Hays, Kansas – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, recently recognized
Carolyn Terry, Patient Care Technician (PCT) with the PCT of the Year award. A PCT is a vital part of the patient care team and are key in keeping processes running smoothly.
Terry was noted for consistently striving to provide quality of care for patients and being a great patient care team member with Associates and students
Hays, Kansas – The Women/Infant Care Unit at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System was recently recognized with the Daisy Team Award
This award is presented to a team in deep appreciation of all that they do, who they are, and the incredible meaningful difference that they have made in the lives of so many people.
The team was selected from a group of blinded nominations voted on by the HaysMed Practice Committee. The Practice Committee consists of Staff and Supervisors from a variety of departments across HaysMed. Nominations are received from patients and family members, physicians, volunteers and Associates for nurses in inpatient, outpatient and clinic settings.
“This award recognizes a team that exemplifies HaysMed’s values and mission in addition to great outcomes.,” said Terry Siek, VP of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at HaysMed. “We are so fortunate to have a group of individuals that are role models of collaboration for the entire hospital”
The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. HaysMed is proud to be a DAISY Award Hospital Partner, recognizing f our nurses with this special honor every quarter.
To nominate a HaysMed nurse for the DAISY Award online, go to www.haysmed.com/daisyaward. If you have questions, you can call 785.623.2388
HAYS, Kansas – Fifteen registered nurses at HaysMed were honored recently at a recognition ceremony and luncheon. They completed the yearlong RN Residency Program offered at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System.
The program began a year ago in July 2019 with training focused on clinical experience, one on one mentorship with their preceptor, high-fidelity simulations and on the job training. Additionally, nurses received training from professionals in several departments, such as radiology, pharmacy, cardiac care, peri-op and others.
The RN Residency class included Ashley Campbell, RN, Jordyn Crum, RN, Reaghan Davis, RN, Pedro Flores, RN, Madysen Weigel, RN, Alicia Johnson, RN, Maegan Scholz, RN, Regan Krause, RN, Mallory McQueen, RN, Mark Pakkebier, RN, Vanessa Payne, RN, Dawson Sandoval, RN, Michelle Fadefa, RN, Alex Wilson, RN and Jared VonFeldt, RN.
“It is so important for new nursing graduates to have a group of peers and mentors who assist them in enhancing their skills and becoming comfortable with the challenges of practice,” said Shari Hertel, RN Residency Coordinator. “Our program is evidence based, with positive clinical outcomes that will help not only the participating nurses, but also our patients.”
Currently there are 21 nurses scheduled in the next program which begins in July. The program is open to newly graduated RNs and RNs that have less than one year of acute care experience.
-30-
Hays, KS – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is among 115 hospitals statewide being recognized for its exemplary achievements to improve patient safety.
The Kansas Healthcare Collaborative (KHC) recognized Kansas hospitals recently at the conclusion of the AHA/HRET Network-a major patient safety initiative spearheaded by the American Hospital Association/Health Research & Educational Trust (AHA/HRET) and coordinated in Kansas by KHC.
HaysMed received the Highest Achievement with Distinction recognition for working toward AHA/HRET Network goals set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to reduce hospital-acquired conditions and preventable readmissions. This designation utilizes a data-driven approach to identify up to 14 “Highest Achievement” hospitals that demonstrated distinction through their improvement efforts and engagement throughout the initiative
“We are pleased to receive this special recognition of our team’s patient-focused efforts to provide the best care possible to those we serve,” said Eddie Herrman, President and CEO of HaysMed. “Working with the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative and its partners-as well as side-by-side with our peers across the state and with national experts-has provided our team the opportunity to advance patient safety and health outcomes more efficiently and effectively.”
Since October 2016, more than 115 Kansas hospitals have worked collaboratively with KHC to achieve a 20 percent reduction in hospital-acquired conditions and a 12 percent reduction in 30-day hospital readmissions from 2014 baselines. Participating hospitals placed special focus on reducing patient harm, such as falls, adverse drug events, hospital-acquired infections, and pressure injuries. Hospitals also made progress in implementing key strategies for promoting health equity and patient and family engagement.
Hospitals across the state and nation have been working since 2010 to achieve national patient safety goals established by federal agencies. Nationwide, between 2010 and 2015, an estimated 125,000 fewer patients died in a hospital and approximately $22.8 billion in health care costs were saved as a result in reductions in hospital-acquired conditions, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
“We extend our congratulations and gratitude to all the hospitals across Kansas who participated in the AHA/HRET Network,” said KHC Executive Director Allison Peterson DeGroff. “For several years, this community of collaborative peers has inspired and driven each other to excel in leading data-driven quality improvement. It is challenging work – and it is critical work. Each hospital’s incremental changes lead to an exponential impact on the lives of patients and their families.”
The AHA/HRET Network included more than 1,600 hospitals across 34 states and U.S. territories. The initiative was supported by CMS under contract number HHSM -500-201 6-00067(.
More information available at www .khconline.org/ HIIN.
