Dec29

HaysMed Foundation Hires New Development Officer

HAYS, Kan. (December 29, 2015) Andy Stanton will assume the new position of Development Officer with the HaysMed Foundation starting January 4, 2016.

Stanton has served as a marketing specialist for Eagle Communications for nearly six years. Previously, he was an Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at Fort Hays State University and Director of Convention and Visitors Bureau for Dodge City. Stanton received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Communication from Fort Hays State University. Stanton and his wife, Dana, have three children and have lived in the Hays community for more than 10 years.

“HaysMed relies on philanthropic support to help with the rising expenditures for capital equipment and the cost of specialized care,” stated Ruth Heffel, Foundation Executive Director. “This new position will help us expand our efforts so HaysMed can continue to offer quality healthcare throughout western Kansas.”

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the HaysMed Foundation plays an important role in the growth, expansion and level of quality healthcare provided in western Kansas by HaysMed and its clinics. The Foundation’s singular purpose is to ensure that HaysMed’s ability to offer quality healthcare continues and is carried out for generations.

Through the philanthropic efforts of dedicated donors and volunteers, the Foundation has raised funds for the acquisition of equipment to improve patient care, implementation of new programs to enhance efficiency, and growth in the breadth of services HaysMed provides to patients and families in western Kansas.

Dec29

Saturday Kids Fitness Bootcamp Offered at HaysMed

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,The Center News

HAYS, Kan. (Dec,. 29, 2015) The Center for Health Improvement will offer for the first time a seven week Saturday fitness bootcamp for kids. The program is for children ages 8-12; includes fun fitness activities that keep them active and moving during the winter months.

Participants will be guided through a weekly circuit workout and experience various group fitness classes at the end of each session. The Center will provide a positive environment and encourage kids to lead an active lifestyle. Weekly exercise/nutrition homework will be sent home encouraging families to lead healthy lives together.

Participants will be required to attend an initial fitness test and will be completed either Jan. 16^th or Jan. 23^rd at 10:30am. Children will report for “Active Duty” each Saturday beginning January 30^th – March 12^th from 10:30am-12pm. All activities will be held at The Center for Health Improvement Gymnasium.

The registration fee is $65 for all seven sessions plus the fitness testing. Drop in fees are also available for $12 for each session attended. Space is limited.

To register go to haysmed.com/the-center/kids-fit-club/bootcamp

Dec29

HaysMed Nurse Earns Advanced Board Certification

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Copy of Mattison Joyce 2015

HAYS, Kan. (December 29, 2015) Joyce Mattison, RN, MSN recently earned Nurse Executive, Advanced Board Certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The certification is for nurses who hold administrative leadership roles in their organizations. The test consists of questions about operational structure and processes, exemplary professional practice, transformational leadership and new knowledge and innovations in nursing.

Mattison is the Director of InPatient Services at HaysMed and has been with the hospital since 1982. She has worked on several clinical units and held different administrative positions at the hospital during her time at HaysMed.

Dec18

HaysMed Establishes Patient and Family Advisory Team

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

HAYS, Kan. (December 18, 2015) HaysMed recently held its inaugural Patient Family Advisory Team meeting. The team is made up volunteers from the community as well as staff members. The team was created to serve as a sounding board for ideas, suggestions and issues around the care and operation of the hospital.

“The development of the Patient and Family Advisory Team demonstrates HaysMed’s commitment to giving patients and their families the best possible experience when they are in our health system,” Said Melanie Urban, Director of Patient Quality Services at HaysMed. “Patients and families are in a unique position to provide feedback on all aspects of our services and hopefully give us information on areas we can improve.”

The Patient Family Advisory Team complements the hospital’s efforts to enhance quality and safety and ensure a patient-centered approach to care in the communities it serves. “The insights gained from those who have been on the receiving end of healthcare will improve the overall care provided, and more importantly, the outcomes,” noted Urban.

As the Team continues to meet and engage in discussion over the coming months, the hospital will rely on the feedback from this group to implement their ideas and take action on issues and growth opportunities.

“A great hospital must be responsive to the community it serves,” said Urban. “By involving patients and family members in our strategic conversations about healthcare and having them provide insightful feedback about their experiences, we can better understand their needs and augment how we deliver safe, high quality care.”

