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Heather Holaday’s Dedication to Wound Care Shines on “Doctors on Call”

April 18, 2024/in All, News/by Jose Madrid

Heather Holaday, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and devoted wound care specialist at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital was invited to share her expertise on “Doctors on Call,” a popular medical TV show on Smoky Hills PBS. Known for her innovative approaches to treating wounds, Heather eagerly accepted the opportunity to raise awareness about wound care and the exceptional services she provides.

The Doctors on Call program offers a wealth of medical knowledge on diverse subjects. Healthcare experts share insights and address questions from the audience each week.

This episode will air on Tuesday, April 23, at 7 p.m. You can also stream each episode LIVE on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel.

Viewers can email doctors@shptv.org to submit questions electronically. Questions must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call I-800-337-4788.

Please call Pawnee Valley Community Hospital at 620-285-8870 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our Wound Care Clinic.

https://pawneevalleyhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1581344584584-1.jpeg 277 450 Jose Madrid https://pawneevalleyhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/New-PVCH-Logo-300x87.png Jose Madrid2024-04-18 10:59:412024-04-18 11:03:09Heather Holaday’s Dedication to Wound Care Shines on “Doctors on Call”

Palmer joins Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine Clinic

April 11, 2024/in All, News/by Jose Madrid

In 2022, Marley Palmer returned to her hometown of Larned to perform her nurse-practitioner clinicals at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital’s (PVCH) Family Medicine Clinic.

Today, she is the new addition to the full-time staff at the clinic where she is seeing patients of all ages.

“Larned is home to me,” Palmer said. “I wanted to come back and take care of my hometown people. I pride myself on caring for my patients as if they were my own family.”

Palmer’s family-medicine practice entails chronic-care management, women’s health, preventive healthcare and acute care.

“While I enjoy all these areas of family medicine, my specialty is well-child/pediatric care,” Palmer commented.

She noted that her previous experience at the PVCH Family Medicine Clinic played an instrumental role in her education.

“My clinicals here helped prepare me for the care and treatment of patients from birth on up,” she explained. “The experience also allowed me to become confident in my clinical decision-making, while treating a wide variety of health conditions.

“Family-practice clinicals allow you to use your knowledge and a variety of skills to provide the best treatment possible. I was fortunate to pursue my training with professionals at our Family Medicine Clinic.”

Palmer’s previous work experience includes progressive, acute and skilled care, along with pediatrics.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Fort Hays State University in 2019. In May of last year, Palmer graduated from the FHSU Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner program.

After receiving her bachelor’s, Palmer worked as an RN at Kearney (Ne.) Regional Medical Center on the Progressive Unit for more than two years.

“Then I moved home to Larned and worked as an RN at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital and in the Family Medicine Clinic,” she recalled.

Palmer is board certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

During her leisure time, Palmer enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the lake and concerts, reading “and just living life in a small town.”

Melanie Urban, administrator at PVCH, expressed her enthusiasm about Palmer joining the Pawnee Valley team.

“Family-medicine providers play a crucial role in delivering comprehensive healthcare to our community,” Urban said. “Marley’s pediatric experience and community passion make her a great addition to our team.”

https://pawneevalleyhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Palmer_02_2024_009_RT_Uncrop-e1712852895424.jpeg 417 480 Jose Madrid https://pawneevalleyhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/New-PVCH-Logo-300x87.png Jose Madrid2024-04-11 11:28:332024-04-11 11:28:33Palmer joins Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine Clinic

PVCH outreach surgeon shares colon-cancer facts during special month

March 28, 2024/in All, News/by Jose Madrid

Even though most people know that the early detection of colon cancer is crucial to a patient’s prognosis, Brandon Cunningham, MD, also realizes it is important to give the community a reminder every March, which is Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

Dr. Cunningham is a general surgeon who visits Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH), 923 Carroll in Larned, every other week to perform colonoscopies.

“The staff here at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital is great to work with,” Dr. Cunningham said. “They are professionals who genuinely care for their patients. It’s nice to travel to Larned to make life a little easier for those who are scheduled for colonoscopies.”

His main office is at Southwind Surgical at HaysMed.

