’s
November 15, 2013 edition
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. Opioids are among the world's oldest known drugs; the therapeutic use of the opium poppy predates recorded history. Today, an opioid is defined as any psychoactive chemical that resembles morphine in its pharmacological effects, such as oxycodone, methadone, and hydrocodone. When opioids are used and prescribed appropriately, they can be an effective tool to manage acute/chronic pain, improving one’s quality of life. Opioids are well known for their ability to produce a feeling of euphoria, motivating some to use opioids recreationally. The misuse of these drugs has spiraled out of control in some parts of the United States. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has kept a close eye on the abuse of opioid medications. By early December, the FDA anticipates submitting a formal package to the United States Department of Health and Human Services endorsing hydrocodone containing products be reclassified from a schedule III controlled substance to a schedule II controlled substance. Schedule II drugs are considered to have a strong potential for abuse or addiction but have been determined to have a legitimate medical use.
Pappan Receives Cornerstone Award Clayton Pappan, Chief Marketing Officer for SCKMC, was named the CornerBank Community Cornerstone Award recipient in Arkansas City for the month of October. The award recognizes the time and effort of volunteers dedicated to serving people and enhancing the quality of life in Cowley County. In recognition of his service, CornerBank contributed $100 to the nonprofit organization of his choice. Clayton selected the hospital Auxiliary and Ark City Public Library to share the contribution. Pictured: Clayton presents a check to Auxiliary President Marilyn Tracy.
This Thanksgiving Remember:
CLEAN SEPARATE Wash hands with soap & warm water before & after handling raw food.
Use separate cutting boards for raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
COOK
CHILL
Using a food Do not leave thermometer food at room is the only temperature way to ensure for more the safety of than two meat. hours.
SCKMC Designated as a Stroke Ready Facility According to the American Stroke Association (ASA), stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Kansas. The staff at SCKMC are Mandi Scott, Bonnie Schieber, and Randy Simpson show off working hard to bring that the plaque received for the ER number down. department’s ESRH designation. The Kansas State Stroke Task Force has recently named SCKMC as one of the State’s emergent stoke ready hospitals (ESRH). ESRHs are hospitals that diagnose, treat, and transport acute stroke patients to a higher level of care as warranted. “The focus and efforts demonstrated by our team members to achieve this designation reflects our commitment to building a future of excellence,” said Steve Perkins, SCKMC’s Chief Executive Officer. The medical center must submit data monthly and attest annually to the task force in order to maintain their compliance with the seven ESRH criteria. Criteria include creating and maintaining care protocols for emergent stroke care, completing brain image tests such as a CT scan within 45 minutes of a patients arrival, and the appropriate therapy by using nationally-recognized guidelines. Bonnie Schieber, SCKMC’s Emergency Department Lead Nurse, oversees the hospital’s ESRH team, which discharged 16 stroke patients in 2012. “The staff are all experienced. The entire department had to become NIH (National Institutes of Health) stroke certified, which included training for all ER nursing staff. I feel like we are 100% able to care for a stroke patient,” Schieber said. ASA statistics show that only 22% of Kansans know all stroke signs, which include: • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause. These signs should be treated immediately by calling 9-1-1. It's very important to take immediate action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.
Excellence is achieved one accomplishment at a time. One timely diagnosis, One well-informed family, One patient whose needs were cared for. We are building a future of excellence every day with every encounter. And now you can be part of that experience through a legacy gift. To find out more about the Building a Future of Excellence campaign call or visit us on-line at www.sckmc.org.
6401 FindPatterson out moreParkway, about ourArkansas services City at www.sckmc.org (620) 442-2500