Category Archives: Borgess-Pipp Hospital

Borgess-Pipp Hospital Urges Community to Support 25th Tree of Love Campaign

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Posted by Lew Tysman on November 12, 2010 – 1:51 pm
Filed under Borgess-Pipp Hospital, Events

Borgess-Pipp Hospital will participate in the 25th Borgess Tree of Love campaign by holding its own tree lighting ceremony on Friday, December 3 at 6 p.m. The hospital ceremony will precede Plainwell’s Christmas tree lighting and Otsego’s holiday parade.

Sponsored by the Borgess Volunteers and Borgess Foundation, the Borgess Tree of Love campaign has a goal of raising more than $40,000 this year. Proceeds from this fundraising campaign allow more than 500 low-income women without health insurance to receive free mammograms

“Since it was established in 1985, this campaign has helped countless area women receive mammograms and biopsies to detect breast cancer,” said John Ryder, administrator and chief operating officer, Borgess-Pipp Hospital. “It also gives donors the chance to get into the spirit by sponsoring lights on our holiday tree—a wonderful tribute for family, friends, coworkers and neighbors.”

Borgess-Pipp Hospital encourages the community to visit treeoflove.borgess.com to make a tax-deductible donation or learn more. Donor forms are also available by calling the Borgess Foundation at (269) 226.8100. Every $5 donation not only helps donors recognize someone special in their lives, but also enables one woman to have a lifesaving mammogram at Borgess Medical Center. Every $50 donation sponsors a mammogram and gives the donor the opportunity to honor or remember up to 10 people.

About Breast Cancer

In the U.S., one in eight women will experience breast cancer during her lifetime. It is estimated that one in every five women doesn’t have insurance to cover mammography or other breast cancer detection services. A number of studies have shown that mammograms can reduce a woman’s risk of dying of breast cancer.

Borgess-Pipp Hospital delivers comprehensive health services to Plainwell, Otsego and surrounding communities, from laboratory and diagnostic imaging to long-term acute care and emergency medicine with a 30-minute guarantee. A member of Borgess Health, the largest health care provider in southwest Michigan, the hospital also has the resources to offer specialized, nationally recognized medicine.

Borgess-Pipp Hospital Honors Kay Pierce at Community Open House

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Posted by Lew Tysman on June 22, 2010 – 3:23 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation, Borgess-Pipp Hospital

Photo Caption: (left to right) Dr. Terry Baxter, chief medical officer, Borgess Medical Center, and Tony McDonnell, executive director, Borgess Foundation, unveil Kay Pierce’s portrait.

With about 300 staff and community members looking on, Borgess-Pipp Hospital unveiled a special portrait of Kay Pierce at an open house on Thursday, May 20.

The open house celebrated the remarkable gift Pierce left behind to help sustain the hospital she supported and loved. “We were blessed by Kay’s generosity, as well as the confidence she placed both in our hospital and the community she embraced her entire life,” said John Ryder, administrator, Borgess-Pipp Hospital. “Thanks to her extraordinary vision and $2 million gift, a renewal of our hospital’s spirit and atmosphere has been realized.”

Enhancements made to the hospital as a result of Pierce’s gift include:

  • Main floor hallway renovations
  • Inpatient room renovations
  • New nurse’s station
  • Main waiting room renovation
  • Laboratory blood draw area
  • Powered ambulance cots
  • Laboratory chemistry and hematology analyzers
  • Two bariatric specialty beds
  • Outpatient rehabilitation gym expansion and department renovation
  • Dual-head computed tomography (CT) scan contrast injector
  • Portable ultrasound system for emergency department

Along with Pierce’s portrait unveiling, the free open house also offered guests tours and refreshments.  

About Kay Pierce

Kay Pierce’s connection to Borgess-Pipp Hospital was woven into the fabric of her life.

When she passed away on March 2, 2009, the 90-year-old resident left her entire estate worth more than $2 million to the Borgess Foundation to be used exclusively for providing improvements and acquiring new equipment at Borgess-Pipp Hospital.

Pierce was the daughter of Dr. Willard “Bob” Vaughn, one of the founders of modern health care in Plainwell. Vaughn was a respected family practitioner who helped organize William Crispe Community Hospital, the precursor to Borgess-Pipp Hospital.

A 1935 graduate from Plainwell High School, Pierce enrolled in Hollins University in Virginia and then Tulane University in New Orleans. Kay and her husband, Donald, were happily married for 26 years until his death in 2000. Donald, who ran his family’s insurance business in Plainwell, was also active on the Crispe Hospital Board.

Described as gracious, caring and friendly by many who knew her, Pierce’s trademark saying was “Laughter is the best medicine.”  From her commitment to volunteering to serving as a trustee for over 20 years, Pierce’s dedication to Borgess-Pipp Hospital was loving and lifelong.

