Jun1

HaysMed Nurse Recognized with Daisy Award

Hays, Kansas – Helen Windholz, RN, Hospice Nurse was recently recognized as a Daisy Award winner at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System.

This award is presented to an RN in deep appreciation of all that they do, who they are, and the incredible meaningful difference that they have made in the lives of so many people. Helen was nominated by a family member of one of her patients. were recognized as HaysMed DAISY Award Winners.

Windholz was selected from a group of blinded nominations voted on by the HaysMed Practice Committee. The Practice Committee consists of Staff and Supervisors from a variety of departments across HaysMed. Nominations are received from patients and family members, physicians, volunteers and Associates for nurses in inpatient, outpatient and clinic settings.

“Her nomination epitomizes teamwork, leadership and customer service,” said Terry Siek, VP of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at HaysMed. “We are so fortunate to have nurses of her caliber and dedication working at HaysMed.”

The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. HaysMed is proud to be a DAISY Award Hospital Partner, recognizing one of our nurses with this special honor every quarter.

To nominate a HaysMed nurse for the DAISY Award online, go to www.haysmed.com/daisyaward. If you have questions, you can call 785.623.2388

May26

00

HaysMed Initiates NEW Changes to Visitation and Mask Requirements

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Hays – HayMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System is working closely with local, state and federal health officials to control spread and provide needed care during the COVID-19 Pandemic. We have done so while continuing to safely meet the primary, specialty and emergency healthcare needs of our patients and their families. Our top priority is keeping our patients, visitors and staff safe.

To that end we have made some changes to our visitation policy and are implementing universal mask requirements based on CDC guidelines.

Visitation Changes

*Effective Wednesday, July 15 at 6:00 a.m.

*Only 1 visitor per patient per day will be allowed inside the facility from 8:00 am – 8:30 pm. No visitors will be allowed to enter after 8:30 pm.

Visitation Reminders

Hospital Visitors

*Patients and visitors must use Entrance B, which is located at the Miller Pavilion from 6:00 am – 8:30 pm for hospital access.
*Patients must use the Emergency Entrance from 8:30 pm – 6:00 am

*All patients must use Entrance E at Bickle/Eagle Health Complex (The Center for Health Improvement) for Orthopedic, Outpatient Rehab, Surgery, and Cardiac Rehab Services.

* Temperature screenings upon entry into our facilities will continue. When you enter the hospital, you will be directed to a screening station where someone will take your temperature. This process will include health system employees. Every person arriving at our facilities must receive a temperature screening before entering. Visitors and staff with a temperature will not be allowed in the facility.

* Valet parking at our main campus has closed. Between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. we will be happy to meet you with a wheelchair at your vehicle and assist you to and from your appointment. Please enter the drive thru at Entrance B and someone will assist you.

Clinic Visitors

1 support person is allowed
Any visitor who has a fever or other cold or flu-like symptoms will not be allowed in the facilities
Unless you have a scheduled pediatrics appointment, visitors under age 14 will not be allowed in the clinic until further notice.

Universal Mask Requirements

Masks are now required for patients, visitors and staff. As we work together to preserve health and safety for our health system and communities, we require all patients, visitors and staff to wear masks. It’s a necessity of our new normal that certainly feels different, but guidelines from the CDC indicate wearing a barrier mask provides a measure of protection for all of us. This change aligns with both state and local guidelines in requiring all individuals to wear a mask in public. Simple acts such as breathing, talking, sneezing and coughing are all ways the virus may spread.

We ask that you bring your own mask, however, if you do not have one you will be provided one when you enter our facilities and are screened.

We know this may be an inconvenience, but our priority is keeping our patients, visitors and staff safe and healthy. These are unprecedented times and we are staying abreast of the situation and taking precautions accordingly.

If you are feeling ill and have the following symptoms:

*Fever

*Coughing

*Shortness of breath

Or have:

* Been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19

*Have traveled to an area with sustained transmissions

Contact your doctor’s office or call the COVID-19 Hotline at 877-261-7140.

Call before you arrive at your doctor’s office.

Do not go to the Emergency Department unless instructed by your doctor.

