Starke County Council Tables Request for EMS Transfer Unit

Posted on September 24, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI

The Starke County Council members heard a proposal for a primary transfer unit to work out of Starke Hospital in Knox.

EMS Director Travis Clary and Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie previously provided information to the commissioners about retiring an ambulance once the new ambulance arrives and use the retired unit as the transfer vehicle. The commissioners supported the idea. A memorandum of understanding has been discussed between the county and Starke Hospital to make this the primary transfer unit. The document has not been signed, but County Attorney Marty Lucas has provided an agreement to hospital officials.

Ritchie said having the transfer unit would create over $200,000 next year in net revenue. With the council’s approval of three full-time paramedics and three full-time EMTs, staffing costs would work to be within the gross revenue.

In order to get this transfer unit started with supplies and payroll, Clary and Ritchie asked for $198,348.06. A new line item would be provided in the EMS budget for this transfer unit.

There was some question of when the transfer agreement would start. Commissioner Kathy Norem stated that it is the assumption that once the paperwork is approved and signed a primary transfer unit will be immediately be in service. The members of county government are unsure if there will be a spare ambulance available before the new rig is in the county’s possession in February or March in 2019. The two spare rigs currently available are often in service as other ambulances are undergoing maintenance.

The county council agreed to table the request until more information can be gathered by the commissioners.

HealthPorte Program to Offer Educational, Social Programs for Seniors

Posted on June 4, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

Helping those over 50 get healthy and make some new friends is the goal of a new program at Starke Hospital. HealthPorte is a free senior program that began at LaPorte Hospital. Now, it’s expanded to Starke and Porter Regional hospitals, according to a hospital press release.

Among its offerings are a series of lunchtime educational programs on various health care issues. Starke County’s first Lunch & Learn program will be “Alzheimer’s Disease: Know the 10 Signs. Early Detection Matters.” It will be held Thursday, June 28 from 12:15 to 2:00 p.m. at Starke County Community Services in Knox.

Those planning to attend are asked to register in advance online or by calling 888-840-8204. A program on diabetes is planned for late September.

The HealthPorte program also gives members discounts at Starke Hospital’s fitness center, as well as affiliated fitness centers in LaPorte, New Carlisle, and Michigan City. Members may attend any of the programs across the system, including those in Knox, LaPorte, and Valparaiso.

For more information on HealthPorte, contact programming coordinator Karin Birchel at (219) 983-8633.

6/11/2018 Free Blood Pressure Screenings

Starke Hospital Winter Clothing & Food Drive

The little elves in Food and Nutrition Services at the Starke Hospital are setting up to help our community stay warm and healthy this winter. The public is invited to drop gently used winter clothing and non-perishable food items in the main lobby at the Starke Hospital until Dec. 23. Together we can make a difference!

Starke Hospital Diabetes Program Can Assist Individuals Before and After a Diagnosis

Posted on November 4, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

The month of November is acknowledged as Diabetes Awareness Month. During this time, individuals impacted by diabetes, or those who may be pre-diabetic are encouraged to take a look at their diet, lifestyle choices and health conditions to see whether or not they’re living healthily.

Starke Hospital offers a variety of programs to assist community members with diabetes management. Regional Manager of Community Relations for Starke Hospital Stacey Kellogg said they offer several services through their diabetes program that can assist individuals, pre and post diagnosis.

“The idea is that the program not only addresses those who have entered the hospital and learned that they have become diabetic but it also helps people identify whether or not they’re at risk so we can capture their diabetes before they even have a hospital stay.” Kellogg explained, “On the other side of it if people learn that they are diabetic, it provides a support network for them.”

Starke Hospital offers a free pre-diabetes class that requires no registration and a diabetes self-management class which required a physician’s order and pre-registration. A diabetes support group is also offered to provide a place to share ideas, experiences and problems related to diabetes.

For more information about the diabetes classes contact Diabetes Program Coordinator Patty Leonard at 219-326-2478.

Community Members Encouraged to Attend Tomorrow’s Starke County Health Fair

Posted on October 16, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Starke Hospital will be holding their annual health fair tomorrow in the Knox Middle School gymnasium. WKVI will be broadcasting live from this free community event which will feature a number of interactive health exhibits, health screenings, healthy snack samples and more.

