House of the Dove can now take acute patients

The new House of the Dove facility is enabling Ministry Health Care’s hospice team inMarshfieldto provide a higher level of care to more patients with terminal illnesses.

Ministry Home Care recently received word from the State ofWisconsinthat the facility is now licensed for acute inpatient care, with a 12-bed capacity. The facility, which was built to meet the inpatient codes, opened last May after a community-wide fundraising campaign. However, only residential hospice patients –those not needing a complex level of care--could utilize the House of the Dove until this approval was received.

“This is a level of care that is a step up from what we had been offering at the old House of the Dove,” said Trish Thumann, Hospice Director. “We can now provide the same level of care as a hospital, treating hospice patients who need acute care. This may include patients with insulin requirements for diabetes, IV therapy, intense symptom management or those needing complex wound care.”

The licensure also makes it more convenient for patients. “Prior to this licensure, patients who developed acute medical problems needed to be transferred to Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital for care, then transferred back here after those problems were addressed,” said Thumann. “Now, they can get the care they need without leaving our facility.”

Specifically, the House of the Dove is now staffed with a certified registered nurse available at all times, as well Palliative Medicine physicians who will round daily on those patients who require acute inpatient care. In addition, the facility was constructed with an upgraded oxygen system and built in suction capabilities for patients such as individuals with a tracheotomy.

“The need for acute and respite care for hospice patients has grown tremendously,” said Thumann. “This licensure enables us to continue our strong tradition of providing the best professional and compassionate care to people with terminal illnesses.

“Add to that all the comforts of home, such as larger rooms with private bathrooms and patios, provisions to care for infants and children needing hospice services, and space for family gatherings and accommodations, the new House of the Dove truly leads the way in caring for people during the most difficult times of their lives,” added Thumann.