May17

HaysMed Among Nation’s Top Performing Hospitals for Treatment of Heart Attack Patients for 5th Consecutive Year

Hays, KS – HaysMed has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for the fifth year in a row. Out of all the hospitals in the United States, only 262 have been honored with this award.

The award recognizes HaysMed’s dedication and success in providing a higher standard of care for patients who have had a heart attack. It shows that HaysMed has met a challenging goal of treating these patients according to the guidelines and recommendations set by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association.

To receive the Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, HaysMed has consistently achieved high performance in the national registry. They have also met specific performance measures that demonstrate their commitment to improving the quality of care for heart attack patients. This includes a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients.

The award recognizes HaysMed’s leadership and dedication to providing excellent patient care and signifies HaysMed’s commitment to delivering high-quality cardiovascular care and ensures that patients receive the best possible treatment.

It validates that HaysMed’s healthcare providers consistently treat heart attack patients based on the most up-to-date, science-based guidelines. It also reinforces that HaysMed consistently meets the national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety, and outcomes of care provided to patients with coronary artery disease, particularly those at high risk of heart attacks.

“Once again our heart team has proven that dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment lead to unmatched success.” Said Eddie Herrman, President and CEO. “This remarkable achievement is a testament to their relentless pursuit of superior patient outcomes and sets a remarkable standard for others to aspire to.”

About HaysMed

Hays Medical Center (HaysMed) is a private, not-for-profit, 200+ bed hospital providing the only tertiary level services in the region. The hospital is NIAHO-accredited by DNV Healthcare and ISO Certified. As the premier provider in western Kansas for specialized care, HaysMed offers a wide variety of specialty programs including cardiology, orthopedics, cancer, general, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, ENT, pulmonology, critical care and women’s services. HaysMed is a Level III Trauma Center, an accredited Chest Pain Center with PCI, a Primary Stroke Center and a Certified Hip and Knee Replacement Center of Excellence by DNV GL Healthcare. In addition, HaysMed has earned advanced certification in Infection Prevention.

Other services include rehabilitation, hospice, neonatal, intensive care and diagnostic imaging, as well as a Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center and a Sleep and Neurodiagnostic Center. In 2022, HaysMed was named as one of the top twenty rural and community hospitals in the country by the National Rural Health Association. Learn more at haysmed.com.

Mar9

00

HaysMed Acquires Advanced Cardiac Imaging Test for Diagnosing Heart Disease

Hays, KS – Leaders at HaysMed announced the DeBakey Heart Institute is now home to Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA), the first and only cardiac center in western Kansas to offer this highly advanced level of cardiac imaging for our patients. CCTA is a noninvasive imaging test specifically designed to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD), the major cause of morbidity and mortality burden in the U.S.

The CCTA procedure produces detailed 3D images of the arteries to detect if there is plaque buildup and narrowing of coronary arteries that could signal CAD. This advanced technology offers better diagnostic capabilities with rapid results and no recovery time needed after testing is complete.

“CCTA gives us the ability to provide more specific diagnoses, similar to heart catheterization but much less invasive – and we are thrilled that people no longer have to travel out of western Kansas to access this level of cardiac testing,” said Dr. Hema Pamulapati and Dr. Siva Taduru, who are both board-certified cardiologists and the Co-directors for Cardiac CT at HaysMed. “With CCTA technology, we can now get a real-time estimate of CAD very quickly, which accelerates the path to treatment and saves lives.”

CCTA technology involves the CT scanning hardware already available at HaysMed with an added and highly advanced software application for cardiovascular testing. DeBakey Heart Institute at HaysMed is one of very few providers in the state of Kansas to offer CCTA cardiac testing. Alongside Drs. Pamulapati and Taduru is Dr. Kalyan Wagle, a board-certified cardiologist who also oversees CCTA procedures at DeBakey Heart Institute. All three cardiologists work closely with the Imaging Department, where the tests are performed.

Patients undergoing a CCTA receive a nontoxic contrast dye injection, so blockages and other abnormalities are more visible. Cardiologists may order CCTA testing for patients with known cardiovascular disease or the onset of new symptoms that may be CAD. An abnormal stress test or echocardiogram may also suggest a need for CCTA.

“This new diagnostic capability is one more testament to the quality of cardiac care offered at HaysMed,” said HaysMed President and Chief Executive Officer Edward Herrman. “We are fully committed to delivering the best cardiac care in our region – because everyone we serve deserves the very best.”

The DeBakey Heart Institute at HaysMed is a specialty center serving patients from across the region. It is the only SPCP-accredited Chest Pain Center in the region, with award-winning emergency and cardiac care. More information is available at haysmed.com/debakey-heart-institute.

