since 1971, Bryan Independence Center has helped clients and families from Southeast Nebraska and many other states struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol. Bryan Independence Center offers specialized youth & adult treatment for alcohol & drug addictions. Services include evaluation, inpatient, outpatient & aftercare programs. Bryan Independence Center is the only provider to offer complete levels of care for clients; nursing coverage 24-hours a day, seven-days a week; direct access to full medical care and a separate short-term residential program for adolescents and adults.

PENDER, Neb. (February 12, 2023) – Pender Community Hospital District (PCHD) has announced the establishment of a new endowment for Pender Community Health Care Foundation. This endowment was created in December 2023 through a partnership with Nebraska Community Foundation, a statewide nonprofit organization that serves more than 265 Greater Nebraska communities across the state.

“I’m excited to announce this new endowment and to thank Nebraska Community Foundation for its partnership,” said Shane Schuster, Chief Operating Officer at PCHD. “With this endowment now in place, Pender Community Health Care Foundation will be able to scale new heights while facilitating critical projects, building upon the work it has already accomplished and finding new ways to give back.”

The new endowment establishes Pender Community Health Care Foundation as a true philanthropic entity with the ability to solicit charitable giving, such as through gifts of grain, stock/IRA or estate planning. There is also a newly established employee-payroll deduction option, which allows employees to donate a small portion of each paycheck to the endowment.

The foundation was created in 1991 to help raise funds for critical PCHD initiatives and enable individuals, businesses, groups and other organizations to make charitable donations that benefit PCHD.

“I’m so grateful for our partnership with Nebraska Community Foundation.” Schuster said. “With this new endowment, we’ll be able to do more, finding new ways of giving back to PCHD and ensuring we can be the premier healthcare provider in our area.”

Since its founding, the Pender Community Health Care Foundation has played a key role in the coordination of new facilities for the Emerson Medical Clinic & Apothecary in 2019; the construction of the Pender Medical Clinic & Apothecary Shop in 2018; and the PCHD expansion project that created additional space for more physicians and physician assistants in 2001. Additionally, in 1996 and 1997, the foundation facilitated the capital campaign for the construction of an Outpatient Specialty Clinic, raising more than $1.1 million in pledges that enabled PCHD to complete this project.

To learn more about Pender Community Health Care Foundation, visit pchne.org/about-us/healthcare-foundation-auxiliary.

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About Pender Community Hospital District
Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has been providing quality healthcare in northeast Nebraska since 1913. The 21-bed critical access hospital (CAH) was recognized by the Chartis Center for Rural Health as a Top-100 CAH for four years, from 2019-2021 and 2023. PCH comprises not only the hospital but four rural health clinics and three pharmacies, as well as Prairie Breeze Assisted Living and Little Sprouts Child Development Center. For more information, visit pchne.org.

About Pender Community Health Care Foundation
In 1991, the Pender Community Health Care Foundation was formed with one purpose – to encourage people, businesses, groups and other organizations within the community to give back to the hospital and residents of Pender, NE, through charitable donations. Overseen by a 12-person Board of Directors, the foundation accepts, administers and distributes these donations to different PCHD initiatives. Visit pchne.org/about-us/healthcare-foundation-auxiliary to learn more. About

Nebraska Community Foundation
Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska. Headquartered in Lincoln, the Foundation serves communities, donors and organizations by providing financial management, strategic development, education and training to a statewide network of 1,500 volunteers serving more than 265 communities. In the last five years, 45,993 contributions have been made to Nebraska Community Foundation and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, Nebraska Community Foundation has reinvested $517 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.

Pender, NE (January 29, 2024) – Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has received a $550,000 behavioral health grant from the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN), in partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The grant’s funds come from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), distributed through the state of Nebraska.

“These funds mean so much for our hospital, especially considering our size as a 21-bed, critical-access facility,” said Laura Gamble, CEO at PCH. “It’s such an important grant and will benefit so many of our patients who need care. We are extremely grateful for the partnership we have with the BHECN and the University of Nebraska Medical Center”

The specific behavioral health grant PCH received is for telehealth support in rural areas. Using some of these funds, and through its accountable care organization (ACO) partnership with Bryan Health, PCH has already purchased a telehealth-cart equipment to assist with remote appointments for behavioral health, alcohol- and substance-use disorder appointments, senior behavioral and mental health appointments through PCH’s Working on Wellness (WOW) program and more.

“It’s not always easy for our patients to drive to Sioux City, Omaha, or another city to get the behavioral health treatment they need,” said Sonya King, Behavioral Health Manager at PCH. “This technology allows patients to see providers in a much easier way. The new telehealth cart has improved sound and picture, and there are even unique capabilities with the equipment like a provider being able to listen to a patient’s heart remotely. In addition, new iPad devices will allow for expanded access to care for our homebound patients.”

Receiving these grant funds has allowed for better mental health triage in the hospital’s emergency room (ER) department.

“It’s amazing how impactful these funds are to a critical access hospital like ours. We have been able to utilize the funds in so many areas across our system for different purposes,” King shared. “PCH can expand on its goal of providing quality care close to home through this grant by providing expanded care to our behavioral health patients.”

To learn more about behavioral health services offered at PCH, visit pchne.org/services/behavioral-health/ or call 402-385-3083, option 5.

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About Pender Community Hospital District Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has been providing quality healthcare in northeast Nebraska since 1913. The 21-bed critical access hospital (CAH) was recognized by the Chartis Center for Rural Health as a Top-100 CAH for four years, from 2019-2021 and 2023. PCH comprises not only the hospital but four rural health clinics and three pharmacies, as well as Prairie Breeze Assisted Living and Little Sprouts Child Development Center. For more information, visit pchne.org.

Pender, NE (December 11, 2023) – Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has welcomed David Denman, MD, as its new visiting otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, throat doctor (ENT).

“We are dedicated to elevating local healthcare. With Dr. Denman joining our ranks, we can keep setting new standards for healthcare excellence,” said Laura Gamble, PCH’s Chief Executive Officer.

Dr. Denman’s skill covers a wide range of procedures, such as tonsil removal, adenoid removal, ear tube placement and sinus surgery. He is board-certified in otolaryngology, as well as head and neck surgery.

“I’m thrilled to be caring for more patients through PCH,” shared Dr. Denman. “It’s an honor to be a part of this welcoming community, and I’m so glad I can contribute my part to the health and well-being of our patients.”

Dr. Denman is now seeing patients at PCH, ensuring people from Pender and nearby communities have convenient access to these services.

On the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, Denman sees patients, and performs surgeries at PCH. Dr. Denman completed his medical education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and a surgery internship at Iowa Methodist Medical Center – Des Moines. He completed his residency in otolaryngology and served as Chief Resident at UNMC.

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Pender, NE (October 23, 2023) – Pender Community Hospital and Medical Clinics have announced a partnership with AblePay, allowing patients access to a free program to save on medical bills.

“At Pender Community Hospital and Medical Clinics, we’re proud to partner with AblePay to offer this exciting new program.” said Laura Gamble, CEO at PCH. “By partnering with AblePay we are able to offer our patients flexible payment options and significant savings, highlighting our commitment to your health and financial wellness.”

