HaysMed is pleased to announce the appointment of Joben Rieth as the permanent Chief Nursing Officer, effective March 10, 2025, following a national search and comprehensive interview process. Since joining HaysMed in an interim capacity in October 2024, Rieth has exemplified a leadership style rooted in transparency, direct engagement, and a profound commitment to patient care.

Throughout his tenure at HaysMed, Rieth has actively worked to understand the hospital’s systems and processes deeply, forging meaningful connections with both Associates and patients. His approach has positioned him to effectively lead and implement strategic initiatives, leveraging a solid grasp of operational strengths and areas for growth.

During recent discussions about his journey in healthcare and his vision for the future, Rieth shared insights into the challenges he has faced and his strategic responses:

“One of the main challenges has been navigating the complexities of healthcare regulations while striving to improve patient care efficiency,” Rieth said. “We’ve addressed these challenges by fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. I’ve initiated regular feedback sessions and have been working closely with the Associates to implement innovative solutions that enhance our service delivery without compromising care quality.”

Rieth also unveiled an exciting initiative for the upcoming year: “I’m thrilled to announce that we are implementing the ‘BEE Award.’ Similar to the Daisy Award, this recognition program will honor the invaluable contributions of our non-nursing staff members, such as our environmental services, administrative personnel, and support staff,” he explained. “These team members are crucial to our operations and significantly contribute to a positive environment for both patients and healthcare providers. The BEE Award aims to spotlight their dedication and the compassionate care they provide daily, which are vital to our success and patient satisfaction.”

Furthermore, Rieth discussed his ongoing efforts to enhance the work environment for HaysMed’s nursing staff: “My goal is to maintain an environment where our nurses feel valued, respected, and motivated,” he remarked. “We are enhancing our professional development programs to provide more growth opportunities for our nursing staff. Additionally, we’re improving our work-life balance initiatives to ensure that our nurses can manage their professional responsibilities while enjoying personal fulfillment and well-being.”

Eddie Herrman, President and CEO of HaysMed, warmly welcomed Rieth’s permanent role, stating, “We are thrilled to have Joben step into the role of Chief Nursing Officer at HaysMed. Joben’s unique blend of compassion, leadership, and expertise in nursing aligns perfectly with our mission to provide exceptional care. His proactive approach and commitment to excellence are exactly what we need to continue advancing our services and supporting our community. Welcome aboard, Joben!”

HaysMed is enthusiastic about the positive changes Rieth’s leadership will bring and is proud to welcome him to his new role.

The world of medicine is ever evolving, and with that, so are the procedures used to preserve heart health. Top-tier medical professions, like HaysMed’s Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Travis Haneke, represent the innovation of new techniques here at HaysMed using less invasive methods in areas of heart health such as a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure.

Understanding PFOs
A PFO is a small hole in the heart that should close after birth but remains open in about 25% of the population. While often harmless, it can increase the risk of strokes, migraines, and other complications if blood clots pass through it to the brain.

Amanda’s Story
In 2024, a 33-year old Amanda Balinski suddenly experienced vision loss, grey spots, and vertigo, severely impacting her daily life. Looking back, Amanda had long suffered from migraines, vision issues, and heart palpitations, often dismissed as anxiety or routine health concerns. Fortunately, a coworker recognized the signs of a stroke, prompting her urgent transport to HaysMed’s ER, where Dr. Aaron Pfeifer’s quick action and a CT scan confirmed the stroke diagnosis. She emphasizes the importance of advocating for one’s health, especially for women whose symptoms are frequently overlooked.

Dr. Haneke’s Expertise in PFO Closure
Due to her stroke history, Amanda was a candidate for PFO closure. On November 18, 2024, Dr. Travis Haneke and his team at the DeBakey Heart Institute guided a catheter through a vein in her leg to insert a small implant that permanently sealed the hole, reducing her risk of future strokes and avoiding the need for open heart surgery.

“Closing a PFO is a crucial step in reducing the risk of future strokes, especially for patients who have already experienced one,” said Dr. Travis Haneke of HaysMed. “Strokes can be profoundly disabling, impacting a person’s ability to live independently and enjoy life. By addressing the underlying cause, we not only protect patients from potential complications but also give them peace of mind and a healthier future.”

Following the procedure, Amanda made a full recovery, resuming normal activities without palpitations or lingering symptoms. Amanda and her husband said they are incredibly grateful to Dr. Haneke, and the entire HaysMed catheterization lab team’s support and care.

