Gayla Wichman – Pawnee Valley Community Hospital

Nov30

Leading Rural Health in Our Local Community. Always.

A Message from the Administrator

Dear Friends of Pawnee Valley Community Hospital,

As we continue our mission to be the best critical access hospital in rural America, excitement is building about what the future holds.
Returning to our roots as Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, a HaysMed partner, we remain committed to meeting the unique needs of those we serve. Whether you are a patient, physician, provider, associate, donor, leader or friend of Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, we want you to know we are stronger than ever. We believe we can best support your long-term health and wellness, and with our eyes on the future, there are no limits to our ability to lead rural health in our local community – always.

Our primary care and enhanced services remain vibrant, and we are dedicated to improving access to services that meet the needs of our local community – including 3D mammography, as well as our sleep and diagnostics center, skilled swing bed services, and more. These developments have a very positive impact because they further
increase access and improve services to meet the unique needs of everyone we serve.

With our vision for the future and your much-appreciated support, we will continue our position of strength as rural health leaders for generations to come. Our values of Accountability, Innovation, Integrity, Service Excellence, Teamwork and Stewardship will continue to drive us forward in our mission as we continue to provide high-quality, local healthcare. From solid providers to enhanced services, we’re bringing you every reason to choose Pawnee Valley Community Hospital. It’s all part of our commitment to you, and to everyone in this great community.

Thank you for your support. I wish you all the greatest of health!

Melanie Urban
Administrator, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital

Oct1

Dr. Crystal Hill appointed chief of staff at Pawnee Valley Campus

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

A familiar face to many patients and their families in central Kansas is now the new chief of staff at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus.

Crystal Hill, MD, who recently was appointed to the position, said “this is a great place to practice medicine. I am truly honored to represent and lead such a remarkable medical team.”

In the role of chief of staff, Dr. Hill leads the Medical Executive Committee; serves as a member of the hospital’s Board of Directors; serves as a liaison between the board and hospital administrator on medical matters; and oversees performance and quality related to medical care.

“As I serve in these capacities, we will continue to provide quality care to the community and promote the services we offer through primary-care and specialty providers,” Dr. Hill said. “I will listen to the needs of the community and respond accordingly.”

The family-medicine team provides a host of services including acute and swing-bed admissions, outpatient therapies and treatment, and clinic appointments. Specialty providers offer cardiology, general surgery, orthopedics, pulmonology and urology.

“The hospital and clinic are dedicated to providing family medicine and specialty care locally,” Dr. Hill noted. “With the support of our Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation, we invest in state-of-the-art equipment. All of us strive to secure the best patient outcomes and improve the overall health of our community.”

Dr. Hill has cared for and treated patients for more than five years in her family-medicine practice at Pawnee Valley Medical Associates. She is board certified in family medicine, with the added qualification of board certification in hospice care and palliative medicine.

Her special interests include preventive care and physician-assisted weight loss.

Dr. Hill earned her bachelor’s degree in human biology in 1997 at The University of Kansas and her medical degree in 2002 at The University of Kansas School of Medicine. She completed her Via Christi family-practice residency at Wichita in 2005.

Honors over the years include the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s Diabetes Provider; nomination for Kansas Family Physician of the Year; and AMA Physician Recognition Awards.

Melanie Urban, Pawnee Valley Campus administrator, said “we strive to have the best patient outcomes by delivering quality care. We focus on this with a team of trained medical staff, nurses and other professionals committed to putting patients first, while collaborating to offer high-quality care.

“It is critical to have the chief of staff and administrator working hand-in-hand to lead the team,” Urban continued. “This type of leadership is what it takes to provide exceptional healthcare and excellent service. I look forward to seeing the positive impact Dr. Hill’s leadership will bring to our community.”

Sep17

Pawnee Valley Campus receives ultraviolet room sanitizer thanks to a Patterson Family Foundation grant

By Gayla Wichman - Uncategorized

The new ultraviolet room sanitizer at the hospital in Larned not only sterilizes surfaces, it also disinfects the air, said Sam Lane, director of support services.

The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus acquired this high-tech equipment thanks to a $80,000 grant from the Patterson Family Foundation, which is based in Kansas City.

“An ultraviolet room sanitizer is not something you typically find in a hospital of our size,” Lane noted. “The cost can be a major impediment for even moderately sized facilities. The Patterson Family Foundation helped us overcome this obstacle.

“Without this type of generous support, acquiring such devices would be impossible. The grant is helping us with our goal to be the best Critical Access Hospital as we routinely explore state-of-the-art technology.”

