Atlantic, IA – Cass Health’s next session of Healthy U will feature Kasey Meneely, DPT discussing LSVT BIG. The session will be held Thursday, February 15th at noon in Conference Room 2.
LSVT BIG is an intense one-on-one training program for people with Parkinson’s disease or other neurological conditions, with an emphasis on the quality and largeness of movement. LSVT BIG helps improve a patient’s physical abilities, and therapy sessions focus on a specific routine of daily BIG exercises, walking with BIG movements, and incorporating these techniques into patient identified, difficult daily tasks to promote more confidence with balance and movement. As an LSVT BIG certified clinician, Meneely works with many patients who live with Parkinson’s disease and other neurologic conditions that impact how confident they feel with movement during everyday tasks.
Meneely graduated from Creighton University in 2016 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She offers a full spectrum of care within physical therapy, but has special interest in neurological disorders, pelvic floor and pre/post-natal health, and acute inpatients. Kasey is licensed and board certified by the Iowa Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy and is a member of the Iowa Physical Therapy Association and the America Physical Therapy Association.
Space is limited! A free boxed lunch is provided for all attendees, so reservations are required. Call 712-243-7479 to reserve your seat. For more information about Healthy U, visit casshealth.org/healthyu.
Atlantic, IA — Cass Health is excited to announce that a new partnership with Urology Center of Iowa will bring Dr. McCabe Kenny and Physician Assistant Marc Goeders to Atlantic.
“Urology is currently one of our most in-demand specialties, and we’re excited to bring these new providers to our Specialty Clinic. We’re happy to provide this care close to home for our community,” said Chief Operating Officer Amanda Bireline.
Dr. Kenny grew up in Osage, Iowa, and received his medical degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine. He completed his residency training at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and he is board-certified in urology.
Marc Goeders, PA-C graduated from Des Moines University with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies in 2000. Since then, he has practiced in Iowa and began working with Urology Center of Iowa in February 2023.
Dr. Kenny and Goeders treat patients with a wide variety of urological needs including urinary incontinence, kidney stones, enlarged prostate, elevated PSA, vasectomies, and more. Goeders will only treat patients over the age of 18, while Dr. Kenny is able to provide both pediatric and adult care.
Both Dr. Kenny and Goeders will be in Atlantic twice each month on Wednesdays. To make an appointment, patients can call 712-243-7590.
Atlantic, IA — Cass Health is excited to announce that a new partnership with Midwest Gastrointestinal Associates (MGI), PC will bring two GI specialists to Atlantic.
Beginning February 1, 2024 Dr. Benjamin Hall and Dr. Helen Fasanya-Uptagraft will alternate travel to Cass Health monthly. Appointments will be available on the first and fourth Thursday of every month, and both doctors will provide care for conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, Hepatitis C, diverticulitis, and other GI issues. While in Atlantic, they will also perform colonoscopy and EGD (upper endoscopy) procedures.
Dr. Hall is originally from Topeka, Kansas and graduated from the University of Kansas. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine, and then completed a fellowship program in Gastroenterology and Hepatology from the University of Wisconsin. During this training, he completed a six-month sub-fellowship training in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Dr. Hall is a member of the American Gastroenterological Association, American College of Gastroenterology, and a professional member of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
Dr. Fasanya-Uptagraft received her medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and her fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Duke University. Dr. Fasanya-Uptagraft is a member of the American Gastroenterological Association, American College of Gastroenterology, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and a professional member of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
Patients are encouraged to talk with their primary care providers about making appointments for procedures or clinic visits with Dr. Hall and Dr. Fasanya-Uptagraft.
Atlantic, IA — Cass Health is proud to announce that Registered Nurse Ashlynn Bagshaw was selected as one of the 2024 Great Iowa Nurses. Great Iowa Nurses is a non-profit program that recognizes nurses in Iowa and spotlights qualities that demonstrate efforts beyond those expected of a nurse within their normal duties.
After finding out she was selected, Bagshaw commented, “I am honored to have received this award, as there are so many hardworking and compassionate nurses who deserve to be recognized throughout Cass Health and across Iowa. This recognition is a wonderful reminder that the work we do matters!”
One of the primary reasons why Bagshaw was nominated by her team is her passion for building the next generation of nurses. Her nominators wrote, “She models how to manage the ebbs and flow of the department with grace. Her ability to reassess and pivot, while actively explaining her thoughts to new team members ensures patients receive excellent care and staff are supported. As new nurses observe, they learn from her to care for patients by establishing trust with them and their families by considering their biological, psychosocial, and cultural needs.”
Bagshaw became a nurse in 2018 and has worked at Cass Health for the last five years, currently working in the Inpatient Services department. Her original interest in a nursing career started in 2009 while her grandpa was battling terminal illness. “I remember watching the nurses and noticing how well they treated my grandpa. The kindness and compassion they showed him, my family, and me, left a lasting impression. I never contemplated another career path, as I always knew this is what I wanted to do,” said Bagshaw.
Originally called 100 Great Iowa Nurses, the recognition was established in 2004 and hosted by the University of Iowa until 2020. In 2022, with the support of Mary Greeley Medical Center, the program, now called Great Iowa Nurses, returned to recognize Iowa nurses that routinely go above and beyond every day and take that extra step to ensure safe, compassionate care for their patients. These great nurses share their experience and knowledge to improve the health of their communities. They also take on leadership and mentoring responsibilities, serving as role models for everyone they work with, especially those just entering the profession.
