’s
January 23, 2015 edition
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
Watson Provides First Impressions Virgil Watson has been the Chief Executive Officer at SCKMC for only two weeks. That has been more than enough time for him to collect his initial impressions of the quality of work performed by staff, the condition of the facility, and the general operation as it relates to the community. “We have some huge mountains to climb, but I think we will succeed if everybody works together. It will take the community, physicians, employees, management, the City, everybody to make sure this hospital starts to thrive and grow, not just maintain the status quo. We want to be the top medical provider in our area. That should be our goal,” Watson said. Watson’s first impression came to him within seconds of entering the front lobby of the hospital. “We have the most outstanding first four feet of any facility in this area. It really gives a good first impression of what we are trying to provide here, and the quality and excellence that we are striving for,” Watson said. “If we can maintain that area, and make a good first impression on people, I think that’s a good start for anybody that comes in to receive service at our hospital.” However, Watson knows that it takes more than a nice entry to the facility in order to be successful. He believes one of the critical keys to achieving his goals is to offer as many healthcare services locally as possible. “We have all the services of any major hospital. If we don’t have them, we can have outpatient clinics with specialists who will come in and help us to provide those services. That should be our goal, to keep everyone that we possibly can here in Arkansas City and deliver those services to them,” Watson said. The final ingredient for Watson’s recipe for success is to employ a dedicated, caring staff for all positions, and to treat them fairly. “I think we ought to try to do everything humanly possible to make our employees have the best working environment possible. I want to try and provide all of the tools that I can to help us get our jobs done with a limited amount of frustration,” Watson said. As Watson implements his plans, the intent is to produce results quickly. Although, he recognizes that great things are earned through an accumulation of many smaller accomplishments. “I believe if we all do one additional thing every day to try to improve the facility, it will just continue to get better and better each day,” Watson said.
SCKMC Surgery Department Goes Green SCKMC has had an ongoing paper recycling program for many years. But recently the theme of “going green” has expanded into a new way of thinking for the surgical department that not only saves the planet, but also saves dollars. Surgical department team leader, Laura Ramirez worked closely with the hospital’s materials manager Michele Belindo, and CFO Holly Harper to trim the department’s expenses. Part of that process included joining the Stryker recycling program, and recycling all of their single use items. “Every single product that would normally go in a medical waste bin goes into the recycle bin. This is something really good. We’re doing something green and it’s not going into waste stream,” Ramirez said. The items are collected by Stryker, decontaminated, refurbished for future use. Items that cannot be refurbished are broken down and recycled. Recycling and using refurbished items saved the department $30,000 in 2014. Additional money saving strategies implemented by the department included changing suppliers on certain products, reselling unused items, and some tough negotiating with vendors. Ramirez was able to convince companies to give SCKMC equipment valued at over $85,000 in return for agreeing to buy their supplies. “It is a hard feat sometimes to get equipment for free, so I’m proud of it,” Ramirez said.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. Many young children are not comfortable swallowing pills. With some practice and training, swallowing pills can be a skill easily learned. Here are some methods that children can try if having a hard time swallowing: • First try to use different head positions by turning your head left or right or tilting it down when trying to swallow. • Next try placing the pill on the back of the tongue and swallow water through a straw. • Finally try placing the pill on the back of the tongue, seal your lips around a water bottle opening and suck water in. If done correctly the bottle will make a crunching sound. Keep in mind that a technique may work well with one pill but not work for another.
6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City
When It’s About More Than Just Your Health. .
Dr. Perry Lin – OB/GYN
Dr. Lin is Ark City’s first full-time obstetrician and gynecologist, with a sub-specialty in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. He provides a full range of women’s health services including advanced laparoscopic surgery.
• Obstetrics • Infertility • Gynecology • High Risk Pregnancy • Women’s Health • Laparoscopic Surgery Now accepting new patients through SCKMC’s specialty clinic. No referral needed!*
To find out more call or visit us online.
Scheduler: 620-441- 5711 www.sckmc.org
Our LDRP Family Birthing Center - A Suite Way to Start
*Insurance requirements may vary based upon individual plans.