Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital

May8

PVCH offers follow-up study for new sleep apnea treatment

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

Matt Stucker of rural Larned wanted to seek an alternative to his CPAP device for a couple of reasons.

CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure and is used to treat obstructive sleep apnea.

“My main reason for seeking a new treatment was more freedom; we travel by motorcycle and it’s difficult to pack a CPAP machine,” said Stucker, 65. “In addition, it wasn’t working as well as it used to.

“Either I was not responding as well or I needed a change. I researched the implant and thought it was a better alternative.”

The implant procedure was performed in Andover but because of a new service at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH), Stucker was able to have his follow-up therapy close to home.

The hospital’s Sleep & Diagnostic Center now offers the specialized sleep study that follows implantation of the remote-controlled device.

“It is absolutely fantastic that our local hospital offers this type of specialized sleep study,” Stucker commented. “The last I heard, PVCH is the only facility between Wichita and Denver to do so.

“The local sleep study went well,” he continued. “Everyone at the sleep lab was nice and professional, while making me as comfortable as possible.”

Stucker’s two-fold treatment began with a “minimal-sedation procedure” to ensure that the tongue is the obstruction to breathing while sleeping.

Next came the more extensive procedure under full anesthesia. One incision on the upper right chest allowed the battery and breathing sensor to be implanted; another was in the lower jaw area to implant electrodes that stimulate the tongue.

“I have had sleep apnea for years and was looking for something less intrusive than CPAP,” Stucker summarized. “It took a little time to become acclimated to the implant but the results have been good. I am now at the optimum as far as apnea prevention.”

Megan Donecker, sleep center director, noted the implant device is a treatment for sleep apnea that works inside the body to treat the root cause of the problem.

“The implant device reduces sleep apnea by an average of 79 percent,” Donecker said. “It also significantly reduces snoring and daytime sleepiness.”

Untreated sleep apnea can be extremely dangerous because it can lead to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, weight gain, high blood pressure, heart failure, metabolic syndrome and liver problems, she added.

“If left untreated, apnea also can affect a person mentally and emotionally,” Donecker noted.

A good candidate for the implant treatment has moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea; is unable to get used to CPAP; is not significantly obese; and is 18 or older. Most major insurance companies cover it.

The follow-up procedure at PVCH is called “fine-tune titration.” A sleep technologist makes adjustments that determine which settings are best for the patient.

“This treatment is a revolutionary therapy because it stimulates the base of the tongue,” Donecker said. “It offers a wider airway for the patient’s intake of oxygen.

“Those struggling with CPAP now have an exciting, new therapeutic choice. This puts our Sleep & Diagnostic Center at the forefront of sleep therapy and technology.”

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll in Larned, is a 25-bed facility, offering many services not typically available in a smaller facility. Included are 24/7 emergency care; acute, skilled and specialized nursing; surgery; high-tech imaging and laboratory tests; wound care; rehabilitation; and sleep and diagnostic center. PVCH Family Medicine, 713 W. 11^th, provides the full range of family-medicine services; physician-assisted weight loss; and women’s health services. The hospital’s number is 620-285-3161; the clinic’s number is 620-804-6007.

May8

Associate of the Quarter award honors Shivaun Mccarthy

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

Shivaun Mccarthy, Medical Lab Technician, was nominated for Associate of the Quarter for going above and beyond for her fellow Emergency Department Associates. Shivaun helped console patients and their family members involved in a multiple-vehicle accident, cleaned rooms, swept the floors, and even restocked supplies. We are genuinely grateful to Shivaun for being so compassionate and making a difference at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital.

Our Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) determines the recipient each quarter based on the many fantastic peer nominations received. Shivaun was the recipient of the 1st Quarter 2023 Associate of the Quarter Award.

Apr6

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital now offers swallow study

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

Anyone who has difficulty swallowing is encouraged to consider a new service at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, said Somary Vilaysing, speech/language pathologist (SLP).

