Third Sun

Third Sun

May 02, 2019

Adam Jensen, D.O.

Dr. Jensen is board certified in Family Medicine and is the only physician in Utah, south of Lehi, that is also certified in Hospice & Palliative Medicine. He enjoys providing full spectrum family care from birth to geriatrics, including obstetrics. He serves as the medical director for Gunnison Valley Home Health & Hospice and devotes every Monday to outpatient wound care at Gunnison Valley Hospital.

Eric graduated with his Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Zoology from Southern Utah University. He then completed his Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Salus University in Philadelphia. Eric is certified by the NCCPA and dedicated to providing compassionate care to patients of all ages. He currently practices in the office of Richard B. Nay M.D.

After graduation from Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Brady Blackham completed his residency in Family Medicine at Idaho State University. His main objective is to provide compassionate, tailored care to the families of central Utah.

May 02, 2019

Wound Clinic

Gunnison Valley Hospital’s wound clinic is the first of its kind in central Utah and offers comprehensive and specialized healing services to those suffering from long-term or chronic wounds such as:

  • Diabetic ulcers: Commonly seen on the lower extremities or feet of diabetic patients.
  • Pressure ulcers: Caused by immobility and reduced blood flow to a certain area of the body.
  • Arterial ulcers: Damaged tissue caused by a partial or complete arterial blockage.
  • Venous ulcers: A commonly seen chronic wound caused by improper functioning of venous valves.
  • Trauma: These include cuts, lacerations, abrasions and puncture wounds.
  • Cellulitis: Bacterial infection of the skin and tissues beneath the skin.
  • Non-healing surgical wounds: Wounds that are not properly healing or that have become infected after a surgical procedure.

Clinic specialists understand that each wound is as unique as the treatment it requires. They are committed to assessing the condition of the wound and factoring in the overall health of the patient to determine the fastest, most effective treatment option to begin the healing process. 

Wound treatments offered in the clinic include:

  • Advanced wound dressings: These dressings will help seal the wound, soak up blood and eliminate moisture to help the healing process.
  • Bioengineered tissue: Bioengineered tissue imitates healthy skin and, when applied to a wound, provides fresh cells with protein and nutrients to help begin the healing process.
  • Compression wraps: Help prevent and heal ulcerations by decreasing swelling in the lower legs.
  • Debridement: The removal of dead, damaged or infected tissue to help save healthy tissue surrounding the wound.
  • Negative pressure wound therapy: This technique uses a sealed wound dressing connected to a vacuum to help increase blood flow and eliminate drainage.

For questions concerning an open wound, or to schedule an appointment at the clinic, please call 435-528-2210.

May 02, 2019

Surgery

Gunnison Valley Hospital’s surgery center consists of three state-of-the-art surgery rooms. Procedures are performed by skilled and board-certified professionals including orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, ENT, general surgeons, and plastic surgeons. They work closely with a skilled team of certified surgical technicians, certified registered nursing assistants and registered nurses to provide the highest level of care.

Surgical services at Gunnison Valley Hospital are offered in the following areas:

  • Biopsies and removal of cysts or lipomas (fatty tumors under the skin).
  • Dental procedures primarily for children under the age of four, or handicapped individuals in need of increased sedation.
  • Endoscopy procedures, such as cystoscopies, colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).
  • Endoscopic carpal tunnel release.
  • ENT procedures, such as ear tube insertions, tonsil and adenoids removal, nasal and sinus surgeries.
  • Gynecological procedures such as hysteroscopy, D&C, thermal ablation for abnormal uterine bleeding, and hysterectomies.
  • Laparoscopic procedures, such as cholecystectomies (removal of the gall bladder), hernia repairs and hysterectomies.
  • Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (weight loss surgery)
  • Nissen fundoplication to decrease heartburn.
  • Ocular surgeries, such as lacrimal duct patency checks (opening blocked tear ducts) and cataracts with intraocular lens implants (implants fitted within the eye).
  • Podiatry surgical interventions, such as hammer toe and bunion repairs.
  • Orthopedic and sports medicine procedures such as total knee, shoulder and hip replacements, shoulder and knee scopes, ligament and tendon repair, and fracture repair.
  • Outpatient plastic surgeries.
  • Other.

Surgery can be a stressful experience; not just for the person undergoing the procedure, but for the entire family. While we can’t take away all of the anxiety, below are some tips that might help you and your family feel more prepared and confident prior to your surgery:

  • Ask questions. Talk with your physician or surgeon about your surgery.
  • Ask family and friends to help you while you are in the hospital. This can be as simple as bringing in meals to helping you take care of your home or yard.
  • Pack your bag the day before you come to the hospital. Please remember not to bring valuables (rings, jewelry, cash, etc.).
  • Arrange for someone to bring you to the hospital and take you home. Persons discharged from our hospital are not permitted to drive themselves home.
  • Bring personal grooming items like a comb or brush, slippers, toothbrush, mouthwash, razor, etc. If you forget, we do have some of these items on hand.
  • If you think you might feel overwhelmed by visitors on the first night, a friendly conversation beforehand can help everyone be aware.
May 02, 2019

Hospice

Hospice is not a place of treatment, but a concept of care that is recognized as the model of qualified, compassionate health care delivery for people facing life-limiting illnesses.