From 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. a number community vendors will be on site. “Ask a provider” is a feature of the fair where health care professionals from Knox and North Judson will be present to answer various questions.

There also will be CPR and self-defense demonstrations. Free flu-shots for adults will be available while supplies last. They will even hold some for individuals who won’t be able to attend until after 5 p.m.

For more information, visit starkehealth.com or call 574-772-6231.

Starke Hospital Mobile Health Units Providing Breast Cancer Awareness Info in October

Posted on October 4, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Starke Hospital will have mobile health units out in a few places in the Starke County community during the month of October. Starke Hospital’s Regional Manager of Community Relations Stacey Kellogg said that wellness professionals will be onsite to help disburse breast cancer awareness information.

Kellogg said the professionals will be able to steer people in the right direction when it comes to how and when individuals should be screened and other helpful health tips. She said they will have information there about early detection practices, clinical breast exams, how to do a self breast exam, when everybody should get screened and how to have that conversation with your doctor.

Mobile health units will be stationed at

• Bailey’s Discount Center on Friday, October 13th from 1:00 until 2:30 p.m.
• Starke Hospital from 1:00 until 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 26th.

10/17/2017 Starke County Community Health Fair Slated

Knox, Ind. – The Starke County Community Health Fair presented by Starke Hospital is slated for October this year – a move that will help the hospital educate the community about important preventive health measures to consider before winter hits.

In previous years, the health fair has taken place in May, but a committee decided to switch it to fall this year.

“October is a great time to really be thinking about what you and your family’s needs might be related to health,” said Stacey Kellogg, regional community relations manager for Starke Hospital. “Flu season is right around the corner, and many people are due for certain health screenings like mammograms or colonoscopies. The Starke County Community Health Fair offers an opportunity for the community to learn more about these important tests, get free screenings for conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol, and meet with the doctors, nurses, and medical professionals in our community.”

New this year will be free flu shots for adults while supplies last.

The event will be from 3-7 p.m., Oct. 17 at the Knox Middle School gym, 901 S. Main St., Knox. Park in the lot off of Shield Street and enter the gym in the back.

“We are happy to be working with the Knox Middle School staff to host the health fair at the gym again this year,” Kellogg said. “The health fair has grown over the years, and having it at the middle school allows us to invite more community vendors to participate, and create highly-interactive health exhibits around a variety of topics. We also took into consideration comments from the community last year who requested the fair be open later so they could attend after work, so we are pleased to be extending it to 7 p.m.”

People of all ages are welcome.

This year the health fair will feature free screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar (diabetes), high cholesterol, hip/knee/back conditions, body mass index, and osteoporosis. Screenings are made possible with support from the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte.

Interactive exhibits this year will include CPR demonstrations, cardio pounding (like drumming), how to be tobacco free, healthy snack preparation with samples, surgery suite exhibit, self-defense demonstrations, and more.

“We are excited to have so many community partners involved in this event. We expect about 29 nursing students from Purdue University Northwest to assist with delivering health education and screenings, and are looking forward to having Community Services of Starke County, WKVI, and other partners represented,” Kellogg said.

Physicians, nurses, and medical professionals in the areas of surgery, primary care, cardiology, emergency department, diagnostic imaging, obstetrics/gynecology, and more will be on hand to interact and answer questions.

Advanced registration is highly encouraged for the Starke County Community Health Fair. Registration is available online at starkehealthfair.eventbrite.com. Follow Starke Hospital on Facebook for updates.

Vendors who wish to request space at the fair can do so online at starkehealthfairvendors.eventbrite.com. This does not guarantee vendor space; it is simply an application. Someone from the health fair committee will contact vendors with a response.

Starke Hospital Offers Monthly Diabetes Education Classes and Support Groups

Posted on August 29, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Diabetes is known as one of the world’s ‘silent diseases’ meaning that many people may be walking around at risk and not even know it. The staff at Starke Hospital realizes this and that is why they offer a series of programs to educate people on pre-diabetes warning signs and how to adjust lifestyle habits once a diagnosis is received.

One of the classes offered is a free pre-diabetes class that meets the 3rd Monday of every month. Stacey Kellogg, the regional manager of community relations for Starke Hospital, said there a lot of indicators for people who could be pre-diabetic.

