When Terri Jergenson of Swift Falls left her home to goto the doctor on July 3, 2009, she had no idea that itwould be two months before she spent a day in herhome again. Terri's left foot and ankle were swollen

and very painful. Neither Terri nor her doctorcould see a wound. Her doctor thought shemight have gout, and ran some tests to besure. The tests came back with surprisingnews...Terri had MRSA (methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus).

MRSA is a bacteria that causes infections indifferent parts of the body. It's tougher totreat than most strains of staph because it'sresistant to many commonly used antibiotics.MRSA is sometimes called a "super bug".

Terri was sent to St. Cloud Hospital whereshe spent 48 days in isolation, surgery andgiven daily doses of strong antibiotics."Every other day they came in and cut out

the dead tissue on my foot and ankle. TheMRSA spread throughout my body. Finally, the infectionwent into remission," tells Terri.

The scar tissue from all of the surgeries left Terri's footand ankle with toes that were badly deformed fromscar tissue and no flexibility in her ankle.

Determined to regain the ability to use her left foot andankle, Terri worked with SCBH Physical Therapist,Dave Solheim. "Terri and I started rehab treatmentson her foot in October 2009. We tried everything wehad at our disposal, ultrasound, heat, massage,acupressure...nothing worked. I was as frustratedas Terri. There was so much deep scar tissue wecouldn't even reach it to break it down."

Terri and Dave stopped rehab in December 2009.However, Dave kept thinking about Terri and herproblems. There had to be something out there thatcould help her. Then in October 2010, Dave heardabout some new Swedish tools called Gaston Tools.The tools were designed to break up scar tissue so itcan be absorbed by the body. "In all the research I did,I found positive outcomes that were science and

WWiinntteerr,, 22001111

evidence-based. We decided to buy them for therehab department and I went for training in their use.I'm glad I did. There are six tools. They are made ofsurgical stainless steel and I've had good success inbreaking down tissue, adhesions, and scar tissue fromsurgeries."

Dave started working with Terri again in December.This time using the Graston tools. After only a fewtreatments, they both have seen progress. Terricomments, "My foot still swells, but we've only beenworking for a month. My foot and ankle were frozen;they're getting better. I have more flexibility in the ankleand the toes are starting to straighten out. They werecurled under each other. It's been amazing to seeDave get these scar tissues to break up."

Dave added, "I have seen good results from each tool.Each tool has its own function. They were designed totreat acute and chronic soft tissue injuries. I'm findingthat using them helps my patients recover faster, theydon't use as much anti-inflammatory medication, andsome conditions, like Terri's, can be resolved fairly well."

The Graston Technique tools are designed to treat:neck, back, foot, wrist, shoulder, knee, and ankle pain.They have also shown good results with headaches,carpal tunnel, golfer's elbow, tennis elbow,fibromyalgia, shin splints, trigger finger and post-surgical scar tissue.

If you feel you could benefit from these techniques,contact your physician regarding a referral to physicaltherapy to address your problem area.

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The Graston Technique® instruments areused to enhance the clinician's ability todetect adhesions, scar tissue orrestrictions in the affected areas.

Each of the six tools isdesigned to treat acuteand chronic conditions ina specific area of thebody.

Physical Therapist DaveSolheim treats TerriJergenson with a GrastonTechnique Tool.

FFoorr MMoorree IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn……About SCBH, paying yourbills online and themonthly calendar, go towww.SCBH.org

IIff yyoouu wwoouulldd lliikkee ttoo rreecceeiivveeaa ccooppyy ooff oouurr nneewwsslleetttteerr::Please call SCBH at 320-843-4232

SCBH Foundation BoardJerry Peterson, Chair Vice-Chair - Vacant Carol Peterson, SecretaryJan Goff, TreasurerJay Alsaker Helen ClaussenShirley FergusonMatthew Dammeyer, M.D.Medical StaffLarry KenyonFrank LawatschRon LaycockPatty SchreckJulie Zniewski

SCBH Governing BoardChuck Koenigs, ChairBob Claussen, Vice-ChairMelissa Hampton, SecretaryBrian Samuelson, TreasurerRoger Bauer, M.D.

