Nov17

HaysMed Welcomes New Providers

By Gayla Wichman - Family Medicine,HaysMed News

Hays, KS – Two new providers have joined the staff at HaysMed. Carrie Hines, APRN, FNP and Whitney Hickert, APRN, FNP began seeing patients earlier this month.

Hines completed her bachelor of Science in Nursing at Fort Hays State University and her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. She is seeing patients at Family Medicine.

Hickert completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Tabor College-Wichita in Wichita and Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner at Spring Arbor University, Spring Arbor, Michigan. She is seeing patient at the Convenient Care Walk In Clinic.

Aug23

00

HaysMed Welcomes New Physicians

By Gayla Wichman - Family Medicine,HaysMed News

Hays, KS – HaysMed welcomes two new physicians to the medical staff. Dr. Abigail Serpan, Family Medicine and Dr. Justin Helberg, Hospitalist began working today.

Dr. Serpan completed medical school at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Salina Campus. She completed a residency at Pierre Rural Family Medicine. She will be seeing patients at Family Medicine at HaysMed.

Dr. Helberg completed his medical schooling at The University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita, Kansas. He completed a residency in Internal medicine at Moses Cone Internal Medicine Residency Program, Greensboro, North Carolina. Dr. Helberg will be part of the hospitalist team that specializes in treating in-patients in the hospital.

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

Sep14

00

Drive-Thru Flu Shots Available September 27 at HaysMed

By Gayla Wichman - Community Health,Emergency Department News,Family Medicine,HaysMed News,Pediatrics,The Center News

Hays KS – HaysMed’s annual drive-thru flu shot clinic has been scheduled for Sunday, September 27. The event, which will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., will offer free flu shots for all residents older than 6 months.

For the safety of the public and also those working the flu drive, masks will be required for all people ages 2 years and up. In addition, physical distancing will be observed at all locations on campus.

It will be the 21st year the hospital has offered the community service, and approximately 3,500 people are expected to be vaccinated during the free clinic.

People age 10 and up can receive their free flu shot without leaving their vehicles. HaysMed volunteers will direct traffic during the event.

Children 6 months through 9 years of age will be vaccinated on the west side of the Center for Health Improvement. Adults attending with children can also receive their shots in the same location.

More than 100 volunteers will be on hand to help with the event. HaysMed partners with Fort Hays State University and North Central Kansas Vo-Tech as both facilities provide students to help with the shots.

There will be no nasal flu vaccine at the drive-thru flu shot clinic. There will be no egg free vaccines available at the drive-thru flu shot clinic. People with a severe egg allergy will need to contact their local healthcare provider for their flu vaccine.

The event is sponsored by the Hays Medical Center Foundation. While there is no cost for flu shots, participants are asked to bring a canned food item to benefit the Community Assistance Center.

The vaccine also is available at HaysMed clinics for patients who are unable to attend the drive-thru flu shot event. Charges will apply at regular clinic visits, though the vaccine is covered by most health insurance plans.

Jul21

00

HaysMed Welcomes New Family Medicine Providers

By Gayla Wichman - Family Medicine,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is pleased to welcome two new providers to the Family Medicine Clinic. Dr. Jeffrey D. Henry and Tam Chieu, DNP have recently joined the practice.

Henry received his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of medicine in Kansas City. He completed a residency in family practice at Wesley Family Practice in Wichita. He is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Chieu received her Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Kansas School of Nursing. She completed her adult gerontology primary care Doctor of Nursing practice at the University of Kansas School of Nursing. She is board certified in Adult Gerontology by the American Associate of Nurse Practitioners.

“We are fortunate to add new providers in family medicine.” said Jay Moore, Executive Director of Physician Practice. “Meeting the primary care needs of patients in our community is one of our top priorities.”

Both providers are seeing patients. To make an appointment call 785-623-5095 or go to haysmed.com and click on Request an Appointment.

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 haysmed.com/telehealth

Feb12

00

Allergy and Immunology Clinic Opens at HaysMed

By Gayla Wichman - Family Medicine,HaysMed News,Pediatrics

Hays KS – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, has recently opened a new allergy and immunology clinic. The clinic is located in the existing Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) clinic at the hospital. They specialize in treating patients with environmental allergies such as pollen weeds, grass and pet. Food allergies will not be part of the treatment services offered.

Rhonda Schenk-Pitts, APRN-C will be overseeing the clinic and allergy testing services.

“We are excited to be able to offer allergy services.” said Jay Moore, Executive Director of physician clinics. “Hays has been without an allergy clinic for several years and the addition of allergy testing and treatment in our ENT clinic is something that is high demand.

