HaysMed is one of only a handful of hospitals in Kansas that recently earned a zero-percent rating for central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI).

This is a serious infection that happens after germs enter the bloodstream through a central line – a catheter placed in a large vein, explained Joben Rieth, HaysMed Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care Services.

“HaysMed is one of only five hospitals in the state and 339 in the country to earn this recognition,” Rieth said. “We accomplished this because we work as a team, from the bedside staff to our housekeepers. It comes down to vigilance, teamwork and doing what is right for the safety of our patients.

“Since infection can lead to longer hospital stays and even life-threatening situations, we do all we can to protect our patients from harm during their stay with us.”

Justin Helberg, MD, Medical Director of the HaysMed hospitalist group, said this zero-percent rating is “a reflection on the amazing work done by the vascular-access team and bedside nurses.”

The vascular-access team has implemented several processes with the goal of decreasing clinical variability and improving the sterile process, Dr. Helberg noted.

“In addition, bedside nurses monitor the patient’s access sites and focus on hygiene to ensure possible concerns are addressed early and appropriately,” Dr. Helberg commented. “This focus on infectious prevention has helped us keep our patients safe and our team members safe, while improving the quality of care we provide at HaysMed.”

Regina Borthwick, HaysMed Patient Quality Services Executive Director, reflected the significance of the zero-percent CLABSI rating: “Achieving a zero-percent CLABSI rate is not just a statistic, it’s a reflection of our commitment to excellence in care. At HaysMed, every process, every precaution, and every person play a role in protecting our patients. We are incredibly proud to be among the few hospitals in Kansas and the nation to reach this milestone.”

Becker’s Hospital Review awarded the zero-percent rating, which is based on the healthcare-associated infections data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

This data, which was updated April 30, includes performance data for five types of infections collected through the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network, according to a Becker’s news release.

The measures show how often hospitalized patients contract infections during an inpatient stay compared to similar hospitals, the release says. The measures apply to all patients treated in acute-care hospitals.

This includes adults and children, as well as those in neonatal care; it applies to Medicare and non-Medicare patients.

HaysMed proudly congratulates Sara Schulte from the HaysMed Foundation and Jana Zeller, Manager of Professional Development, on their graduation from the 2025 Leadership Hays program! We’re grateful for your dedication to personal growth and your continued commitment to advancing HaysMed and our community. Thank you for all that you do!

Leadership Hays is a 6-month program managed by the Hays Chamber of Commerce. According to their website, they are “a grassroots effort to provide community members with the skills and tools to provide civic engagement and civic leadership in Hays and Ellis County. We work with the Kansas Leadership Center and area organizations to provide a focused and engaging training program that will mobilize our community members to lead.”

Left to right: Jeff Brull, Executive Director of the HaysMed Foundation, Sara Schulte from the HaysMed Foundation, Jana Zeller, Manager of Professional Development, and Joben Rieth, Chief Nursing Officer

Improve and strengthen individuals and the Hays community by identifying, inspiring and involving those persons who have displayed a capacity for leadership.

Identify and motivate individuals who are committed to leadership and community trusteeship
Acquaint such individuals with the community’s continuing needs, challenges and resources
Offer opportunities for participants to explore and strengthen their personal leadership competencies
Develop a format for ongoing communication among emerging and established leaders

Each year, the Leadership Hays class creates a project that benefits children in the Hays community or surrounding area. Leadership Hays is a program of the Chamber in Hays, Kansas and is affiliated with the Kansas Leadership Center. It guides participants through the capacities needed in 21st century leaders. Contact the Chamber at (785) 628-8201 to find out how to register for an upcoming Leadership Hays session.

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and at HaysMed, we’re proud to shine a light on the amazing work of our social workers.

Every day, our social workers support patients, families, and fellow team members with care, compassion, and understanding. Whether it’s helping someone through a tough time or connecting them with the right resources, they play a vital role in promoting mental wellness across our community.

This month, we say a big thank you for their dedication and the difference they make in so many lives. Join us in recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month and celebrating the heart and impact of our social work team!

Jaylea, Oncology Clinical Social Worker
Lori, Case Manager
Amy, Case Manager
Maddy, Community Social Worker
Danna, Case Manager
Shannon, Case Manager
Shelby, Case Manager
Lauren, Case Manager
Jerica, Case Manager
Crecia, Case Manager
Deana, Case Manager
Myrna, Hospice Social Worker
Daniel, Inpatient Rehab Unit Social Worker
HaysMed Pastoral Care team includes- Chad, Steve, Amy, Ruth, and David.