Dec3

A sleep study can benefit your health

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

A new home-based sleep test for those concerned about obstructive sleep apnea is now available at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus.

This was made possible because of new equipment and software at the hospital’s Sleep and Diagnostic Center, which is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Sleep apnea is a general term for breathing problems that occur during sleep, including breathing cessation many times during the night.

Symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, restless sleep, difficulty concentrating, depression, irritability, morning headaches, high blood pressure and frequent awakenings.

“We encourage anyone who has questions about these symptoms to contact their healthcare provider,” said Megan Donecker, sleep lab director and registered polysomnographer. “If a home sleep test is ordered, we will supply the information and equipment.”

During the apnea test, the patient wears a device called WatchPat on a wrist in the comfort of their own home. The device is disposable.

“This new equipment is more accurate than other devices because we can now see stages of sleep,” Donecker noted. “The only thing we need from the patient is a doctor’s referral.”

The hospital’s sleep lab offers in-house tests for sleep apnea, as well as a host of other conditions. These include insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder, to name a few, Donecker said.

“Sleep apnea is the most common disorder we see at the lab, but we are here for many other concerns,” Donecker noted. “Our two sleep rooms are comparable to hotel suites. Patients are often impressed with the whole atmosphere, which offers many comforts of home.”

Amenities in each room include a queen-size, pillow-top mattress, large recliner chair, large bathroom with spacious shower, television and safe for personal belongings.

The home test for apnea is a good choice for many people but the “sleep-center setting offers many other services too,” the director commented. “We can look for more than 80 sleep disorders at the lab – not just apnea.”

To illustrate the importance of treating sleep apnea, Donecker said it is a risk factor that can contribute to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, daytime sleeping, depression, impotency, traffic accidents and increased mortality.

“Sleep is a huge factor in healing,” Donecker said. “If you aren’t getting good quality sleep, then you increase the risk for many health issues. Our bodies will compensate in amazing ways – until it just can’t.

“We understand it may be difficult to notice sleep-related red flags that our bodies are telling us about, especially when we self-treat with caffeine. I encourage everyone to start listening to what their bodies tell them and speak with a doctor when questions arise. Quality sleep makes for a better quality of life.”

Melanie Urban, Pawnee Valley Campus administrator, said the new home apnea test is “a great example of how the hospital continues to stay innovative and continues to expand services. Having an accredited sleep lab is unique to smaller, rural hospitals. This demonstrates our commitment to provide as many local options as possible.”

The sleep lab sees about 15 patients per month, with the potential for more. Dr. Son Truong is the medical director.

Dec3

Latest 3D Mammography Technology Now Available in Larned

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

3D mammography, considered the most significant improvement in mammography in the past 30 years, is now available at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus.

The imaging team at Pawnee Valley Campus encourages women over 40, or those who are overdue for a mammogram, to make an appointment for their 3D mammogram.

“3D has become the standard of care in mammography,” said Shelly Stanton, director of imaging. “It is so gratifying to offer this state-of-the-art technology to this wonderful community. Patients no longer need to travel to another town for a 3D mammogram. These screenings are quick and normally only take 10 to 15 minutes.”

An appointment can be made by calling the scheduling team at 785-623-6565. Specify that you prefer your appointment take place at Pawnee Valley Campus.

“You do not have to be a current Pawnee Valley Campus patient to receive this service,” Stanton said. “Everyone is welcome. All we need is an order for the mammogram from your healthcare provider so we know where to send the results.”

“I tell all women that I recommend screening mammograms starting at age 40, and I recommend that every woman continues screening mammograms each year,” said Crystal Hill, MD, family medicine. “Research shows that this screening regimen saves the most lives. Women need to know that breast cancer screening is so important because it’s the most common type of cancer in women and it’s the second leading cause of cancer death. We know that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime in the United States. I encourage women to schedule their mammograms today.”

Those who have been getting 2D mammograms over the years “may want to consider this enhanced technology,” Stanton said. “3D takes approximately 300 image slices of tissue in the same amount of time as the 2D, which takes only four slices.”

The increased volume minimizes the overlapping of breast tissue, which can either hide or mimic cancer.

“More images results in fewer false alarms and greatly improves the screening’s accuracy, especially in patients with dense breast tissue,” Stanton said.

3D mammography has been clinically proven and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It can detect from 20 to 65 percent more invasive cancers than 2D. “It also has been shown to be superior for women with dense breast tissue,” Stanton added.