Hospice care utilizes an interdisciplinary team of health care professionals and trained volunteers to address symptom control, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support, expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes.

Support, caregiver training and grief counseling are available for the patient’s family and loved ones, and bereavement services are available for up to a year following the death of a patient. While most hospice services are provided in the home, care is also available in most skilled nursing facilities and residential care settings.

Hospice allows an illness to follow its natural course. The focus is on caring, not curing. At the center of hospice is the belief that each of us should be able to die with dignity and without experiencing pain, and that our families should receive the necessary support to allow us to do so.

While many insurance companies require that a terminally ill patient have a prognosis of six months or less, there is not a six-month limit to Gunnison Valley hospice care services. A patient in the final phase of life may receive hospice care for as long as necessary when a physician certifies that he or she continues to meet eligibility requirements.

Hospice services are covered under Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurance plans, HMOs and managed care organizations. 

In general, coverage includes:

  • Physician services.
  • Nursing care.
  • Social work services.
  • Medical appliances and supplies as appropriate.
  • Drugs for symptom management and pain relief.
  • Short-term inpatient and respite care.
  • Homemaker services and home health aide.
  • Grief and bereavement services.

Contracted Services

Gunnison Valley Hospital’s contracted services are designed for patients requiring help to remain safely at home, but who do not meet the criteria for other home care programs and whose care is generally self-paid or funded by a donation. The program is negotiated on an individual basis to meet the greatest needs of the recipient and may include:

  • Skilled nursing.
  • Personal care assistance.
  • Medication management.
  • Homemaking services.
  • Respite care.

There are several contracted programs available to assist with payment for these services. Please call us at 435-528-3955 to determine the best possible program for your needs. 

Testimonials

What others have to say about Gunnison Valley Home Care Services:

“Thank you so much for all you did for us. You were so great. The world needs more people as special as you. Your laughter and your smiles brighten our day. Thank you for all of your wonderful ways!”

“Many thanks to you for sending me the monthly newsletter Journeys for the past year. The articles helped me in my grieving. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and care.”

“Words are inadequate to express one’s feelings about the gentle and loving care you gave our dear mother! May you be blessed for your compassionate and professional service. Please know how much we love and appreciate you.”

“I want everyone with Hospice and Home Health to know just how important you have been to us. I do care so much about everyone there. Thank you for being so kind and caring to both of us. Gunnison would just be a place I live; instead it is a home I love. God bless all of you!”

“I do not have the words to adequately express how grateful I feel for your wonderful service. It is the work of angels that you do, so lovingly. Please know of our love and appreciation.”

Gunnison Valley Hospital’s Respiratory Care Team provides treatment, evaluation, monitoring and management of patients with breathing disorders or cardiovascular problems. 

Our respiratory therapists have each attained a high level of certification and training as accredited Registered Respiratory Therapists (RTT).

Gunnison Valley Hospital’s respiratory services include:

  • Small-volume nebulizer (SVN) treatment.
  • Pulmonary function testing.
  • Incentive spirometry.
  • BiPAP and CPAP.
  • Short-term ventilator management – for stabilizing and transporting patients.
  • EKG.
  • Holter monitoring – 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour or seven-day monitoring is available.
  • Delivery assistance.

To learn more about Gunnison Valley Hospital’s respiratory therapy services, call 435-528-7246.

May 02, 2019

Home Health

Watching your loved one have an illness, have an injury, or begin to age is never easy, but Gunnison Valley Hospital’s Home Health and Hospice is here to make it easier on both of you. 

Whether we are offering medical care in the home or in our hospice facility, we focus on ensuring your loved one feels comfortable and that their emotional, spiritual, and physical needs are cared for in the most tender manner. Which in return, helps you feel peaceful knowing your loved one is taken care of. 

HOME HEALTH –

Our Home Health Services encompass a range of medical and non-medical assistance provided to individuals in the comfort of their own homes. These services are tailored to meet the specific needs of our patients.

Some services include:

Skilled Nursing Care: Our registered nurses can provide various medical services, such as wound care, medication management, administering injections, and monitoring vital signs.

Physical Therapy: Our therapists assist patients in regaining mobility, strength, and independence through exercises, stretches, and other therapeutic interventions.

Occupational Therapy: Our occupational therapists help patients improve their ability to perform daily activities, such as dressing, cooking, and bathing, by providing training and adaptive equipment.

Personal Care Services: Our home-health-aides offer assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility assistance.

Medical Social Services: Social workers provide counseling, support, and assistance with accessing community resources, such as financial assistance programs or support groups.

Medication Management: Professionals ensure that patients take their medications as prescribed, monitor for side effects, and coordinate with healthcare providers to adjust medication regimens as needed.

Wound Care: Our nurses or wound care specialists provide treatment and management for acute or chronic wounds, including cleaning, dressing changes, and monitoring for signs of infection.

