Longtime employees reflect as hospital reaches 60 years
For the past 60 years GMHC has been a committed member of the Guttenberg community. The Critical Access Hospital is licensed to deliver acute, skilled, observation and hospice inpatient care. From left are Lisa Manson, Director of Ambulatory Services; Robin Esmann, RN, Director of Performance Excellence and Amy Speed, Director of Marketing and Development, and Foundation Director. (Photo submitted)
By Caroline Rosacker
The history of Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics (GMHC) dates back to the mid-20th century, when doctors made house calls and cared for critically ill patients in their private hospitals. River View Hospital, located in the 400 block of South River Park Drive, was the community's first healthcare facility. Dr. C.R. Goddard founded it after World War II. He purchased the home and office from Dr. A.E. Beyer. In 1952, Dr. Goddard left the community, and the City purchased the hospital following a successful $45,000 bond issue vote.
In 1958, construction of a larger municipal hospital began on the town square, formerly the site of Turner Hall. In 1961, Guttenberg Municipal Hospital opened a 21,000-sq. ft. two-story facility that was the pride of the community-minded citizens who spearheaded the project.
Throughout the years many changes and additions were added to the existing structure. As the original hospital neared its 50th year, it became apparent that the building was showing signs of aging. The hospital board and administration considered many options. A decision was made, and after plans and financing were secured, groundbreaking ceremonies were held in 2009 on the $12 million dollar facility.
For the past 60 years GMHC has been a committed member of the Guttenberg community. The Critical Access Hospital is licensed to deliver acute, skilled, observation and hospice inpatient care. Moving forward they will continue to offer a wide range of services to help our area residents live happy, healthy lives.
Today, Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics has approximately 170 staff working in 16 different departments, and includes family practice clinics in Guttenberg, Garnavillo and Edgewood. Two long-standing GMHC employees reflected on the changes in caring for patients throughout the years.
Lisa Manson
Director of Ambulatory Services
Lisa Manson, Director of Ambulatory Services, has been employed at GMHC for the past 10-years. She said, "I enjoy being part of the continuity of health care in my own community. I am involved in the clinic side of health care – so much of what we do starts at the clinic. Making sure we have the providers, and the partnership with community services is very important."
Manson oversees the Family Resource Center, with the staff at the resource center reporting to her. "Our community is fortunate to have the Family Resource Center. The assistance and outreach programs that are available in Guttenberg surpass many of our peers. There are so many different things to take into consideration when we see a patient in the clinic. The resource center provides services that can assist with underlying issues that may affect a patient's ability to stay healthy. Moving forward, this standard of practice will be stronger than ever," she noted.
Robin Esmann, RN
Director of Performance Excellence
Robin Esmann, RN, has worked as a Registered Nurse in various roles at GMHC for the past 33 years. She is currently the Director of Performance Excellence. The dedicated nurse has seen many changes throughout her career. She said, "My primary reason to continue working at GMHC is to make sure our hospital remains a part of our community. Many rural communities have lost their hospitals. I want to make sure our hospital continues to meet the needs of area residents."
Opportunities for growth and the people Esmann works with have contributed to her tenure. "I like the people I work with. I enjoy coming to work everyday. I feel like I have an important role with my many years of experience. I can mentor and answer a lot of questions and share the journey with others," shared Esmann.
Patient Centered Medical Home recognition
Patient Centered Medical Home is a model of care that emphasizes care coordination and communication between the patient and their provider/care team. Medical Homes lead to higher quality of patient care, lower costs and improved patient satisfaction. Manson explained, "We focus on the whole patient not just the diagnosis. We take into consideration the overall well-being of the patient, and look at the social determinants, in addition to the episodic care in the clinic. If they have to see a physician outside of our facility we make sure the chart follows them through their transition of care."
Emergency Room
"The hospital's emergency room is staffed 24/7 with a provider. Many rural communities have only an on-call provider. We are in the second year of a three-year Telemedicine contract – a diagnostic tool that provides a board-certified physician and nurse at the push of a button," Esmann commented. "The Ambulance Service was struggling to get enough volunteer staff so now the hospital employs the EMTs and Paramedics, and they work in the emergency room when they are not busy with the ambulance itself. More hospitals are doing this now, but we were one of the first in Iowa to do that. Our Heliport, which is connected to the hospital, is unique to Guttenberg. It is starting to catch on elsewhere, but not everyone has it," she proudly shared.
COVID-19
Guttenberg and the surrounding area are fortunate the hospital and clinics are here during the recent pandemic. "We had a plan in place that was instituted after 911. We were ready to go – we just had to dust it and do it at this scale." Esmann continued, "It was definitely a challenge to go from normal operations one day to something completely different the next, and still meet the needs of the community."
"The many challenges that COVID-19 brought has helped us redevelop and redefine new processes that as sist with our day-to-day decisions,” added Manson.
Hospital Auxiliary Hospital Board
The Guttenberg Hospital Auxiliary was formed in 1953. It is comprised of a band of willing volunteers who support the hospital through fundraisers, dues and donations. Their long, impressive list of annual projects and year-round gift shop are an integral part of the hospital’s success.
Hospital board members are Karen Merrick, Sue Osterhaus, Russ Loven, Janice Andregg and Bill Allyn. The board meets monthly, and the meetings are open to the public. The board is responsible for the quality and financial viability of the hospital.
The Foundation of Cornerstone Communities – securing the future of GMHC
Amy Speed, Director of Marketing and Development, and Foundation Director, explained, “The Foundation of Cornerstone Communities was created to secure the future of Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics. In 2019, community leaders identified two challenges facing our local healthcare: the decline of rural populations and recruitment/retention of healthcare professionals. The Foundation of Cornerstone Communities was born to sustain our local healthcare by building vibrant and healthy communities for current and future residents. Funded by members who have a common goal of protecting the future of local healthcare, the foundation supports initiatives and programs that directly impact the everyday health and vitality of residents of all ages in communities served by Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics.”
Become a member of the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities with a gift, endowed gift or pledge. Partner with them to provide funding for grants to organizations that have projects that align with its mission of creating a healthy and vibrant today. Learn more by visiting the website: https://www.dbqfoundation.org/cornerstonecommunities, or call 563-252-5516.