In addition to the new room-sanitizer equipment, the grant also included a new electrostatic sprayer, which complements the sterilization strategy at Pawnee Valley Campus.

“The room sanitizer uses high-energy ultraviolet light, which is well-suited for germicidal disinfection,” Lane said. “It helps sterilize surfaces but even more important, it disinfects the air.

“It is like turning on a light switch and disinfecting an entire room in minutes. Clinical studies prove the system reduces infections including MRSA and SARS-CoV-2.”

The electrostatic sprayer generates a mist from chemical disinfectants and sanitizers.

“The ultra-fine droplets are drawn to surfaces,” Lane explained. “The droplets stick – much like the static-cling effect found while drying laundry. This allows sanitizing agents to get into small, complex areas such as keyholes, hinges and keyboards.

“It also uniformly covers large areas and spaces in half the time as other methods.”

Preventing healthcare-acquired infections is a universal goal of any hospital where many precautions, policies and procedures are in place, Lane said.

“But Pawnee Valley Campus takes a highly proactive stance with this new equipment,” he noted. “This adds an additional level to our sterilization strategy for a cleaner, safer environment.

“The rise of COVID-19 only enhanced the complex task of disinfecting areas from high-risk pathogens. This new system greatly reduces latent and dormant microbes.”

Melanie Urban, Pawnee Valley Campus administrator, shared “as Sam mentioned, Pawnee Valley’s mission is to be the best Critical Access Hospital. Our new sanitation system is an important step toward making that vision a reality. This investment truly sets us apart.”

“The Patterson Family Foundation (PFF) is pleased to contribute funding to The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus as front-line providers and staff work tirelessly to care for patients. We are pleased this funding helped Pawnee Valley Campus purchase critical equipment and supplies needed to treat COVID-19. It is both our privilege and pleasure to offer a helping hand to rural communities navigating through these unprecedented times,” PFF said.

CUTLINE: The Environmental Services (EVS) team poses with their new high-tech sanitation equipment at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus. A Patterson Family Foundation grant made the new equipment possible. From left to right are: Erica Turnbough, Karisa Stude, EVS supervisor, Victor Stoulil, and Sam Lane, director of support services.

Jul29

Rex Meek named new facilities director at Pawnee Valley Campus

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

The new facilities director at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus was drawn to the hospital the moment he walked in the door.

Rex Meek said he “really fell in love with the place. It is a beautiful hospital with great, friendly people. I like the smaller-town atmosphere and this is such a quality facility.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to help Pawnee Valley Campus grow and maintain its solid reputation in our community,” he added.

Meek is responsible for design, construction and maintenance at the hospital and Pawnee Valley Medical Associates. “This includes managing the facilities budget and keeping up with long-term plans. And, of course, there is the day-to-day upkeep and preventive maintenance.”

Meek noted that an important part of his job is collaborating with all departments in the hospital and clinic.

“I, along with our great maintenance crew, visit every department to provide preventive maintenance. We keep a close eye on heating and air-conditioning systems, and electrical, plumbing and building maintenance as needs arise.”

Meek brings to the job 20 years of experience in the electric and mechanical fields, and 10 years in hospital maintenance and management.

Previously, he was facility director at The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus.

Jul8

Central Kansas native offers wound care, family medicine care at Pawnee Valley Campus

By Gayla Wichman - Uncategorized

Even though Heather Holaday has completed her postdoctoral fellowship, she is not saying good-bye to The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus. In fact, she is adding to the services she provides there.

As a nurse practitioner with her doctor of nursing practice degree, Holaday now offers wound care in addition to her services as a family-medicine provider.

She serves wound-care patients part-time at Pawnee Valley Campus, 923 Carroll, and HaysMed. Holaday also cares for local and area patients in the family medicine practice at Pawnee Valley Medical Associates, 713 W. 11.

“Wound care is crucial for people suffering from conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, venous or arterial ulcers, burns and non-healing surgical incisions,” the Central Kansas native noted. “Inpatient and outpatient wound treatments can prevent or address infection, ensure adequate healing and reduce the healing time associated with wound closure.”

In family medicine, Holaday 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.

The doctor of nursing practice also has experience in workman’s compensation issues, women’s health, physical exams and well-child checks. Her fellowship training included work in urology, women’s health and wound care.

Holaday worked two of her seven years as a registered nurse at Pawnee Valley Campus.

“All of us are fortunate to have such amazing facilities here,” Holaday said. “A wide variety of services that benefit the overall health of the community are offered in our own backyard.”

In addition to family medicine and wound care, local services include pediatrics; geriatrics; women’s health; preventive medicine; lab work; imaging; physical, occupational and speech therapies; special nursing services; emergency care; specialty clinics; and swing-bed services.