About Borgess-Pipp Hospital

Borgess-Pipp Hospital delivers comprehensive health services to Plainwell, Otsego and surrounding communities, from laboratory and diagnostic imaging to long-term acute and “no wait” emergency care. A member of Borgess Health, the largest health care provider in southwest Michigan, Borgess-Pipp Hospital also has the resources to offer specialized, nationally recognized medicine.

Borgess-Pipp Hospital Sponsors Free Men’s Health Event at Prairiewood Golf Course

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Posted by Lew Tysman on May 18, 2010 – 4:12 pm
Filed under Borgess Health, Borgess Health Screenings for Life, Borgess-Pipp Hospital, Events, Light Hearted Living

To help men lower their score and raise their peace of mind, Borgess-Pipp Hospital will host a free Men’s Health Event at Prairiewood Golf Course on Saturday, June 12, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“Men aren’t always the first in line to schedule an appointment to see their doctors or sign up for important health screenings,” said John Ryder, administrator, Borgess-Pipp Hospital. “That’s why we’re sponsoring this event. It’s a free and fun way to learn how to elevate your golf game, as well as receive some potentially lifesaving screenings.”

At the Men’s Health Event, participants will learn how to improve their golf swing from a physical therapist, and have the chance to receive a:

  • Healthy heart screening (including blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose)
  • Lung assessment (to check for signs of chronic obstructive lung disease or COPD)
  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening
  • Body mass index (BMI) analysis

Prairiewood Golf Course is located at 315 Prairiewood Drive in Otsego. There is no appointment necessary to take advantage of this one-day-only event. Those who would like more information are encouraged to call 269.226.8135 or 800.828.8135.

Borgess-Pipp Hospital delivers comprehensive health services to Plainwell, Otsego and surrounding communities, from laboratory and diagnostic imaging to long-term acute and “no wait” emergency care. A member of Borgess Health, the largest health care provider in southwest Michigan, Borgess-Pipp Hospital also has the resources to offer specialized, nationally recognized medicine.

Borgess-Pipp Hospital to Hold Community Open House in Honor of Kay Pierce

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Posted by Lew Tysman on May 4, 2010 – 10:30 am
Filed under Borgess Health, Borgess-Pipp Hospital, Events

To celebrate recent enhancements made to Borgess-Pipp Hospital, a community open house will be held on Thursday, May 20, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., in honor of Kay Pierce.

“We were blessed by Kay’s generosity, as well as the confidence she placed both in our hospital and the community she embraced her entire life,” said John Ryder, administrator, Borgess-Pipp Hospital. “Thanks to her extraordinary vision and $2 million gift, a renewal of our hospital’s spirit and atmosphere has been realized.”

Enhancements made to the hospital as a result of Pierce’s gift include:

  • Main floor hallway renovations
  • Inpatient room renovations
  • New nurse’s station
  • Main waiting room renovation
  • Laboratory blood draw area
  • Powered ambulance cots
  • Laboratory chemistry and hematology analyzers
  • Two bariatric specialty beds
  • Outpatient rehabilitation gym expansion and department renovation
  • Dual-head computed tomography (CT) scan contrast injector
  • Portable ultrasound system for emergency department

 The free community open house at Borgess-Pipp Hospital will include tours and refreshments. A special Kay Pierce portrait unveiling will also take place at 5 p.m. For more information, call 269.685.0801. 

About Kay Pierce

Pierce loved both the Plainwell community and Borgess-Pipp Hospital. When she passed away on March 2, 2009, the 90-year-old resident left her entire estate worth more than $2 million to the Borgess Foundation to be used exclusively for providing improvements and acquiring new equipment at Borgess-Pipp Hospital.

Pierce’s connection to Borgess-Pipp Hospital was woven into the fabric of her life. She was the daughter of Dr. Willard “Bob” Vaughn, one of the founders of modern health care in Plainwell. Vaughn was a respected family practitioner who helped organize William Crispe Community Hospital, the precursor to Borgess-Pipp Hospital.

A 1935 graduate from Plainwell High School, Pierce enrolled in Hollins University in Virginia and then Tulane University in New Orleans. Kay and her husband, Donald, were happily married for 26 years until his death in 2000. Donald, who ran his family’s insurance business in Plainwell, was also active on the Crispe Hospital Board.

Described as gracious, caring and friendly by many who knew her, Pierce’s trademark saying was “Laughter is the best medicine.”  From her commitment to volunteering to serving as a trustee for over 20 years, Pierce’s dedication to Borgess-Pipp Hospital was loving and lifelong.

About Borgess-Pipp Hospital

Borgess-Pipp Hospital delivers comprehensive health services to Plainwell, Otsego and surrounding communities, from laboratory and diagnostic imaging to long-term acute and “no wait” emergency care. A member of Borgess Health, the largest health care provider in southwest Michigan, Borgess-Pipp Hospital also has the resources to offer specialized, nationally recognized medicine.