About HaysMed

Hays Medical Center (HaysMed) is a private, not-for-profit, 200+ bed hospital providing the only tertiary level services in the region. The hospital is NIAHO-accredited by DNV Healthcare and ISO Certified. As the premier provider in western Kansas for specialized care, HaysMed offers a wide variety of specialty programs including cardiology, orthopedics, cancer, general, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, ENT, pulmonology, critical care and women’s services. HaysMed is a Level III Trauma Center, an accredited Chest Pain Center with PCI, a Primary Stroke Center and a Certified Hip and Knee Replacement Center of Excellence by DNV GL Healthcare.

Other services include rehabilitation, hospice, neonatal, intensive care and diagnostic imaging, as well as a Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center and a Sleep and Neurodiagnostic Center. In 2022, HaysMed was named as one of the top 20 rural and community hospitals in the country by the National Rural Health Association. Learn more at haysmed.com.

Sep13

00

HaysMed Receives ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Reaccreditation HaysMed provides necessary care, resources to patients with heart attack symptoms

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, KS — The American College of Cardiology has recognized HaysMed for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. HaysMed was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI in August based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is also known as coronary angioplasty. It is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack.

Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year. As required to meet the criteria of the accreditation designation, they comply with standard Chest Pain Center protocols. These facilities also maintain a “No Diversion Policy” for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.

“HaysMed has demonstrated its commitment to providing Western Kansas with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award HaysMed with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI.”

Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves: completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care, developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of patients experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.

“This reaccreditation validates that HaysMed is committed to the care of cardiovascular patients in Western Kansas. Our multidisciplinary healthcare team is second to none”, said Brian Pfannenstiel, MSN, RN, Director of Critical Care/Chest Pain Coordinator

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like HaysMed access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including emergency treatment of heart attacks.

Aug23

00

HaysMed DeBakey Heart Institute Offers Minimally Invasive TAVR Heart Valve Replacement

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, KS – Patients who suffer from severe aortic stenosis, which is the narrowing of the heart’s aortic valve opening that restricts blood flow, now have a new option available at HaysMed. Dr. Niranjan Seshadri, Interventional Cardiologist, is performing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

TAVR is an advanced heart valve replacement procedure that offers new hope to patients who have aortic valve stenosis.

The TAVR procedure is a revolutionary new way to replace an aortic valve without open heart surgery or a large incision to the patient’s chest. Studies show patients who have received this new device not only live longer, but feel better, and significantly improve their quality of life.

“We are very pleased to offer this life saving procedure to replace a defective heart valve without our patient undergoing open-heart surgery.” said Steve Albright, Director of Cardiology, “We are the only hospital in Western Kansas to have the capability to perform this advanced procedure.”

During most procedures the team inserts a valve through a small cut in the patient’s upper leg. The valve is advanced on a balloon catheter through the artery toward the damaged valve where it is inflated. The catheter is removed leaving the new aortic valve inside the old one.

“It’s very exciting for HaysMed to be able to offer this leading-edge cardiac care option and state-of-the-art technology to the community we serve,” said Albright. “We continue to grow our cardiac program and this milestone highlights our commitment to provide comprehensive cardiovascular services for our region.”

To learn more about the procedure or to make an appointment for a consultation please call 785-625-4699 or go to www.haysmed.com/debakey-heart-institute/schedule/

Feb24

00

HaysMed Nurse Recognized with Daisy Award

By Gayla Wichman - Daisy Award Winner,DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, KS –Mallory McQueen, RN, Progressive Care Unit, was recently recognized as a Daisy Award winner at HaysMed. This award is presented to a nurse 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. McQueen was nominated by four family members of one of her patients.

McQueen was selected from a group of blinded nominations voted on by the HaysMed Practice Committee. The Practice Committee consists of nursing staff, supervisors, and directors from HaysMed. Nominations are received from patients and family members, physicians, volunteers, and Associates for nurses in inpatient, outpatient, and clinic settings.

“We are proud to be among the hospital systems participating in The DAISY Award program,” said Terry Siek, VP of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at HaysMed. “Nurses are heroes every day. It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides another way for us to do that.”

The DAISY Award is an international 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 785.623.2365.

Feb14

00

HaysMed Designated a 2022 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,Emergency Department News,HaysMed News,Nursing News,Orthopedic Institute News

HAYS, Kansas – HaysMed has been recognized as a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital in 2022, 2020 and 2019 by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This annual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™.