Kellogg said that having elevated blood sugar, being clinically overweight and having high blood pressure are all indications that you’re on your way to full blown diabetes diagnosis.

Fortunately, if you catch these warning signs early enough many of the symptoms can be reversed by implementing necessary dietary and lifestyle changes. The next pre-diabetes class is September 18 from noon to 1 p.m. in the 2nd floor OB Conference Room at Starke Hospital.

Two of the services offered to individuals who are past the pre-diabetes stage are the self-management classes and a support group. The support group is free and open to inflicted individuals as well as family members who want to learn how to help their loved ones with the diabetes. The support group meets next on September 26 from 11 a.m. to noon in the 2nd floor OB Conference Room.

Self-management classes require a physician’s order and pre-registration. With this program, certified diabetes educators and clinical dietitians work closely with your doctor for coordination of care. These classes begin at the start of each month and run for four weeks, meeting from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays. To make arrangements, contact Diabetes Program Coordinator, Patty Leonard at 574-772-1183.

Starke Hospital Earns Another Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for Hospital Accreditation

Posted on July 27, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

Starke Hospital has been re-accredited for another three years. Hospital officials say a recent Joint Commission survey found Starke Hospital to be in compliance with various performance standards, earning the hospital another Gold Seal of Approval for Hospital Accreditation.

Starke Hospital Interim CEO Jeff Vice says the survey involves an unannounced inspection covering all areas of the hospital, including patient care, emergency management, leadership, facilities, and engineering.

There were a few things Starke Hospital is doing particularly well, according to surveyors. The medical/surgical unit’s “frequently asked questions” materials were commended, and the Joint Commission has asked to include them in its Leading Practice Library. Starke Hospital was also found to be transparent when it comes to hospital falls. The engineering/facilities department was also commended for its door inspection program.

Starke, LaPorte Hospitals Name Chief Financial Officer

Posted on May 11, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

Starke and LaPorte Hospitals have a new chief financial officer.

Drew Keesbury most recently served as assistant and interim CFO at Porter Regional Hospital. Previously he operated as controller for Dupont Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Keesbury holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University.

LaPorte Hospital CEO Ashley Dickinson says he was hired after a series of interviews with hospital staff.

She says Keesbury brings a strong commitment to work collaboratively with hospital leaders and service lines to identify and implement key strategies for growth.

4/18/2017 4th Annual Starke County Preschool Fair

Starke Hospital Earns National Lung Cancer Screening Designation

Posted on March 16, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

Area residents who need to be screened for lung cancer have access to a Designated Lung Cancer Screening Center at Starke Hospital in Knox. The American College of Radiology recently awarded that designation to the local facility after a voluntary rigorous review to ensure it meets or exceeds high standards.

Starke Hospital is already accredited for CT chest imaging by the ACR. That’s a requirement to become a designated lung cancer screening center.

Interim CEO Jeff Vice says the designation showcases the superior quality of Starke Hospital’s lung cancer screening program and is a testament to the hard work of the professionals in the diagnostic imaging department. He adds it’s a win for the community to have a designated program available so close to home. The certification is based on nationally-recognized guidelines and technical standards.

Starke Hospital invested in a new CT scanner in 2015. It provides high-quality images while using the lowest dose of radiation possible.

In Starke County an estimated 23 percent of adults smoke, according to University of Wisconsin County Health Rankings. Former smokers or people who live with smokers could also be at risk for lung cancer. It is the number one cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and is responsible for more deaths annually than breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined. Lung cancer is second only to heart disease in the number of deaths caused annually.

Starke Hospital Director of Diagnostic Imaging Josephine Klicek says a CT scan to screen for lung cancer requires a doctor’s order. She adds the test is easy, painless and potentially life-saving. That’s because it can detect lung cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.

Patients must meet certain criteria for CT lung cancer screening, and Medicare as well as most insurance companies will cover the screening if patients are eligible.

