Radiology Department Honored as Service Hero of the Month

Dallas County Hospital’s Radiology Department has been named November’s Service Hero of the Month. Radiology ranked in the top 1% in the area for friendliness of staff and overall rating of care. Additionally, they ranked in the top 3% for explanations given by staff in October.

“I am always very pleased with everyone who takes care of me. They are pleasant, courteous, and helpful,” said one patient. “The techs are very customer service oriented. Great explanations regarding room temperature and procedure,” said another patient.  “I couldn’t ask for better service.”

DCH Radiology Techs are registered with the State of Iowa and the American Registry of Radiology Technologists.  All tests are scheduled directly through the Radiology Technician, which allows patients’ the opportunity to ask questions and clarify tests. DCH uses progressive, digital equipment that takes and stores images digitally before sending them to the ordering physician—all in less than 24 hours. The results are read by the same Radiologists at Blank Children’s Hospital, Methodist, Methodist West, Iowa Radiology, and Iowa Health Clinics.  If further diagnostic testing is needed, a Radiologist is on site at DCH each week.

“We strive to reach every patient’s needs and concerns every time they are in the Radiology Department.  We rely on our years of experience to obtain the best images while making the patients and family as comfortable as possible,” said Katie Smith, Lead Technician. “Serving people of Dallas County and the surrounding communities is our top priority. If you come to the Dallas County Radiology Department, you will be treated like family.”

Dallas County Hospital Foundation Receives TV Donation

The Dallas County Hospital Foundation recently received a new 46-inch flat screen television donated by Dave and Kurt Moyer of Archer Home Center in Adel, Iowa and Rob Manning of Manning Ag Service in Granger, Iowa. The television, placed in the Hospital’s South Atrium, will run educational and operational programming about the services offered at Dallas County Hospital.

“The Dallas County Hospital Foundation sincerely appreciates the generous donation of these two Dallas County business leaders," said Ryan Smith, Development Director at Dallas County Hospital. “It is through support like this that the Dallas County Hospital Foundation is able to provide services and opportunities that make a difference in the lives of the people of Dallas County.”

Archer Home Center is a flooring, appliance, electronics and furniture store located in Adel, Iowa. Manning Ag Service is a rural Agricultural Service Company located in Granger, Iowa.

For more information about the Dallas County Hospital Foundation, or to make a donation, please call Ryan Smith at 515.465.7585 or visit us online at dallascohospital.org.

 Dallas County Hospital Tightens Visitor Guidelines

To protect our high-risk patients from the H1N1 flu, Dallas County Hospital is implementing enhanced visitor guidelines this flu season.

Visitor Guidelines
To protect patients, families and healthcare staff, visitors to all areas of the hospital will be limited, effective immediately. These guidelines are temporary and in effect during the flu season, and are subject to change as necessary. The enhanced guidelines are as follows:

• No more than two visitors at a time.
• Visitors need to be 18 years of age and older.
• Exceptions may be made for cases involving critically-ill patients or end-of-life situations.

All visitors need to be in good health. If a staff member sees visitors coughing or sneezing, they may request the visitor wear a mask, or request the visitor to leave the patient care area. Visitors should refrain from visiting if they have had flu-like symptoms during the past seven days. Those symptoms include, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC):

• Fever 100º degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and
• Cough, and/or
• Sore throat

Additionally, to help prevent the spread of illness, all visitors are required to wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand foam/gel upon entering and exiting a patient’s room.

If you are visiting an ill patient, you may be required to wear a mask. Masks are provided for your protection as well as for those around you, to help prevent the spread of flu-like illnesses.

Dallas County Hospital will continue to partner with Dallas County Public Health to monitor the status of the H1N1 influenza and its potential impact on our patients. Additionally, we will continue to review our visitation polices and adjust accordingly as the need changes.

More information about seasonal and H1N1 influenza is available by visiting the Iowa Department of Public Health Web site at: www.idph.state.ia.us. A statewide toll-free hotline is available for public questions about seasonal and H1N1 influenza at 1-800-447-1985. Additional H1N1 links are also available online at www.dallascohospital.org.