HaysMed Celebrates as Associate Achieves Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) Status

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HaysMed congratulates Blaque Brin on passing her certification exam to become a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST). While working in Central Sterile, she has gone above and beyond for her coworkers and patients at HaysMed by expanding her knowledge and providing top quality instrumentation for surgical procedures.

Congratulations on your achievement, we are proud to have you here at HaysMed!

In this photo from left to right, Terry Siek, Chief Nursing Officer, Blaque Brin, Central Sterile, Elise Williams, Supervisor of Central Sterile, and Terry Redetzke, Perioperative Nursing Services Director.

HaysMed Welcomes Two New Surgeons to the DeBakey Heart Institute

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HaysMed is proud to announce the addition of two distinguished surgeons to the DeBakey Heart Institute, further enhancing our ability to offer advanced cardiac care to the residents of Western Kansas. This exciting development underscores our mission to provide top-tier medical services and reinforces our status as the leading heart care program in the region.

Roberto D. Cervera, MD and Raja R. Gopaldas, MD have joined HaysMed and each have a robust background in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Cervera and Dr. Gopaldas completed their Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery fellowships at the prestigious Texas Heart Institute/Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Both cardiac surgeons bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and experience to our team, ensuring that our patients receive the highest quality care possible.

Dr. Cervera and Dr. Gopaldas will collaborate closely with your primary care team and cardiologist to deliver seamless cardiac care. From screenings to emergency care, surgery, cardiac rehabilitation, and more.  HaysMed provides specialized expertise you can count on – so you can keep your heart close to home.

The DeBakey Heart Institute at HaysMed exemplifies our unwavering dedication to delivering advanced and comprehensive cardiac care in Western Kansas. For a full list of our services, please visit our website.

 

About HaysMed

Hays Medical Center (HaysMed) is a private, not-for-profit, 200+ bed hospital providing the only tertiary-level services in the region. As the premier provider in western Kansas for specialized care, HaysMed offers a wide variety of specialty programs including cardiology, orthopedics, cancer, surgery (general, minimally invasive and robotic), ENT, pulmonology, critical care and women’s services. HaysMed is a Level III Trauma Center and a certified Primary Stroke Center. In addition, HaysMed has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest pain- MI Registry Platinum performance achievement award the fifth year in a row in 2023.

Other services include rehabilitation, hospice, neonatal, intensive care and diagnostic imaging, as well as a Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center and a Sleep and Neurodiagnostic Center. HaysMed is proud to be one of only 20 U.S. hospitals recognized by Vizient in 2023 as a Top Performer in the Complex Care Medical Center cohort. In 2022, HaysMed was named as one of the top 20 rural and community hospitals in the country by the National Rural Health Association. Learn more at haysmed.com.

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month!

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Communication is the essence to human life and today we would like to recognize our HaysMed Speech Language Pathologists, Jessica Feldt, MS, CCC-SLP and Carol Young, MA, CCC-SLP.

A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is a medically aligned field that requires an advanced degree such as a Master’s or Doctorate to practice. Most therapist also obtain and hold a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), as a nationally recognized professional credential, from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

SLP’s diagnose and treat communication, swallowing, voice and other related disorders in the following settings:

  • Hospitals (acute inpatient, rehab units, etc.)
  • Outpatient Rehabilitation setting
  • Home Health
  • Private Practices
  • Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • Schools

Here at HaysMed, our Speech Language Pathologists provide services to treat:

  • Cognitive communication disorders – due to stroke, traumatic brain injury, dementia, brain tumors, syndromes, and other developmental delays
  • Motor speech Disorders – due to neurological conditions, stroke, TBI,
  • Expressive and Receptive Language Disorders -due to stroke, TBI
  • Voice Disorders – due to vocal abuse/misuse, nodules, cyst, paralysis/nerve damage, laryngectomy, head/neck cancer
  • Dysphagia (Swallowing Disorders)

Please contact HaysMed Speech Therapy at 785-623-5695 for more information about services or referral process.

HaysMed Awarded for Excellence in Organ and Tissue Donation by Midwest Transplant Network

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HaysMed proudly announces that it has been recognized with the Excellence in Organ and Tissue Donation Award by the Midwest Transplant Network. This esteemed award was detailed in a press release dated April 25, 2024, from Midwest Transplant Network, acknowledging our hospital’s exceptional performance and dedication to saving lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation.

