News

Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital and Clinics is excited to announce the addition of state-of-the-art robotic-assisted general/gynecology surgery to its portfolio of specialty services.

The addition is the latest in a long line of new services St. Joe’s has brought to the community since taking occupancy of its new hospital and clinic facility in June 2020. New services have included the addition of chiropractic care, robotic-assisted knee surgery, oncology, and audiology.

The new robotic-assisted general/gynecology surgery service is possible thanks to the addition of a Da Vinci Xi robotic surgery system from international medical manufacturer Intuitive—a system that has set the standard as the most widely used multiport robotic surgery system in the world.

“The system allows for even greater control and precision when performing surgery,” says Layne Hammer, RN, manager of specialty and surgery at Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital and Clinics. “We describe this new service as robotic assisted because the surgeon is still controlling the robot from within the operating room.”

“There’s two main pieces to the system. One is a “patient cart” which sits over the patient and has four “arms” which house a broad range of precision tools, scopes, and instruments for a large variety of surgical procedures. The second piece is a “surgeon console” where the surgeon is seated. The surgeon controls the patient cart from the console using crystal clear, magnified 3DHD visioning. This provides the surgeon with greater control and an enhanced view of the surgical site, resulting in better surgical outcomes for patients.”

“We’re very excited to be able to bring this technology to our rural community,” says Kristie McCoic, administrator of Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital and Clinics. “We are among the first 100 critical access hospitals in the nation to offer this state-of-the-art technology.”

Did you know that 1 in 10 adults worldwide has diabetes? Whether you or someone you love is affected by diabetes, understanding the risks and taking steps for prevention, early detection, and treatment can make all the difference.

Mile Bluff’s Diabetes Education Team will be hosting information tables to help answer your questions and provide tips for managing and preventing diabetes. Don’t miss this opportunity to speak with the team and get valuable resources to help manage diabetes more effectively.

They will be set up in front of the following businesses located in Mauston.

Dollar Tree, located at 754 N. Union Street on:

• Monday, October 21, from 10:30 am to 12:30

Walgreens, located at 403 Gateway Avenue on:

• Tuesday, October 22, from 10:30 am to 12:30

For more information, call 608-847-1848.

To see more events like this, check out the upcoming events page at milebluff.com.

If you are looking for answers and tips on how to live your life to the fullest while managing diabetes, plan to attend this month’s Diabetes Connect. This is a great way to get plugged into all you need to know about diabetes. At this informative and engaging monthly discussion, Mile Bluff’s team of experts will be available to cover a variety of key topics, while you’ll also have the opportunity to connect with others and get tips from those on a similar health journey.

This event is free and open to everyone, including individuals with pre-diabetes and diabetes, as well as their loved ones and caregivers. Whether you’re looking to improve your diabetes management or gain a deeper understanding of the condition, these events offer valuable insight toward living your best, and healthiest, life.

The next discussion will be held on Thursday, November 7 at 1 pm at Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston.

Registration is not required to attend. A virtual option is also available (please call 1 week in advance for details).

For more information, call 608-847-1848.

To see more events like this, check out the upcoming events page at milebluff.com.

In order to lead a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to take control of your health. Knowing your specific risks for developing heart disease and diabetes can help you be proactive in making healthier life choices. 

Attend the health fair at Mile Bluff Medical Center, Thursday, October 17 from 7 to 11 am. Free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings will be available. Lipid profile tests will also be available for only $20. This test measures your good cholesterol, bad cholesterol, and triglycerides. Fasting is optional.

Once your tests are completed, Mile Bluff’s healthcare professionals will review your results with you, and tell you what they mean. You may also be given tips and resources to help reduce your risk for developing diabetes and heart disease. Results will be sent to your primary care provider.

The information you receive from these tests, along with the educational tools you will be given, are important steps in positively impacting your health.

Appointments are required for all services, so call 608-847-1845 to reserve your spot today!

Mile Bluff Medical Center is located at 1050 Division Street in Mauston.

To see more events like this, check out the upcoming events page at milebluff.com.