Dr. Yarmer new ED medical director at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital

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When Derek Yarmer, MD, accepted his new position as Emergency Department medical director at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH), he was already familiar with the healthcare facility. “I had a basic understanding of what the hospital has to offer because of its working relationship with HaysMed where I care for Emergency Department patients,” said Dr. Yarmer, an Albert native. “After seeing Pawnee Valley Community Hospital first-hand, I was really impressed with the facilities and the staff. “PVCH is well-equipped to care for patients and has great laboratory and radiology support.” In his new position in Larned, Dr. Yarmer will supervise the providers, and review and create policies and protocols. He also will occasionally care for patients in the PVCH Emergency Department. At HaysMed, Dr. Yarmer provides direct patient care by evaluating, diagnosing and treating medical conditions for patients of all ages. “I will use these experiences to help the PVCH staff in whatever capacity I can to help provide quality care to citizens of central and western Kansas,” Dr. Yarmer commented. “The providers at PVCH do a great job and I hope to be a resource to answer questions, while offering guidance and support when needed.” Melanie Urban, PVCH administrator, said “we are excited to have Dr. Yarmer join our Emergency Department. Not only does he bring a wealth of Emergency Department experience and leadership to our team, he has a thorough understanding of rural healthcare.” Dr. Yarmer graduated from Otis-Bison High School in 2003 and then earned a degree in chemistry at Fort Hays State University in 2008. He graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2012 and performed his residency at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, graduating in 2015. Since then, Dr. Yarmer has cared for Emergency Department patients at HaysMed. He lives in Hays and his parents reside in rural Albert.

Munden, Fischer appointed to PVCH Foundation Board of Trustees

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The two new members of the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) Foundation Board of Trustees each brings to the table a desire to support the hospital, a varied background and close ties to the Larned area.

Julie Munden and Shannon Fischer, both of Larned, were recently appointed to the board.

“I volunteered to serve as trustee because we are very fortunate to have high-quality healthcare in Pawnee County and anything I can do to make it better for future generations is vitally important,” Munden said. “I want to ensure the hospital grows and provides more opportunities for local healthcare services.

“We need accessible healthcare in our smaller communities,” she continued. “This plays a vital role in ensuring our well-being and quality of life. PVCH has a great team in place and offers quality services.”

In addition, Munden noted, the hospital is a major employer, creating job opportunities for healthcare providers, as well as administrative and support personnel.

Munden grew up on a farm near Colby and graduated from Golden Plains High School but has lived in Larned for 20 years. “I’m so fortunate to have grown up on a Kansas farm,” she commented, noting her mother, Joann Reedy, and husband, Tom, now live in Larned. Her father is deceased.

Munden graduated from Cloud County Community College; she played basketball and softball there and at Friends University. Munden also has a degree in communications from Fort Hays State University.

Her professional background includes 10 years as a news anchor/photojournalist/reporter for KSN, an NBC affiliate. Munden also worked as an admissions representative and in public relations/marketing for Barton Community College for 22 years. Most recently, she started teaching video production classes to Larned High School and Larned Middle School students.

Munden and her husband, Rob, have three childen – Mia, a sophomore at LHS; Maverick, a senior at LHS; and Dallas, elementary school teacher at Valley Center. They have one grandchild, Roman.

Munden also volunteers with Sacred Heart Catholic Church and is a former board member of Dress It Up.

Her background also includes “meeting people through volunteering. It challenges me to step out of my comfort zone. There is always something to learn about this place I call home.”

 

Shannon Fischer

 

Shannon Fischer, Larned, said she is “honored to serve on the PVCH Foundation Board of Trustees. The hospital is so vital to our local and area community. I want to do what I can to help the hospital continue to succeed and grow.

“I have first-hand experience that helped me realize just how important our hospital is to the central Kansas community,” she added. “When my mother-in-law spent a significant amount of time at PVCH, it was such a relief to have her near all of us in a top-notch facility.”

In addition, Fischer noted, “the outpatient services provided by PVCH are a huge asset to the entire community. I am eager to be a part of supporting efforts to enhance services right here at home.”

Fischer, a life-long resident of Larned, graduated from LHS and Kansas State University with a degree in sociology. She worked for more than 10 years as an activity therapist at Larned State Hospital and 10 years as a business development coordinator at First State Bank.

Currently, Fischer is a Realtor with Clock Realty and Insurance.

She and her husband, Bryan, own and operate a farm west of Larned, with irrigated and dryland crops and a cow-calf operation.

Her daughter, Katie, recently graduated from K-State, and son, Luke, will be a senior at LHS.

Fischer also serves as president of Prairie Arts Unlimited; she previously served on the Pawnee County Economic Development board and Santa Fe Trail Center Board and as a Larned Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador.

“I will use this background to support the hospital and my community,” Fischer commented. “I have lived here my entire life. This community and our hospital mean a lot to me; I want to help both succeed and prosper.”

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. 11th, 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.

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation recognizes PVCH Healthcare Stars

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PVCH would like to congratulate Stacy Trout and Chase Crenshaw on being recognized as PVCH’s Foundation Healthcare Stars by one of their patients! Their dedication, expertise, and compassion have made an immeasurable impact on the lives of those they care for.