Our team treats patients with several respiratory illnesses every day. We have the training, tools and techniques in place to isolate and care for patients who are potentially at risk for COVID-19 following the guidelines identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit:

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Or your local county or city health department

May20

00

The Care You Need, Available Now at HaysMed

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Most of us know we should watch for symptoms of COVID-19: fever, cough and difficulty breathing. And if we have symptoms, we should call our doctor. But what if we have other healthcare needs?

HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System is seeing and scheduling patients. Please do not delay in obtaining medical care for routine, specialty or chronic needs. We are committed to the safety of our patients and staff in providing timely, quality care – during the pandemic and always.

You can seek our care with confidence. To safeguard our patients, visitors and staff, we have made some changes to the services we offer – and the way we offer them.

Here’s a handy guide to help you understand your options for receiving care unrelated to COVID-19 during the pandemic and beyond.

Emergency Care

Our Emergency Department (ED) has remained open and available throughout the pandemic. Call 911 or go to the ED if you have:

Traumatic injury, including severe burns and compound fractures
Heart attack or chest pain
Stroke or symptoms of stroke
Difficulty breathing
Exposure to poison
Concern for brain injury or concussion

In-Person Appointments

Certain appointments require in-person visits. Contact your healthcare provider’s office to see if your need requires an in-person appointment. Some of the many needs that require a traditional visit include:

Cancer treatments
Injuries such as tendon or ligament tears, non-compound fractures, etc.
Prenatal appointments
Chronic illnesses, especially those that require regular blood tests

If your care does require an in-person appointment, know that our health system is taking precautions to keep you safe. We have a designated unit for COVID-19 patients, so you will not be exposed to patients who are known to have COVID-19. . For most patients, zero visitors are allowed. Exceptions include:

*1 parent or guardian for patients younger than 18

*1 support person for patients with disabilities or impairments.

We may even ask you to wait in your car, rather than in a waiting room, and will check you in by phone so you can bypass the front desk.

We also offer telehealth follow-up appointments for many healthcare needs. You can receive follow-up care without leaving your home.

Telehealth

Many routine and chronic healthcare needs can be met using telehealth, which electronically connects a care provider with a patient. Telehealth is a convenient, efficient option to address many healthcare needs including, for example:

A prescription for allergy symptoms, rashes and other conditions
Ongoing management of diabetes, heart disease, cancer survivorship and other chronic conditions
Psychiatry and behavioral health appointments, such as counseling for anxiety and depression
Primary care appointments

There are several types of telehealth visits. Our scheduling team can help you plan the right one based on your medical needs and your technology capabilities.

A telehealth video visit offers live communication between you and your provider and requires your device to have audio and video.
A telephone visit allows you to receive care in phone communication with your provider.
An e-visit allows established adult patients to receive care from a nurse practitioner by smartphone or computer.

Surgery

HaysMed postponed many surgeries due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Delaying non urgent procedures helped us make important preparations for COVID-19 care. We continued to perform essential surgeries and now are thoughtfully, gradually rescheduling those that were delayed.

As we reconnect with patients to plan their procedures, we are considering a number of factors. We are first scheduling surgical patients who require only local or regional anesthesia and who do not require an overnight hospital stay. We are evaluating the surgical staff needed for each surgery or procedure and ensuring we can observe physical distancing. We are also evaluating how to best protect patients and staff with personal protective equipment (PPE) during interaction in closer spaces.

We have implemented a variety of important process changes.

We continue our no-visitors policy with limited exceptions.
We require a COVID-19 test for patients prior to having surgery for both patient and staff safety and to achieve the best outcome. We prefer such test to be completed within 48 hours of the surgery and patients are expected to self-quarantine for 48 hours after testing.
We screen all who enter our facilities, including employees, and take temperatures.
We continue to practice safety guidelines including use of PPE, hand hygiene and physical distancing – such as reduced time in waiting areas, spacing seating at least 6 feet apart and managing patient volumes.

Always here for you

Our care team is here for you – before, during and after this pandemic. Call your provider’s office to describe your need and work with our scheduling team to determine the best visit type for you. Routine and chronic care is important. We are here to provide it safely and effectively.

Apr20

00

HaysMed Now Seeing Patients Using Telehealth

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute,Emergency Department News,Family Medicine,HaysMed News,Orthopedic Institute News,Pediatrics

Hays, Kansas –HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, has begun using telehealth to see patients in their clinics to help increase patient safety and decrease the spread of COVID-19.