Hays, Kansas – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, recently recognized Brooke Pfanenstiel, LPN with the Lanita Smith LPN of the year award for her focus on quality patient care, compassion, service to others and willingness to do what is necessary to provide great customer service to those she works with and around.
The LPN of the Year award is named after Smith, a former nurse that took pride in her role as an LPN and her ability to positively impact a patient’s life as a nurse in many different roles at HaysMed. This award honors an LPN who displays many of the same characteristics that Smith had including kindness, compassion, concern and friendliness all the while being a great member of the patient care team.
Hays, Kansas – Helen Windholz, RN, Hospice Nurse was recently recognized as a Daisy Award winner at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System.
This award is presented to an RN in deep appreciation of all that they do, who they are, and the incredible meaningful difference that they have made in the lives of so many people. Helen was nominated by a family member of one of her patients. were recognized as HaysMed DAISY Award Winners.
Windholz was selected from a group of blinded nominations voted on by the HaysMed Practice Committee. The Practice Committee consists of Staff and Supervisors from a variety of departments across HaysMed. Nominations are received from patients and family members, physicians, volunteers and Associates for nurses in inpatient, outpatient and clinic settings.
“Her nomination epitomizes teamwork, leadership and customer service,” said Terry Siek, VP of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at HaysMed. “We are so fortunate to have nurses of her caliber and dedication working at HaysMed.”
The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. HaysMed is proud to be a DAISY Award Hospital Partner, recognizing one of our nurses with this special honor every quarter.
To nominate a HaysMed nurse for the DAISY Award online, go to www.haysmed.com/daisyaward. If you have questions, you can call 785.623.2388
Hays – HayMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System is working closely with local, state and federal health officials to control spread and provide needed care during the COVID-19 Pandemic. We have done so while continuing to safely meet the primary, specialty and emergency healthcare needs of our patients and their families. Our top priority is keeping our patients, visitors and staff safe.
To that end we have made some changes to our visitation policy and are implementing universal mask requirements based on CDC guidelines.
Visitation Changes
*Effective Wednesday, May 27 at 6:00 a.m.
*Visitors are limited to 1 person per day from 8:00 am – 8:30 pm. No visitors will be allowed to enter after 8:30 pm.
Visitation Reminders
Hospital Visitors
*Patients and visitors must use Entrance B, which is located at the Miller Pavilion from 6:00 am – 8:30 pm for hospital access.
*Patients must use the Emergency Entrance from 8:30 pm – 6:00 am
*All patients must use Entrance E at Bickle/Eagle Health Complex (The Center for Health Improvement) for Orthopedic, Outpatient Rehab, Surgery, and Cardiac Rehab Services.
* Temperature screenings upon entry into our facilities will continue. When you enter the hospital, you will be directed to a screening station where someone will take your temperature. This process will include health system employees. Every person arriving at our facilities must receive a temperature screening before entering. Visitors and staff with a temperature will not be allowed in the facility.
* Valet parking at our main campus has closed. Between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. we will be happy to meet you with a wheelchair at your vehicle and assist you to and from your appointment. Please enter the drive thru at Entrance B and someone will assist you.
Clinic Visitors
Universal Mask Requirements
Masks are now required for patients, visitors and staff. As we work together to preserve health and safety for our health system and communities, we require all patients, visitors and staff to wear masks. It’s a necessity of our new normal that certainly feels different, but guidelines from the CDC indicate wearing a barrier mask provides a measure of protection for all of us. This change aligns with both state and local guidelines in requiring all individuals to wear a mask in public. Simple acts such as breathing, talking, sneezing and coughing are all ways the virus may spread.
We ask that you bring your own mask, however, if you do not have one you will be provided one when you enter our facilities and are screened.
We know this may be an inconvenience, but our priority is keeping our patients, visitors and staff safe and healthy. These are unprecedented times and we are staying abreast of the situation and taking precautions accordingly.
If you are feeling ill and have the following symptoms:
*Fever
*Coughing
*Shortness of breath
Or have:
* Been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19
*Have traveled to an area with sustained transmissions
Contact your doctor’s office or call the COVID-19 Hotline at 877-261-7140.
Call before you arrive at your doctor’s office.
Do not go to the Emergency Department unless instructed by your doctor.
Our team treats patients with several respiratory illnesses every day. We have the training, tools and techniques in place to isolate and care for patients who are potentially at risk for COVID-19 following the guidelines identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit:
Most of us know we should watch for symptoms of COVID-19: fever, cough and difficulty breathing. And if we have symptoms, we should call our doctor. But what if we have other healthcare needs?
HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System is seeing and scheduling patients. Please do not delay in obtaining medical care for routine, specialty or chronic needs. We are committed to the safety of our patients and staff in providing timely, quality care – during the pandemic and always.
You can seek our care with confidence. To safeguard our patients, visitors and staff, we have made some changes to the services we offer – and the way we offer them.
Here’s a handy guide to help you understand your options for receiving care unrelated to COVID-19 during the pandemic and beyond.
