Holly Frischmon, a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA), has joined Riverwood Healthcare Center’s surgical services provider team. Earning a bachelor’s degree in Nursing with a minor in Biology from the College of St. Scholastica, Frischmon achieved her registered nurse license soon after graduation. She also completed a Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice from Mount Marty University […]
The Minnesota Department of Health recently recertified Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin as a Level III Trauma hospital. After participating in an intense training process to become part of Minnesota’s statewide trauma system, the Aitkin County hospital earned its initial designation in December 2006 and was the first rural hospital in Minnesota to achieve the […]
Physical difficulties with her knee joints began interfering with Jody Slinger’s enjoyment of life eight years ago when she was in her mid-50s. Today at age 60 two new knee joints are enabling her to pursue her passion for being physically active outdoors. She works as a paraprofessional teaching assistant with children in kindergarten through […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Heather Hipp to the organization’s Governing Board of Directors. “On behalf of our governing board, I’m happy to welcome Heather,” said Kathleen Ryan, Riverwood board chair. “Heather’s experience in finance along with her knowledge of education and local schools is a great addition to our […]
Since magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning technology was first introduced in hospitals in the 1980s, the speed of the scans and image quality has continued to improve significantly to greatly enhance the patient experience and diagnosis of medical conditions. Today advanced MRI technology in the form of a new Siemens Sola MRI machine with Deep […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce Kari Carlson, registered nurse, as specialty clinic manager for its clinic in Aitkin. This role is a new position to help support day-to-day operations and management of staff within more than 13 specialty areas. Carlson joined Riverwood in 2018 and has been a key member of Riverwood’s Behavioral […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Critical Access Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. Riverwood underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review on […]
For those looking for community resources and don’t know where to begin, Riverwood Healthcare Center now offers two new ways to find support through Riverwood Connects. Find Help is an online tool to help locate community resources such as food, housing, transportation and more. To use this tool, go to www.riverwoodhealthcare.org and click on Riverwood […]
Humana, a health plan administrator based in Louisville, Kentucky, recognized Riverwood Healthcare Center with the 2022 Patient Experience Award. The award is based on an organization’s measured ability to provide quality patient experience, highlighting the level of excellence offered at Riverwood’s hospital and clinics. From Ken Powers, Humana Director, Stars and Risk Adjustment – Central […]
By Kelsey Guthmiller, Trauma & Stroke Program Manager, Riverwood Healthcare Center Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and one of the leading causes of disability in Minnesota. In fact, globally about one in four adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime. Yet, most adults in the U.S. […]
If you could pick a food that is jam packed with health benefits, what would it be? Try blueberries. Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients that may help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Antioxidants are compounds that protect against cell damage that occurs naturally with age, chronic sun exposure, environmental toxins […]
During the summer months in Minnesota, lots of fun activities draw us outdoors during hot, sunny days. However, spending more time in the sun can increase your risk for skin cancer. Stay safe with these sun protection tips: Limit the amount of time in the sun between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm—when the sun’s rays […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center was recognized for excellence in workplace safety and health during the 2023 Minnesota Safety and Health Conference in May. The organization is one of 210 employers to be honored through the awards program, coordinated by the Minnesota Safety Council. “Congratulations to Riverwood Healthcare for their hard work, attention and dedication to safety,” […]
Riverwood Dietitians Megan Perpich and Melissa Simons share these tips for healthy grilling with fruits and vegetables. The hot summer months are usually accompanied with backyard barbeques, which are not just for grilling meat. Try adding fruits and vegetables to the BBQ menu. Adding fruits and vegetables not only adds color to your meals […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center participates in the DAISY Award honoring exemplary nurses who have been recognized by a patient for their extraordinary act of compassion or a relationship that they have created with a patient that truly made a difference. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform […]
Riverwood Healthcare has purchased the McGregor Pharmacy, effective April 20, 2023, offering pharmacy customers the same location and enhanced, high-quality services. “We’re excited to extend our pharmacy services to the McGregor community,” says Spencer Page, director of Riverwood’s Pharmacy Department. “Pharmacy customers can expect the same caring and personalized approach to services that Riverwood provides […]
April is Organ Donation Month, a great time to share a story about an Aitkin woman in need of a kidney and a brother who donated his kidney to her. JoAnn Paulsen Guthmiller, mother to Riverwood’s Emergency Department Supervisor Kelsey Guthmiller, RN, shared comments on the awesome experience of getting her brother’s kidney. “Who would […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome Jenny Vogel as clinical informatics manager in the Information Technology Department. Vogel’s key responsibilities include oversight of the Clinical Informatics staff, providing direction, coordination and collaboration as it relates to the electronic health record (EHR). She works to integrate nursing science, computer science and information science to manage […]
When you or a family member has a new acute illness, Riverwood Healthcare Center offers quick access to prescription medications via the InstyMeds Dispenser, an automated prescription dispensing cabinet, which is located in the family waiting lobby next to the emergency room. This is a good option for patients who are being treated in the […]
Riverwood Healthcare is hosting its annual Gala on Sat., May 6, for the first time since 2019. This festive event with a “Derby” theme has changed from evening to afternoon with a start time of 2:00 p.m. at the Ripple Center in Aitkin. Enjoy fabulous food, plus a specially brewed beer and bourbon for the […]
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has granted $233,092 to Riverwood Healthcare Center to purchase advanced ultrasound equipment as part of a $26.4 million ultrasound initiative in Minnesota. The initiative includes nearly $18.3 million to help Minnesota hospitals and health centers purchase ultrasound imaging devices and an additional $8.1 million to boost […]
With a career as a robotics engineer at Ford Motor Company in the automotive industry, Gary Peters was excited to learn that robotics is being used in surgeries at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. “When I consulted with the Riverwood Orthopedic team about a right total knee replacement, I was told they use a robot […]
By Registered Dietitians Megan Perpich & Melissa Simons March is National Nutrition Month. This is a great time of year to review your eating habits and learn something new about proper nutrition. This year’s theme is “Fuel for the Future”. Here are some tips for eating right to avoid food waste: Plan meals based on […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome Erin Mason, Physician Assistant to its orthopaedic team in Aitkin. Erin specializes in orthopaedics and sees patients in Riverwood’s specialty clinic in Aitkin, Tuesday through Friday, along with Nurse Practitioner Josh Jacobson, who works Monday through Thursday. Both providers offer same day orthopaedic care for patients with bone, […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center introduced a new image scanner early March that enhances patient care. The Radiology Department switched from using analog PET-CT (positron emission tomography-computed tomography) scans to digital PET-CT scans. The key advantage of this new digital technology over analog scans is greater ability to detect lesions with more precision and clarity of […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center joins the American Cancer Society in recognizing National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March. Screening is key to preventing colon cancer or detecting it early. You may lower your risk by also managing your diet and adding physical activity into your daily routines. Prompted by a recent alarming rise in cases of […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center has been recognized as a 2023 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital for the sixth time in 12 years. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, this annual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™. Now in its […]
Barb Kallio, Embarrass, Minn., is an avid bowler, sometimes bowling in two different leagues. She set a personal goal to carry on with her passion of bowling until she reached the age of 85. Until she couldn’t. Barb could no longer bowl due to a hand issue. “It wasn’t just bowling,” Barb said. “I could […]
A recent issue of Becker’s Hospital Review features Riverwood Healthcare Center CEO Ken Westman on its national list of “80 Rural Hospital CEOs to Know” for 2023. This list highlights 80 top executives from rural hospitals across the United States with one other Minnesota CEO, Jake Redden of Madelia Health, featured. The Becker’s article cites […]
