Avera Bulletin - June 22, 2009

Avera Engages in Strategic Planning

A representative group from across the Avera system engaged in two-day strategic planning this week. In addition to Avera colleagues and members from the system and hospital boards, the group included innovative thinkers from within and outside of health care.

After an opening presentation by innovation guru Larry Keeley, those gathered were led through the decision-acceleration process by expert Stu Winby of InnovationPoint and a team of process leaders from Alegent Health of Omaha, Neb., where they have been using the process for three years. Decision-acceleration is an innovation-dense factory for idea formulation and exchange that benefits from the diversity and expertise of some 40-70 individuals. It begins with panoramic thinking about a topic and steps down through a funnel-like process to arrive at thought-honed output. Developed in the Silicone Valley for the constantly evolving technology industry, its application to the rapid changes in modern-day health care is one way that Avera can think apace with the speed of change and nimbly plan for the future.

The great volume of insight and proposals garnered during the event will be sifted and shaped over the next months into a fresh Avera Strategic Plan and supporting timelines.

Ribbon Cut at Wagner Community Memorial Hospital Avera

June 1 was ribbon cutting day for the hospital-expansion project at Wagner Community Memorial Hospital Avera. United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development awarded $1.2 million in community facilities direct-loan funds and $1.25 million in community facilities guaranteed-loan funds to the hospital, signifying its investment in the medical project, which serves the rural residents of Charles Mix County.

The project added some 11,500 square feet to the existing facility and included expansion of the medical clinic, outpatient services area, improved handicapped access and increased security. The current laboratory and radiology departments were also expanded. The addition will accommodate three providers, 12 exam rooms, two procedure rooms, outpatient services and urgent care. It also allows for the return of Physical Therapy to the campus.

New SculpureWalk Opens at Avera McKennan

Now on display throughout the Avera McKennan campus are 16 new sculptures, marking the second year of SculptureWalk Avera McKennan . SculptureWalk Avera McKennan opened in May 2008 as the first indoor SculptureWalk in Sioux Falls. SculptureWalk Avera McKennan is an extension of the downtown Sioux Falls SculptureWalk, and visitors are encouraged to see the wide range of sculptures on display at both locations.

Brochures directing visitors through the walk are available in the front lobby or in racks located on most sculptures. Those who follow the map provided in brochures will walk almost exactly one mile.

Sculptures, which are owned by the artists, are on loan for one year. Through Sept. 30, employees are encouraged to join the public in voting for their favorite sculpture, and Avera McKennan will purchase the favorite to add to the permanent art collection. Last year's people's choice, "The Watering Hole ," by Sondra Jonson of Cambridge, Neb., is now part of Avera McKennan's collection. All featured sculptures, both downtown and at Avera McKennan, are for sale.