Her husband, Josh Anderson, shared, “I just hope hearing Amanda’s story will help others seek help sooner. We’ve had a wonderful experience.”

Raising Awareness About PFOs
The American College of Cardiology estimates that one in four adults has a PFO, yet many remain undiagnosed. Dr. Haneke’s work reflects HaysMed’s commitment to bringing advanced cardiac care to rural Kansas, ensuring local patients receive life-changing treatment close to home.

If you or a loved one have concerns about stroke risk or heart-related symptoms, consult with HaysMed’s DeBakey Heart Institute. With specialists like Dr. Haneke, cutting-edge heart care is more accessible than ever.

Dr. Travis Haneke and Amanda Balinski

Amanda Balinski

“HaysMed Highlights” is a series that explores the various teams and services at HaysMed, showcasing our exemplary patient experience and steadfast commitment to healthcare excellence.

The Birth Center at HaysMed, a leader in women’s health services in western Kansas, is proud to announce significant enhancements in its care offerings, focusing on comprehensive support for women throughout their pregnancy journey. In 2024, HaysMed’s Labor and Delivery Unit successfully delivered 553 newborns, underscoring the substantial contribution to regional health and the department’s role as a pivotal center for maternal and newborn care in the area.

“Supporting healthy families is at the heart of what we do, and it is a privilege to be trusted by so many mothers and families in our community,” said Dr. Timothy Hoskins, HaysMed. “Prioritizing maternal mental health is essential, as it is a fundamental component of family well-being.”

Advancing Maternal Health

HaysMed’s commitment extends beyond delivery. In a time where mental health awareness and assistance is on the rise, HaysMed is ahead of the curve, with resources and screenings for pregnant and postnatal women. HaysMed has initiated a crucial effort to increase screenings for prenatal and postnatal mental health and mood disorders, which are integral for early identification and support. These screenings are performed during the first prenatal visit at 10 weeks and again between 28-30 weeks. This proactive approach ensures that the Birth Center providers can offer timely interventions, including counseling and medication management.

Additionally, HaysMed patients benefit from the Kansas Moms in Mind initiative, which provides crucial support during the woman’s 4th trimester—a critical period after childbirth marked by physical and emotional adjustments. Supported by Kansas Connecting Communities and the Kansas Maternal and Child Health, this program enhances the providers’ ability to treat perinatal behavioral health disorders, focusing on conditions like postpartum depression and anxiety. This initiative ensures that new mothers receive comprehensive care and support during this pivotal phase, emphasizing the importance of maternal mental health.

Birth Center and Women’s Services

The Birth Center at HaysMed offers extensive women’s health and OB/GYN services. These include labor and delivery, lactation services, postpartum care, advanced surgical technology, and neonatal intensive care (NICU). Throughout their pregnancy journey, patients have access to wellness and prenatal education, both in-person and online to accommodate local and regional patients, covering topics such as birth, breastfeeding, newborn care, and sibling preparation.

Kalin LaBarge, Labor & Delivery Supervisor at HaysMed Birth Center, expressed deep appreciation for the families who choose this facility. “We are committed to maintaining our tradition of excellence and dedicated care for both our community and the region for years to come,” she stated. The HaysMed Birth Center is proud to have a distinguished team of experts, including Dr. Timothy Hoskins, Paula Bitter, APRN, and Anne Marie Hager, APRN, who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in maternal and newborn care.

Support for Women’s Entire Health Journey

At HaysMed, supporting women at every stage of their health journey is a top priority. The OB/GYN team, Internal Medicine, and Family Medicine department, comprising 19 providers—including physicians, advanced practice providers, and physician assistants—deliver complete reproductive health services and well-woman exams. Additionally, the dedicated Breast Care Center at HaysMed is staffed with a specialized radiologist and two breast care surgeons, ensuring timely and effective mammography readings and surgical interventions.

HaysMed remains dedicated to providing a full spectrum of maternal and women’s health services. With a goal to ensure a safe, comfortable, and joyous experience for all patients, supported by the latest in medical technology and the highest standards of care.

Welcome to the world, Harvey! We’re overjoyed to share this special moment with Aubry, one of our HaysMed Labor and Delivery nurses, and her beautiful newborn. In 2024 alone, our Labor and Delivery Unit at HaysMed celebrated the arrival of 553 newborns, reflecting the hard work and expertise of our exceptional team. From left to right, the photo features Abby, Patti, Aubry with Harvey, Madison, Kelsey, and Dionne.