PVCH now offers a procedure that determines how the swallowing mechanism is working, as well as what type of diet would be the safest and most nutritious.

“If a swallowing disorder is left untreated, additional concerns could result,” Vilaysing said. “These include weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration and aspiration pneumonia.”

Symptoms of a swallowing disorder, or dysphagia, include: coughing or throat-clearing after consuming food or liquids; inability to swallow; feeling that something is stuck in the throat or chest; drooling; hoarseness; regurgitation; weight loss; and recurrent pneumonia.

“Possible causes are conditions that affect the nervous system such as stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, cancer and reflux disease,” Vilaysing outlined. “Overall, dysphagia can result from any condition that causes muscle weakness, or damages the muscles and nerves used for swallowing.”

The new service at PVCH is a Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). It can be an inpatient or outpatient procedure, depending on the circumstances.

The FEES study includes trials of liquid in small quantities, along with regular solid food of mixed consistencies, including puree. For this study, Vilaysing relies on her skills not only as an SLP but also as a certified FEES endoscopist.

“The study allows me to determine the timing of the swallow, and the foods and liquids the patient has difficulty swallowing,” Vilaysing explained. “It allows a view of the larynx and pharynx for abnormalities, while also telling us about vocal cord abnormalities, signs of reflux, abnormal coloration and cysts.”

The results of FEES may allow the patient to get off of altered diets, such as thickened liquids or pureed foods, which are costly and can cause complications, she added.

“A swallowing study is so important for safety and dietary reasons,” Vilaysing noted. “We want to reduce the risk of aspiration, and decide on a course of treatment for strengthening muscle groups, while devising other strategies that work best for a specific patient.

“Our hospital should be commended for offering this service right here at home for the convenience of our patients and their families,” she added.

Another type of swallow procedure is called Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS). Those who want this type of study are often referred to HaysMed, where a radiologist and SLP team up to perform an MBSS.

Those interested in a swallow study are encouraged to talk with their primary-care providers about a referral.

Melanie Urban, PVCH administrator, noted the FEES study is another example of the hospital “bringing the best healthcare services possible to local and area residents. As the leader of rural health in our community, PVCH is committed to helping our patients achieve long-term health and wellness right here at home.”

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll in Larned, is a 25-bed facility, offering many services not typically available in a smaller facility. Included are 24/7 emergency care; acute, skilled and specialized nursing; surgery; high-tech imaging and laboratory tests; wound care; rehabilitation; and sleep and diagnostic center. The Pawnee Valley Medical Associates clinic, 713 W. 11^th, provides the full range of family-medicine services; physician-assisted weight loss; and women’s health services. The hospital’s number is 620-285-3161; the clinic’s number is 620-804-6007.

Mar23

Foundation donates new electrocardiogram equipment to PVCH

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

Patients who face heart-related diseases and conditions can now receive a quicker diagnosis and earlier treatment thanks to new equipment at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH), 923 Carroll.

The electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) machine, which was donated by the PVCH Foundation, provides “a simple and fast test to evaluate your heart,” said Dusty Thacker, director of Cardiopulmonary Services. “Small electrodes are placed on the chest and connected to the machine. The electrical activity in your heart is then measured, interpreted and printed out.”

Examples of when someone may need an EKG include chest pain or a history of heart disease.

“We can evaluate problems such as fatigue, shortness of air, dizziness and irregular heartbeats,” Thacker noted. “The machine also can evaluate your heart before surgery and determine how your pacemaker is working.”

When someone is having a heart attack, “it is extremely important to open the arteries as quickly as possible to get oxygen and nutrients flowing to the blocked part of the heart.

“The sooner we can identify a heart attack taking place, the more heart-muscle function we can preserve,” Thacker said. “We can quickly determine a diagnosis and start a treatment plan.”

The machine’s hardware is completely redesigned with a touch screen and new technology.

