Celebrating Strength and Generosity: Garry Allen’s Journey at HaysMed Urology

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For more than 14 months, Garry Allen bravely battled bladder cancer, undergoing treatments with unwavering determination. Throughout this journey, Garry and his wife, Lauri, made countless trips from their home in Garden City, Kansas to HaysMed to receive care from our Urology specialists and team members. Their resilience and positivity have been an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of supporting them.

In a gesture that speaks volumes about their generosity and spirit, Garry and Lauri donated a beautiful new bell to our Urology department. This bell, inscribed with the words “You are a survivor. Final treatment.”, will serve as a powerful symbol of hope and triumph for patients completing their treatment journey.

Recently, Garry had the honor of ringing this bell himself, marking the end of his treatments and celebrating his strength. Surrounded by the HaysMed team including Dr. Ernesto Lopez-Corona, Christina Schmidt, APRN, Caitlin Gabel, APRN, and Danielle VonFeldt, APRN who stood by him every step of the way, it was a moment filled with joy, gratitude, and inspiration.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Allen family for this incredible gift. Your kindness ensures that many patients and families will share in the joy of ringing the bell and celebrating milestones for years to come.

Enjoy these photos and video of Garry’s special moment and join us in honoring his courage and generosity.

Photo includes from left to right Dr. Ernesto Lopez-Corona, Christina Schmidt, APRN, Caitlin Gabel, APRN, Danielle VonFeldt, APRN, Lauri Allen, and Garry Allen.

 

DAISY Award Presented to Gina Givens, RN, for Outstanding Nursing Excellence

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HaysMed proudly announces that Gina Givens, RN, a nurse in the Progressive Care Unit (PCU), has been honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Gina provides specialized care for patients who require close monitoring and advanced support, bridging the gap between intensive care and general medical care. Her role demands exceptional clinical skill, quick decision-making, and a compassionate approach to ensure patients and families feel safe and supported during challenging times.

One patient who nominated Gina for this DAISY award wrote:
“I’m nominating Gina Givens for the Daisy award because of the outstanding care she gave me during my stay at HaysMed. From the moment we met, this nurse treated me with kindness, respect and professionalism. What meant the most to me was how she handled the more difficult moments, especially when I was experiencing confusion and delusional episodes. This nurse remained calm, patient and compassionate, always making sure I felt safe and heard. She explained everything clearly in simple, understandable terms, both to me and my family, which brought us all comfort and peace of mind.

Beyond her clinical skills, Gina has a warm and friendly personality that helped put me at ease. She makes a tough experience much more manageable and I’m truly grateful for her dedication and care. All of the doctors, nurses, and aids and staff I encountered at HaysMed were wonderful, but this nurse truly stood out in the most meaningful way. HaysMed is lucky to have such a remarkable nurse. This nurse embodies what their profession is all about- compassion, competence, and a genuine heart for helping other’s. With heartfelt thanks!”

Joben Rieth, HaysMed Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, shared: “Gina’s ability to combine clinical excellence with genuine compassion is what makes her stand out. The DAISY Award is about recognizing nurses who make a lasting impact, and Gina exemplifies that every day. Her calm presence and dedication to patient-centered care truly reflect the heart of nursing.”

The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill given by nurses. HaysMed is proud to be a DAISY Award Hospital Partner.

To nominate a nurse or team at HaysMed for the DAISY Award, please visit: haysmed.com/daisy-nomination-form.

Photo features from left to right: Brian Pfannenstiel, Director of Critical Care, Gina Givens, RN, recipient of the DAISY Award, and Joben Rieth, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer

2026 Volunteer Community Blood Screenings

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HaysMed is proud to offer monthly Volunteer Community Blood Screenings to support the health and wellness of our community. These screenings are a convenient and affordable way to monitor key health indicators. We encourage all community members to take advantage of these screenings as part of their preventive health care. No appointment is necessary, just walk in!

Time: 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: 2220 Canterbury Drive – Entrance B, Hays, KS

Available Tests & Pricing:

Please Note:

  • Fasting for 10–12 hours prior to your screening is recommended for accurate results.
  • Only cash and check payments are accepted at this time. HaysMed’s ATM is currently unavailable.