AblePay is a free program to help patients save up to 13% on medical bills, which include out-of-pocket medical costs, deductible, coinsurance, and co-pays at Pender Community Hospital and Medical Clinics. They offer flexible payment terms (all with savings or 0% interest) that help meet patient needs.

To sign up, or for more information, please visit ablepayhealth.com/pchmb. Signing up today will allow you to use these savings and flexible payment terms on any unpaid or expected bill from your recent visit at Pender Community Hospital and Medical Clinics.

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Pender, NE (October 16, 2023) – Pender Community Hospital is expanding services, providing outpatient rheumatology care for patients through telemedicine. Rheumatology services will be available for patients starting October 23^rd and will occur every fourth Monday of the month.

Dr. Rasha Alqadi with Teledigm Health and Bryan Telemedicine specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of systemic autoimmune diseases and diseases causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in muscles, bones, joints and ligaments. She manages a broad range of general and complex rheumatological conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and vasculitis.

Dr. Alqadi received her medical degree from Al-Quds University in Abu Dis, Jerusalem. She completed her internal medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island and completed her Rheumatology Fellowship at Roger Williams Medical Center in Boston. She received board certification in Rheumatology in 2018 and has had training in musculoskeletal ultrasound.

“Telemedicine is transforming outpatient care at Pender Community Hospital,” explains Pender Community Hospital CEO Laura Gamble. “This partnership ensures top-quality care close to home. The expansion reaffirms our commitment to provide accessible, convenient, and trusted services for our communities.”

“Our specialists are available right in the room when they’re most needed,” says Teledigm Health and Bryan Telemedicine President and CEO Brian J. Bossard, MD. “Patients in Pender can receive the same state-of-the-art specialty care as someone in Lincoln or Omaha, because they have immediate access to some of the top specialists in the country.”

To make an appointment contact your primary care providers for a referral or learn more by calling the PCH Outpatient Specialty Clinic at 402-385-4090 or visiting www.pchne.org.

Pender, NE (October 9, 2023) – Pender Community Hospital (PCH) will host All About HER: Thriving through Women’s Health and Wellness, on Thursday, October 19.

This open-house event will take place in PCH’s main lobby from 4 to 7 pm. With a focus on women and their specific health-and-wellness needs, All About HER will feature educational sessions, interactive activities, refreshments, hourly door prizes and more.

“We’re proud to offer this event to women in our communities,” said Laura Gamble, CEO at Pender Community Hospital. “The event will showcase many unique activities, giveaways and more. We’re hoping All About HER inspires and empowers women to take control of their own health-and-wellness journeys.”

The event activities planned for All About HER include women’s health physical-therapy education, a dermatology overview and free Botox giveaway, self-defense education, car seat checks, flu shots, chair massages, nutritional education and free samples, mammography education, highlight on robotic-assisted GYN surgeries, and a behavioral health services overview.

The event will also feature extended appointment times for 3D mammography, but these must be scheduled in advance by calling 402-385-4069 and require a written order from your provider. Limited number of spots are available.

“Women of all ages are encouraged to attend this event,” explained Gamble. “And, of course, men are welcome to attend, as well! There will be so much to learn, discover and do.”

The All About HER event is free, and there is no registration to attend. Those attending the event can simply show up between 4 and 7 pm on Thursday, October 19, at PCH (100 Hospital Drive, Pender, Neb., 68047).

Pender, NE (October 2, 2023) – Pender Community Hospital (PCH) and Medical Clinics were awarded $35,000 in funds by the 2023 Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska to fund health and wellness initiatives for the community.

“We are honored to have been chosen to receive this award by the Cattlemen’s Ball and are excited for the impact it will have on our patients,” said Laura Gamble, CEO at PCH. “Our hopes of enhancing patient comfort in our hospital, as well as improving many of the critical programs and tools at our medical clinics can now be realized.”

Cattlemen’s Ball is a 501(c)(3) charity focused on supporting cancer research and benefiting local health and wellness programs. Each year, the ball takes place in a new location. This year the event was hosted south of Pender, by the Weborg Family. After the event, 90% of the funds raised go to the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center for cancer research. The remaining 10% of funds are distributed to support local health and wellness initiatives.

This year, the Cattlemen’s Ball raised a record-breaking amount of more than $2.1 million. The hospital was awarded $25,000 of these funds, while the Pender Medical Clinics were awarded $10,000.

The hospital will use these funds to purchase new recliners for a number of patient rooms, which will improve patient comfort and well-being, as well as ensure all patients have a supportive and restful environment at the hospital. The medical clinics, plan to use funds to introduce a new Chronic Hypertension Program, which will address patients’ long-term hypertension management with the use of home blood pressure monitors. These funds will also enhance patient experience with digital stethoscopes that display patients heart rhythm and digital otoscopes that allow a picture of the inner ear to be viewed by the patient.

To learn more about Cattlemen’s Ball, visit cattlemensball.com. For more information on Pender Community Hospital and Pender Medical Clinics, visit pchne.org.

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Pender, NE (September 18, 2023) – Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has announced the expansion of its wound care services through the hire of Janis Harrison, RN, BSN, CWOCN, CFCN. Harrison has more than 30 years of nursing experience and has achieved national recognition for her work as a certified wound, ostomy and continence nurse (CWOCN), her work as a certified foot care nurse (CFCN) and her research on cutting-edge wound-care practices.

“We are so proud to announce the hiring of Janis Harrison,” said Laura Gamble, CEO at PCH. “By expanding these services at PCH, we are able to help so many more patients in the local community. Patients won’t have to travel far to receive this care.”

Harrison has already started seeing patients for wound-care, ostomy, continence treatment, along with foot care at PCH by appointment.

“I am excited to be part of the PCH team and share the expertise I’ve developed around wound care,” said Harrison. “It feels like the best place to serve as many patients as possible in my quest to heal and serve the rural population.”

These services are especially useful for individuals suffering from wounds that won’t heal properly due to infection, diabetes, circulation problems, lifestyle issues, coexisting health conditions, age, skin-tissue health, pain, anxiety, lack of knowledge or lack of ability to care for a wound at home.

To make an appointment with Janis Harrison for wound care, ostomy, continence care or foot and toe care, contact your primary care providers for a referral or learn more by calling the PCH Outpatient Specialty Clinic at 402-385-4090.

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About Pender Community Hospital District
Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has been providing quality healthcare in northeast Nebraska since 1913. The 21-bed critical access hospital (CAH) was recognized by the Chartis Center for Rural Health as a Top-100 CAH for four years, from 2019-2021 and 2023. PCH comprises not only the hospital but four rural health clinics and three pharmacies, as well as Prairie Breeze Assisted Living and Little Sprouts Child Development Center. For more information, visit pchne.org.

Patients at Pender Medical Clinics will conveniently receive appointment confirmation
and reminders via text message service for streamlined communication.

Pender, NE (August 31, 2023) – On September 11, Pender Medical Clinic and its satellite clinics will launch a new appointment reminder texting service. First, this will be rolled out for patients of the medical clinics. Soon after, the service will expand to other departments.

“With the launch of this new tool, we hope to improve our patient experience by making sure all patients of Pender Community Hospital and Medical Clinics have the most up-to-date information about their care.” – Laura Gamble, CEO of Pender Community Hospital District.

