Nov23

The University of Kansas Health System to Host a Virtual RN Hiring Event December 3 for Greater Kansas

Hays, Kansas – The University of Kansas Healthcare System will be hosting a Virtual RN hiring event on Thursday, December 3, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Virtual hiring events are a great way for employers and jobseekers to connect when they are not in the same location. By hosting virtual events, we are able to chat, interview directly with RNs who may be looking for a new opportunity on from a phone or laptop option.

The interview will take place on Indeed’s virtual interviewing platform. After you RSVP, you will find a link in your email that will lead you directly to the video interview lobby during the event. Try to find a quiet place with good lighting and a stable internet connection. We encourage you to complete an application prior and sign up for times to chat with a member of our team.

You may sign-up by using this link at https://events.indeed.com/event/74475/

We will be setting up RSVP times for the following locations:

The University of Kansas Hospital – Great Bend Campus, 514 Cleveland Street, Great Bend, KS 67530 US
HaysMed, 2220 Canterbury Drive, Hays, KS 67601 US
The University of Kansas Hospital – Pawnee Valley Campus, 923 Carroll Ave, Larned, KS 67550 US

Nov13

00

HaysMed Issues Update on COVID-19 Community Spread

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute,Emergency Department News,Family Medicine,HaysMed News,Orthopedic Institute News

Hays, Kansas – The Midwest, including Ellis County is experiencing record numbers of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. The county currently has 1820 positive patients which is an increase of 238 cases from a week ago per the KDHE tracking website.

We have had total of 236 COVID-19 in patients admitted to HaysMed since the beginning of the pandemic. As of today, we have a total of 27 COVID-19 patients in the hospital. We have had a total of 33 deaths since the pandemic began with 20 of those deaths occurring since October 1. It is important to note these statistics are not inherent to Ellis county as we are a regional referral center and receive patients from all over the area.

Please refer to the Ellis County Health website for Ellis County specific information. https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health

FAQs

What does this mean for the hospital, the community and the region in general? The number of beds currently being used for COVID-19 related care has spiked exponentially here and across the Midwest creating a high demand for patient beds. This, during a traditionally busier time of year as people move indoors and other seasonal respiratory viruses are more common.

What is the patient capacity at the hospital? We are licensed for 207 beds at HaysMed but we have a total of 113 beds available for use. However, just because beds are available doesn’t mean that we have enough staff to care for the patients in 113 beds. The number of patients we can care for depends on the acuity of the patient and the number of available staff. The critical number that is most important is the number of staff available. We are doing everything we can to accept everyone we can. As long as we can keep our team healthy and able to take care of patients, then we will continue to be able to accept patients.

How close are you to meeting that capacity? Capacity at HaysMed is an ever-changing variable. There are days when we reach capacity and have to divert patients. This has happened even when we were not in the COVID-19 pandemic but lately it is happening more frequently due to the influx of COVID-19 patients.

What does it mean to divert or transfer patients? When we reach a stage where we don’t have any more staff to care for patients, we cannot accept new patient transfers from other hospitals. These transfers are not only COVID related but also include patients who have had heart attacks, strokes and other medical emergency situations. We then must try and find other facilities that can take the patient.

Does the Emergency Room ever close? No. Even on the rare occasions when patients are diverted, our emergency room remains open to all those who need emergency care. However, if beds and staffing cannot permit us to admit you, we will work to find another hospital with capacity which may mean receiving care in another city, county or state.

How is COVID-19 impacting transfers? If we are at capacity, we request to transfer a patient to another hospital. It is increasingly difficult to find a hospital that can accept a patient because they, too, are experiencing high census due to COVID. This can affect COVID-19 patients as well as other medical needs including heart attack, stroke, or trauma. Requests for transfers are coming to the health system from as far away as Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Nebraska. Such needs to transfer delays medical care and potentially sends patients far away from home.

What measures are in place should the hospital reach patient capacity? Our health system hospitals manage patient flow every day and have emergency plans for handling a surge in patients whether from trauma or in this case … a pandemic. However, COVID-19 has forced the hospital to take more critical measures including but not limited to:

*Delaying non-urgent elective surgery and procedures to free beds and staff for COVID-19 patients

*Restricting visitors to decrease the spread of COVID-19

*Manage PPE and medical supplies needed to care for COVID-19 patients

*Keep constant contact with the Ellis County Health Department, The University of Kansas Health System, Fort Hays State University, Ellis County Schools, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Kansas Hospital Association to monitor the situation.

Is it safe to come to HaysMed? YES. Hospitals and clinics are currently considered the safest place in every community during this pandemic as the pillars of infection prevention and control are strictly followed and enforced. Telehealth is also a recommended option for healthcare during this pandemic when a conversation with your provider meets your needs. While your experience visiting our facilities to receive care or support a loved one may look and feel a bit different, be assured that what is not different is our commitment to your health and safety, and that of your loved ones.

