Fifteen Years of Care: PVCH’s Impact Beyond the Numbers

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This week, as we celebrate Hospital Week, we’re shining a light on the people, partnerships, and purpose that keep Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) at the heart of healthcare in Pawnee County. The timing is especially meaningful: 2025 marks 15 years since the founding of PVCH under local ownership and a new partnership with HaysMed.

Over the past decade and a half, PVCH has grown from a vision into a vital healthcare provider serving our families, friends, and neighbors. We’ve expanded our capabilities, brought in new providers and services, advanced our technology, and continued to serve with compassion and excellence — all while staying rooted in the values of small-town care.

 A Shared Investment in Local Health

Sustaining a rural hospital takes more than operational know-how — it requires shared responsibility and long-term planning. Since our founding, Pawnee County has invested $7.84 million in tax support to help make local healthcare possible. These funds have been critical to keeping services close to home and ensuring our doors stay open to everyone who needs us.

But that’s only part of the story.

To build on this foundation and support ongoing sustainability, PVCH has contributed more than three times that amount — a total of $26.46 million — back into the hospital’s infrastructure and operations, including:

  • $6.99 million in modern buildings and medical equipment
  • $12.78 million in lease and bond payments
  • $6.69 million toward final building principal payments

This reinvestment reflects operational necessity and our belief that rural communities deserve the same level of excellence and access as urban areas.

More Than a Milestone — A Mission in Motion

 While county funding plays a pivotal role, it only covers a portion of what it takes to run, maintain, and improve a hospital. That’s why PVCH has continually sought to go further — expanding services, recruiting, and retaining skilled professionals, and keeping pace with evolving clinical standards.

We’ve embraced an evolving model of care and collaborated with regional and state partners to bring sustainable solutions to our rural setting. Through it all, our mission remains clear: to keep care local, personal, and high-quality for the people who call Pawnee County home.

 A Community Effort Worth Celebrating

 Anniversaries are a time to reflect, but also to look ahead. As we mark our 15th year and celebrate Hospital Week, we extend our sincere thanks to the many people who make our work possible: the talented providers and staff who give their all every day, the county leaders who believe in strong rural healthcare, our donors who raise and invest funds to support greater health outcomes, and the community members who continue to trust us with their care.

Together, we’ve built more than a hospital — we’ve created a dependable, forward-looking health resource for generations to come.

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.

Foundation donates new electrocardiogram equipment to PVCH

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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. 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 names Madrid director of marketing and communications

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

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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.

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923 Carroll Avenue
Larned, KS 67550

620-285-3161

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