HaysMed recently welcomed Kansas State Senator Rick Billinger of Goodland and representatives from the American Cancer Society for a tour of the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute, providing an opportunity to showcase the comprehensive cancer services available close to home for patients across western Kansas.
During the visit, guests toured the Cancer Institute and learned how HaysMed brings together advanced technology, specialized providers, and personalized support services to deliver coordinated cancer care in a single location. The tour highlighted the Institute’s commitment to ensuring patients can access high-quality treatment without traveling long distances. HaysMed’s cancer program emphasizes centralized, comprehensive care, including infusion services, radiation oncology, clinical trials, imaging, pathology, surgery, and patient navigation.
One of the stops included the Cancer Institute’s infusion bay area, which serves an average of 40 patients each day. Visitors learned about the wide range of treatments provided and the compassionate care teams who support patients throughout their cancer journey.
The group also toured HaysMed’s Linear Accelerator (LINAC), the advanced radiation therapy technology used to deliver highly targeted cancer treatments. Jamie Richards, MSRT (R)(T), HaysMed’s Radiation Oncology Operations Manager and Office Manager for Medical Oncology and the Breast Care Clinic explained that radiation oncology is one of the many specialized services available within the Cancer Institute, allowing patients to receive sophisticated treatment while remaining close to family and support systems.
Jamie Richards, MSRT (R)(T), highlights the importance of HaysMed’s Linear Accelerator (LINAC), an advanced radiation therapy system that delivers targeted cancer treatments and brings sophisticated oncology care closer to home for patients across the region.
Leaders highlighted the importance of HaysMed’s employed pathology team, which provides critical diagnostic services on-site. Having pathologists available locally helps accelerate diagnosis, treatment planning, and collaboration among care teams, allowing patients to move more quickly from diagnosis to treatment.
The tour also highlighted HaysMed’s comprehensive Breast Care Center, which provides screening, diagnostic, and follow-up breast imaging services in a patient-centered environment. Deb Shinn, DNP, RN, Nurse Manager of Medical Oncology, Breast Care, Special Nursing Services, and Vascular Access explained that HaysMed has a dedicated radiologist specializes in interpreting mammograms and breast imaging studies, helping ensure timely, accurate diagnoses and seamless coordination with the oncology team when additional care is needed. Patients benefit from having breast imaging, consultations, oncology expertise, and support services connected through the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute, creating a more streamlined experience during what can be a stressful time.
Deb Shinn highlights the comprehensive care available through the HaysMed Breast Care Center, where patients have access to a dedicated breast imaging radiologist, specialized breast surgeons, a high-risk provider, and a certified Nurse Navigator to help guide them through diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.
The tour also showcased the role of HaysMed’s general surgeons, who provide consultations and outreach services throughout the region. Through partnerships with rural hospitals and clinics, patients can receive expert specialty care while remaining connected to their local communities whenever possible.
Visitors learned how HaysMed extends the reach of its oncology services beyond Hays through telehealth connections in Colby and dedicated HaysMed Multispecialty Clinic locations in Great Bend and Dodge City. These access points help ensure patients across western and central Kansas can receive specialized care closer to home.
Another key discussion focused on the Cancer Institute’s comprehensive support services. HaysMed offers a dedicated Nurse Navigator Program, helping patients and families navigate appointments, treatments, education, and resources throughout the cancer journey. The team also emphasized the value of palliative care services, which focus on improving quality of life, managing symptoms, and providing support alongside active treatment.
Cancer care is about more than treatment. During the tour, visitors learned about the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute’s boutique, which offers free wigs, fittings, and support services for patients, as well as HaysMed’s Nurse Navigator Program, helping patients and families navigate care with confidence and compassion.
Tour participants were also introduced to HaysMed’s clinical trials program, which offers eligible patients access to emerging treatment options while contributing to advancements in cancer care. Clinical trials are an important component of the Institute’s commitment to bringing innovative treatment opportunities to the region.
The tour included a look at the Cancer Institute’s dedicated CT scanner, which is used for radiation treatment planning and helps ensure precision in cancer therapy. Guests also learned about HaysMed’s plans to add a new PET/CT scanner, funded through the recently awarded Rural Health Transformation Program. This state-of-the-art technology will enhance both oncology and cardiac imaging services and further strengthen access to advanced diagnostic capabilities for communities across western Kansas.
Representing HaysMed during the visit were Jamie Richards, Deb Shinn, Dr. Isaac Chambers, Hematologist and Oncologist; Shae Veach, Vice President of Regional Operations; and Edward Herrman, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Dr. Isaac Chambers (center) highlights the comprehensive cancer services available at the HaysMed Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute, including access to clinical trials that bring cutting-edge treatment opportunities to patients right here in western Kansas.
“We are proud to provide comprehensive cancer care close to home for the patients and families we serve,” said Herrman. “Visits like these help demonstrate the importance of investing in rural healthcare and ensuring patients throughout western Kansas have access to advanced oncology services, leading-edge technology, and the support they need during some of life’s most challenging moments.”
The visit provided an opportunity to highlight the impact of rural cancer care and the continued importance of partnerships, innovation, and advocacy in ensuring patients throughout western Kansas can access world-class treatment without leaving the region.
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