Sep18

HaysMed Celebrates 1500th Robotic Surgery

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News,OB-GYN,Urology

Hays, KS (Sept 18, 2018) – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, will be celebrate the 1500^th Robotic Surgery on September 25, 2018. A special Chamber ribbon cutting will be held at 8 am at Entrance C and the public is invited to attend. In addition a mobile robotics unit will be on site and available from 8 am to 5 pm for people to try out the robot and see how the technology works.

The Robotic Surgery program, the first in Western Kansas, was launched in April of 2014. HaysMed offers robotic surgery for a wide range of surgical procedures. The surgeons use a surgical robot to minimize surgical incision and trauma, improve surgical visualization and improve surgical accuracy. Throughout the surgery the surgeon not only controls every aspect of the surgery in real time but sees it clearly via high definition that results in pinpoint accuracy for greater precision.

Robotic surgery is another form of minimally invasive surgery that offers many advantages to patients. Because of the smaller incisions patients usually see less pain, shorter hospital stays, less scarring, reduced risk of infection and a quicker recovery and return to regular activity.

Robotic surgery is available for general surgeries including gallbladder, hernia, colon resection and bariatrics, women’s surgeries including hysterectomies, prostate/urological surgeries and thoracic/lung surgeries.

In 2016 the hospital added single site surgeries for several procedures. The single site technology allows surgeons to perform the surgery through a small incision in the belly button virtually eliminating scarring.

Currently 11 physicians at HaysMed are trained in robotic surgery: Samuel Durham, MD, Cardiovascular Surgeon, general surgeons Charles Schulz, MD, Paul Teget, DO, Zurab Tsereteli, MD and Jerod Grove, MD, OB/GYN physicians Joel Fort, MD, Lee Hodny, MD, and Timothy Hospkins, MD and Urologists Ernesto Lopez-Corona, MD, Kevin McDonald, MD and Srinivas Samavedi, MD.

“Bringing innovative surgical technology to Western Kansas is something we are very proud of.” said Bryce Young, Chief Operating Officer at HaysMed. “We are committed to providing quality healthcare to our patients.”

Sep17

HaysMed Associate a Graduate of the 2018 KHA Leadership Institute

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

(Hays, Ks Sept 27, 2018) – Schamra Detherage, Director of Human Resources at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, recently graduated from the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) Leadership Institute. The 17th Leadership class graduated 30 students on September 6 at the Kansas Hospital Association Annual Convention and Trade Show in Overland Park, Kansas. Students were nominated by their hospital’s CEO to be part of this select group. They represent the future leaders of Kansas hospitals.

Helping to build future health care leaders is important to the Kansas Hospital Association. “We are committed to strengthening and promoting the leadership capacity of hospital employees in Kansas,” said Tom Bell, president and CEO, Kansas Hospital Association. The KHA Leadership Institute was established to help hospitals provide professional development opportunities that accentuate the personal skills and abilities needed to facilitate positive change and innovation in Kansas hospitals.

The 2018 Leadership Institute class was diverse. They represented a wide geographic distribution of hospitals from Hays to Leavenworth and Girard to Liberal – there was representation from all parts of the state. Students had been working in health care for as little as one year to more than 20 years. Several students have been in management positions for more than 10 year while others were brand new to management position. Some students also are supervisors, supervising a range of employees, from a few to more than 50 employees.

It is important to note that the students nominated to participate in this program were not selected because they needed to learn “management skills”. They were nominated because their CEO recognized their potential to be future leaders and wanted to help cultivate that development. Each one of these students made a personal and professional commitment to expand their skills by attending all six courses of the Leadership Institute.

The curriculum was structured to enhance each student’s leadership abilities. Course#1 focused on explaining the difference between leadership and management, identifying organizational values and creating a positive organizational climate. Course #2 examined conflict and how to effectively manage it. Course #4 focused on team building – including how to lead a team and how to be part of a team. Courses #5 and #6 were at the KHA Annual Convention and Trade Show. Students learned about the challenges facing health care in the future.

Detherage has been an Associates of HaysMed since 2007.

