’s
January 6, 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 Starts Year with Growth With 2016 in the books, officials at SCKMC have high hopes for what 2017 will bring for the hospital. Focusing on expanded service lines and improved patient access, the medical center anticipates a significant improvement to their bottom line over the next twelve months. A key component for their plan includes the recent addition of a twelve bed senior health unit. The SCKMC Board of Trustees approved a plan in November to add the senior health unit to the facility following an in-depth study by hospital consultants, Quorum Health Resources. Estimated to operate at seventy-percent capacity or better, the unit is the driving factor for a roughly $4.5 million budgeted increase in the hospital’s overall gross patient revenue for 2017. “(The senior health unit) idea really stemmed from what the Quorum report is telling us, in that certain service lines aren’t necessarily profitable for the hospital. We have to either diversify those service lines or add to them so that they provide more to the hospital financially,” said Holly Harper, SCKMC’s Chief Financial Officer. Space for the senior health unit was converted within 45 days and a ribbon cutting was held on December 30th. SCKMC’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Perry Lin addressed those in attendance. “The senior health unit is a state-of-the-art facility specializing in taking care of seniors with mental health care needs that have not been previously met in Cowley County. The well-trained staff includes nurse practitioners, specialty nurses, activity coordinators, and mental health care physicians. The attending staff are fully integrated into the hospital and will provide 24/7 health care for their patients. Medical coverage will also be provided by our existing medical staff round-the-clock to ensure maximum safety during patients' hospitalization,” Dr. Lin said. Dr. Lin spoke to how the new unit will be beneficial to local patients, but is just one of several projects that the medical center hopes will improve the overall health of the community. “The senior health unit is the first of this hospital's strategic projects to best meet the health care needs of the Cowley County community in the 21st century. Senior citizens spent their entire lives taking care of us, the younger generations, and now frequently have specialized needs in their golden years. I believe that they deserve the best care we as a community can provide as a measure of our gratitude for everything they have done,” Dr. Lin said.
Is LIINX® Right For You? The endless parade of holiday foods and beverages can be a nightmare for those suffering from acid reflux, also known as GERD. Reflux is caused by a weak muscle in your esophagus allowing harmful acid and bile to flow back up into the throat. This acid can create pain, damage the lining of the esophagus, and could lead to more serious complications. Dr. Tyson Blatchford now offers a minimally invasive surgical procedure for patients diagnosed with reflux disease who continue to suffer symptoms despite taking medication. “The LINX is an implantable magnetic device that mimics the function of the lower sphincter muscle and allows for belching and vomiting, closely matching normal function. The results are very clear. We know it is very safe, and we know it is effective,” Dr. Blatchford said. Patients considering surgery for acid reflux must schedule a consultation with Dr. Blatchford and his team to determine if they are eligible for the procedure. Appointments can be made by calling (620) 441-5711.
January Employee of the Month Congratulations Dan Shrope, Maintenance Department, for being named the SCKMC Exceptional Service Award winner for January. Dan was nominated by staff for taking on additional responsibilities and for going above and beyond to keep the facility looking and operating at its best. Dan was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Maintenance Department Manager Scott Stevens and will also have a special parking spot reserved for him throughout the month. Great job Dan!
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. Patients using U-500 insulin will now have an easier time drawing up their insulin. In the past, patients would have to convert their U500 insulin for use in a U-100 syringes which could lead to dosing errors. New U-500 syringes are available so patients can draw up their actual units used instead of converting. Labeling for U-500 insulin vials now says that U-500 syringes must be prescribed along with it. These new syringes should be covered by most insurances and will have a green cap instead of orange.
“When it comes to my health, I want someone specially trained to care for women.”
Dr. Perry Lin, OB/GYN • Obstetrics • Gynecology • Infertility • Women’s Health • High Risk Pregnancy • Laparoscopic Surgery Dr. Lin is now accepting new patients through SCKMC’s specialty clinic. Call 441-5711 to schedule your appointment today.
www.sckmc.org
(620) 442-2500
6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City
For your family’s healthcare, you want excellence. You want experienced doctors, dedicated nurses, up-to-date facilities and advanced technology. You’ll find them all here. Because we know your family’s healthcare, has to be the best.
Specialty Clinic Tyson Blatchford, MD Willie Posey II, MD General Surgery Internal Medicine / Cardiology Perry Lin, MD OB / GYN
And 10 Other Specialists Visit us online for a full listing
Kamran Shahzada, MD Internal Medicine
Eric Thomson, MD Family Practice
Angela Ziegler, APRN Family Practice