Nov13

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

Sep30

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. Kalyan Wagle, Cardiologist. He will be seeing patients at the DeBakey Heart Clinic.

Dr Wagle received his medical degree from the Universal College of Medical Sciences, Paklihawa Campus, Bhairahawa, Nepal. He completed a residency in Internal medicine at Queens Hospital Center/Icahn School of Medicine at Mt Sinai, Queens, New York. He also completed a fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York. He is board certified in echocardiography, cardiac nuclear medicine and board certified in Internal Medicine.

“As we continue to expand our cardiac program at HaysMed, Dr. Wagle 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 www.haysmed.com/debakey-heart-institute/

Sep1

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

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

American College of Cardiology NCDR Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Award recognizes high standards of patient care

Hays, Kansas HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2020. HaysMed is one of only 140 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 (2018 and 2019) 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, 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 Center 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.

“This award reflects the ongoing commitment of HaysMed’s DeBakey Heart Institute and the University of Kansas Health System to the goal of improving the cardiovascular health of our patients in western and central Kansas. Congratulations to all involved!” said Jeffery Curtis, FACC, FACP, Director of Cardiology Services.

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.

The American College of Cardiology envisions a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes. As the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team, the mission of the College and its 54,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC bestows credentials upon cardiovascular professionals who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College also provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its world-renowned JACC Journals, operates national registries to measure and improve care, and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions. For more, visit acc.org

Aug25

HaysMed Receives 2020 Get with The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus With Honor Roll Elite Quality Achievement Award

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

American Heart Association Award recognizes HaysMed’s commitment to quality stroke care

HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s 2020 Get with The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus With Honor Roll Elite Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

HaysMed earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.

“HaysMed is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our stroke patients by implementing the American Heart Association’s Get with The Guidelines-Stroke initiative,” said Carol Groen, stroke coordinator. “The tools and resources provided help us track and measure our success in meeting evidenced-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes.”

HaysMed additionally received the association’s Target: Stroke℠ Honor Roll Elite award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke.

“We are pleased to recognize HaysMed for their commitment to stroke care,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., national chairperson of the Quality Oversight Committee and Executive Vice Chair of Neurology, Director of Acute Stroke Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. “Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the Get with The Guidelines quality improvement initiative can often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.”

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year

Jun5

HaysMed recognized for patient safety achievements

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, KS – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is among 115 hospitals statewide being recognized for its exemplary achievements to improve patient safety.

The Kansas Healthcare Collaborative (KHC) recognized Kansas hospitals recently at the conclusion of the AHA/HRET Network-a major patient safety initiative spearheaded by the American Hospital Association/Health Research & Educational Trust (AHA/HRET) and coordinated in Kansas by KHC.

HaysMed received the Highest Achievement with Distinction recognition for working toward AHA/HRET Network goals set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to reduce hospital-acquired conditions and preventable readmissions. This designation utilizes a data-driven approach to identify up to 14 “Highest Achievement” hospitals that demonstrated distinction through their improvement efforts and engagement throughout the initiative

“We are pleased to receive this special recognition of our team’s patient-focused efforts to provide the best care possible to those we serve,” said Eddie Herrman, President and CEO of HaysMed. “Working with the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative and its partners-as well as side-by-side with our peers across the state and with national experts-has provided our team the opportunity to advance patient safety and health outcomes more efficiently and effectively.”

Since October 2016, more than 115 Kansas hospitals have worked collaboratively with KHC to achieve a 20 percent reduction in hospital-acquired conditions and a 12 percent reduction in 30-day hospital readmissions from 2014 baselines. Participating hospitals placed special focus on reducing patient harm, such as falls, adverse drug events, hospital-acquired infections, and pressure injuries. Hospitals also made progress in implementing key strategies for promoting health equity and patient and family engagement.

Hospitals across the state and nation have been working since 2010 to achieve national patient safety goals established by federal agencies. Nationwide, between 2010 and 2015, an estimated 125,000 fewer patients died in a hospital and approximately $22.8 billion in health care costs were saved as a result in reductions in hospital-acquired conditions, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

“We extend our congratulations and gratitude to all the hospitals across Kansas who participated in the AHA/HRET Network,” said KHC Executive Director Allison Peterson DeGroff. “For several years, this community of collaborative peers has inspired and driven each other to excel in leading data-driven quality improvement. It is challenging work – and it is critical work. Each hospital’s incremental changes lead to an exponential impact on the lives of patients and their families.”