The new equipment was delivered Nov. 2 and installed with electrical and internet connections that communicate with electronic medical records and ordering systems.

“The new machine was tested by our radiation physicist to ensure it meets all stringent safety and imaging quality standards,” Stanton said, noting in-house training started Nov. 10.

The local community and Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation made this possible, Stanton said. The fundraising goal was realized in less than a year.

“We are so blessed to live in our generous community and have the Foundation’s support,” Stanton said. “Pawnee Valley Campus wouldn’t be here without our neighbors and patients, as well as the many benefactors who donate time and money.”

Those who have questions about mammography or other services are encouraged to call the Pawnee Valley Campus imaging team directly at 620-285-8691.

Nov30

Pawnee Valley Campus Angel Tree available to bring Christmas spirit to families

By Gayla Wichman - Uncategorized

There is still a little time to share some Christmas spirit by supporting the local Angel Tree that provides clothing for children who could use a helping hand.

The Angel Tree is located in the lobby of The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus, 923 Carroll, in Larned.

The angelic tree ornaments represent particular children. Coded numbers, not names, are used to identity the youngsters. Their ages, clothing sizes and favorite colors are indicated. Anyone who wants to select an angel is encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

“However, due to the many COVID-19 precautions in place, we would like to limit the traffic in the hospital as much as possible,” said Lori Milch, coordinator of the Angel Tree project and health record analyst. “Therefore, people are welcome to call me to request an angel if they prefer not to come in.”

Milch’s numbers are 620-285-8857 and 620-923-5643.

Unwrapped gifts should be delivered to the hospital by Friday, Dec. 4. Even though gifts are not wrapped, it would be helpful if they are boxed.

“We have been offering the Angel Tree here for many, many years with the support of the hospital’s Auxiliary,” Milch noted. “They help us with clothing donations and collecting boxes and wrapping paper, as well as wrapping the gifts.

“Pawnee Valley employees love to get involved with this and other community projects. We appreciate Auxiliary members and everyone else who has helped in any way to make this Christmas season special for local and area families.”

The Angel Tree Project also collaborates with the Lions Club and Larned High School. While the hospital collects clothing, the Lions donate food and the school concentrates on toys.

“We collect clothing for the children in families that apply to the Lions Club for a little help during the holidays,” Milch explained. “The high school has its own tree to help them collect toys.

“This amazing teamwork says a lot about our community,” she added. “We all want to work together to support one another during the holidays and throughout the year.”

Nov13

The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus Issues Update on Community Spread

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

Pawnee County, and the entire Midwest, is experiencing record numbers of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. The county currently has 495 positive patients and continues to increase each week per the KDHE tracking website.

The health system encourages everyone to take the pillars of infection prevention and control with you always.

*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!

Not following these rules will put you at greater risk of contracting and spreading the virus.

“We support our public health officials and the recommendations they are proposing on what they believe will help bend the curve and keep our patents and community safe.” states Melanie Urban, administrator of Pawnee Valley Campus. “This is a critical time and we need everyone in Pawnee County, and surrounding areas, to take this seriously.”

Urban continued, “We know this feels like a marathon with no end in sight, but new antibody therapies are days away and there is hope that promising vaccines are but months away. Please do everything in your power to help slow the spread of the virus.”

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.

How close are you to meeting that capacity? Capacity at Pawnee Valley Campus is an ever-changing variable. There are days when we are near capacity. This has happened even when we were not in the COVID-19 pandemic but lately it is happening more frequently due to the additional COVID-19 patients.

Does the Emergency Room ever close? No. Even on the rare occasions when we are near capacity 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 or have patients with critical conditions, it is necessary to transfer these patients 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. 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:

*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 Pawnee County Health Department, The University of Kansas Health System, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Kansas Hospital Association to monitor the situation.

Is it safe to come to Pawnee Valley Campus? 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 Pawnee Valley Campus 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:

We recognize people are weary of the pandemic and this includes healthcare workers. Pawnee Valley Campus and the entire health system 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 Pawnee County Health Department that has the latest COVID-19 information for Pawnee County. https://www.pawneecountykansas.com/158/Health-Department

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

Nov12

Expanded expertise of care team

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

Three radiologic technologists at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus recently achieved board certifications in additional modalities.

Megan Orth is now registered in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), while Kylee Forell and Ivan Garcia are registered in computed tomography (CT).