Emergency Care
Our Emergency Department (ED) has remained open and available throughout the pandemic. Call 911 or go to the ED if you have:
In-Person Appointments
Certain appointments require in-person visits. Contact your healthcare provider’s office to see if your need requires an in-person appointment. Some of the many needs that require a traditional visit include:
If your care does require an in-person appointment, know that our health system is taking precautions to keep you safe. We have a designated unit for COVID-19 patients, so you will not be exposed to patients who are known to have COVID-19. . For most patients, zero visitors are allowed. Exceptions include:
*1 parent or guardian for patients younger than 18
*1 support person for patients with disabilities or impairments.
We may even ask you to wait in your car, rather than in a waiting room, and will check you in by phone so you can bypass the front desk.
We also offer telehealth follow-up appointments for many healthcare needs. You can receive follow-up care without leaving your home.
Telehealth
Many routine and chronic healthcare needs can be met using telehealth, which electronically connects a care provider with a patient. Telehealth is a convenient, efficient option to address many healthcare needs including, for example:
There are several types of telehealth visits. Our scheduling team can help you plan the right one based on your medical needs and your technology capabilities.
Surgery
HaysMed postponed many surgeries due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Delaying non urgent procedures helped us make important preparations for COVID-19 care. We continued to perform essential surgeries and now are thoughtfully, gradually rescheduling those that were delayed.
As we reconnect with patients to plan their procedures, we are considering a number of factors. We are first scheduling surgical patients who require only local or regional anesthesia and who do not require an overnight hospital stay. We are evaluating the surgical staff needed for each surgery or procedure and ensuring we can observe physical distancing. We are also evaluating how to best protect patients and staff with personal protective equipment (PPE) during interaction in closer spaces.
We have implemented a variety of important process changes.
Always here for you
Our care team is here for you – before, during and after this pandemic. Call your provider’s office to describe your need and work with our scheduling team to determine the best visit type for you. Routine and chronic care is important. We are here to provide it safely and effectively.
Hays, Kansas –HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, has begun using telehealth to see patients in their clinics to help increase patient safety and decrease the spread of COVID-19.
Telehealth, or virtual visits, provide a safe, convenient, high quality care in the comfort of your home. There are two types of virtual visits; one is conducted using the telephone and the other is a video visit that uses your home computer or a mobile device such as a laptop, smartphone or tablet with a camera and speaker.
Using a virtual visit allows patients to go ahead with scheduled office visits without having to come into contact with others. It is a safe choice for chronically ill patients as it decreases their risk of exposure to potential illness. A virtual visit is also used for patients who think they may have the novel corona virus or have had a positive screen for the virus.
If you have an appointment coming up the healthcare team will contact you to confirm your appointment, modify your appointment to a telehealth visit or reschedule non-urgent appointments for a later date. Patients do not have to be established with a provider in order to schedule a virtual visit.
You will need an account on the MyHaysMed Patient Portal to utilize telehealth visits. If you are using the video visit option you will need to download the Meditech MHealth app on your mobile device. If you already have al MyHaysMed Patient Portal account you may want to log into MyHaysMed Portal on your smartphone or desktop. The logon is on the HaysMed Website on the main page and click on MyHaysMed Patient Portal. If you forgot your sign-in information, select Forgot Username or Forgot Password. Or call us at 785-623-5151
For more information on Telehealth Visits at HaysMed go to www.haysmed.com/telehealth
Hays, Kansas. –A patient with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, or SARS-CoV-2, has been admitted to HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, for treatment. The patient is in a specially equipped area that is designed to prevent the spread of the virus to other patients, visitors, staff and physicians.
Upon arrival, caregivers wearing protective personal gear coordinated the patient’s entry into the hospital. No other patients, visitors or caregivers were exposed. HaysMed followed CDC and KDHE guidelines to protect caregivers, patients and visitors from exposure.
We will not share information about patients admitted for COVID-19 in order to protect their privacy as required by federal law. County and state health departments work in tandem for contact tracing and will notify people at risk per their protocols. All questions related to public safety should be directed to the appropriate governing agency.
HaysMed’s top priority is the safety of our patients, caregivers, and the community. Our expert clinicians regularly care for patients with severe respiratory illnesses and other infectious diseases. They are well trained and follow specific procedures using the tools and techniques in place to protect themselves, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
HaysMed is a regional referral hospital for the area, taking care of patients from all over western Kansas, including COVID-19 patients also. We are equipped and ready.
Employees are safe to come to work. While some patient appointments have been postponed or delayed, patients who have appointments for conditions which they must be present and seen by a provider are safe to keep their medical and outpatient appointments. You can also contact your clinic about setting up a telehealth visit.
If you have questions or concerns about the novel coronavirus please call the COVID-19 hotline at 877-261-7140. The hotline is available 7 days a week from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.
For additional media information please contact Jill Chadwick, News Director, Medical News Network, The University of Kansas Health System at 913-588-5246 or 913-223-3974.
