MRHC Welcomes New Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Stokesbary, orthopedic surgeon

Manning Regional Healthcare Center is excited to welcome Dr. Steven Stokesbary, M.D., FAAOS, a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon to the Specialty Clinic. Dr. Stokesbary will offer orthopedic services in Manning on the second and fourth Tuesday every month beginning February 22nd. Dr. Stokesbary, orthopedic surgeon

Dr. Stokesbary looks forward to, “providing general orthopedic services, local outpatient surgery, local total joint replacements, and access to more specialized orthopedic services when needed,” he shared.

As a General Orthopedist with an emphasis in total knee and hip replacement, sports medicine, and arthroscopic surgery, he will also offer knee ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repairs, treatment for chronic and acute pain, carpal tunnel release, ulnar nerve transposition and trigger finger release.

“We are excited to partner with The Center for Neurosciences, Orthopaedics & Spine (CNOS) so we are able to continue to offer these specialty services for our patients,” said MRHC CEO, Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA. “We understand how convenient and important it is to have surgeries and procedures done close to home, so we are eager to welcome Dr. Stokesbary to our wonderful list of specialty providers.”

Dr. Stokesbary attained his bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Iowa as well as his doctorate degree in the years following. Dr. Stokesbary, often known as “Stokes”, spent his Residency in Orthopedics at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He started his practice in Sioux City in 1998 and has been with CNOS since.

Dr. Stokesbary and his wife of eight years, Kim, have four kids together. He lives a very active lifestyle with his hobbies including golf, skiing, and scuba diving.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Stokesbary, call (712) 655-8100.

Local Businesses Generously Support Project Forward

check for capital campaign

As the year comes to a close, Manning Regional Healthcare Center is celebrating significant success since the launch of their capital campaign, Project Forward.

Recent year-end gifts have donation totals nearing $700,000. Most recently, two major gifts were received, $35,000 from AGP and $10,000 from Home Mutual Insurance Association of Carroll County. These contributions are representative of the high-level of continued support from the Manning-area business community.

Wayne Johnson, AGP’s Director of Marketing shared, “We have always done annual community donations in the past and have traditionally picked three or four communities to contribute to significant projects. Our new CEO, Chris Schaffer [who succeeded former CEO, Keith Spackler earlier this year] wants to remain focused on areas where our plants are operating and take care of those communities.”

In the past, AGP has made a sizable donation to the new Manning Fire Department facility and last year AGP made a significant contribution to Manning chamber bucks that matched local purchases of chamber bucks.

Additional donations include Warren and Sue Puck’s $50,000 donation and AMVC’s donation of $10,000.

“AMVC has been welcomed in the Manning community for 31 years, and Manning is a large part of our business. We are happy to participate in forward-thinking projects that benefit the families and communities we call home,” shared Bob Blomme, managing partner of AMVC Veterinary Services.

Several families have contributed at the $10,000 level or higher including James and Virginia Rasmussen, the Ohde family, Randy & Jean Behrens, and Marlene Borkowski. More than 75 total donors have contributed to the campaign to date.

Project Update

“We are happy to report that the Senior Life Solutions expansion, Pharmacy renovation and negative pressure isolation room projects have been completed,” said MRHC CEO Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA. “In the past month, we have started holding group therapy sessions for both the Senior Life Solutions program and the Recovery Center in the new space, have had several patients use the new patient isolation room, and the pharmacy is now in compliance with federal regulations.”

COVID has prevented an in-person open house, however, virtual tours of the newly renovated spaces have been shared on the MRHC Facebook and YouTube pages.

Projects Continue Forward

“The generosity of our supporters has been humbling to say the least,” said Block. “However, as we continue to evolve to meet the needs of our patients and provide care for three of the most common healthcare challenges we face today – mental health, obesity, and cancer, we request the community’s continued financial support.”

As MRHC approaches the new year, there are two major initiatives that staff, administration and board members are embarking on. An enhanced 32-slice CT scan will allow MRHC to provide scans that result in lower radiation, quicker scans, and more detail.