“Being registered in a certain modality means they have met all educational criteria and hands-on training requirements in the specialty,” said Shelly Stanton, Pawnee Valley Campus Imaging Director. “Becoming board registered demonstrates the technologists’ commitment to advancing their skills and elevating their knowledge and abilities to the highest level.

“Megan, Kylee and Ivan are great assets to Pawnee County families because they are dedicated to improving their knowledge and skills to provide the best care for our patients,” the director added. “We are proud of their accomplishments.”

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists administers the board registry. ARRT is the leading credentialing organization for medical imaging, Stanton noted.

Everyone on the Pawnee Valley Campus imaging staff is an ARRT registered technologist prior to becoming registered in other modalities.

“It is remarkable all of the imaging staff members here are not only registered in radiology, but are additionally registered in one or more secondary modalities,” said Melanie Urban, Pawnee Valley Campus Administrator. “Something you do not see at many critical access hospitals.”

Certifications and continuing education are always a priority at Pawnee Valley Campus, Urban added.

“Imaging techniques and technology are constantly evolving,” she explained. “We must stay up-to-date with that knowledge to provide professional, competent care to patients.”

Nov5

Hospital Auxiliary Sews to Support Safety and Local Healthcare

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

At last count, the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Auxiliary has sewn and donated 4,522 face masks to local and area healthcare providers, organizations and individuals.

And the number continues to grow.

The project began in mid-March when Melanie Urban approached the Auxiliary, asking if it could tackle a face-mask project. Urban is administrator at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus in Larned.

The answer was a resounding “yes.”

Barbara Hammond of Larned, a 12-year Auxiliary member, said that “initially, we were sewing masks for the hospital to supply to outpatients. This would help save medical masks for hospital personnel during the pandemic.”

However, the need for masks skyrocketed and the Auxiliary kept up the pace. More than a dozen other community organizations and many individuals have used the locally crafted face coverings.

“We knew that masks had been ordered but they were on back order because of COVID-19,” Hammond noted. “The public couldn’t find masks for their own protection and to help prevent spreading the virus to others. Our face-mask project helped protect our families, and the positive response from the community has been overwhelming.”

The Auxiliary donated fabric, interfacing, elastic and thread. Some members donated their personal “stashes” of material.

“When others in the community learned about the project, they also donated items from their mothers’ and grandmothers’ stashes,” Hammond said.

The recent Auxiliary report to Pawnee Valley Campus illustrates the amount of its donations in terms of expenses for fabric, labor and mileage. Auxiliary and in-kind contributions came to $12,713.50.

In addition to Pawnee Valley Campus, organizations that received masks include Larned State Hospital; Country Living ALF; Diversicare; Heart of Kansas Family Health Care; Smith Dental Clinic; Rosenberg Dental Clinic; Pawnee County Health Department; Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department; Larned Police Department; Jordaan Memorial Library; Housing Opportunities Inc.; Edwards County Hospital; and Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility.

Auxiliary members also provided masks to small businesses and families.

“We continue to make masks, but the demand has slowed,” added Hammond, who is past president of the Auxiliary and current District 6 coordinator for Hospital Auxiliaries of Kansas.

Participants in the project include Hammond, Joan Basgall, Dianne Connelly, Connie Fox, Cindy Perez, Mary Klinge, Melinda Axman, Celine Hall, Sherri Sallee, Opal Lucas, Lisa Holt, Beverly Prescott and Ann Hicks.

Bob Sallee pitched in to keep the sewing machines running in high gear.

“Auxiliary members have outdone themselves,” said Urban. “They are always here to support our hospital, but this face-mask project has been spectacular.

“Their willingness to make thousands of masks is yet another demonstration of support for our patients and their families. But then they took it to the next level by including the whole community. Everyone in the Pawnee County area should commend all Auxiliary members who participated in any way.”

Oct7

Physical Therapy Awareness Month Observed at Pawnee Valley Campus

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

Chelsea Laramore realizes people sometimes shy away from physical therapy because they assume a doctor’s referral is required. It is not.

As rehabilitation services director at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus, Laramore wants to observe physical therapy awareness month during October by educating area residents about the benefits of physical therapy and reminding them they don’t need a referral.

“We understand people oftentimes don’t want to take time to visit a doctor, but they can call us directly,” Laramore said. “Early intervention is key when it comes to physical therapy. If you receive treatment sooner rather than later, you will feel better faster.