All patients of the hospital and medical clinic will be enrolled when the service rolls out, so there is no need to pre-register. For those without texting, phone calls will be made to landlines with the same messages. Messages will be sent in Spanish, for patients who have Spanish set as their preferred language.

When launched for medical clinic patients on September 11, text message notifications will be sent out 15 minutes after a patient schedules an appointment over the phone. This text message will include details about the appointment, such as the provider, date, time, and location. Closer to the appointment time, the patient will receive a text message that asks for confirmation of the appointment. Then, 24 hours before the appointment, the patient will receive an appointment reminder.

About Pender Community Hospital District

Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has been providing quality healthcare in northeast Nebraska since 1913. The 21-bed critical access hospital (CAH) was recognized by the Chartis Center for Rural Health as a Top-100 CAH for three consecutive years, from 2019-2021. PCH comprises not only the hospital but also several clinics and apothecaries, as well as Prairie Breeze Assisted Living and Little Sprouts Child Development Center. For more information, visit pchne.org.

Pender, NE (March 27, 2023) – Pender Community Hospital District and Little Sprouts Child Development Center, in partnership with Pender Public Schools, have been approved for a childcare license for Little Pendragon Summer Program, a school-age childcare center to be operated at Pender Public Schools during the summer.

Little Pendragon Summer Program will provide care for children entering Kindergarten in the fall up to age 12 from any school district. Staff from Little Sprouts Child Development Center and Pender Public Schools will lead the program and provide care for enrolled children. Little Pendragon Summer Program will be open Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The program will provide engaging summer programing, including regular visits to the swimming pool, various camps, field trips, educational outings and other activities. The program also hopes to partner with area business to encourage community engagement and philanthropy.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with Pender Public Schools to offer a summer program for school-age kids,” said Laura Gamble, Pender Community Hospital District CEO. “This partnership will ensure kids have a safe place to go during the summer and provide them with wonderful social and educational opportunities.”

Pre-enrollment is now open, and applications are being accepted. As a licensed program within the state of Nebraska, the program will accept childcare subsidy. For more information on childcare subsidy visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Child-Care-Parents.aspx.

For a pre-enrollment packet, contact Little Sprouts Child Development Center at 402-385-6248 or via email at littlesprouts@pchne.org.

About Pender Community Hospital District

Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has been providing quality healthcare in northeast Nebraska since 1913. The 21-bed critical access hospital (CAH) was recognized by the Chartis Center for Rural Health as a Top-100 CAH for three consecutive years, from 2019-2021. PCH comprises not only the hospital but also several clinics and apothecaries, as well as Prairie Breeze Assisted Living and Little Sprouts Child Development Center. For more information, visit pchne.org.

Pender, NE (March 20, 2023) – Pender Community Hospital today announced it has been recognized as a 2023 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, this annual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™.

“I’m very proud of our team’s continuous hard work and dedication,” Laura Gamble, CEO for Pender Community Hospital. “This recognition is something we don’t take lightly; it’s a true testament of the strong commitment of the entire team who works at Pender Community Hospital and Medical Clinics, and also a reflection of our supportive community,” she continued. “We pride ourselves on providing the highest quality care and serving as a resource our community knows they can trust. We’re very honored to have been recognized 4 times and to be among this elite group of healthcare providers.”

“Across the nation, top 100 rural providers continue to serve as a source of inspiration for hospital leadership teams and staff working diligently every day to improve the delivery of care within their local communities,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, the Chartis Center for Rural Health. “The list of award winners in each category is as geographically diverse as we’ve seen in some time, which is wonderful to see. We’re thrilled to be able to honor the outstanding efforts of these top performing rural hospitals.”

Now in its 13th year, the INDEX has established itself as the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is trusted by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations and state offices of rural health across the country to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

About Pender Community Hospital District

Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has been providing quality healthcare in northeast Nebraska since 1913. The 21-bed critical access hospital (CAH) was recognized by the Chartis Center for Rural Health as a Top-100 CAH for three consecutive years, from 2019-2021. PCH comprises not only the hospital but also several clinics and pharmacies, as well as Prairie Breeze Assisted Living and Little Sprouts Child Development Center. For more information, visit pchne.org.

Pender, Nebraska (December 27, 2023) – Pender Community Hospital recently announced that Shane Schuster has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer for the hospital district. Schuster acted as interim CEO until Laura Gamble was hired in that role in late 2022.

As COO, Schuster will maintain many of his current responsibilities in addition to maintaining provider relations, implementing strategic planning and working closely with the team to overseeing the district’s financials.

“As interim CEO, Shane has shown great leadership and ability,” said PCH CEO Laura Gamble.
“His new role as COO is a great next step to allow Shane to continue to lead our organization.”

During his tenure as manager, Schuster led the opening of two additional retail pharmacy locations and optimized revenue opportunities through the federal 340B program. He also served as ancillary services director, overseeing hospital pharmacy, radiology, laboratory and rehab services.

Schuster resides in Pender with his family and is active on the Pender-Thurston Summer Rec Board of Directors and with the Pender Booster Club, while also volunteering as a youth sports coach.

About Pender Community Hospital District

Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has been providing quality healthcare in northeast Nebraska since 1913. The 21-bed critical access hospital (CAH) was recognized by the Chartis Center for Rural Health as a Top-100 CAH for three consecutive years, from 2019-2021. PCH comprises not only the hospital but also several clinics and apothecaries, as well as Prairie Breeze Assisted Living and Little Sprouts Child Development Center. For more information, visit pchne.org.

Pender, NE (December 19, 2022) – Pender Community Hospital and Medical Clinics have announced that it will be utilizing Bryan Health Connect as its Accountable Care Organization (ACO), effective January 1, 2023. The organization had previously worked with a different organization for ACO services.

An ACO is a collection of healthcare providers who work together with Medicare to offer patients high quality, affordable care. The coordinated care approach of an ACO is beneficial to Medicare patients for a variety of reasons; these organizations help reduce the need for duplicate tests or unnecessary appointments, while also boosting preventative screenings that identify health concerns in early stages.

“Pender Medical Clinic is excited to join the Bryan Health Connect Accountable Care Organization. This premier, Nebraska-based ACO aligns well with our Pender philosophy of providing high-quality, high-value care to our patients,” said PCH Chief Executive Officer Laura Gamble. “Bryan brings numerous resources, tools and technologies to enable our staff to further grow programs and services for patient care.”
For more information, Medicare patients should contact the Health Coach Office at (402) 385-3033 option 3.

About Pender Community Hospital District
Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has been providing quality healthcare in northeast Nebraska since 1913. The 21-bed critical access hospital (CAH) was recognized by the Chartis Center for Rural Health as a Top-100 CAH for three consecutive years, from 2019-2021. PCH comprises not only the hospital but also several clinics and apothecaries, as well as Prairie Breeze Assisted Living and Little Sprouts Child Development Center. For more information, visit pchne.org

Amy Schantz, LIMHP recently joined Pender Community Hospital’s staff as a licensed independent mental health practitioner in its Outpatient Clinic.