 

The Excellence in Donation Awards are presented annually to hospitals and individuals who show outstanding commitment and results in the field of organ donation. HaysMed was honored for having a higher-than-average number of families granting authorization for donation in 2023. This award underscores our hospital’s crucial role in facilitating the gift of life and supporting the delicate process of transformation that organ donation represents.

 

“This recognition reflects the hard work and compassion of our team at HaysMed. We are deeply moved by the symbolism of the butterfly associated with the donation process—representing hope, renewal, and transformation,” said Terry Siek, Chief Nursing Officer at HaysMed. “It is a privilege to be part of this life-saving mission and to be recognized for our efforts in helping transform lives.”

 

As part of the award, HaysMed received a beautiful pressed flower butterfly print by artist Ashley Foster, symbolizing joy, love, and gratitude—emotions deeply intertwined with the act of donation.

 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Midwest Transplant Network and all our partners and donors who have made this achievement possible. HaysMed remains committed to advancing our organ and tissue donation programs and continuing to serve our community with the highest standards of care and compassion.

 

About Midwest Transplant Network

Midwest Transplant Network has been connecting lives through organ donation since 1973. As the federally designated not-for-profit organ procurement organization (OPO) for Kansas and the western two-thirds of Missouri, Midwest Transplant Network provides services including organ procurement; surgical tissue and eye recovery; laboratory testing; and 24-hour rapid response for referrals from hospital partners. Midwest Transplant Network ranks in the top 10% in the country among OPOs, which reflects the organization’s quality, professionalism and excellence in partnerships throughout the region. For more information, visit mwtn.org.

About HaysMed

Hays Medical Center (HaysMed) is a private, not-for-profit, 200+ bed hospital providing the only tertiary-level services in the region. As the premier provider in western Kansas for specialized care, HaysMed offers a wide variety of specialty programs including cardiology, orthopedics, cancer, surgery (general, minimally invasive and robotic), ENT, pulmonology, critical care and women’s services. HaysMed is a Level III Trauma Center and a certified Primary Stroke Center. In addition, HaysMed has earned advanced certification in Infection Prevention. Learn more at haysmed.com.

 

Photos feature:

Terry Siek, HaysMed Chief Nursing Officer

Heidi Gohl, HaysMed Vascular Access, Key Contact

Kim Wiles, HaysMed OR/PACU

Nikki Dixon, Midwest Transplant Network Hospital Services Coordinator

Jan Finn, Midwest Transplant Network President/Chief Executive Officer

HaysMed Celebrates National Hospital Week with Weeklong Festivities and Awards Ceremony

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HaysMed is thrilled to announce its celebration of National Hospital Week, taking place from May 12th to May 18th, 2024. This annual celebration honors the dedication and commitment of healthcare professionals who tirelessly serve their communities, and HaysMed is proud to recognize the exceptional contributions of its staff.

Throughout the week, HaysMed will host a series of activities and events to commemorate the remarkable efforts of its healthcare team. The highlight of National Hospital Week at HaysMed will be the Award Winner Celebration on Monday, May 13th, 2024. During this special event, HaysMed will honor the recipients of its prestigious awards, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields. The awards include:

  • Advanced Practice Provider of the Year – Alaina D. Dresslar, PA-C
  • Norman W. Jeter Humanitarian Award – Deb Miller, Mobile Ultrasound Coordinator
  • Sr. Mary J. Mollison Nurse of the Year – LeAnn Dix, RN, BSN
  • Vic Eddy, MD, Physician of the Year – Steven R. Waring, MD

“These awards are a testament to the exceptional talent of our Associates,” said Eddie Herrman, HaysMed President and CEO. “We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and grateful for their unwavering commitment to providing high-quality care to our patients.”

Alaina D. Dresslar, a Physician Assistant certified in general surgery at HaysMed Southwind Surgical, has been awarded the Advanced Practice Provider of the Year. This recognition is bestowed upon an advanced practice provider who not only supports the vision, mission, and goals of HaysMed but also exemplifies demonstrating clinical expertise in patient care within the healthcare community.