“Even if patients are hesitant at first, most soon realize that our care and treatment are helping them in their day-to-day life.”

At the bottom line, it’s all about quality of life. Physical therapy reduces pain, improves function and/or limits the effects of a disability or impairment, Laramore said.

She explained that Pawnee Valley Campus therapists stay in close contact with a patient’s primary care physician.

“We share our plan of care with doctors so they are aware of our treatment,” she said.

Laramore encourages people to consider physical therapy when they notice neck or lower back pain, joint pain, problems with balance, dizziness or postoperative pain or stiffness. Some women’s health problems also can be overcome or alleviated with physical therapy.

In some situations, surgery may be recommended.

“But physical therapy can delay or eliminate the need for an operation,” Laramore noted.

The physical therapy and advanced rehabilitation team at 923 Carroll Ave. in Larned offers other therapy regimens too.

While a physical therapist assists with pain relief, motion and mobility, an occupational therapist helps a patient live as independently as possible. Speech therapy also is available for swallowing disorders and speech and cognitive impairments.

“Whatever treatment is needed,” Laramore added, “our compassionate, experienced therapists provide comprehensive one-on-one care. We develop individualized treatment plans to help patients reach their goals.”

Pawnee Valley therapists are: Jason Rath, Alyssa Linn and Eloise Doran, all physical therapists; Jessica Poe and Stacey Clawson, both physical therapy assistants; Mary Vilaysing, speech/language pathologist; Kortney Traylor and Chelsea Laramore, both occupational therapists; and Angela Meitner, certified occupational therapy assistant.

Oct7

New practitioner joins The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

Heather Holaday may be new to her position as a family medicine provider at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus, but she is a familiar face in Larned and the surrounding area.

Holaday was born in Great Bend and raised in Garfield. She attended Larned schools.

Today, Holaday serves Pawnee Valley Campus patients as an advanced nurse practitioner through a University of Kansas postdoctoral fellowship. Her background includes a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Emporia State University and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Fort Hays State University, the highest nursing degree offered.

Holaday describes her work as “providing comprehensive, evidence-based care in collaboration with physicians. My education has focused on family practice medicine, which entails a range of knowledge about chronic and acute conditions, as well as general wellness,” she added, noting she sees patients of all ages.

For example, the central Kansas native cares for patients with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, anemia and depression/anxiety. Acute conditions include infections, lacerations and other injuries.

In addition, Holaday has experience in workman’s compensation issues, women’s health, physical exams and well-child checks. Her fellowship training includes work in pulmonology, urology, orthopedics, women’s health and dermatology.

Holaday’s fellowship started in July and will end June 30, 2021. She previously worked as a registered nurse for two years at Pawnee Valley Campus.

The fellowship is designed to prepare new primary care advanced practice registered nurses for the complexities of practicing in rural and underserved settings.

“In rural areas, there is often a lack of access to medical care and resources,” Holaday commented. “However, the Larned area is fortunate to have Pawnee Valley Campus, which provides care for emergent, acute and chronic conditions.

“Because this is a critical access hospital, we offer professional and convenient outpatient and inpatient care. I have also personally witnessed the lifesaving measures available here. The hospital is extraordinary and priceless.”

“Many people in this great community have supported me throughout my journey,” she said. “I am extremely honored and blessed to serve the community that shaped me. I enjoy working with providers and staff to deliver exceptional care.”

Holaday applied for the fellowship after learning about it from two instructors at Fort Hays State University. She successfully completed the comprehensive interview process and was paired with Pawnee Valley Campus.

The University of Kansas School of Nursing administers the program. Funding is provided by a Health Resources and Services Administration grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Oct1

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation Reaches Goal for 3D Mammography Campaign

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

The Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation has successfully achieved its goal of raising $300,000 as part of the 3D mammography campaign that began in October 2019. The campaign goal, through the generosity of donors, business leaders, grateful patients, friends of the foundation and foundation trustees, was reached in record time of less than a year.

“I was humbled and pleasantly surprised the fundraising went so quickly, especially because of COVID-19 and canceled fundraisers,” said Julie Bugner-Smith, director of the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation. “Raising approximately $300,000 ahead of schedule speaks volumes about our community. Local and area residents saved the hospital several years ago and remain invested in providing the best of the best in healthcare services.