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Dec17

Wanda Smith first graduate of St. Rose cardiac rehab program

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Cardiac Rehab story Dec 2015-Wanda Smith 003
Wanda Smith exercises on a treadmill at St. Rose Health Center’s new cardiac rehab facility, while Mike Penn, R.N., monitors her progress

If someone says cardiac rehab is not worth the effort, Wanda Smith has a succinct response.

“Then make plans to shorten your life,” the 57-year-old Great Bend woman said.

Smith is the first graduate of the new cardiac rehab program on St. Rose Health Center’s second floor; it is adjacent to Great Bend Internists.

She acknowledged that she was apprehensive at first but noted she is a glass-half-full kind of gal.

“I admit I was reluctant at first but everyone was fantastic,” she said. “I’m as happy as a pea in a pod; I’m on top of the world. I feel 100 percent better than I have ever felt in my entire life.

“I owe all this to the doctors and nurses at St. Rose and Hays Medical Center,” she added. “They are all wonderful.”

HaysMed and Centura Health co-own St. Rose.

Smith’s journey to cardiac rehab began in April this year when she underwent pre-testing for bladder/hernia surgery.

“They found out that I had had a heart attack at some point,” Smith said. “And I didn’t know it.”

A heart catheterization followed and ultimately triple-bypass surgery was performed at HaysMed. Dr. Elizabeth Ashworth, cardiothoracic vascular surgeon, performed the bypass Sept. 11 and Smith was released from the hospital five days later.

The next stop was cardiac rehab at St. Rose where Smith exercised on the treadmill, stationary bike and stair-stepper; she also used three-pound weights. Smith participated Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for six weeks.

“I actually miss going to rehab,” she commented. “Everyone there was easy to talk to and not judgmental. They were as supportive as my husband, Gary, and my daughter, Jennie.”

Even though Smith wants to return to work as a Countryside Vet groomer, she has to wait for Dr. Darrell Werth, urologist, to give the okay. He performed the bladder surgery Nov. 23 at HaysMed to treat Smith’s original concern.

“I really miss everyone at Countryside; they have all been so understanding,” Smith said. “I hope to return in January.”

Mike Penn, R.N., cardiac rehab coordinator, noted that Smith’s positive attitude was a big part of her recovery.

“Wanda’s outlook on life lent itself to the progress she made each time she came to rehab,” Penn said. “She is a hard worker and knew rehab was important to getting on with her life and feeling good.”

Smith is exercising regularly, which pleases Penn to no end. “Wanda understands the importance of follow-through,” he explained. “Very few people get enough exercise at work or around the house. They often don’t realize the goal is to reach their heartbeat target range for 30 to 60 minutes three to five times a week.

“Rehab is important not just for the few weeks patients are here,” he continued. “I emphasize they need to make exercise a regular part of their lives. Walking is God’s gift to those with heart issues.”

St. Rose specializes in primary care, prevention and wellness. Services include St. Rose Family Medicine, Convenient Care Walk-in Clinic, Great Bend Internists, imaging, Special Nursing Services, WellnessWorks, one-day surgical procedures, Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice and a comprehensive Specialty Clinic. St. Rose is co-owned by Hays Medical Center and Centura Health

Dec16

Athletes get edge

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Orthopedic Institute News,The Center News

Copy of 2015-12-14 18.06.06 By Maggie Gebhardt
Hays Daily News
December 14, 2015

Hays Medical Center’s Athletic Edge training program began its winter session Monday at HaysMed’s Center for Health Improvement.

Eight athletes from different schools attended the first night to participate in drills designed to enhance athletic ability and improve strength, speed, agility and mental focus.

The program has been in place for years, and has served athletes from age 10 through college from areas including Hays, Victoria, Ellis, Stockton and LaCrosse, to name a few.

Shawn Landers, certified athletic trainer at HaysMed, instructs the group. Landers has led the program since it first started, and said its benefits help athletes reach personal goals while keeping them on track outside of their sport seasons.

“We may do different conditioning based on the sport you’re involved with,” Landers said. “I try to base the workouts around individual goals, but also off what the group as a whole is looking for.”

