’s
December 9, 2016
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
Dr. Blatchford Performs New Procedure
Geriatric Psychology Unit On Schedule
On December 6th Dr. Tyson Blatchford, general surgeon at SCKMC, became one of only four physicians in the state to perform a new surgery designed to control acid reflux. Three patients received a surgical implant, called LINX, to prevent stomach acid from entering the esophagus. The LINX procedure is considered by Blatchford to be a preferable option for treatment compared to more traditional reflux surgeries. “The LINX procedure, I would call it what Microsoft is to computers. It’s the next generation of acid reflux treatment. It has shown equal, if not better, efficacy in controlling acid reflux compared to the standard Nissen fundoplication and certainly a better quality of life then having to take pills daily,” Blatchford said. Prior to the LINX, Nissen fundoplication and the noninvasive TIF procedure were considered to be the primary treatment options for patients who could no longer find relief through medication alone. The roughly quarter-sized LINX is a flexible ring of small magnets placed around the lower esophagus during a minimally invasive procedure. The strength of the magnets help to keep the esophagus closed to prevent acid reflux, but stretch open to allow liquid and food to pass into the stomach, while preserving the ability to belch or vomit when needed. A team of experts joined Dr. Blatchford for his initial procedures including Brad Collier, medical representative for Torax Medical Inc. developer of the LINX device, and Dr. Gregory Pittman who served as the physician proctor. 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. “We want to ensure that you are an appropriate candidate for the procedure, which is why we have an initial consultation. There are a series of things we need to know: if you have a hiatal hernia, if your esophagus is strong enough to push the food through the valve, and overall physical condition. We want to make sure each and every individual has the outcome that they desire,” Blatchford said. For more information on LINX and acid reflux treatment contact the South Central Kansas Specialty Clinic at (620) 441- 5711. Pictured: (from left) Collier: Racquel Szabo, PA for Dr. Blatchford; Dr. Blatchford; and Dr. Gregory Pittman.
Progress continues towards an early January opening of a new geriatric psychology unit at SCKMC. The unit was approved by the SCKMC Board of Trustees during the November meeting, and a special follow up meeting on Dec. 8th approved an agreement to partner with Quality Health Care Inc. (QHC) to manage the unit. Ark City will be the fifth location for the Wichita based, privately owned company, also serving Kansas hospitals in Fredonia, Kinsley, Beloit, and Wellington. QHC will be responsible for staffing as well as clinical program implementation for the unit. The new geriatric psychology unit will be located in the former wing of the hospital’s family birthing center, also known as the OB unit. Since the decision to move forward with the new unit, OB has been moved to an underutilized section of the facility and the old birthing rooms are currently being modified to accommodate geriatric psychology patients.
December Employee of the Month Congratulations April Madrigal, Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department, for being named the SCKMC Exceptional Service Award winner for December. April was nominated by a patient for helping during a busy time and for being an "outstanding asset" to our team. April was presented with a certificate of appreciation by ER Department Manager Bonnie Schieber and will also have a special parking spot reserved for her throughout the month. Great job April!
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. A new shingles vaccine that is tentatively called Shingrix may be available by late 2017. It is possible that this new vaccine could work better than Zostavax. Unlike Zostavax, Shingrix is not a live vaccine. You may hear that with the new shingles vaccine immunity may last longer than Zostavax, but this has not been proven true. Shingrix is a two dose regimen and may cause more injection site reactions. Keep in mind that this new vaccine has not been approved by the FDA. For more information on shingles vaccination contact your physician.
Give the Gift of Health This holiday season consider a gift to the Medical Center. Your donation will benefit our community for decades to come. Giving to the hospital helps us continue to provide the best in medical care right here, close to home. We offer a number of approaches to support our programs. Gifting opportunities range from providing support to name a portion of the new facility, to providing funding that can assist in providing new equipment or sponsoring programs.
Call or visit us on-line and find out how you can share the gift of health.
We are 6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City 6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City
www.sckmc.org
(620) 442-2500