Celebrating a Year Filled with Achievement

As 2024 comes to a close, we are grateful for another extraordinary year at HaysMed. Our health system has made significant investments in our community, earning us recognition that highlights our commitment to providing high-quality care. We sincerely appreciate the support of our patients, our Associates and the community as we expand our services and improve access to care.

Just this year, we’ve expanded our healthcare team with twenty new providers across seven specialties, including women’s health, primary care, oncology and cardiology, allowing us to reach more people in meaningful ways. Here are some of the incredible milestones, celebrations and highlights from the past year:

Recognition as a Leader in Rural Health
HaysMed was honored to receive the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital Award from the Chartis Center for Rural Health, recognizing outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals. This distinction places us among the best rural hospitals in the country, a testament to our unwavering dedication to providing exceptional, community-focused care.

This summer, HaysMed earned the prestigious five-star designation in the latest Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings. This recognition reflects the unwavering hard work and commitment to excellence in patient care demonstrated by all HaysMed Associates.

Advancements in Cardiac Care
The DeBakey Heart Institute has welcomed two new cardiothoracic surgeons and an electrophysiologist this year, enhancing our cardiac care team. These specialists will support our upcoming hybrid operating room, expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

HaysMed cardiothoracic surgeon and vascular expert Dr. Roberto D. Cervera and cardiologist Dr. Niranjan Seshadri completed Kansas’ first (PTAB) procedure, known as The Detour, offering new hope to patients and setting a benchmark for advanced cardiac care in the region. This milestone highlights HaysMed’s advanced capabilities in cardiac care.

Telehealth Brings Urology Expertise to Patients in Meade
In November, HaysMed launched telehealth urology services in collaboration with Artesian Valley Health System (AVHS), helping patients in Meade, Kansas, receive top-tier medical services without travel or delays. This partnership is part of our commitment to improve access to healthcare and enhance patient convenience in communities throughout rural Kansas.

Supporting the Next Generation of Our Community
One year ago, we opened the doors of the HaysMed Childcare Center, offering support to healthcare professionals and families in the community. Since its opening in late 2023, HaysMed Childcare Center has provided convenient, high-quality daycare for Associates as part of our commitment to creating a more supportive workplace and helping our teams balance work and family responsibilities.

High-Level Awards and Honors
Throughout 2024, our staff and providers received several prestigious recognitions for excellent service and care, including:

• The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for ensuring stroke patients have access to the best practices and life-saving care.
• Our Birth Center earned the Blue Distinction® Centers+ (BDC+) for Maternity Care designation as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS). To earn this designation, each facility must deliver quality care safely and cost-effectively.
• HaysMed was recognized in April by the Midwest Transplant Network with the Excellence in Organ and Tissue Donation Award, acknowledging exceptional performance and dedication to saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation.
• In May, the Central Sterile Team at HaysMed received distinguished honors from 3M for achieving the highest standard of care in Sterile Processing, highlighting our dedication to quality and safety in patient care.
• Jessica Albers, a Sexual Assault/Forensic Nurse Examiner at HaysMed, was honored in June by The International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) with the Virginia A. Lynch Pioneer Award in Forensic Nursing, the Associations highest award.

We are very proud of our 2024 achievements, awards and expansions that set the stage for a brighter, healthier future for HaysMed and our western Kansas communities. None of this would be possible without our dedicated staff, partners and community who have made this past year one to remember. We look forward to achieving even more together in the years to come. As we move into 2025, let’s all remain dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care for our community and beyond. Happy New Year to everyone!