“I could not have been more excited when offered the position at Pawnee Valley Campus,” Holaday commented. “To be able to serve the community where I was raised is such an honor. I look forward to caring for people that played such a big role in my life. The community’s overwhelming love and support has been heartwarming and appreciated.”

She also noted she is “extremely grateful for the University of Kansas fellowship. Being able to develop professionally in my hometown has been a rewarding experience.

“I want to stay here because I love the people I work with and want to support my local community,” she added. “I want to raise my family here.”

Jacob Woods is Holaday’s fiancé; Theo Woods is their son. Other family members live in Larned and Garfield. Holaday was born in Great Bend and raised in Garfield. She attended Larned schools.

Jun22

Pawnee Valley Hospital Nurses Complete the RN Residency Program at HaysMed

By Gayla Wichman - Uncategorized

HAYS, Kansas – Two registered nurses from Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) and 20 nurses from HaysMed and were honored recently at a recognition ceremony and luncheon. They completed the yearlong RN Residency Program offered at HaysMed.

The program began a year ago in July 2020 with training focused on clinical experience, one on one mentorship with their preceptor, high-fidelity simulations and on the job training. Additionally, nurses received training from professionals in several departments, such as radiology, pharmacy, cardiac care, peri-op and others.

The RN Residency class from PVCH included Joey Benish, RN and Christy Green, RN.

Nurses from HaysMed included Emily Bellerive, RN, Taryn Bilbrey, RN, Katelyn Billings, RN, Amelia Borell, RN, Alexa Basgall, RN, Emily Duncan, RN, Ruth Hair, RN, Avery Hall, RN, Samantha Hollerich, RN, Dustin Koster, RN, Katie Kreutzer, RN, Dallas Mead, RN, Kayla Reed, RN, Courtney Robinson, RN, Haley Schonthaler, RN, Autumn Smades, RN, Emily Sable, RN, Morgan Tebo, RN, Melanie Tilton, RN and Megan Walter, RN. Those from PVCH included

“It is so important for new nursing graduates to have a group of peers and mentors who assist them in enhancing their skills and becoming comfortable with the challenges of practice,” said Shari Hertel, RN Residency Coordinator. “Our program is evidence based, with positive clinical outcomes that will help not only the participating nurses, but also our patients.”

Currently there are 16 nurses scheduled in the next program which begins in July. The program is open to newly graduated RNs and RNs that have less than one year of acute care experience.

Jun14

Wilhite accepts admissions manager position at Pawnee Valley Campus

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

A long-time Larned resident recently was appointed to the position of admissions manager at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus.

In her new role, Angela Wilhite supervises the admissions/registration process at the hospital.

“The process is the same whether you are being admitted to the hospital or registering for an outpatient procedure or other healthcare service,” Wilhite said. “When patients arrive, they are screened for their temperature and then report to one of the three registration offices.

“Once we gather all the necessary information, they are ready for their appointment.”

Thanks to electronic medical records, Wilhite noted, the process is much more streamlined than in the past. “Everything is computerized and information pops up on a tracker for all departments.”

Wilhite supervises two other admissions/registration employees.

“This is a family-like working environment,” she commented. “I have lived in Larned for 15 years and love this community. It is just a wonderful place to live and work.”

In addition to her new duties, Wilhite assists the hospital’s Auxiliary and serves on the Patient Family Advisory Council and Culture Committee.

Wilhite graduated from Ness City High School; she earned her associate’s degree in administration at Dodge City Community College and bachelor’s in general studies at Fort Hays State University.

She also has a master’s certification in Human Resources from Baker University.

Prior to joining the Pawnee Valley Campus staff, Wilhite worked at Hays Medical Center for about a year in Human Resources. She served as the benefit coordinator and analyst in that department.

Other previous employment includes six years in long-term care, six years at Larned State Hospital and three years at a medical staffing agency.

Wilhite and her husband, Chris, have four children and three grandchildren.

Jun3

Angela Beck brings experience to Pawnee Valley Campus Emergency Department

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

Angela Beck became familiar with The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus during her final clinical rotation and is now caring for patients there.

Beck recently joined the staff in the hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) as an advanced practice registered nurse.

“While I was completing my rotation in the family nurse practitioner specialty, everyone made me feel welcome here,” Beck recalled. “The whole experience exceeded my expectations. I enjoy working in a smaller hospital where you know other staff members and can form close relationships with patients.

“In addition,” she noted, “this facility is immaculate and completely up-to-date. It was wonderful to walk into a relatively new facility that was designed to accommodate patients, staff and visitors. I also am impressed with the amazing customer service offered by everyone in the organization.”

