’s
January 5, 2018
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
First Baby of 2018
Martin Celebrates Retirement
Welcome to the world Bryson Wayne Dyer! Bryson was born 1/2/18 at 3:59 p.m. and weighed in at 8 lbs. 4 oz. Congratulations Brittany and Todd on your bundle of joy, and thank you for allowing Dr. Klaassen and the South Central Kansas Medical Center birthing team to be part of this special moment in your lives.
If you have been a patient at SCKMC you probably recognize Lola Martin. Martin worked in the admissions department for over 12 years, greeting thousands of patients and visitors over that span. Martin celebrated her final day at the hospital on December 29th with a retirement reception attended by many of her coworkers, friends, and family. “Lola’s commitment to our patients is very evident. She would go above and beyond for anything the patients needed, not only during the admissions process but if she could help them during her visit she would,” said Holly Harper, SCKMC’s CFO during Martin’s reception. Lola was presented with an engraved clock as a gift for her years of dedicated service. “There is nothing more that I can say about what Lola did for this hospital, than her passion for her patients. Her patients were like a family to her. She loved them, and treated them with respect,” Harper said.
Radiology Dept. Has Perfect Inspection The SCKMC Radiology department completed their 2017 KDHE inspection with zero deficiencies reported. The annual inspection is a requirement through the U.S. Food & Drug Administration mandating certified inspectors assess a facility’s compliance with Federal standards. “The Radiology Department and specifically the Mammography modality was gone over with a fine tooth comb, and we hit another home run with no deficiencies,” stated Katrenia Beane, SCKMC’s Lead Radiology Tech. The inspection lasted an entire day, with approximately four-hours spent within the mammography area. “It’s validation. I enjoy mammography, work hard and want to do the best for the patients,” said Jennifer Richardson, the hospital’s Lead Mammography Tech. The inspection included an in-depth review with the department’s policies and procedures, including quality control, staff credentialing and continuing education, and patient follow-up. “I have three check systems in place to make sure we are not letting anything slip through the cracks,” Richardson said. Richardson believes the key to the department’s success has less to do with the paperwork required and more about the actual patient interactions. “You have to be caring about your patients in mammo. I enjoy all the ladies and all their little stories. I have a rapport with a lot of them. It is important that I make sure the women know what they are supposed to be doing,” Richardson said. Experts at the American College of Radiology (ACR) and Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) recommend that women receive an annual mammograms starting at age 40. For more information about SCKMC’s radiology unit or to schedule a mammography call (620) 442-2500.
January Employee of the Month Congratulations Madison Law, Nutritional Services, for being named the SCKMC employee of the month. Madison was nominated by a patient for being especially kind, and making them feel special during their stay. Madison was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Dietary Manager Christine Hamm and will have a special parking spot reserved for her throughout the month.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. This years flu season is expected to be worse than usual. The current strain in the flu vaccine is not a good match to H3N2 strain that is circulating now. It is predicted that the current flu vaccine is about 10% effective against this years H3N2 strain and about 33% overall effective. Being vaccinated is still the best method to against the flu and you should still vaccinate even if you had the flu already. Some pharmacies offer rapid diagnostic tests for the flu. Tamiflu only reduces symptoms by about one day in most patients, only if started within 48 hours of onset.
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