Essentia Health and CommonSpirit Health sign Letter of Intent
Negotiations move forward regarding opportunity for CHI facilities in North Dakota and Minnesota to join Essentia Health
Essentia Health and CommonSpirit Health have signed a Letter of Intent for CommonSpirit-owned facilities operating under the CHI brand in North Dakota and Minnesota to join Essentia Health. This includes CHI St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, a full-service tertiary hospital and 13 critical access hospitals, along with associated clinics and living communities currently operated by CommonSpirit and CHI Health at Home home health and hospice agencies.
Leaders from Essentia and CommonSpirit look forward to continuing their strategic discussions, building on their mutually held commitment to the health and vitality of this region.
“This is an exciting opportunity to extend our passion for excellence in rural health care to additional communities,” says Essentia CEO David C. Herman, MD. “We’re grateful that our shared Benedictine heritage and values form a strong foundation for our ongoing discussions. It would be an honor to carry on the rich tradition of high-quality Catholic health care evident today in these CHI facilities.”
“CommonSpirit wants patients in this region to have access to a strong network of rural and tertiary hospitals, primary and specialty care, and telehealth services,” said Cliff Robertson, MD, senior vice president for CommonSpirit’s Midwest division. “Essentia Health is well-positioned to integrate these facilities into a continuum of care, while carrying on the Catholic heritage and mission of these facilities. We look forward to continuing our conversations.”
Both organizations recognize the important role that health care plays in keeping rural communities vibrant. This shared understanding will help ensure the long-term success of these facilities should an agreement move forward. Essentia has a proven track record of providing access to comprehensive, integrated care in rural communities across North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. CommonSpirit, which was formed when Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) combined with Dignity Health in 2019, also operates facilities in Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.
Signing a Letter of Intent is the first step in the process of reaching a formal agreement to transfer ownership of these facilities. It is the hope of both organizations that the due diligence process moves forward smoothly, and the CHI facilities could join Essentia by summer 2021.
The following facilities will be included in the discussions with Essentia Health
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About Essentia Health
Essentia Health is an integrated health system serving patients in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. Headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, Essentia Health combines the strengths and talents of 13,800 employees, including more than 2,100 physicians and advanced practitioners, who serve our patients and communities through the mission of being called to make a healthy difference in people’s lives.
Essentia Health, which includes many Catholic facilities, is guided by the values of Quality, Hospitality, Respect, Joy, Justice, Stewardship and Teamwork. The organization lives out its mission by having a patient-centered focus at 14 hospitals, 71 clinics, six long-term care facilities, three assisted living facilities, three independent living facilities, five ambulance services and one research institute. Essentia Health is accredited as an Accountable Care Organization by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
About CommonSpirit Health
CommonSpirit Health is a nonprofit, Catholic health system dedicated to advancing health for all people. It was created in February 2019 by Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health. With its national office in Chicago and a team of approximately 150,000 employees and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice clinicians, CommonSpirit operates 139 hospitals and more than 1000 care sites across 21 states. In FY 2020, CommonSpirit had combined revenues of nearly $29.6 billion and provided $4.6 billion in charity care, community benefit, and unreimbursed government programs. Learn more at www.commonspirit.org.
Several CHI Mercy Health Employees Recognized for Dedicated Service
Valley City, ND It is remarkable and gratifying to have employees who have served CHI Mercy Health for so many years, like the employees recognized on December 17th, 2020.
The following individuals were recognized for their years of service:
- 20 Years of Service: Mary Kay Johnson
- 15 Years of Service: Videlle Hamilton, Susan Skarloken
- 10 Years of Service: Carla Bata, Ellen Coghlan, Sally Didier, Kyle Gregerson, Randall Kremer
- 5 Years of Service: Izabela Bodziachowska, Katie Hedstrom, Paul Kamrowski, Susan Nelson
Picture Caption (L to R): Paul Kamrowski, Carla Bata, Ellen Coghlan, Kyle Gregerson, Videlle Hamilton, Susan Skarloken, Mary Kay Johnson
CHI Mercy Health Visitor Guidance
Valley City, ND We understand how much it means to patients to have their loved ones with them during their hospitalization and outpatient visits. We at CHI Mercy Health want to keep the community informed of what our current visitation policies are.