“Backing from the community is at the forefront of Pawnee Valley Campus being able to offer high-tech services,” she continued. “The foundation’s support from the community and the substantial gift from Lewis Young is deeply appreciated.”

The generosity of the Larned-area community will result in the earlier-than-expected arrival of new 3D mammography equipment, said Shelly Stanton, director of imaging at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus.

“Our hospital is extremely blessed and so grateful for generous donations and community support through the years,” Stanton said. “Pawnee Valley Campus wouldn’t be here without the support of everyone who chooses our services, as well as our benefactors who donate time and money. We are thriving and offering state-of-the-art equipment because of our community.”

The new technology will arrive this fall, but the hospital will continue using the 2D equipment until the 3D unit is installed. Originally, the equipment wasn’t expected until late in 2021.

“We want the least amount of service interruption as possible,” Stanton commented. “We anticipate about two weeks of downtime for installation, physics testing and training.”

3D mammography takes images in slices, allowing radiologists to see layers of tissue separately. This makes 3D superior for women with dense breast tissue and allows for detection of 20-60 percent more invasive cancers.

“The new machine’s ability to distinguish different tissues results in fewer false positives,” Stanton noted. “And this, of course, means fewer patients have to return for follow-up testing. Mammography is so important because it can detect cancers as small as a grain of sand – long before they are big enough to be felt during a self-exam. Finding cancers early saves lives and helps prevent more extensive treatments.”

This new addition to the hospital illustrates that “we strive to provide the most advanced imaging equipment,” Stanton added. “Patients can be screened locally and know they are not compromising their care in any way. We realize patients have choices. But choosing Pawnee Valley Campus’ top-of-line equipment and professional staff can reduce travel time, expense and stress.”

The American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging recommend annual mammograms beginning at age 40.

Women of higher-than-average risk because of family history should start earlier, also according to the ACR. Supplemental screenings, such as breast MRI and ultrasound, may also be considered. Treatment is determined on an individual basis.a

Jul14

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital focused on delivering quality mammography services

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital focused on delivering quality mammography services

2D mammogram services at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus hospital in Larned recently earned 3-year accreditation from the American College of Radiology (ACR). In addition, the healthcare team in Larned continues its campaign to raise funds to purchase the technology to provide 3D mammograms.

The recent comprehensive survey of the mammography program by the ACR went well, according to Shelly Stanton, director of imaging. “We met or exceeded all standards,” she said. “The ACR focuses on areas such as imaging quality, equipment and quality-control procedures. They also evaluate our team members, who must meet strict educational standards to earn their credentials.”

The gold-seal accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities after a peer review by physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field.

2D mammography services have been available at Pawnee Valley Campus since December 2018. Prior to that, a mobile service provided by HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, paid regular visits.

“We are excited to offer this service in the hospital,” Stanton commented. “Early detection of breast cancer is so important because the earlier we find a problem, the easier it is to treat. There are more treatment options with early detection, too. This means a much better chance of survival.”

Stanton noted that if a physician recommends a mammogram, the patient should not hesitate to have the screening right away.

In addition to 2D mammography, Pawnee Valley Campus also provides additional high-quality imaging services, including 64-slice CT, low-dose CT, wide-bore MRI and a new nuclear medicine camera.

“We are proud to offer these services to our community,” Stanton said. “Patients and families appreciate that these imaging services are available close to home. There is less travel time, stress and expense.”

To add to Stanton’s enthusiasm, a fundraising campaign for new 3D mammograph technology kicked off last October at the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation Gala. Nearly half of the fundraising goal has been raised so far.

“There are a number of ways people can donate to this campaign,” said Julie Bugner-Smith, foundation director. “One popular way is through a memorial to a loved one. There also is a payroll-deduction plan, which we do here for employees at Pawnee Valley Campus. In addition, the Foundation raises money through several community events.”

Bugner-Smith informs people about the campaign during outreach and educational programs, as well as through social media.

“We hope to have the 3D equipment, which has advanced diagnostic capabilities, available in 2021,” Bugner-Smith said. “This will be a great addition to our leading-edge equipment.

“As we all know,” she added, “the equipment is only as good as the people running it. Our community can be assured that our caring and professional staff is second-to-none. Shelly and her team do a great job every day.”

Donations of all sizes are welcome. Those who wish to donate or seek more information are encouraged to contact Bugner-Smith at 620-285-8632.

Caption Shelly Stanton, director of imaging at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus, displays recent 2D mammogram accreditation.

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