This includes:

Smart Lead Technology that automatically detects when a new patient is connected.
Enhanced Hook-Up Advisor helps guide even new users on how to achieve a clean, high-quality waveform.
Smart Auto-ECG immediately captures and displays the first clean, high-quality waveform, which reduces the number of repeat procedures.

“We are extremely lucky to have the Foundation’s support in securing this new technology,” Thacker commented. “The hospital benefits, which means patients and families benefit. All of us appreciate the Foundation’s foresight.”

He also noted the new EKG machine is just one of several items the Foundation has helped purchase over the years.

“A lot of this type of equipment cannot be found at smaller Critical Access Hospitals because of the cost,” Thacker said. “But thanks to the Foundation, this up-to-date technology makes it easier for our staff to deliver the highest level of patient care available.”

Cody Thacker, Foundation director, noted $19,000 was donated for the EKG.

“This and other equipment are possible only through the vital philanthropic support of our community, which positively impacts patients’ overall health,” Cody Thacker commented. “The Foundation’s mission is to advance quality healthcare in Pawnee and surrounding counties.

“We are guided by our remarkable trustees who are community leaders that have a vision for the success of the Foundation and the hospital.”

The Foundation was formed in 2012 as a non-profit charitable organization to support PVCH. It is the designated depository and trustee for all current and future gifts to the hospital.

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll in Larned, is a 25-bed facility, offering many services not typically available in a smaller facility. Included are 24/7 emergency care; acute, skilled and specialized nursing; surgery; high-tech imaging and laboratory tests; wound care; rehabilitation; and sleep and diagnostic center. The PVCH Family Medicine, 713 W. 11^th, provides the full range of family-medicine services; physician-assisted weight loss; and women’s health services. The hospital’s number is 620-285-3161; the clinic’s number is 620-804-6007.

Mar9

PVCH names Madrid director of marketing and communications

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

Jose Madrid lived most of his life in densely populated urban areas in the United States and around the globe.

Today, he is “more than excited” to live in Larned, while taking on his new duties as director of marketing and communications at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH).

“This smaller community and state-of-the-art hospital are exactly what I was looking for,” Madrid said. “This gives me the opportunity to put into practice what I learned in Kansas colleges, as I share information about the exceptional people and services at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital.”

Madrid will spread the hospital’s message through newspapers, television, radio and social media. He will help create marketing and advertising content, while overseeing marketing strategies.

“I am eager to spread the word because most people wouldn’t expect such a high level of medical infrastructure in a smaller community,” he commented. “I acknowledge that I was surprised. The facility itself, as well as the services and equipment are second to none.”

For example, Madrid pointed out, Pawnee Valley Medical Associates is “a great family-medicine clinic that integrates well with the hospital. In addition, we have 3D mammography and the Sleep & Diagnostic Center, which oftentimes are not offered in a smaller hospital. These are just a few examples of the high-quality services here.”

Madrid was born in Venezuela, and also lived in Kuwait and India. This was due to his father, Abrahan Carpio, working in the oil industry, which allowed Madrid and his family to experience world travel when he was growing up. Most recently, he resided in Katy, Tx., which is in the Houston area.

Madrid, who is fluent in Spanish, earned his associate’s degree in business administration in 2019 at Labette Community College in Parsons, Ks., where he was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

The next stop was Bethany College in Lindsborg for a dual bachelor’s degree in marketing and management. He graduated in 2022.

Madrid received baseball scholarships at both colleges, achieving the status of Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Scholar Athlete.

“Both my formal education and baseball experience will help me in this new job,” Madrid commented. “I will rely on the leadership and strategic planning skills I learned in college as we help PVCH grow.

“Also, baseball taught me how to work with a team, hold myself accountable and work to achieve a goal. Ultimately, I am committed to lifelong learning and personal development.”

Madrid also noted that he has been astonished by the friendliness and welcoming nature of his colleagues at PVCH and the Larned community.

