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

Oct27

00

HaysMed Welcomes New Physician Assistants

By Gayla Wichman - Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute,HaysMed News,Orthopedic Institute News,Urology

Hays, KS– HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, recently welcomed three new physician assistants to the medical staff.

Meg Huey, PA-C graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and neuroscience from Grinnell College, in Grinnell Iowa. She completed her Master of Science in Physician Assistant at Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas. She is NCCPA certified physician assistant (PA-C) and KSBHA certified physician assistant. Huey will be practicing in the urology clinic.

Joshua Lahr, PA-C graduated with a Bachelor of Science in exercise science from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. He also completed a Master of Science in physician assistant at Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas. Lahr joins the staff of the orthopedic clinic.

Amanda R. Volchko, PA-C graduated with a Bachelor of Science in health services and a Master of Science in physician assistant studies with a minor in genetics from Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is as an NCCPA certified physician assistant (PA-C), KSBHA certified physician assistant and NYSED certified physician assistant. Volchko is seeing patients in the cancer center.

Oct2

00

HaysMed Welcomes New Hematologist/Oncologist

By Gayla Wichman - Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute,HaysMed News

Hays, KS– Isaac M. Chambers, MD, Hematologist/Oncologist, has joined the medical staff at the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System.

Chambers completed medical school at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita, Kansas. He completed a residency in Internal Medicine, also at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita and a Fellowship in Hematology and Oncology from the University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa City, Iowa. He is board certified in internal medicine.

Chambers joins the cancer team of Anthony Accurso, MD, Hematologist/Oncologist, Lyle M. Harrison, MD, Radiation Oncologist, Matthey Mallory, MD, Radiation Oncologist, Robert Rodriguez, MD, Hematologist/Oncologist and Danni Eldred, APRN.

Dr. Chambers is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment please call 785-623-5774.

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

Mar9

00

HaysMed Offering Healthy Cooking Class for Breast Cancer Survivors

By Gayla Wichman - Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute,HaysMed News,Upcoming Events

Hays, Kansas – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is sponsoring a free healthy cooking class for breast cancer survivors on Wednesday, March 18 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. The event will be held at The Center for Health Improvement Education Room at 2500 Canterbury Drive in Hays.

This is a hands-on cooking class and demonstration and will include nutrition tips from a registered dictation and interactive cooking. You will be able to socialize with other breast cancer survivors in a casual setting, enjoy a meal and leave with a simple health meal to make at home.

Please RSVP by March 16 at 11:00 am to 785-623-5441. Registration is required and seating is limited

Sep25

00

HaysMed Breast Care Center Celebrates National Breast Cancer Awareness Month With Activities

By Gayla Wichman - Breast Care Center,Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas — HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is highlighting National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October with a variety of events.

Breast cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.

The good news is that most women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help detect breast cancer early allowing for earlier treatment for a longer survival rate.

On September 21, the BCC participated in the Hays Public Library Health Fair from 10 am – 12 noon. They had representatives to talk to and cards for people to fill out to be contacted to set up a mammogram.

On September 26 the Breast Care Center (BCC) will hold “Smash Bash” for associates. The day is devoted to encouraging Associates of HaysMed to get their mammograms. The center will offer extended hours, special treats and activities.

The BCC will be participating in the Wichita Komen Race on September 28 with an informational booth.

On September 29 information on breast cancer awareness and the early detection program will be given out at the HaysMed annual Drive Thru Flu. The early detection program is an initiative that provides mammograms and pap smears to women who do not have insurance.

On October 12 the BCC will participate in the Fort Hays State University homecoming parade distributing cups to spread awareness of breast cancer awareness month.

For the entire month of October the BCC is partnering with Breathe Coffee House and Mokas utilizing specially designed coffee sleeves for customers to urge scheduling a mammogram.

The BCC at HaysMed is a comprehensive breast center that offers a variety of services including 3D digital mammography that can detect breast abnormalities earlier than standard mammograms, high risk breast cancer prevention consultations, treatment of noncancerous breast conditions, survivorship programs for long term monitoring of breast cancer survivors, and access to research trials.

The center also has a dedicated breast nurse navigator that works through the diagnostic workup and treatment phase of breast cancer to provide seamless services.

To request an appointment call 785-623-5114 or go online at https://www.haysmed.com/breast-care-center/

Jun6

00

HaysMed Presents Cancer Symposium 2019

By Gayla Wichman - Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas)— HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, will present a Cancer Symposium 2018 on Thursday, June 27, 2019. The program is jointly provided by HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, The University of Kansas Medical Center Continuing Education and Professional Development and the Area Health Education Center – West. The program will be held at HaysMed in the Hadley Conference Rooms.