- Medical StaffJoe FoxAnthony Hilleren, DDSPatty SchreckEd UlmaniecFrank Lawatsch, Ex Officio

2011 SCBH Auxiliary BoardWendy Johnson, PresidentMargie DeMarce, Vice Pres.Avis Bryduck, SecretaryShirley Ferguson, TreasurerIreta JohnsonMary LanganRuth NordickHolly RodahlMichelle Samuelson

Hoospittaal Buullettin Booaard

Memorials to the Swift County-Benson Hospital Foundationin the 4th quarter totaled $6625.00. The foundation usesthese gifts in a couple of different ways: to improve hospitalfacilities and equipment and to help hospital employeesfurther their education. Some donors have chosen to honora person who has been significant to them by making adonation to the foundation in their honor. However you wishto make a donation, it is very much appreciated! Donationsmay be sent to:

Swift County-Benson Hospital Foundation 1815 Wisconsin Ave.Benson, MN 56215

IInn mmeemmoorryy ooff ::Hazel Amlie: Jan GoffBernice Benham: Luverne & Arlene NorbyGeorge Brown: Donna LillebergTom Buckingham: Inga Long, Donna Lilleberg,Carol

Peterson, Anthony & Nancy HillerenOlive Forbord: Sam & Brenda JensenBurle Force: Frank & Pam Lawatsch, Dennis & Alice RohloffKen Fragodt: Donna LillebergDaniel Gauthun: Ann Hawley, Donna LillebergDr. Richard Griffin: Dorothy Coy, Gregg & Debra SavittRoger Hanson: Donna LillebergJim Hastings: Sam & Brenda Jensen, Donna LillebergRay Johnson: Donna Lilleberg, Frank & Pam LawatschHarlan Krupke: Carol Peterson, Lee Himley, Donna Lilleberg,

Ann Hawley, Tim Mattheisen, Albie Walsh, Doris & OralLansverk, Diane Krupke

Matt Langan: Dick & Colette Hanson, Chevalier Ins. Agency,LLC, Jerry & Carol Johannessen, Paul & Margie DeMarce,

Fourth Quarter 2010 MemorialsEvelyn Ascheman, Glen & Margaret Benzschawel, Bruce& Julie Corneliusen, Beatrice Weber, John & DonnaThompson, Linda Buckingham, Eloise Rist, DonnaLilleberg, Nancy & Charles Johnson, Phyllis Hartzell,Margaret Jensen, Duane Nemmers, William & ShariBoutain, Jon & Lisa Rist, Ann Hawley, James & KathleenAlbani, Nora & William Simpson, Carol Peterson, Tim &Carol Mattheisen

Dusty Lilleberg: Inga Long, Mary McGinty, Lee Himley, Oral& Doris Lansverk, Donna Lilleberg

Robert McGee: Rosalie McGee, Donna LillebergNoah Mellema: Frank & Pam LawatschLarry Noyes: Doris & Oral LansverkDarrell Paulson: Donna LillebergDonald Razink: Doris & Oral LansverkFern Rode: William & Patricia Hetrick, Doris & Oral LansverkKen Ross: Darlene RossVirgil Thielke: Iola ThielkeJackson Thomas: Frank & Pam Lawatsch

Swift County-BBenson Hospital'sAnnual Fundraiser - A Royal Event

The sixteenth annual SCBH Foundation's Emerald Eve isless than two weeks before the wedding of England'sPrice William and Kate Middleton and organizers aretaking advantage of the close timeline to celebratethe royal wedding - American style.

The pre-wedding celebration, which will raisefunds for a BladderScan, is at McKinney's onSouthside on Saturday, April 16. This piece ofequipment will help the Swift County BensonHospital nursing staff and doctors assess urinary

problems in their patients. The evening begins with social hourat 6:30PM, followed by dinner at 7PM and entertainment byBenson's own "Blues Brothers." No need for tuxedos, it'sAmerican style! Mark your calendars to enjoy an evening ofcelebrating! For tickets, call SCBH at 843-4232.

28th Annual Bowl for HospiceJoin our Hospice Team for the28th Annual Bowl forHospice held on February26 at the Benson Bowlerfrom 9-12 am. Donationforms are available at theBenson Bowler. For moreinformation phone RiceHospice at 320-231-4450.

