Greater Regional still researching hospice care

Greater Regional Health Chief Executive Officer Monte Neitzel said last week administration and staff are researching how to provide hospice care to those in need in Southwest Iowa.

EveryStep’s Greater Regional Hospice Home in Creston closed Saturday.

“Greater Regional Health will be looking to partner with a different organization to further the mission of supplying quality hospice care to Southwest Iowa residents. This is an important decision we feel as an organization that must be done to continue the continuum of care for all the patients we serve,” Neitzel said after the Greater Regional Health board meeting last Monday.

The primary reason for closure of Greater Regional Hospice Home was understaffing. The organization had difficulty hiring nurses and aides, and did not have enough needed staff to operate the 24/7 hospice house in Creston. When EveryStep made their announcement to close, there were 10 open, unfilled shifts out of 62 total (16%). Staffing needs included registered nurses, hospice aides, team director and social worker. The 11 employees who work primarily at Greater Regional Hospice Home have been offered other positions within EveryStep. For those who wish to move on to new opportunities, EveryStep has prepared customized severance packages.

EveryStep transitioned hospice care to patients in southern and south-central Iowa in a home or long-term care facility setting.

“At this time, there are many strategic conversations being discussed and GRH will update the public when it is appropriate. This service is important for the community and Greater Regional is working diligently to find the right solution,” Netizel said.

Patients were considered to be transferred to long-term care facilities or EveryStep’s Kavanagh House hospice home in Des Moines or they may choose to receive home-based hospice care from our EveryStep Hospice team.