Brookings Health System Hospice Receives Deficiency-Free Survey from State Department of Health

  • May 02, 2016

Brookings Health System Hospice’s most recent survey from the Department of Health results in zero deficiencies. Members of the hospice team include, BACK ROW: Social Worker Mavis Gehant, Home Health and Hospice Director Lynne Kaufmann, RN Kyla Huntimer, RN Amanda Fellbaum. MIDDLE ROW: Aide Ashley Bohman, RN Kris Zobel, Aide Ashley Schwebach, Aide Lynette Richarz, Aide Nina Nordbye. SEATED: RN Shari Kleinjan, RN Shelly Deknikker, Ward Secretary Lisa Larson, Aide/Ward Secretary Kaitlyn Stevens, RN Deb Aalder
Brookings Health System Hospice’s most recent survey from the Department of Health results in zero deficiencies. Members of the hospice team include, BACK ROW: Social Worker Mavis Gehant, Home Health and Hospice Director Lynne Kaufmann, RN Kyla Huntimer, RN Amanda Fellbaum. MIDDLE ROW: Aide Ashley Bohman, RN Kris Zobel, Aide Ashley Schwebach, Aide Lynette Richarz, Aide Nina Nordbye. SEATED: RN Shari Kleinjan, RN Shelly Deknikker, Ward Secretary Lisa Larson, Aide/Ward Secretary Kaitlyn Stevens, RN Deb Aalder

Brookings Health System Hospice’s most recent survey conducted by the South Dakota Department of Health resulted in zero deficiencies cited, placing the hospice program at the top of the class for hospices statewide.

“Feedback from the department of health’s survey indicates we are providing high-quality end-of-life care to hospice patients,” said Home Health and Hospice Director Lynne Kaufmann. “Our care team has strong communication between disciplines and does an excellent job of documenting patient records.”

State surveyors examine all areas of hospice care according to Medicare guidelines. Surveyors accompany select care providers on patient visits, examining proper infection control, communication with patients and families, continuity of care and family/patient satisfaction.

The department of health also reviews patient records and examines policies and training. It also ensures Brookings Health System Hospice follows all Medicare guidelines for the agency’s volunteer and bereavement programs.

With over 20 years of experience, Brookings Health System’s hospice provides local nurses, volunteers, chaplain, social worker and 24-hour support to help care for patients facing end-of-life. For more information on hospice, or to request services, please call (605) 696-7700 or visit www.brookingshealth.org/Hospice.

About Brookings Health System

Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed The Neighborhoods at Brookview nursing home, Brookhaven Estates senior living apartments, Yorkshire Eye Clinic, and medical clinics in Arlington, White and Volga, South Dakota. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, surgical and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.