In her new position, Beck manages health conditions and coordinates patient care in the ED.

“I provide medical and emergency interventions based on the healthcare needs of each patient,” she commented. “I also prescribe and monitor medications administered to patients.”

Beck brings more than 11 years of ED experience to Pawnee Valley Campus.

Previous employment includes: RN/paramedic at Barton County Transfer Service in Claflin and Hoisington EMS; and RN in the ED at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington.

She earned her associate of applied science in nursing degree in 2009 at North Central Kansas Technical College and associate of applied science-paramedic in 2013 at Barton Community College.

Beck went on to complete her bachelor’s in nursing in 2018 at Fort Hays State University and master’s in nursing last year at United States University in San Diego, Ca.

The advanced practice registered nurse is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Basic Life Support, Trauma Nursing Core Course and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.

Beck is originally from Bison and has family in Rush and Barton counties.

May6

Pawnee Valley Campus patient shares experience with home sleep apnea test during Better Sleep Month

By Gayla Wichman - Uncategorized

A short time after Kevyn Soupiset learned about a home-based test for sleep apnea, he sought more information and scheduled the exam. He’s glad he did.

Soupiset collaborated with The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus and wanted to share his experience during May, Better Sleep Month.

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

A local physical therapist, Soupiset was “very eager to be able to sleep in my more natural conditions and in my own bed. I also wanted fewer disruptions in my normal evening and morning routines.

“Since the test indicated I have mild apnea symptoms, I have made some changes in my lifestyle and sleeping habits.”

For example, Soupiset exercises more for weight loss, is more consistent with decongestants and allergy medications, and elevates his head at night in bed.

“Everything is going very well,” he commented. “There is less snoring and my wife says she has not witnessed any apnea episodes lately. There is a good chance I won’t need more formal treatment.”

Soupiset appreciates the pre-test and post-test assistance of Megan Donecker, sleep lab director and registered polysomnographer.

“Megan was tremendous from beginning to end with her scheduling, test instructions and especially with her follow-up,” Soupiset said. “She is the utmost professional. It has been great to work with her.”

Donecker noted the home-based test can be part of the solution for many patients.

“The test is convenient and the device you wear on your wrist is disposable,” Donecker said. “The only thing we need from a patient is a doctor’s referral.”

Donecker meets with patients to explain the test and its benefits at Pawnee Valley Campus in Larned and St. Rose Medical Pavilion in Great Bend, which is part of the health system.

“I go to St. Rose regularly to provide information and explain how the home-based equipment works,” she said. “We want to accommodate our patients in any way we can.”

The lab director noted sleep apnea is a risk factor that can contribute to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cognitive impairment, daytime sleeping, depression, impotency, traffic accidents and increased mortality.

“We can’t emphasize enough the importance of quality sleep,” Donecker said. “It is crucial to the overall quality of life.”

She illustrated with a triangle that depicts quality of sleep, physical exercise and healthy eating. “This is the perfect triangle for improving lifestyles. If you don’t get quality sleep, one leg of the triangle is missing.”

While apnea is the most common sleep disorder, many other conditions can be diagnosed after a sleep-lab test at Pawnee Valley Campus.

The lab, which is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, tests for sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement, to name a few.

The two sleep rooms are comparable to hotel suites, Donecker said. “Amenities include a queen-size, pillow-top mattress, large recliner chair, large bathroom and shower, television and safe for personal belongings. We offer many comforts of home.”

Apr9

Sports physicals for students to be available at Pawnee Valley Campus

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Community Hospital News

The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus once again is providing sports physicals for students of Fort Larned USD 495 and Pawnee Heights USD 496 school districts. Family medicine specialists will offer sports exams for boys on May 20 and for girls on May 21. Hours are 2-4:45 p.m. Physicals are $10 and the cost will be donated to the athletic department of your school.

If your child has already received a well-child exam in the past 12 months, parents may still schedule a sports physical and insurance will not be billed since a comprehensive exam has already been conducted.

If your child has not received a well-child exam in the past year, the family medicine team encourages people to schedule their child for this type of appointment. These exams, which include a sports physical, begin May 1. Parents or guardians can call the family medicine team at 620-804-6007 to schedule their child for a comprehensive wellness exam. In addition to sports needs, the exam will address any necessary vaccinations and other medical issues.

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 to see if your policy covers 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.

Complete the sports physical form before your appointment. Get the form here: kshsaa.org/public/pdf/form-ppe.pdf

For immunization requirements in Kansas schools, visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website.

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