What can the public do to help this situation? As the number of COVID-19 patients at HaysMed and across the Midwest rise exponentially, it is critical for us to work together to slow the virus spread to avoid overwhelming hospitals and healthcare workers.

Help keep everyone safe:
* wear masks that cover your nose and mouth when in public

*consider eye protection, especially when flying

*maintain a six-foot distance with those outside your immediate household

*wash and/or sanitize your hands thoroughly and often

*avoid gatherings where social distancing is not possible.

*Stay home if you are ill

*Do not let down your guard!

We recognize people are weary of the pandemic and this includes healthcare workers. HaysMed is committed to doing whatever it takes to protect your health and well-being and you play a critical part in our ability to provide that care.

Can I assess my risk for attending a group gathering? Yes. Have a plan and ask questions. Know how many people will attend and assume that everyone you meet may carry the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Take the pillars of infection prevention and control with you. The COVID-19 Event Risk Assessment Planning Tool is interactive and shows the current virus spread across the U.S. https://covid19risk.biosci.gatech.edu/?fbclid=IwAR168Jpexddvg_gS4JjiX810qsjvwxhEQmOIUu37hCIkbIX7y8J84HqnXHI

Helpful Links:

Link to the KDHE’s COVID-19 Microsite. https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/

Link to the Ellis County Health Department that has the latest COVID-19 information for Ellis County. https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health

Link to the CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Nov11

00

HaysMed Associate Receives Respiratory Therapist of the Year Award

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

HAYS, Kansas–Bobby Matter, Respiratory Therapist at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, was recently named Respiratory Therapist of the Year. Respiratory Services awards an annual Breath of Fresh Air award to recognize a respiratory therapist for their hard work and dedication.

The award winner is nominated and chosen by their peers and highlights an Associate in the respiratory therapy department who positively contributed the most teamwork and patient care during the year.

Matter has been a respiratory therapist at HaysMed since 2017.

Nov3

00

HaysMed Nurse Recognized with Daisy Award

By Gayla Wichman - Daisy Award Winner,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas – Amanda Breinig, RN, Acute Care 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. Breinig was nominated by a family member of one of her patients.

Breinig 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.

“We are proud to be among the hospital systems participating in The DAISY Award program,” said Terry Siek, VP of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at HaysMed. “Nurses are heroes every day. It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides another way for us to do that.”

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

Oct27

00

HaysMed Welcomes New Physician Assistants

By Gayla Wichman - Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute,HaysMed News,Orthopedic Institute News,Urology

Hays, KS– HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, recently welcomed three new physician assistants to the medical staff.

Meg Huey, PA-C graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and neuroscience from Grinnell College, in Grinnell Iowa. She completed her Master of Science in Physician Assistant at Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas. She is NCCPA certified physician assistant (PA-C) and KSBHA certified physician assistant. Huey will be practicing in the urology clinic.

Joshua Lahr, PA-C graduated with a Bachelor of Science in exercise science from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. He also completed a Master of Science in physician assistant at Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas. Lahr joins the staff of the orthopedic clinic.

Amanda R. Volchko, PA-C graduated with a Bachelor of Science in health services and a Master of Science in physician assistant studies with a minor in genetics from Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is as an NCCPA certified physician assistant (PA-C), KSBHA certified physician assistant and NYSED certified physician assistant. Volchko is seeing patients in the cancer center.

Oct2

00

HaysMed Welcomes New Hematologist/Oncologist

By Gayla Wichman - Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute,HaysMed News

Hays, KS– Isaac M. Chambers, MD, Hematologist/Oncologist, has joined the medical staff at the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System.

Chambers completed medical school at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita, Kansas. He completed a residency in Internal Medicine, also at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita and a Fellowship in Hematology and Oncology from the University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa City, Iowa. He is board certified in internal medicine.

Chambers joins the cancer team of Anthony Accurso, MD, Hematologist/Oncologist, Lyle M. Harrison, MD, Radiation Oncologist, Matthey Mallory, MD, Radiation Oncologist, Robert Rodriguez, MD, Hematologist/Oncologist and Danni Eldred, APRN.

Dr. Chambers is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment please call 785-623-5774.

Sep30

00

HaysMed Welcomes New Cardiologist

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is pleased to welcome Dr. Kalyan Wagle, Cardiologist. He will be seeing patients at the DeBakey Heart Clinic.

Dr Wagle received his medical degree from the Universal College of Medical Sciences, Paklihawa Campus, Bhairahawa, Nepal. He completed a residency in Internal medicine at Queens Hospital Center/Icahn School of Medicine at Mt Sinai, Queens, New York. He also completed a fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York. He is board certified in echocardiography, cardiac nuclear medicine and board certified in Internal Medicine.

