HaysMed is proud to announce it has been awarded funding through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Rural Health Transformation Program to bring a permanent PET/CT scanner to our campus, expanding access to advanced diagnostic imaging for patients across western Kansas.

This advanced technology will support both the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute and the DeBakey Heart Institute, enhancing care for patients facing cancer and heart disease. The PET/CT scanner will allow physicians to detect cancer earlier, more accurately stage disease, monitor treatment effectiveness, and, with added cardiac capabilities, diagnose and manage complex heart conditions.

“This is an exciting opportunity for HaysMed and the patients we serve across western Kansas,” said Shae Veach, Vice President of Regional Operations. “A tremendous amount of time and collaboration has gone into making this possible. At the heart of it all is our focus on our patients, ensuring they have access to advanced care close to home. That focus drives everything we do and will continue to guide us moving forward. We look forward to keeping our community updated as this project progresses.”

As the regional hub for western Kansas, HaysMed remains committed to bringing advanced, high-quality care closer to home. This investment represents a meaningful step forward in improving outcomes and strengthening healthcare for the communities we serve.

Read the KDHE press release here: KDHE Awards Nearly $80M to Strengthen Rural Health Care Across Kansas Through the Kansas RHTP

View the award winners and project descriptions here: REH CAP and RPGP Award Winners (PDF)

For more updates and information, visit the Kansas Department of Health Environment Rural Health Transformation Program website.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every 40 seconds, someone in the United States experiences a stroke. During National Stroke Awareness Month, HaysMed reminds our communities that knowing the signs of stroke and acting quickly can save lives, and preserve quality of life.

At HaysMed, stroke care is not just a service, it is a coordinated, regionally leading program built on expertise, technology, and a commitment to rapid, high-quality care.

A Leader in Stroke Care
HaysMed is proud to be the first hospital in Kansas to be certified as a Primary Stroke Center by DNV Healthcare, a designation that recognizes our dedication to delivering the latest, evidence-based stroke care as quickly as possible. Today, we continue to meet and exceed rigorous metrics, solidifying our role as the primary stroke center for our region.

“HaysMed’s stroke program is centered on rapid response and coordinated care,” said Dr. Erin Hemphill, Hospitalist and Inpatient Rehabilitation Director of the Stroke Program. “Every second counts during a stroke, and our team is prepared to act immediately to give patients the best possible outcomes.”

HaysMed serves as the stroke hub for the region, offering a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to stroke treatment and recovery. Care is delivered by a team of healthcare professionals, including:

• Dr. Erin Hemphill, hospitalist, Inpatient Rehabilitation Director, and Director of the Stroke Program
• Anissa Sonntag, APRN, representing hospitalists
• Brian Pfannenstiel, Director of Critical Care
• Katelyn Mosshart, Inpatient Rehab Nursing Supervisor and Stroke Program Manager
• Rehabilitation specialists, Emergency Department staff, nursing staff, and a representative from dietary services

This collaborative team ensures patients receive seamless care, from emergency treatment through rehabilitation and recovery.

When a stroke occurs, access to specialists is critical. HaysMed offers tele-stroke services and neurology coverage, ensuring patients have immediate access to expert evaluation and treatment decisions at any time, day or night.

This advanced connectivity allows HaysMed to deliver timely interventions even in urgent situations, helping reduce long-term disability and improve survival rates.

Recognized for Excellence
As a DNV-certified stroke center, HaysMed meets stringent national standards for stroke care, including rapid diagnosis, treatment protocols, and ongoing quality improvement. These standards ensure patients consistently receive high-level care close to home. Our continued success in meeting these benchmarks reinforces our commitment to being a trusted healthcare leader across western Kansas.

Know the Signs—Act FAST
Recognizing stroke symptoms and acting immediately can make all the difference. Remember BE FAST:

• Balance – Sudden loss of balance or coordination
• Eyes – Sudden vision changes
• Face – Facial drooping
• Arms – Arm weakness
• Speech – Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
• Time – Call 911 immediately

“Stroke is a medical emergency,” Dr. Hemphill emphasized. “If you or a loved one shows any signs of stroke, don’t wait, call 911 right away.”

As a comprehensive stroke center and the stroke hub for the region, HaysMed is committed to delivering lifesaving care when it matters most. From advanced emergency response and tele-stroke capabilities to rehabilitation and long-term recovery, our team is here for you every step of the way.

During Stroke Awareness Month and beyond, HaysMed encourages everyone to learn the signs, act quickly, and trust your local experts in stroke care.

Dr. Erin Hemphill (left), HaysMed Hospitalist, Inpatient Rehabilitation Director, and Director of the Stroke Program, alongside Katelyn Mosshart (right), Inpatient Rehab Nursing Supervisor and Stroke Program Manager, work closely together to support stroke care and inpatient rehabilitation.

Communication is at the heart of patient care, whether it’s expressing needs, connecting with loved ones, or safely swallowing a meal. This May, during Better Hearing and Speech Month, HaysMed is proud to recognize the vital role Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) play in helping patients regain and maintain these essential abilities.

“At HaysMed, we are proud to recognize our Speech-Language Pathologists, Jessica, MS, CCC-SLP from Acute Care and Outpatient Services and Maria, MS, CCC-SLP, from the Rehabilitation Unit,” said Theresa Roe, Director of Rehabilitation Services. “Their expertise and compassionate care make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients every day.”

At HaysMed, our SLP team provides specialized care across multiple settings, including acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient services. Their expertise supports patients recovering from illness, injury, or neurological conditions, and often at some of the most critical moments in their healthcare journey.

At HaysMed, Speech-Language Pathologists treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Cognitive-communication disorders related to stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or dementia
• Speech and language disorders affecting a patient’s ability to express or understand communication
• Motor speech disorders resulting from neurological conditions
• Voice disorders caused by injury, misuse, or medical conditions such as cancer
• Dysphagia (swallowing disorders), which are critical to identify and treat to prevent complications

Care Close to Home
As a regional healthcare leader, HaysMed is committed to providing advanced therapy services close to home. Our Speech Therapy team collaborates closely with physicians, nursing staff, and rehabilitation specialists to deliver coordinated, high-quality care every step of the way.

If you or a loved one may benefit from speech or swallowing therapy, talk to your primary care provider or contact HaysMed Speech Therapy at 785-623-5695 to learn more about services and referrals.