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.

Family practice team welcomes new advanced practice providers

For more than a decade, The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus has provided high-quality care of many types for patients of all ages. It continues to do so today and will for many years to come.

The family medicine practice is ready to provide complete care for you and your family. Its dedicated physicians – Crystal Hill, MD, and Christian Whittington, MD – recently welcomed Susan Aistrup, APRN, and Haley Gleason, APRN, to the team. The addition of these warm, caring and experienced advanced practice registered nurses makes more care available to more people when they need it. Aistrup was drawn to the practice for its community setting, friendly staff and state-of-the-art facility.

“With our wide range of services and up-to-date equipment, we can meet the healthcare needs of patients and their families right here in their own backyards,” she said. “My colleagues and I focus on the health of each individual to ensure they can be as healthy as possible. My many years as a nurse and commitment to listening closely guide me to care for patients of all ages.”

She is no stranger to the Pawnee County area, as she has family in Larned, Rozel and Burdett, Kansas.

Gleason is a resident of Great Bend, Kansas. She provides women’s health services, such as Pap tests and breast exams, as well as dermatology care, wound care and treatment for minor injuries.

“I look forward to providing care to the Pawnee Valley community and getting to know each of my patients personally,” she said. “Caring for patients and seeing them happy and healthy is what I love about being an advanced practice provider.”

Complete care for the community
The Pawnee Valley Campus staff is ready to plan and provide the important care you and your family need. While the novel coronavirus pandemic may cause some people to question whether obtaining care is safe, our team is fully prepared to maintain safety and offers reassurance for these concerns.

“Being a part of the health system provides us with important guidance and support as we continue to safely care for community,” said Dr. Hill. “Our team loves providing the care our patients need and deserve. Patients find comfort in knowing they will receive quality care close to home, and we are honored that Pawnee Valley Campus is viewed as an important asset to our small community.”

For more information or to make an appointment, call 620-804-6007.

The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus once again is providing sports physicals for Fort Larned and Pawnee Heights school districts.

The physicals will be conducted differently this year due to COVID-19 and the need for extra safety measures associated with the pandemic. Pawnee Valley Campus asks parents and guardians to call the family medicine team at 620-804-6007 to schedule their child for a comprehensive well-child exam. In addition to the sports physical, the exam will address any necessary vaccinations and other medical needs.

If a child has already received their well-child exam in the past 12 months, parents may still schedule a sports physical. A small fee for this service is required, and insurance will not be billed since a comprehensive exam has already been conducted.

Most insurance companies recognize the importance of annual well-child exams as a preventive health service and will provide coverage for these visits. Check with your insurance company regarding their policy on well-child exams. If your child does not have wellness benefits or you need financial assistance, notify the family medicine care team when you schedule the appointment.

A sports physical form should be filled out before the exam. Get the form here: kshsaa.org/public/pdf/form-ppe.pdf

For immunization requirements in Kansas schools, visit:

kdheks.gov/immunize/download/2020-2021_School_Requirement_K-12.pdf