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Sep7

HaysMed Hosts Wound Symposium

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas (Sept 6)— HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, will present a Wound Symposium on Friday, September 21, 2018. The programs are 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 and breakfast for the program begins at 8:30 am. The program runs from 9:00 am – 4:30pm. Topics covered include: Nutrition care for wounds, tissue loss and ischemic of the foot, venous and lymphatic edema, complete decongestive therapy, primary care and wound care clinic in wound healing and hyperbaric oxygen for non-wound treatments.

Speakers for the program include: Andrea Harmoney, MS, RD, LD, Samuel Durham, MD, Kelly Brungardt, CPTA, CLT, Michael Albrecht, MD, Srinivas S. Samavedi, MD, all with HaysMed and Steve Orr, MD, FACEP/UHM, FAPWCA, The University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City.

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 are required to complete and sign a “verification of attendance” form. After the program, a certificate of completion will be provided to activity participants based on documentation of actual attendance time.

Physician: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education 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 6.75 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 6.00 contact hours applicable for RN, or LPN re-licensure. Kansas State Board of Nursing Approved Provider Number: LT0021-1138.

Respiratory Therapy

The HaysMed Respiratory Care Continuing Education Evaluator on behalf of the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts has approved this program for 6.75 CRCE Hours. Providership No. 004

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.

EMS

Ellis County EMS is an approved as a provider of continuing education for Emergency Medical Personnel. The course offering is approved for 6.00 contact hour applicable for all EMS recertification. Approved Provider Number: pp5800.

The fee for the program is $60 for non HaysMed employees, $30 for CAH employees. There is no registration fee for HaysMed, Great Bend and Larned Associates of The University of Kansas Health System. 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.

Sep6

HaysMed Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center Brings Attention to Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Awareness Month in September

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Would Healing & Hyperbaric Center News

Hays, KS (Sept 6, 2018) – Peripheral arterial disease, or (PAD) develops when arteries become completely or partially blocked with plaque deposits that limit blood flow to legs. Just like clogged arteries in the heart, clogged arteries in the legs increase the risk of heart attack, stroke or even death.

Artherosclerosis (plaque buildup) in the legs does not always cause symptoms, so many people can have PAD. and not know it. People who do experience symptoms, such as pain or cramping in the legs, often do not report them, believing they are a natural part of aging or due to another cause. PAD affects more than 12 million people in the United States which is why September is recognized as PAD Awareness Month.

Peripheral arterial disease increases in prevalence with age. One in every 8 Americans older than 60 years of age have PAD. Common risk factors include high cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, inactivity, atherosclerosis and age. As many as 6 million people with diabetes have PAD, making it one of the primary co-morbidities of diabetes.

There are many possible side effects of atherosclerosis in the lower extremities, including claudication, non-healing leg ulcers and critical limb ischemia. Chronic toe and foot sores are common in people with PAD, as are cramping, numbness, weakness or heaviness in the leg muscles. Many patients with PAD do not experience symptoms.

While some with PAD do not experience symptoms, people should be aware of certain factors that put them more at risk. Smokers are four times at greater risk, African Americans are more than twice as likely to have PAD, and one in every three people over the age of 50 with diabetes is likely to have the disease.”

The Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center recommends the following action steps to help manage PAD:

Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, correcting blood pressure and cholesterol numbers
Develop healthy eating habits and an exercise plan. Exercising can help increase the circulation and reduce pain in the lower extremities. Walking, hiking and bike riding are good exercise options. A personal trainer can help tailor a custom workout plan that best fits a person’s needs.
Medications– Always consult with a physician about which medications may help PAD and if they are needed.
Special procedures and surgeries– In some severe cases of PAD, surgery may be needed to open arteries that have narrowed. Consult with a physician to see if surgery is a necessary treatment.

