’s
February 20, 2015 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 Recognized for Patient Safety Program South Central Kansas Medical Center has been recognized by the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative (KHC) and the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) for its participation in a three-year national partnership for patients initiative known as the Hospital Engagement Network (HEN). The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced that HEN efforts to improve patient safety resulted in a seventeen-percent decline in hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) such as adverse drug events, pressure ulcers, and surgical site infections among others. “These reductions are the result of a deep commitment to patient safety and have a demonstrable impact on patient’s lives,” said Kendra Tinsley, KHC executive director. “Our future is challenging, yet bright and exciting when it comes to improving care delivery.” SCKMC and 99 other hospitals in the Kansas HEN collectively prevented an estimated 3,800 safety events, including readmissions, at an estimated cost savings of more than $23.2 million. HHS reported that national efforts to improve patient safety resulted in an estimated 1.3 million fewer patient safety events, 50,000 lives saved and $12 billion in health spending avoided. “These phenomenal results across the state and nation represent major strides in patient safety thanks to a strong collaboration among our hospitals,” said Tom Bell, president and Chief Executive Officer of KHA. “We congratulate and thank all Kansas hospitals and our many partners for their leadership and hard work now and into the future.” The statewide collaborative, led by KHC, allowed hospitals to learn from state and national subject matter experts, plus work together to share best practices and resources to improve various aspects of patient safety. “Our healthcare team is devoted to safe, high quality care delivery,” said Virgil Watson, SCKMC’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are proud of our collaboration with our peers across the state, and the impact our work has made to improve patient safety.” “We appreciate the physicians, nurses and all of the staff who contributed to this successful initiative,” Watson said. (Pictured): Virgil Watson, CEO and Jane Campbell, the hospital’s Director of Hospital Quality and Risk Management, display the certificate presented by the KHC.
Healthy Living: with Dr. Eric Thomson Cholesterol – High cholesterol is one issue where the patient can have as much or more of an impact than any medication. Cholesterol levels go up as we age, however it likely will not have a significant impact on your health unless your levels are consistently over 200. Obesity and high cholesterol levels are very closely related. Many of the lipids, or blood fats, are very sensitive to exercise. Even if you are significantly over weight, if you are on your way to better health the exercise itself will lower the cholesterol. Also, diet. The only way cholesterol gets into your body is through your mouth. Reduce your fat intake and it will have a significant impact on high cholesterol.
DiVall Named SCK Clinic Manager SCKMC is pleased to announce that Melissa DiVall has been promoted to Clinic Manager for South Central Kansas Clinic. Melissa takes over for Amy McWilliams, who left last month to pursue other career opportunities. Melissa is a graduate of Southwestern College’s School of Business and has several years of relevant experience in both finance and clinical operations. She has been employed with SCKMC since June of 2013, working in the Business Services department. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with the physicians and staff of South Central Kansas Clinic, as we continue to strive for excellence in patient care,” said DiVall.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. Once a brand name drug hits the market, it takes a long time for a generic version to become available. The FDA defines a generic drug as "a drug product that is comparable to a brand listed drug product in dosage form, strength, route, quality and performance characteristics, and intended use". Some medications recently released in generic form include: Celebrex; Diovan; Boniva; Avelox. The following should become generic later this year: Namenda (Jan 2015); Abilify (April 2015); Aggrenox (July 2015); Avodart (Nov 2015). Generic drugs do not always save you money, check with your pharmacist for drug pricing.
March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month
Colon cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, and screening is easy! Schedule your colonoscopy during National Colon Cancer Awareness Month in March and pay no physician fees for the procedure, plus receive a free prep kit. If you're over 50, high risk or symptomatic, don't put it off, call today.
Call Dr. Tyson Blatchford to discuss your colonoscopy, (620) 441-5796! *Physician’s fee waived for screening colonoscopies performed by Dr. Tyson Blatchford in March 2015 only. Discount does not apply to the required pre-procedure physician consultation, additional procedures, or other visits. Free prep kit provided during pre-procedure consultation. Some restrictions may apply.
Find out more about our services at www.sckmc.org