Press Release

Burgess Patients Enjoy Landmark Year in 2007

Area residents receiving care at Burgess Health Center in 2007 benefited from new lab testing, new surgery imaging, new physical therapy equipment, a brighter healthcare setting, new community education programs, travel, new special events and increased customer service.

“It really was another significant year of advances,” says Burgess President Fran Tramp.

The changes evolved as Burgess relocated and expanded departments in all new renovated areas of the hospital as part of its $10 million renovation and expansion project.

“As newly renovated areas became ready, department relocations went very smoothly with a lot of teamwork from our staff,” Tramp says.

Departments with new homes include lab, surgery, physical therapy, outpatient clinics, admitting, the business office and medical records. Remodeling is in progress for emergency, radiology and outpatient surgery.

“People can experience the difference immediately when entering our doors into a spacious furnished lobby,” Tramp says. Changes include:

• Laboratory moved to a new, more spacious setting and added the microbiology service and equipment to speed diagnosis of patient conditions.
• Surgery relocated into a major area equipped with advanced high definition laparoscopic system.
• Physical Therapy opened with a larger gymnasium and more equipment, including the new Cybex Trazer video-guided exercise system, purchased with funds from the Poinsettia Ball.
• Burgess diabetes education staff launched the “Faces of Diabetes” campaign in 13 area communities with grant support from Wellmark Foundation of Iowa, to provide updated books, cookbooks and educational materials to libraries to help area residents who have diabetes.
• Burgess presented Health Smart Kids, a five-week program in area schools, to motivate children to live healthier
• Residents were invited to enjoy recreational Burgess Advantage day trips to Des Moines and the Bridges of Madison County.
  

“While our physical changes have been highly visible to everyone, behind the scenes we have also made strong internal progress,” Tramp says. “We have focused on further enhancing our communication skills with each other as well as patients, upgraded computer systems and reinforced our exceptional customer services.”

Burgess customer service efforts have paid off, he adds. The hospital earned top scores, 99 percent in Surgery, ER and Home Health and high marks in other departments.

While renovation continues, Burgess is ordering new digital mammography and expecting new equipment in Emergency to meet community needs, the Burgess president says.

“We’re looking forward to more exciting changes in 2008.”