Schantz, who has specialized training in trauma, parent-child interaction therapy, autism spectrum disorders and child behaviors, is available for both in-person and telehealth appointments the first and third Tuesday of each month.

As part of her practice, Schantz performs assessments, diagnoses, psychotherapy, treatment planning and crisis management for children, adolescents and adults. As a licensed independent mental health practitioner, Schantz provides flexible therapy that combines psychotherapy with practical, problem resolution strategies.

Schantz earned both her Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Wayne State College.

PCH offers several types of behavioral health treatment options for people of all ages. For more information, visit pchne.org/services/behavioral-health.

Pender Community Hospital District recently announced that Laura Gamble, RN has been hired as its new CEO. With more than 30 years of experience in rural healthcare in the surrounding area, Gamble has a myriad of administrative and nursing experience in critical access hospitals.

A native of northeast Nebraska, Gamble was most recently employed at Twelve Clans Unity Hospital in Winnebago, and prior to that was Chief Executive Officer/Director of Nursing at MercyOne Oakland Hospital in Oakland. She earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Lincoln, as well as a certification in Healthcare Management from the Bryan School of Health Sciences in Lincoln.

Gamble has also served rural healthcare in many capacities throughout the state, including working closely with the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA), where she currently serves on the organization’s services board. She currently resides in Wayne but plans to relocate to Pender in the near future, is looking forward to getting involved in various community projects in and around the health district.

“I have always admired the town of Pender and the pride they take in and the support they give to their hospital. The compassionate and top-notch care given at PCH is impressive and I am very fortunate to be able to care for the people in this area.”

Pender Community Hospital welcomed Kate Mueller to its staff on Monday, Aug. 22. As a new part-time physician assistant in family medicine, Mueller will see patients in PCH’s ER, as well as at both the Pender and Emerson Medical Clinics.

Prior to joining PCH, Mueller was employed at NuWest Medical Clinic in Norfolk; before that, she worked at Memorial Health Clinic in Aurora for nearly six years. As a physician assistant, Mueller has experience helping patients of all ages manage acute and chronic illnesses, as well as providing both routine and preventative healthcare. Mueller has also worked in ER settings, as well as inpatient admittance.

Mueller earned a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center; and earned her undergraduate degree in chemistry health science from Wayne State College.

In addition, Mueller has been certified in the following areas: Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS); Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS); Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS); Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP); Basic Life Support (BLS); and National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. She is also a member of several professional organizations, including both the American and Nebraska Academies of Physician Assistants.Family medicine providers at PCH offer a full-scope of comprehensive care for patients of all ages. For more information, visit our primary care page.

Pender Medical Clinics’ Director of Nursing, Cyndi Conroy, has been selected as a winner of Huron Consulting Group’s “What’s Right in Healthcare 2022 Hero Award”.

Nominees for the award were required to “have significantly impacted results related to enhancing the patient experience, employee/physician engagement, improvement of their organization with innovative ideas or outstanding service to improve the health within their community,” according to the application form.

Conroy, who has been employed with PCH’s Pender Medical Clinic for more than 30 years, was nominated by clinic director, Lori Minert, for her leadership navigating the PCH clinics through the COVID-19 pandemic, including traveling to provide more than 3,000 COVID vaccines in a sparsely populated rural area.

According to the nomination form, “Cyndi has gone above and beyond as our director of nursing; one of her most notable accomplishments was keeping our nursing staff intact, with almost zero turnover” since the start of the pandemic.

Recipients of the award receive a complimentary registration to Huron’s What’s Right in Healthcare event, an annual conference designed to educate and connect professionals within the healthcare industry. This year’s conference was held in Chicago, August 8-10. For more information about Huron’s What’s Right in Healthcare, visit huronconsultinggroup.com.

Pender Community Hospital recently announced that it has received a $1 million USDA Emergency Rural Healthcare Grant to increase its telehealth capabilities through an improved electronic health record (EHR) system. The current EHR will be phased out in December 2022.

The new EHR will provide seamless integration of all patient data, from scheduling clinic appointments and completing registration to results from diagnostic lab work and x-rays; the new system will also allow for the quick and easy electronic transfer of medical records.

“Since the start of the pandemic, our patients have looked to do more online, and our board and community is requesting a more developed patient portal and telehealth services,” said Interim CEO Shane Schuster. “Our goal in procuring our new EHR is that we can provide services to all patients, regardless of their location.”

The new system improves the access and timeliness of patient records, which is critical to providing rural patients quality care close to home. The cost of the new EHR includes not only the purchase of the system itself, but also the appropriate hardware and training necessary to optimize the new system.

About Pender Community Hospital District
Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has been providing quality healthcare in northeast Nebraska since 1913. The 21-bed critical access hospital (CAH) was recognized by the Chartis Center for Rural Health as a Top-100 CAH for three consecutive years, from 2019-2021. PCH comprises not only the hospital but also several clinics and apothecaries, as well as Prairie Breeze Assisted Living and Little Sprouts Child Development Center. For more information, visit pchne.org.

Pender Community Hospital is pleased to welcome Josh Ridder, PA-C, to its outpatient specialty clinic, where he will see pulmonology patients twice a month.

Ridder earned his degree as a physician’s assistant at Pennsylvania College of Technology, a Penn State affiliate located in Williamsport, Pa. and earned his certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Ridder is particularly interested in pulmonary medicine and sleep medicine, which focuses on the diagnosis and therapy of sleep disorders. As a former respiratory therapist, Ridder worked in the intensive care unit at Creighton University Medical Center, where he had the opportunity to work with pulmonology and critical care patients; this experience led Ridder to pursue a degree as a certified physician assistant.

“My favorite part about medicine is interacting with patients,” said Ridder. “Being able to build a rapport with people and helping them understand their disease process is a rewarding experience for me. “

The Pender Community Hospital Outpatient Specialty Clinic is staffed with caring, well-trained healthcare providers who are prepared to meet the medical needs of patients. Call the Pender Community Hospital Respiratory Department at 402-385-4059 to schedule an appointment with Josh Ridder.

Pender Community Hospital is pleased to welcome interventional cardiologist Mir Rauf Subla, MD, FACC, FSCAI to its outpatient specialty clinic.

Dr. Subla is quadruple board-certified in internal medicine, critical care medicine, cardiology and interventional cardiology. Dr. Subla completed a Heart Failure Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic, as well as a Cardiovascular disease Fellowship at Mayo Clinic, where he also served as an assistant professor of medicine in the College of Medicine and Science in the Division of Cardiology and Critical Care.

“Every patient I see is a new book: a unique person with symptoms or needs as individualized as the person themselves,” Subla said, according to Siouxland Heart and Vascular Center. “I want to work with my patients to find just the right course of treatment for their lives. When I can help my patients and see that huge relief for them and their families, that’s really satisfying.”

In addition, Dr. Subla performs all major interventional procedures including TAVR, Mitra Clip, Watchmen, CardioMEMS and EKOS.

At Pender Community Hospital, we’re committed to providing high-quality heart and vascular care close to home for our patients. To provide this care, we utilize state-of-the-art technology and have a qualified cardiology team at our Outpatient Specialty Clinic. To make an appointment with Dr. Subla, call 402-385-4090.