Chronic Disease Management: Our home health providers assist patients with managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or COPD by monitoring symptoms, providing education, and promoting adherence to treatment plans.

HOSPICE –

Our Hospice Care provides specialized support and comfort to your loved ones who are nearing the end of their life journey. The primary focus of hospice care is on enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Here are some common services offered by hospice care providers:

Pain and Symptom Management: Our hospice team, including physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, focus on alleviating pain and managing symptoms to ensure our patient's comfort and dignity.

Medical Care: Our skilled medical professionals provide ongoing medical care tailored to the patient's needs, including medication management, wound care, and monitoring of vital signs.

Emotional and Spiritual Support: Social workers, counselors, chaplains, and other trained professionals offer emotional support and counseling to patients and their families, helping them navigate the emotional challenges associated with end-of-life care.

Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Hospice aides provide personal care services such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and assistance with toileting and mobility.

Respite Care: We offer short-term respite care to provide temporary relief for caregivers, allowing them to rest and recharge while their loved one receives care in a hospice facility or through in-home services.

Bereavement Support: We offer bereavement support services to help family members and loved ones cope with grief and loss before and after the patient's passing. This support may include counseling, support groups, and educational resources.

Coordination of Care: Our hospice team coordinates care among various healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, therapists, and specialists, to ensure continuity and comprehensive support for the patient and their family.

Comfort Care: We emphasizes comfort-oriented care, focusing on improving the patient's quality of life and managing symptoms rather than pursuing aggressive medical interventions aimed at prolonging life.

End-of-Life Planning: Our hospice team will assist patients and their families in making decisions about end-of-life care preferences, advance care planning, and creating personalized care plans that align with the patient's wishes and values.

If you would like more information or a free consultation about our Home Health or Hospice services please call us at 1-800-324-1801 or locally at 435-528-3955.

May 02, 2019

Family Medicine

Welcome to Gunnison Valley Hospital’s Family Medicine Clinics

At Gunnison Valley Hospital, we understand the importance of convenient, high-quality healthcare for you and your family. Our network of family medicine clinics is designed to provide comprehensive care in multiple locations, ensuring you have access to exceptional healthcare services right in your community.

Our Services

Our family medicine clinics offer a wide range of services to meet the diverse healthcare needs of patients of all ages:

  • Primary Care: Routine check-ups, chronic disease management, and preventive care.
  • Pediatrics: Comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents.
  • Women's Health: Gynecological exams, prenatal care, and menopause management.
  • Geriatric Care: Specialized services for older adults.
  • Acute Care: Treatment for minor injuries and illnesses.
  • Immunizations: Vaccinations for all ages.
  • Health Screenings: Blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, and more.

Locations and Providers

We have multiple family medicine clinics conveniently located to serve you. Find the nearest clinic to your home or work:

Main Street Family Clinic

Mid-Utah Family Medicine

Gunnison Valley Family Practice and Wellness

Salina Family Medicine

Testimonials

  • “Sean Olsen genuinely cares about his patients and actually wants to figure out what is going on with the patients instead of loading them full of pills they don't need. My opinion is he is the best Dr. In Sanpete county. I take all my kids to him and they all have the same opinion. He goes above and beyond!! He knows what he is doing!! He also has really good bed side manner! Thank you Dr. Olsen” – Cassie Crane
  • “Doctor Barton and PA Wade Anderson are both, hands down amazing. I have been going to Wade Anderson for years now. Me and some of my family as well. We completely trust him and have only had great results. He is very personable and truly cares about someone. I cannot stress how much we recommend both of them and their staff. Nurse/assistant named Shellie is also totally awesome! So friendly, nice, caring and helpful. She too is the absolute best!” – Chase Young
  • “Kayla is great! I would recommend her to everyone. She is willing to take the time discussing your needs, asking questions, and coming up with solutions to help you. She is very positive, supportive, and upbeat.” Diane Goodwin
  • “Joshua Chapman and his staff are the BEST! They are so friendly, and he answers all questions. He sat and explained things to me so well that it lasted nearly an hour. He never seemed annoyed with any of my questions, and he is so thorough. 10/10. I would 100% recommend anyone to visit his office. Not only is he great, but is staff is phenomenal and so kind.” – Hannah Henderson

The board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Gunnison Valley Hospital care for your musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, nerves and tendons. They commonly treat injuries caused by sport or physical activity, and they can help manage arthritis or osteoporosis.

Often our orthopedic specialists will recommend nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy or medications. But, when necessary, our skilled surgeons can replace your damaged joint with a state-of-the-art artificial joint, and get you back to hiking, biking, golf and all the other activities you’ve been unable to do.

Beyond the surgical procedure, our orthopedic specialists focus on your overall well-being and coordinate with your primary care physician to ensure you have all the tools you need to get back to a healthy lifestyle with increased mobility. This includes education, pain management, nutritional support, and physical and occupational therapy.  

To learn more about Gunnison Valley Hospital’s Orthopedic Medicine and Total Joint Replacement Department, call 435-528-7246.