“As we continue to expand our cardiac program at HaysMed, Dr. Wagle will be an excellent addition to our medical staff” said Dr. Jeffery Curtis, cardiologist and Administrative Director of Cardiology.

To make an appointment call 785-623-4699 or go to www.haysmed.com/debakey-heart-institute/

Sep14

00

Drive-Thru Flu Shots Available September 27 at HaysMed

By Gayla Wichman - Community Health,Emergency Department News,Family Medicine,HaysMed News,Pediatrics,The Center News

Hays KS – HaysMed’s annual drive-thru flu shot clinic has been scheduled for Sunday, September 27. The event, which will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., will offer free flu shots for all residents older than 6 months.

For the safety of the public and also those working the flu drive, masks will be required for all people ages 2 years and up. In addition, physical distancing will be observed at all locations on campus.

It will be the 21st year the hospital has offered the community service, and approximately 3,500 people are expected to be vaccinated during the free clinic.

People age 10 and up can receive their free flu shot without leaving their vehicles. HaysMed volunteers will direct traffic during the event.

Children 6 months through 9 years of age will be vaccinated on the west side of the Center for Health Improvement. Adults attending with children can also receive their shots in the same location.

More than 100 volunteers will be on hand to help with the event. HaysMed partners with Fort Hays State University and North Central Kansas Vo-Tech as both facilities provide students to help with the shots.

There will be no nasal flu vaccine at the drive-thru flu shot clinic. There will be no egg free vaccines available at the drive-thru flu shot clinic. People with a severe egg allergy will need to contact their local healthcare provider for their flu vaccine.

The event is sponsored by the Hays Medical Center Foundation. While there is no cost for flu shots, participants are asked to bring a canned food item to benefit the Community Assistance Center.

The vaccine also is available at HaysMed clinics for patients who are unable to attend the drive-thru flu shot event. Charges will apply at regular clinic visits, though the vaccine is covered by most health insurance plans.

Sep9

00

The Center for Health Improvement to Sponsor Challenge Events in September

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,The Center News

Hays, KS– The Center for Health Improvement (CHI) at HaysMed is proud to partner with the Medical Fitness Association to sponsor two activities during the 16^th Annual Medical Fitness Week, September 14 – 20.

The first activity is the WALK10K, a Worldwide Walking Challenge. The goal of the walking challenge is to walk 10K or 6.2 miles during the week of September 14-20.

The second activity is MOVE150, which focuses on getting participants moving, regardless of their abilities. Participants are encouraged to complete 150 minutes of activity utilizing a variety of activities indicated on the MOVE150 card.

“Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health”, says Stephanie Howie, Fitness Director at The Center for Health Improvement. “Being physically active is helpful for mind as well as body well-being, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The goal of the Medical Fitness Association initiative is to promote an increase in physical activity levels in all ages and to highlight the medical fitness difference. During this international event medical fitness centers throughout the U.S., Canada, and Asia are offering resources and educational opportunities for their communities promoting the medical fitness difference and raising awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

The Center for Health Improvement is inviting the community of Hays to help us in challenging other communities across the U.S. that we are indeed active and healthy. It is simple and there is no cost to participate. Start by downloading your log sheet at https://www.haysmed.com/the-center/exercises-to-do-at-home and begin recording your activity for the week of September 14-20 and then submit the form on-line before September 24^th to be eligible for prizes. Anyone can participate. Participants who are currently not a member of The Center who submit a form are eligible for a 7-day guest pass. Members are eligible to have their name entered into several drawings.

For more information or to participate, please call The Center for Health Improvement at 785-623-5900

Sep1

00

HaysMed Recognized as Center of Excellence in Education and Training for Infants and Families Impacted by Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Nursing News,OB-GYN,Women-Infant Services

Hays, Kansas – HaysMed, part of the University of Kansas Health System, was recently recognized as a Vermont Oxford Network Center of Excellence in Education and Training for Infants and Families Impacted by Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. This recognition was received from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative (KPQC).

The Vermont Oxford Network is a group of more than 1300 hospitals and countless individuals collaborating to improve neonatal care around the world with data-driven quality improvement and research. HaysMed was cited for their dedication to improving care for families and infants at risk for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and exposure to substance use.

NAS is a group of problems that occurs in a newborn who was exposed to opioid drugs for a length of time while in the mother’s womb.

Through NAS education and implementation of standardized care policies, HaysMed has helped Kansas decrease neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission rates for NAs, transfer rates for observation and treatment of NAs and in the percentage of infants at risk for NAS requiring pharmacologic treatment.