EVENT – April 27-28: Borgess-Pipp Hospital Offers Community Free PAD Screenings

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Posted by Lew Tysman on April 5, 2010 – 9:08 am
Filed under Borgess Health, Borgess Health Screenings for Life, Borgess-Pipp Hospital

Borgess-Pipp Hospital will offer the community two free peripheral arterial disease (PAD) screenings on Tuesday, April 27 and Wednesday, April 28, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the community room.

“Every year, vascular conditions like peripheral arterial disease claim thousands of lives,” said Kathy Russell, cardiovascular services manager, Borgess-Pipp Hospital. “Through this free event, our goal is to educate people about their risks and help detect the possibility of a condition in advance of it becoming a larger health issue.” 

Affecting millions of older Americans, PAD refers to the narrowing of arteries that supply blood and nutrients to the legs. Often the result of cholesterol buildup, PAD causes difficulty walking and may even lead to stroke or heart attack. Common symptoms include leg pain, cramping, tightness or fatigue, impotence, and leg wounds or ulcers that do not heal easily.

The Risk Factors

Factors that increase one’s chances of developing PAD include advancing age, gender (men are at greater risk until age 70), cigarette smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, lack of exercise and uncontrolled stress. According to the American Vascular Association, despite its potential for complications like stroke, loss of limbs or death, vascular diseases like PAD tend to be under diagnosed in the U.S. However, if detected early, effective treatment options are available for many vascular conditions. 

Fast, Painless and Free

PAD screening involves using blood pressure cuffs and a Doppler ultrasound probe. It is a fast and painless test. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. To register, call 269.226.8135 or 800.828.8135.

Borgess-Pipp Hospital delivers comprehensive health services to Plainwell, Otsego and surrounding communities, from laboratory and diagnostic imaging to long-term acute and “no wait” emergency care. A member of Borgess Health, the largest health care provider in southwest Michigan, Borgess-Pipp Hospital also has the resources to offer specialized, nationally recognized medicine.

Borgess-Pipp Hospital Takes Women to Heart at Free Women’s Health Event

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Posted by Lew Tysman on February 11, 2010 – 12:51 pm
Filed under Borgess Health, Borgess-Pipp Hospital, Events, Light Hearted Living, Women's Health

As a proud sponsor of the Go Red for Women movement, Borgess-Pipp Hospital invites area women to attend a free event this February, American Heart Month.

Scheduled for Monday, February 22, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., the event will offer a free Healthy Heart Screening, as well as thyroid, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and stroke assessments. Women will also have the opportunity to relax with a massage, discover other important health information, enjoy refreshments and even receive a gift bag. 

While heart disease still remains our nation’s No. 1 killer, knowing what numbers indicate a strong, healthy heart can help women set goals to reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease. The comprehensive Healthy Heart Screening checks several numbers, including blood pressure, blood glucose (sugar), cholesterol and triglycerides.

To pamper their one and only hearts, women are encouraged to sign up for the women’s health event today by calling 269.226.8135 or 1.800.828.8135.

Borgess-Pipp Hospital delivers comprehensive health services to Plainwell, Otsego and surrounding communities, from laboratory and diagnostic imaging to long-term acute and “no wait” emergency care. A member of Borgess Health, the largest health care provider in southwest Michigan, Borgess-Pipp Hospital also has the resources to offer specialized, nationally recognized medicine.

Plainwell Area EMS Purchases Three Ambulances for Enhanced Service

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Posted by Lew Tysman on October 29, 2009 – 4:20 pm
Filed under Borgess-Pipp Hospital, Innovation

IMG_0195

To enhance service capabilities, Plainwell Area EMS has purchased three ambulances to replace its two previously leased ambulances.

“Having three ambulances will increase the ability of Plainwell Area EMS to deliver the highest level of pre-hospital care to the communities we serve,” said John Ryder, administrator, Borgess-Pipp Hospital. “It also offers the advantage of ensuring that at least two ambulances are always available, even when one is undergoing maintenance or repair, as well as helps provide an even greater presence at local events.”

Purchased and equipped with the latest safety equipment for just under $160,000, the three ambulances include one remounted Marque ambulance (a refurbished Marque cabin placed on a new Ford E350 diesel chassis), and two pre-owned, low-mileage Horton ambulances in excellent condition. Funding for the ambulances came from subsidies from Plainwell, Otsego, Gun Plain Township and Otsego Township. The three ambulances have also:

  • Secured appropriate licensing from the State of Michigan through an extensive maintenance and safety inspection
  • Been scheduled for a 4,000-mile routine maintenance plan to help them remain in superior mechanical condition and maximize life
  • Received fresh painting with the new Plainwell Area EMS logo and graphics to promote higher visibility and recognition

Operated by Borgess-Pipp Hospital, Plainwell Area EMS handles nearly 2,500 emergency-related calls each year. Borgess-Pipp Hospital delivers comprehensive health services to Plainwell, Otsego and surrounding communities, from laboratory and diagnostic imaging to long-term acute and “no wait” emergency care. A member of Borgess Health, the largest health care provider in southwest Michigan, Borgess-Pipp Hospital also has the resources to offer specialized, nationally recognized medicine.