“A colonoscopy is not only diagnostic it can also prevent colon cancer,” Dr. Cunningham noted. “If polyps are detected during this screening, they are removed before they have a chance to turn into cancer.”

The surgeon understands that patients may be a bit apprehensive about a colonoscopy but assures them “it is a very safe procedure. And since patients are sedated, they do not experience any pain.”

The day before the colonoscopy, the patient consumes prescribed amounts of MiraLAX, Gatorade and magnesium citrate.

“It is important to note that colon cancer often doesn’t result in symptoms,” Dr. Cunningham said. “Nevertheless, in some cases there can be bleeding and/or an obstruction.”

According to the American Cancer Society website, the estimated number of new colon cancer diagnoses in the United States this year will be 106,180. New cases of rectal cancer are estimated at 44,850.

“With this in mind, we encourage people who have a family history of colon cancer to talk with their physician about when to have their first screening,” Dr. Cunningham advised. “Other risk factors are smoking and inflammatory bowel disease.”

In addition to colonoscopies, he performs endoscopies and procedures associated with skin lesions at PVCH.

Dr. Cunningham graduated from The University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City where he also completed his residency. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery.

Melanie Urban, PVCH administrator, said “it is important to provide preventive surgical services in our community and we are pleased to have such an experienced and talented surgeon as Dr. Cunningham.”

https://pawneevalleyhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/thumbnail_Cunningham-1-e1711648132698.jpg 345 480 Jose Madrid https://pawneevalleyhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/New-PVCH-Logo-300x87.png Jose Madrid2024-03-28 12:49:202024-03-28 12:49:20PVCH outreach surgeon shares colon-cancer facts during special month

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital pulmonary-rehabilitation providers earn certification

March 14, 2024/in All, News/by Jose Madrid

Melanie Urban, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital administrator, is pleased to announce that Dusty Thacker, director of Cardiopulmonary Services, and Chantell Richmeier, registered respiratory therapist, recently earned Pulmonary Rehabilitation certifications.

“These dedicated individuals successfully completed coursework to enhance their skills in pulmonary rehabilitation and passed the required test to earn their new credentials,” Urban said.

Thacker noted “this course has given us additional tools necessary to ensure we are up-to-date with the most recent information in pulmonary rehabilitation. Chantell and I have also acquired additional skills and knowledge necessary to provide high-quality care to our pulmonary-rehab patients.”

Pulmonary rehab is considered the standard of care for patients diagnosed with chronic lung disease, he added.

“This rehab program entails education and exercises that help people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung diseases,” Thacker commented. “We can help them manage their breathing problems, increase stamina and improve their overall quality of life.”

Despite these advantages, only about 1.5 percent of patients who are hospitalized with COPD exacerbation start pulmonary rehab within 90 days of being discharged from the hospital.

Richmeier noted that with the completion of this certification, “we now have a better understanding of patients that we believe would benefit from pulmonary rehab. Dusty and I have advanced our skills and knowledge to educate patients and prevent hospital re-admissions.”

The recent certifications were awarded by the American Association for Respiratory Care and American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Coursework topics included: exercise assessment, prescription and training in pulmonary rehab; nutrition and pulmonary disease; psycho-social assessment and intervention; and assessment and management of patients with something other than COPD.

https://pawneevalleyhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/thumbnail_IMG_0658.jpg 427 640 Jose Madrid https://pawneevalleyhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/New-PVCH-Logo-300x87.png Jose Madrid2024-03-14 11:18:262024-03-14 11:18:26Pawnee Valley Community Hospital pulmonary-rehabilitation providers earn certification

Measles Vaccines available at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine

March 5, 2024/in All, News/by Jose Madrid

As of January 25, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented a resurgence of measles cases across multiple states. This alarming trend has raised concerns about the potential loss of the United States’ measles elimination status, a milestone achieved nearly two decades ago.

Throughout 2023, the CDC recorded a total of 58 measles cases reported in various states across the nation, including California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The United States has proudly maintained measles elimination since 2000, a testament to high vaccination rates with two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Still, the potential for outbreaks looms, especially if measles gains a foothold in communities with low vaccination rates.