Dr. Subla — Mir Rauf Subla, MD, FACC, FSCAI

Pender Community Hospital is pleased to welcome orthopedic surgeon Dr. Justin Deans to its skilled surgical team. Dr. Deans specializes in hip and knee replacement procedures.

Dr. Deans earned his bachelor’s degree in neuroscience at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and a master’s degree in physiology from Georgetown University before completing his medical degree at Touro University Nevada. He then finished his orthopedic surgery internship at Larkin Community Hospital in South Miami, followed by a residency at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, Calif.

In addition, Dr. Deans is fellowship trained in adult reconstruction and joint replacement surgery following his studies at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Dr. Deans is board-eligible with the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery, and is licensed in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

Among the services PCH’s orthopedic department offers are state-of-the-art CT and MRI imaging, knee pain management, knee scopes, carpal tunnel surgeries, minimally invasive shoulder procedures, and hip and knee joint replacement. Call 402-385-4090 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Deans, or learn more at pchne.org/GetMoving.

Legacy Garden Rehabilitation & Living Center in Pender, Nebraska has announced their planned closure of May 14th, 2022, after exhausting all efforts to keep the facility open.

“We are extremely saddened to be closing the doors of our long-term rehabilitation and living center, operated by the Pender Community Hospital District,” said Mike Minert, chairman of the board for the Pender Community Hospital District and Pender Care Centre District Board of Directors. “The staffing crisis of healthcare workers has deeply affected our organization. We have reached a point that we are at risk of being unable to provide the quality of care our residents deserve with the number of staff we have. Our resident safety is our number one concern and will continue to be as we work through this transition.”

Legacy Garden Rehabilitation and Living Center has provided care to those in the community for over 50 years in its current facility. This closure is one of many across the nation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the next 60 days, staff will be assisting 18 residents and their families transition to area skilled care facilities of their choice, as part of the closure plan with the State of Nebraska.

“We cannot thank our Legacy Garden staff enough for the sacrifice they have made and the commitment that they have shown to our organization and our residents. They have made such a lasting impact on our residents and their quality of life,” said Minert. “All 15 full-time and part-time Legacy Garden staff are being asked to continue to work and receive their current pay through the transition period. Legacy Garden staff are encouraged to review and apply for current job openings at Pender Community Hospital. Staff that continue to successfully perform their duties throughout the transition will be supported in a number of ways, including a stay/severance package.”

Pender Community Hospital welcomes wound care specialist Janis Harrison, RN, BSN, CWOCN, CFCN, to our Outpatient Specialty Clinic in Pender. Harrison, owner of Harrison W.O.C. Services is now seeing patients at the outpatient specialty clinic each Wednesday.

In addition to operating her own wound care business, Harrison works as an independent contractor for medical entities throughout northeast Nebraska, caring for patients with wounds, ostomies, continence, and foot and nail needs. Harrison is a graduate of Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, and has more than 30 years of experience as a nurse, including 12 years as a certified wound, ostomy, continence nurse (CWOCH) and certified foot care nurse (CFCN).

Harrison is also involved in the educational aspect of wound care: Along with acting as a consultant, she writes case studies, poster abstracts, and newsletters, and is the chief clinical consultant for WoundRight, a mobile application for wound care management.

Harrison looks forward to providing comprehensive and effective care to patients with all types of wounds. To schedule an appointment, please call the Outpatient Specialty Clinic at 402-385-4090.

Harrison-Janis — Janis Harrison, RN, BSN, CWOCN, CFCN

Pender Community Hospital is pleased to welcome Dr. Hemantha Koduri to our Outpatient Specialty Clinic in Pender.

Dr. Koduri completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Illinois’ St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago, and then worked as an assistant professor of medicine and teaching hospitalist in internal medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Chicago. He completed fellowship training in vascular medicine at Cleveland Clinic; he then finished fellowship training in general cardiovascular medicine at Creighton University, Omaha, NE. Following his general cardiology training, he joined Penn State’s Hershey Medical Center, where he graduated in interventional vascular, cardiology and structural heart diseases.

Dr. Koduri is board certified in internal medicine, vascular medicine, vascular imaging, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, general cardiovascular medicine and interventional cardiovascular medicine.
Dr. Koduri has expertise in treating patients with thrombosis, hypertension, lipid disorders, heart rhythm abnormalities, heart attacks, heart valve and structural disorders, heart failure, and blockages in blood vessels of the neck, arms, legs, abdomen including aorta, kidney arteries and varicose veins. He performs high-risk coronary and peripheral arterial interventions including chronic total occlusions (CTO) for revascularization, transcatheter aortic valve replacement, venous ablation and stenting.

Dr. Koduri will see patients on the 1st Friday of every month. He looks forward to providing comprehensive and effective care to patients with all types of vascular disease. To schedule an appointment, please call 402-385-4090.

Pender Community Hospital is pleased to welcome Dr. Steve Henao to our Hospital Outpatient Specialty Clinic in Pender.

Dr. Henao obtained his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch and was a Southern Medical Association scholar. He completed his residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and subsequently completed his fellowship in vascular and endovascular surgery at Baylor College of Medicine.

Dr Henao is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, Vascular Surgery. He is highly respected in his field, providing minimally invasive vascular surgery utilizing cutting-edge technology.

As a vascular surgeon, Dr. Henao treats all veins and arteries outside of the brain and heart. Common conditions include abdominal aortic aneurysm, carotid artery disease, peripheral arteriole disease, thoracic outlet syndrome, varicose veins and spider veins, limb preservation and wound treatment, pulmonary embolisms, deep vein thrombosis, dialysis access and hyperhidrosis.

Dr. Henao looks forward to providing comprehensive and effective care to patients with all types of vascular disease. To schedule an appointment, please call 402-385-4090.

Pender Medical Clinics today announced it has been named a 2021 Guardian of Excellence Award® winner by Press Ganey, the national leader in healthcare consumer and workforce engagement. Press Ganey recognizes Pender Medical Clinics as a top-performing healthcare organization achieving the 95th percentile or above for performance in patient experience.

The Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award® is a preeminent, competitive achievement for leading healthcare organizations. Presented annually, the award applauds hospitals and health systems that consistently sustained performance in the top 5% of all Press Ganey clients.

“Press Ganey is honored to recognize Pender Medical Clinics as one of the nation’s leaders in patient experience,” said Patrick T. Ryan, chairman and chief executive officer, Press Ganey. “This award reflects an unwavering commitment to earn the trust and loyalty of patients throughout unimaginable challenges. We are humbled by Pender Medical Clinics’ incredible efforts, and their ability to adapt to imperatives of COVID-19 on top of the increasing demand for consumerism in healthcare.”

“We are so pleased to receive this prestigious award that recognizes the steadfast commitment our providers, nurses and staff have to our patients and our community,” said Shane Shuster, Pender Community Hospital interim CEO. “It’s a true honor to be chosen and we are grateful to receive this award recognizing our efforts.”

Director of Rural Health Clinics Lori Minert added: “Our team cares deeply about every patient, so it’s wonderful that their hard work and talent has been recognized with this patient experience award. We are fortunate to have such excellent staff and providers at Pender Medical Clinic and its satellites.”