For more information, contact the HaysMed Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center at 785-623-5602 or go to www.haysmed.com/wound-center

Aug27

HaysMed Foundation Sees Leadership Change

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Hays, Kan.–After twelve years as the executive director of The HaysMed Foundation, Ruth Heffel has announced her retirement set for August 31. Heffel has guided The Foundation through major growth and established processes that will continue to offer structured expansion opportunities for generations to come. “I have been so blessed with the opportunity to meet and work with exceptionally skilled and dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff at the medical center. Their concern for our patients is truly heartfelt. The Foundation has also been extremely fortunate to have passionate, influential board members whose mission is to help HaysMed thrive. Their work has assisted people of all ages, from newborns to seniors, who have had their health restored here. To them I offer my sincerest thanks,” Heffel said.

Stepping into the executive director’s office will be Jeff Brull, who joined the team last September as a development officer. Brull has Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees in Communications from Fort Hays State University and served most recently as Advancement Director at Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior-Senior High in Hays. He is married to Julie Brull, and together they have three children. “I am excited by the challenges before us because of the opportunities they represent to serve the region through the work of the HaysMed Foundation. I am passionate about western Kansas and will continue to build on the legacy established under Ruth’s leadership through the HaysMed Foundation Board of Directors and the many generous donors and advocates who make life better for us all,” said Brull.

The Foundation provides vital philanthropic support to help fund life-saving equipment, special projects and programs for HaysMed that will positively impact the health of our region. Examples include spearheading capital construction projects and vital medical equipment purchases that expand or improve medical services, providing resources for associate improvement through certification and conference opportunities, and by underwriting programs like the annual community flu vaccination drive, community CPR training, scholarships, and more.

The Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to support, assist and promote the interest and welfare of Hays Medical Center, its programs and activities. The Foundation is staffed by Development Officer Jayne Inlow and Operations and Data Coordinator Jana Fross, and is governed by an eighteen member board of community volunteers

Aug17

HaysMed Recognizes 2018 First Quarter Patient Satisfaction Award Winners

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas (Aug 17, 2018)—The Acute Care Unit, Special Nursing Service, DeBakey Heart Clinic and HaysMed Volunteers were recently named the patient satisfaction award winners for the 1^st quarter of 2018 at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System.

Each quarter HaysMed recognizes the patient satisfaction award winners based on results from CAHPS (Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) surveys administrated by HealthStream. Health Stream is the research firm HaysMed contracts with to conduct the government required Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) hospital surveys on patient experience. The CAHPS survey is the first national, standardized, publicly reported survey of patients’ perspectives of hospital care. The CAHPS Hospital Survey is a survey instrument and data collection methodology for measuring patients’ perceptions of their hospital experience. Four areas are recognized every quarter including an inpatient department, an outpatient department, a clinic and a non-clinical area.

The Acute Care Unit was recognized for having the highest rating for courtesy and respect for the first quarter of 2018. Their unit score was 95.4% putting them at the 96^th percentile. Acute Care is a 46 bed unit. They have a total of 68 Associates including fulltime and part time staff. In 2017 they had 2458 admissions.

Special Nursing Service, an outpatient department had the highest rating for courtesy and respect scoring 100% putting them at the 99^th percentile. The department has 10 full time RNs. They average 9000 procedures a year.

Garnering the clinic award was the Debakey Heart Clinic. Their score was 98% putting them at the 95^th percentile. The clinic saw over 9676 patients last year.

The Volunteers received the Customer Service Award for their significant contributions to the mission, vision and values of HaysMed. There are approximately 200 volunteers with 100 who are active on a monthly basis. They man the four information desks, run the Gift Shop and monthly blood screens, help with the blood drives and also craft and sew for the annual bazaar. They are the face of our hospital.

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Aug14

HaysMed Foundation Campaign Surpasses Goal

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

In April of last year, the HaysMed Foundation announced the Powerful Technology Campaign. The goal was to acquire several new key technologies that would signal a major turning point in patient care. The campaign, chaired by Dr. Tom and Debra McDonald, surpassed its $3 million goal, with a total of $3,822,342 in gifts and pledges.

The Powerful Technology Campaign included four major components:

-A new CT scanner

-New equipment in the HaysMed DeBakey Heart Institute’s two catheterization labs -Integrated patient monitors -Endowed funds to benefit department needs both now and for generations to come

The new, large-bore CT scanner, a technological breakthrough, captures detailed images of vital organs in only a fraction of a second. This remarkable speed significantly reduces radiation doses up to 82 percent from traditional CT scanners. New patient monitors tie into HaysMed’s larger electronic medical record system, which tracks patients’ health status at any given moment. The two catheterization labs can now also offer higher quality imaging, while minimizing radiation exposure to patients and providers.