“The improved technology means that patients won’t have to travel to urban areas to receive better imaging,” said Linda Croghan, MRHC Director of Radiology.

The smart metal artifact reduction feature allows for high-quality images even if a patient has metal fillings, joint replacements, or metal hardware. The upgraded machine also allows local imaging for heavier people and will be able to accommodate patients up to 450 pounds. This CT is not only critical for hospital patients but also for specialty providers seeing patients in rural settings.

The other major investment is an Electronic Medical Records System which will enable MRHC to seamlessly access records and provide a system that is broadly accepted industry-wide, making medical record access much easier if a patient has to be seen at another hospital. The new system will allow online check-in for patients, enable patients to see their results online, and offer two-way communication with providers. The new system will improve telehealth capabilities as it is compatible with mobile devices.

Both projects present a significant financial hurdle for the hospital but are necessary to continue providing trusted healthcare close to home.

“Our hope is that our community members will consider supporting these projects with a monetary donation so we can continue to evolve to meet our patients’ needs, provide the best care possible and offer important, necessary services for residents in rural communities,” said Block.

As part of the Project Forward campaign, MRHC is planning a new donor wall located near the Med/Surg waiting room in the hospital that will feature a tree (or series of trees) that recognize the generous contributions from donors.

“We anticipate that donations of $100,000+ will be recognized as tree trunks, donations of $10,000-$99,999 will be branches or stepping stones, and donations of $1,000-$9,999 will be represented by leaves,” shared Block.

MRHC welcomes the support and participation in this campaign by the regional community, as well as individuals and businesses in neighboring counties. Those interested in donating can visit MRHC’s lobby to pick up a donation form, call Amy Benton at (712) 655-2072 to discuss funding needs, or visit www.mrhcia.com/2021-capital-campaign to find out more details.

senior life solutions group room

The new Senior Life Solutions group therapy room is also used for Recovery Center Outpatient group therapy.

check for capital campaign

AGP Director of Marketing, Wayne Johnson, presents a check for $35,000 to co-chairs of the Project Forward capital campaign, Randy Behrens and Virginia Rasmussen, and MRHC CEO, Linn Block.

Local Mom Receives Wound Care Close to Home

wound care team

“I never imagined that you could find skin cancer in the form of a lump without having any visual signs on your skin,” said Manning resident, Jeanne Kerkhoff. “I am hopeful that by sharing my story that everyone realizes the importance of self-exams and early detection.”

Jeanne manages the Northwestern Mutual Financial in Manning, is an active community member and volunteer, and has four growing children. In late 2020, Jeanne visited with her primary care provider for what she thought might be a hernia. Further exploration and testing showed evidence of melanoma spreading to her lymph nodes. Thanks to the quick action by her medical team in January 2021, she underwent surgery to remove multiple lymph nodes, began recovery and started receiving immunotherapy.

It wasn’t until her surgical wound would become infected that she would receive care at MRHC.  Jeanne’s surgical oncologist referred her to the Wound Care Clinic at MRHC for ongoing management of her surgical wound.

“I’m so thankful I was able to go to MRHC for the wound care since it’s located in my hometown,” she said. “The wound vac and drainage tubes kept me from maneuvering around and doing things myself,” she added. “I had to rely on my husband and kids to help me out, which was definitely a change for the family.”

wound care team“Dr. Luong and nurse, Kendra Tiefenthaler, were able to help minimize and manage my pain. They also prescribed antibiotics for the infection and Kendra taught me how to clean and change the dressings daily to treat the infection. I was immediately impressed by Kendra’s genuine concern for my care, her efforts to get answers and help me, along with Dr. Luong’s attention and ongoing wound care treatment. The best thing about the care I received was their genuine care and advocacy.”

After seven weekly visits to the wound clinic, Jeanne’s wound was healed. “I was ecstatic! I’m so thankful and blessed to not be attached to any tubes anymore, and I have new empathy for those who do. Kendra and Dr. Luong exceeded all my expectations and provided comfort during a challenging time!”