To learn more about Pender Medical Clinics, including locations in Bancroft, Beemer and Emerson, visit www.pchne.org/facilities/medical-clinics/

About Press Ganey Press Ganey pioneered the health care performance improvement movement 35 years ago. Today Press Ganey offers an integrated suite of solutions that enable enterprise transformation across the patient journey. Delivered through a cutting-edge digital platform built on a foundation of data security, Press Ganey solutions address safety, clinical excellence, patient experience, and workforce engagement. The
company works with more than 41,000 health care facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality, and experience of care.

About Pender Community Hospital District Pender’s hospital dates back to 1913. Over the years, the Pender Community Medical System has become a model of an effective Rural Health System. Through the loyalty and generous support of everyone making up the hospital district, plus the dedication of the medical staff, board of directors, and hospital staff, we continue to deliver top quality health care. Visit pchne.org to learn more.

Pender Community Hospital is pleased to welcome a new dermatology provider, Deb Baker, DNP, FNP-BC, to the outpatient specialty clinic in Pender.

Baker will offer a wide variety of dermatological services. She will treat skin conditions of the body including eczema, acne, mole removal, skin cancer and also help patients with concerns involving the hair, feet and nails. The licensed and board-certified nurse practitioner runs a practice in Fremont that specializes in medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatological services.

While dermatology has always been Deb Baker’s main interest, she has also worked in emergency medicine, intensive care and pediatric medicine. Baker has continued her education throughout her career and has earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Midland University, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Creighton University, national certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is also a member of the Dermatology Nurses Association.

Deb Baker will see patients every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month starting on November 1st. For an appointment call, Baker’s office at 402-936-6198 or to learn more about PCH’s dermatology services, call 402-385-4090 or visit pchne.org.

Deb Baker, DNP, FNP-BC

Pender Community Hospital is pleased to announce Shane Schuster, current ancillary services director, will be stepping into the role of interim chief executive officer while the search for a permanent CEO continues.

“I am honored to be chosen by the Pender Community Hospital Board of Directors to serve as our facilities’ interim CEO,” said Shane Schuster. “I look forward to working with our medical providers and organization leaders to keep us moving forward as we continue our search for a permanent CEO.”

Originally from Laurel, Nebraska, Schuster graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy in Omaha. He worked as a pharmacist for 12 years before joining Pender Community Hospital as The Apothecary Shop pharmacy manager in 2014. During his tenure as manager, Schuster led the opening of two additional retail pharmacy locations and optimized revenue opportunities through the federal 340B program. More recently, he was promoted to ancillary services director, overseeing hospital pharmacy, radiology, laboratory and rehab services, in addition to joining the administration team.

Schuster resides in Pender with his wife, Bev, who is also a pharmacist, and their two children. He’s very active in the community and volunteers on the Pender-Thurston Summer Rec Board of Directors and the Pender Booster Club. He also finds great joy helping to coach the sports teams his children are involved in. Schuster and his family are members of St. John’s Catholic Church in Pender.

Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Kneib attended the University of Missouri at Kansas City for his undergraduate degree. He earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, and completed his internship and residency in Urology at the University of Tennessee in Memphis.

Dr. Kneib is board certified with the American Board of Urology. He treats all types of urological issues and performs MRI Fusion Prostate biopsies. He will be available at Pender Community Hospital Outpatient Specialty Clinic every four weeks on Monday afternoons. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 402-385-4090.

Dr. Kneib has been in practice for more than 20 years. He is known for his professionalism and compassion, and is eager to bring his experience and skills to the community.

Pender Community Hospital is pleased to welcome Hearing Instrument Specialist Melisa Sternberg to our Outpatient Specialty Clinic.

Melisa graduated from Southeast Community College in Lincoln, Nebraska, as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Certified Medication Technician. She is also an EMT-B. A firm believer in continuing education, Melissa enrolled in the Rehabilitation Technician – Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy program offered by SCC and, upon completion, ran a rehabilitation program.

From 2012-2018, Melisa was a practice liaison with a private audiology practice in Lincoln and joined Beltone Audiology and Hearing Center later that year. She has a background in all major hearing technology manufactures including Starkey, Phonak, Oticon and ReSound. Melisa’s commitment to helping patients is reflected in the many awards she has received, including Beltone Advanced Master Hearing Aid Practitioner in 2019; Consultant of the Year in 2018 and 2019; Senior Master Practitioner in 2020; and “Gage County Favorite” in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

In addition to her professional experience, Melisa makes patients feel comfortable through a special connection she shares with their families. “Being the spouse of a person with hearing loss allows me to better understand the challenges of my patients as well as the challenges of loved ones they live with,” says Melisa. “By helping the patient, I am thankful to also affect the lives of those around them.”

Melisa and her husband, Jason, have three children. She enjoys baking, traveling, water sports and most importantly, spending time with her family.

Pender Community Hospital is pleased to welcome new CFO Beth Wewel, MPA, and the new director of Little Sprouts Child Development Center, Ashley Tremayne-Ziska, to the community.

CFO Beth Wewel, MPA

After graduating with a master’s degree in public administration, Beth accrued two decades of financial experience in the healthcare industry and continued her education, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Her combination of education and experience provides her with the skills necessary to successfully manage the financial needs of Pender Community Hospital.

In addition to working for multiple healthcare systems, Beth worked at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services where she helped increase revenue, streamline financial processes and balance budgets–all while helping to create an exceptional patient experience. Her talent for financial analysis, leadership and strategic planning make her ideal for Pender Community Hospital’s CFO position.

Beth is excited to join the community and enjoy the best that rural living has to offer.

Little Sprouts Director Ashley Tremayne-Ziska

Ashley is a mother of four and passionate about providing a nurturing and educational environment for children. She graduated from UNK with bachelor’s degrees in history and social science education with an emphasis in sociology and is pursuing a master’s degree in school counseling.

After serving as the youth theater program director at the Sioux City Community Theater, Ashley was inspired to follow her passion to work with children and join the Little Sprouts team. She is excited to find new ways to foster social and emotional development in children through educational and engaging programs.

Ashley enjoys meeting new people and is eager to get to know more families in the community.

Pender Community Hospital & Medical Clinics welcomes Chelsea (Brinkman) Moore, PA-C to their list of providers. She will primarily care for patients in the PCH emergency department. As a passionate, skilled medical professional and native of Pender, she will be an invaluable asset to the healthcare system.

Chelsea recently graduated from UNMC and is excited to be able to start her career in the same place that rooted her desire to help others. Being born and raised in Pender made it an easy decision to return and give back to the community that has supported her throughout her education.

“The desire to help others and also expand my knowledge in the ever-changing field of medicine is what inspired me to become a Physician Assistant,” Chelsea shared.

Pender Community Hospital was the first critical access hospital in the state to offer robotic-assisted surgery, making expert care and state-of-the-art technology accessible where it’s closer for patients and their families. Relationships with outreach surgeons like Dr. Volz, combined with advanced technology, PCH provides patients with the expert services they need, and the local, personalized care they’ve always trusted.