New Winter Menu at the Coffee Shop Re-OOpening

After a Holiday break, the Coffee Shop will Re-Open this monthwith a new winter menu. There will be breakfast treats - coffee,cocoa, muffins, fruit and yogurt, and oatmeal. Lunches will besporting a nice variety of hot soups, salads and sandwiches.According to coffee shop manager, Terry Bebe, "Hopefully,people will find our menu selection tasty. We're not in this tomake a ton of money. Our goal in doing this is to make foodavailable for people who have loved ones at SCBH. This makesit easy for them to pick up something good to eat without goingout of the the hospital."

They do need more volunteers. After training, volunteers cansign up for the hours they want to work. Coffee Shop hoursare 8 a.m. - 1 :00 p.m. The shifts are from 8-10:30 and10:30-1. If you would like to volunteer, call Terry at 843-3308.

Ouur Peoople aand Proograams

Hospital employees have been working to register themselves andtheir colleagues, neighbors and others as part of a promotionalcampaign by the Minnesota Hospital Association and Minnesota'sorgan and tissue donation organization, LifeSource. The initiativeseeks to sign up a total of 100,000 new potential donors by the end ofMarch 2011.

If you would like to become part of this initiative, you can visit the LifeSource online donor registry at www.DonateLifeMn.org. This website will teach you about donation and help you register tobecome an organ and tissue donor.

MDH Surveyors Give Top Marks to SCBH The Minnesota Department of Health dropped in at SCBH inSeptember to do a surprise survey of the hospital. SCBH passedwith lots of good comments from the surveyors. They noticed thatwe were working as a team. Our patient records and annualemployee education records, cleanliness and protocols were all inorder. Congratulations to our staff. Your continuing efforts gave usthose super successful survey results!!

Update: The Donate Life Campaignhas registered approximately 85,000new potential organ and tissue donors

After what seemed like a long wait, the new ambulance arrived and the rescueteam started using it immediately. The lower floor height makes it easier to liftthe patients into the vehicle. The interior is designed for patient comfort andrescue team's easy access to life saving equipment. It also has easy to see LEDemergency lights which take less power for better battery and alternator life.

According to Steve Orbeck,ambulance manager, the old 1994ambulance will either be donatedto Ridgewater College in trade fortraining, or they will sell it to asmaller town with a rescue team."We would like to thank everyonewho realized this would be a vitaladdition to our community andhelped fund the new ambulance.It's tremendously important for usbe able to work with state-of-the-art equipment. We never knowwhat we will be dealing with whenwe are called to an accident orwhen we are keeping a patientstabilized while transporting themto another facility. When you areworking with human life, many

things can happen and we are trained to be prepared for anything."

The ambulance cost a total of $149,971 and was paid for entirely bydonations. Thanks to the generosity of the following donors the people in ourarea are the recipients of this state-or-the-art vehicle: Swift County, $88,714;SCBH Auxiliary, $10,000; Ray Millett Estate, $2650; Agralite Roundup, $1500;and the SCBH Foundation, $47,107.

New Ambulance Is Here

A special thank you to the following organizationsthat helped raise the funds for the newambulance. Pictured here from left to right arerepresentatives from each of the organizations:Leroy Cluever, Agralite; Chuck Koenigs, SCBH Gov.Board Chair; Wendy Johnson, SCBH AuxiliaryPresident; Steve Orbeck, SCBH AmbulanceManager; Jerry Peterson, SCBH Foundation Chair;Pete Peterson, Swift County Board ofCommissioners Not pictured - representativefrom the Ramon Millett family for their memorialdonation.

Good Job SCBH StaffDear Steve, (Steve Orbeck is manager of the Rescue Squad)Please extend my thanks to your crew, Jeff Guest and Mike Lee, andunkown female (ed. note - we checked and it was Sara DeHaan). Myfolks hit a patch of ice just east of Bryduck's, hit the ditch and wereunable to drive their vehicle to my house. My folks were so impressedwith how kind the crew was to them, how helpful they were to callSwede and me - my dad's phone hit a dead zone and had no service. I understand your crew had a very difficult day and even though myparents accident was minor, they never treated them with anythingbut dignity and grace. It just reinforces why we live in a smallcommunity and can't understand why other's don't! Thanks again!Vicki Syverson, Swift County HRA

