’s
December 26, 2014 edition
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
SCKMC Announces New CEO The Board of Trustees of the South Central Kansas Medical Center has reached an agreement for the hospital’s new CEO. The employment was unanimously approved during their monthly meeting, held last week. “We are pleased to announce that Virgil Watson Jr. has accepted the position of CEO,” said Board Chairman Dr. Nick Rogers following the meeting. Watson, a native of Arkansas City, attended the University of Kansas, receiving a bachelors degree in elementary education and a masters of public and health administration degree. He held numerous administrative positions at Arkansas City Memorial Hospital between 1977 and 1996, including Business Office Manager, Human Resources Director, and Assistant Administrator. In 1996 Watson was hired as CEO for Sumner County Hospital District 1 in Caldwell Kansas. He remains in that role today, but has announced that he will be leaving to take over the CEO responsibilities at SCKMC. Watson was one of three finalists who were interviewed this month for the CEO position. “Out of the many applicants we reviewed, (the Board) had three strong finalists to consider for the CEO position. After extensive interviews and consideration we are pleased with the outcome,” Rogers said. The board reported that Watson will assume duties beginning in January.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. The FDA has released a new warning regarding the drug ziprasidone (Geodon). Ziprasidone is indicated to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It is associated with a rare, but serious skin reaction called Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS). DRESS may begin as a rash then it can spread to other parts of the body. Patients may also present with fever, swollen lymph nodes, and inflammation of organs. Also it raises a certain white blood cell in the blood called eosinophils. Patients who experience any of these symptoms should immediately seek medical attention and stop taking the medication.
Healthy Living: with Dr. Eric Thomson Shingles– Shingles impacts all age groups, but is most commonly associated with those age 60 and older. The virus is a long term result of chickenpox infection earlier in life. A shingles outbreak typically occurs as a rash following along a nerve track, frequently on the chest or abdomen. It’s presentation is pretty unmistakable with the first symptom being pain. Shingles can be extremely painful, and as the rash develops the pain intensifies. Eventually the rash becomes blistering, and looks very similar to a chicken-pox rash. Fortunately, shingles is very easily treated with anti-viral medication. If you have questions or concerns about shingles contact your family physician.
USB Contributes $10,000 to SCKMC SCKMC has been named the recipient of a $10,000 donation from Union State Bank. The donation is part of a $50,000 commitment by USB to the hospital’s “Building a Future of Excellence” campaign. In the fall of 2010, SCKMC launched its Building a Future of Excellence Financial Campaign to seek gifts that would assist in capital equipment purposes as well as accepting funds to support programs. The campaign has received a number of gifts over the years; however the Union State Bank commitment is one of the largest to date. Previous donations within the USB commitment were used to upgrade the hospital’s two conference rooms with audio and visual equipment. In recognition of USB’s generosity, SCKMC has named the space the USB Conference Center. The conference center is used regularly by local organizations to host a variety of meetings and events. SCKMC CEO Steve Perkins said, "Union State Bank’s generous support of our institution is deeply appreciated. Their continuing philanthropy makes a difference. USB is providing substantial support for us to better serve our community. We hope it can be an example for others to follow.” Those interested in contributing to the Future of Excellence campaign should note that SCKMC is a governmental organization under IRC 115. Donations may be tax deductible; however a tax advisor should be consulted as individual situations differ.
Do You Dream of a Good Night’s Sleep?
Now Offering Advanced
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Dr. Bloxham is now seeing patients at SCKMC's Outpatient Services Building Specialty Clinic located just east of the hospital; 6403 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City, KS.
Conditions Treated: •Sleep Disordered Breathing •Parasomnias •REM Behavioral Disorders •Narcolepsy •Cataplexy •Restless Leg Syndrome •Insomnia •Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder •Sleep Disorders Related to Underlying Medical Problems
Find out more about our services at www.sckmc.org