All patients, visitors and support persons presenting to CHI Mercy Health will enter at Main Entrance Door #1 and will be screened at the front desk prior to entering facility. Patients, visitors and support persons will be required to wear a mask or face covering while in to the hospital. All visitors will check in and check out at the front desk and must go directly to hospital department and be in a patient’s room. Visitors may stay as long as they like but if they choose to leave the building they will not be allowed back in. This is designed to keep the numbers of people actually entering the hospital to a minimum.
Social distancing, masking, and hand sanitizing requirements will be maintained in all hospital departments. Any visitor who cannot adhere to the guidelines will be asked to leave the facility and if accompanying a patient, be asked to wait in his/her vehicle. CHI Mercy Health respects the rights of all community members; because of the services we provide, our first duty is to the safety and care of patients and staff. We will actively defend this duty and are confident that everyone visiting our facility will understand and do the same. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
CHI Mercy Health’s visitation restrictions effective October 21, 2020 are as follows:
- Visitors are asked to stay home if they are experiencing any symptoms of illness.
- All visitors are required to wear a face covering and will be screened at the front desk prior to entry.
- No visitors under the age of 18 (exceptions may be made at the discretion of the care team).
- All visitors will use the Main Entrance (Door #1) and will check in and check out at the front desk.
- PCU patients may have one visitor per day. This includes Acute, Observation, and Swingbed patients.
- Patient and visitor must remain masked during visitation and remain in patient’s room.
- An additional visitor will be allowed at the time of discharge.
- Emergency Department, Surgery, Pain, and Ambulatory Care patients may be accompanied by one healthy adult (must remain in patient’s room).
- Compassionate care visitation – limited to two visitors at a time in the facility.
- Pediatric patients or adult patients requiring a care giver may have one support person with them at all times.
Please log onto CHI Mercy Health Website for COVID-19 updates
CHI Mercy Health Donates to City County Health District
Valley City, ND CHI Mercy Health is giving back to the community by donating KN95 masks to City County Health to support the ongoing efforts of public health to protect our communities.
Originally provided by parent company CommonSpirit Health, CHI Mercy Health donated 2500 masks City County Health District. The masks were presented to Theresa Will, Director of City County Health. (Pictures Left to Right are Theresa Will, City County Health, Kayla Brademeyer, CHI Mercy Health, Susan Kringlie, CHI Mercy Health).
“We are proud to be a part of this community and are happy to be able to give back” said Susan Kringlie, Infection Preventionist at CHI Mercy Health.
CHI Mercy Health Foundation Announces Nursing Advancement 2020 Scholarship Recipient
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2020
Contact: Lisa Urbatsch, Executive Assistant
Phone: 701-845-6486
E-Mail: lisaurbatsch@catholichealth.net
CHI Mercy Health Foundation Announces Nursing Advancement 2020 Scholarship Recipient
The CHI Mercy Health Foundation would like to announce its Nursing Advancement/General Medical scholarship recipients for 2020-2021 school year.
The recipient is Shawen Nicole Dumlao of Valley City. She was awarded a $500 scholarship to use towards the Nursing Program she is enrolled in at the University of North Dakota.
The CHI Mercy Health Foundation Nursing Advancement Scholarship was started in 2005. The goal was for the nursing staff at Mercy Hospital to provide $500.00 a year in scholarships to be awarded annually. The scholarship is available to any local student pursuing education for nursing advancement or any general medical field.
We will open the 2021-2022 school year scholarship application in January of 2021 and make awards in May 2022. If you would like more information about this scholarship opportunity please log onto CHI Mercy Health’s website mercyhospitalvalleycity.org.
CHI Mercy Health Foundation Announces 2020 LaVonne Reidman Scholarship Recipients
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2020
Contact: Lisa Urbatsch, Executive Assistant
Phone: 701-845-6486
E-Mail: lisaurbatsch@catholichealth.net
CHI Mercy Health Foundation Announces 2020 LaVonne Reidman Scholarship Recipients
The CHI Mercy Health Foundation would like to announce the LaVonne Reidman Scholarship recipients for the 2020-2021 school year.
