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400 Fourth Ave. NW, Sleepy Eye, MN 56085 Hospital 507-794-3571  Clinic 507-794-3691  1-877-794-3691

Saturday Urgent Care Clinic Hours: 9:00 a.m.-Noon Walk-in or call for appointment 794-3691  or toll-free 877-794-3691

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Caring for our Community Campaign Our Caring for our Community Campaign is focusing on raising money to fund an on-site ultrasound machine as well as training needed for our physicians to read and interpret images. At present, we have ultrasound services available at SEMC three and a half days a week from an outside vendor. Having ultrasound in-house will improve our services in emergency situations and in the clinic for obstetrics and will allow us access to this valuable piece of equipment whenever the need arises. This new equipment will be in addition to our outside vendor. Watch your mailbox for more information!

The Sleepy Eye Medical Center is grateful for memorials made in memory of: Betty Schmidt Lorraine Haecherl Merlin Hauge Inez Hammond Donald Haase It is the generosity of our community members and friends that helps us to continue to provide quality health care to our area. Thank you for thinking of us!

Radiologic Technologist Kayla Fried is pictured with SEMC's Computed Radiography for Mammography (FCRm) system, which was installed in April.

Sleepy Eye women now have access to digital technology for their breast cancer screening The Sleepy Eye Medical Center is pleased to announce that the latest in digital mammography technology is now available. With the installation of Fuji's Computed Radiography for Mammography (FCRm) system, developed by FUJIFILM Medical Systems USA, Inc., SEMC is now capable of offering this valuable service. "Screening mammography is still recognized as the most effective tool available for the early detection of breast cancer," said Lorraine Hillesheim, SEMC's Radiology manager. We're proud to be able to provide women in the Sleepy Eye area with the most advanced screening technology available to identify cancers early when they are most treatable." Digital mammography, a mammogram that uses new detection technologies and computers instead of film, was found in a landmark clinical study of more than 42,000 women to be better than film-screen mammography in detecting breast cancer in three groups:  women under 50, pre- and peri-menopausal women, and women with dense breasts. Digital mammograms are 15 percent more accurate among women under age 50 or not yet in menopause, and 11 percent more accurate among women with dense breasts. From the patient's perspective, the procedure for a digital mammogram is the same as for a conventional film mammogram; however, since the images are available almost immediately and no film development time is necessary, the wait time for the patient is less.  Furthermore, SEMC  uses GE Integrad Web PACS, or Picture Archiving and Communication System, which enables the digital mammograms to be electronically viewed, transmitted and stored.  PACs enables the interpreting physician to use digital tools to electronically enhance and magnify the images, and to adjust the contrast to better examine any suspicious areas.  This reduces the need for the patient to be called back for additional exposures.  The PACS also facilitates long-distance consultations with other specialists since the digital images can be readily transmitted to other facilities.  They can also readily be transferred to a CD if a patient needs to take them to another facility. Because of the unique design of Fuji's digital mammography solution, SEMC is able to ensure that every woman scheduled for breast screening receives a digital mammogram. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women between the ages of 15 and 54, and the second cause of cancer death in women 55 to 74. Fortunately, 96 percent of women who find and treat breast cancer early will be cancer-free after five years.  A breast exam by a doctor should also be part of a periodic health exam every year for women 40 and above.

Digital Mammography Is Now Available At SEMC

SEMC earns patient safety excellence award Sleepy Eye Medical Center has earned a Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) Patient Safety Excellence Award for its work on preventing pressure ulcers. Patient safety is a top priority for SEMC. That's why SEMC joined the SAFE SKIN initiative, where Minnesota teams are working collectively on implementing an extensive list of recommended actions to prevent pressure ulcers. The recommended actions are compiled in the SAFE SKIN Roadmap to a Comprehensive Pressure Ulcer Prevention Program. The MHA Patient Safety Excellence Award is given to facilities that have achieved more than 90 percent of the recommended actions. "Hospitals that receive these awards are to be commended - the bar is set very high," said MHA Patient Safety Vice President Tania Daniels. "Hospitals that qualify have achieved measurable and meaningful progress toward implementing best practices to drive down adverse health events." "Our staff strives to provide the highest quality of patient care and this award speaks to their continuing dedication to that effort," said Kevin Sellheim, Administrator of the Sleepy Eye Medical Center.

2009 5K Run Walk for Health Results

Eighty-nine walkers and runners came out to participate in the 4th annual Sleepy Eye Healthcare Foundation's Run/ Walk for Health, which took place May 9. The event was sponsored by the Sleepy Eye Medical Center and the Sleepy Eye Healthcare Foundation. Taking first place in the men's division was Chris Ward of New Ulm with a time of 19:43, followed closely by Ryan Carlson of Morgan with 19:44 and Steve Evers of Morgan with a time of 19:45. First place in the women's division went to Julie Pollard of New Ulm with a time of 22:46, followed by Emily Schwartz of Sleepy Eye with a time of 23:46 and Hannah Bode of New Ulm with a time of 24:19. Pictured from left to right are Pollard, Evers, Carlson, Ward & Schwartz. Not pictured is Hannah Bode.

Back By Popular Demand! Due to the great sales of our Sleepy Eye Medical Center cookbooks, we have reordered 200 additional copies! The cost per book is $12, and cookbooks can be purchased at our clinic front desk. Spelling and/or typographical errors have been corrected.

The Physical Therapy Department was able to purchase a balance testing and training system in March of 2009.  The Biodex Balance Trainer SD was purchased using funds from the SEMC Foundation.  It can be used to screen for risk of falls and athletic knee injuries or test static versus dynamic balance.  Once deficits have been identified the Balance Trainer can be used as a training tool to help improve balance, increase agility and develop muscle tone.  The Biodex Balance Trainer is a very versatile piece of

Physical Therapy Purchases Balance Trainer

equipment that can be used to treat people with a wide variety of problems.  Programs can be individualized to the specific needs of each patient to allow for optimal recovery and performance.  If you have balance concerns, please discuss them with your primary care physician and they can give you a referral to physical therapy.

Rebecca Joyce is the 2009 recipient of both the Hansen Family Memorial Medical Scholarship and the Murthy Medical Scholarship, both of which are given to high school seniors interested in healthcare. Joyce will attend Creighton University this fall and will major in pre-medicine. She is the daughter of James & Kathleen Joyce of Sleepy Eye and is pictured here with Chisey Hansen and Dr. Murthy.

Katie Schroeder is the 2009 Sleepy Eye High School recipient of the Murthy Medical Scholarship. The scholarship is given by Dr. KVK & Kamakshi Murthy to a high school senior interested in pursuing a healthcare-related degree. Schroeder is attending Minnesota State, Mankato this fall and plans to study nursing. She is the daughter of Gary & Mary Jo Schroeder of Sleepy Eye and is pictured here with Dr. Murthy.