**Avera McKennan Hospital stands as a beacon of comprehensive healthcare in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, serving as the flagship facility of the esteemed Avera Health system.** Its century-long legacy of patient-centered care and commitment to community well-being has solidified its reputation as a trusted medical institution. More than just a building, it represents a deep-rooted dedication to healing and innovation. From advanced specialty services to critical emergency care, Avera McKennan is dedicated to providing an unparalleled healthcare experience, embodying the principles of expertise, authority, and trustworthiness that are paramount in the medical field. For anyone seeking top-tier medical attention in the upper Midwest, understanding the breadth and depth of services offered by this institution is crucial. This article will delve into what makes Avera McKennan a leading name in healthcare, exploring its history, services, commitment to safety, and its vital role within the community. ## Table of Contents 1. [The Enduring Legacy of Avera McKennan Hospital: A Century of Care](#the-enduring-legacy-of-avera-mckennan-hospital-a-century-of-care) 2. [Comprehensive Healthcare at Its Core: Services Offered at Avera McKennan Hospital](#comprehensive-healthcare-at-its-core-services-offered-at-avera-mckennan-hospital) * [Specialized Institutes and Centers within Avera McKennan](#specialized-institutes-and-centers-within-avera-mckennan) 3. [Avera McKennan's Emergency and Trauma Excellence](#avera-mckennans-emergency-and-trauma-excellence) 4. [Pioneering Behavioral Health and Addiction Care at Avera McKennan](#pioneering-behavioral-health-and-addiction-care-at-avera-mckennan) 5. [Navigating the Campus: Patient and Visitor Information for Avera McKennan Hospital](#navigating-the-campus-patient-and-visitor-information-for-avera-mckennan-hospital) * [Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Services](#physical-therapy-and-rehabilitation-services) 6. [Commitment to Quality and Patient Safety: How Avera McKennan Protects You](#commitment-to-quality-and-patient-safety-how-avera-mckennan-protects-you) 7. [Leadership and Governance: Guiding Avera Health's Vision](#leadership-and-governance-guiding-avera-healths-vision) 8. [The Broader Impact: Avera Health System's Reach](#the-broader-impact-avera-health-systems-reach) --- ## The Enduring Legacy of Avera McKennan Hospital: A Century of Care The story of **Avera McKennan Hospital** begins in 1911, rooted in a profound commitment to serving the community of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It was founded by the compassionate Presentation Sisters, whose vision laid the groundwork for what would become a cornerstone of healthcare in the region. What started as a community hospital, born from a desire to provide essential medical care, has evolved over more than a century into the flagship facility of the expansive Avera Health system. This journey from a modest beginning to a comprehensive acute care hospital serving the Minnehaha County area is a testament to its adaptability, growth, and unwavering dedication to patient well-being. Throughout its history, Avera McKennan has consistently adapted to the evolving needs of its patients and the advancements in medical science. This deep-seated commitment to progress, combined with its foundational values, has allowed it to remain at the forefront of healthcare delivery. The hospital's longevity and continued expansion are not merely about physical growth but reflect a sustained effort to enhance the quality and accessibility of medical services for the diverse communities it serves. Its legacy is built on countless individual stories of healing, recovery, and compassionate care, making it far more than just a medical institution – it is a vital part of the fabric of Sioux Falls and the broader upper Midwest. The hospital's deep roots in the community ensure that its services are not just clinically excellent but also culturally sensitive and responsive to local needs, fostering a profound sense of trust and reliability among its patient base. ## Comprehensive Healthcare at Its Core: Services Offered at Avera McKennan Hospital **Avera McKennan Hospital** is renowned for its comprehensive range of healthcare services, designed to address virtually every medical need. As a general medical and surgical facility, it offers both extensive inpatient and outpatient care, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate level of attention whether they require an overnight stay or a brief visit. The breadth of services extends from routine medical care to highly specialized medical offerings, all delivered with a focus on patient-centered outcomes. This commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed, as Avera McKennan has earned national recognition for its quality, a clear indicator of its adherence to the highest standards of medical practice. Patients seeking care at Avera McKennan benefit from a seamless integration of various departments and specialties. This includes access to a wide array of physician offices conveniently located on or near the main campus, facilitating easy consultations and follow-up appointments. Beyond the clinical services, the hospital also provides practical amenities such as lodging options for out-of-town patients and their families, ensuring comfort and convenience during what can often be a challenging time. The holistic approach to patient care at Avera McKennan means that every aspect of the patient's journey, from initial diagnosis to recovery and rehabilitation, is supported by a dedicated team of professionals and state-of-the-art facilities. This integrated model is crucial for complex cases, where collaboration across different medical disciplines can significantly improve patient outcomes and overall satisfaction. ### Specialized Institutes and Centers within Avera McKennan The main campus of **Avera McKennan Hospital** is a hub of specialized medical excellence, housing several dedicated institutes and centers that provide focused, advanced care. These facilities represent the hospital's commitment to offering in-depth expertise across various medical disciplines. * **Avera Cancer Institute:** This institute provides comprehensive cancer care, from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship programs, utilizing cutting-edge technology and a multidisciplinary team approach. * **Avera Surgery Center:** Equipped with advanced surgical suites, this center handles a wide range of surgical procedures, ensuring safe and effective interventions for various conditions. * **Center for Family Medicine:** Dedicated to primary care, this center serves as a crucial entry point into the healthcare system, offering preventive care, chronic disease management, and general