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in Larned offers multiple specialty services on-site
T
he hospital in Larned has always prided itself on being progressive in finding innovative ways to offer even more healthcare options close to home, said the leaders of two local specialty services. Megan Donecker, sleep lab director and registered polysomnographer, leads the Sleep and Diagnostic Center at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus, while Heather Holaday, nurse practitioner with a doctor of nursing practice degree, offers wound care at the facility. Sleep Center The Sleep and Diagnostic Center offers a full range of services and is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “Sleep apnea is the most common disorder we see at the lab but we also offer a home-based test for this condition,” Donecker said. “Sleep apnea is a general term for breathing problems that occur during sleep, including breathing cessation many times during the night.” The sleep center also offers in-house tests for insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder, to name a few. The two sleep rooms are comparable
Megan Donecker
Heather Holaday
to hotel suites and offer many comforts of home, Donecker noted. Amenities include a queen-size, pillow-top mattress, large recliner chair, large bathroom with spacious shower, television and a safe for personal belongings. The home-based sleep apnea test also is available through the center. “If a home sleep test is ordered, we will supply the information and equipment,” Donecker said. “The patient wears a disposable device on a wrist in the comfort of their own home.”
Wound Care Holaday serves wound-care patients at the Pawnee Valley Campus hospital, 923 Carroll, and HaysMed, in addition to caring for people of all ages in the family medicine practice at Pawnee Valley Medical Associates, 713 W. 11th. “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,” Holaday outlined. “Inpatient and outpatient wound treatments can prevent or address infection, ensure adequate healing and reduce the healing time associated with wound closure.” Holaday completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Pawnee Valley Campus and chose to stay at the hospital in her hometown area. Like Donecker, Holaday is impressed with the “amazing facilities we have here. We offer a wide variety of services that benefit the overall health of the community right in our own backyard.” These specialty services are just two examples of the hospital going the extra mile and taking local healthcare to the next level, Holaday said, noting a sleep lab and wound care are not often available in smaller communities.