Campaign co-chairs Dr. Tom and Debra McDonald expressed their appreciation to the donors of the Campaign. “The success of the Powerful Technology Campaign is important, not only because of the state-of-the art tools now available, but because of the increased standard of care they facilitate for our patients and for their families. We owe this achievement to the advocates and benefactors in our community who constantly seek to improve the lives of those who call our region home.”

Aug14

Hansen, Hadley Foundations Instrumental in New Medical Simulation Labs

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Nursing News

Thanks to a $250,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in Logan, Kan. along with a $125,000 allocation from the Hays based Hadley Foundation, HaysMed will form a new collaboration with Fort Hays State University.

This new venture includes clinical simulation, skills, and assessment labs to be housed in Stroup Hall on the FHSU campus. Clinical simulation has become an increasingly valuable part of clinical practice and training. For example, life-like simulation mannequins can be programmed to create real-world situations, from childbirth to heart attacks. The simulations are very realistic and accurately recreate the environments and circumstances found in emergency departments, exam rooms, and patient rooms. The wide array of skills taught in this new collaboration will provide continuing education for HaysMed staff and training for FHSU nursing students.

HaysMed Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President for Patient Care Terry Siek said, “Healthcare becomes more complex every day, but it also creates exciting new opportunities. It is imperative that we have nurses and other clinical staff prepared to seize these opportunities. Simulation gives nursing students and experienced staff alike the opportunity to create and solve complex scenarios in a safe and controlled environment.”

This new venture ties into the stated vision of HaysMed, to be the best tertiary care center in rural America, providing a scope and quality of services not otherwise available without traveling outside the region. To accomplish this, HaysMed employs hundreds of men and women with nursing degrees, advanced degrees, and various certifications. All require continuous training to maintain their certifications and stay current with emerging research and technologies.

HaysMed Foundation Development Officer Jeff Brull noted, “An added benefit of this modern lab will be the ability to attract and retain high quality nursing and other medical professionals. People who work in healthcare have a relentless passion to help others and are drawn to opportunities to improve their abilities to do just that. We’re grateful for the leadership of both the Dane G. Hansen Foundation as well as the Hadley Foundation for their vision to continually provide for the healthcare needs of western Kansas through the initiatives of HaysMed.”

Aug8

HaysMed Welcomes New Hospitalist

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Hays, KS (August 8, 2018) –Dr. Pramod Janga, MD has joined the medical staff of HaysMed as a full time physician. Dr. Janga, hospitalist, will join Dr(s). Patrick Atkinson, Kayla Gray and Erin Hemphill, and ARPNs Lindsey Broin, Susie Pfannenstiel, Anissa Sonntag and Brenda Weese, all part of the hospitalist team at HaysMed.

Hospitalists and their team specialize in the care of patients while they are in the hospital. Everything from coordinating care, organizing communication with clinical team members and answering questions or concerns, hospitalists are available most of the day for patients and their families.

Dr. Janga completed medical school at S.V.S. Medical College in India. He did his residency in internal medicine at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

For more information on hospitalist care go to haysmed.com/hospitalists

Aug6

HaysMed Welcomes New Emergency Department Physician

By Gayla Wichman - Emergency Department News,HaysMed News

Hays, KS (August 7, 2018) –Dr. Aaron M. Pfeifer, MD has joined the medical staff of HaysMed as a full time physician. Dr. Pfeifer, a Hays native, will join Dr(s). Gerald Matzke, Rob Miller and Derek Yarmer in the Emergency Department.

Dr. Pfeifer is a Thomas Moore Prep alumni and graduated from Fort Hays State University. He completed medical school at The University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City. He did his residency training in emergency medicine at Western Michigan Homer Stryker, MD, School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

For more information on emergency services at HaysMed go to haysmed.com/emergency-department.

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