The clinic will diagnose and treat a broad range of common allergic conditions and symptoms such asthma, chronic sinusitis, ear disease/infections, eczema, hay fever, headaches, nasal polyps and rhinitis. Allergy testing and treatment for environmental allergies such as pollen weeds, grass and pet will be available. Food allergies will not be part of the treatment services offered. Allergy shots and counseling on controlling your environment will also be offered.

To make an appointment or for more information call 785-650-2880.

Sep3

00

Drive-Thru Flu Shots Available September 29 at HaysMed

By Gayla Wichman - Family Medicine,HaysMed News,Nursing News

Hays KS – HaysMed’s annual drive-thru flu shot clinic has been scheduled for Sunday, September 29. The event, which will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., will offer free flu shots for all residents older than 6 months.

It will be the 20th year the hospital has offered the community service, and approximately 3,500 people are expected to be vaccinated during the free clinic.

Adults wanting to receive a free flu shot can get one without having to leave their vehicles. HaysMed volunteers will direct traffic during the event, and the maximum wait time is estimated at 15 minutes.

Children older than 6 months will be vaccinated inside the gym at the Center for Health Improvement (CHI). Adults attending with children also can receive their shots inside the waiting area of Hays Orthopedic Institute, located inside the CHI building.

More than 100 volunteers will be on hand to help with the event. HaysMed partners with Fort Hays State University and North Central Kansas Vo-Tech as both facilities provide students to help with the shots.

There will be no nasal flu vaccine at the drive-thru flu shot clinic. There will be no egg free vaccines available at the drive-thru flu shot clinic. People with a severe egg allergy will need to contact their local healthcare provider for their flu vaccine.

The event is sponsored by the Hays Medical Center Foundation. While there is no cost for flu shots, participants are asked to bring a canned food item to benefit the Community Assistance Center.

The vaccine also is available at HaysMed clinics for patients who are unable to attend the drive-thru flu shot event. Charges will apply at regular clinic visits, though the vaccine is covered by most health insurance plans.

Sep20

00

Drive-Thru Flu Shots Available Oct 7 at HaysMed

By Gayla Wichman - Community Health,Family Medicine,HaysMed News,Pediatrics,The Center News,Upcoming Events

HaysMed’s annual drive-thru flu shot clinic has been scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 7. The event, which will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., will offer free flu shots for all residents older than 6 months.

It will be the 19th year the hospital has offered the community service, and approximately 3,500 people are expected to be vaccinated during the free clinic.

Adults wanting to receive a free flu shot can get one without having to leave their vehicles. HaysMed volunteers will direct traffic during the event, and the maximum wait time is estimated at 15 minutes.

Children older than 6 months will be vaccinated inside the gym at the Center for Health Improvement (CHI). Adults attending with children also can receive their shots inside the waiting area of Hays Orthopedic Institute, located inside the CHI building.

More than 100 volunteers will be on hand to help with the event. HaysMed partners with Fort Hays State University and North Central Kansas Vo-Tech as both facilities provide students to help with the shots.

There will be no nasal flu vaccine at the drive-thru flu shot clinic. There will be no egg free vaccines available at the drive-thru flu shot clinic. People with a severe egg allergy will need to contact their local healthcare provider for their flu vaccine.

The event is sponsored by the Hays Medical Center Foundation. While there is no cost for flu shots, participants are asked to bring a canned food item to benefit the Community Assistance Center.

The vaccine also is available at HaysMed clinics for patients who are unable to attend the drive-thru flu shot event. Charges will apply at regular clinic visits, though the vaccine is covered by most health insurance plans.

Apr12

00

FREE KidsQuest Summer Program for Kids

By Gayla Wichman - Family Medicine,HaysMed News,Pediatrics,The Center News

HAYS, Kan. (April 12, 2018) – The Center for Health Improvement and the HaysMed Foundation are sponsoring the sixth annual FREE KidsQuest this summer. Kids will be encouraged to log 40 miles of fitness by running, walking, biking or swimming on their own. As they achieve mileage they will earn prizes sponsored by various businesses. This year’s theme is based on traveling through the solar system with various stops along the way.

KidsQuest is recommended for children Pre K through 8^th grade.

KidsQuest will begin on Thursday, May 3 at the HaysMed Fitness Trail. Registration begins at 6:00 pm and will be followed by a 2 mile run/walk. The adventure will start at the shelter house located behind HaysMed. Participants are encouraged to park in parking lot I on the southeast side of the hospital. The finale will be held on Thursday, August 2 with another 2 mile run/walk and watermelon feed at 6:00 pm.

You can register your child at www.thecenter.haysmed.com/kidsquest or registrations will be taken at the kickoff on May 3. If you register by April 25 you will receive a free t-shirt.