Glacial Ridge Health System and Glenwood Retirement Village are now utilizing GRHS’ Tele-Health option for many clinical concerns. This secure program provides GRV nursing home residents a clinic visit with a GRHS provider – without leaving the building. In addition to efficiency, it improves safety for residents by eliminating the potential community exposure to respiratory viruses such as influenza and COVID-19. Tele-Health through Backline® is HIPAA compliant. Depending on the reason for the visit, some residents will still need to be seen in person in the clinic or ER. Additional safety precautions are in place by both organizations for optimal...
GRHS Comments on the Minnesota Two Week Stay Home Executive Order, and What It Means For You During COVID-19
If experiencing symptoms call the GRHS hotline at 320.334.5481 or schedule a Tele-Health Video Clinic Visit. DO NOT go directly to one of the clinics or to the ER. In response to Governor Tim Walz’ March 25, 2020 Stay Home Executive Order asking Minnesotans to limit all non-essential movement outside the home for two weeks, rest assured Glacial Ridge Health System remains open and ready to serve the community. At this time, Pope County has not had a COVID-19 positive test result per the MN Department of Health daily. Call GRHS From Home First Those who are experiencing a fever, cough, or...
How to Donate PPE and Hand-Sewn Facemasks to GRHS
Glacial Ridge Health System has an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) – gowns, masks, personal respirators, face shields, eye goggles – currently on hand to protect our employees and patients from COVID-19. However, the global supply continues to be uncertain and we are actively taking steps to secure more supplies. We are proactively collecting factory-made N95 and earloop masks, in addition to other PPE donations, while we continue to conserve our existing supplies to ensure our healthcare providers and patients are protected. Many individuals and groups in our community have also generously offered to assist in our preparedness...
Skilled Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Valle Joins GRHS
Dr. Ricardo Valle is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and looks forward to providing well-rounded orthopedic care for the entire community – from weekend warriors and high school students to grandmas and grandpas. While he is experienced in treating all orthopedic concerns, Dr. Valle has advanced training in hip, shoulder and knee arthroscopy. He expertly performs hip, knee, and shoulder total joint replacements. During his sports medicine fellowship training, he enjoyed being a team physician for the Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Astros (MLB), Houston Rockets (NBA) and the Houston Dynamo as well the University of Houston football and basketball teams. Living...
Good Old-Fashioned Hand Washing is Better than a Facemask
The novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus and causes coronavirus disease that began in 2019 (COVID-19). They are being used interchangeably in the news right now but reference the same virus. Prior to the new one, other coronaviruses already existed and cause mild illness like the common cold. Our current understanding of COVID-19 suggests that most people who become infected will not become seriously ill and will not need hospitalization. Those with serious illness may need hospital care including respiratory support or treatment for dehydration. Physicians and staff at Glacial Ridge Health System are preparing for a potential outbreak in...
Glacial Ridge 6th in State: 92% Patient Experience Ratings
92 out of 100 patients rate Glacial Ridge Health System a 9 or 10 in patient experience – an important part of quality healthcare. MN Community Measurement states, “High rates of patients who give their hospital the most positive rating can be a sign of strong hospital performance.” The recently released 2019 Minnesota Health Care Quality Report is provided by the independent, nonprofit MN Community Measurement. They analyze healthcare facilities based on a broad range of indicators for cost and the quality of care and treatment provided to patients. One of the metrics MN Community Measurement has taken a closer...
Sudden Cardiac Arrest and the Shocking Statistics
by Tom Pahl, PA-C, Emergency Department Imagine a young athlete who exercises regularly, eats the right foods and is in excellent shape. His heart suddenly stops and you instantly think “heart attack,” but sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is different from a heart attack. Think of a heart attack as a plumbing problem of the heart. Sudden cardiac arrest is an electrical problem of the heart that keeps it from pumping properly. Blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. A person who has suffered SCA will suddenly collapse and lose consciousness with no pulse or breathing. According to...