Measles is highly contagious, with an estimated 90% of unvaccinated individuals contracting the disease when exposed to an infected person. Efforts to combat measles resurgence are underway, with healthcare institutions like the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine ensuring compliance with administering MMR vaccines to eligible age groups within the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.

Children are recommended to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose administered between 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose between 4 to 6 years of age. Alternatively, the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) vaccine (MMRV) offers another option for children aged 12 months to 12 years, following the same dosing schedule as the MMR vaccine.

PVCH Family Medicine urges parents and caregivers to ensure their children are up-to-date on vaccinations, emphasizing the critical role vaccination plays in preventing the spread of measles and maintaining the hard-won status of measles elimination in the United States.

For more information, please go to https://www.cdc.gov/.

https://pawneevalleyhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Vaccines-Development-and-Approval-scaled-e1709661328164.jpg 419 500 Jose Madrid https://pawneevalleyhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/New-PVCH-Logo-300x87.png Jose Madrid2024-03-05 11:56:102024-03-05 11:56:10Measles Vaccines available at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine

New lab equipment increases options; saves time at PVCH

February 29, 2024/in All, News/by Jose Madrid

A new piece of laboratory equipment at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) is saving time, while offering more options and high-quality test results, said Kristi Engle, lab supervisor.

The equipment is called an Ortho Vitros XT7600, a chemistry/immunoassay analyzer; it replaced a 9-year-old model.

Examples of chemistry tests include sodium, potassium, creatinine, calcium, cholesterol and uric acid.

Immunoassay tests include: thyroid stimulating hormone; prostate specific antigen; cardiac enzymes; and ferritin, a test used to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of iron-deficiency anemia.

“This new analyzer performs a total of 53 different lab tests,” Engle said. “The total number of patient tests performed by this instrument makes up approximately 70 percent of our volume.”

In addition, the equipment gives the lab the opportunity to expand their test menu by adding new testing options such as Vitamin D and parathyroid tests.

Because of the new analyzer’s added capabilities, the level of care at PVCH is enhanced, Engle noted.

For example, she explained, the previous model depended on a water system to operate. The water was used for the calibrations of tests and calculation of patient results.

“The quality of the water directly correlated to the quality of results,” the lab supervisor commented. “It took additional time, energy and costs to maintain a high level of water quality to ensure accurate patient results.

“Our new analyzer does not require a water system. Removing water from the equation gives us consistent and reliable results without spending the extra time.”

 

Lab information

 

The lab is staffed 24/7 to accommodate inpatients, and the Emergency and Outpatient Nursing departments. Outpatient services are available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; no appointment is necessary. Local and non-local physician orders are accepted.

In addition, the lab is a drug-screen collection site for the Kansas Department of Transportation, and provides testing for local entities such as long-term-care residences and home-health agencies.

The hospital’s lab is CLIA certified, which ensures quality testing.

 

https://pawneevalleyhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/New-Lab-Equipment.png 1805 2560 Jose Madrid https://pawneevalleyhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/New-PVCH-Logo-300x87.png Jose Madrid2024-02-29 11:54:352024-02-29 11:54:35New lab equipment increases options; saves time at PVCH

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital receives new ventilators

February 15, 2024/in All, News/by Jose Madrid

Patients at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) now have access to additional life-saving equipment, thanks to a collaboration with two state agencies.

PVCH has received two new ventilators, which brings the total to five.

“We just completed the training on the new equipment,” said Dusty Thacker, director of Cardiopulmonary Services and Emergency Management. “While we hope to never need all the ventilators at once, this helps us be prepared to give the best care available during an emergency.”

A ventilator is a device that helps people breathe when they have difficulty doing so on their own. It supplies a controlled flow and volume of air into the lungs, supporting the respiratory system in cases of severe illness.

Circumstances in which a ventilator is used include severe respiratory infections, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

The Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE) and Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM) donated the equipment to PVCH.

“KDEM previously purchased the ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Thacker noted. “But recently, they accepted requests from hospitals that want to keep the ventilators on hand instead of having to ask for them on an as-needed basis.

“We appreciate these state agencies for allowing us to participate in this great ventilator program.”

It is a comfort to know that PVCH now has additional ventilators, Thacker commented.