2026 Volunteer Community Blood Screening Dates:

  • Saturday, January 3, 2026
  • Saturday, February 7, 2026
  • Saturday, March 7, 2026
  • Saturday, April 11, 2026
  • Saturday, May 2, 2026
  • Tuesday, May 12, 2026
  • Saturday, June 6, 2026
  • Saturday, July 11, 2026
  • Saturday, August 1, 2026
  • Saturday, September 12, 2026
  • Saturday, October 3, 2026
  • Saturday, November 7, 2026
  • Saturday, December 5, 2026

 

 

HaysMed Cath Lab Celebrates Record-Breaking 2,000 Cases in 2025

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This year marks a historic milestone for the HaysMed Cath Lab and the DeBakey Heart Institute: a record-breaking 2,000 cases completed in 2025! While we came close to this benchmark in 2011 and 2012, surpassing it now reflects the extraordinary expertise, innovation, and teamwork of our entire heart care team.

This achievement is the culmination of decades of growth and progress. In March, we proudly celebrated 20 years of life-saving service at the Cath Lab, a cornerstone of cardiac care since its inception in 1996. Our commitment to excellence was further strengthened in 2005 when we expanded into a new space within the DeBakey Heart Institute.

Over the years, the Cath Lab has delivered a wide range of essential services including angioplasty, stenting, and diagnostic imaging, which help diagnose and treat heart and vascular conditions. A major leap forward came in 2020, when we introduced cardiac ablation procedures, a transformative advancement that enables us to treat complex heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation. This addition broadened our capabilities and positioned HaysMed as a comprehensive center for advanced cardiac care for the entire western Kansas region.

Innovation continued in February 2025 with the opening of our hybrid operating room, a game-changer for complex cardiac procedures. This state-of-the-art space combines advanced imaging and surgical technology, allowing our team to perform highly specialized interventions with greater precision and safety.

Behind these milestones is an exceptional group of professionals including physicians, cardiologists, an electrophysiologist, APRNs, Physician Assistants, radiologic technologists, operating room and cath lab nurses, and many more. Each Associate plays a vital role in delivering exceptional care to our patients.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to our patients and their families for trusting HaysMed and the DeBakey Heart Institute with your heart care. Your confidence in us drives everything we do.

As we celebrate these achievements, 20 years of service, the opening of our hybrid operating room, and 2,000 cases in one year, we look forward to continuing our mission of innovation, teamwork, and exceptional care for every patient who walks through our doors. Thank you for being part of this historic journey!

Members of the dedicated heart care and Cath Lab teams at the DeBakey Heart Institute, HaysMed, working together to deliver exceptional cardiac care for our community.

 

Related articles-
HaysMed Completes Kansas’ First “Detour” Procedure
HaysMed Celebrates First Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) in New Hybrid Operating Room
HaysMed Performs First Pulse Field Ablation Procedure
HaysMed Cath Lab Celebrates 20 Year Anniversary
HaysMed Opens Kansas’ First Hybrid Operating Room with Advanced Imaging

Your Pregnancy Journey Deserves Exceptional Care

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At HaysMed, you deserve a caring partner on your pregnancy journey, one dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care at every step.

Our exceptional team,  Dr. Timothy Hoskins, Anne Marie Hager, APRN, and Paula Bitter, APRN  is here to support you with OB/GYN care that makes you feel confident, informed and cared for through each visit.

From labor and delivery to breast care and pediatric support to rehabilitation, robotic surgery, and preventive health screenings, we’re here to help you stay strong and thrive through every stage of life.

Learn more about how we’re enhancing maternal healthcare in western Kansas.

HaysMed Welcomes Christy Rothchild, APRN, to the Pain Center

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HaysMed is excited to announce the addition of Christy Rothchild, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), to the HaysMed Pain Center team. Christy will work alongside Dr. Keith Green and Dr. Manoj Jagtiani, providing advanced care and support for patients seeking relief from chronic pain.

The HaysMed Pain Center specializes in a wide range of interventional pain management procedures designed to reduce or eliminate pain by addressing its source. Christy’s expertise will enhance the center’s commitment to personalized, patient-focused care.

Christy brings over 20 years of nursing experience and has served as a nurse practitioner for the past three years. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Practice from Fort Hays State University. Her background includes valuable experience at Larned State Hospital and Salina Regional Health Center, where she focused on chronic disease management, therapeutic communication with individuals facing mental health challenges, and medical management of psychiatric medications.

“I’m excited to join the HaysMed Pain Center and work alongside such a skilled team. My goal is to help patients find relief and improve their quality of life by addressing the root cause of pain, not just the symptoms. It’s rewarding to bring my experience and passion for patient care to a community-focused organization like HaysMed.” said Christy Rothchild, APRN.

For more information about the HaysMed Pain Center or to schedule an appointment, visit haysmed.com/pain-center or call 785-628-6014.

HaysMed Brings Aquablation Therapy to Western Kansas

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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.”

Dr. Srinivas Samavedi

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.”

