Apr3

HaysMed Prepared to Treat Patients Diagnosed With COVID-19

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.

Mar30

00

HaysMed Initiates No Visitor policy due to COVID-19

By Gayla Wichman - Emergency Department News,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System will change to a no visitor policy effective Tuesday, March 31 at 6:00 am. Detailed information on visitor restrictions due to the COVID-19 Virus include:

HOSPITAL VISITORS

For most patients, zero visitors are allowed. Exceptions include:

1 parent or guardian for patients younger than 18
1 support person for labor and delivery patients
1 support person for patients with disabilities or impairments needing assistance
1 support person or driver for patients undergoing outpatient treatment or procedures
Support persons for patients nearing end of life

Patients will continue to use Entrance B, which is located at the Miller Pavilion from 6:00 am – 8:30 pm for hospital access.
Patients will use the Emergency Entrance from 8:30 pm – 6:00 am

Any visitor who has a fever or other cold or flu-like symptoms will not be allowed in the facilities.

CLINIC VISITORS

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 encourage family and friends to return home to await news of their loved one. You may wait in your vehicle if you wish. Any visitor who has a fever or other cold or flu-like symptoms will not be allowed in the facilities.

Unless you have a scheduled pediatrics appointment, visitors under age 14 will not be allowed in the clinic until further notice.

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:

Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Or your local county or city health department

Mar20

00

HaysMed Initiates NEW Changes due to COVID-19

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Hays – The rise of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a global, national and local concern. We want to assure our patients and the community that Hays Med, part of The University of Kansas Health System is working closely with local, state and federal health officials to prepare. Our top priority is keeping our patients, visitors and staff safe and as a result, we will be implementing the following changes:

Effective Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 6:00 a.m.

*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

*Visitors are limited to 1 person per day from 6:00 am – 8:30 pm. No visitors will be allowed to enter after 8:30 pm.

*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.

* We have implemented temperature screenings upon entry into our facilities. 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 services have changed. 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.

*We have made temporary changes to our food, drink and dining offerings at the hospital. The Rock Garden Café has only grab and go food available. Coffee stations have been removed in the major waiting areas. There is coffee available in the Rock Garden Café.

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:

Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Or your local county or city health department

Mar17

00

HaysMed Expands COVID-19 Hotline to 7 Days a Week

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas –HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, has announced they are expanding their COVID-19 Hotline to 7 days a week to meet public demand. The hotline will be available seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The number is 877-261-7140. The hotline is designed for anyone who has questions about the novel coronavirus.

Mar16

00

HaysMed Implements New Visitor Restrictions

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas– HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, has implemented new visitor guidelines effective immediately in response to COVID-19. This is being done to keep patients, visitors and staff safe.

Visitors to the Women/Infant Care Center (OB/GYN) will be limited to one support person who will be banded by the staff. The support person will be screened for travel, must be fever free and without a cough.

Visitors to the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Center will be limited to one support person. The support person will be screened for travel, must be fever free and without a cough.

All other hospital areas will be limited to two visitors per patient per day. The visitors must have no respiratory symptoms or fever. Anyone under age 14 may not visit until further notice.

We ask that if you are sick, please refrain from visiting at this time.

Mar16

00

HaysMed Cancels Healthy Cooking Class for Breast Cancer Survivors on March 18

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas– The Healthy Cooking Class for Breast Cancer Survivors set for March 18 at HaysMed has been cancelled.

Mar16

00

HaysMed Cancellations

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas– The Public CPR Training set for March 21 at HaysMed has been cancelled.

Mar13

00

HaysMed Launches COVID-19 Hotline Monday, March 16

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System will open a COVID-19 Hotline effective 9:00 a.m. Monday, March 16. The hotline will be available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The number is 877-261-7140. The hotline is designed for people who have questions about the novel coronavirus.

The rise of the novel coronavirus is a global, national and local concern. We want to assure our patients and the community that HaysMed is working closely with local and state agencies to monitor and prepare accordingly.

Our top priority at HaysMed is keeping our patients and visitors safe.

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. Plus we have direct access to the premier experts at the University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City.

If you are feeling ill, contact your doctor’s office if you think you have symptoms or have been exposed. Call before you arrive at your doctor’s office and let them know your symptoms. COVID-19 symptoms include fever, coughing and shortness of breath. Also, let your doctor know if you have traveled recently or been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19. If you do not have a doctor you can call the hotline. Please do not go to the Emergency Department unless instructed by your doctor or other healthcare provider.

Preventing the spread of respiratory diseases, including the flu and COVID-19 is a key factor. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use alcohol-based sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Avoid close contact with sick people, clean and disinfect regularly and most important stay home when you are sick.

For the most up to date information on COVID-19 visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment http://www.kdheks.gov/ or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/

Mar9

00

HaysMed Offering Healthy Cooking Class for Breast Cancer Survivors

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

Hays, Kansas – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is sponsoring a free healthy cooking class for breast cancer survivors on Wednesday, March 18 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. The event will be held at The Center for Health Improvement Education Room at 2500 Canterbury Drive in Hays.

This is a hands-on cooking class and demonstration and will include nutrition tips from a registered dictation and interactive cooking. You will be able to socialize with other breast cancer survivors in a casual setting, enjoy a meal and leave with a simple health meal to make at home.

Please RSVP by March 16 at 11:00 am to 785-623-5441. Registration is required and seating is limited

Mar5

00

DeBakey Heart Institute Sponsors 19th Annual FREE Public hands Only CPR Training on March 21

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas– It may take only a few minutes, but for the victim of sudden cardiac arrest, it can be the event of a lifetime.

Sudden cardiac arrest strikes about 250,000 adults in the United States annually. More than 95 percent of its victims die before reaching a hospital – many because they don’t receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation in time. Defibrillation is a process in which an electronic device gives an electric shock to the heart to help restore the heart’s normal rhythm.

To help improve those odds, the HaysMed DeBakey Heart Institute and the Hays Medical Center Foundation will hold its 19th annual Staying Alive Hands Only CPR Training on Saturday, March 21, at the Center for Health Improvement at Hays Medical Center. The one and one half hour class is designed for members of the general public, eight years and older; and is not for those seeking professional certification. More than 30 certified instructors and volunteers will donate their time to the event.

Classes in adult and pediatric CPR will be offered at 10:00 am. To register, call 1-800-248-0073, ext 5500 or 785-623-5500 or go to https://www.haysmed.com/education/

When performed immediately, CPR may double a cardiac arrest victim’s chances of survival by adding critical minutes to a patient’s life. With CPR, breathing and chest compressions circulate oxygenated blood to the brain, heart and other vital organs until defibrillation is performed.

Cardiac arrest survival is directly linked to the amount of time between the onset of sudden cardiac arrest and defibrillation. Chances of survival drop 7-10 percent with every minute of delay. Brain death starts to occur in just four to six minutes

Seventy-five to 80 percent of all sudden cardiac arrests happen at home, so knowing how to perform (CPR) can mean the difference between life and death for a loved one, according to the American Heart Association.