Alyssa Williams, Valley City, ND, has been chosen to receive the LaVonne Reidman Nursing Scholarship. This year the award was $500.00. Alyssa is enrolled in the Nursing Program at the Dakota College at Bottineau..
The family of LaVonne Reidman established these scholarships in 2005, in memory of LaVonne and her dedication to the nursing profession. Lavonne was a wonderful, caring nurse for many years at Mercy Hospital in Valley City. CHI Mercy Health Foundation is managing this scholarship for the Reidman Family.
We will open the 2021-2022 school year scholarship application in January of 2021 and make awards in May 2022. If you would like more information about this scholarship opportunity please log onto CHI Mercy Health’s website mercyhospitalvalleycity.org.
CHI Mercy Auxiliary Announces Scholarship Recipient
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2020
Contact: Lisa Urbatsch, Executive Assistant
Phone: 701-845-6486
E-Mail: lisaurbatsch@catholichealth.net
CHI MERCY AUXILIARY ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Valley City, ND CHI Mercy Health Auxiliary is excited to announce its recipients for 2020-2021 school year.
Recipient Alyssa Williams of Valley City was awarded a $350 scholarship to use toward Healthcare Education. Alyssa is enrolled at Dakota College at Bottineau in Valley City, ND.
Recipient Mya Anderson of Valley City awarded a $100 scholarship to use toward Healthcare Education. Mya is enrolled at Valley City State University in Valley City, ND.
Recipient Shawen Nicole Dumlao of Valley City awarded a $100 scholarship to use toward Healthcare Education. Shawen is enrolled at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND.
Each year, scholarships are given out to recipients that are enrolled in a Medical Health Care related career. The scholarship is provided by funds raised by CHI Mercy Health’s Auxiliary.
The CHI Mercy Health Auxiliary (CHI-MHA) is a volunteer organization devoted to supporting the hospital and the community it serves. If you would like to become a CHI Mercy Health Auxiliary member, please contact Lisa Urbatsch at 701-845-6486 or email lisaurbatsch@catholichealth.net.
CHI MERCY HEALTH Visitor Guidance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2020
Contact: Keith Heuser, President
Phone: 701-845-6486
E-Mail: lisaurbatsch@catholichealth.net
CHI MERCY HEALTH
Visitor Guidance
Valley City, ND We understand how much it means to patients to have their loved ones with them during their hospitalization and outpatient visits. We at CHI Mercy Health want to keep the community informed of what our current visitation policies are.
All patients, visitors and support persons presenting to CHI Mercy Health will enter at Main Entrance Door #1 and will be screened at the front desk prior to entering facility. Patients, visitors and support persons will be required to wear a mask or face covering while in to the hospital. All visitors will check in and check out at the front desk and must go directly to hospital department and be in a patient’s room . Visitors may stay as long as they like but if they choose to leave the building they will not be allowed back in. This is designed to keep the numbers of people actually entering the hospital to a minimum.
Social distancing, masking, and hand sanitizing requirements will be maintained in all hospital departments. Any visitor who cannot manage the guidelines will be asked to leave the facility and if accompanying a patient, be asked to wait in his/her vehicle. CHI Mercy Health respects the rights of all community members; because of the services we provide, our first duty is to the safety and care of patients and staff. We will actively defend this duty and are confident that everyone visiting our facility will understand and do the same. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
CHI Mercy Health’s visitation restrictions effective July 27, 2020 are as follows:
- Visitors are asked to stay home if they are experiencing any symptoms of illness.
- All visitors are required to wear a face covering and will be screened at the front desk prior to entry.
- No visitors under the age of 18 (exceptions may be made at the discretion of the care team).
- All visitors will use the Main Entrance (Door #1) and will check in and check out at the front desk.
- PCU patients may have one visitor per day. This includes Acute, Observation, and Swingbedpatients.
- Patient and visitor must remain masked during visitation.
- An additional visitor will be allowed at the time of discharge.
- Swingbed patients may have additional visitors outside (must maintain social distancing).
- Emergency Department, Surgery, Pain, and Ambulatory Care patients may be accompanied by one healthy adult (must remain in patient’s room).
- Compassionate care visitation – limited to two visitors at a time in the facility.