“This equipment can be used for any type of Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) that could affect our community,” he explained. “An MCI occurs when emergency resources,

such as personnel and equipment, are overwhelmed by the number and severity of casualties.”

Examples include multi-vehicle accidents, natural disasters, and chemical biological and radiological events.

“As a vital resource in our community, PVCH must be prepared for many types of emergencies,” Thacker emphasized. “We continually prepare for any type of MCI that could affect our community.

“Requesting these new ventilators demonstrates our commitment to the community.”

https://pawneevalleyhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_0619-scaled.jpg 1707 2560 Jose Madrid https://pawneevalleyhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/New-PVCH-Logo-300x87.png Jose Madrid2024-02-15 11:00:312024-02-15 11:00:31Pawnee Valley Community Hospital receives new ventilators

PVCH Associate of the Quarter award honors Samuel Lane

February 1, 2024/in All, News/by Jose Madrid

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital would like to recognize Samuel Lane, Director of Environmental and Food Services, as our Associate of the Quarter. Sam works extremely hard behind the scenes at PVCH. He even goes the extra mile by providing exceptional catering service. His plated meals are colorful, and every bite is flavorful, delighting those he serves. It is not unusual for people to be so impressed that they take a photo of their meal before eating it to share it with others. “His plated meals are what everyone looks forward to! They are always a unique experience as he is highly creative and talented. He should be very proud of his work! It lightens the seriousness of our work,” said Melanie Urban.

Each quarter, our Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) determines the recipient based on the many amazing peer nominations received.

https://pawneevalleyhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_0599-scaled.jpg 1707 2560 Jose Madrid https://pawneevalleyhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/New-PVCH-Logo-300x87.png Jose Madrid2024-02-01 14:24:462024-02-01 14:24:46PVCH Associate of the Quarter award honors Samuel Lane

PVCH would like to congratulate family nurse practitioner Susan Aistrup on being recognized

January 18, 2024/in All, News/by Jose Madrid

PVCH would like to congratulate Susan Aistrup on being recognized as a PVCH Foundation Healthcare Star by Lori and Brian Hammeke! 

The PVCH Foundation Healthcare Stars program was born to recognize those healthcare professionals who have provided exceptional care to their patients. In doing so, they can also give a gift to honor the individual or group nominated. These gifts directly support the care PVCH healthcare professionals provide by purchasing new equipment and technology to improve and expand services. The Healthcare Stars program serves as an encouragement to the staff at PVCH while also recognizing their outstanding dedication to patient care. Everyone nominated receives a certificate with the patient’s comments; their name is placed on the Healthcare Star plaque, and a special Healthcare Stars pin that symbolizes their exceptional commitment to patient care. 

Lori and Brian stated, “I went to see Susan a week before I was getting married. She really listened to me and did all she could to get me feeling better before the wedding. She is following up with me to ensure I continue to feel good. She is very caring! I appreciate all Susan did for me.” 

Susan’s empathy and commitment have had a profound effect on the lives of her patients. Her commitment to providing exceptional healthcare exemplifies the highest standards of excellence possible. Her patients are truly fortunate to have her as an advocate and caregiver. 

This award is a testament to her unwavering passion for making a positive difference, and it serves as an inspiration to others in the healthcare community. 

https://pawneevalleyhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Susan-Aistrup-Healthcare-Star-scaled.jpg 1707 2560 Jose Madrid https://pawneevalleyhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/New-PVCH-Logo-300x87.png Jose Madrid2024-01-18 11:43:012024-01-18 11:43:01PVCH would like to congratulate family nurse practitioner Susan Aistrup on being recognized

Inclement Weather Warning

January 8, 2024/in All, News/by Jose Madrid
Due to the inclement weather, the following services will be closed to the public on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, until 1 PM.
Outpatient Services
Family Medicine Clinic
Cafe
The Emergency Department and Acute services will function as normal.
Please be cautious and stay warm during the next few days.
https://pawneevalleyhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Weather-Warning.png 788 940 Jose Madrid https://pawneevalleyhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/New-PVCH-Logo-300x87.png Jose Madrid2024-01-08 15:49:182024-01-08 15:49:18Inclement Weather Warning
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