Weather Updates for Friday, January 12, 2024 — updated NOON 1/12/2024
Please call us with questions at 712-243-3250.
Atlantic, IA — Dr. Emily Chang will speak at the January session of Cass Health’s Healthy U lunch-and-learn series. The session will be on Thursday, January 18 at noon in Conference Room 2.
Although primarily known as an OB/GYN, Dr. Chang is also board certified in Lifestyle Medicine. Her presentation on Lifestyle & Brain Function is for men and women of all ages.
Dr. Chang received her BA degree from Illinois Wesleyan University in Mathematics and Natural Sciences and a Bachelor of Medical Sciences from Midwestern University in Illinois. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2003. She completed her residency at Mercy Hospital & Medical Center in Chicago. She is board certified through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Space is limited! A free boxed lunch is provided for all attendees, so reservations are required. Call 712-243-7479 to reserve your seat. For more information about Healthy U, visit casshealth.org/healthyu.
Atlantic, IA — Cass Health is delighted to announce the arrival of the first baby of 2024. Scarlett Jean was born on January 1, 2024 to parents Chelsea and Eli Williams of Atlantic, Iowa. Surprising her parents by coming four weeks early, Scarlett now shares her birthday with older brother Silas who was born on January 1, 2022. The Cass Health obstetrics team presented the family with a 2024 embroidered baby blanket and a year’s supply of diapers.
Effective January 1, 2024, Cass Health will have new hours for the Atlantic Medical Center, RHC and the Main Entrance.
Atlantic Medical Center and the Immunization Room will no longer be open on Saturday mornings. Patients needing care on the weekends should use Rapid Care or the Emergency Department; Immunization Room services will still be available Monday through Friday. Additionally, the Laboratory will be open by appointment only for weekend lab draws.
With this change in clinic hours, the Main Entrance will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays. All patients and visitors should use the Emergency Department/Rapid Care entrance instead.
ATLANTIC, IOWA – Cass Health announced it has been recognized with two 2023 Performance Leadership Awards for excellence in both Quality and Patient Outcomes. Compiled by the Chartis Center for Rural Health, the Performance Leadership Awards honor top quartile performance (i.e., 75th percentile or above) among rural hospitals.
“For seven consecutive years, Cass Health has achieved these two awards. It’s particularly meaningful to us to be recognized for excellence in the areas of quality and positive patient outcomes. What better to be known for than quality and outcomes in healthcare? As a rural hospital, we are deeply connected to this community and our patients—many of whom are neighbors, family, or friends. We strive to do our very best for every patient, every time, and awards like this reflect how we truly care for each individual and their improved health,” noted Brett Altman, CEO.
The Performance Leadership Awards are based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. INDEX data is relied upon by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations and state offices of rural health around the country to measure and monitor performance across several areas impacting hospital operations and finance.
“Wherever we go in rural America, we witness first-hand the commitment, determination, and compassion with which rural hospitals serve their communities. Rural healthcare truly is mission-driven,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “Let us recognize the efforts of this year’s Performance Leadership Award winners and all those driven to deliver high quality care throughout rural communities.”
Cass Health proudly announces the newest DAISY Award winning nurse is Michelle Gelner, RN, BSN.
Her nominator wrote, “I came to the emergency room at about 12:30 am and was seen immediately by the nurse. Her professional manner, knowledge, and care were exemplary. She stayed with me in every respect – her calm manner and kindness relieved my anxiety, which came as a result of convulsive coughing and inability to catch my breath. She accompanied me and helped me through a number of exams, including blood work and x-rays. I felt so cared for an I really appreciated it. She was focused, professional, patient and caring.”
Gelner commented, “It is an honor to be selected for the DAISY Award. I didn’t go into this career looking for gratitude and recognition. When I decided to leave the Army, I wanted a career that would positively impact people’s lives. I also wanted a career that was challenging, flexible, and had diverse opportunities. Nursing also allows you to build a family with your patients, coworkers, and community. I loved hearing that my patient felt at ease, cared for, and valued while in the Emergency Department. This award is not just for me, it is for the team effort to provide that best patient care possible.”
Since joining Cass Health in 2019, Gelner has lead the way in delivering high-quality clinical care and exceptional patient experiences in many departments – among them, OB, inpatient, emergency and as a house supervisor. Gelner recently took on a leadership role and is now the Director of Cardiac Rehab.
Chief Operating Officer Amanda Bireline presented the award to Gelner and said, “As expected, she is already shining as a leader – gaining the trust of her teams and the patients they serve. Michelle is level-headed, collaborative, steadfast and, more than many, understands the value of the human relationship,”
Nurses at Cass Health are honored twice annually with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.® The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide to patients and families every day. The DAISY Award committee at Cass Health thanks all nominators for their submissions. Each nurse who was nominated will be presented with a special pin and a copy of the nomination.
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
This is one initiative of The DAISY Foundation to express gratitude to the nursing profession. Additionally, DAISY offers J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects, The DAISY Faculty Award to honor inspiring faculty members in schools and colleges of nursing, and The DAISY in Training Award for nursing students. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org. An online nomination form is available at https://www.casshealth.org/daisy.