News

As we gather around our tables this holiday season, Burgess People Care invites you to join us for a special tradition: the 15th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner.

Thanksgiving is a time for families to unite, but for some in our community, it is a day that may feel a bit lonelier. That is why the Burgess People Care team is dedicated to making sure no one spends this holiday without a sense of family and togetherness. This event is a chance for everyone—whether surrounded by loved ones or joining new friends—to experience the warmth and joy of the season.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
• Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Location: First Christian Church, 722 15th Street, Onawa, IA 51040

This Thanksgiving feast will feature all your holiday favorites, from roasted turkey and savory stuffing to fresh salads, vegetable dishes, and apple and pumpkin pie. Every dish is prepared with love, reflecting the spirit of care and community that defines Burgess People Care.

For 15 special years, this event has welcomed families, children, adults, and seniors, with more than 150 guests joining us annually. It is more than just a meal—it is a moment to come together, give thanks, and share the day with neighbors, friends, and new faces.

While freewill donations are appreciated, they are not required. What matters most is the opportunity to enjoy a meal with those around you.

RSVP
To help us prepare enough food for everyone, please make a meal reservation by noon on Friday, November 22, 2024. Call Burgess Human Resources at 712-423-9200 to secure your spot at the table.

Join us in celebrating this day of gratitude, family, and community at the heart of Onawa.

Onawa, IA — Burgess Health Center (BHC) is proud to announce that it has been named one of the cleanest hospitals in the United States by Becker’s Hospital Review, earning a prestigious 5-star rating for cleanliness. Out of 350 hospitals evaluated nationwide, Burgess stands among the top in the country and is one of just 13 hospitals in Iowa to achieve this recognition.

Becker’s Hospital Review analyzed hospitals based on patient satisfaction scores, with cleanliness playing a critical role in overall patient experience. BHC’s 5-star rating is evidence of the commitment from our staff to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and safety, ensuring a clean and welcoming environment for every patient and visitor.

“Our team works tirelessly to provide not only exceptional care but also a clean and safe environment for our patients,” said Lynn Wold, President/CEO of Burgess Health Center. “This recognition from Becker’s Hospital Review reflects our dedication to ensuring that Burgess Health Center remains a trusted healthcare facility for our communities.”

With patient care at the heart of its mission, Burgess Health Center continues to prioritize the cleanliness and comfort of its facilities, setting a standard of excellence in the healthcare industry. This national recognition reaffirms BHC’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services in a hygienic environment.

For more information about Burgess Health Center and its services, visit www.BurgessHC.org.

Burgess Health Center is pleased to announce a new partnership with CNOS to bring a comprehensive range of general surgery services to the community. Beginning July 3rd, a team of highly respected general surgery providers will offer services at Burgess Health Center weekly.

The team includes:

Dr. James Hegvik: A board-certified general surgeon with expertise in bariatric surgery, anti-reflux surgery, and colorectal surgery.

Dr. Craig Nemechek: A board-certified general surgeon specializing in breast care, abdominal surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and trauma surgery.

“We are excited to offer this expanded service to our patients,” said Lynn Wold, President/CEO of Burgess Health Center. “By partnering with CNOS, we can provide a high quality of care and convenience for our community, ensuring that our patients have access to top-notch surgical expertise close to home.”

Patients seeking general surgery services should get a referral from their primary care provider. The clinic will operate weekly, offering a range of surgical procedures and consultations.

Burgess Health Center remains committed to enhancing the health and well-being of the communities it serves. This new partnership with CNOS proves our dedication to providing exceptional healthcare services and improving patient access to specialized medical care.

Burgess Health Center is excited to announce the long-awaited reveal of its newly renovated and expanded areas, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to serving the local communities. The community open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony are scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.. Following the ceremony will be family games, food, and guided tours of the facility.

In August 2021, Burgess Health Center began a $20 million investment to enhance healthcare services for its community members. After nearly 31 months of planning and construction, the expansion and renovation project is complete, bringing expanded access, improved privacy, and growth for future services.