Speed, agility, balance and strength were just a few of the focuses during Monday’s session.

Using an agility ladder, medicine balls, resistance bands, weights and other equipment, athletes pushed themselves to perform at the best of their abilities.

Sisters Madison Prough, senior at Hays High, and Cassidy Prough, eighth-grader at Hays Middle School, teamed up for many of the challenges. Both said they have participated in Athletic Edge before.

“It helps keep me strong and by being strong you don’t get injured as much,” Madison Prough said. “It’s also helped with my agility and speed over the years.

“For volleyball, I have to be fast.”

The Hays High senior said she has committed to playing volleyball for Fort Hays State University next year.

Her sister, Cassidy, who plays both volleyball and softball, said speed was the main benefit for her.

“It’s helped me get a lot faster and it keeps me in good shape,” she said.

Thomas More Prep-Marian freshman Ryan Hernandez, a football player, said he has goals to improve both his speed and footwork.

“It helps with line drills and in games,” he said. “You’ll get better at what you want to do.”

Athletic Edge offers both gym workouts with no weight training, and weight training in addition to the conditioning. The options can be tailored to an athlete’s needs, according to Landers.

Athletes who enter the program sometimes have different goals and interests in mind. Some join in hope of improving skills enough to gain more playing time during the season, but some have no interest in sports and simply want to take part in the workout.

“Gaining self confidence and feeling stronger is what it’s about,” Landers said.

For the next few weeks, athletes can still sign up to join in on the winter session, which is held Mondays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m. The summer session will start at the beginning of June.

To sign up, or for questions or additional information, call Landers at (785) 623-6369 or email shawn.landers@haysmed.com.

Dec11

Xtreme Zone After School Fitness Program Taking Registrations

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,The Center News

HAYS, Kan. (December 11, 2015) The Center for Health Improvement will once again offer the Xtreme Zone After School Fitness Program. The program is for children ages 6 -12 includes fitness activities, pool time, gym time, outdoor and skills play and nutritional snacks to keep your children healthy and fit.

The program runs Monday through Friday from 3:40 pm – 5:35 pm from January 5 through May 15. Transportation is provided from your child’s school by USD 489. There is a $30 non refundable registration fee per child enrolled. The daily fees are $5.50 for the first child and $3.75 for each additional child. The after school program is open the same days USD 489 operates.

To register go to https://haysmed.com/the-center/kids-fit-club/extreme-zone/

Dec3

Athletic Edge Training Offered at HaysMed

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Orthopedic Institute News,The Center News

The winter session of the Athletic Edge at HaysMed is scheduled to begin December 14. The Athletic Edge is a training program for athletes 10 years through college that helps improve speed, strength and enhances athletic ability. It is designed for any athlete regardless of their ability level.

Each athlete starts out with a performance evaluation. The results are used by the staff to develop a customized workout that is designed to work on areas for improvement. “Unless athletes know their current level of ability, it is impossible to realistically create goals and monitor progress.” said Shawn Landers, Athletic Trainer at HaysMed Sports Medicine. “Our program identifies areas the athlete can improve.”

Classes are held on Monday and Thursdays from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm and on Saturdays from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the Center for Health Improvement at HaysMed.

There are two programs available. Program one includes the first hour gym workout only with no weight training and is $150. The second option is the full two hour gym workout plus individualized weight training for $225. Multiple child discounts for families are available.

According to Landers, many athletes use this training to earn varsity playing time, starting roles or for a greater appreciation for the benefits of regular exercise.

Registrations are accepted through December 14. For more information or to register call 785-623-6369 or contact Landers at shawn.landers@haysmed.com or register online at https://haysmed.com/the-center/athletic-edge/

Nov23

HaysMed Nurse Obtains Certification

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Seib Jessica

HAYS, Kan. (Nov 23, 2015) – Jessica Seib, RN, BSN at HaysMed was recently certified as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

International Board Certified Lactation Consultants function and contribute as members of the maternal-child health team. They provide care in a variety of settings, while making appropriate referrals to other health professionals and community support resources. Working together with mothers, families, policymakers and society, IBCLC certificants provide expert breastfeeding and lactation care, promote changes that support breastfeeding and help reduce the risks of not breastfeeding. At least 90 hours of lactation specific education that was completed as well as a minimum of 1000 hours of lactation specific clinical practice that was obtained prior to applying for the IBLCE examination.