Borgess-Pipp Hospital Offers Community Free PAD Screenings in November

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Posted by Lew Tysman on October 14, 2009 – 9:51 am
Filed under Borgess-Pipp Hospital, Events

PLAINWELL, Mich., October 14, 2009—Borgess-Pipp Hospital will offer the community two free peripheral arterial disease (PAD) screenings on Wednesday, November 11 and Thursday, November 12,  from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the community room.

“People often recognize the significance and prevalence of cardiovascular disease in our country, but few may actually understand vascular disease outside of the heart,” said Kathy Russell, cardiovascular services manager, Borgess-Pipp Hospital. “Yet every year, vascular conditions like peripheral arterial disease claim thousands of lives. Through this free event, our goal is to educate people about their risks and help detect the possibility of a condition in advance of it becoming a larger health issue.” 

Affecting millions of older Americans, PAD refers to the narrowing of arteries that supply blood and nutrients to the legs. Often the result of cholesterol buildup, PAD causes difficulty walking and may even lead to stroke or heart attack. Common symptoms include leg pain, cramping, tightness or fatigue, impotence, and leg wounds or ulcers that do not heal easily.

The Risk Factors
Factors that increase one’s chances of developing PAD include advancing age, gender (men are at greater risk until age 70), cigarette smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, lack of exercise and uncontrolled stress. According to the American Vascular Association, despite its potential for complications like stroke, loss of limbs or death, vascular diseases like PAD tend to be under diagnosed in the U.S. However, if detected early, effective treatment options are available for many vascular conditions. 

Fast, Painless and Free
PAD screening involves using blood pressure cuffs and a Doppler ultrasound probe. It is a fast and painless test. Results from the screening will be privately discussed with participating individuals, and if requested, mailed to their primary care physician for follow-up assistance. 

Pre-registration is required and space is limited. To register, call 269.226.8135 or 800.828.8135.

Borgess-Pipp Hospital delivers comprehensive health services to Plainwell, Otsego and surrounding communities, from laboratory and diagnostic imaging to long-term acute and “no wait” emergency care. A member of Borgess Health, the largest health care provider in southwest Michigan, Borgess-Pipp Hospital also has the resources to offer specialized, nationally recognized medicine.

Borgess Pipp-Hospital receives $2 million donation from life-long Plainwell resident

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Posted by Lew Tysman on September 10, 2009 – 11:21 am
Filed under Borgess-Pipp Hospital

 

PLAINWELL, MI. Kay Pierce loved Plainwell and the hospital that has served the region for more than 75 years–Borgess-Pipp Hospital. When she died on March 2, 2009, the 90-year-old, life-long Plainwell resident left her entire estate worth more than $2 million to the Borgess Foundation to be used exclusively for providing improvements and acquiring new equipment at Borgess-Pipp Hospital. 
 
“We are humbled by both her generosity and the confidence she placed in the mission of Borgess Health,” said Paul Spaude, President & CEO of Borgess Health. “Kay Pierce chose to help improve Borgess-Pipp Hospital which serves the health care needs of the greater Plainwell area, a community she embraced her entire life.”
 
“We will use Kay’s tremendous gift for both immediate and future improvements to our facility,” said John Ryder, Administrator and Chief Operating Officer, Borgess-Pipp Hospital. “Immediate needs include purchasing new medical and laboratory equipment.”
 
Kay Pierce’s connection to Borgess-Pipp Hospital was woven into the fabric of her life. She was the daughter of Dr. Willard “Bob” Vaughn, one of the founders of modern health care in Plainwell. Vaughn was a respected family practitioner. He helped organize William Crispe Community Hospital, the precursor to Borgess-Pipp Hospital.
 
Kay lived the early part of her life on East Bridge Street, growing up with her younger sister, Gretchen, just down the street from the hospital where their father worked. Read More »

Borgess-Pipp Hospital Hosts Transportation Community Meeting September 16

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Posted by Lew Tysman on August 26, 2009 – 10:47 am
Filed under Borgess-Pipp Hospital, Events

Plainwell, Mich., August 25, 2009—Borgess-Pipp Hospital will host a community input session on Wednesday, September 16, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., to gather feedback on the proposed five-year strategic plan for Allegan County Transportation (ACT). This session is one of many scheduled to be held across Allegan County as part of a two-year study conducted by Disability Network/Lakeshore in partnership with ACT. 

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