- Pediatric patients or adult patients requiring a care giver may have one support person with them atall times.
- Delivery drivers must be masked.
Please log onto CHI Mercy Health Website for COVID-19 updates
COVID-19 Drive-thru Testing July 8th in Valley City
VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – City-County Health District announces a free drive-thru COVID-19 testing event Wednesday, July 8, from 2-6 p.m. This event is open to the public and will be held at the North Dakota Winter Show facility in Valley City. The goal is to test 500 people for the virus.
This public opportunity is a collaborative effort between the North Dakota Department of Health, North Dakota National Guard, CHI Mercy Health, and CCHD staff. There is no cost for the test and health insurance is not processed. Participants will not be asked to provide proof of residency.
Prior to the event, those who wish to participate are strongly encouraged to fill out the online screening form at www.testreg.nd.gov. Please note that at the end of the screening form you will see information about receiving a QR/email after registering. Registrants should disregard this information, said Katie Beyer, CCHD information specialist, and be assured that their information is in the system regardless of no feedback from the system.
The testing process takes approximately 15 minutes (wait time in line may be longer). Testing will be conducted by using an oral swab of the throat. Antibody testing that indicates if an individual has been positively exposed to the virus in the past will not be offered at this event, according to Theresa Will, administrator at CCHD.
Those participants testing positive will be notified by phone within 24-72 hours. Efforts will be made to contact those with a negative result within 3-5 days. It is important to double-check your phone number on the screening form, said Beyer, since this is the way you will receive your testing results.
“We hope many people will take advantage of this free COVID-19 testing opportunity,” said Will. “You don’t need to have qualifying symptoms to be tested at this event.”
CHI Mercy Health Visitor Restrictions
Main Entrance Door #1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2020
Contact: Keith Heuser, President
Phone: 701-845-6486
E-Mail: lisaurbatsch@catholichealth.net
Valley City, ND – We understand how much it means to patients to have their loved ones with them during their hospitalization and outpatient visits. The COVID-19 pandemic has made this nearly impossible. Starting Tuesday, June 9, 2020 CHI Mercy Health is announcing that with the Governor declaring a green status for our state and testing being completed with no positive COVID results some of our visitor restrictions have been lifted so we can better serve our patients and community. We did not want to loosen some of our visitation rules until we were sure that we did not have any staff with the infection.
No visitor presenting to CHI Mercy Health will be allowed in the building without a mask. All visitors will be screened at the front desk and verify that they have a mask. Visitors will not be allowed to roam around the hospital. Visitors must go directly to hospital department, check in with hospital staff and be in a patient’s room or designated waiting area. Visitors may stay as long as they like but if they choose to leave the building they will not be allowed back in. Patient’s may have only one visitor per day. This is designed to keep the numbers of people actually entering the hospital to a minimum. CHI Mercy Health will continue to follow stringent policies and procedures to make sure the hospital remains a safe environment. Visitors are asked to stay home if they’re feeling ill or experiencing symptoms.
CHI Mercy Health’s new visitation guidelines are as follows:
- One visitor per day for each acute/observation patient.
- An additional visitor per patient at the time of discharge.
- One per surgery or ambulatory care patient.
- One per ED patient as appropriate.
- Delivery Drivers may take their deliveries directly to the department that ordered them (outside of direct patient care areas) as long as they are masked and cleared by their company.
Visitor restrictions still apply for:
- Use Main Entrance Door # 1.
- South Door (nearest handicapped parking) will be locked.
- All visitors will be screened upon arrival to the hospital.
- Compassionate care visitation – Limit of 2 at a time in building.
- Minor child visitor – No visitors under the age of 18.
- Swing bed remains the same.
Thank you again for all of your support and for your steadfast commitment to CHI Mercy Health and to our mission.
Please keep our dedicated caregivers and the patients they serve in your thoughts and prayers.
We’re strongly encouraging anyone who is suspicious of or concerned with COVID-19 exposure to PLEASE CALL 701-845-6400 FIRST prior to coming to the hospital / Emergency Room. Screening questions will be used during the phone call. These along with additional screening procedures have been implemented to keep our patients and staff safe.
Please log onto CHI Mercy Health Website for COVID-19 updates.