health services for individuals and families. * **Transplant Center:** Located on the Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center campus in Sioux Falls, this center provides dedicated space and comprehensive organ services, specializing in kidney transplants and other vital organ services. * **Avera Medical Group 7th Avenue:** This facility brings together various medical specialties under one roof, offering convenient access to a diverse group of physicians and healthcare providers. * **Plaza Buildings (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5):** These interconnected plazas house a multitude of outpatient clinics, physician offices, and specialized services, including physical therapy services at the Plaza 5 building and Education Center, conveniently located near 21st Street and 7th Avenue. This integrated campus design ensures that patients can easily navigate between different services and appointments, minimizing stress and maximizing efficiency. ## Avera McKennan's Emergency and Trauma Excellence When medical emergencies strike, immediate and expert care is paramount. **Avera McKennan Hospital** stands as a cornerstone of emergency medical services in the region, recognized as a verified Level II Trauma Center. This designation signifies its capability to provide comprehensive trauma care for all injured patients, from evaluation and resuscitation to surgery and intensive care. The hospital's emergency department is staffed by a highly trained team, ready to respond to critical situations with speed and precision. Beyond the immediate on-site capabilities, Avera McKennan Emergency offers advanced resources that extend its reach and effectiveness. This includes the strategic use of telemedicine, allowing specialists to consult remotely and provide critical guidance, particularly in rural areas where immediate in-person expertise might be limited. Furthermore, the availability of air ambulance services ensures that patients from distant locations can be rapidly transported to the hospital, significantly reducing response times in life-threatening scenarios. The trauma team, based in Sioux Falls, SD, is a specialized group of experts dedicated to delivering trauma care starting from initial treatment through to recovery. This integrated approach ensures that patients with severe injuries receive the highest level of coordinated care. Complementing these services, the hospital provides robust laboratory and radiology services around the clock, enabling quick and accurate diagnoses that are crucial for effective emergency and trauma management. The synergy of these resources ensures that Avera McKennan is equipped to handle the most complex and time-sensitive medical emergencies, providing a critical safety net for the community. ## Pioneering Behavioral Health and Addiction Care at Avera McKennan Recognizing the critical importance of mental well-being and the growing challenge of addiction, **Avera McKennan Hospital** has significantly expanded its behavioral health services. The hospital offers comprehensive substance use treatment programs designed to help individuals overcome the complex issues associated with addiction. These services are delivered by experienced professionals who understand the multifaceted nature of behavioral health disorders and their often-accompanying substance use challenges. A significant new initiative in this area is the youth residential addiction care program, which is new to Avera and the state of South Dakota. This specialized program works to help young patients overcome addictions that often accompany behavioral health disorders, providing a structured and supportive environment for recovery. This forward-thinking approach addresses a crucial gap in care, offering hope and healing to a vulnerable population. Beyond addiction treatment, Avera McKennan Behavioral Hospital Services also encompass a wide range of education and counseling services. A notable offering is smoking/vaping/tobacco cessation counseling, providing vital support for individuals looking to break free from nicotine dependence. These services underscore Avera McKennan's holistic view of health, acknowledging that true well-being encompasses not only physical health but also mental and emotional stability. By integrating these critical services, the hospital ensures that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of their health, contributing to more sustainable recovery and improved quality of life. ## Navigating the Campus: Patient and Visitor Information for Avera McKennan Hospital Visiting a hospital, especially for the first time, can be daunting. **Avera McKennan Hospital** strives to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible for both patients and their visitors. Understanding the campus layout, parking options, and available amenities is key to a positive experience. The hospital provides comprehensive information to help individuals navigate its facilities, including detailed maps, clear directions, and helpful tips. The Avera McKennan campus is currently undergoing construction, which can impact parking and navigation. To assist, the hospital offers updated information on how to park on and around the campus. This includes a map highlighting various parking options, details on valet service hours, and locations of ramp and lot parking. For those preferring street parking, tips are also provided to guide visitors to available spots. Beyond parking, the hospital provides essential information regarding preregistration processes, patient privacy policies, and a comprehensive guide to services, amenities, and policies for patients and visitors. This includes specific visitor hours and general helpful information to ensure a comfortable and informed visit. The goal is to remove as much logistical burden as possible, allowing patients and their families to focus on what truly matters: health and recovery. ### Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Services Integral to the recovery process, **Avera McKennan Hospital** offers robust physical therapy and rehabilitation services. These services are conveniently located at the Plaza 5 building and Education Center, part of the expansive Avera McKennan campus. This dedicated facility is easily accessible, situated near the intersection of 21st Street and 7th Avenue in Sioux Falls. The physical therapy team at Avera McKennan works with patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or those managing chronic conditions, helping them regain strength, mobility, and independence. The state-of-the-art facilities and experienced therapists provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's needs, ensuring the most effective path to recovery. The proximity of these services to the main hospital campus means seamless coordination