Criteria for CT lung cancer screening are as follows:

• Age 55 to 77 years old
• Asymptomatic – no signs or symptoms of lung cancer
• History of tobacco smoking of at least 30 pack-years (one pack-year is the same as smoking one pack per day for one year; one pack equals 20 cigarettes)
• Current smokers or those who have quit smoking within the last 15 years; AND
• A written order for a low dose CT lung cancer screening from a qualified health professional following a lung cancer screening counseling and shared decision making visit.
• Candidates cannot have signs or symptoms of lung cancer to qualify for a lung cancer screen.

Mobile Health Unit to Visit Starke County for Colon Cancer, Sleep Apnea Awareness

Posted on March 14, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

Colon cancer prevention will bring LaPorte Hospital’s Mobile Health Unit to local communities this month. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and LaPorte Hospital officials will be traveling around Starke and LaPorte counties to hand out take-home test kits. They’re designed to screen for blood in the stool, which could be a symptom of cancer.

However, hospital officials say the best way to prevent colorectal cancer is by getting regular colonoscopy screenings. Men and women age 50 and older should have a colonoscopy done once every ten years, or more, depending on family history and other risk factors.

The Mobile Health Unit will be at

Bailey’s Discount Center in North Judson this Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Starke Hospital in Knox on Thursday, March 23 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. 

Residents will also have the chance to fill out a sleep apnea survey, as part of National Sleep Awareness Month.

Starke Hospital Invests in New Patient Beds

Posted on March 13, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

Patients who are admitted to Starke Hospital can recover in new beds. The hospital recently spent $96,000 on 12 new beds and mattresses for the second floor medical/surgical unit.

They offer a high-tech advantage over traditional hospital beds and also improve patient comfort and safety.

Director of Inpatient Nursing Janet Gillon says the new beds feature side rails that offer different support positions for patients when they are getting in and out of bed. They also have awareness monitors that let the staff know how the patient is positioned in the bed at any given time.

The beds are also designed to reduce the chance of patients slipping down to an uncomfortable position, which means the nursing staff doesn’t need to boost them up in bed as often.

Additionally the new gel-type mattresses are more comfortable for patients. Gillon says they are pressure-sensitive, which reduces the possibility of skin breakdown.

“Starke Hospital has an exceptional safety record when it comes to falls and pressure ulcers. The new beds will just reinforce these best practices that we already have in place, and provide a safe, more comfortable stay for our patients,” Gillon said.

Hospital staff have found the beds to be easier to operate, and more functional as well. They are easier to clean, and have more convenient foot controls so nurses and caregivers don’t have to bend as much or move equipment around to access the bed controls.

The bed purchase marks the first major investment in hospital equipment since the new high-tech CT scanner, which was installed in 2015.

Starke Hospital, LLC Extends Lease with County

Posted on October 4, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

Starke County will continue to have a hospital for the foreseeable future. The lease between the county and Starke Hospital’s parent company, Tennessee-based Community Health Systems, expired at midnight on Friday, Sept. 30. Negotiations between the county and CHS over terms of a new lease abruptly ceased on Sept. 19. A deal would have cleared the way for construction of a new hospital on the existing site at the intersection of South Heaton Street and Culver Road in Knox.

Options for CHS included a 10-year extension of the current lease terms or a six-month notice of termination. Hospital officials issued this statement in response to an inquiry from WKVI News.

“After receiving word from county officials on Sept. 20 that they wished to end negotiations on a new lease, Starke Hospital Company, LLC., has extended the current lease for 10 years per the current agreement. We acknowledge that there will now be a delay in building a new hospital in Starke County, but are continuing to explore all options for building the new hospital.”

CHS Responds to Starke Hospital Lease Decision

Posted on September 20, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

Starke Hospital officials have responded to the county’s abrupt decision to cease negotiations for a new lease of the existing site. The commissioners’ unanimous decision means Tennessee-based Community Health Systems has until Sept. 30 to either renew the current lease for 10 years or exercise the six month notice of non-renewal.

CHS officials released this statement:

“We are disappointed in the decision by the County Commissioners not to move forward with plans at the current location and end lease negotiations. Nonetheless, we will continue to explore alternatives to develop a replacement facility for the residents of Starke County.”

Commissioners Pull Plug on Hospital Lease Negotiations with CHS

Posted on September 20, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

The fate of Starke Hospital is in question following action last night by the county commissioners. They voted unanimously to cease all negotiations with Tennessee-based Community Health Systems on a new lease for the building and land on which it sits.