The project included the addition of 20,000 square feet of new space and the renovation of 30,000 square feet within the facility. Among the improvements, Burgess Health Center significantly expanded its Specialty Clinic space to accommodate both Burgess and visiting specialty providers. The clinic’s footprint has more than doubled in size and now has a dedicated entrance.

Beyond the Specialty Clinic expansion, Burgess Health Center expanded its Emergency Department, Infusion Services, and Surgical Service areas, resulting in substantial growth to enhance patient privacy and ensure timely access to essential services. The attached Family Medicine Clinic also received an aesthetic upgrade.

“We are thrilled to unveil our newly renovated and expanded facilities, which represents our commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare services to our communities,” said Lynn Wold, President/CEO at Burgess Health Center. “This milestone reflects our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our patients while prioritizing their comfort, privacy, and access to high-quality care.”

Burgess Health Center invites community members, partners, and stakeholders to join in the celebration of this momentous occasion. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the enhanced facilities and experience firsthand the transformative changes achieved through this project. We look forward to your presence at this special event.

In early November, Bomgaars held a night of festive fun and shopping for ladies to raise awareness of women’s health issues and pass along a 20% discount on purchased items. A donation of the evening’s total sales was pledged back to the radiology department at Burgess Health Center.

“We are incredibly grateful for the community’s support through events like Ladies’ Night at Bomgaars. This donation will directly contribute to advancing our mammography services, enabling us to provide essential care and support for those affected by breast cancer,” Jenny Coble, Director of the Radiology Department, stated.

The donation of $732.62 is earmarked to support mammography services at Burgess Health Center. Breast cancer cannot be prevented; however, Burgess Health Center continues to provide and invest in the latest technologies, education, and support services for early detection.

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PHOTO: Jenny Coble, Director of Radiology, Eric Ridder, Manager at Bomgaars in Onawa, and Bobbi Johnson, Director of Foundation.

Burgess Health Center proudly announces the nomination of Jeff Phipps, IT System Administrator, for the Guardian Angel Award by Grady Warner, recognizing Jeff for his thoughtfulness, kindness, determination, resourcefulness, and reliability in all aspects of his work.

Jeff manages servers, network appliances, connectivity within Burgess locations, access for offsite/remote users, and collaborations with third-party vendors. He works nights and weekends updating systems to minimize operational disruption for access to essential employee functions such as patient documentation, radiology images/reports, lab results, patient billing, in-home care applications, remote workers, contracted services, HVAC systems, security systems, phone systems, disaster recovery backups, and so much more.

Grady Warner, IT Director, expresses deep gratitude for Jeff’s dedication, stating, “I am beyond grateful for Jeff and his unwavering dedication to Burgess Health Center and his exceptional contributions to the healthcare community. He is truly my guardian angel.”

The Guardian Angel Award, a highly respected recognition at Burgess Health Center, acknowledges individuals who demonstrate exceptional care, kindness, and commitment to their patients. Jeff’s nomination reflects the deep appreciation Grady and his team have for all the integral behind-the-scenes efforts to keep our patients and teams safe.

Burgess Health Center is honored to have professionals like Jeff among its staff, who consistently go above and beyond to provide exceptional care to the community they serve.

Photo: Lynn Wold, CEO, Jeff Phipps, Grady Warner, Bobbi Johnson

The community gathered in festive spirits on December 9, 2023, at the Onawa Community Center as the annual Poinsettia Ball transformed the venue into a magical Winter Wonderland. With nearly 200 attendees, the event celebrated the spirit of the season while raising a record-breaking $119,695 in support of a new cardiac and vital monitoring system.

The Winter Wonderland theme delighted guests with a night of elegance, enchanting decor, and joyful celebration. Attendees adorned in their finest holiday attire enjoyed an evening of food, dancing, and friendship, creating unforgettable memories.

The success of the Poinsettia Ball would not have been possible without the generosity of our wonderful donors, whose contributions will significantly impact the quality of life for the people and communities we serve by providing excellent healthcare and exceptional patient experiences.