Registration for the program begins at 8:30 am with breakfast. The program is designed to improve the care of cancer patients including, but not limited to, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, immunotherapy toxicity, breast cancer survivorship and head and neck cancers.

Speakers for the program include: Mark Hancock, MD, Mazin Al-Kasspooles, MD, FACS, Anthony Dominick, MD, Denise DeBoer, APRN, and Justin Bond, MD, all with The University of Kansas Health System.

The program is designed for Physicians, PAs, APRN’s, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Social Workers, PTS, OTS and other interested Healthcare Professionals.

All participants requesting continuing education credit must complete verification of attendance and evaluation form online. Instructions will be distributed at the time of sign-in.

Physician: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of The University of Kansas Medical Center Office of Continuing Medical Education and HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System. The University of Kansas medical Center Office of Continuing Medical Education is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The KU Medical Center Office of Continuing Medical Education designates this live activity for a maximum of 5.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TMPhysicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of the participation in this activity.

CNE: Hays Medical Center is approved as a provider of continued nursing education by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. The course offering is approved for 5 contact hours applicable for RN, or LPN re-licensure. Kansas State Board of Nursing Approved Provider Number: LT0021-1138.

PT/OT

Paperwork will be provided to submit to KOTA and KPTA for credits.

ASRT

An application has been submitted to ASRT. Approval is pending.

There is no registration fee for the employees of HaysMed, Pawnee Valley Campus, St. Rose Medical pavilion, Great Bend Campus and Bistate consortium members. The fee for critical access hospital employees is $30. The fee for non HaysMed providers is $60. You can register online: www.haysmed.com/education and click on professional education or registering by calling 785-623-5500. You may pay online with a valid credit card or may choose to be invoiced.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Refund of CE fees: Workshop fees will be refunded if notification of cancellation is made 24-hours prior to the workshop. Cancellation: HMC reserves the right to cancel any workshop that does not meet enrollment quota. All pre-registered attendees; will receive a full refund.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY.

Apr16

00

HaysMed Welcomes New Hematologist/Oncologist

By Gayla Wichman - Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute,HaysMed News

Hays, KS– Mark Hancock, MD, Hematologist/Oncologist, has joined medical staff of HaysMed at the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System. Hancock has been seeing patients on a part time basis and has moved to full time status.

Hancock completed medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. He completed a residency at Parkland Health and Hospital Southwestern Medical School and a fellowship at Simmons Comprehensive Cancer, Southwestern Medical School. He is board certified in Medical Oncology.

Hancock joins the cancer team of Anthony Accurso, MD, Hematologist/Oncologist, Lyle M. Harrison, MD, Radiation Oncologist, Babu Prasad, MD, Radiation Oncologist, Lyle M. Harrison, MD, Radiation Oncologist and Robert Rodriguez, MD, Hematologist/Oncologist.

Dr. Hancock is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment please call 785-623-5774 or go to https://www.haysmed.com/dreiling-schmidt-cancer-institute/

Jan16

00

HaysMed Welcomes Radiation Oncologist

By Gayla Wichman - Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute,HaysMed News

Hays, KS– Lyle M. Harrison, MD, has joined medical staff of HaysMed at the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System. Harrison has been seeing patients on a part time basis and has moved to full time status.

Dr. Harrison completed medical school and a residency at the University of Utah School of Medicine, in Salt Lake.

He joins the cancer team of Anthony Accurso, MD, Hematologist/Oncologist, Babu Prasad, MD, Radiation Oncologist and Robert Rodriguez, MD, Hematologist/Oncologist.

Dr. Harrison is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment please call 785-623-5774.

Oct1

00

HaysMed Breast Care Center Sponsors Positively Pink

By Gayla Wichman - Breast Care Center,Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute,HaysMed News

Hays, KS (Oct 1, 2018) – The Breast Care Center at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, will hold a Positively Pink event on October 20 from 6 pm – 8 pm. This program is for breast cancer survivors and their family and friends. The event will be held at The Center for Health Improvement, 2500 Canterbury Drive, Hays.

A variety of events and activities will be offered. Dr. William Smith, Breast Radiologist and Denise DeBoer, APRN will kick things off with opening remarks at 6:00 pm. The public is encouraged to bring their sneakers to participate in activities such as; stretch and balance, Zumba, Yoga and meditation. During the event, participants will have an opportunity to schedule a mammogram with the Breast Care Center. The Center for Health Improvement massage therapists will provide complimentary chair massages.

There is no fee for the event and participants do not have to register. Healthy snacks and educational material (nutrition, lymphedema, sleep, health coaching, etc.) will be provided along with door prizes and drawings. Call 785-623-5114 for further information.