Jan26

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital: Your Guide to Better Health

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News,Uncategorized

As a state-of-the-art critical access hospital dedicated to healthcare excellence in the local community, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital has a long history of caring for the patient population of Larned and Pawnee County, Kan. They pride themselves on providing the best possible clinical care, and through their strong personal connections to the people they serve, the hospital and its family medicine clinic are the go-to guides for better health.

“As a team, we focus on keeping healthcare local and treating patients one individual at a time, so we can make a positive community impact that ensures our patients are both healthier and happier,” says Melanie Urban, Administrator of Pawnee Valley Community Hospital. “We serve as a beacon of health in our community, connecting everyone in Pawnee County to high-quality healthcare that includes both primary and specialty care. Our patients are in great hands here.”

The 25-bed hospital provides 24/7 emergency care, surgical procedures, high-tech imaging, laboratory testing, cardiopulmonary rehab, physical and occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, speech therapy, wound care, a pain clinic, and a sleep and diagnostics center. The hospital’s expertise in acute, skilled and specialized nursing enhances each of these services.

Additionally, the family medicine clinic offers a full range of services for primary care and women’s health, including 3-D mammography. With the goal to help patients avoid health concerns before they occur, instead of treating them afterward, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital encourages people to see their providers routinely for preventive care, such as immunizations and screening tests.

Through its partnership with HaysMed, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital connects patients to the full continuum of care needed for long-term health, well-being and quality of life. This includes tertiary and high-acuity specialty care, with one point of contact and sharable patient records for streamlined care navigation.

As one cohesive team, the hospital and its partners fulfill the unique expectations and needs of those in the Pawnee County community. “Sharing the common purpose of bringing our patients the best healthcare possible is critical to leading rural health in our local community,” Urban says. “When you consider everything we have to offer in helping our patients achieve long-term health and wellness, right here at home, we’re giving you every reason to choose Pawnee Valley Community Hospital.”

About Pawnee Valley Community Hospital

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital is a 25-bed facility offering emergency care (24/7), surgery, high-tech imaging and laboratory tests, rehabilitation, and a sleep and diagnostic center, as well as acute, skilled, and specialized nursing, wound care, and more. Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine provides a full range of primary care services for all ages, as well as women’s health services.

For specialty care and to ensure a full continuum of care, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital is a HaysMed partner, and its hospital and family medicine physicians collaborate closely with HaysMed specialists.

Jan26

Courtney Burger joins team at Pawnee Valley Medical Associates in Larned

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

Courtney Burger is relying on her extensive nursing background as she takes on her new position at Pawnee Valley Medical Associates (PVMA), 713 W. 11^th.

As the new clinic nurse manager, Burger’s responsibilities include “helping the clinic run smoothly, while supporting a great team of medical professionals. One priority is to encourage open communications with nurses and physicians so that we can better serve our patients.”

Even though Burger has been on the job only a short time, she is already impressed with the personnel and services at PVMA, which is part of Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll.

“Pawnee Valley Medical Associates is a trusted medical clinic that I highly recommend,” Burger commented. “The healthcare providers and staff members here are truly knowledgeable, and care for and treat their patients like family.

“I have enjoyed getting to know each of them, and appreciate the opportunity to expand my nursing skills in this management position.”

Burger is originally from Haviland and graduated from high school there in 2005. She then graduated from Barton Community College with an associate’s degree in nursing in 2009.

In May of this year, Burger earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Rasmussen University in Florida.

Previous employment included approximately nine years in a clinic setting. For the past 17 years, Burger worked at the hospital in Great Bend.

“Most recently, I was the House Supervisor and Emergency Department nurse,” she said. “Throughout my tenure there, I cared for patients in Med-Surg, Special Nursing, the Intensive-Care Unit, Pre-op/Post-Anesthesia Care Unit and Pediatrics.

“I will use this varied background to serve our patients and their families. I am so glad to be part of the PVMA clinic.”

Burger now lives in Larned with her husband, Travis, and son, Kenden. She also has two adult stepsons and one adult stepdaughter.

Jan13

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital encourages blood donations

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) staff members have been setting a positive example for more than a decade by hosting quarterly in-house staff blood-donation drives.

And now, they are encouraging the community to roll up their sleeves and join them in giving life-saving blood in observance of National Blood Donor Month in January.

“The staff turnout for our blood drives has been great and unit goals have been met virtually every time,” said Kristi Engle, PVCH lab supervisor. “Staff members see first-hand the hardships that patients and healthcare providers face when there is a blood shortage. This is the strong driving force for their willingness to donate.

“In addition, prospective donors should consider that blood cannot be manufactured; it comes only from volunteers,” Engle continued. “The need for blood is constant because every day someone needs a blood transfusion whether due to a trauma, or acute and chronic conditions.

“One donation can save up to three lives. Donating is a great way to give back and help others, keeping in mind that someday you or your loved ones may need to rely on donated blood.”