“People here greet one another with a smile and say ‘hello,’ which you don’t experience often in the big cities,” he said. “The hospital and community are just the right fit for me.”

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll in Larned, is a 25-bed facility, offering many services not typically available in a smaller facility. Included are 24/7 emergency care; acute, skilled and specialized nursing; surgery; high-tech imaging and laboratory tests; wound care; rehabilitation; and sleep and diagnostic center. The Pawnee Valley Medical Associates clinic, 713 W. 11^th, provides the full range of family-medicine services; physician-assisted weight loss; and women’s health services. The hospital’s number is 620-285-3161; the clinic’s number is 620-804-6007.

Feb23

Pawnee Valley Medical Associates Unveils New Name, Underscores Commitment to Excellence in Family Medicine

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

LARNED, KAN. (February 17, 2023) – Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) is celebrating exciting new developments for 2023, from the recent arrival of two expert primary care physicians to a new name change for its primary care clinic. To better align with their longstanding commitment to healthy families across the community, Pawnee Valley Medical Associates is now Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine.

With offices located inside the hospital – and the convenience of same-day appointments and extended evening hours – family medicine physicians and nurse practitioners provide comprehensive primary care for all ages. From routine exams and health screenings to personalized care for minor illnesses, injuries and more, primary care providers are essential guides to better health.

Additionally, for patients needing advanced specialty care (such as orthopedic, cardiac or cancer care), family medicine providers make expert referrals through the hospital’s partnership with HaysMed.

“Primary care is so important for staying healthy, and our family medicine team’s commitment to excellence is undeniable – in fact, they consistently receive near-perfect patient satisfaction scores,” said Melanie Urban, Administrator at PVCH. “We encourage everyone to start the new year off well by getting the whole family in for check-ups, and we make it easy to fit in your schedule, so you can see us when you need us.”

For appointments at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine, call 620-804-6007. More information is available at pawneevalleyhospital.com/family-medicine.

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.

###

Feb9

Cardiac Rehab patient shares information during heart month

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

After it was discovered that Jack Stewart’s aortic valve was functioning at only 20 to 40 percent efficiency, a valve-replacement surgery was performed last year.

Today, the 74-year-old Larned man is “living a much more active lifestyle and enjoying life much more.”

Stewart gives much credit for his recovery and positive prognosis to Cardiac Rehab services at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH), 923 Carroll. He shared his story in observance of American Heart Month in February.

“I acknowledge I was somewhat skeptical about rehab at first but soon realized the benefits,” Stewart said. “I really appreciated the professional way I was treated, as well as the attention to detail and dedication to each patient to accomplish their goals.

“These Cardiac Rehab professionals not only help you meet your immediate goals but also develop a plan to attain future heart-healthy objectives.”

Stewart noted his appreciation to Dusty Thacker, PVCH director of Cardiopulmonary Services, and Wayne Wilcox, registered respiratory therapist.

From June 20 to Sept. 2 last year, this team guided Stewart through a rehab regimen that included exercises involving the Nu Step bike and the arm ergometer.

“I truly appreciate the time this great team spent with me,” Stewart commented. “They made each visit to rehab fun and full of laughter, while maintaining an atmosphere of professionalism. Rehab is not always fun but they made it fun for me. I would recommend our hospital’s Cardiac Rehab to anyone.”

Thacker noted that Stewart “was a model patient. He was always on time and eager to start exercising. Jack also was interested in the education we provided. Patients such as Jack make it easy to come to work every day.

“Most people think of Cardiac Rehab as just exercise,” Thacker added. “While it is a big component, rehab is so much more. It includes education and resources to help you make heart-healthy choices, along with emotional support.”

Benefits include strengthening the body, reducing the risk of hospital re-admission, and improving quality of life and mental health.

Cardiac Rehab cares for patients with varied diagnoses. The team supports those who have had open-heart surgery such as a coronary bypass graft, valve replacement and even a heart transplant.

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

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.”

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