“That means that the latest extension of the six-month notice period ends at midnight on Sept. 30th, and Community Health Systems may renew for an additional 10 year extension, or not, as per the current agreement,” Commissioner Kathy Norem said.

County attorney Marty Lucas will now notify CHS of the commissioners’ decision. If they not to renew the lease in its current form, they have to give the commissioners a six-month notice of their intent not to renew. Norem says that will dictate the county’s next steps.

The commissioners’ action comes amid reports that CHS is looking to sell its business. “Bloomberg” last Friday quoted anonymous sources “with knowledge of the matter” who said CHS has enlisted advisors to consider its options. The process is said to be in the early stages, with no certainty of a deal.

Negotiations between CHS and Starke County officials for a long-term lease to clear the way for construction of a new hospital apparently stalled last month, based on the abrupt cancellation at the request of hospital officials of three public meetings scheduled by the commissioners to share details of the proposed arrangement. The commissioners reluctantly granted the latest 30 day lease extension to give CHS time to request a tax abatement from the City of Knox. No formal request was ever made, according to city officials.

Last week officials confirmed the departure of Starke Hospital President Craig Felty but said it should not hamper the negotiating process.

The Bloomberg report notes the value of CHS stock has plummeted 75 percent in the past year. The company posted a second quarter net loss of $1.43 billion last month.

An agreement between IU Health LaPorte Hospital, Community Health Systems and Indiana University Health announced late last year gave Indiana University Health 20 percent ownership of IU Health LaPorte and Starke Hospitals. CHS subsidiaries own 80 percent, and IU Health shares in equal governance of the new organization.

Felty Leaves Starke Hospital, Lease Negotiations with County Continuing

Posted on September 14, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

Starke Hospital has a new interim chief executive officer. Hospital spokeswoman Stacey Kellogg released a statement to WKVI saying “We confirm that Craig Felty has left the organization, and wish him the best in his new endeavors. G. Thor Thordarson, CEO of La Porte Hospital, will serve as interim CEO at Starke Hospital until this position can be filled. We also have an interim Chief Nursing Officer in place to ensure there is no disruption in patient care or operations. Patients, safety and quality always come first, and this will not change.”

WKVI News also reached out to Felty, who declined comment. He was named president at then IU Health Starke Hospital in March of 2014, where he had served as an interim administrator since the previous December. Felty was named executive director of patient care services at IU Health Starke Hospital in January of 2011.

Chief Nursing Officer for LaPorte and Starke Hospitals was added to his job responsibilities in February of 2015. A chief nursing officer oversees the entire nursing department and ensures that patient-care, clinical and staffing standards are met.

Felty’s departure comes as Starke Hospital’s parent company, for-profit Tennessee-based Community Health Systems, is negotiating terms of a new lease for the existing hospital with Starke County government. The county owns the hospital and land on which it sits, but it is managed by CHS in partnership with IU Health.

They’re presently operating under a temporary extension of the existing hospital lease that is set to expire at the end of September. Starke County Attorney Marty Lucas says the county has been negotiating directly with CHS legal counsel and executives and does not anticipate an interruption to that process. He advised he cannot comment further due to the confidential nature of the negotiations. Kellogg also says the hospital does not expect an interruption in the negotiations for the lease agreement due to this change.

Hospital officials have yet to formally request a tax abatement from the city of Knox for the new hospital, which was cited as a reason to request the latest lease extension.

Starke Hospital Lease Negotiations Continuing

Posted on August 30, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI 

The Starke County Commissioners have reluctantly agreed to another 30 day extension of the Starke Hospital lease. The county owns the property and building at the corner of Culver Road and South Heaton Street, but the hospital is managed by Tennessee-based Community Health Systems. Their plans are to build a new hospital on the site and tear the current building down once it’s complete.

County attorney Marty Lucas says there are still a few sticking points between the county and hospital officials with regard to the proposed lease. The hospital negotiating team had asked the county for a 60 day extension. Lucas says they’re also waiting to hear whether the City of Knox will grant their request for a tax abatement.

The council and commissioners plan to meet in a joint executive session on Tuesday, Sept. 6th prior to the start of the regular commissioners meeting to discuss the lease, which has now been extended through Sept. 30th.