“Being recognized as a Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital is especially important to HaysMed.” Said Eddie Herrman, President and CEO. “We are passionate about rural health and this recognition validates the focus we have on the quality of the specialty services we provide close to home.”

“Despite unprecedented adversity rural providers continue to display resiliency and a steadfast commitment to their communities,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “Honoring the Top 100 is one of the highpoints of our year. We are delighted to recognize the exceptional performance and innovation of this year’s recipients, particularly in light of the extraordinary challenges facing America’s rural health safety net.”

Over the course of the last 12 years, the INDEX has established itself as the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is trusted by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations and state offices of rural health across the country to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

Jul28

00

HaysMed Welcomes Two New Cardiologists

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, KS – HaysMed welcomes two new cardiologists to the medical staff this month. Dr. Jason Okuhara, Interventional Cardiologist and Dr. Siva Taduru, Cardiologist joined the team at the DeBakey Heart Institute.

Dr. Okuhara completed medical school at Nova Southeastern-COM, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He did his residency in Internal Medicine at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida. He completed a fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology at Deborah Heart and Lung Center, Browns Mills, New Jersey. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, and Interventional Cardiology.

Dr. Taduru completed medical school at Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, India. He completed a residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri. A fellowship in Cardiovascular Diseases was completed at the University of Kansas, Kansas City. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

“We are very pleased to have Dr. Okuhara and Dr. Taduru working with our team of cardiologists at Debakey.” Said Steve Albright, Director of Cardiology. “Their expertise will expand the number of patients we can serve and also increase the catheterization procedures we will be able to offer our cardiac patients.”

To schedule an appointment with cardiology call 785-625-4699.

Jun14

00

HaysMed Among Nation’s Top Performing Hospitals for Treatment of Heart Attack Patients for Third Consecutive Year

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,Emergency Department News,HaysMed News

Hays, KS – HaysMed has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2021. HaysMed is one of only 212 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor.

The award recognizes HaysMed’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients and signifies that HaysMed has reached an aggressive goal of treating these patients to standard levels of care as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations.

To receive the Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, HaysMed has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020), and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures. Full participation in the registry engages hospitals in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients.

“As a Platinum Performance Award recipient, HaysMed has established itself as a leader in setting the national standard for improving quality of care in patients with acute myocardial infarction,” said Michael C. Kontos, MD, FACC, chair of the NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Steering Subcommittee, and cardiologist at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. “By meeting the award requirements set forth in the registry, HaysMed has demonstrated a commitment to providing reliable, comprehensive treatment for heart attack patients based on current clinical guideline recommendations.”

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that almost 700,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot in a coronary artery partially or completely blocks blood flow to the heart muscle. Treatment guidelines include administering aspirin upon arrival and discharge, timely restoration of blood flow to the blocked artery, smoking cessation counseling and cardiac rehabilitation, among others.

“Our staff is dedicated to providing the highest level of cardiac care for patients in Western Kansas.” Said Eddie Herrman, President and CEO. “The Debakey Heart Institute was founded over 20 years ago for the purpose of giving people in the area access to life saving cardiac care. Time is of the essence in treating heart attacks and having cardiac care available close to home has a direct effect on saving lives.”

Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry empowers health care provider teams to consistently treat heart attack patients according to the most current, science-based guidelines and establishes a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety and outcomes of care provided for patients with coronary artery disease, specifically high-risk heart attack patients.

Dec4

00

HaysMed Welcomes New Cardiologist

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is pleased to welcome Dr. Ashraf Jmeian, Interventional Cardiologist. He will be seeing patients at the DeBakey Heart Clinic.

Dr. Jmeian received his medical degree from the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. He completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Seton Hall University, Saint Michael Medical Center, Newark, New Jersey. He also completed fellowships in cardiology and interventional cardiology from New York Medical College, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Paterson, New Jersey. He is board certified in Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Nuclear Medicine, Echocardiography.

“As our cardiac program at HaysMed continues to expand, Dr. Jmeian will be an excellent addition to our medical staff” said Dr. Jeffery Curtis, cardiologist and Administrative Director of Cardiology.

To make an appointment call 785-623-4699 or go to haysmed.com/debakey-heart-institute/

Nov13

00

HaysMed Issues Update on COVID-19 Community Spread

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

Hays, Kansas – The Midwest, including Ellis County is experiencing record numbers of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. The county currently has 1820 positive patients which is an increase of 238 cases from a week ago per the KDHE tracking website.

We have had total of 236 COVID-19 in patients admitted to HaysMed since the beginning of the pandemic. As of today, we have a total of 27 COVID-19 patients in the hospital. We have had a total of 33 deaths since the pandemic began with 20 of those deaths occurring since October 1. It is important to note these statistics are not inherent to Ellis county as we are a regional referral center and receive patients from all over the area.