Dear Frank,Please thank everyone at SCBH for the wonderful care they give theirpatients. Recently I had surgery at SCBH and my family and I werevery pleased with the care and helpfulness of the staff. We felt wewere in good hands from the moment we came in until we left. Thestaff answered all our questions and couldn't do enough to care forme. Thank you so much for making my surgery a good experience. Jo Bronniche, Benson

Hospice Begins Pet Therapy Program

Karen Evenson and her apricot poodle, Tre, are members of the new RiceHospice therapy dog program. "I've been ahospice volunteer, and wanted to share Tre withpatients. Having an animal around to hold or topet is soothing for some people," says Karen.Karen and Tre visit their hospice patient aboutonce a week. To be registered as a therapydog, Tre had to pass a temperment test,obedience test, and go through intensivetraining with Karen. Then she was certified to

wear the "official hospice therapy dog" purple vest."Through this program, we are able to visit patients in their homes, nursinghomes and even in the hospital. I'm glad we are able to do this. It's awonderful program for the patients and for us."

SCBH - Thomson Top 100 Hospital

Swift County-Benson Hospital1815 Wisconsin Ave.Benson, MN 56215320-843-4232www.scbh.org

TThe Mission of Swift County-

Benson Hospitaal

"Swift County-Benson Hospital

will providequality

personalizedhealth care,

locally accessible andresponsive tocommunity

needs."

I want to welcome you to the first edition of our community newsletter for 2011.There have been a number of changes in our various board memberships. TheSCBH Auxiliary Board retirements include Helen Claussen, Colette Hanson andPam Lawatsch. New members are Shirley Ferguson, Mary Langan and RuthNordick. Dick Hanson and Ann Hawley retired from the SCBH Foundation andnew members include Shirley Ferguson and Patty Schreck. Also, during 2010, Dr.Matt Dammeyer replaced Dr. Rick Horecka. Melissa Hampton and Chuck Koenigswere reappointed for 2nd terms to the SCBH Governing Board. Dick Hanson'sfinal term expired and Joe Fox has been appointed to replace him. Our sincerethanks to all of these volunteers for their commitment and service to SCBH. Inaddition, my longtime assistant in administration, Stella Kalthoff, has retired thismonth after 30+ years at SCBH and we wish her all the best in her retirement.

Our new ambulance was delivered on December 28. We so appreciate the generous donations that madethis purchase a reality.

One of our main projects for 2011 is the completion of our master facility plan update. The impetus for the facilityplan update was the consideration of remodeling the existing ACMC-Benson clinic. It was determined that, beforefunds were expended for that effort, a space analysis should be completed to determine if additional space isneeded in the clinic as well as addressing patient suggestions for private hospital rooms. The resulting draftreport shows the need for a 21,000 square foot clinic as compared to the existing clinic space of around 8,700square feet, renovation of some of the existing patient rooms as well as some other minor changes. The SCBHGoverning Board will act on acceptance of the plan at its January meeting. If the plan is accepted, cost estimatesneed to be verified and financing for a new clinic building needs to be estimated. We then need to visit with ACMCto determine the feasibility of the clinic leasing the structure for the entire length of the lease. At this point, nodecisions have been made regarding construction of a new clinic or other associated costs included in the masterfacility plan update and no timetable for construction has been determined. We anticipate that these decisions willbe made during the next few months and the public will be informed accordingly. The costs of constructing theclinic building are anticipated to be recouped through a long-term lease with ACMC, similar to what has occurredwith the present clinic building. The new clinic would provide additional, larger exam rooms that would facilitateimproved access for wheelchair patients and help in recruitment efforts for additional practitioners. We're excitedabout the potential for a new clinic but much planning remains before any construction would be started.

SCBH always appreciates the opportunity to be ofservice to the Benson community. Your trust andsupport of our organization has enabled us tocontinually improve our facility and our services. Welook forward to serving you in the future.

Froom tthe Administtraattoor

Current Resident

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDBenson, MNPermit No 80

56215

Frank Lawatsch

Frank Lawatsch, CEOSwift County-Benson Hospital

Watch for Our Exciting New Website!

Coming to www.scbh.org this month.