Telehealth, or virtual visits, provide a safe, convenient, high quality care in the comfort of your home. There are two types of virtual visits; one is conducted using the telephone and the other is a video visit that uses your home computer or a mobile device such as a laptop, smartphone or tablet with a camera and speaker.

Using a virtual visit allows patients to go ahead with scheduled office visits without having to come into contact with others. It is a safe choice for chronically ill patients as it decreases their risk of exposure to potential illness. A virtual visit is also used for patients who think they may have the novel corona virus or have had a positive screen for the virus.

If you have an appointment coming up the healthcare team will contact you to confirm your appointment, modify your appointment to a telehealth visit or reschedule non-urgent appointments for a later date. Patients do not have to be established with a provider in order to schedule a virtual visit.

You will need an account on the MyHaysMed Patient Portal to utilize telehealth visits. If you are using the video visit option you will need to download the Meditech MHealth app on your mobile device. If you already have al MyHaysMed Patient Portal account you may want to log into MyHaysMed Portal on your smartphone or desktop. The logon is on the HaysMed Website on the main page and click on MyHaysMed Patient Portal. If you forgot your sign-in information, select Forgot Username or Forgot Password. Or call us at 785-623-5151

For more information on Telehealth Visits at HaysMed go to www.haysmed.com/telehealth

Apr3

00

HaysMed Prepared to Treat Patients Diagnosed With COVID-19

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas. –A patient with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, or SARS-CoV-2, has been admitted to HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, for treatment. The patient is in a specially equipped area that is designed to prevent the spread of the virus to other patients, visitors, staff and physicians.

Upon arrival, caregivers wearing protective personal gear coordinated the patient’s entry into the hospital. No other patients, visitors or caregivers were exposed. HaysMed followed CDC and KDHE guidelines to protect caregivers, patients and visitors from exposure.

We will not share information about patients admitted for COVID-19 in order to protect their privacy as required by federal law. County and state health departments work in tandem for contact tracing and will notify people at risk per their protocols. All questions related to public safety should be directed to the appropriate governing agency.

HaysMed’s top priority is the safety of our patients, caregivers, and the community. Our expert clinicians regularly care for patients with severe respiratory illnesses and other infectious diseases. They are well trained and follow specific procedures using the tools and techniques in place to protect themselves, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

HaysMed is a regional referral hospital for the area, taking care of patients from all over western Kansas, including COVID-19 patients also. We are equipped and ready.

Employees are safe to come to work. While some patient appointments have been postponed or delayed, patients who have appointments for conditions which they must be present and seen by a provider are safe to keep their medical and outpatient appointments. You can also contact your clinic about setting up a telehealth visit.

If you have questions or concerns about the novel coronavirus please call the COVID-19 hotline at 877-261-7140. The hotline is available 7 days a week from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

For additional media information please contact Jill Chadwick, News Director, Medical News Network, The University of Kansas Health System at 913-588-5246 or 913-223-3974.

Mar30

00

HaysMed Initiates No Visitor policy due to COVID-19

By Gayla Wichman - Emergency Department News,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System will change to a no visitor policy effective Tuesday, March 31 at 6:00 am. Detailed information on visitor restrictions due to the COVID-19 Virus include:

HOSPITAL VISITORS

For most patients, zero visitors are allowed. Exceptions include:

1 parent or guardian for patients younger than 18
1 support person for labor and delivery patients
1 support person for patients with disabilities or impairments needing assistance
1 support person or driver for patients undergoing outpatient treatment or procedures
Support persons for patients nearing end of life

Patients will continue to use Entrance B, which is located at the Miller Pavilion from 6:00 am – 8:30 pm for hospital access.
Patients will use the Emergency Entrance from 8:30 pm – 6:00 am

Any visitor who has a fever or other cold or flu-like symptoms will not be allowed in the facilities.

CLINIC VISITORS

For most patients, zero visitors are allowed. Exceptions include:

1 parent or guardian for patients younger than 18
1 support person for patients with disabilities or impairments

We encourage family and friends to return home to await news of their loved one. You may wait in your vehicle if you wish. Any visitor who has a fever or other cold or flu-like symptoms will not be allowed in the facilities.