of care, allowing for easy transitions from acute care to rehabilitation. This integrated approach ensures that patients receive continuous support throughout their healing journey, from initial treatment to long-term recovery and improved functional abilities. ## Commitment to Quality and Patient Safety: How Avera McKennan Protects You In healthcare, nothing is more critical than patient safety and the quality of care delivered. **Avera McKennan Hospital** has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to these principles, earning national recognition for its unwavering dedication to excellence. This recognition is not merely an accolade but a reflection of the rigorous standards and proactive measures implemented to ensure the best possible outcomes for every patient. The hospital employs a variety of strategies to protect its patients from errors, infections, injuries, and accidents. Key among these is the implementation of safe surgery checklists, a vital tool that ensures all necessary steps are followed before, during, and after surgical procedures, significantly reducing the risk of complications. Beyond surgical safety, Avera McKennan is continuously striving for better performance across all departments, regularly reviewing protocols and outcomes to identify areas for improvement. The commitment to quality is further evidenced by its ratings: Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center in Sioux Falls, SD, is rated high performing in 2 adult specialties and 8 procedures and conditions. This external validation underscores the hospital's consistent ability to deliver superior care in complex medical areas. By focusing on transparent practices, continuous improvement, and robust safety protocols, Avera McKennan instills confidence in its patients, assuring them that their health and well-being are the absolute top priority. This proactive and transparent approach to quality and safety is a cornerstone of its trustworthiness and authority in the healthcare landscape. ## Leadership and Governance: Guiding Avera Health's Vision The success and direction of a large healthcare system like Avera Health, with **Avera McKennan Hospital** at its core, are profoundly shaped by its leadership and governance. Avera Health is guided by a dedicated team of professionals who oversee its strategic vision, operational efficiency, and commitment to quality care. This leadership structure ensures that the system remains responsive to community needs while navigating the complex landscape of modern healthcare. The Avera leadership team includes key figures such as the President and CEO, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Executive Vice Presidents (EVPs), and Senior Vice Presidents (SVPs). Each plays a crucial role in shaping the organization's policies, fostering innovation, and maintaining its high standards of patient care. Overseeing this executive team is the Avera Health Board of Directors, a group of experienced individuals who provide strategic oversight and ensure accountability. For those interested in the operational and financial health of the institution, resources like the American Hospital Directory provide a free profile report for Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center (Sioux Falls, SD), offering valuable operational data and financial information. This transparency reflects Avera's commitment to accountability and its robust management practices, which are essential for maintaining a stable and thriving healthcare system. The strength of its leadership is a direct contributor to the continued growth and impact of Avera McKennan and the broader Avera Health network. ## The Broader Impact: Avera Health System's Reach While **Avera McKennan Hospital** serves as the flagship, it is an integral part of the much larger Avera Health system, which extends its reach across a vast geographical area in the upper Midwest. This expansive network ensures that high-quality healthcare is accessible to numerous communities, not just in Sioux Falls. The system's comprehensive footprint allows for coordinated care and resource sharing, benefiting patients across multiple states. Avera Health operates hospitals and clinics in various cities beyond Sioux Falls, including Aberdeen, Yankton, Mitchell, Marshall, and Pierre, among others. This widespread presence means that patients throughout Avera's upper Midwest communities can access a continuum of care, from primary services to specialized treatments, often without having to travel great distances. The system's ability to connect these various facilities and leverage collective expertise means that even smaller community clinics can benefit from the advanced resources and knowledge housed at Avera McKennan. This interconnectedness is a testament to Avera Health's mission to serve the needs of patients wherever they reside, ensuring that the high standards of care exemplified by Avera McKennan are replicated and supported across the entire network. The synergy within the Avera Health system strengthens its ability to provide comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality medical care to a broad population, reinforcing its role as a leading healthcare provider in the region. ## Conclusion **Avera McKennan Hospital** stands as a testament to enduring quality, compassionate care, and continuous innovation in the healthcare landscape of the upper Midwest. From its humble beginnings in 1911 as a community hospital founded by the Presentation Sisters, it has evolved into the flagship facility of the Avera Health system, offering a vast array of comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services. Its national recognition for quality, status as a Level II Trauma Center, and pioneering efforts in behavioral health and addiction care underscore its unwavering commitment to patient well-being. The hospital's dedication to safety, its transparent approach to patient information, and the robust leadership guiding its vision all contribute to its reputation as a trusted and authoritative medical institution. Avera McKennan is more than just a hospital; it is a vital community asset, continually adapting to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Sioux Falls and the broader region. We encourage you to explore the extensive services offered by Avera McKennan Hospital and the Avera Health system, whether you are seeking specialized medical care, emergency services, or simply wish to learn more about a leading healthcare provider. Your health is paramount, and understanding the resources available to you is the first step towards informed decisions. If you have had experiences with Avera McKennan or have further questions, please feel free to leave a comment below or share this article with others who might benefit from this information.