She will be stepping into a new role at PCH that will further support their mission to provide the highest quality care for patients. Her main care focus will be within the ER, where she will provide daytime coverage four days a week and night coverage twice a month. This will allow other providers to focus on patients at the medical clinic. Chelsea will also provide clinic coverage as needed.

The addition of another full-time provider at PCH is a great benefit to patients, staff and the community.

In her downtime, Chelsea enjoys spending time with her husband Spencer, their corgi Archie, and friends and family. She also enjoys cooking, watching movies, reading books, and being outdoors as much as possible through camping and hiking.

Pender Community Hospital received the 2021 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital honor, making this the third year in a row that the healthcare system has been recognized with the distinction. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, this 11^thannual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Hospital Strength INDEX®.

Dr. Cole Reha, medical director for Pender Community Hospital, shared his thoughts on the recognition. “I’m so proud of our team’s hard work and dedication,” he said. “This distinction is something we never take lightly; it’s a true reflection of the strong commitment of everyone who works at Pender Community Hospital and Clinics, and also a reflection of our supportive community,” he continued. “We pride ourselves on providing the highest quality care and serving as a resource our community knows they can trust. We’re very honored to be among this elite group of healthcare providers.”

“The Top 100 program continues to illuminate strategies and innovation for delivering higher quality care and better outcomes within rural communities,” said Michael Topchik, national leader of The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “We are delighted to be able to spotlight the efforts of these facilities through the INDEX framework.”

Over the course of the last 11 years, the INDEX has grown to become the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Based entirely on public data and utilizing 36 independent indicators, the INDEX assesses rural hospitals across eight pillars of performance, including market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge, and financial efficiency. The INDEX framework is widely used across the nation by independent rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints and state offices of rural health, which provide access to INDEX analytics through grant-funded initiatives.

Pender Community Hospital welcomes Dr. Lawrence T. Volz, MD, FACS, of Midlands Clinic, who will provide general surgery services at the healthcare system. Dr. Volz’s vast medical experience and surgical expertise will give community members access to state-of-the-art surgical services, utilizing innovative technology that is usually found in much larger hospitals

An accomplished surgeon with 23 years of experience, Dr. Volz is proficient in robotic-assisted surgery and has utilized the technology in over 300 procedures. “Minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery has many advantages,” said Dr. Volz. “It allows surgeons to use great precision so incisions are smaller, healing is faster and scarring is minimal. Patients also experience less pain, so they don’t need strong medications, like opioids. And they can leave the hospital sooner to return to their normal lives.”

Dr. Volz graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine in Nebraska and completed a general surgery residency at Baystate Medical Center in Massachusetts. In addition to robotic-assisted surgery, he performs other minimally invasive procedures, general surgery, laparoscopic procedures, hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, breast and abdominal surgeries and vascular access procedures. Dr. Volz holds medical licenses in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota and begins seeing patients at Pender Community Hospital this month.

Pender Community Hospital Welcomes OB/GYN Physician and Three Behavioral Health Providers.

Pender Community Hospital in Pender, NE, welcomes four new providers to supplement care offerings for patients in the communities the PCH healthcare system serves.

Dr. Gregory Heidrick is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and specializes in operative gynecology. He is highly skilled in minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery. With over 30 years of expertise, his unique approach customizes procedures to fit the person, rather than using a one-size-fits-all standard, so every patient receives her most effective treatment. Providing this personalized care has enhanced Dr. Heidrick’s surgical repertoire and made him a pioneer, and leader, in OB/GYN procedures in the region. To date, Dr. Heidrick has performed more than 3,000 robotic-assisted procedures and looks forward to helping PCH patients. He will begin seeing patients at the PCH Outpatient Specialty Clinic every other Tuesday starting September 1.

Jenna Johnson, APRN-NP, will support the PCH behavioral health team, treating children, teens and young adults. Jenna will provide psychiatric evaluations and medication monitoring for patients ages 5 to 23 and believes in providing patient-centered care to help young people get the support they need to live their healthiest lives. She is currently seeing patients at the PCH Outpatient Specialty Clinic on the first Tuesday of each month.

Brooklee Tynes, PhD and clinical psychologist, will treat patients ages 5 to 19. Dr. Tynes conducts social/emotional, developmental and cognitive assessments for this younger patient group and also provides therapy services. She delivers evidence-based interventions to children, adolescents and their families to educate both the patients and their support systems, to better facilitate mental healing and meaningful behavior changes. Brooklee will see patients at the PCH Outpatient Specialty Clinic on the first Tuesday of each month.

Nikki Houlden, APRN-NP, will provide behavioral health care and support for adult and geriatric patients at PCH’s outpatient clinic. A strong advocate who believes that overall health is directly impacted by proper mental health care, Nikki will provide psychiatric evaluations and medication monitoring for patients over age 24. Nikki is currently seeing patients at the PCH Outpatient Specialty Clinic on the third Tuesday of each month.

“We are proud to enhance our already strong team at PCH with the addition of these experienced providers,” said Melissa Kelly, CEO of Pender Hospital Community. “They provide an incredible blend of education and knowledge and share PCH’s mission to provide exceptional healthcare services and compassionate patient care.”

For an appointment with our new OBGYN, Dr. Gregory Heidrick, call the PCH Outpatient Specialty Clinic at 402-385-4090. If you’re looking to set up an appointment with one of the new behavioral health providers, call the PCHBehavioral Health team at 402-385- 1898. Check with your insurance first to see if a referral is needed; if required, contact your primary care physician or any Pender Medical Clinic and ask about setting up the appropriate referrals.

About Pender Community Hospital District
Pender’s hospital dates back to 1913. Over the years, the Pender Community Medical System has become a model of an effective Rural Health System. Through the loyalty and generous support of everyone making up the hospital district, plus the dedication of the medical staff, board of directors, and hospital staff, we continue to deliver top quality health care.

Pender Community Hospital & Medical Clinics urge the community to be proactive when dealing with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The most important thing people can do right now is to stay home, wash your hands frequently and practice social distancing. Social distancing is a proven tool to stop or slow down the spread of contagious illnesses, such as COVID-19. To practice social distancing, avoid shaking hands, cancel large events, avoid large crowds, and keep a 6-foot distance between you and others.

“It’s critical that we take action now in order to protect our vulnerable population,” said Melissa Kelly, CEO. “Our community has a large, high-risk population that includes older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease. Because of this, it’s imperative to take social distancing and self-isolation very seriously.”

For individuals who feel sick or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (symptoms include fever greater than 100.4, cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat) it’s essential that your entire family self-quarantine. If possible, the individual with symptoms should isolate separately within the home, staying in a separated bedroom and bathroom area. When your entire family is under self-quarantine, no one should leave the home unless medical care in needed. This is absolutely essential to avoid spreading this highly contagious virus. Plan to have other people drop off needed supplies outside to prevent the disease from spreading to others.

Pender Community Hospital & Medical Clinics also want community members to know that if you have mild symptoms that appear like a cold, such as sneezing, running nose, cough, sore throat, you don’t need to be seen by a provider immediately. Patients experiencing symptoms are first asked to self-quarantine their entire family at home. If symptoms continue for 3 days, are getting worse, you are having difficulties breathing and/or shortness of breath,contact Pender Medical Clinic to visit with a provider. From there, providers will screen over the phone to assess your risk level and determine next steps.