The AHA/HRET Network included more than 1,600 hospitals across 34 states and U.S. territories. The initiative was supported by CMS under contract number HHSM -500-201 6-00067(.

More information available at www .khconline.org/ HIIN.

Apr20

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

Mar16

HaysMed Cancellations

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas– The Public CPR Training set for March 21 at HaysMed has been cancelled.

Mar5

DeBakey Heart Institute Sponsors 19th Annual FREE Public hands Only CPR Training on March 21

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas– It may take only a few minutes, but for the victim of sudden cardiac arrest, it can be the event of a lifetime.

Sudden cardiac arrest strikes about 250,000 adults in the United States annually. More than 95 percent of its victims die before reaching a hospital – many because they don’t receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation in time. Defibrillation is a process in which an electronic device gives an electric shock to the heart to help restore the heart’s normal rhythm.

To help improve those odds, the HaysMed DeBakey Heart Institute and the Hays Medical Center Foundation will hold its 19th annual Staying Alive Hands Only CPR Training on Saturday, March 21, at the Center for Health Improvement at Hays Medical Center. The one and one half hour class is designed for members of the general public, eight years and older; and is not for those seeking professional certification. More than 30 certified instructors and volunteers will donate their time to the event.

Classes in adult and pediatric CPR will be offered at 10:00 am. To register, call 1-800-248-0073, ext 5500 or 785-623-5500 or go to https://www.haysmed.com/education/

When performed immediately, CPR may double a cardiac arrest victim’s chances of survival by adding critical minutes to a patient’s life. With CPR, breathing and chest compressions circulate oxygenated blood to the brain, heart and other vital organs until defibrillation is performed.

Cardiac arrest survival is directly linked to the amount of time between the onset of sudden cardiac arrest and defibrillation. Chances of survival drop 7-10 percent with every minute of delay. Brain death starts to occur in just four to six minutes

Seventy-five to 80 percent of all sudden cardiac arrests happen at home, so knowing how to perform (CPR) can mean the difference between life and death for a loved one, according to the American Heart Association.

Feb10

HaysMed Welcomes New Cardiologist

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, KS– HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is pleased to welcome Kent Gleed, MD to the DeBakey Heart Institute. Dr. Gleed has recently begun seeing patients in the DeBakey Heart Clinic.

Dr. Kent Gleed is an electrophysiologist who focuses on the heart’s rhythm, or electrical, system and on diagnosing and treating heart rhythm abnormalities. Electrophysiologists are qualified to perform special tests of your heart’s electrical system to diagnose and treat abnormal heartbeats or arrhythmias.

“We are very happy to add Dr. Gleed to our heart team.” said Jeffery Curtis, MD, Director of Cardiology Services. “Having an electrophysiologist on staff will allow us to expand the services we can provide at HaysMed including cardiac ablation for patients with atrial fibrillation conditions. Dr. Gleed will be a great asset to our heart program.”

Dr. Gleed completed medical school at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He completed a residency in internal medicine and fellowships in cardiology and electrophysiology at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. Dr. Gleed is board certified in cardiovascular disease and electrophysiology.

“HayMed is committed to providing the people of western Kansas with a full range of heart services and maintaining a strong cardiology presence in the region.” Curtis further added. “Our focus has always been to offer patients quality healthcare as close to home as possible.”

For more information or to request an appointment call 785-623-6544 or go to www.haysmed.com/cardiology

Oct17

HaysMed Welcomes New Cardiology Provider

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is pleased to welcome Tina L. Tinkel, DNP, APRN-AG. She will be seeing patients at the DeBakey Heart Clinic.

Tinkel has both a bachelor’s degree in nursing and doctorate in nursing practice with a major in Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Adult Gerontology, both from The University of Kansas Medical Center

“We are fortunate to add another provider to the DeBakey Heart Clinic especially with the ever increasing number of patients we are seeing” said Bryce Young, Chief Operating Officer. “Meeting the cardiology needs of our patients is our ultimate goal.”

To make an appointment call 785-625-4699 or go to https://www.haysmed.com/debakey-heart-institute

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