Please refer to the Ellis County Health website for Ellis County specific information. https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health

FAQs

What does this mean for the hospital, the community and the region in general? The number of beds currently being used for COVID-19 related care has spiked exponentially here and across the Midwest creating a high demand for patient beds. This, during a traditionally busier time of year as people move indoors and other seasonal respiratory viruses are more common.

What is the patient capacity at the hospital? We are licensed for 207 beds at HaysMed but we have a total of 113 beds available for use. However, just because beds are available doesn’t mean that we have enough staff to care for the patients in 113 beds. The number of patients we can care for depends on the acuity of the patient and the number of available staff. The critical number that is most important is the number of staff available. We are doing everything we can to accept everyone we can. As long as we can keep our team healthy and able to take care of patients, then we will continue to be able to accept patients.

How close are you to meeting that capacity? Capacity at HaysMed is an ever-changing variable. There are days when we reach capacity and have to divert patients. This has happened even when we were not in the COVID-19 pandemic but lately it is happening more frequently due to the influx of COVID-19 patients.

What does it mean to divert or transfer patients? When we reach a stage where we don’t have any more staff to care for patients, we cannot accept new patient transfers from other hospitals. These transfers are not only COVID related but also include patients who have had heart attacks, strokes and other medical emergency situations. We then must try and find other facilities that can take the patient.

Does the Emergency Room ever close? No. Even on the rare occasions when patients are diverted, our emergency room remains open to all those who need emergency care. However, if beds and staffing cannot permit us to admit you, we will work to find another hospital with capacity which may mean receiving care in another city, county or state.

How is COVID-19 impacting transfers? If we are at capacity, we request to transfer a patient to another hospital. It is increasingly difficult to find a hospital that can accept a patient because they, too, are experiencing high census due to COVID. This can affect COVID-19 patients as well as other medical needs including heart attack, stroke, or trauma. Requests for transfers are coming to the health system from as far away as Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Nebraska. Such needs to transfer delays medical care and potentially sends patients far away from home.

What measures are in place should the hospital reach patient capacity? Our health system hospitals manage patient flow every day and have emergency plans for handling a surge in patients whether from trauma or in this case … a pandemic. However, COVID-19 has forced the hospital to take more critical measures including but not limited to:

*Delaying non-urgent elective surgery and procedures to free beds and staff for COVID-19 patients

*Restricting visitors to decrease the spread of COVID-19

*Manage PPE and medical supplies needed to care for COVID-19 patients

*Keep constant contact with the Ellis County Health Department, The University of Kansas Health System, Fort Hays State University, Ellis County Schools, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Kansas Hospital Association to monitor the situation.

Is it safe to come to HaysMed? YES. Hospitals and clinics are currently considered the safest place in every community during this pandemic as the pillars of infection prevention and control are strictly followed and enforced. Telehealth is also a recommended option for healthcare during this pandemic when a conversation with your provider meets your needs. While your experience visiting our facilities to receive care or support a loved one may look and feel a bit different, be assured that what is not different is our commitment to your health and safety, and that of your loved ones.

What can the public do to help this situation? As the number of COVID-19 patients at HaysMed and across the Midwest rise exponentially, it is critical for us to work together to slow the virus spread to avoid overwhelming hospitals and healthcare workers.

Help keep everyone safe:
* wear masks that cover your nose and mouth when in public

*consider eye protection, especially when flying

*maintain a six-foot distance with those outside your immediate household

*wash and/or sanitize your hands thoroughly and often

*avoid gatherings where social distancing is not possible.

*Stay home if you are ill

*Do not let down your guard!

We recognize people are weary of the pandemic and this includes healthcare workers. HaysMed is committed to doing whatever it takes to protect your health and well-being and you play a critical part in our ability to provide that care.

Can I assess my risk for attending a group gathering? Yes. Have a plan and ask questions. Know how many people will attend and assume that everyone you meet may carry the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Take the pillars of infection prevention and control with you. The COVID-19 Event Risk Assessment Planning Tool is interactive and shows the current virus spread across the U.S. https://covid19risk.biosci.gatech.edu/?fbclid=IwAR168Jpexddvg_gS4JjiX810qsjvwxhEQmOIUu37hCIkbIX7y8J84HqnXHI

Helpful Links:

Link to the KDHE’s COVID-19 Microsite. https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/

Link to the Ellis County Health Department that has the latest COVID-19 information for Ellis County. https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health

Link to the CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html