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.

Cheryl Beckwith stated, “They were exceptionally caring and compassionate, yet very professional with treating of my father. They treated him as if he were their own grandpa. They both have reached out since to check on how he is doing.”

Their commitment to providing exceptional healthcare exemplifies the highest standards of excellence possible. Their patients are truly fortunate to have you as their advocates and caregivers.

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

PVCH Scrub Hub proceeds are donated to the PVCH Auxiliary

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The PVCH Auxiliary, represented by Pat Birzer and Connie Carlton, is highly thankful to receive PVCH’s Scrub Hub fundraiser proceeds.

Annually, PVCH holds its internal Scrub Hub fundraiser, where Associates can purchase scrubs through the Scrub Hub website. The fundraiser is set up by Kristi Engle, PVCH’s Lab Director, and the help of other Associates.

The fundraiser was a great success this year, and the donation will significantly help the PVCH Auxiliary aid through community outreach efforts and scholarships.

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. 11th, 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.

Exciting New Developments at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital

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As a local leader in rural health, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) is committed to a healthy community. With personal connections to patients, PVCH providers are the local go-to guides for better health. Across the complete care continuum, healthcare excellence is the standard at PVCH.

“A focus on individual health is always the starting point for creating a healthier community. One child, one grandmother, one father – one person at a time – that’s where personalized care matters most,” says Melanie Urban, PVCH Administrator.

A Growing Team of Family Medicine Providers
Because great health starts with great primary care, it’s important that people of all ages have access to personalized care at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine. Looking for a new primary care provider? Arlo J. Reimer, MD – the team’s newest physician who joined last fall – is now accepting new patients.

With same-day appointments, extended hours, telehealth, in-house lab testing and more, Dr. Reimer and the entire family medicine team offer comprehensive care with convenience. For appointments, call 620-804-6007.

New Sleep Study Helps Patients Say Goodbye to CPAP
PVCH’s Sleep & Diagnostic Center now offers a cutting-edge sleep study as follow-up for sleep apnea patients with a new type of remote-controlled implant (an alternative to CPAP technology). Through the follow-up study – known as fine-tune titration – a sleep technologist makes adjustments to determine which settings are best for each patient. PVCH is the only facility between Wichita and Denver to offer this sleep study.

Innovative Approach to Swallowing Disorders
For people with conditions that affect swallowing (such as stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, cancer and reflux disease), PVCH’s speech therapists now offer flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). The study’s results may allow patients to safely discontinue altered diets such as thickened liquids or pureed foods, which can be costly and cause complications.

Faster Diagnosis and Treatment for Heart Disease
Patients with chest pain and other cardiac conditions can now receive quicker diagnosis and treatment, thanks to the hospital’s new electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) machine. While it’s rare for a critical access hospital to have such advanced heart monitoring capabilities, this technology was made possible by a generous donation from the PVCH Foundation.

“We always strive to bring the most advanced levels of care to our local community,” says Urban, “because we are committed to helping patients achieve long-term health right here at home.”

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.

Associate of the Quarter award honors Lorri Turnbough

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Lorri Turnbough, Dietary Cook, was nominated for Associate of the Quarter for going above and beyond for Associates and outside customers. Lorri always has a smile on her face, and when someone asks for something that is not readily available, she always goes out of her way to provide what is needed.  We genuinely thank Lorri for being 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. Lorri was the recipient of the 2nd Quarter 2023 Associate of the Quarter Award.

Margaret Selfridge, RN, receives DAISY Award at PVCH

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Margaret Selfridge was “surprised and humbled” when she recently was recognized with the DAISY Award, which honors extraordinary nurses locally, nationally and internationally.

Selfridge, RN, who has 20 years of nursing experience, has cared for patients at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) for 12 of those years. Currently, she sees patients in the Acute Care and Skilled Care Nursing departments.

“I enjoy seeing patients and families and want to do something worthwhile for my community,” Selfridge said. “In addition, I enjoy collaborating with this great team of nurses. I trust in our leadership and my fellow nurses who play vital roles in making our team successful.”

Selfridge also noted that while the nursing profession demands certain skills and knowledge, “compassion is the extra, powerful gift we can give a patient. When we show compassion, it might lead to someone else passing it on to others in their own way.”

Lynne Gevara, another RN at PVCH, said Selfridge is well known for her compassion. “She is a caring nurse who gives excellent, thoughtful care to each patient. Margaret is focused on patients and consistently takes extra care to address their needs.”

The hospital’s Patient Family Advisory Council sponsors the DAISY Award, which recognizes nurses with a certificate and other items.

The council reviews nominations once a year and selects a winner in time for Nurse’s Week, which was May 8-12 this year.

“We are working to revitalize our DAISY Award Program,” Gevara noted. “The goal is to provide our nurses with more visibility during the year so that our community knows about this opportunity to express their appreciation.”

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. 11th, 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.

PVCH offers follow-up study for new sleep apnea treatment

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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. 11th, 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.

Associate of the Quarter award honors Shivaun Mccarthy

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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.

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital now offers swallow study

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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. 11th, 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.

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923 Carroll Avenue
Larned, KS 67550

620-285-3161

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