It’s hard to understand when looking at worldwide statistics what this means to our own community. To put it into perspective, Pender Community Hospital and Medical Clinics see roughly 12,000 unique patients over a 3-year period. Using this number as a baseline population, the data starts to paint a concerning picture. Based on information we have available it’s estimated that 30 to 70% of our population will be infected with COVID-19. Of those, 10% would require hospitalization. In addition, 3% would need an ICU bed. These generic percentages don’t account for the increased at-risk population within our community compared to others.

Pender Community Hospital is a 21-bed facility and doesn’t have the same amount of resources as larger facilities. Even though PCH does provide services that rival those of larger facilities, when faced with a global pandemic, there simply aren’t enough resources to serve a large influx of patients at once, which could happen if people do not take social distancing, self-quarantining, and other measures to slow the spread seriously

In addition, the staff at PCH is smaller, so if predictions are correct, the hospital doesn’t have the bandwidth to support the estimated patients who could need care, at one time, if the community is not proactive. Pender Community Hospital and Clinics want to make sure that those who need medical attention will have healthy staff available to properly care for them.

PCH stresses that the intent of this information isn’t to scare anyone, but rather to reinforce the magnitude of the situation we are currently facing. People have a very real and important impact on helping our healthcare system, our healthcare providers, our community, and helping to avoid a potential crisis. Please, stay in. Practice social distancing. Finally, if you are sick, self-quarantine is not only important, but vital to protecting yourself and others in this wonderful community that we all share.

About Pender Community Hospital District
Pender’s hospital dates back to 1913. Over the years, the Pender Community Medical System has become a model of an effective Rural Health System. Through the loyalty and generous support of everyone making up the hospital district, plus the dedication of the medical staff, Board of Directors, and hospital staff, we continue to deliver top quality health care.

Pender Community Hospital in Pender, NE today announced it has been named a 2020 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This annual award honoring rural hospital performance is determined by the results of iVantage Health Analytics’ Hospital Strength INDEX^®, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2020.

“We are honored to be recognized as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital,” said Melissa Kelly, CEO. “I whole-heartedly believe that this great achievement is the byproduct of the hard working, dedicated physicians and staff at Pender Community Hospital. We have high expectations as an organization, and together, we can achieve great things.”

Based entirely on publicly available data, the INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Utilizing 50 independent indicators, the INDEX assesses performance across eight pillars of performance that span market-, value- and finance-based categories. Hospitals recognized as a Top 100 facility had one of the 100 highest overall scores among all Critical Access Hospitals nationally.

“The Top 100 Critical Access Hospital award program reminds us that rural providers haven’t lost touch with their mission and are committed to delivering better quality, better outcomes and better patient satisfaction. It’s a pleasure to be able to not only recognize this year’s recipients, but our larger group of top 100 alumni as we celebrate 10 years of The Hospital Strength INDEX,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

Top 100 Hospital Resources:

The list of this year’s Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals as well as the INDEX methodology can be found at www.ivantageindex.com/top-performing-hospitals.

To learn more about The Chartis Center for Rural Health or to speak with someone regarding the INDEX and the Top 100, please email Billy Balfour at wbalfour@chartis.com.

About Pender Community Hospital District
Pender’s hospital dates back to 1913. Over the years, the Pender Community Medical System has become a model of an effective Rural Health System. Through the loyalty and generous support of everyone making up the hospital district, plus the dedication of the medical staff, Board of Directors, and hospital staff, we continue to deliver top quality health care.

Pender Community Hospital is now certified as a Level 4 Trauma Center by the Nebraska Statewide Trauma System. “We have always done our best to provide great care for our trauma patients,” said Pender Community Hospital Trauma Coordinator, Kristin Salmon, MSN, RN. Now that the hospital is a certified Level 4 Trauma Center, its heightened status elevates the care that the ER team can provide. “A lot of work goes into obtaining this certification, but the requirements are things that make us better as a team and better prepared to care for any trauma patient that comes through our door,” Salmon continues.

The Nebraska Statewide Trauma System standardizes trauma care throughout the state, and a Level 4 distinction means that Pender Community Hospital can now provide basic trauma care, from treating minor traumas to stabilizing major traumas prior to transfer to a higher level of care. In order to receive the certification, PCH had to meet rigid criteria, particularly in performance improvement, nurse and provider education, and community outreach education.

Pender Community Hospital Trauma Director Dr. Matthew Felber emphasized that providing the best in patient care is the real impetus for pursuing the elevated certification. “The ER staff is constantly striving for any way that we can improve upon the already great care given here,” he stated. Dr. Felber also credits the hard work and tremendous collaboration of the ER staff and the entire PCH team who ensured that everything was expertly executed.

The intense certification process included the consultation by Nebraska representatives who review facility policy, clinical capabilities, qualifications, facility and resource capabilities, radiology and laboratory services, performance improvement and prevention strategies.

“Being recognized as a basic trauma center gives us more educational opportunities for our staff,” added Salmon, “and helps us keep up with the latest in trauma care best practices. It also provides us with guidelines for performance improvement which is necessary to provide the best care possible for our patients.”

Pender Community Hospital Emergency Room is located at 100 Hospital Drive in Pender, NE and is open at all times to assist patients.

About Pender Community Hospital District
Pender’s hospital dates back to 1913. Over the years, the Pender Community Medical System has become a model of an effective Rural Health System. Through the loyalty and generous support of everyone making up the hospital district, plus the dedication of the medical staff, Board of Directors, and hospital staff, we continue to deliver top quality health care.

Pender Community Hospital a 2020 Women’s Choice Award Recipient as one of America’s Best Hospital for Obstetrics

Pender Community Hospital announced it has received a 2020 Women’s Choice Award as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics. Only 10% of hospitals meet the robust qualifications to achieve this certification which identifies a health care organization as a stand-out for providing superior obstetric care.

Pender Community Hospital prides itself on providing patients with a complete maternity and birthing experience and has delivered over 100 babies in 2019 alone. From included prenatal classes for everyone who delivers at PCH to beautiful private birthing suites with warm, yet modern décor and plenty of room for guests, Pender has facilities that rival much larger health care centers. Pender Community Hospital credits its talented and devoted staff, with four physicians available to deliver babies, as their greatest asset, but their commitment to ensuring that patients receive the best care doesn’t stop there. Full-service maternity care at Pender also includes a Level I nursery and close coordination with regional Neonatal Intensive Care Units to ensure baby’s safety.

Pender’s commitment to quality care continues after baby is born as well. Experienced nurses are always on staff to answer questions, provide breastfeeding help and assist mother and baby. The on-staff Certified Lactation Counselor gives advanced breastfeeding guidance to those who want or need extra advice or assistance. Also, patients go home with a sense of security knowing that the care provided by the compassionate staff doesn’t end after check-out. Parents can call Pender’s nursing staff with questions, day or night, so help is just a phone call away at any time.

Pender Community Hospital is at 100 Hospital Drive Pender, NE. For an appointment or more information about what makes PCH obstetrics one of the 2020 Women’s Best Award recipients, call 402-385-3083 or visit our OB/Maternity page.