HaysMed is proud to announce that Jana Bieberle, CRNA, has been named the newest HealthCare Champion, an honor awarded to team members who go above and beyond in delivering exceptional care.

Jana was nominated by a grateful patient, who shared the following heartfelt message:

“I had to have a procedure requiring general anesthesia, and while I have had such in the past, it has never been a glamorous or manageable experience. However, after chatting with Jana and giving her more information about why those experiences were always rough, she was able to tailor my anesthesia experience so that it was less traumatic than previous, and a more positive experience for all of those around, also. I appreciate her willingness to listen and take the time to figure out the best way to make sure I felt the best I could. Thanks so much for your compassion, Jana! You truly made my SDC experience comfortable and allowed me to feel confident in the whole team. I appreciate you!”

Jana is a valued member of the HaysMed team, and her recognition reflects the high standard of care provided by the HaysMed Anesthesia Department. Pictured alongside Jana are fellow CRNAs Marian Lindberg and Tanna Vine, who also contribute to the department’s excellence.

The HealthCare Champion program at HaysMed gives patients and families the opportunity to recognize staff members who make a meaningful impact during their care. Being honored by those we serve is one of the highest compliments a healthcare professional can receive.

Congratulations to Jana on this well-deserved recognition!

HaysMed CRNAs Marian Lindberg, Jana Bieberle and Tanna Vine.

August 1–7 marks World Breastfeeding Week, a global celebration of breastfeeding and its vital role in maternal and infant health. At HaysMed, this week is an opportunity to spotlight the exceptional care and resources available to mothers throughout their breastfeeding journey.

HaysMed’s Lactation Services team, comprised of International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants and Registered Nurses, provides both inpatient, outpatient, and phone support. From the moment a baby is born, mothers receive personalized guidance, with Birth Center nurses trained in at least 20 hours of breastfeeding education.

HaysMed is also proud to be a Baby-Friendly Hospital, recognized for implementing the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. This designation reflects the hospital’s commitment to empowering mothers with the knowledge and confidence to nourish their babies naturally.

As a Baby-Friendly Hospital and a High 5 for Mom and Baby designated facility, HaysMed follows evidence-based practices to ensure breastfeeding success, including immediate skin-to-skin contact, exclusive breast milk feeding, and 24-hour rooming-in. These practices are reinforced by community support options to assist mothers to meet their feeding goals.

In addition, HaysMed serves as a Mothers’ Milk Depot Center collecting milk from approved donors. Once received, the donor milk is shipped to Mother’s Milk Bank in Colorado, where it is processed, pasteurized and shipped to infants in need across the country.  This initiative, in partnership with Mothers’ Milk Bank and Ellis County Breastfeeding Coalition, ensures that even the most vulnerable newborns receive the life-saving benefits of human milk.

To learn more or schedule a lactation consultation, call 785-623-5000 or visit HaysMed Birth Center.

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HaysMed Earns Gold Level Recognition for Excellence in Fourth Trimester Initiative

HaysMed is proud to announce the addition Stephen S. Wanjala, MD, MSc, MBA, to its team of expert Hospitalist providers. Dr. Wanjala began his new role in late July, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and a passion for patient-centered care.

Dr. Wanjala was recently featured by the Society of Hospital Medicine in celebration of completing his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine–Wichita. Dr. Wanjala brings a rich and diverse background to our medical team, with experience that spans clinical care, public health, and health systems research.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Wanjala to the HaysMed team,” said Bryan Brady, Vice President of Physician Practice Administration & Ancillary Services at HaysMed. “His global perspective on healthcare will be a tremendous asset to our hospital and the patients we serve.”

Originally from Kenya, Dr. Wanjala earned his medical degree from Moi University College of Health Sciences in Eldoret. He also holds dual postgraduate degrees: a Master of Science in Health Economics from the University of Nairobi and an MBA from Edinburgh Business School.

Dr. Wanjala shared, “I’m excited about the transition into life as an attending at HaysMed, establishing new connections. As a hospitalist, I look forward to building strong connections with patients and colleagues, and contributing to the health and well-being of the western Kansas region.”

HaysMed looks forward to Dr. Wanjala joining its skilled team of Hospitalists, who specialize in managing the care of hospitalized patients from admission through discharge. Hospitalists play a vital role in coordinating treatment, ensuring continuity of care, and supporting patient recovery. Dr. Wanjala’s expertise will further strengthen this essential service and enhance the quality of care we provide across the region.

Stephen S. Wanjala, MD

The American Heart Association presents the Get With The Guidelines^® awards for proven dedication to best practices and life-saving care

Hays Medical Center (HaysMed) has received two American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines^® achievement awards for demonstrating commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of stroke, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer readmissions to the hospital.

Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States, respectively, according to the American Heart Association 2025 Statistical Update. Studies show patients can recover better when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest evidence- and research-based guidelines. As a participant in the Get With The Guidelines programs, HaysMed qualified for the awards by demonstrating how their organization has committed to improving quality care.

“HaysMed is committed to improving care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and streamlining processes to ensure timely and proper care for heart attacks and strokes,” said Joben Rieth, HaysMed Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “Get With The Guidelines programs make it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which helps us ensure more people in western Kansas and beyond experience longer, healthier lives.”

HaysMed was honored with two national achievement awards for 2025:

• Get With The Guidelines®-Rural Stroke Gold
• Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

“These awards show Hays Medical Center’s commitment to caring for those in their community who need cardiovascular care,” said Donald Lloyd-Jones, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association and current volunteer chair of the Association’s Quality Oversight Committee. “By following the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols, Hays Medical Center can help realize our shared vision of improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

About Get With The Guidelines
Get With The Guidelines^® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 14 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.