HaysMed is proud to announce the introduction of Aquablation® therapy, a groundbreaking treatment for men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This minimally invasive procedure combines robotic precision with the power of water to relieve urinary symptoms while preserving sexual and urinary function, something traditional surgeries often compromise.

Aquablation uses a heat-free, high-pressure waterjet guided by real-time ultrasound and robotic technology to remove excess prostate tissue. Unlike older methods such as TURP or laser therapy, which rely on heat and carry higher risks of sexual dysfunction, Aquablation offers a safer, more precise alternative. It adapts to prostates of all sizes and shapes, making it an option for men who previously faced limited choices.

Dr. Srinivas Samavedi, a urologist at HaysMed, explains: “Aquablation represents a major advancement in BPH treatment. By combining imaging and robotics, we can tailor the procedure to each patient’s anatomy, ensuring we remove only what’s necessary while protecting critical structures. This means better outcomes and fewer long-term side effects.”

The procedure typically takes less than an hour, and most patients return home the next day. Recovery is quick, many resume normal activities within one to two weeks. While mild discomfort or temporary urgency can occur, serious complications are rare. Compared to traditional surgeries, Aquablation significantly reduces the risk of incontinence and sexual dysfunction, which is a major concern for many men.

Dr. Ernesto Lopez-Corona, a HaysMed Urology surgeon adds, “Our goal is to improve quality of life without compromising what matters most to patients. Aquablation allows us to do that. We’ve already seen excellent results and positive feedback from men who struggled for years with urinary symptoms.”

HaysMed chose to offer Aquablation because it aligns with the hospital’s commitment to advanced, minimally invasive care. The surgical team underwent specialized training to master the HYDROS™ Robotic System, ensuring safe and effective implementation. With HaysMed now the only provider offering Aquablation between Denver and Hays, patients across western Kansas have access to world-class urologic care close to home.

Early patient response has been overwhelmingly positive, and as demand grows, HaysMed expects Aquablation to become a cornerstone of its urology program. This technology reflects a broader trend toward robotic and image-guided surgery, one that prioritizes precision, safety, and patient-centered outcomes.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact HaysMed’s Urology Department at 785-628-6014 or visit haysmed.com/urology.

Read the press release from November 19, 2025 here: HaysMed, Gove County Medical Center Announce New Partnership to Strengthen Healthcare in Quinter & Beyond

HaysMed is pleased to welcome Michelle K. Helal, CRNA, to its Anesthesia team.

Helal earned her Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wheeling Jesuit University. She brings a wealth of experience, having practiced in a variety of hospital and clinical settings across Maryland, Montana, West Virginia, and now Kansas.

Born and raised in a small, rural town, Helal has always had a strong passion for serving rural communities and providing personalized, high-quality care to patients.

“I’m honored to join HaysMed and serve the community,” said Helal. “Having grown up in a rural area, I understand the importance of accessible, compassionate care close to home. I’m excited to work alongside a skilled and supportive team to ensure patients feel safe and cared for throughout their surgical experience.”

Her arrival strengthens HaysMed’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to expert care and enhancing healthcare services for patients across western Kansas.

HAYS, Kan. / QUINTER, Kan. (November 19, 2025) – Leaders at Hays Medical Center (HaysMed) and Gove County Medical Center (GCMC) are pleased to announce a formalized strategic partnership designed to strengthen rural healthcare delivery in Quinter and across Gove County. Today, the Board of Trustees at GCMC approved and signed the final partnership agreement, culminating a thoughtful process of due diligence and collaboration following the Letter of Intent signed in early 2025.

With this agreement now official, the transition is underway. The partnership will take effect in early 2026.

This new chapter builds on a long-standing alliance between the two hospitals. As an official partner hospital of HaysMed, GCMC will now be managed by HaysMed, enabling deeper alignment with the region’s only tertiary care center. The goal: to improve lives through shared resources, advanced technology, and expanded clinical services, all while preserving GCMC’s local leadership and community investment.

“This partnership reflects our mutual and unwavering commitment to keeping healthcare local, sustainable, and strong,” said Conner Fiscarelli, Chief Executive Officer at GCMC. “It’s a proactive step to ensure our patients, staff, and neighbors across the county continue to thrive in today’s challenging healthcare environment.”

Terry Ostmeyer, President of GCMC’s Board of Trustees, emphasized the importance of community-based oversight. “This is not a merger or acquisition,” he said. “Rather, it’s a collaborative affiliation model that strengthens our local mission while opening doors to broader capabilities. We are excited to deepen our long-standing relationship with HaysMed, an organization that shares our values and vision for advancing rural health in our community.”

Modeled after HaysMed’s successful partnership with Pawnee Valley Community Hospital in Larned, this affiliation will allow GCMC to maintain its name, identity, and governing board while benefiting from access to resources typically not available to small rural hospitals.

In Kansas, nearly 60 percent of rural hospitals are at risk of closure, driven by workforce shortages, shrinking reimbursement rates, and rising operational costs. Many are being acquired by national health systems. GCMC, however, has chosen a different path — one that prioritizes local control, long-term stability, and high-quality care.

“As the healthcare landscape grows more complex, we believe in forming partnerships that keep care rooted in the community,” said Eddie Herrman, President and Chief Executive Officer at HaysMed. “Gove County Medical Center is a well-respected provider, and we’re honored to help support its growth and sustainability. This is rural health reimagined — collaborative, forward-looking, and focused on people.”

Benefits of the partnership for Gove County residents include:

• A shared, fully integrated electronic health record (EHR) system that enhances continuity of care and patient safety across care settings.
• Expanded access to on-site specialty care, with HaysMed specialists traveling to Gove County.
• Investment in infrastructure, clinical support, and workforce development, tailored to the needs of the community.

While HaysMed will provide operational leadership and integration support, GCMC will continue to be governed by its locally elected board of trustees. The hospital’s mission, values, and dedication to community-focused care remain unchanged.

Implementation efforts will continue throughout the winter, with regular updates planned to keep patients, staff, and community members informed at every stage. For more information and updates, visit gcmc.org/rural-health-reimagined.

About HaysMed
Hays Medical Center (HaysMed) is a private, not-for-profit, 200+ bed hospital providing the only tertiary-level services in the region. As the destination for rural health, HaysMed offers a wide variety of specialty programs including cardiology, orthopedics, cancer, surgery (general, minimally invasive and robotic), ENT, pulmonology, critical care and women’s services. HaysMed is a Level III Trauma Center and a certified Primary Stroke Center.

Other services include rehabilitation, hospice, neonatal, intensive care and diagnostic imaging, as well as a Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center and a Sleep and Neurodiagnostic Center. HaysMed is proud to be one of only 20 U.S. hospitals recognized by Vizient in 2023 as a Top Performer in the Complex Care Medical Center cohort. In 2024, HaysMed was named as one of the top 100 rural and community hospitals in the country by the National Rural Health Association and earned the prestigious five-star designation in the 2024 CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings. Learn more at haysmed.com.

About Gove County Medical Center
Gove County Medical Center (GCMC) has been serving the healthcare needs of northwest Kansas since 1925. As a critical access hospital in Quinter, Kansas, GCMC is dedicated to providing person-centered care to the residents of Gove County and surrounding areas. With a mission to enhance lives through the right care at the right time, close to home. GCMC offers services ranging from outpatient care to acute medical care services including 24/7 emergency care. Learn more at gcmc.org.

 

Related information:

GCMC-HaysMed Partnership FAQs

Rural Health Reimagined – HaysMed-GCMC Intent to Partner