Upcoming drives

Local American Red Cross blood drives are set for noon to 6 p.m. Feb. 17 and April 14, both at the Larned Knights of Columbus Hall, 1216 M Road. Those who want to participate can schedule an appointment online at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

A photo ID or American Red Cross Donor Card should be presented at the event.

“You will be asked a few health-related questions to determine your eligibility to donate,” Engle noted. “The whole process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.”

However, the American Red Cross now offers a “Rapid Pass” that allows a prospective donor to complete a health screening in advance to save time at the event.

While O negative blood is always in high demand because it is the universal donor type, all blood types are important.

Engle noted that when hospitals give a specific blood type that is a direct match for the patient, the supply of O negative blood remains available for those who truly need it.

“We completely understand that someone may be apprehensive about donating blood,” Engle commented. “The fear of needles is real but the American Red Cross does a great job of alleviating that feeling.”

Jan13

PVCH announces Diabetes Solutions class schedule for 2023

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

Those who want to discover new ways to better manage their diabetes are encouraged to sign up for Diabetes Solutions classes at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH), organizers said.

“These classes are for the person with diabetes, as well as their primary-care provider,” said Deanna Carr, charge nurse and diabetes educator. “They will learn more about the many factors that play a role in diabetes.”

Class topics include the definition of diabetes, healthy eating, exercise, monitoring blood sugars, risk factors, problem solving, medication and healthy coping.

Diabetes Solutions is offered every other month in the St. Joseph Meeting Room at PVCH. The two-day sessions run from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on consecutive Tuesdays.

The 2023 schedule is Jan. 3 and 10; March 7 and 14; May 2 and 9; July 11 and 18; Sept. 5 and 12; and Nov. 7 and 14.

Registration is required. Those who are interested may visit the PVCH website; click on “services” and then “educational opportunities.”

“The referral form is available at this website,” Carr noted. “Your doctor should fill out the form and fax it to us. We request all questions about labs be answered.”

The fax number is 785-623-5108; for more information call toll-free by dialing 855-429-7633.

In addition to Carr, class presenters include Andrea Harmony, dietician, Jason Rath, doctor of physical therapy, Crystal Hill, MD, and Timothy Davis, PhD in psychology.

Cost for the two-day class is $300, which most insurance policies cover. There is a fund to help with the cost when needed; there is no additional charge for caregivers.

Cindy Burton, PVCH director of nursing, noted class presenters “encourage participants to become active in their diabetes management and will suggest ways to be successful in managing your self-care. This program focuses on national standards of care and provides interactive learning and up-to-date information.

“In addition, we provide education to caregivers so they feel comfortable being part of a support team,” Burton added.

The classes are presented in Larned in cooperation with HaysMed, which also offers Diabetes Solutions on the same schedule.

“We appreciate HaysMed’s contributions to Diabetes Solutions,” Burton commented. “Our patients and caregivers receive this great service right here at home without having to travel to Hays.”

The classes are accredited by the American Diabetes Association.

Jan13

Thacker named Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation director

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

Cody Thacker was looking for a position that offered the opportunity to support Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH), while simultaneously allowing him to become more involved in his community.

His search led him to his new position as PVCH Foundation director.

“This position affords me the opportunity to support our local, community hospital,” said Thacker, a Kansas native. “I have a strong respect for what this hospital means to Larned, Pawnee County and the surrounding area.

“In addition, I am now able to become better acquainted with more of my neighbors in central Kansas.”

As Foundation director, Thacker works closely with the non-profit entity’s Board of Trustees. They collaborate on community relations, fundraising projects and events, private-donation oversight, endowment management and capital campaigns.

“Gifts to the Foundation provide vital philanthropic support to help fund life-saving equipment, as well as special PVCH projects and programs that advance quality healthcare in our community,” Thacker noted. “This is the Foundation’s mission.

“A great example,” he elaborated, “is the Foundation’s capital campaign, which raised funds to bring 3D mammography to our hospital. This is the latest and most advanced breast imaging available today and we have the community to thank for it.”

In the short-term, Thacker is moving forward with Foundation projects already in motion.

“I also hope to suggest new ideas for consideration, while making it a priority to connect with individuals and businesses,” he commented. “I am eager to get to know as many community members as I can.

“Looking ahead, I want to work closely with the trustees to carry out the Foundation’s mission. In partnership with them and private donors, our goal is to satisfy the long-range healthcare needs of Pawnee County and the surrounding area.”

Thacker grew up just north of Offerle; his parents live on a farm there. He lives in Larned where his twin sister and one brother reside too.

He graduated from Spearville High School in 2010 and is currently studying for his bachelor’s degree in business administration/marketing through Fort Hays State University.

Previous employment includes area field manager at U-Haul International in Larned; sales representative at Midway MFG in Kinsley; clubhouse manager at Cimarron Golf Club in Cimarron; and sales representative for Lewis Automotive in Garden City.

Archives

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital: Your Guide to Better Health

Courtney Burger joins team at Pawnee Valley Medical Associates in Larned

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital encourages blood donations

PVCH announces Diabetes Solutions class schedule for 2023

Thacker named Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation director