’s
January 20, 2016
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
SCKMC Surgery Department Flooded South Central Kansas Medical Center was forced to cancel procedures last Friday as a result of a fire system sprinkler head being accidentally triggered within one of the surgery department’s procedure rooms. An investigation is still underway to determine the exact cause of the incident. “Around 5:00 (p.m. on Jan. 12th) the fire alarms went off throughout the entire building. We were waiting to hear if it was a test, as the alarms were being tested earlier. We didn’t hear anything so we shut all the doors and I got the radio,” explained Mandy Maples, SCKMC’s Human Resources Manager. Soon after the alarms sounded it was discovered that the fire sprinkler located in procedure room one of the surgery department had been triggered. Thousands of gallons of water were released before the system could be reset. “Housekeeping was great. They went to get blankets and towels to put under the doors to try to contain the water the best we could. Once we got the water shut off we got the equipment out, which was soaked. We don’t know the full extent of the damage yet,” Maples said. Once the water had been shut off, the hospital’s maintenance team began squeegeeing up the extra water in an effort to contain the damage. A-1 Cleaning was called in and arrived within minutes after the incident to begin the restoration process. Medical center staff were able to preserve one of the surgical suites to be used overnight in the event a patient required an emergency surgery. However, five non-emergent procedures scheduled for Friday were cancelled. “We didn’t believe we could get the rooms sanitized in time (to perform surgeries) plus get the humidity levels back down. Today we will be going through all the equipment to check to see what the damage is and start re-sterilizing all the rooms,” Maples said. Several pieces of equipment were damaged during the incident, in addition, a significant number of supplies were ruined by the water. Estimates for the total costs of the damages are still being evaluated through the hospital’s insurance provider. Photo: A sprinkler head floods Procedure Room 1 within South Central Kansas Medical Center’s surgery department.
First Bab(ies) of 2017! Baby New Year x 2! Welcome to the world Robby Joe and James Lee! Both were born 1/5/17. Robby was born at 3:43 p.m. weighing in at 5 lbs 15 oz, and James was born at 3:44 p.m. and weighed 5 lbs. 7 oz. Congratulations Jane and Rocky on your bundles of joy, and thank you for allowing Dr. Lin, Dr. Thomson, and the rest of the South Central Kansas Medical Center birthing team to be part of this special moment in your lives.
Flu Season Officially Arrives JoAnn Holman, SCKMC’s Infection Prevention Specialist, announced last week that the facility’s influenza protocols are now in effect. The hospital requires all staff and volunteers who have not received a flu shot to wear a surgical mask while on premises throughout the flu season. “It is not too late to get your flu vaccination! It takes your body two weeks to develop immunity, but you, your patients and your family will be protected for the rest of the season,” Holman said. Staff members who are still needing a vaccination should contact Employee Health or go to the ER. All those declining vaccination will be required to complete a declination form.
Auxiliary Holiday Winner Announced Congratulations to Nancy Hobbs, winner of the SCKMC Auxiliary holiday drawing. Nancy received a bear quilt hand crafted by Auxilian JoAnn Baker (pictured right) and a matching teddy bear. Funds raised throughout the year are used to purchase equipment and furnishings for the facility.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. The FDA has just approved a new treatment for ezcema in patients two years of age and older. Ezcema is a general term for several types of inflammation on the skin. This provides a new treatment option for those who suffer from this condition. The new product is called Eucrisa and it is applied twice daily to affected area. The most common side effect is burning or stinging at the site of application.
Keep stomach acid where it belongs.
In Your Stomach. With LINX® – a revolutionary solution for acid reflux. Reflux, also called GERD is caused by a weak muscle in your esophagus allowing harmful acid and bile to flow back into the esophagus. LINX is a flexible ring of small magnets placed around the esophagus during a minimally invasive surgery. The strength of the magnets helps keep the esophagus closed to prevent reflux, but opens temporarily to allow food and liquid to pass into the stomach. LINX is intended for patients diagnosed with reflux disease who continue to suffer symptoms despite taking medication. Are you concerned with a lifetime of medication, pharmacy visits and potential side effects? If this sounds like you, it’s time for LINX. Call Dr. Tyson Blatchford today to schedule your consultation and to determine if LINX is right for you at (620) 441-5711.
We are 6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City 6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City
www.sckmc.org
(620) 442-2500