Unless you have a scheduled pediatrics appointment, visitors under age 14 will not be allowed in the clinic until further notice.

We know this may be an inconvenience, but our priority is keeping our patients, visitors and staff safe and healthy. These are unprecedented times and we are staying abreast of the situation and taking precautions accordingly.

If you are feeling ill and have the following symptoms:

Fever

Coughing

Shortness of breath

Or have:

Been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19

Have traveled to an area with sustained transmissions

Contact your doctor’s office or call the COVID-19 Hotline at 877-261-7140.

Call before you arrive at your doctor’s office.

Do not go to the Emergency Department unless instructed by your doctor.

Our team treats patients with several respiratory illnesses every day. We have the training, tools and techniques in place to isolate and care for patients who are potentially at risk for COVID-19 following the guidelines identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit:

Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Or your local county or city health department

Mar20

00

HaysMed Initiates NEW Changes due to COVID-19

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Hays – The rise of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a global, national and local concern. We want to assure our patients and the community that Hays Med, part of The University of Kansas Health System is working closely with local, state and federal health officials to prepare. Our top priority is keeping our patients, visitors and staff safe and as a result, we will be implementing the following changes:

Effective Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 6:00 a.m.

*Patients and visitors must use Entrance B, which is located at the Miller Pavilion from 6:00 am – 8:30 pm for hospital access.
*Patients must use the Emergency Entrance from 8:30 pm – 6:00 am

*Visitors are limited to 1 person per day from 6:00 am – 8:30 pm. No visitors will be allowed to enter after 8:30 pm.

*All patients must use Entrance E at Bickle/Eagle Health Complex (The Center for Health Improvement) for Orthopedic, Outpatient Rehab, Surgery, and Cardiac Rehab Services.

* We have implemented temperature screenings upon entry into our facilities. When you enter the hospital, you will be directed to a screening station where someone will take your temperature. This process will include health system employees. Every person arriving at our facilities must receive a temperature screening before entering. Visitors and staff with a temperature will not be allowed in the facility.

*Valet parking services have changed. Valet parking at our main campus has closed. Between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. we will be happy to meet you with a wheelchair at your vehicle and assist you to and from your appointment. Please enter the drive thru at Entrance B and someone will assist you.

*We have made temporary changes to our food, drink and dining offerings at the hospital. The Rock Garden Café has only grab and go food available. Coffee stations have been removed in the major waiting areas. There is coffee available in the Rock Garden Café.

We know this may be an inconvenience, but our priority is keeping our patients, visitors and staff safe and healthy. These are unprecedented times and we are staying abreast of the situation and taking precautions accordingly.

If you are feeling ill and have the following symptoms:

Fever

Coughing

Shortness of breath

Or have:

Been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19

Have traveled to an area with sustained transmissions

Contact your doctor’s office or call the COVID-19 Hotline at 877-261-7140.

Call before you arrive at your doctor’s office.

Do not go to the Emergency Department unless instructed by your doctor.

Our team treats patients with several respiratory illnesses every day. We have the training, tools and techniques in place to isolate and care for patients who are potentially at risk for COVID-19 following the guidelines identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit:

Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Or your local county or city health department

Mar17

00

HaysMed Expands COVID-19 Hotline to 7 Days a Week

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas –HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, has announced they are expanding their COVID-19 Hotline to 7 days a week to meet public demand. The hotline will be available seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The number is 877-261-7140. The hotline is designed for anyone who has questions about the novel coronavirus.

Mar16

00

HaysMed Implements New Visitor Restrictions

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas– HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, has implemented new visitor guidelines effective immediately in response to COVID-19. This is being done to keep patients, visitors and staff safe.

Visitors to the Women/Infant Care Center (OB/GYN) will be limited to one support person who will be banded by the staff. The support person will be screened for travel, must be fever free and without a cough.

Visitors to the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Center will be limited to one support person. The support person will be screened for travel, must be fever free and without a cough.

All other hospital areas will be limited to two visitors per patient per day. The visitors must have no respiratory symptoms or fever. Anyone under age 14 may not visit until further notice.

We ask that if you are sick, please refrain from visiting at this time.