“This was another record-setting year,” said Bobbi Johnson, Burgess Foundation Director. “We are truly grateful to our dedicated community and generous donors for making this year’s Poinsettia Ball a tremendous success. The funds raised will enable us to further our mission and continue making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.”

As the Poinsettia Ball concludes on a high note, the Burgess Foundation is thrilled to announce the date for next year’s event. Mark your calendars for the Poinsettia Ball on December 14, 2024, and join us for another evening of joy, giving, and celebration.

Burgess Health Center and the Burgess Foundation extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the Poinsettia Ball and look forward to continued community support in the coming year.

After careful consideration and a thorough evaluation of multiple factors, Burgess Health Center regrets to announce the closure of the Whiting Clinic, effective January 17, 2024. This difficult decision was made by Burgess Senior Leadership and the Burgess Health Center board in response to ongoing challenges related to financial performance, patient volumes, and the overall feasibility of operating three clinic locations within our service area.

The Burgess organization and the greater Onawa area owe a debt of gratitude to the Garred family for over six decades of dedication to providing quality healthcare to the citizens of this community. We extend our thanks and appreciation to Dr. Garred and Matt for their service and their family legacy.

Burgess Health Center remains committed to providing high-quality healthcare services to our communities, and this decision was not made lightly. The closure of the Whiting Clinic is a strategic move to ensure the long-term sustainability and efficiency of Burgess Healthcare operations.

All affected patients have received a notice regarding the clinic closure, outlining the details of the decision and providing information on how Burgess Health Center can assist them in transitioning their care. Patients will be guided on the process of transferring their medical records and transitioning to other Burgess Health Center locations or alternative local healthcare providers.

“We understand the impact this decision will have on our patients and the community,” said Lynn Wold, CEO at Burgess Health Center. “Our primary focus is ensuring a smooth transition for our patients, and we are dedicated to assisting them throughout this process. We appreciate the trust and support we have received from the Whiting community over the years. Further, Burgess is committed to the ongoing clinic operations in Sloan, Mapleton, and the Whiting Pharmacy.”

Burgess Health Center remains committed to its mission of delivering exceptional healthcare services, and this strategic decision will allow the organization to reallocate resources and focus on enhancing the quality of care provided at other Burgess locations.

The Burgess Auxiliary recently marked a significant milestone by commemorating 60 years of dedicated service. A special reception was held on Thursday, November 16, at Burgess Health Center, where heartfelt gratitude was extended to the remarkable individuals who have contributed their time, passion, and commitment over the past six decades.

The Burgess Auxiliary, along with the Burgess Gift Shop and ACT II, has been a driving force behind the success of numerous fundraising initiatives to enhance the quality of healthcare services that Burgess Health Center provides. The collective impact of these dedicated groups has resulted in donations exceeding $450,000, contributing significantly to the purchase of essential equipment and meeting various patient needs.

The commitment and selflessness displayed by the Burgess Auxiliary members, the Burgess Gift Shop, and ACT II have left a mark on the communities we serve. Their tireless efforts have not only enhanced the quality of care at Burgess Health Center but have also touched the lives of countless individuals who have benefited from their generosity.

In a strategic move to streamline and strengthen the impact of these accomplishments, the Burgess Auxiliary, ACT II, and the Burgess Gift Shop will now transition to align under the Burgess Foundation. This transition marks a new chapter in the organization, ensuring a more cohesive and integrated approach to fundraising and supporting the healthcare needs of our communities.

The Burgess Foundation is committed to building upon the incredible legacy of the Burgess Auxiliary, ACT II, and the Burgess Gift Shop. Thank you for your compassion, your dedication, and your commitment to Burgess Health Center. Your legacy will live on through the Burgess Foundation, touching lives and spreading hope for generations to come.

Photo: (back) Gloria Hausman, Cheryl Warner, Teresa Butler, Brenda Howland, Patty Sandmann, Michele Waples, Dawn Cass, Alicia Farley, Bobbi Johnson, Sharon Taylor, Mary Tramp, (front) Lou Hewitt, Jessica Hupke, Lorraine Davis, and Elaine Eisele.