Diabetic Finds Comfort from MRHC Wound Care Clinic

wound care team

“I woke up one morning and noticed that the bottom of my foot was sore. It was tender to the touch and the pain was excruciating to walk. I knew right away that I needed to get into the doctor and have it evaluated,” said Ralph Dobler of Manning.

Although Ralph had experienced the effects of diabetes for several years prior, he was following a proper diabetic diet, he was watching his health and ensuring he was keeping active. Unfortunately, Ralph had learned the hard way a few years prior that if he doesn’t take care of his wounds, it could lead to amputation.

“I knew that if we could get on top of the wound right away that we would have the potential to save my foot.  At 74 years old, Ralph has been dealing with the side effects of diabetes for many years.

More than 29.1 million Americans have diabetes and sixty to seventy percent of people with diabetes have limited or no feeling in their feet. “It’s much easier to treat a minor foot problem before it becomes serious,” said Kendra Tiefenthaler, RN, Clinical Coordinator for the MRHC Wound Care Center. Kendra Tiefenthaler

The wound care team believes that Ralph’s immediate attention to the issue and willingness to commit to weekly treatments until the wounds were healed is what ultimately prevented him having an amputation.

Approximately 25-30% of patients with diabetes develop a foot sore or ulcer. Though foot ulcers can be anywhere on the foot, most occur on the ball of the foot or on the bottom of the big toe.

There are several reasons why diabetic patients have foot problems, but the most common reason is that they suffer from nerve damage called neuropathy, which causes loss of sensation in the feet.  These patients also suffer from poor circulation, which can make your foot less able to fight infection and heal.

Signs of a Possible Foot Ulcer:
  • Lack of sensation (feeling) in your feet
  • Feeling of “pins and needles” in your feet
  • Feet hurt while walking or resting
  • Sores don’t heal
  • Skin on your feet becomes thick, dry or scaly,
  • Calluses develop easily on the soles of your feet

“At MRHC, we have the ability to treat any open wounds caused from vascular complications, post-surgical procedures, diabetes and more,” said Tiefenthaler.  “Oftentimes patients will see the most benefit from weekly treatments where the provider addresses any concerns, evaluates wound progress, and cleans/redresses the wound to ensure timely healing.”

How to care for your feet and prevent diabetic ulcers:
  • Check your feet daily. Look for blisters, cuts and scratches. Use a long-handled mirror or place a mirror on the floor to see the bottom of your feet. Always check between your toes.
  • Keep your feet clean. Wash daily, dry carefully – especially between the toes.
  • Moisturize your feet. Apply a moisturizer as recommended by your physician, but never apply between toes as that can lead to a fungal infection.
  • Do not walk barefoot. That includes on sandy beaches and pool/patio areas.
  • Wear properly fitted shoes. Shoes should be comfortable when purchased. Do not wear narrow, pointed toe or high-heeled shoes.
  • Inspect the inside of your shoes daily. Check for foreign objects, tears or rough areas on the inside of the shoe.
  • Do not wear shoes without socks or stockings. Wear clean, properly fitted socks. Cotton or cotton-blend socks are recommended.
  • Avoid temperature extremes. Test water temperature with your hand or elbow prior to bathing. Do not soak your feet in hot water or apply a hot water bottle. If your feet feel cold at night; wear socks.
  • Trim your toenails regularly. Always cut your nails straight across.
  • Do not use over-the-counter remedies for corns. See a podiatrist to have these evaluated.
  • Avoid crossing your legs. This causes pressure on the nerves and blood vessels, resulting in less blood flow to your feet.

As we wrap up American Diabetes Month, MRHC wants to remind people with diabetes that they are at a higher risk for non-healing foot wounds – and therefore amputations – than most Americans. One in four patients with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime. The wound healing center at MRHC can provide guidance for prevention and treatment of these wounds.

If you are experiencing pain or complications from an open wound, contact the MRHC Wound Care Clinic at (712) 655-8100 to request a wound care consultation or treatment. Physician referrals are not required.