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Orthopedic Institute News

Hays Medical Center > Orthopedic Institute News
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

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.

Aug3
00

HaysMed Orthopedic Surgeon Named Associate Editor Of Premier Orthopedic Publication

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Orthopedic Institute News

Hays, Kansas –Dr. Oluwaseun Akinbo, orthopedic surgeon at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Medical Center, was selected by the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) to be an associate editor of the premier orthopedic publication, the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS).

The AOA partners with the JBJS to offer AOA’s Emerging Leaders an opportunity to serve as Associate Editors on the JBJS Associate Editor Panel.

The AOA’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) delivers a continuum of learning for developing orthopaedic leaders. Members are among a highly select group of orthopaedists poised to impact the specialty now and in the future. Emerging Leaders garner essential skills and build a strong foundation for leadership, development and success. Identification for participation in the ELP is a mark of prestige.

Apr20
00

HaysMed Now Seeing Patients Using Telehealth

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

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

Feb19
00

HaysMed Orthopedic Surgeon Recognized for Literary Contributions

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Orthopedic Institute News

Hays, Kansas –Dr. Oluwaseun Akinbo, orthopedic surgeon at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Medical Center, was recently recognized as a top 10 reviewer for Orthopedics journal.  The award recognizes the quantity, quality and timeliness of reviews for the journal. This is the second consecutive year Dr. Akinbo has been recognized.

For over 40 years, Orthopedics, published by Slack, Inc. has been the preferred choice of orthopedic surgeons for clinically relevant information. A bimonthly, peer-reviewed journal, Orthopedics offers clinically valuable, original articles covering all aspects of adult and pediatric orthopedic surgery and treatment.

Dr. Akinbo has been a peer reviewer for Orthopedics since 2015. In addition, he serves as a peer reviewer for three other publications. According to Akinbo, peer review is a way to ensure that only the most rigorously researched papers make it to publication, and inform practices and patient care of fellow orthopedic surgeons in an evidence based manner.

Oct17
00

HaysMed Welcomes New Orthopedic Provider

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Orthopedic Institute News

Hays, Kansas – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is pleased to welcome Caitlin Thornton, PA-C.   She will be seeing patients at the Orthopedic Clinic.

Thornton graduated from the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs with a Bachelor of Science degree in human biology. She received a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from the University of North Texas health Science Center in Fort Worth.

“We are very happy to add another provider to the orthopedic clinic” said Bryce Young, Chief Operating Officer. “The number of patients with orthopedic needs is growing and we are pleased to be able to expand the quality services we provide to those patients.”

To make an appointment call 785-623-4699 or go to https://www.haysmed.com/orthopedic-institute/

Jul22
00

HaysMed Orthopedic Institute Receives Durable Medical Equipment Reaccreditation

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Orthopedic Institute News

Hays, Kansas –The  Orthopedic Institute at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, was recently reaccredited as an Accredited Durable Medical Equipment (DME) facility from the Healthcare Quality Association on Accreditation (HQAA).

Durable Medical equipment is any medical equipment used in the home to aid in a better quality of living. The accreditation ensures the public that Hays Orthopedic Institute has demonstrated its expertise and commitment to quality patient care by meeting or exceeding a wide set of stringent criteria and standards undergoing on onsite review by an Accreditation Field Specialist.  It assures that a facility will maintain the highest quality of standards for patient healthcare.

Hays Orthopedic Institute was initially accredited in July 2013.

Jun17
00

HaysMed Uses Computer-Assisted Navigation System for Total Knee Joint Replacement Surgery

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Orthopedic Institute News

Hays, Kansas – HaysMed has started performing total knee replacements in specific candidates with computer assisted navigation. Orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Oluwaseun Akinbo MD, has recently incorporated this novel computer assisted navigation into his practice for performing total knee replacements.

Computer-assisted total knee replacement is a procedure that ensures a higher level of precision with bone cuts during the knee replacement procedure.

“With the aid of a real time surgical navigation system, we can improve on bony alignment and soft tissue balance, which are the two most critical components of a knee replacement.” Said Akinbo.

“The CAS system we have used is slightly larger than a cell phone,” said Akinbo. “However, the technology is the equivalent to the larger CAS in precisely measuring the information needed for successful total knee replacements.”

When your knee replacement is aligned precisely the forces across the components are even, which results in less wear on the joint replacement.

“Computer-assisted knee replacement is one of the most technologically advanced methods of performing your knee replacement today. Your body’s everyday function is dependent upon a high degree of perfectly coordinated motions based on precision.” Added Akinbo.

The computer based surgery is an option for anyone needing total knee replacement surgery. It is especially beneficial for patients at risk for malpositioning of components to include morbidly obese patients and patients with significant deformities. It also eliminates the removal of most indwelling implants prior to a knee replacement surgery.

To make an appointment go to https://www.haysmed.com/orthopedic-institute/ or call 785-261-7599.

 

Jun4
00

HaysMed Orthopedic Surgeon Recognized for Literary Contributions

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Orthopedic Institute News

Hays, Kansas –Dr. Oluwaseun Akinbo, orthopedic surgeon at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Medical Center, was recently recognized as a top 10 reviewer for Orthopedics journal.  The award recognizes the quantity, quality and timeliness of reviews for the journal.

For over 40 years, Orthopedics, published by Slack, Inc. has been the preferred choice of orthopedic surgeons for clinically relevant information. A bimonthly, peer-reviewed journal, Orthopedics offers clinically valuable, original articles covering all aspects of adult and pediatric orthopedic surgery and treatment.

Dr. Akinbo has been a peer reviewer for Orthopedics since 2015. In addition, he serves as a peer reviewer for three other publications. According to Akinbo, peer review is a way to ensure that only the most rigorously researched papers make it to publication, and inform practices and patient care of fellow orthopedic surgeons in an evidence based manner.

Apr18
00

HaysMed Welcomes Orthopedic Physician Assistant

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Orthopedic Institute News

(Hays, KS) – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is pleased to welcome Spencer Anderson, MPAS, PA-C to the Orthopedic Clinic.

Anderson completed his masters of physician assistant studies at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

“It’s always a good feeling to be able to recruit qualified staff to our orthopedic clinic,” said Bryce Young, chief operating officer, at HaysMed.  “We serve patients from all over western Kansas and Anderson will be a great addition to our team of professionals.”

Anderson will be working with Dr. Oluwaseun Akinbo, Orthopedic Surgeon.

To make an appointment call 785-261-7599 or go to www.haysmed.com/orthopedic-institute/.

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