Deb Miller, the highly respected Mobile Ultrasound Coordinator at HaysMed, has been recognized with The Norman W. Jeter Humanitarian Award. This award honors an individual’s exceptional dedication to medical excellence and human kindness, qualities that Deb has exemplified throughout her nearly 46-year tenure in the medical field.

LeAnn Dix, an experienced Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, has been honored with the Sr. Mary J. Mollison Nurse of the Year Award, a recognition that celebrates a nurse who embodies excellence in nursing practice and patient care. With over two decades of service at HaysMed, LeAnn’s commitment to her profession and her patients is undeniable.

Dr. Steven R. Waring, a dedicated family medicine physician, has been awarded the prestigious Vic Eddy, MD Physician of the Year Award. This esteemed accolade is given to a physician who demonstrates an exceptional level of clinical expertise and an extraordinary dedication to enhancing healthcare delivery within the community.

HaysMed invites members of the community to join in the celebration of National Hospital Week and express gratitude to healthcare professionals for their invaluable contributions. For more information about National Hospital Week celebrations at HaysMed, please call 785-623-2265.

May is Stroke Awareness Month

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Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Plays an Important Role in Stroke Recovery

HaysMed is dedicated to providing expert and compassionate care for recovery after a stroke. Early action is critical when a patient suffers a stroke. Stroke rehabilitation should begin as soon as possible after a stroke once a patient’s medical condition is stable and doctors have taken preventive measures against further strokes and complications.

Our HaysMed inpatient program provides a personalized treatment plan for each patient and ongoing care with the goal of preparing people to return home independently or with assistance from family members or other care providers.

Research shows that inpatient rehabilitation results in:

  • Going home quickly
  • Short lengths of stay
  • Minimizing hospital readmission

 

Our HaysMed Stroke Program Helps Improve Skills by Focusing on:

  • Maximizing your independence, health and mobility
  • Daily activities of living such as eating, dressing, grooming, bathing, and homemaking
  • Bowel and bladder management
  • Communication through speaking and writing
  • Swallowing
  • Improving memory and judgment
  • Speech and language
  • Balance and coordination
  • Psychological adjustment
  • Self-image

Treatment delivery and intensity of service is determined as part of the individualized plan of care and will typically include a combination of 30- to 60-minute therapy sessions for three or more hours most days.

 

Rehab in the Outpatient Setting

Outpatient therapy can play an important role in the continuum of care, when appropriate for the patient. Outpatient therapy will focus on mobility as well as patient activities of daily living, and will consist of varying levels of intensity depending on a patient’s individual needs.

 

The Therapy Team

The patient, patient’s family, loved ones and caregivers are the most important part of our rehabilitation team. Our team of HaysMed health professionals will work together with the patient and the patient’s caregivers toward recovery from a stroke.

Our interdisciplinary rehabilitation team specializing in stroke rehabilitation includes:

  • Physicians specializing in rehabilitation providing daily oversight
  • Rehabilitation nurses
  • Physical therapists who work on problems with movement, walking, balance and coordination
  • Occupational therapists who help patients regain independence with eating, bathing, dressing, writing and other daily tasks
  • Certified speech therapists who help patients recover speech, language, cognitive and swallowing skills
  • Orthotic/adaptive equipment specialists
  • Nutritional counselors
  • Case managers/social workers
  • Neuro/clinical psychologists

 

Caregiver Support

Since family is often an important part of the recovery process, the rehab staff provides stroke education and training to close family members. A HaysMed social worker, nurse or case manager will help the patient and his or her caregivers arrange for the help and equipment that will be needed at home after treatment. Other activities may include stroke education classes as well as a stroke support group.

 

Our compassionate team at HaysMed is dedicated to providing personalized care, designed to help each patient regain independence with tailored treatment plans. Let us support your journey to recovery with expert, individualized care.

 

For more details on our stroke recovery program, visit us at: www.haysmed.com/services/inpatient-rehabilitation

 

HaysMed Honored with Prestigious Plaque for Excellence in Sterile Processing by 3M

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HaysMed has been awarded a distinguished plaque and recognized by global science company 3M for achieving the highest standard of care in Sterile Processing. This accolade is in recognition of the hospital’s commitment to practicing Every Load Monitoring for steam sterilization, a critical process that ensures the safety and sterility of surgical instruments.

