HaysMed has been honored by Midwest Transplant Network (MTN) with a 2026 Excellence in Donation Award for Tissue Donation, recognizing the hospital’s commitment to supporting organ, eye, and tissue donation and helping deliver lifesaving opportunities to patients and families.

Based on 2025 donation outcomes, the Excellence in Donation Awards recognize hospitals that demonstrate exceptional performance in facilitating donation in eligible cases where authorization is granted. Midwest Transplant Network collaborates with more than 240 hospitals across Kansas and western Missouri, making this recognition a meaningful distinction.

“This award reflects the compassion and professionalism of our clinical teams who support patients and families during some of life’s most difficult moments,” said Joben Rieth, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at HaysMed. “Tissue donation offers the chance for healing and hope beyond loss, and we are proud of our staff for honoring donors and their families with dignity, respect, and exceptional care.”

Midwest Transplant Network’s 2026 awards feature butterfly imagery, symbolizing transformation, renewal, and the lasting impact of donation. Through the generosity of donor heroes and their families, tissue donation can restore mobility, heal injuries, and improve quality of life for countless recipients.

“At HaysMed, collaboration and education are key to supporting donation,” said Heidi Gohl, Vascular Access, RN and key contact for donation services at HaysMed. “This recognition affirms the strong partnership we share with Midwest Transplant Network and highlights the commitment of our teams who ensure donation opportunities are handled thoughtfully and according to each family’s wishes.”

HaysMed remains committed to advancing donation awareness, supporting families through the donation process, and partnering with Midwest Transplant Network to extend hope and healing throughout the region.

For more information about organ, eye, and tissue donation, visit the Midwest Transplant Network website.

Photo includes from left to right Joben Rieth, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, Heidi Gohl, Vascular Access RN, and Nikki Dixon, Midwest Transplant Network Hospital Services Coordinator.

While patients may not always see it, the Central Sterile Department at HaysMed plays a critical role in every procedure, every day. Operating seven days a week, this team ensures that all surgical and clinical instruments are properly cleaned, sterilized, and ready for safe use, helping keep patient care running smoothly across the organization.

HaysMed is proud to recognize several recent accomplishments within the Central Sterile team.

Nancy De La Rosa has been promoted to Evening Lead Technician after more than a year of service at HaysMed. Nancy’s leadership and attention to detail have made her a valuable member of the department, and her new role will help continue to strengthen Central Sterile operations.

In addition, four Central Sterile Associates—Nancy De La Rosa, Zachary Chance, Samantha Velazquez, and Elijah Baber—have officially earned their Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) credentials through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). This nationally recognized certification reflects their advanced knowledge and dedication to maintaining the highest standards in sterile processing.

Photo includes from left to right: Samantha Velazquez, Linda Stefan, Zachary Chance, Nancy De La Rosa, Noah Taylor, Tracy Ream, and Elise Williams.

“We are incredibly proud of Nancy, Zachary, Samantha, and Elijah for earning their CRCST certifications,” said Elise Williams, Manager of Central Sterile at HaysMed. “Having certified technicians on our team strengthens the quality and consistency of our sterile processing, which directly impacts every department we support. It’s an investment in our people and in the high standard of care our patients expect and deserve.”

HaysMed is also proud to recognize Elise Williams for earning her Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) credential. This specialized certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and technical skill in safely handling endoscopes, including pre-cleaning, testing, decontamination, inspection, disinfection and/or sterilization, transport, and storage—all in accordance with strict industry standards.

“Elise’s professional growth and excellence sets a strong example for her team and our organization,” said Joben Rieth, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “We are incredibly proud to recognize her achievement and her leadership within Central Sterile.”

Hospitals depend on their Central Sterile departments to ensure every instrument used in patient care meets strict safety and quality standards. From surgical tools to clinical equipment, this team is responsible for processing, sterilizing, and delivering the instruments that providers rely on every day. Their work is essential to preventing infection, supporting surgical teams, and ensuring positive patient outcomes.

Investing in Innovation and Safety
As part of its ongoing commitment to both patient care and employee safety, HaysMed has recently invested in a new, state-of-the-art automated sink system, one of the most advanced on the market.

This innovative equipment is designed with both efficiency and ergonomics in mind, featuring:

• Adjustable height to accommodate different team members
• Larger basins for improved cleaning capacity
• Advanced sprayers for more effective rinsing
• A flexi-pump system that automatically flushes instruments, reducing the need for manual syringes
• Integrated specialty lighting for enhanced visibility
• Angled sink design to reduce strain

Nancy De La Rosa (left) and Tracy Ream (right) highlight the features of the newly installed advanced sink system.

This significant investment not only improves efficiency but also enhances safety and comfort for Central Sterile Associates, reinforcing HaysMed’s commitment to supporting the people behind the scenes who make patient care possible.

With a strong team, advanced technology, and a commitment to excellence, HaysMed’s Central Sterile Department continues to play a vital role in delivering safe, reliable care to patients across the region.

Elise Williams and Elijah Baber

Zachary Chance

Nancy De La Rosa

Samantha Velazquez

HaysMed is proud to be recognized on a national level by Becker’s Hospital Review for achieving a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) rate of zero, placing the organization among just 508 hospitals across the United States to earn this distinction based on data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

This recognition reflects a significant accomplishment in patient safety. CAUTIs are among the most common healthcare-associated infections, occurring when bacteria enter the urinary tract through a catheter. These infections can lead to serious complications, extended hospital stays, and increased discomfort for patients. Maintaining a zero infection rate not only demonstrates strong clinical practices, but also highlights a deep commitment to protecting patients at every stage of care.

“This recognition is a testament to the vigilance and dedication of our clinical teams,” said Joben Rieth, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “Achieving a zero CAUTI rate doesn’t happen by accident, it requires consistent adherence to evidence-based practices and a culture that prioritizes patient safety in every interaction.”

The CMS data, collected between July 2024 and June 2025, is based on standardized infection ratios developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These measures take into account a variety of factors including patient populations, hospital size, and care complexity, making this accomplishment even more meaningful.

“Preventing infections like CAUTIs is essential to delivering high-quality care and protecting the well-being of our patients,” said Regina Borthwick, Patient Quality Services Executive Director. “This achievement shows our team’s commitment to doing the right things, the right way, every time. It’s about ensuring that our patients can focus on healing without preventable setbacks.”

For patients and their families, a zero CAUTI rate translates to safer care, fewer complications, and greater confidence in the healthcare they receive. Being included on this national list shows HaysMed’s ongoing commitment to delivering the high-quality care the community depends on every day.

View the Becker’s Hospital Review list here.