Seib is the OB/Pediatrics Staff Development Coordinator and has been with HaysMed since 2000.

Nov18

HaysMed plans events to raise money, awareness about hospice

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Upcoming Events

2015 Christmas Photo reduced
Staff members at Hospice & Palliative Care at HaysMed are planning fundraising events to support families during difficult times. From left to right are: Ruth Legleiter, Sue Noll, Helen Windholz, Regina Borthwick,
Myrna Kober and Tonia Houghton

Since Sue Noll and her Hays Medical Center colleagues realize there are misconceptions about hospice care, they are helping organize public events to raise awareness and much-needed funds.

Noll is supervisor of Hospice & Palliative Care at HaysMed, which has offered services for 30 years. Its territory is Ellis, Rooks, Rush and Russell counties.

“We want the community to learn more about this special care for terminally ill patients and their families,” Noll said. “Our hospice team of professionals and volunteers care for those in the last phases of an incurable disease.

“Our mission is to help them live comfortably in full accordance with their values and beliefs,” she added.

To relay this message, HaysMed sponsors Community Memory Trees and will participate in the Dec. 6 All American Breakfast at the American Legion.

Memory trees will display brass doves etched with the name of a person being honored or remembered. They will be located in the HaysMed Miller Medical Pavilion and the Dessin Fournir building in Plainville from Nov. 23 through Jan. 4.

The minimum suggested donation is $20 per dove. Request forms are available at physician clinics, HaysMed waiting rooms and at the hospital’s website – haysmed.com/hospice. Forms also may be requested by calling the hospice office, 785-623-6200.

The special annual breakfast also will benefit families because a percentage of advance ticket prices will be earmarked for HaysMed hospice. Adult tickets are $8 or 8.50 at the door; ages 12 and under are $3.50; and ages 5 and under are free. Call the office for tickets.

A craft and bake sale will be available at the breakfast too.

The money raised is used locally to help the hospice team support patients and families at a difficult time, Noll said.

The team includes the patient’s primary-care physician, hospice medical director, nurses, social worker, chaplain, therapists and volunteers. Services may be offered in a private home, nursing home or assisted-living center.

“We tailor services to individual needs,” Noll said. “The patient’s primary-care physician orders medication, treatments and other services. Some hospice visits are scheduled, while others are on an as-needed basis. Our nurses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Because the team consists of many professionals, Noll commented, hospice offers physical, spiritual and emotional care.

“We address physical symptoms such as pain, nausea and breathing problems,” she said. “Hospice also collaborates with the patient’s own clergy to address spiritual care. And our social worker is here for emotional and grief-related issues.”

Noll strongly encouraged anyone with questions about these services to contact their local hospice.

“We want to address any concerns they have,” Noll said. “When a loved one is facing death, there is fear and anxiety. Our team can support them through the last months and days.”

People of any age may be eligible for hospice when their doctor estimates a life expectancy of six or fewer months and they are no longer receiving curative treatments.

Medicare, KanCare and most private insurance cover hospice. “But we care for people regardless of insurance coverage,” Noll said.

“Hospice pays for medications, and medical supplies and equipment related to the terminal prognosis,” Noll continued, noting patients use the pharmacy of their choice. “A patient can discontinue hospice any time and come back if they qualify.”

In addition, hospice offers inpatient care for up to five days at a time when a caregiver needs a break.

“Our team also provides bereavement care for 15 months, which includes one-on-one contacts, mailings and support groups,” Noll said. “We have a memorial service every six months and invite families to celebrate their loved ones’ lives.”

The supervisor noted that volunteers receive training and on-going education. They visit patients and run errands, and help with bereavement, fund-raising activities and other services.

“We are hoping for a good response to our fund-raising events,” Noll said. “In addition to sharing information about services, we want the community to know that we often hear wonderful feedback from families. They send us thank-you notes, and make phone calls and visits to our office. One hundred percent of those who respond to our surveys say they would recommend hospice services.”

The staff is available for community presentations about services, end-of-life issues, advance directives and grief.

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