 

Every Load Monitoring is an advanced practice that involves meticulous checks on each sterilization cycle. This process guarantees that all medical instruments used in surgeries and procedures meet stringent sterility criteria, thereby providing the highest level of assurance that each cycle was successful before any surgical procedure takes place.

 

The recognition from 3M highlights HaysMed’s dedication to quality and safety in patient care. “We are incredibly proud to receive this plaque from 3M as it acknowledges our unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Elise Williams, Manager of Central Sterile at HaysMed. “This practice not only enhances our ability to provide safe, effective care but also reflects our continual effort to improve processes and outcomes for our patients.”

 

Williams, Kevin Myers, Director of Infection Prevention and Central Sterile, and the Central Sterile team at HaysMed has been instrumental in implementing and maintaining the standards that earned this esteemed recognition. Their hard work and dedication to improving patient care underscore the hospital’s reputation as a leader in health care services.

 

HaysMed remains committed to advancing its healthcare practices to provide the best possible outcomes for its patients and community. This recognition serves as a reminder of the hospital’s role at the forefront of medical excellence and patient safety.

 

 

About HaysMed

Hays Medical Center (HaysMed) is a private, not-for-profit, 200+ bed hospital providing the only tertiary-level services in the region. As the premier provider in western Kansas for specialized care, HaysMed offers a wide variety of specialty programs including cardiology, orthopedics, cancer, surgery (general, minimally invasive and robotic), ENT, pulmonology, critical care and women’s services. HaysMed is a Level III Trauma Center and a certified Primary Stroke Center. In addition, HaysMed has earned advanced certification in Infection Prevention.

Other services include rehabilitation, hospice, neonatal, intensive care and diagnostic imaging, as well as a Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center and a Sleep and Neurodiagnostic Center. HaysMed is proud to be one of only 20 U.S. hospitals recognized by Vizient in 2023 as a Top Performer in the Complex Care Medical Center cohort. In 2022, HaysMed was named as one of the top 20 rural and community hospitals in the country by the National Rural Health Association. Learn more at haysmed.com.

HaysMed Orthopedic Clinic Welcomes New APRN, Joshua Wichman

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The HaysMed Orthopedic Clinic is pleased to announce the addition of Joshua Wichman, APRN, to their team of experienced providers.

As an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Wichman will work alongside the clinic’s orthopedic surgeons to provide comprehensive care to patients. His focus will be on patient evaluation, treatment planning, and follow-up care.

“We are thrilled to have Joshua join our team,” said Bryan Brady, HaysMed Vice President of Physician Practice Administration and Ancillary Services. “His dedication to patient care makes him a perfect fit for our clinic, and we are confident that he will provide the highest level of care to our patients.”

The Hays Orthopedic Clinic at HaysMed is committed to delivering comprehensive orthopedic care and is equipped with the latest in medical technology. The addition of Wichman is part of the hospital’s ongoing effort to expand and improve services to meet the growing health needs of our community.

HaysMed and the Hays Orthopedic Clinic warmly welcome Joshua Wichman and look forward to the expertise he brings to the organization.

HaysMed Donor Advisory Council Celebrates National Donate Life Month

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Hays, KS – HaysMed is delighted to celebrate April as National Donate Life Month. This special month is dedicated to encouraging individuals to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors and to honor those who have saved lives through their gifts of donation. HaysMed also celebrates and acknowledges the selfless contributions of our associates who make these life-saving donations possible.

 

HaysMed proudly supports the ongoing efforts of its Donor Advisory Council, a dedicated group of nine HaysMed Associates along with esteemed members Nikki Dixon, Hospital Services Coordinator at Midwest Transplant Network and Kelly Falwell, Hospital Development Manager at Saving Sight. The council meets quarterly to discuss and enhance the services provided by HaysMed to the entire Western Kansas community.

 

Since its inception in 2008, the HaysMed Donor Advisory Council has evolved its awareness initiatives from a 5k run to an appreciation event for HaysMed Associates. This year, over 750 cookies were baked and distributed to not only day staff but also our hardworking night shift Associates, highlighting our appreciation for their dedication.

 

In collaboration with Midwest Transplant Network and Saving Sight, we continue to spread the word about the critical need for eye, organ, and tissue donations. Representatives from these organizations support HaysMed year-round.

 

Our community outreach doesn’t stop there. Key local entities such as Hays Regional Airport, Ellis County Emergency Medical Services, and the Kansas Department of Vehicles are instrumental in encouraging community members to opt-in for organ donation. The Donor Advisory Council also fosters educational opportunities at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) and North Central Kansas Technical College and engages with the community during the annual Back to School Picnic at FHSU, drawing hundreds of students and community members each fall.

 

Highlighting our community engagement, the council participated in the April 20, 2024 Walk With A Doc event. Alongside Dr. Erin Hemphill, a hospitalist at HaysMed, and partners from The Transplant Network and Saving Sight, participants enjoyed an invigorating walk and learned about the vital impact of organ, eye, and tissue donations.

 

In 2023 alone, HaysMed saw remarkable donor participation, with 27 donated corneas, one organ donor, and nine tissue donors, each of whom has the potential to enhance up to 75 lives.

 

HaysMed is committed to saving and enhancing lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation. We thank every donor, volunteer, and partner for their vital role in this noble cause.

 

Featured in photos:

Heidi Gohl, HaysMed Vascular Access, Key Contact

Karen Kisner, HaysMed Hospice Supervisor

Kelly Cole, HaysMed Education

Nikki Dixon, Hospital Services Coordinator at Midwest Transplant Network

Kelly Falwell, Hospital Development Manager at Saving Sight

HaysMed Security Protective Services

HaysMed Hospice

HaysMed Respiratory Therapy

 

HaysMed Security Protective Services

HaysMed Hospice

HaysMed Respiratory Therapy

Governor Kelly Tours HaysMed; Relaunches “Healthy Workers, Healthy Economy” Tour

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Office of the Kansas Governor

HAYS – Governor Laura Kelly today toured HaysMed in Ellis County as she relaunches the “Healthy Workers, Healthy Economy” tour.  Governor Kelly will be touring the state, meeting with Kansans to discuss the importance of Medicaid expansion before the legislature returns at the end of the month.

When legislators return on April 26, Senators will have the opportunity to bring Medicaid expansion to a debate and vote in the Senate.

“When they return on April 26th, the legislature will decide if they want to keep moving Kansas forward,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By voting to expand Medicaid, Kansans in in every corner of the state would have access to the affordable, high-quality health care they deserve.”

In January, Governor Kelly’s Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act was introduced in the Kansas House and Senate.  The legislation would increase access to health care for 150,000 Kansans while injecting $1.2 billion in annual federal funding into Kansas’ economy and creating 23,000 new jobs.

The upcoming vote on Medicaid expansion comes after legislators met in March for a joint session of the Senate Ways and Means Committee and Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee and an informational hearing in the House Health and Human Services Committee. More than 900 pieces of written testimony were presented in those meetings. Edward Herrman, President and CEO of HaysMed was one of the Senate conferees that spoke about the impact of not expanding Medicaid has on his hospital.

“As the HaysMed President and CEO overseeing healthcare delivery, I can attest firsthand to the critical need for Medicaid expansion,” said Edward Herrman, President and CEO of HaysMed. “Our hospitals are on the frontline, serving those in need regardless of their ability to pay. Medicaid expansion isn’t just a policy; it’s a lifeline for countless individuals and families, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. We would like to thank Governor Kelly for her support in this critical initiative of expanding Medicaid for Kansans.”

This tour allowed HaysMed to further emphasize to legislators the need for Medicaid expansion and the impact access to essential health care services has on rural Kansans and the communities they represent.

The hospital invited legislators representing Ellis County and the surrounding area to the tour.

The most recent survey data from the Sunflower Foundation shows that nearly 70 percent of Kansans support Medicaid expansion. This includes a majority of Republican primary voters and 83 percent of small business owners.

“I urge Kansans in every corner of the state to write, call, or meet with their legislators,” Governor Kelly said. “Tell them Medicaid expansion must be debated and passed now. Let them know how critical this is for your family and your communities.”

This year was the first time Medicaid expansion had been given a hearing in four years.

Kansans can find contact information for their local legislator here.

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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