PMHC- Great Care in Holdrege 

By Jean Issler

Phelps Memorial Health Center is attracting more doctors and services than ever, which means area residents can receive needed healthcare closer to home.

Sue Hardessen, Senior Vice President of Ancillary Services, said the hospital looks to the community to determine services that are needed. She said it is important for the patient to have choices

Currently there are 27 doctors to choose from in the hospital's specialty clinics.

Holdrege has been without a full time general surgeon for a while, but now Dr. Hans Zinnecker is filling that role. Dr. Zinnecker and his wife, Lisa moved to Holdrege in September. Hardessen said the hospital is excited to have Dr. Zinnecker living in Holdrege. "He will be a great fit in the community," she said.

His office is in the PMHC Specialty Clinic four days per week. He performs all general surgeries and has a specialization in women's breast health.

PMHC has recently welcomed several new doctors to its specialty clinics and operating rooms. These visiting doctors see patients either at the hospital or at the Phelps Medical Plaza.

A team of physicians from Steamboat Springs, CO sees many patients in Holdrege: Andreas Sauerbrey, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon;  Henry Fabian, MD, spine surgeon; Bryan Scheer, MD, orthopedic surgeon; and Brian Siegel, MD, who specializes in pain management .

Dr. Sauerbrey does orthopedic surgery and has special training on the upper arm and hand. He also has experience with sports-related care since he has been the US Olympic ski team physician. He will give a community presentation focused on orthopedic injuries on November 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Another recent service addition to the specialty clinic is a venous clinic day. Dr. Timothy Gardner comes from Lincoln and in addition to his cardiology clinic holds a clinic day to see patients needing care and help with circulation problems. A wound clinic is also available to patients with chronic wounds.

During 2013, PMHC had 6855 specialty clinic visits, or about 130 visits per week. Hardessen said there were 621 procedures or surgeries performed at the hospital and clinics during the year.

The doctors in the PMHC Specialty Clinic practice in the following areas:  cardiology; ear, nose and throat; gynecology; oncology; general surgery; urology; nephrology, pulmonology, orthopedic surgery, orthopedic spine surgery; psychiatry; pain management; and podiatry.

Information about the doctors, the specialty clinics and schedules can be found on line here . 

Another addition to Phelps Memorial is the Pediatric Therapy Center. Located in the Phelps Professional Building along with cardiac rehab and pulmonary rehab, the clinic is designed exclusively for children who may have developmental disabilities or injuries that require special treatment. The clinic provides speech, occupational and physical therapies.

Hardessen said the recent remodel of the hospital has given patients more choices and advantages in obtaining high quality care right here in Holdrege. The specialty clinics give them easy access to physicians. There are now more operating rooms for doctors to work in.

Patient rooms are more functional and comfortable, affording better nursing care and move levels of service. Registered nurse care coordinators follow the patient through each step of the way to with making decisions and accessing needed resources, Hardessen said all care is patient-centered, meaning patients are involved in decisions about their care.

"The greatest thing we do is listen to the community," she said. Phelps Memorial "listens" by taking surveys and by randomly asking customers, board members, family members, and doctors what services are needed.

Phelps Memorial Health Center is located at 1215 Tibbals Street. The Phelps Medical Plaza is located at 516 West 14th Avenue. The Phelps Professional Building is located at 1315 Tibbals St. The hospital's phone is 308-995-2211 and its web site is www.PhelpsMemorial.com