Blog

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.