MRHC Enhancing Patient Care Through Avel eCare Hospitalist Program

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Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is expanding its partnership with Avel eCare to include the implementation of the eHospitalist program in its acute care inpatient department. This new development builds on the success of the telemedicine services already integrated into MRHC’s emergency room.

“We understand that access to expert medical advice and support is crucial, especially during critical moments. Ensuring our advanced care providers have access to timely and expert support is a top priority at MRHC,” said MRHC CEO Shannon Black, MHA. “This program offers a vital lifeline, enabling us to enhance patient care, improve provider confidence, and ultimately, strengthen the delivery of quality healthcare within our community.”

As part of MRHC’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, timely, and expert care, the eHospitalist program utilizes advanced telemedicine technology to connect MRHC’s advanced practice providers with board-certified hospitalists. This connection ensures comprehensive, real-time support for complex patient care needs.

About the eHospitalist Program

The eHospitalist service allows MRHC providers to consult with internal medicine physicians via a secure audio and video connection at any time, day or night. This enables:

  • Immediate Consultation – Providers can review medical records and discuss cases in real time with a hospitalist.
  • Enhanced Decision-Making – Hospitalists offer expert insights to support complex treatment decisions.
  • 24/7 Availability – Around-the-clock access ensures expert care is always available.
  • Improved Continuity & Quality of Care – The service reinforces MRHC’s established care protocols and provides consistent support. The collaboration fosters comprehensive, coordinated care plans.
Benefits for Patients

The implementation of this program offers numerous benefits for patients, including enhanced patient safety due to timely access to physician-level expertise; reduced delays and faster response times; greater access to specialized knowledge during evenings, weekends, and holidays; and increased peace of mind for patients and families as additional medical support is always available.

“At MRHC, we are dedicated to continuously improving the quality of care we provide to our community,” Black said. “Utilizing the eHospitalist program is a testament to our commitment to embracing innovative technologies that enhance patient outcomes. We believe this will significantly strengthen our ability to provide exceptional and compassionate care to every patient we serve. We are excited about this new chapter and the positive impact it will have on our community.”

For more information or questions about MRHC’s services or the new eHospitalist program, please call (712) 655-2072.

MRHC Auxiliary Continues to Make Impact

Auxiliary donation

The MRHC Auxiliary continues to make a meaningful impact on patient care and staff support through its dedication and fundraising efforts. Recently, the Auxiliary donated two essential pieces of equipment to enhance the hospital’s services and improve the overall patient experience: a ureteroscope and a fetal monitor.

The ureteroscope is a vital tool for MRHC urology services. It enables specialists to locate and evaluate blockages in the ureters or kidneys and, in some cases, remove kidney stones during the same procedure.

fetal monitorThe fetal monitor is an invaluable addition to MRHC’s obstetrics care. Used by Dr. McLaws in the clinic, this monitor can track a baby’s heart rate and other vital data during pregnancy. With this technology, MRHC is better equipped to provide comprehensive and attentive care to OB patients, maintaining the highest standards of service and ensuring a positive experience for expectant mothers.

“This state-of-the-art equipment ensures our patients receive precise and efficient care close to home,” said MRHC CEO, Shannon Black, MHA. “We extend our deepest gratitude to Auxiliary members for their ongoing support and generosity. Their contributions play a crucial role in helping MRHC provide exceptional healthcare to our community.”

If you are interested in supporting or joining the Auxiliary, please send your name, address, and phone number along with a $10 membership fee to Linda Vinke at 115 3rd Street, Manning, IA 51455.

Auxiliary donation

MRHC Earns National Recognition for Patient Satisfaction

Top 20 Award

Top 20 award

MRHC is proud to announce it has been named a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital for Patient Satisfaction by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). This prestigious award recognizes MRHC for its exceptional commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients throughout the community.

“This recognition is a tremendous honor for our entire team at MRHC,” shared Manning Regional CEO, Shannon Black, MHA. “Our staff is dedicated to providing exceptional care to each and every patient who walks through our doors, and we are thrilled to be recognized for our commitment to patient satisfaction.”

The NRHA Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals are selected based on a comprehensive analysis conducted by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. The analysis considers eight key performance areas, including patient perspective, quality of care, and financial performance.

“Being named a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire staff,” said Chief Quality Officer, Jackie Blackwell, RN, BSN, MBA, CPHQ. “We are committed to continuously improving the patient experience and ensuring that MRHC remains a trusted source of healthcare for our community.”

Get to Know MRHC CEO, Shannon Black

Shannon Black

Shannon BlackIn February, MRHC was pleased to welcome Shannon Black as the hospital’s new Chief Executive Officer. With her unique blend of experience and vision, MRHC looks forward to navigating the future of rural healthcare under her guidance and leadership, while remaining dedicated to continuing its mission of providing trusted, quality care close to home. Learn more about Black’s background, personal life, and what inspired her career in healthcare.

Q: What encouraged you to pursue a career in healthcare administration?

Shannon: Rural healthcare has always been my passion. I am a 5th generation rural Iowan and care deeply about the future of healthcare in our communities and being able to take care of the people we serve for years to come.

Q: What has your career path looked like that brought you to where you are now?

Shannon: I’ve been in the industry for about 20 years. Most recently I served as clinic administrator for Unity Point Clinics in the Des Moines market, serving family medicine clinics in Waukee where I worked to increase patient access, patient experience, and employee satisfaction. Prior to that, I was with Greene County Medical Center for about ten years where I held several different leadership positions and wore many hats learning the ropes of rural healthcare. I had some great mentors along the way who allowed me to learn, grow, and develop my career path. I have a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration from Walden University and will have my master’s in healthcare administration in April from the University of Phoenix.

Q: What attracted you to MRHC and what are you most looking forward to about working here?

Shannon: I was drawn to MRHC because of its reputation of being a great place to work and providing outstanding patient care. The more I learned about MRHC, I was drawn to the cultural beliefs and mission as they align with my own core values and leadership style. My first week has been wonderful. I’ve felt welcomed and I am looking forward to building relationships with this team and working together to achieve our goals. I’m eager to dig in and get to work as well as meet members of the communities MRHC serves.

Q: What are your main goals as the CEO of MRHC?

Shannon: As the CEO of MHRC, my goals are to continue to advocate for our hospital and rural healthcare in general; to provide quality care; and to remain viable for generations to come. I also aim to look for ways to grow in the areas the community needs us the most.

Q: Family Composition:

Shannon: My husband, Chad, and I have four children, Gwen (23) who is a graduate of Iowa State and now lives in Nevada; Nate (20) a sophomore at Grand View University studying Kinesiology and on the track team; Nick (14) in 8th grade; and Grace (10) in 5th grade both at Greene County Middle School.

Q: Where are you from and where do you live currently?

Shannon: I am a Jefferson-Scranton graduate and currently reside outside of Jefferson, which also happens to be my hometown.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

Shannon: I have been the head cheerleading coach at Greene County for seven years, I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, riding my bike with friends, attending concerts, and attending my children’s events with my husband.

Q: How are you involved in your community?

Shannon: I have been very involved in my community over the years, serving on several committees and boards including Jefferson’s Bell Tower Festival Steering Committee, and serving as a city councilwoman for eight years.

Manning Regional Healthcare Center Names Shannon Black as New CEO

Shannon Black

Shannon BlackManning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC), an affiliate of MercyOne, announced on Thursday that Shannon Black has accepted the MRHC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position. She will begin her role on February 19.

Black has extensive experience in various health care leadership roles, most recently serving in the Unity Point Clinics system as Clinic Administrator in Waukee and Jefferson. Throughout her 20 years in the health care industry, she has worked to improve patient access, promote team engagement and increase patient experience.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration from Walden University. In April 2024, she will complete a master’s in healthcare administration from the University of Phoenix.

Outside of work, Black is married to Chad, and they have four children. She enjoys spending time outdoors, bike riding and attending her children’s activities. She is also the head cheerleading coach at Greene County Community School District and has served as a city council member in Jefferson.

“We are delighted to welcome Shannon to the Manning Regional Healthcare Center family as our new CEO. Her proven track record in health care leadership, coupled with her deep passion for patient-centered care, make her the perfect fit to lead us forward while delivering on our promise to provide excellent health care for our entire community,” said Bret Richards, MRHC Board of Trustees Chairman.

“I also express my sincerest appreciation to the MRHC team, including Alana Monson, for her work as interim CEO while we completed the CEO search. Your continued commitment and resilience during this transition have been truly remarkable.”

Manning Regional Healthcare Center, a 17-bed facility federally designated critical access hospital (CAH), is a trusted local provider of high-quality healthcare to the residents of Manning, Manilla, Irwin, Kirkman, and the four-county area of Carroll, Crawford, Shelby, and Audubon counties in Iowa.

About MercyOne

MercyOne is a connected system of health care facilities and services dedicated to helping people and communities live their best life. MercyOne’s care providers and staff make health the highest priority. The system’s clinics, medical centers, hospitals and affiliates are located throughout the state of Iowa and beyond. Headquartered in central Iowa, MercyOne is a member of Trinity Health (based in Livonia, Michigan) – one of the largest not-for-profit Catholic health care systems in the nation. Learn more at MercyOne.org