Dr. Ernesto Lopez-Corona next to the Aquablation robotic equipment

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.

HaysMed Honors Kaylyn Bustillos, RN, with Prestigious DAISY Award

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HaysMed proudly announces that Kaylyn Bustillos, RN, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse, has been honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Kaylyn works at the heart of critical care, where every second counts. Her role involves caring for patients with life-threatening conditions, managing complex treatments, monitoring vital signs, and responding to emergencies with precision and calm. Beyond her clinical work, Kaylyn provides reassurance and compassion to patients and families during some of their most challenging moments, a true example of nursing excellence.

The DAISY Award is a national program that honors nurses who go above and beyond in delivering outstanding care. At HaysMed, nominations are blindly judged by a panel, ensuring winners are chosen based solely on the heartfelt stories shared by patients and families.

One family member who nominated Kaylyn wrote:
“We came to the ICU after carotid artery surgery. My husband had come out of surgery ok, but a bit later started convulsion-like activity. She was our nurse and unbelievably controlled the room with a very calm, patient, and brilliant demeanor. She later was so compassionate, empathetic and kind. I was so impressed how intelligent she was and how knowledgeable she was!

This facility is so very fortunate to have her in this critical care unit!

She is so very deserving of recognition for her dedication and passion she puts forward, I’m sure on a regular basis. Congratulations for being the fortunate hospital to have her on your team!”

Left to right: Brian Pfannenstiel, Director of Critical Care, Joben Rieth, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, Kaylyn Bustillos, RN, recipient of the DAISY Award, and Janine Kisner, ICU/PCU Supervisor

This marks the second DAISY Award Kaylyn has received, a testament to her consistent excellence and compassionate care. Joben Rieth, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, shared, “Winning one DAISY Award is an incredible achievement, but earning a second truly speaks to Kaylyn’s commitment to her patients and her profession. She exemplifies what nursing is all about, skill, compassion, and advocacy. We are proud to have her on our team.”

Kaylyn, along with all DAISY Award honorees, receives a special DAISY pin as a daily reminder of how much her caring efforts are appreciated by patients, families, and colleagues.

The DAISY Foundation was established in memory of Patrick Barnes in 2000 to honor the extraordinary care nurses provide every day. HaysMed is proud to be a DAISY Award Partner, recognizing nurses who make a lasting impact on patients and families.

To nominate a nurse or team at HaysMed for the DAISY Award, please visit: haysmed.com/daisy-nomination-form

Photo includes left to right Brian Pfannenstiel, Director of Critical Care, Joben Rieth, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, Kaylyn Bustillos, RN, recipient of the DAISY Award, and Janine Kisner, ICU/PCU Supervisor

Gove County Medical Center and HaysMed: About The Partnership

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

HaysMed Honors Annette Herman with BEE Award

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HaysMed proudly announces that Annette Herman, Clinic Office Assistant in the Orthopedic Clinic, has been honored with the BEE Award for her exceptional dedication and service.

HaysMed proudly participates in the DAISY Award program, a nationally recognized initiative that honors nurses for the extraordinary care they provide every day. Just as a daisy depends on the bee to thrive, our nurses rely on the support and collaboration of non-nursing healthcare professionals to deliver exceptional care. To recognize this vital partnership, HaysMed created the Being Excellent Everyday (BEE) Award, which celebrates outstanding contributions from non-nursing team members who go above and beyond to ensure patients receive the best possible experience.

Annette was nominated multiple times for this award, which speaks volumes about her impact. With over 20 years of experience in the HaysMed Orthopedic Clinic, her primary focus is to always put patients first, and she continues that commitment every day.

Shawna North, Physician Practice Administration Business Operations Manager at HaysMed, shared her enthusiasm for the award and Annette’s recognition, “Annette wears many hats in the orthopedic clinic, and we are incredibly grateful to have her on our team. Her contributions go far beyond her job description to keep the clinic running smoothly.”

Patients, families, and Associates are encouraged to nominate non-nursing Associates who go above and beyond in their roles. Recipients are selected by a HaysMed committee and honored with a BEE Award pin and a certificate of excellence.

If you know a non-nursing team member who exemplifies excellence in patient care, please take a moment to fill out the BEE Award nomination form and help HaysMed celebrate their incredible impact.

Photo includes left to right Joben Rieth, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, Annette Herman, Clinic Office Assistant, and Shawna North, Physician Practice Administration Business Operations Manager

ADDRESS

2220 Canterbury
Hays, KS 67601

855-429-7633

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3216 Vine, Suite 20
Hays, KS 67601

785-261-7065

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